Semantics doesn't win an argument in the real world. The semantics of labels doesn't prove whether something is wrong or right- whether you label the current fiasco as economy or not- whatever you want to call it- it sucks. And Joel- if there is no such thing as money- I'd like to see you organize a large community (a few million) that is based solely on bartering.

I usually do not post; however, Joel I feel your rhetoric has not an ounce of practicality or reality in it. Your words look pretty on the page, but I hate to say it- there is not much common sense to your beliefs. In common sense, I mean that your beliefs are not going to be able to bring home the food for the kids or pay the mortgage at the end of the month.

From your post on the economy, I am going to assume that you are the following:
1. independently sufficient
2. have no dependents
3. Have a mortgage that is already paid off

People are probably buying and selling more than ever. The economy still sucks. The economy sucks because people are finding it increasingly difficult to live on a day to day basis because of the rising cost of living. Things like milk, gas, heating, mortgages, school taxes, interest rates in general are all on the rise. While these things rise- salaries are not rising equally to the cost of living. A 3% salary raise a year- doesn't meet a 50% increase in property taxes. If it does, you explain that to me.

I absolutely believe that you should work hard for your money, but you know what some people bust their asses- and still don't make ends meet. And you know what? They are the people that keep getting royally @#%$ by the government and the "economy"- and these people who I'm talking about are the Middle Class. The middle class gets screwed over and over again- they are the individuals who are either paying an arm and a leg for insurance or don't have it. It's not the poor (they have medicade) and it's not the rich (they can afford whatever they want).

It's the average American who is screwed when the economy is bad.

Manufacturing jobs are not the best. Absolutely not; however, they are essential. Someone has to do every job in a business or that business is going to fail.

I think debates are wonderful. They are stimulating and get people thinking. However, most of the posts on these boards are nothing more than diatribe between right vs. left.

Sorry this post jumps around A LOT. I have to work today :P. Some of us work for a living, rather than depend on welfare or interest from our assets. I'm just kidding.