Best tweets to a Hollywood socialist . . .

RE: Best tweets to a Hollywood socialist . . ., posted on February 7, 2021 at 15:33:17
rivervalley817	what's the context for this post? or is there one?

They're ALL socialists in Hollyweird!, posted on February 7, 2021 at 19:06:37
TWB Audiophile Posts: 7408 Location: Long Beach, California Joined: January 5, 2001	It's a requirement to work there!.....

RE: They're ALL socialists in Hollyweird!, posted on February 7, 2021 at 19:25:36
rivervalley817	odds are they can't be, that entails a conscious decision there's too many that are obviously unconscious!

No Hollywood, no Reagan. Hmmmm... nt, posted on February 8, 2021 at 09:13:16
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	d

Or John Wayne - And for every Robert De Niro, there's a Jon Voight (Well almost!) [nt] ;-), posted on February 8, 2021 at 11:16:30
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26438 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012

RE: Best tweets to a Hollywood socialist . . ., posted on February 8, 2021 at 12:07:28
dean_martin Audiophile Posts: 1747 Location: lower alabama Joined: January 26, 2006	And Gad Saad, whoever that is, should stop paying his taxes. You know, don't be a hypocrite and all. The hypocrisy police is amuck.

None, posted on February 8, 2021 at 12:22:39
Jay Buridan Audiophile Posts: 10275 Location: Michigan Joined: January 21, 2004	But here's my favorite joke about comparative economic systems: Q. What's the difference between capitalism and communism? A. In capitalism man exploits man. In communism it's just the opposite. "Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people. " ― W.C. Fields

And Scarlett Johanssen. To the right of Marjorie T G. nt, posted on February 8, 2021 at 12:36:34
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	d

Yeah, but in capitalism, posted on February 8, 2021 at 12:38:10
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	man chooses to do so, exploiter convincing enough exploited that they're fine, fine, fine!

RE: Yeah, but in capitalism, posted on February 8, 2021 at 14:18:45
rivervalley817	you left out women 'she's so fine there ain't no tellin' where the money went' 'she's all mine there ain't no other way to go' etc. regards,

Bill, posted on February 8, 2021 at 16:14:46

RGA
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Posts: 15177
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Has some good points - which will go over your head I am sure.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3vsGlAvr04

Wow, those points will go through his head. , posted on February 8, 2021 at 16:38:12
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	Nah, they couldn't...

Wow - I did not know about that! - Scarlett's still a honey though! [nt] ;-), posted on February 8, 2021 at 16:42:55
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26438 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012

RE: Wow, those points will go through his head. , posted on February 8, 2021 at 18:51:30

RGA
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Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001

A lot of Trumpers change their minds when it happens to them. So when their wife needs brain surgery and their insurance company does everything and anything NOT to cover it and the bills $2million and people like TWB and Billy only have $400,000 in the bank and have to sell their house - then they might get a clue. But until it impacts them they don't see it.

Same for the dummies at Trump rallies calling Covid 19 a Democrat hoax - then these human blood clots get it and on their death beds they clue in - "oh geez it is real and it's not a hoax - I am sorry I change my mind" - gasp... dead.

Same with Ronnie Reagan - they're all anti stem cell because of abortion (nonsense) then when he gets Alzheimer's, THEN and ONLY THEN do they change track and want stem cell research.

Dick Cheney is against homosexuals then his daughter comes out as a Lesbian - then it's "I'm okay with gay people." Well his daughter anyway.

They're all awful people - they only care about something when it directly happens to them. They are just as bleeding heart as the lefties - but they only begin to bleed "selfishly" when it happens to them.

And some of these clowns actually call themselves Christians - lol. Yes because Jesus cared more about the stock market than his fellow man.

RE: Wow, those points will go through his head. , posted on February 8, 2021 at 19:14:30
rivervalley817	I'm getting some players mixed up here; didn't he throw the disciples out of the stock exchange? wait, that can't be right regards,

RE: Wow, those points will go through his head. , posted on February 9, 2021 at 06:26:04
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	My favorite conservative radical is the evangelical who hates Jews.

Right on!, posted on February 9, 2021 at 06:53:31
PhilJ Audiophile Posts: 2826 Joined: January 20, 2002	...

*No time for Bill, sorry. , posted on February 9, 2021 at 09:31:28**
Billy Wonka Audiophile Posts: 3761 Joined: April 25, 2013 Contributor Since: October 15, 2013	.

Yup - however. . . , posted on February 9, 2021 at 12:30:26

Chris from Lafayette
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. . . my attitude towards Bill is somewhat ambivalent - after all, he projects this kind of smarmy smugness, and he's drunk deeply at the Russiagate trough*. But when he's right, he's right! ;-)

*BTW, I'm still waiting for Putin to fulfill Rachel Maddow's prediction that he's going to turn off the gas and electricity to Iowa and the rest of the Midwest during the dead of winter. And then he won't turn it back on until we sign binding agreements to buy all our gas from Gazprom! I think she was even crying about this. ;-)

Tinear must be joking nt, posted on February 9, 2021 at 14:06:23
Rod H. Audiophile Posts: 1918 Location: Oregon Joined: May 18, 2005	*

OK - That's it - he's pulled my leg one too many times!, posted on February 9, 2021 at 18:45:25
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26438 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012	Fool me once, shame on you! Fool me twice, and. . . uh. . . you can't be fooled again!

what a bunch of B.S., posted on February 9, 2021 at 19:47:30

Analog Scott
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as one of the few people who actually works in the film industry this is just a bunch of B.S. Social liberal beliefs and advocacy of fiscal policies that provide social security nets and put tax payer's money to work for actual tax payers is not the same thing as wanting to change our society and economy to government run socialist economy. "Hollywierd liberals" are not avdocating that we convert from a capitalist economy to a socialist economy. Period. It's dumb ass prejudicial Bullshit. OTOH a lot needs to be done for us to get out of this neofuedalist economic system and back to a real capitalist economy that is predicated on the idea that given an equal playing field taht people can compete, through hard work and talent the cream will rise to the top and be rewarded and society in general will reap the benefits of their efforts. Remember? That is what capitalism was supposed to be.

And I just got through working with Job Voight on the Ronald Reagan biopic, posted on February 9, 2021 at 19:48:43
Analog Scott Audiophile Posts: 9933 Joined: January 8, 2002	A very nice guy.

That's great - glad to hear you're still getting good gigs! [nt], posted on February 10, 2021 at 01:05:45
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26438 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012

RE: Yup - however. . . , posted on February 10, 2021 at 05:58:34
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	Ever ask yourself why Flynn would lie to the FBI? He's the guy who called for US military intervention so the election could be redone. Hmmmm... doesn't sound particularly American, does it?

Sorry! nt, posted on February 10, 2021 at 06:02:44
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	d

You really HAD to srir that nest :), posted on February 10, 2021 at 11:16:50
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55317 Joined: April 5, 2000	It is great fun watching them scramble for some lame bits of "sense".

Can you spell T-H-R-E-A-T-S (to his son), or. . . , posted on February 11, 2021 at 01:07:15

Chris from Lafayette
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. . . E-N-T-T-R-A-P-M-E-N-T? And. . . surprise! suprise!. . . that little disgraced deep state slimeball, Peter Strzok, was involved.

Flynn did nothing different (in terms of talking with representatives from foreign countries) from what other incoming administrations have done.

As for the elections being redone, I don't agree with him, but he's entitled to his opinion.

https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/495366-something-seems

Dunno, Victor - I get my jollies from some of your posts! [nt] ;-), posted on February 11, 2021 at 01:49:53
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26438 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012

RE: You really HAD to srir that nest :), posted on February 11, 2021 at 03:58:28
RGA Reviewer Posts: 15177 Location: Hong Kong Joined: August 8, 2001	It's all relative - America looks like Audrey Hepburn to a Russian. America looks like Roseanne Barr to a Canadian.

It was great until I got covid from the local covid deniers managing the hotel, posted on February 11, 2021 at 04:39:29
Analog Scott Audiophile Posts: 9933 Joined: January 8, 2002	Kind of ironic since the hotel was completely rented out by production to isolate us. We got shut down twice. Once because of me and the second time was a major outbreak. Times are still rough for us.

RE: Can you spell T-H-R-E-A-T-S (to his son), or. . . , posted on February 11, 2021 at 05:00:45

dean_martin
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And anyone who disagrees is entitled to push back vigorously against the idea of a military takeover to "re-do" an election. That's a horrible idea that was rightly rejected and relegated to the discourse trash heap. It's a great example of free speech as a tool in the search for truth and the best ideas. Someone spouts lies or bad ideas, the audience rejects them and then we move on. Of course sometimes accountability for lies is necessary before we can move on as we're witnessing now in Congress.

RE: You really HAD to srir that nest :), posted on February 11, 2021 at 08:02:55
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	Socialism does not equal communism, nor is it "the first step." I suppose Finland or Sweden could suddenly have a revolution and become communist states, but it's more likely your adopted country would do so and become a fascist one. Came pretty close a few weeks ago...

Link to his son being threatened? C'mon, the guy was repeatedly, posted on February 11, 2021 at 08:06:29

tinear
Audiophile

Posts: 65782
Location: Kansas City, KS
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talking to a Russky. Do a search and read how much Flynn had going on with the Russians. Then consider proven Russian interference in the 2016 election. Now, put those together and consider what he said about scrapping this completely legitimate and judicially (as no election ever has been) blessed election to hold one with military supervision.

Not scared, yet?

Now, consider Flynn's brother also is a general and was directly responsible for National Guard deployment (or not).

Thanks, RGA. +100. Nt. , posted on February 11, 2021 at 08:23:43
MWE Audiophile Posts: 2202 Location: Burlington, NC Joined: June 8, 2000	Nt. Mark in NC "The thought that life could be better is woven indelibly into our hearts and our brains" -Paul Simon

Please, Chris, don't be one of those. , posted on February 11, 2021 at 08:32:24
MWE Audiophile Posts: 2202 Location: Burlington, NC Joined: June 8, 2000	And by "one of those", I mean being one of those irrational and wacky right-wingers going on about that "evil Deep State". You're better than that. Or at least should be. Mark in NC "The thought that life could be better is woven indelibly into our hearts and our brains" -Paul Simon

Indeed, I do not disagree at all with what you say [nt], posted on February 11, 2021 at 09:15:02
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26438 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012

Sure - I'll provide that link as long as you can provide. . . , posted on February 11, 2021 at 09:28:01
Chris from Lafayette Audiophile Posts: 26438 Location: SF Bay Area Joined: February 17, 2004 Contributor Since: February 6, 2012	. . . a link to "proven Russian interference in the 2016 election". Whatever this "interference" consisted of, do you think it was on the scale of this interference: ?

Thank YOU! (nt), posted on February 11, 2021 at 09:34:58
TWB Audiophile Posts: 7408 Location: Long Beach, California Joined: January 5, 2001	NT

So. . . just what do you think Eisenhower was warning about. . . , posted on February 11, 2021 at 11:18:16

Chris from Lafayette
Audiophile

Posts: 26438
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. . . in 1961? It's gotten WAY worse since then. Start at about 8:40.

View YouTube Video

I guess I should congratulate the propagandists who have done such a great job in the MSM of convincing elements of the population that the deep state (i.e., the unelected military and its civilian suppliers and lobbyists, the state department, the plethora of intelligence agencies, the think tanks. . .) is some kookie idea thought up by wackos, even though the evidence is right before our eyes every day.

I also find it astonishing that the "left", which has traditionally been against our war-like and aggressive foreign policies, is (ever since Hillary lost in 2016) now best buds with all these agencies. Of course, we're not talking here about the real left - only the identity-politics corporate-controlled "left" which has had a choke-hold on the Democratic party ever since the (Bill) Clinton presidency in the '90's.

Aren't you sick of the endless wars which the deep state promotes, regardless of whether a Republican or Democratic administration is in power?

It's a fact. Now, whether or not the Press was in on it, I suppose, can, posted on February 11, 2021 at 14:10:21

tinear
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Posts: 65782
Location: Kansas City, KS
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be argued. But that the Russian government DID in fact interfere?
I suppose you consider your own government's Justice Dept. "Deep State," right? I prefer to believe Alan Jones, myself.

The earth is flat. Okay, convince me it's not, Chris!

You can't handle the truth LOL - NT, posted on February 11, 2021 at 16:53:42
RGA Reviewer Posts: 15177 Location: Hong Kong Joined: August 8, 2001	NT

Socialism is like syphilis, posted on February 12, 2021 at 06:02:59
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55317 Joined: April 5, 2000	Just like any other fascism, it goes through stages. You can have trains run on time. Next you are gonna hear about "free" education and medicine.

RE: You really HAD to srir that nest :), posted on February 12, 2021 at 06:56:59

RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001

These countries have all been around quite some time. Always curious to see how they are "fascist" or "becoming fascist" - The people live longer and are happier and safer in all of them vs the US. Curious indeed.

Canada
New Zealand
Australia
Great Britain
Norway
Japan
Sweden
Denmark
Switzerland
France
The Netherlands
Finland

I mean even Trump - he's a billionaire and he always looks miserable - sourpuss's face. The Happy Trumpers killing people at Capital Hill - so so happy apparently.

It's a good idea to take trips and actually SEE some of these places - then you know why a Tokyo shits on any US city!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoCZgykBynw&t=31s

Add to your list Nazi Germany, USSR, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania... etc, etc, , posted on February 12, 2021 at 07:03:44
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55317 Joined: April 5, 2000	There are many more examples, but the title line is too short.

RE: Add to your list Nazi Germany, USSR, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania... etc, etc, , posted on February 12, 2021 at 07:09:06

RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
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So what's your point? Current Germany is not Hitler Germany.

The Nordic nations have been around longer than the USA and were not fascist.

Trumpland is far closer to Hitler and Fascism than the likes of Bernie Sanders, AOC, or Justin Trudeau.

You just had a president who refused a peaceful transfer of power and is guilty of sedition and wanted to commit a coup. The USA is FAR closer ot fascism than Canada or the countries I listed.

I think you are mixing up corrupt countries that call themselves socialist versus the MAJORITY of countries that are democratic socialist.

+1, posted on February 12, 2021 at 07:24:16

RGA
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Posts: 15177
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Yes, it is nonsense. Basically wanting a couple of things every civilized country on earth has and they run around like Chicken little's that their country will end if they adopt medical for all - lol - I mean getting something for your tax dollars instead of the current system in the USA which is socialism for mega-corporations. The people's taxes are used to bail out billionaires. And they're too stupid to see it.

All these people run around worrying about the spending and yet none had trouble paying for Trump's golf trips? I never understand that fiscal conservatism. Can't a billionaire pay for himself - he needs "socialism" to pay for him? All the Republicans in Congress and the senate getting free 100% universal healthcare - I mean if they are SOOOOO Against medical for all - why are they happy to take it for themselves. Guess it ain't too bad now is it?

How funny it is, that the only people who extall the "virtues" of socialist syphilis don't live under it, posted on February 12, 2021 at 07:24:22
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55317 Joined: April 5, 2000	It would be informative to remind the proponents of that syphilis, that for some strange reason the number of people moving from those paradises to the rotten US is about 100:1 the number of idiots moving in the opposite direction. Such is the irony. It is perfectly acceptable to call yourself a "socialist" while enjoying what the more free forms of society can give you. It is called hypocrisy.

You don't believe in public education or Medicare? nt, posted on February 12, 2021 at 07:44:08
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	d

Classic oversimplification. The US is a democratic republic , posted on February 12, 2021 at 07:51:48

tinear
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with a capitalist/socialist hybrid system. The first-tier nations earlier mentioned decided democratically, in free elections, that they would invest more in equality for all their citizens.
Those repressive countries you mentioned aren't known for free elections, are they? They have no histories of democratic rule.

Consider Germany and its economy, Victor. Do you not see that country's economic success, after being torn apart (understandably) by your former country, has been predicated on providing top-notch free education and services to all? Second, you do realize the US lags FAR behind these other top countries in upward mobility? Genius isn't restricted by zip code. It is a very rare thing that is as likely to spring up among the poorest as it is amongst the rich. Need I remind you, there are a lot more poor...
And can you please, please leave out the personal insults? We all enjoy good discussions, but personalized demonizing subverts them.

Do you lack reading skills?...., posted on February 12, 2021 at 08:11:53
TWB Audiophile Posts: 7408 Location: Long Beach, California Joined: January 5, 2001	Who exactly did Vic insult? As I pointed out to you before, why don't you take your perennial soapbox and move on to a forum more suited to your obsession....

Is that the first or the second qualification..., posted on February 12, 2021 at 08:14:33
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55317 Joined: April 5, 2000	...before or after the child molester and rapist?

ROTFLOL! True THAT! (NT), posted on February 12, 2021 at 08:18:41
TWB Audiophile Posts: 7408 Location: Long Beach, California Joined: January 5, 2001	NT

RE: How funny it is, that the only people who extall the "virtues" of socialist syphilis don't live under it, posted on February 12, 2021 at 08:32:31

RGA
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100:1 evidence please. Which countries to which countries. America doesn't keep track of those statistics with any degree of accuracy. I have met many Americans abroad - I have yet to meet a single one of them who wants to move back to the US.

The problem with the dopey argument is that many Americans buy into the bill of goods ra ra sis boom ba you're either with us or against us brainwashing from cradle to grave. They don't GO ANYWHERE and see anything so they sit and watch Fox News tell them that everywhere else is bad.

https://www.aetnainternational.com/en/about-us/explore/living-abroad/culture-lifestyle/where-are-Americans-emigrating-to-and-why.html

America has a nasty little policy of double taxation on world income which many other countries do not have. When I teach in Hong Kong I pay only HK income tax - not Canadian income tax. An American pays both which limits his earning power and thus lessens the desire to work abroad.

The dire situations in Mexico - well sure the USA looks pretty good in comparison. They'll come in droves. It's not like they can afford a plane ticket to fly to Denmark - but they can walk to the border for free.

Different countries have means tests to be able to immigrate. For example - my Qualifications allow me to teach in most US States - an American teacher's qualifications are "lesser" and they can't get a job teaching in Canada without taking several more courses at a Canadian University.

So there is a better chance that a Canadian Teacher would emigrate to the States than the other way around. But the only reason they would move to the States - is for employment. I know several - they all wanted to and or have moved back to Canada.

Lots of Americans move abroad and lots of people move to the States.

The argument of immigration is a red-herring. Jobs, geographic location, weather, marriage, religion impact immigration. Since many Americans live paycheque to paycheque and have no education they may want to move but can't. They do not have the means.

But you didn't address the fact that there isn't the slightest sign or hint of fascism in any of the countries I listed which would ALL be vastly better for a middle-income earner. The country that has been closest to fascism has been the USA for the last 4 years. The Capital was a pretty big alarm bell.

You watch a lot of holocaust films - I guess you only watch movies "skin deep" like the cinematography - you sure as shit didn't learn anything watching Trumpism grow its fascist head.

Both are badly broken. I hope you manage better examples. nt, posted on February 12, 2021 at 09:53:55
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55317 Joined: April 5, 2000	.

speaking of examples, perhaps you couls cite some examples of..., posted on February 12, 2021 at 10:28:31
Analog Scott Audiophile Posts: 9933 Joined: January 8, 2002	Countries that have no public health care and no public education and it's working just fine for the common people. Given your disdain for public health care and public education surely you must know of some such success stories out there.

Your confusion is telling, posted on February 12, 2021 at 11:35:06
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55317 Joined: April 5, 2000	According to you Medicare is a public health system. I guess you just don't know the difference.

RE: Your confusion is telling, posted on February 12, 2021 at 11:46:45
rivervalley817	but that's what it is Victor, paid for under the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program administered by the Social Security Administration ... what do you think it is? it is considered public because all US citizens will qualify upon reaching a certain age with regards,

Medicare is..., posted on February 12, 2021 at 12:00:55

Victor Khomenko
Manufacturer

Posts: 55317
Joined: April 5, 2000

...a public fund, that pays for PORTION of private medical care. It has no doctors, no clinics.

For true "public health systems" you need to go to the USSR or Cuba. Where all doctors are state employees, all clinics with their equipment are state property.

We still, fortunately, have private medical care system.

It is a VERY reasonable assumption, what removing that private element from the health care would cause it to collapse to the above mentioned examples.

Constantly, I read some British articles: "WOW! A new, breakthrough cancer treatment is now available in the UK!!!!"

Cool... we had that treatment here 18 years ago. And the British system is not even a true public one.

BTW... to be exact, not ALL US citizens are eligible for Medicare.

RE: Medicare is..., posted on February 12, 2021 at 13:05:48

rivervalley817

'For true "public health systems"'

you appear to be defining what constitutes a public health care system based on it's delivery mechanism of services which removes it from the proper context; basically redefining the terminology involved

'Medicare' is a publicly funded [via the FICA tax] publicly administered [via Gov't] program with services provided via private contractor participation in said public program subject to Gov't oversight ... this meets all criteria for being a 'public health care system' ... it just doesn't cover all of 'the public'

best regards,

"with services provided via private contractor" Where is the confusion?, posted on February 12, 2021 at 13:10:39

Victor Khomenko
Manufacturer

Posts: 55317
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Private providers is what gives us the exceptional medical care that we get.

There is no other driving mechanism for excellence. Remove it, and you will get second, then third, then forth rate service.

Give our doctors Russian salaries, and see who is left there to treat you.

Once again - fortunately, Medicare covers only a portion of our health care. No good private system would be able to survive on its rates.

And BTW - I am currently being shafted by Medicare to the tune of $7K, and dealing with them is like nothing you have seen. If you think dealing with a private insurance can be hard... think again.

It makes me laugh when..., posted on February 12, 2021 at 14:47:47
Rod H. Audiophile Posts: 1918 Location: Oregon Joined: May 18, 2005	people will perpetually argue about which is the best system when all are imperfect, and the most successful systems combine the best attributes of capitalism, socialism, and Libertarianism into a working balance.

RE: "with services provided via private contractor" Where is the confusion?, posted on February 12, 2021 at 14:51:55

rivervalley817

I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems with the system

on the other hand, there's at least a system to have problems with

the 'least' part of that is, of course, a problem in itself

of course since Medicare is an 'opt in' program, if someone can afford private medical coverage they're not required to sign on ... conversely, if one could afford to pay cash they wouldn't need either one

'exceptional medical' care being tethered to private practice hasn't really been studied / examined very thoroughly since it's not widely available, usually only to those who can afford that cash option

what has been studied and examined very closely is socialized medicine and those results point to a much higher comparative degree of efficacy in populations / societies where it's available

I don't think pure reward factors drive people into medical fields, so competition in this area doesn't give us 'pacers' vs. 'racers' as far as practicing their craft ... maybe in the more specialized area of plastic surgery, but overall ... ? I'm not sure ... those I know didn't get into it for the $$ though ... of course they expect as much compensation for their efforts possible, but like anything else that's a component of life style choices [where they practice: small town vs. city etc.] and work environment

well, I certainly didn't mean to write a short story responding but hey, this health coverage stuff is really complex

thanks for expanding on your other post I can see where you're coming from and the element of frustration you're dealing with ... it's unfortunate that health insurance matters have become so conflated with the care itself

with regards,

Dealing with government, posted on February 12, 2021 at 15:10:14

Victor Khomenko
Manufacturer

Posts: 55317
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A few weeks ago we received - out of blue - a letter, from the Treasury Department, that we owe them $7K in Medicare bills.

Long story short - back in 2016 I was hit by another car. I had a couple of visits to my family doc, and maybe 10 visits to a chiropractor. That's it. All were charged under the car insurance PIP portion.

The letter, however, stated, that all the visits on the list were related to that car accident.

There were 26 pages of charges, from 2016 to 2019, none of which was related to the accident - just some routine visits and some surgeries.

My wife spent a lot of time on the phone, and all she managed to get was: write us a letter. So we did.

We received a form reply that we will be given a response in 60 days.

In the meantime, in about 3 weeks, they told us, they will start withholding up to 15% of my SS benefits.

There is no one to talk, to discuss... just one huge impersonal machine.

And if you think this is all about $7K - you are wrong... because there is absolutely no telling that this accumulation of debt stopped in 2019.

For all we know it might still be counting... perhaps forever. We were not able to get ANY answer to this question.

Prior to my getting on Medicare I spent about 36 years on private insurances... and there was never anything even close to this.

RE: Dealing with government, posted on February 12, 2021 at 15:14:22
rivervalley817	damn ... let me chew on this a bit and revert, I've got a few ideas rattling around to explore first best regards,

RE: It makes me laugh when..., posted on February 12, 2021 at 15:37:21

rivervalley817

the emotional investment on display isn't very humorous at all

why some people treat the production, allocation and reinvestment of human capital as a team sport is both confounding and distressing; the only race you'll win with that attitude is a race to the bottom

maybe it's just me ... I always thought 'the perfectibility of man' was a noble goal requiring 'community' not diffraction through distraction

with regards,

RE: It makes me laugh when..., posted on February 12, 2021 at 15:53:12
Rod H. Audiophile Posts: 1918 Location: Oregon Joined: May 18, 2005	Not literal laughter. The consequences are not funny.

The accomplishments of 45, posted on February 12, 2021 at 17:05:59

RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001

Agree and America is obviously better than MOST countries. The issue is countries have various holes or blind spots. People are far too "team" oriented. If it's my team they can do no wrong.

This works in sports, religion, and politics. If a player on my hockey team dirty hits someone - excuses are made. If the other team's player makes a dirty hit that is far less of a dirty hit - outrage - he should get suspended.

So Beau (a police officer trainer and vet) talks about 45's accomplishments. Noting what his supporters see in him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M6CXhUS-x8&fbclid=IwAR1mo2G

RE: Medicare is..., posted on February 12, 2021 at 17:31:53

RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001

Then the model that works better is the Single Payer system in Canada and not the USSR or a badly run system heavily weakened by the GOP over the years turning Medicare to crap. It needs to be properly run. But that is a separate issue.

In Canada - the government doesn't run hospitals. The government merely pays the bills. You go to your doctor you need an operation - the doctor and you decide what you need - the doctor does the operation and prescribes the pills and sends the bill to the government.

The doctor in the US wants to put you on X drug but has to phone up an HMO and the HMO says - our plan doesn't cover X it covers a pill that is "almost the same" in Y - so the doctor is now prescribing pills based on what the HMO and your coverage will allow.

The US healthcare system ranks at the very bottom of all industrialized nations in most metrics - so private hospitals and you pay for it all isn't working - you actually pay MORE to get less. This doesn't mean Canada is anywhere near perfect - it's got problems - wait times on non-urgent elective surgery is long because there simply aren't enough people in the medical field to do the elective operations. However, we do have private clinics so if you don't want to wait for an MRI on your knee you can pay for that instead of waiting in line.

I get it you are uber rich guy so your perspective is different than the bottom 99% but if you are at all capable try to pretend you are in the middle of the middle class. Pretend that the majority is more important than the one.

Some good points here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z2XRg3dy9k

RE: It makes me laugh when..., posted on February 12, 2021 at 17:38:42
rivervalley817	of course ... humor & irony are very often two sides of the same coin IME you'll run out of humor and coin before you run out of irony though with regards,

RE: Medicare is..., posted on February 12, 2021 at 19:28:47
rivervalley817	RGA your post is presumptuous despite making some good points it posits what someone's financial position is that you can't possibly know then beats up a straw man no personal offense or snipe is intended I just hate to see good points get lost in a scrum best regards,

Nice dodge. No confusion on my part. You failed to cite any examples, posted on February 12, 2021 at 21:18:38
Analog Scott Audiophile Posts: 9933 Joined: January 8, 2002	for obvious reasons. There aren't any examples.

And the choice of teams..., posted on February 13, 2021 at 06:13:34
MaxwellP Audiophile Posts: 1622 Location: New York Joined: September 19, 2007	Often has no rational basis...as flippant as a 12 years old deciding what his favorite car brand or football team is.

Medicare is exceptionally popular, far more than private care. If one, posted on February 13, 2021 at 06:40:20

tinear
Audiophile

Posts: 65782
Location: Kansas City, KS
Joined: April 9, 2006

truly wants better public education, it will cost more.

Ask yourself: am I anti-tax? If your answer is positive, there's no solution.

The US has the highest percentage of poor of any developed nation. Educating that group will be expensive for a time until that elevates a higher percentage than now.

Let me guess: you're for privatizing Social Security, too? Being logical, you're also for allowing big banks to fail, farmers to go bankrupt, and for corporate loopholes being eliminated? I know you and your family happily will volunteer to don Hazmat suits and clean up Superfund sites, also. Those are corporate cesspools that we, taxpayers, now pay to clean up. Those corporate guys also so bleed many corporations that the pension funds are bare and the government has to fund them.

And yes, I lived in a dictatorship for several years, a horrible and repressive and violent one. It was a right-wing military variety.

I see no "impersonal machine." You were told how to proceed. You were given, posted on February 13, 2021 at 09:45:01
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	a timeline and you can appeal any decision. What's the problem?

The blind men and the elephant : an essay on isms, posted on February 13, 2021 at 11:47:00

Jay Buridan
Audiophile

Posts: 10275
Location: Michigan
Joined: January 21, 2004

Attached is an interesting paper by Evsey D. Domar whose expertise was in comparative economics. Agreed, ideologies and isms should be mixed with Nihilism kept out of the mix.

"Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people. "
― W.C. Fields

Comparative Ideologies

Where did it say anything about the appeal?, posted on February 13, 2021 at 11:55:06
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55317 Joined: April 5, 2000	There was no such a word anywhere in their correspondence. But I get it... the government bureaucrats can do no wrong. There was not even a word of apology.

A system that bails out GM, Chrysler, Wall Street brokerages, etc., posted on February 13, 2021 at 16:59:05
Jay Buridan Audiophile Posts: 10275 Location: Michigan Joined: January 21, 2004	Is most definitely hybrid. In pure capitalism firms would be allowed to fail. "Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people. " ― W.C. Fields

RE: A system that bails out GM, Chrysler, Wall Street brokerages, etc., posted on February 13, 2021 at 17:58:14
rivervalley817	ah yes ... economic top tier = privatize my gains / socialism for my losses 'middle tier' = privatize my gains / eat 'our' losses 'lowest tier' = eat my gains / eat my losses we all get a 'phone' so it's fair <> �\_(ツ)_/� <>

RE: How funny it is, that the only people who extall the "virtues" of socialist syphilis don't live under it, posted on February 13, 2021 at 18:36:22
pictureguy Audiophile Posts: 22597 Location: SoCal Joined: October 19, 2008	I see lots of 'sort-of' discussion where facism and nazism are term thrown about as if synonomous. Isn't it true that one is primarily an economic system.....National Socialism. this brought us the VW. While the other part is the political arm? Where COULD you move if you wanted out of the States? Costa Rica? Shetland Islands? I'm kind of at a loss here. Too much is never enough

RE: How funny it is, that the only people who extall the "virtues" of socialist syphilis don't live under it, posted on February 13, 2021 at 18:54:17
rivervalley817	Gilligan's Isle all the conveniences and off the grid! regards,

RE: How funny it is, that the only people who extall the "virtues" of socialist syphilis don't live under it, posted on February 13, 2021 at 19:14:16

pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008

Another 'do as I say, not as I do'......situation.

Like everybody has to retire by 65 or 66 or whenever. UNLESS you are an elected person to either the Congress (House and Senate) or as Chief Executive.....POTUS.

Congress has of course passed lots of laws to which they are immune.....

Too much is never enough

https://www.legistorm.com/congress_by_numbers.html

Move to Canada, posted on February 13, 2021 at 19:40:21

RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001

You are still close to the US border so you can visit family and friends and in general, it's similar in terms of pop culture and most values. Liberal values.

Pick a city.

Some reasons to move to Canada

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNgHZ7IIGv4

RE: How funny it is, that the only people who extall the "virtues" of socialist syphilis don't live under it, posted on February 13, 2021 at 19:46:57
rivervalley817	I tell myself that maybe I'll get an 'lol' out of you one of these days if you weren't so ornery ... who knows? ; ) best regards,

RE: Move to Canada, posted on February 13, 2021 at 20:11:40
rivervalley817	I've got people in Van City ... there's a great place! gotta get back there some day too bad you just can't 'move to CN' though best regards,

RE: Move to Canada, posted on February 13, 2021 at 20:18:12

pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008

Weather is 'on the list' of considerations.
Other things on the list include...and in NO particular order,
Medical? Cost of Living? Ability to buy / own home? Or Build, maybe?

I don't think I'd be happy in a place with a REAL winter. Wife definately wouldn't go for it, being a warm weather person. And Virtually all her family is around here, so 2000 miles and change is certainly not trivial.
But I DO get the idea. Even Vancouver might be nice....though SNOW! Back east to Montreal or ??
Summerland and Penticon get HIGH MARKS for 'Banana Belt' weather. Worth a 2nd look.....

Can you get a CCW in Canada?
Too much is never enough

RE: How funny it is, that the only people who extall the "virtues" of socialist syphilis don't live under it, posted on February 13, 2021 at 20:28:14

pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008

To be perfectly honest? As I get older I get LESS tolerant. Of politicians and other elected hacks.
And as my boss once told me? 'I'll start acting nicer, if you start acting smarter'....or some such!
Being on the edge of Obsessive / Compulsive isn't easy. I have difficulty relaxing and turning the brain cell OFF for sleep. I'm up about 18 hours / day.

For example? Here in San Diego? SDGE (Sempra Energy) had its 50 year contract run out last month.
I wrote to several politicians asking WHEN information was sent out to eligible companies to BID on the gas and electric utility. No meaningful answer.....and never will be. We can't let anything interfere with the Executive Bonus Program.

BTW? We pay the highest electric rates in California, which means upper 10% in the nation.....

I'll give fair warning for a LOL moment. This wasn't one....
Too much is never enough

RE: Move to Canada, posted on February 13, 2021 at 20:30:01
pictureguy Audiophile Posts: 22597 Location: SoCal Joined: October 19, 2008	Before I do a search out of simple curiosity? What are requirements for permanent resident status? Financial? Educational? Gotta know somebody? Good on skis or snowshoes? Too much is never enough

RE: Move to Canada, posted on February 13, 2021 at 20:35:41

rivervalley817

check the link ...

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/se

RE: Move to Canada, posted on February 13, 2021 at 20:44:20
pictureguy Audiophile Posts: 22597 Location: SoCal Joined: October 19, 2008	Got it. I'll read in detail tomorrow and expand the search. Need buy-in from wife, which is about a 20:1 shot against. But I'll try it out....... I need to look at a good map, too......(my bookshelves have 3 or 4 Atlase including the Britannica) Too much is never enough

RE: How funny it is, that the only people who extall the "virtues" of socialist syphilis don't live under it, posted on February 13, 2021 at 20:48:38
rivervalley817	you'll give fair warning that you'll laugh? good gawd man what happened to you? never mind, don't say anything, it's not a good idea with regards,

RE: Move to Canada, posted on February 13, 2021 at 20:53:44
rivervalley817	Vancouver is just a jog up the coast VanCity rocks ... I really gotta go back sometime a little too old to really rock but ... maybe roll? regards,

RE: How funny it is, that the only people who extall the "virtues" of socialist syphilis don't live under it, posted on February 13, 2021 at 21:41:43
pictureguy Audiophile Posts: 22597 Location: SoCal Joined: October 19, 2008	Fair Warning to YOU of a LOL moment. God, you can be thick...... Too much is never enough

RE: How funny it is, that the only people who extall the "virtues" of socialist syphilis don't live under it, posted on February 13, 2021 at 21:55:47
rivervalley817	if I have to explain that when someone is being intentionally obtuse ... ah, never mind regards,

RE: Move to Canada, posted on February 13, 2021 at 21:57:39

pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008

From where I sit, it's 30" to the train station. North on Amtrack to Union Station. Depending on when I arrive and Coast Starlight departs, I may have time to dodge over to ChinaTown and have lunch at 'Philippe The Original' which is the inventor of the French Dip. In business since 1908.

Wife and I took our Prissy Neice there several years back and she WOULDN'T eat. Sawdust on the floor took her off her feed. Good Grief! (LOL alert)

Train to Seattle and public transport UP to Vancouver. It's about a 30 hour trip.....one NITE on the train so you may want a 'roomette'......
Too much is never enough

RE: Move to Canada, posted on February 14, 2021 at 00:11:21

RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001

Well the weather isn't great outside of Victoria or Vancouver and there may be difficult requirements to get in.

There are plenty of websites that talk about the best placed in the world to retire - I have considered places like Equador and Portugal. Nicer weather for sure. And it helps to move to places with a lot of English.

example

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmbbmC3eo-4

You will NOT be arrested for having a ccw in your wallet, posted on February 14, 2021 at 05:28:08
Victor Khomenko Manufacturer Posts: 55317 Joined: April 5, 2000	Don't believe all those nasty rumors!

+1. nt, posted on February 14, 2021 at 06:47:56
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	d

RE: Medicare is..., posted on February 14, 2021 at 08:02:02

RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001

The "I got mine so screw you" mentality tends to emanate from one financial class of person. While some in the middle and lower financial class have been duped to vote against their own self-interests the majority have not.

And these things are not based on singular posts but across months and years of posts with various patterns.

Please understand something - my posts to certain posters here are not to try and convince them or to change their minds. Teaching old dogs new tricks is like convincing people to get out from under the thumb of religion. For me, it's more about that game at the old arcades called "Whack-a-Mole" (photo above).

Arguments of reason don't work so it's just whack-a-mole. People here only preach to their choirs. As I have traveled and lived in several different countries my perspective is different than some others who don't get out much and see the world first hand.

The things we are taught in school are often BS to keep us in check. America has just proven the statement "No one is above the Law" is complete and utter bullshit. "Violence doesn't solve problems" when in reality it is the only thing that usually does. Flower Power wasn't taking down the Nazis. Americans must agree because the US Industrial complex is where most of the taxes are going. No one stops to think that you should have a country worth defending before you spend all your money to defend it.

It's more about being frustrated at seeing the obvious potential and a relatively easy fix but the guy you brought in to fix the Rolex only has one tool - a sledgehammer. Nuance isn't in their mindset.

Frustration River Valley. Plus too much time on my hands with Covid I suspect. Granted this is mostly an American board so it's just that I see things from a different perspective - something that is obvious to me is not seen as obvious to some posters on this board. So it's kind of baffling to me.

But hey - have a laugh - Canada sure ain't perfect either :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V5ckcTSYu8

You were appealing to reverse a decision; gov should apologize before the finding? , posted on February 14, 2021 at 08:53:30
tinear Audiophile Posts: 65782 Location: Kansas City, KS Joined: April 9, 2006	Exactly how much do you think your care would have cost you w/out Medicare, overall, since you've both been Medicare eligible. Under "Vic-Care," it would be privatized, completely, right? No contributions "paying it forward." If you think Americans would pay for expected services in advance, willingly, you haven't followed Obamacare very well.

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Films/DVD Asylum

Best tweets to a Hollywood socialist . . .

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