Special Report
Men Are Back
The subtext to Scott Brown’s election.
There’s lots of reason Scott Brown won Teddy Kennedy’s old Senate seat this week — health care reform, cap-and-trade, the deficit, exasperation with Democratic rule. But there’s one other that shouldn’t be missed — he ran as a guy and it’s OK to be a regular guy again.
A month ago in a column called “Put Men Back to Work” I wrote that taking up the cause of unemployed men should be a major campaign issue of the 2010 election. I also said I thought Sarah Palin was the only candidate who could handle the issue because it would seem too hard-edged coming from a man. I was wrong. Although Brown didn’t say it in so many words, the message came through loud and clear — ordinary guys have a place in this world outside beer commercials.
First there was the truck. Ah, the truck. Could anything have been more politically incorrect? It wasn’t some fuel-sipping Honda Civic or even a gas-electric hybrid. Brown didn’t spend time talking about gas mileage. It was just a work-a-day truck built to get you someplace and do the job.
And wasn’t it amazing how, when President Obama arrived in Massachusetts to try to save Martha Coakley’s neck, he couldn’t stop talking about that truck? “I’d be careful getting on that truck,” he said. “He parked his truck on Wall Street.” Obama mentioned it six times in his speech at Northeastern University.
Yet Brown had the perfect comeback. “I don’t mind when the President came in and criticized me,” he said the night of his celebration. “But when he starts criticizing my truck, that’s where I draw the line.”
In fact, the whole Brown campaign had a distinct beer-commercial flavor. A former juvenile delinquent, college basketball player, triathlete, and 20-year Army reservist, Brown didn’t mince words about sounding like something out of a Budweiser ad. “I can believe I’ve just won this election but I can’t believe I’m on the same stage with Doug Flutie,” he said on election night. Meanwhile, Martha Coakley continually embarrassed herself with her tone-deafness about guy things. Who is Curt Schilling? Why is it important to stand outside Fenway Park? Only a few months ago, she could have dismissed all this by arguing that Schilling and the truck and whole Red Sox Nation have a large carbon footprint. Not this time.
In truth, the comeback of men in this country is long overdue. Almost 75 percent of the job losses in the recession have been to men’s jobs. Women are about to pass men in the work force. All this can be interpreted as equality and progress on our forced march to a sexless society. Writing in Slate, Hanna Rosin called Brown’s victory “the angry man’s revenge against the rise of the working woman.” But that’s doesn’t even come close to understanding what’s going on. It’s time to take stock of exactly why so many men are unemployed.
Around New Year’s, the Huffington Post ran an article listing the “10 Industries That Will GAIN The Most Job Growth in Next Decade,” based on the latest forecast from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here they are in order:
1) Management,
scientific and technical consulting services
2) Offices of
physicians (i.e., looking up medical records)
3) Computer
systems design and related services
4) General
merchandise stores (Wal-Mart, etc.)
5) Employment
services (i.e., unemployment offices)
6) Local
government
7) Home health
care services
8) Services
for the elderly and persons with disabilities
9) Nursing
care facilities
10) Full service
restaurants
Does that sound like decline or what? At this rate we’ll soon have an entire economy based on pushing each other around in wheelchairs. (Note also that half these sectors get their entire income from the government.)
Even Huffington readers were appalled:
“The alarming things indicated by the growth of employment in these particular industries is that the USA seems to be winding down and the private sector will be decimated. Another matter is the obesity epidemic is very apparent and well represented.”
“Industries? What industries? Industries consist of PRODUCING, MANUFACTURING companies!”
“With all the minimum wage jobs leading the pack on growth industries, it is no wonder that winning the lotto is the number one way Americans feel they can get ahead in the future.”
“Hmmmm… they left out Debt counselor, Credit fixer, Poverty lifestyle expert, Shack builder, Electricity hookup improviser… Apple-seller.”
Letter to the Editor View all comments (158) | Leave a comment
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Bill Hussien O'Stalin| 1.25.10 @ 6:25AM
One item your readers need to understand is that there is wealth in poverty, i.e. in 2007 Joseph P. Kennedy's salary at the family controlled energy company was $575,000.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J.....te_note-35
Appleby| 1.25.10 @ 6:40AM
Years ago I asked a Canadian rally driver what it would take to get a round of the World Rally in North America. His answer was quick and succinct: *Put all the environmentalists in jail.*
Sounds as if doing that would solve a lot of problems.
OR ...
We could simply declare that The Sixties Are Over and govern ourselves accordingly.
Brooke Saunders | 1.26.10 @ 4:22PM
I wonder if conservatives have allergies, asthma, bronchitis too? Thank an environmentalist when you take a deep breath or drink some clean water.
victor| 1.26.10 @ 10:39PM
Actually, the credit should go to Nixon, Reagan and GHW Bush for signing the bills that made the EPA and other agencies possible.
Judging by your website, your just another bloody capitalist making money off of other people who pollute and cause hazardous environments.
Deborah D | 1.25.10 @ 7:17AM
Okay, sounds like something the Tea Parties need to focus on. Thanks for the heads-up, Mr. Tucker. Environmental leftists at least have taken a hit with the climategate revelations. Keep pushing that info out there, and maybe, just maybe environmentalists will become a huge joke in the country. From there it's preparing normal Americans in ways to fight all the lawsuits from the enviros. Time to kick some butt ... we need a ruling from the Supremes on environmental exploits as they did on Free Speech last week.
Let's look into the constutitionality of environmental laws.
Muleskinner| 1.25.10 @ 7:22AM
Feds are trying to kill the most efficient trucking industry in the world as well. With every EPA mandate issued for the class 8 diesel truck, fuel consumption increases and vehicle costs rise. Americans pay the cost in transportation charges for the targeted "zero emission" vehicle.
Deborah D | 1.25.10 @ 7:27AM
Muleskinner -- it becomes more obvious everyday that either Democrats (who usually sponsor the "emissions" legislation) are clueless as to the effect their ridiculous policies have on the nation OR that all of this tearing down of the country is purposeful. I always wonder -- what do they think the country is going to look like for their children and grandchildren? Do they even care? Or are they delusional enough to think that it will be sunshine and lollipops if only they think it?
MikeBee| 1.25.10 @ 10:00AM
Deborah D, you're on the right track. Many years ago, I was talking with an extreme left radical about her worldviews. She told me a lot about the radical left's dreams for America, even today. They believe that no one country should be dominant over another, in any way--militarily, economically, etc. So, their dream is to level all the players in the world, starting with bringing down the rich, militarily-strong countries like the United States. It is then that they believe that there will be true world peace. When all countries have the same economic strength, when all countries have the same military abilities, etc., they will be able to "check" each other, and no one country will want (or be able to) dominate another country.
Of course, this is absolute hogwash, and will never work. In fact, it will lead to more wars, and to a lack of world peace. But, liberals really dream about achieving this. So, this is all purposeful, to bring the U.S. down to the level of other nations.
DeborahD | 1.26.10 @ 6:06AM
Simply frightening, MikeBee. Makes one wonder how many drugs these people are on! I think they teach these classes in our wonderful universities -- How to hate America in one semester. Thanks, lefty profs!
Mike Kimball| 1.25.10 @ 10:50PM
Why isn't the EPA regulating two-stroke weed blowers? They pollute far more than trucks.
Pingback| 1.25.10 @ 7:55AM
Mordred’s Mum links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Ryan| 1.25.10 @ 8:36AM
Welcome the rise of Generation X.
If you notice, generations typically have more in common with their grandparents than their parents. I think that we have a bit more of a libertarian bent than the Greatest Generation (and less racist), but we're more religious (I believe) than the baby boomers and we lean toward the "real man" model so well represented by our Grandparents.
GW| 1.25.10 @ 4:17PM
I agree. We are also slowly entering a "post-feminist" phase. Women have less and less to b*tch about, as they have been provided with an abundance of opportunities. They are shortly discovering happiness has less to do with "equality" and more to do with things women instinctively hold dear--family, relationships, etc (which of course have been "opportunities" women have had all along). In turn, fewer women will blame their gender for the reason they either fail or succeed in life, and fewer will ignore the idea men are useless and evil.
Of course there will always be the ugly clan of women who turn feminist b/c they weren't blessed with beauty. Rush calls them the Naral Hags or something like that. They are easily dismissed.
Now men have to step up and refill the void of leadership this country needs dearly. Palin just ain't gonna cut it.
Bil| 1.25.10 @ 8:38AM
Why don't we just round up all these idiots and send them to a island where they can all sing hippy songs and feel good about themselves. We will rebuild this great nation and make it once again the shinning light it is called to be. Seriously, there are way too many politicians and too many courts who have no clue as to what it takes to actually "make things" and "run things".
We are a nation of doers not pot smoking someone take care of me folks.
Appleby| 1.25.10 @ 9:15AM
I propose we send them to Haiti.
alice moore| 1.25.10 @ 9:29AM
What have the people of Haiti done to deserve them?
victor| 1.26.10 @ 10:41PM
Aren't you mispronouncing the name of the place they really should be going to:
Hades?
Chris| 1.25.10 @ 8:47AM
Isn't this the same "guy" that posed nude in Cosmo? Sounds kind of gay to me.
Indiana Alex| 1.25.10 @ 9:35AM
Our tax dollars at work here.
victor| 1.25.10 @ 9:35PM
Yo, dude, he was a college student at the time, at least he wasn't marching for the commies like some our presidents did, eh?
He was 22 at the time, he is now 50.
And getting elected senator.
Betcha he won't be trying to cast a vote at 2 AM, will he?
PS bet you did more than Scott did.
Sounds like you have a "gay" thing going on.
ds80| 1.26.10 @ 10:07AM
Posing (partially) nude [get your facts correct] in Cosmo sounds gay to you? That's a women's magazine, Chris. What sounds gay is your response to it.
Denver Todd| 1.25.10 @ 8:48AM
Not so fast, Mr. Tucker. Scott Brown doesn't represent all the facets of maleness. One that sticks out is his inability to protect the weak, specifically the unborn. In that sense, he is like a handsome man who gets his girl pregnant, then drives her in his truck to the abortion clinic. Yes, Brown is the Scott heard around the world, but really is the lesser of two evils. Coakley would have given us health reform and abortion. Brown just gave us abortion.
Ken (Old Texican)| 1.25.10 @ 9:02AM
Hi Denver.
Are you one of Obama's new "covert bloggers" hired to sow doubt in our better politicians?
Mr. Brown is NOT like the handsome man driving his girl to an abortion clinic. You, sir, are just a little too self righteous. Go and sin no more.
Warrior | 1.25.10 @ 10:24AM
Scott Brown "gave us abortion" like Obama has given us the truth. So is your point?
Margie| 1.25.10 @ 1:34PM
Scott Brown's stance on abortion (which you can read at his website scottbrownforussenate) doesn't say he is "pro-choice." He does say that he is for Parental notification. He is going by the unfortunate fact that abortion is legal right now in this country. He also says he is for adoption rather than abortion. So I wouldn't throw stones. He is nothing like the Leftist Pro-Choice Democrats.
Dai Alanye | 1.25.10 @ 2:59PM
Brown was a far better choice than Coakley, but those of you making him into some kind of conservative savior are in for a disappointment.
What's the first thing he did after giving his victory speech?—make a commercial for John McCain.
Scott Brown is wonderful for Massachusetts but no more than 'moderate' for the conservative cause.
victor| 1.25.10 @ 9:37PM
Hey, Sarah is going to stump for McCain. among others.
Go figure.
Brown-Palin 2012!
Dai Alanye | 1.25.10 @ 10:32PM
Sarah OWES McCain—that's the difference. Even so, I hope she is restrained in her enthusiasm, for I'd rather see the other guy in that seat.
victor| 1.26.10 @ 10:52PM
Let's see what Sarah does, now that J.D. Hayworth is gunning for McCain's seat, eh?
Sarah OWES McCain? For being treated like a rookie?
gearjammer| 1.25.10 @ 9:21AM
Ryan Genx is also more media savvy. They do not get persuaded by some big shot anchor like Uncle Walter-they know media bs when they see and hear it. They really do question authority, all authority, including sanctioned, liberal authority. They'd laugh a movie like China Syndrome right out of the movie house. America actually took this piece of crap seriously,and sha,e on the great Jack Lemon. As for Jane Fonda and the silly pet turtle-where we really that simplistic and child like ? yet, this movie still " informs " millions of Americans on nuke power, including al ot of demented old farts in media doing shows like the View-and they get paid millions.
Louis Jenkins| 1.25.10 @ 9:29AM
I say we should be thankful for the developments in Mass., they could have been worse all things considered. No, his stance on abortion is not to the liking of many here, and I for one hate to compromise. You always give up a bit of ground on compromise, but Coakley would have been a bitter pill to swallow. Brown's election has Obama's political machine scrambling for this year's election. It put a "fear of God" in his arrogant visage and something stinky in his pants.
bluecolarbytes| 1.25.10 @ 9:32AM
I remember an irrational exuberance from various quarters over the last many years, almost a delight, that manufacturing jobs were going to China. We would simply move into a "service economy", and/or better educate people to prepare them for the jobs of the 21st century.
Speaking as one lowly 'worker', I held out the possibility that there was no reason for alarm. After all, folks much smarter than me were actively pushing Globalization, where 'we all become one with an economy built on the rising living standards of all'. It seemed to make no difference that China, the largest beneficiary, was a communist dictatorship or that it steals intellectual property as fast as others crank it out.
I've concluded that it really was only about profits after all. China currently has them tucked away in their banks.
I don't favor govt restricting what folks do with their money at all. But I am waiting for some admission from the Globalists that their ideas on international trade carry the same validity as Global Warming.
bluecollarbytes| 1.25.10 @ 10:04AM
So then.....(making quick connection to my random thought process ;)....
Men are in a fix in part due to the exportation of our manufacturing. Illegal immigration is another problem. Blue-collar jobs have been transferred to illegal aliens for many years now. Believe it or not, there are outfits that refuse to hire anyone in construction unless they are illegals. This phenomenon doesn't generally bother anyone but those affected and threatened---largely White and Black males.
"We" created an illegal black labor market to compete with U.S. citizens in areas that used to be available to U.S. citizens. Oppose it and you'll find yourself accused of racism.
If I could convey one thing that goes on in the subterranean world of physical work, it's that uneducated males who might otherwise chisel out careers with some promise, are getting beat down by the job situation and society's seemingly indifference to it.
Personally I don't support kicking out all illegals. It's unworkable. Many have been here for years, taking advantage of the winks and nods from politicians. If I was one of them I would be in America, trying to better myself.
This is all politics. There is no higher perfection of man that can assert with authority that Globilization is the answer, or that illegals invading by the millions is some responsibility unique to America. It's ALL politics. So then what's wrong with this country leading through the wishes of its people?
Chris| 1.25.10 @ 9:37AM
Biggest TV "industries" being advertised of late - gold buying, debt counselling; mortgage refinancing; reverse mortgages and Chevron talking about how it is a "human" energy company. We have made "industry" both unprofitable and politically incorrect
Hanna Montana-Steinway-Stivic| 1.25.10 @ 9:42AM
"the angry man's revenge against the rise of the working woman." That would be funny if it weren't so pathetic. What's even funnier is that no one's reading Slate. I'm thirty-eight (speaking of Gen-x) and it seems like the whole msm is stuck in the early 1990's, when drinking coffee, listening to REM and majoring in Gender Studies was really "hep." (pun intended). Yeah, American men are tyrants, Ronald Reagan wanted Nancy to stay in the kitchen, and Ward regularly beat June into submission. I call this particular delusion "Roseanne Barr Syndrome" and everyone in the msm is loaded with it!
Dorothy Wynne| 1.25.10 @ 10:05AM
There also has been a lack of apprenticeships and a push toward college for everyone, forgetting that skilled workers (plumbers, electricians, those with technical skills) are vital. As a former university advisor, I have seen too many people in college for all the wrong reasons. We need to stress education in all its forms, not just "book learning."
bluecollarbytes| 1.25.10 @ 10:23AM
Great point.
Vocational training would serve some millions of folks better than college. Consuming-homeowners would also benefit from true tradesmen (and women tradesmen of course) who know enough about what they're doing to produce Craftsmanship.
Warrior | 1.25.10 @ 10:30AM
One of the best movie quotes of all time from Caddyshack:
Danny Noonan: I planned to go to law school after I graduated, but it looks like my folks won't have enough money to put me through college.
Judge Smails: Well, the world needs ditch diggers, too.
ds80| 1.26.10 @ 10:10AM
Warrior .... as Carl Spackler said: "I have to laugh"
Tim| 1.25.10 @ 10:12AM
Once the Arsenal of Democracy, we've become the post industrial superfund brownfield of Democracy.
Joan Wayne| 1.25.10 @ 10:50AM
To paraphrase a line from the "Departed"
It looks like the Republicans have awakened.
Fellow Dems, act accordingly!!
Louis Jenkins| 1.25.10 @ 10:54AM
A friend and I observed the other day that, in the old days, the dirtiest man in the coffee shop was usually a plumber. After sodering cast iron pipe all day his hands and clothes were a mess. Now a days plumbing is such a breeze a fellow can go down to Lowe's armed with the plumbing code book, buy what he needs, and fix his home plumbing problems without much difficulty. In a sense, plumbing has become so easy even a cave man could do it. I'm not a cave man but have re-plumbed most of my house using just that principle. Several years ago I hired a plumber to do a small job for me, he looked me in the eye and said, "I charge $200.00 per hour." That was enough incentive to get me involved in fixing things myself. But there is nothing wrong with getting a certificate in plumbing, electrical work, or other journeyman trades. I urged my daughter to do just that. A new attorney that I acquired also said, "I charge $200.00/hr for consultation and court work." There's always a need for a trade or profession that pays the worker well. Good advice folks. College is not for everyone, yet there is a fair living to be made if one applies himself.
jwm| 1.25.10 @ 12:25PM
"Now a days plumbing is such a breeze ..."
You're kidding, right? Have you ever done plumbing work? I spent all day working on some plumbing at my house, including the 4 trips to the hardware store and it was a pain. Plumbers earn every cent they are paid!
Louis Jenkins| 1.25.10 @ 12:55PM
Cutting copper pipe and soddering, etc., is a pain. Try PEX piping next time, you'll be amazed. PEX had a bad rep a few years ago, but the fittings have been improved and stay tight with age. The crimping tool is pricey, and that's the biggest expense. Compared to other home projects, like laying roofing shingles or laying brick, I'd have to rate it easy, didn't say it wouldn't take time. It's all in the planning. Estimate what pieces and the lengths of piping you'll need, then go to the hardware store armed with your list. And don't forget the quick connect couplings that allow you to join pipes made of different materials. They're good for stopping in the middle of a job and watching the ball game. I like PEX better than PVC and its easy too. Unfortunately for me, I enjoy doing stuff like that. Some folks don't have the patience, and that's the key to doing it yourself. I get a huge amount of personal satisfaction doing it myself inspite of the problems that are encountered, and yes, additional trips to the hardware store. You are correct, plumbers earn every cent. I don't begrudge them the cost of their labor one bit. But when you need one quickly, guess what? Good luck on your next home project, and give yourself credit, you did it.
victor| 1.25.10 @ 9:46PM
We only rent, but have fixed up our places in spots and have replaced, temporarily, some light fixtures.
Home depot said that they would install them, for a "slight" fee, of course.
I said, I can put that "slight" fee to better use than they and put up a groovy pendant over our bistro table.
Still have the box, so I will take it with us when we go.
Adam Wade| 1.25.10 @ 11:12AM
I would like to comment on statements that William Tucker made about natural gas and nuclear power for electricity in an otherwise excellent article. I am a degreed engineer (BS, Chemical Engineering, Clemson U, GO TIGERS!)and I used to work for a company that makes gas turbines for power generation. First of all, most of the NG burned for electricity generation is burned in gas turbines, not boilers. Furthermore, more and more of these turbines are combined cycle turbines, where the hot gases from combustion in the turbine are used to generate steam to drive a steam turbine, thus providing a "double bunch of cherries" for the fuel used. These combined cycle turbines- so named because they utilize both the mechanical and thermal energy fron burning fuel- are much more efficient than ordinary boilers, roughly 60% versus 35%. Secondly, Electricity from nuclear reactors and from gas turbines are different beasts: Power companies use nuclear reactors to satisfy base load, while gas turbines are used to satisfy peak load and emergency backup. This use is justified because nuclear reactors take hours to start up and shut down, while a peaker, single cycle gas turbine can go from room temperature, dead stopped to up, running and generating electric power in 20 minutes. The reason more NG is used to make electricity is because electrical demand is increasingly "peaky" Think about it-50 years ago when a heat wave struck, people sat out on their porches or went to the beach. Nowadays, during the heat wave, people are likely to go inside, turn on the A/C, turn on the big screen plasma TV, and go online, or go to the Mall/Movies/etc (also air conditioned, well lit, plenty of TVs). Furthermore, Tucker states NG is better used to heat homes, etc. I live in the South Carolina Lowcountry, and here most homes and businesses are all electric-including electric heat, utilizing either electric furnaces (I had one at my college apartment) or heat pumps. These types of heat are very "peaky", thus dependent on electricity from gas fired gas turbines. Last, I am not so sure nuclear reactors are the way to go. Nuclear reactors cost a fortune to build, and are also dependent on largely IMPORTED URANIUM. Here is this country we have enormous reserves of fossil fuels- coal; the US is the Persian Gulf of coal, is now used to generate 50 % of our electricity, and burned in clean boilers. Also, the US has tremendous, undeveloped reserves of oil and natural gas, especially in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico and in the continental US in deep reserves of NG. I think a very good solution to our electricity needs is to build more combined cycle turbine power plants. By the way, gas turbines can be made to burn either natural gas, fuel oil or kerosene-whichever is cheapest that week. Best of all would be to get the environmental wackos and the bureaucrats out of the way and LET THE FREE MARKET DECIDE the best way to generate the electricity, heat our homes, power our industry.
Adam Wade
Charleston, SC
Ray| 1.25.10 @ 12:04PM
I have a question for you, how much domestic coal, gas, or oil does it take to match the energy output potential of a pound of uranium? Nuclear reactions is the most efficient means of producing power that is available to us. The energy released by nuclear reactions are thousands of times more powerful than the energy released by any possible chemical reaction. Isn't it better it better if we use the most EFFICIENT methods available as opposed to the most abundant? That just makes sense to me. But, then again, I don't have a PHD, so what do I know?
Oh, and by the way, modern nuclear reactors use multistage steam turbines to generate electricity. These include high, medium, and low pressure stages, similar to modern gas turbine generators. These types of steam generators have been in use for almost a hundred years. Even the Titanic had one aboard. Where do you think the gas generators got their technology, anyways? Gas turbine technology is not a leading technology, it's a following technology. It's following in the footsteps of good old reliable steam power.
JP| 1.25.10 @ 1:05PM
One of the things about oil is that it is auctioned on the world market. If an oil company began drilling in say Montana, that oil doesn' necessairily remain state-side. If the Chicoms make the highest bid, they get the oil. I read a few years ago that the Chicoms bought a Canadian oil company. And instead of auctioning that oil in the open market, it was shipped back to China. I think that is the exception, that proves the rule, however.
I think we have to be clear about our goals. If energy independence is the goal, then coal, NG, and nuclear are the quickist ways to get there (but nuclear energy has to be subsidized in part). Our energy grids account for 60% of our oil consumption. Reducing that by half would be enough to put a hurt on our enemies.
However, one of the games OPEC plays is to manipulate the oil markets every time we get serious about reducing foreign oil consumption. From a market stand point, alternatives to oil make the best economic sense when oil prices are elevated. OPEC knows this, and they are more than willing to lose money in the short term in order to the implementation of other energy sources. In that case the federal government would have to assist in sharing the costs of new energy sources A dicey proposition at best, but one we would have to face. Again, here I'm talking about clean coal, NG, and nuclear power. Solar and wind don't even come close to being an efficient alternative.
victor| 1.25.10 @ 9:51PM
"From a market stand point, alternatives to oil make the best economic sense when oil prices are elevated"
The best economic sense is drilling our own oil. We the largerst reserves in several places. Utah, Wyoming an dColorado have enough oil for 300 years or so. The Bakke Fields in the Dakotas are filled with oil and a big refinery is being built.
ANWR and off-shore off of both coasts have plenty to fill our needs.
We can put many Americans to work and get out of this mess that Obama is prolonging and poke the A-rabs in the eye at the same time. As well as Chavez and Putin.
crookedwren| 1.25.10 @ 2:25PM
Coal is being threatened here in the East. They want it shut down.
Know someone involved in the coal industry who is headed out west for the first time in decades.
Always been in Va or WVa.
When the Great and Wonderful Wizard of O was here, the Coal folks were out in force.
I get regular emails from people in the coal industry -- another target of the Administration. Wipe out more industry, more jobs, more American sources of energy. Cause independence goes against the chant of "redistribution of wealth."
The Banking Industry is catching it now -- so there goes my retirement (what little I've been able to save) once again.
The Wizard of O. should just keep his mouth shut. I much prefer his golf outings and vacations. When he and Congress start focusing on something, it's gonna be another disaster.
sestamibi| 1.25.10 @ 1:45PM
William, you veered off-message, even if what you said was correct.
Martha Coakley didn't get married until age 49, has no kids and does not use her husband's name. That's enough to make every non-mangina man's blood boil--even in the absence of everything else you mentioned.
As for your energy analysis, sometimes we do it to ourselves. Several years ago a bill to establish an electric renewable portfolio standard was defeated in the Colorado legislature, so a group of enviros took their case to the public in the form of a ballot measure, which passed handily.
victor| 1.25.10 @ 9:54PM
Colorado has 100 years or so of oil that it is not doing anything with. Why?
Creating electricity is complicated, drilling for oil is not.
crookedwren| 1.25.10 @ 2:26PM
"It's Bush's fault."
Jim| 1.25.10 @ 2:44PM
My fuel sipping Honda Civic: 33 in town 39-43 hwy.
:)
victor| 1.25.10 @ 9:55PM
Yes, but can you carry a 9 x 12 rug or a 12' Christmas tree? Inside?
geekspeak| 1.25.10 @ 3:50PM
amazing; women are allowed to act ( )itchey,
angry, describe their vagina to the unsuspecting but when a man is laid off from his job he is not to act angry.....
Richard Baker| 1.25.10 @ 6:13PM
Chris:
Do you even know anything about the Cosmopolitan magazine that Scott Brown posed for? A half-nekkid guy for the ladies.
Mr Chris| 1.25.10 @ 6:24PM
Another excellent story by Mr. Tucker with his simple to understand logic.
It’s a good time to invest in wheelchair manufactures.
Thanks Bill,
CH
CJohnson| 1.25.10 @ 6:42PM
Tip of the iceberg; EPA is the new gestapo and their polices have effectively brain damaged an entire generation of scientists, teachers, politicans and judiciary. There are too many people under age 40 who think EPA laws are based on scientific proof rather than political expediency. Never forget it was Reagan who signed AHERA and turned the EPA into another government thugocracy.
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Curtis| 1.26.10 @ 3:27AM
As far as Feminism goes; the feminists are discovering that women and men are intrinsically linked, and what's good for the gander really is good for the goose. You can only tear down a man so far before you start dragging his wife, mother, and daughter with him. You can only hurt a man so much before his womenfolk start reaching for the pitchforks and torches. The old maids and lesbians at the forefront who keep pushing past womens' equality and want to declare a war on all things masculine are about to reap a worldwind within thier own ranks. Hopefully. Because if the average Jane on the street doesn't start changing the tune and pace of the militant feminists, there ain't going to be workplace, home life, or political scene that women will be able to get into.
As far as the environment goes, we really need to burn down the lobbyist side of the enviro equation (Save the cute critters, pretty vistas',VIPs ocean front views, and whatever nice thing Oprah is talking about this week.) and focus more on an economic format. Everything we do has an environmental impact. We need to concentrate on getting the most value while inflicting the least damage. IE; conservationism. Use what we have wisely, judiciously, and keep an eye on preserving some extra so the kids can inherent something nice when we all eat dirt.
As far as our economy goes; we're screwed. Our entire market has become an illusory numbers game. We're a service based economy, and you can't export service. (Well, there is tech support, but I digress) In rough times an industrial nation can export its' products to the markets that aren't suffering. But you can't export a hair cut, a pedicure, or dog grooming. All our jobs are reliant on the people around us, and the nation as a whole, as being relatively effluent.
The cookie is crumbling on the economy, but it ain't too late to bake something different.
Rob| 1.26.10 @ 6:46AM
Finally, 38 years after the McGovern "Don't Blame Me, I'm From Massachusetts" bumperstickers have faded, we Bay Staters have something to crow about. A great deal of thanks has to go to the generous donors in other states and, sadly, this is probably a one-off election. I don't expect we'll have another Republican who can galvanize the support that Brown did, but still...we did it.
Thanks to the out-of-state concerned citizens and, mostly, thanks to the Mass. voters who came out in nasty weather voting for real hope and change.
Don| 1.26.10 @ 10:02PM
Why is it that so many so called real "men" have such a low opinion of women?
How is it that so many of you can fall into this simplistic line of camel crud?
I am sorry, I sympathize with the Right on so many issues, and I feel the need to act out my manly activities from time to time, like for instance being kind to kittens, but, just so you dames on board and you guys still developing your intellect should know, Hey, you know what, I was just about to say something disparaging, but I'll refrain and simply remind everyone that being a thoughtful and decent person is not confined to one sex or the other.
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แรน | 4.22.11 @ 12:47AM
You can only hurt a man so much before his womenfolk start reaching for the pitchforks and torches. The old maids and lesbians at the forefront who keep pushing past womens' equality and want to declare a war on all things masculine are about to reap a worldwind within thier own ranks. Hopefully.
IBCBET | 5.25.11 @ 1:04AM
I sympathize with the Right on so many issues, and I feel the need to act out my manly activities from time to time, like for instance being kind to kittens. IBCBET
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