A brand-new U.S. military headquarters in Afghanistan. And nobody to use it.

[ryoder 1,590]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/a-brand-new-us-military-headquarters-in-afghanistan-and-nobody-to-use-it/2013/07/09/2bb73728-e8cd-11e2-a301-ea5a8116d211_story_1.html

[facepalm]

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[NorrinRadd 0]

And then people ask for money for social programs and education and its all "Not with MY tax dollars! That's wasteful!"

Why drive myself crazy trying to be normal, when I am already at crazy?

[rehmwa 2]

NorrinRadd

And then people ask for money for social programs and education and its all "Not with MY tax dollars! That's wasteful!"

what's your point? Do you contend that it's ok to rationalize wasteful spending in one area because some other area is 'doing it too?' Last time I checked, both parties have people in congress where both these spending items get approved

Or is it the lame old "well, I'd RATHER they waste money over here instead of this example"

that is the purity and absurdity of the partisan nature of political debate today. "Hey, we're stupid and irresponsible, but less so than the other guys. So call us gods and give us all your money" All the while, both parties spend on everything they can to garner votes and support.

it is stupid and wasteful - they need to stop spending on everything. It's not a matter of spend one place vs spend on the other place.

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants

[NorrinRadd 0]

I suppose I would rather see money being spent on helping people out, and giving our next generation a better chance for the future, than invading countries and building bases no-one is using. I suppose that means I view the one as a worthwhile expenditure of money, and the other as a terrible waste. That is my point. If that makes me 'partisan', then so be it. I don't choose political sides, though.. or sides at all. I just go in the direction that makes the most sense to me. If that direction happens to agree or disagree with certain sides, well, that is not an intentional thing.

Why drive myself crazy trying to be normal, when I am already at crazy?

[rehmwa 2]

NorrinRadd

I suppose I would rather see money being spent on helping people out, and giving our next generation a better chance for the future, than invading countries and building bases no-one is using. I suppose that means I view the one as a worthwhile expenditure of money, and the other as a terrible waste. That is my point. If that makes me 'partisan', then so be it. I don't choose political sides, though.. or sides at all. I just go in the direction that makes the most sense to me. If that direction happens to agree or disagree with certain sides, well, that is not an intentional thing.

most people consider their personal philosophy to be better for everyone as a whole - the whole "the other guy is evil" stance is really a pile of crap - in general, people do have good intentions, even those that disagree with us. Social spending can be viewed as helping, or hurting, depending on how big a picture you view and how you view human nature. However, spending more than we make, regardless of where you spend it, is always bad short term or long term. (yeah, I see the irony in how I've phrased all that)



But still, the whole, "spend it here" vs "spend it there" is just an argument that typically partisan types make. They don't seem to realize that "just don't spend it at all" is even an option. That's why my cynicism button goes off whenever I hear "we should have spent it (my pet budget) instead of (their pet budget)"

...
Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants