When the writer adds these to the list of things that will be hurt by the US defaulting, all credibility is lost, and my anxiety goes away:
Art lovers, beachgoers, and public TV viewers. A long list of "discretionary" federal programs has been targeted for cuts or elimination, and those could end up getting whacked right away.According to the article, a default would have huge national and global impact: most likely a US recession; social security recipients would not get their checks; government workers furloughed; maybe military would not be paid; and then the writer says that art lovers, beachgoers, and public TV viewers would be hurt. Give me a break. Those last three categories are the least of my worries.
As a reminder, in 2006, every -- repeat, every -- Democratic Senator, including then-Senator Obama, voted against raising the debt limit.
No worries. The proletariat doesn't need art, beaches, or any information that doesn't come from Fox news. If they've got time to play and appreciate art, they simply aren't working hard enough.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the recession would more accurately be called a robbery. The debt ceiling kabuki dance currently under way, is just one of the final chapters in which the oligarchs get it all. Wouldn't it be great if most folks knew where the money really went? It's probably why the rich want to pull the plug on PBS. It's the last channel here in the US where you might find a little truth. I recommend Frontline's "The Warning" for a small taste.
As a new mineral owner, I appreciate the information you've collected here, Bruce. That said, I hope you don't mind a dissenting opinion posted here from time to time. Since I used to make my living in the arts, I'm a bit sensitive to those who don't appreciate them. Sure you can't eat a painting, but the soul needs sustenance as well. Peace.
My first love, believe it or not, is art.
ReplyDeleteI fell in love with Monet and art in general twenty to thirty years ago. Art (painting) is my first love.
My second love is literature, and in fact, I have a minor blog devoted to literature. I am also an Amazon Vine reviewer of books.
With regard to beaches, my favorite are the beaches along the north shore, north of Boston, Cape Ann. The beaches near Charleston, South Carolina, may be the best for swimming. Normandy Beach is the most poignant, awe-inspiring.
I haven't watched news on television for years (?). That may be an exaggeration, but if I've watched it recently, it was in passing. I don't go to ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, etc., for news on purpose. The internet provides me my own choices, my own filters, my own interpretations based on scores of sites.
If the US defaults, the least of my worries will be the loss of federal funding for PBS, the arts, or literature. With how little money the US government provides for PBS, art, and beaches, the fact that the author mentioned it all, was gilding the lily as someone once said. Putting funding for arts along side social security checks, Medicare, military pay, seemed a bit over the top but I could be wrong. I often am.