News Are Americans Really Whiners? A Discussion on the Nation's Economic Attitudes

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Phil Gramm, economic adviser to John McCain, sparked controversy by labeling Americans as a "nation of whiners," suggesting that the recession is a mental construct rather than a reality. This statement has raised concerns about McCain's connection to the economic struggles faced by average citizens, with critics arguing that Gramm's views reflect a disconnect from the economic pain experienced by many. Despite technical indicators not confirming a recession, discussions highlight the real financial hardships affecting various sectors, particularly trucking and fishing, where rising fuel costs are crippling businesses. The conversation also critiques McCain's economic policies and advisors, including Gramm, who is associated with deregulation that contributed to current economic issues. Critics emphasize that the economic struggles are tangible for many, countering the notion that complaints are merely perceptions. The debate underscores broader concerns about the implications of elite perspectives on economic policy and the lived experiences of everyday Americans.
  • #31
Sail boats?
 
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  • #32
WarPhalange said:
Sail boats?
Sail boats with auxiliary power are still selling, though more slowly than in years past. Sales of motor launches, pleasure boats and motor-yachts are WAY off.

The largest seller of RVs, camper trailers, ATVs and watercraft in this area shut their doors two weeks ago It was a family business that has been around for decades. People who are losing their jobs and/or fighting high fuel and food prices just can't justify luxuries like this. Who needs a motor boat or party boat when you can't afford to fuel it? Who needs an RV or a 5th wheel camper when you can't afford the fuel to get to nice vacation spots? There goes at least a dozen good-paying local jobs.

One bright spot - my mother-in-law has a camp on a very popular lake with deep clean water. It used to be very noisy over there with all the personal watercraft, ski-boats, etc. Now, except for the occasional small boat putting around with low-hp motors (fishermen trolling for lake trout) it's pretty darned quiet. This may be her last summer at her camp (she's over 90), so it's nice that she gets some peace and quiet on her front deck.
 
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  • #33
I'll do everything in my power to get those offshore reserves exploited ... um, er, explored, discovered and um..." McCain said, drawing some knowing chuckles from the largely Republican audience [continued]
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/McCain_gaffe_Wants_offshore_resources_exploited_0711.html

McCain acknowledges that exploiting the coastal reserves will not reduce the price of fuel for at least five years [more like ten], and even then, only a little. He said that it will be psychologically beneficial to the economy.

Yesterday, McCain admitted that his offshore drilling proposal would probably have mostly "psychological" benefits,...
http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/06/24/1163504.aspx

Apparently McCain thinks that the psychological benefit of drilling will cure the mental recession.
 
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  • #34
Not on the web yet: Gramm is stepping down.

He was the chairman of McCains economic committee and presumed to be the next Treasury Secretary.
 
  • #38
turbo-1 said:
In this case, yep!

Then you would be WRONG! :-p
 

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