dagblog - Comments for "False Consciousness isn't False"

Yes, we agree on your

rmrd0000 — Sat, 23 May 2015 01:35:30 +0000

In reply to We can agree on the Gerard

Yes, we agree on your Sancerre Pinot

Oxy Mora - a "free trade"

HSG — Fri, 22 May 2015 23:41:11 +0000

In reply to Hal, one of the definitions

Oxy Mora - a "free trade" deal coupled with higher minimum wages might lead to higher unemployment since the mandated higher wages here would make production in low-wage countries that much more attractive. It is true that some service industries like fast food can't be off-shored but retail can certainly be - think of all the items we can buy online these days that are shipped to us from China. I just don't see how we can benefit from a deal that puts more American workers in direct competition with laborers who are paid sub $1/hour. In Krugman's latest column, , dated today, he is about as critical of the TPP as he has ever been of a trade deal. Honestly though his criticisms are somewhat different than mine although there is overlap.

Regarding the two conflicting ideas at once, I agree with you that it is quite possible to view your country's interests as somewhat different than your own. Some wealthy individuals, like Warren Buffett, have argued for higher taxes on themselves. But the Pew Poll says that most Americans don't think trade deals lead to higher salaries or more jobs in the aggregate. Yet, we still believe they're in our best interests. I maintain my original position that it is paradoxical to conclude a trade deal that does not lead to higher wages or more jobs for Americans as in America's best interest.

Hal, one of the definitions

Oxy Mora — Fri, 22 May 2015 23:10:52 +0000

In reply to False Consciousness isn't False

Hal, one of the definitions of true intelligence is to be able to hold two seemingly countervailing views in mind at the same time. For example, I might think both things at once--- overall the trade deal is good, along with it won't necessarily create jobs or raise wages.

As we were discussing on another thread, pardon me, the direct labor jobs may not be where the operatives are in terms of the broader positive economic effects of the trade deal.

Part of the reason I keep taking you up on these trade blogs is that if one combined the possible positive effects of the deal with worthwhile associated reforms, like higher minimum wages, it would be better than just harping on how bad this deal is.

We can agree on the Gerard

NCD — Fri, 22 May 2015 04:20:00 +0000

In reply to I was actually guessing what

We can agree on the Gerard Bertrand Domaine de L’Aigle Pinot Noir 2009 Pays d’Oc,?

I was actually guessing what

rmrd0000 — Fri, 22 May 2015 02:48:30 +0000

In reply to Sancerre rouge from the mid

I was actually guessing what Michael was tasting, betting it was a Burgundy Pinot Noir

If you tasted a Sancerre rouge, you have my sympathy.

However, I will admit to tasting a Greek Retsina. the later wine is stored in pine resin as a preservative, practice dating back to ancient Roman times. Your pinot could not have been worse.

Sancerre rouge from the mid

NCD — Thu, 21 May 2015 23:47:02 +0000

In reply to I'm betting that it was an

Sancerre rouge from the mid to higher elevations of the Loire Valley in years of copious spring rains followed by cool dry weather are fine choices, 1998 was a very good year.

I'm betting that it was an

rmrd0000 — Thu, 21 May 2015 19:13:49 +0000

In reply to I trust the wine was not

I'm betting that it was an AOC/ AOP from Burgundy

I trust the wine was not

NCD — Thu, 21 May 2015 18:02:30 +0000

In reply to My reaction to this is that

I trust the wine was not Gerard Bertrand Domaine de L’Aigle Pinot Noir 2009 Pays d’Oc,?

Absolute bilge water, enough to make one crave a tankard of Gallo.

Michael - relatively

HSG — Thu, 21 May 2015 13:01:14 +0000

In reply to My reaction to this is that

Michael - relatively unfettered international trade among high-wage representative democracies, like Canada, EU members, and the US, can truly be mutually beneficial. My focus is on the paradox that most Americans see free trade with low wage autocratic countries as benefiting America even though we recognize that it does not lead to more jobs or a higher income. Yes, we do get cheap iPhones from China but the total number of Americans in poverty has never been higher and the percentage is creeping back to pre-LBJ levels.

I am going to add this video

trkingmomoe — Thu, 21 May 2015 06:59:12 +0000

In reply to False Consciousness isn't False

I am going to add this video here of a interview with Paul Krugman. I think it is from a couple of years ago. Everything he says rings true today. Towards the end he will give his opinion on why people have been clinging to this far right ideology so it does tie into this discussion. He covers lots of history as to why we are were we are now. It is a hour long but worth the time to listen too.