22 replies to this topic

[MoeAlfa]

An energy boom, marriage equality in a few states, and now this. Could we be turning the corner on anything else?

Of course, everything still sucks...

[tq2000]

An energy boom and now this. Could we be turning the corner on anything else?

Of course everything still sucks...

Despite popular opinion to the contrary, I am optimistic that we are finally starting to get a handle on health care costs.

[zzrider]

An energy boom and now this. Could we be turning the corner on anything else?

Of course everything still sucks...

Despite popular opinion to the contrary, I am optimistic that we are finally starting to get a handle on health care costs.

While I hope you are right, I'm not seeing it. Just curious - what evidence leads you to this optimism?

Controlling health care costs really doesn't have to be difficult - we just don't want to do it. Merely holding people financially responsible for the health outcomes of their own conscious choices would make a huge difference in health care costs. Want to smoke? Fine, either pay up for decades of expensive care needed to treat your COPD or cancer, or die young, Want to be morbidly obese? Fine. Pay up or die young. Your choice.

Yes, I know I'm cutting off my own nose by favoring health care cost savings. It it weren't for smokers, the morbidly obese, and drunks, I'd probably be out of a job.

[Mark K]

An energy boom and now this. Could we be turning the corner on anything else?

Of course everything still sucks...

Despite popular opinion to the contrary, I am optimistic that we are finally starting to get a handle on health care costs.

While I hope you are right, I'm not seeing it. Just curious - what evidence leads you to this optimism?

Controlling health care costs really doesn't have to be difficult - we just don't want to do it. Merely holding people financially responsible for the health outcomes of their own conscious choices would make a huge difference in health care costs. Want to smoke? Fine, either pay up for decades of expensive care needed to treat your COPD or cancer, or die young, Want to be morbidly obese? Fine. Pay up or die young. Your choice.

Yes, I know I'm cutting off my own nose by favoring health care cost savings. It it weren't for smokers, the morbidly obese, and drunks, I'd probably be out of a job.

The reason to be optimistic? Steins Law: "If something cannot go on forever, it will stop."

Some of those scary charts Ryan has been waving around show healthcare growing at the current rate all the way out to 2085, and consuming half the national GDP around then. Can't happen. The trend can't continue forever, so it will stop. It appears we are already close to the limit of what we are willing (able?) to spend now, actually.

[jetboy]

It's not all that crazy when kids grow up to parents like this:


that the future might be headed toward this:

[tq2000]

This is the good news thread. You are supposed to post something you think is good news. *


*you are free of course to continue acknowledging that everything sucks.

[craigiri]

I am optimistic because most of the folks complaining here are older. The Faux and Rushbo audiences are over 60....way over 60 in many cases.

And, I do believe somewhat in that law - things have to get real bad before they get better, especially when ignorance is at play. Churchill had it right many decades ago when he said Americans always will do the right thing - but only AFTER all other possibilities have been exhausted. I think it is safe to say that jails full of pot smokers and health care going on 20% of GDP...and even Iraq, represent most other possibilities being exhausted.

[craigiri]

Let's get even more optimistic.

I call for 12-15% rise in the S&P in 2013. It's right here for everyone to see....

[MoeAlfa]

I think relaxing pot laws counts.

I would also mention the thaw on immigration. Big step there.

[tq2000]

I think relaxing pot laws counts.

I would also mention the thaw on immigration. Big step there.

big +1 on both counts.

I would add that, while anectdotal, I am seeing less outsourcing of both manufacturing and services.

[MoeAlfa]

Let's get even more optimistic.

I call for 12-15% rise in the S&P in 2013. It's right here for everyone to see....

I'm fixin' to get in big during and after the coming air pockets.

[tikipete]

Well, if people haven't been buying and all their stuff is wearing out...

[Clove Hitch]

Good news--

--marriage equality seems to have reached the tipping point
--as has pot decriminalization


I've got a scar on my lower leg and the flesh looks as puffy and ill formed as a pizza crust, but the good news is, the sutures come out tomorrow! Look to your own little fleshy realm and you're bound to see something positive.

[craigiri]

Let's get even more optimistic.

I call for 12-15% rise in the S&P in 2013. It's right here for everyone to see....

I'm fixin' to get in big during and after the coming air pockets.

Get out of bonds while you are at it...or at least make sure you only hold shorter terms.

[craigiri]

Real Estate headed up in a lot of places! My son is looking to buy in Pittsburgh (yes, it's the new brooklyn!) and the market is hot...

[tq2000]

The fact that the top threads here are all about guns or global warming seems to indicate people have stopped panicking about the economy.

[Cruisin Loser]

US CO₂ emissions are at a 20 year low, and can be expected to decline further as natural gas replaces coal in electrical generation.

[Dog]

Milder winters and hurricane damage related projects.

[d'ranger]

The last two days I have actually been able to wear a jacket and not sweat.

It's the little things, those itty bitty things.....

[tuk tuk joe]

Real Estate headed up in a lot of places! My son is looking to buy in Pittsburgh (yes, it's the new brooklyn!) and the market is hot...

That's because the fed is creating an additional 40 billion a month "out of thin air" buying mortgaged backed securities. My advise would be a thirty year fixed...

[MoeAlfa]

Menhaden catch reduced! This addresses a desperate situation and a bad player who had bypassed controls for years.

http://www.washingto...91d6_story.html

[Tom Ray]

Good news--

--marriage equality seems to have reached the tipping point
--as has pot decriminalization

I'd be more willing to believe the pot problem (prohibition) is going away if either of the guys with a chance to win the Oval Office had favored ending it in the last election...

[Anthonyvop]

The first think Obama Did right
http://www.cnn.com/2...nternet-treaty/


Plus

Michigan passing a workers rights bill.

The Supreme Court Tell Illinois that it can't disarm their people.