[untostaronaf]

Originally posted by ramseya
Please can this go back on track or someone could change the post title and delete the stupid Mugabe references? This is really an important issue.

I am bothered by this greatly. First of all, what the hell is a windfall profit? That terms makes no sense to me as a profit is a profit, and it sets a dangerous precedence for the future. The situation behind the original windfall profits tax was different; in that case, an actual embargo by OPEC was allowing American oil companies to charge artificially high prices. The tax in that case made a little more sense than now where high demand is motivating inflation. Oil companies, as price takers in an open, non-OPEC manipulated market, are doing nothing wrong with their 8 cents on the dollar profits.

this is actual scary for the future of American capitalism. I think there's been little debate on the issue because most of us agree that it's a pretty bad idea. Moreover, I'm not concerned about it because I think it's empty rhetoric. It makes me (further) doubt Obama's sincerity, but I mainly see it as a way for him to try to beef up his progressive image as he otherwise continues to drift toward the center.

[Michael-jeckson2]

Originally posted by DirtyMartini
I think there's been little debate on the issue because most of us agree that it's a pretty bad idea. Moreover, I'm not concerned about it because I think it's empty rhetoric. It makes me (further) doubt Obama's sincerity, but I mainly see it as a way for him to try to beef up his progressive image as he otherwise continues to drift toward the center. He's got a long way left to drift if he thinks he can get out from William Ayres (terrorist) and his other associates.

[LsrSRVxR]

Originally posted by rmsharpe

Have all of the Obama zombies repudiated his stupidity yet? If not, then I haven't gotten what I wanted.
good point

[Pa33anger]

Have all of the Obama zombies repudiated his stupidity yet? If not, then I haven't gotten what I wanted. Define "stupidity."

Granted, it's a pretty pointless thing to do. But McCain's plan for us to drill our way of the energy crisis is also pointless. And at least Obama's plan puts come cash into consumer's pockets and will help bouy the economy.

[tyclislavaify]

Originally posted by ramseya
This proposal does not add a single drop of oil, does not curb demand at all, nor will it lower the price at the pump.
That's why it empty rhetoric. Honestly, all this guy has to do between now and November is coast. He's in a good spot right now, just don't screw up. Make proposals that appeal to public outrage and avoid controversy -- "hey dude, did you see Exxon getting rich off this $4 gas? That sucks". "Yeah, but Obama said he'll tax em up, serves those greedy corporations right". -- and just general avoid any controversy. He wins. I mean, it's not like McCain is going to out debate him. 2000 and 2004 clearly demonstrated that the american people don't care about the content of the debates. Bush lost every debate on the issues handily. However, he looked better on TV and seemed like a guy to get a beer with. Obama is the more charismatic candidate. McCain can barely deliver a full sentence without people falling asleep. Whatever, I'm getting off topic, my point is it's empty soundbite politics, not actual policy.

[immewaycypef]

Originally posted by rah
It's fun to watch people pick on McCain's knowledge. They are blinded to Obama's weakness in the same areas. Or does anyone here claim that Obama is an accomplished economist. He'd pick a better advisor on the topic. I suspect he's slightly better than McCain on the issue if he doesn't give in to protectionism.

[kilibry]

There are no words to describe how tame this policy is and how ridiculous the comparison is.

As an outsider, it's telling me McCain supporters are in full-on panic mode.

[Enalsebeerkawl]

Originally posted by Asher
how ridiculous the comparison is.
wait...the dude who compared Obama to Mugabe is prone to hyperbole?

[cefunonge]

Personally I think this is a worthless populist idea, the democratic version of pavlovian tax cut demands by Republicans.

It will come to naught, and isn;t even that good of an idea. But even his bad ideas are not as pitiful as McCain's bad ideas.

[GSgCGxsF]

Originally posted by rmsharpe
If there was a white leader who was as stupid as this, I'd post him first. However, no such leader today exists. If you're looking for stupid white tinpot dictators, you need look no further than the current admin. By your own words you should've been trying to oust this guy for the last 5 years (at least).

[AutocadOemM]

End global hunger, grow more food!

[hitaEtela]

Originally posted by rmsharpe

Let's say we had a housing shortage; would the best way to get out from under that shortage to be to not build any new houses? Build apartment houses & condos instead. Less materials; more living units. Always look at the alternatives.

[mazabotman]

Originally posted by Zkribbler


Build apartment houses & condos instead. Less materials; more living units. Always look at the alternatives. So your Soviet-style solution is to shove people into small flats and lower their standard of living.

[WhiliaStelt]

Damn Zkrib, you're such a commie.

[Audi_z]

The gov'ment won't pay them to do it yet.

[Dayreive]

Originally posted by Zkribbler
BTW: Has anyone heard from the oil companies why they aren't drilling on the leases they already have?
But the oil industry says it pays millions of dollars for these leases, and that it would not make sense to purposely leave the areas untapped.

Rather, years of exploration is required before drilling can even begin. In some cases, no oil is found on leases they hold. In others, drilling the wells and building the pipelines takes years. It is especially hard now that a worldwide boom in oil exploration has pushed up the prices - and timelines - for skilled workers and specialized equipment.

"No one is sitting on leases these days," said Rayola Dougher, senior economic advisor for the American Petroleum Institute. "Those making those assertions don't understand the bidding and leasing process."

http://money.cnn.com/2008/06/23/news...ex.htm?cnn=yes