Private profits, public losses

There are so many bottom lines to the credit crisis, but for myself the bottom line is we’re seeing what happens with an ideology of “the market rules, so don’t rule the market.” A friend wrote today, commenting on all of the government bail-outs:

I wish someone would point out that this means the GOP is moving toward a socialist model. When they rant and rave about the horrors of socialism (in medicine), they need to understand what they’re talking about.

Ex-actly. In the ultimate irony, extreme capitalism has led directly to socialism, literally overnight. Bush started his second term touting a plan to privatize Social Security, and he’s ending it nationalizing Wall Street. This is not a normal business cycle downturn. It’s the result of market manipulation and a lack of oversight.

As D.F. Rogers characterizes it, this is the real trickle-down effect. The profits are kept at the top, while the losses are passed down. McCain wants to leave the tax cuts in place for the richest 1% of Americans?? At least with this latest calamity there’s some outrage. With so much tax money being ponied up, we’d better be able to impose some tough regulations and restrictions without hearing even one peep of complaint from the brokers.

A TRILLION dollars for Iraq. HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS for Wall Street. Why would anyone vote for the old white guy and the monster hockey mom?

Jon Provost on CBS Early Show

Don’t miss Jon Provost tomorrow, on The Early Show. I’ll set my FiOS DVR for you, just in case. No need to guess when — 8:40 am ET on CBS.

If you want to get a real sense of what the social changes in America were like, going from the staid 50’s to the swinging 60’s, John’s fabulous autobiography, written with his wife Laurie Jacobson, Timmy’s In The Well, is the place to get it. You’ll also get to know a whole lot about Jon, including the good stuff about growing up in Hollywood.

Jon recently lent his name to the worthy cause called the New Child Actor’s Guild.

[flv:http://www.dograt.com/Video/2008/SEP/ProvostChildActors.flv 440 247]

On a personal note, Jon was very supportive and helpful not long ago with a difficult situation we were having next door. I’m happy to say we no longer have that problem. Thanks, Jon!

Monte Schultz wins $5000!

Hey, way to go, Monte!

Monte Schultz Wins $5000 in 49er Rotary Duck Race

Author: 49er Breakfast Rotary Club of Nevada City
Published on Sep 13, 2008 – 3:06:11 PM

Saturday, September 13, 2008 – Nevada City resident Monte Schultz is the $5000 first place winner in “Ducks Down Under,” the 17th Annual Gold Country Duck Race, held Saturday (Sept. 13) on Deer Creek in Nevada City.

Schultz, who was out of town and unavailable for the check presentation, will be given his prize this week. He held the ticket for the pink racing duck that emerged from a field of more than 9000 ducks to take top honors in [the] annual event.

Katherine Carpenter won the $1000 runner-up prize and Jocelyne Pletto placed third, winning $500. Many other cash and merchandise prizes were also awarded.

Paulette’s Country Kitchen was the winner of the sponsor’s race.

The duck race is sponsored by the 49er Breakfast Rotary Club of Nevada City. The race is the club’s largest annual fundraiser, providing financial assistance to numerous school youth and community groups.

© Copyright YubaNet.com

Hey, wait a second. “Schultz”? That’s not right, yet a quick check of something leads me to conclude that this really is about our friend Monte Schulz.

Follow-up: Yes, it’s Monte! This line was missing from the original article.

Schultz is a novelist and the son of the late “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles Schultz.

I can’t believe people still get “Schulz” wrong.