Waltzing on the Titanic

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

By Larrey Anderson
America's young people helped elect Barack Obama. Way to go kids! This article is for you. Let's take a look at your future.


We won't need a time machine. We will just need to visit Europe and talk to the youth of France, Italy, and Greece. Don't worry. They won't mind. They have plenty of time to talk. They don't have jobs.


Young people in Western Europe tend to sit around, smoke Marlboro cigarettes, drink espresso (and Coca Cola), and (at least until this election) bitch about America.


They have been taught, since their first day in school, that capitalism is evil -- that the government can, and should, provide health care, employment, and eventually, guaranteed retirement benefits for everyone.


In their leisurely conversations when they have finished condemning capitalism, they go on to praise the idea of socialism. They do not praise their own countries. They are not stupid. The health care stinks. (Young people don't care much about that.) There are no jobs. (But there are unemployment benefits.) And the retirement systems are bankrupt. (But old age is way, way, way in the future.)


So, they argue, in the next election they are going to replace the loser socialists who currently run their countries with some real socialists -- politicians who will finally keep their promises. I heard this discussion in France thirty years ago. I heard it the last time I was in Italy. It is taking place in Greece right now.


The last time I was in Rome I listened as a very bright young man explained to his friends, over lunch at a sidewalk café, what was really going on: Most European countries have become, essentially, plutocracies. The socialist governments give lip service to wealth redistribution but they are tightly interwoven with the "old money" in the banking system and in big business.


This came as no surprise to his educated friends. Their response was (same as it always is): Of course the system is corrupt. We will throw out the old socialists and put in some new ones. It played in their minds like a broken record. I have heard it for years and years and years.


The only thing that stopped the conversation from becoming a perpetual loop was that one of the conversationalists eventually proclaimed, "Ah. But at least we are not America!" The Marlboros got lit up. The espresso and Coca Cola were sipped. And they got back to the serious business of bashing capitalism.


Well, not all of them. It turned out that the bright young man who had so eloquently described the current corruption was the bus boy at the café. He had a university education ... and a job!


I had the opportunity to speak with one of these young people alone. Actually, this fellow was not so young anymore. He was thirty-four. He still lived with his parents.


He could not afford his own place. His family was having problems even paying their electrical bills.


The reason the price of electricity was so high was that the "greens" had for years stopped the Italian government from building nuclear power plants.


He drove a taxi a few days a week (the only job he could find). He had a girlfriend but could not afford to marry her. He was not planning on having children. But in the next election, he assured me, a brand new socialism was coming. He started to rattle off the names of the experts he had read in the newspapers (and he had studied in the university) who had told him so.


I felt sorry for him. I had had this exact conversation many times before. He was brim full of hope and change.


Listen up young Americans: What is coming to the United States is what has been happening in Europe for decades. The ships of state have smashed into an iceberg called socialism and they are sinking.


This is not a Republican versus Democrat thing. Republicans had ten years to clean up the mess. They made it worse. I don't blame you for wanting to throw the bums out. I did too.


But putting in a new and improved and ever more aggressive socialist like Obama is not the answer. (Don't argue about his socialism. Go to his website and show me some free market proposals.) They have been trying this in Europe for three generations. It has not worked.


That trillion-dollar "bi-partisan" bailout passed by our Congress did not go to the people who cannot make their house payments. It is being handed out to the big bankers and to big business.


That is how socialism works. Politicians, bankers, and big businessmen do an age-old dance in triple time. There is no trickle down economics in socialism. Almost all of the money stays at the top.


America will soon be, like Europe has been, waltzing on the Titanic. Thanks for the dance.


Larrey Anderson is a writer, a philosopher, and submissions editor for American Thinker. His latest award-winning novel is The Order of the Beloved.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Golden Corral is having a veterans free buffet November 17 from 5-9 PM.

Lieutenant Dan just told me on the magic talking picture box in my living room.

[Vaevictis]

So, does anyone like corn on the cob?

Personally, I like mine in the husk, roasted, with butter and salt.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Corn on the cob is bad ***.

Speaking of corn, Golden Corral has really good corn for buffet corn. If you're a veteran, I recommend you go check out the free buffet full of various types of corn Novermber 17th from 5-9 PM.

[Vaevictis]

What do you mean by "good corn for buffet corn?"

Is that good corn on an absolute scale, or is that like saying, "It's ****, but it's not the worst kind of **** you can possibly eat?"

[Tulsa_Fireman]

It's the latter.

You know how buffet corn is usually swimming in 8 hour old scorched margarine and has that almost plastic taste? Like a cross between popcorn and roofing tar. Giganto food industry canned corn. Their corn is pretty good. Not fresh cut from the cob you just pulled out of the garden good, but good compared to the rest of the crap you'll find out there.

Did I mention Lieutenant Dan talked to me from the magic talking box in my living room?

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

That's right, lib geniuses, you'll get what you asked for. Just won't like it like you thought.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Too bad I'm not a veteran.

Free buffets kick ***.

[Rhino]

I don't know about you guys, but I love drinking Coca-Cola!

[Vaevictis]

I don't know about you guys, but I love drinking Coca-Cola!

I personally prefer Diet Coke.

But American Diet Coke. Did you know that French Diet Coke tastes different? They call it "Coca Light." It tastes a lot like some cross between Pepsi and American Diet Coke.

It's kind of weird. What's more wierd is that Coke Zero is cheaper than regular Coca and Coca Light. Something like 0.60 euros out of the vending machine compared to 0.80. Strange, huh?

Gosh, I'm glad to be back in the USA where Diet Coke tastes like Diet Coke is supposed to taste.

[Vaevictis]

Corn tastes the same in France though, just for your edification.

[Vaevictis]

Fajitas, on the other hand, do not.

I went to this place in Clermont-Ferrand called "D'ici et D'alluers". They had "fajitas" on the menu.

It was actually an onglet cut steak in a deep fried breading with vegetables and some kind of lime-based marinade. I'm told it was tasty, but fajitas it was not.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

I'm a big fan of RC Cola in a glass bottle, mind-numbingly cold.

How come RC tastes different in glass than in aluminum or plastic? I can hardly smash it down my gullet that way.

[Vaevictis]

Speaking of onglet cut steak, if you can find it state-side, you should try it.

You usually can't find it because they'll usually turn it into ground chuck over here -- it apparently takes a little extra effort to turn it into an actual cut. And there's only one per cow.

But it's quite tasty, especially if you serve it the way the French usually do -- 'Onglet et Eschallot' -- basically onglet cut steak with shallots cooked with butter. Very good, especially served rare.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Onglet sounds like a little version of a dirty word.

"You dirty son of an onglet!

[Vaevictis]

Speaking of rare, the French don't **** around when you ask for rare. Over here, if you order rare, you're more likely to get medium rare.

In France, if you order it rare, it bleeds when you cut into it. And sometimes you hear it scream in pain. It's out of this world.

[Frozen Sooner]

I'm a big fan of RC Cola in a glass bottle, mind-numbingly cold.

How come RC tastes different in glass than in aluminum or plastic? I can hardly smash it down my gullet that way.

I think all soda tastes better in glass bottles.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

In France, if you order it rare, it bleeds when you cut into it.

In Payne county, it bleats when you love it.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

http://www.partyoptions.net/pirates/bnf/55850-18lg.jpg

Is threadjacking considered a form of piracy?

[Vaevictis]

In Payne county, it bleats when you love it.

Speaking of Payne county and bleating when you love it, did you know that Ram Semen Collection is a senior level course at OSU?

I personally find it odd that they consider teaching the reach-around worthy of senior level credit, but then, it is OSU.

[Vaevictis]

Is threadjacking considered a form of piracy?

I dunno, maybe we should call into Mike Leach's after-game show and ask him. I bet he knows.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Semen is a funny word.

[Vaevictis]

Semen is a funny word.

Yes, it is. I don't think it's an accident that it's a homonym for 'seamen' though.

As Churchill said, Navy tradition is rum, sodomy and the lash.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

http://www.partyoptions.net/pirates/bnf/55850-18lg.jpg

Is threadjacking considered a form of piracy?It keeps the thread up top, and lets you show your a*s, at the same time.

[Vaevictis]

It keeps the thread up top, and lets you show your a*s, at the same time.

You know how I know you're gay? You're checking out Tulsa_Fireman's ***.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

This has the makings of a beautiful conversation.

Gonad should be considered amonst the ranks of comedy gold.

[Frozen Sooner]

Nobody LETS me show my ***. My *** gets shown if I want it to.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc290/ChelseagirlinDC/donkey20oatie20image.jpg

Check out my ***.

[Vaevictis]

So, now that we have French, beef, bleating, OSU, ***, semen, seamen and pirates in the same thread, I wonder where we're going.

I think it's likely to be very interesting.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

LOOK AT MY ***

[Vaevictis]

Oh, and Tulsa_Fireman's ***, too.

I was trying very hard to politely ignore its presence, but it doesn't look like RLIMC or Tulsa_Fireman are going to let me.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

And a polite gentleman you have been.

It is because of your chivalrous nature that I show you my ***, not to force you to take such a daunting, yet emotionally and respectfully rewarding lifestyle.

[Curly Bill]

Is the showing of asses a usual occurrence on the path to socialism?

[Vaevictis]

Do you suppose you could at least get it shaved or waxed? I don't generally spend my time looking at other men's asses, but since you aren't giving me much choice, I insist that you at least make it presentable.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

If you look at my ***, your brain will turn red with the SOCIALISM.

*cue spooky music*

[Vaevictis]

If you look at my ***, your brain will turn red with the SOCIALISM.

*cue spooky music*

This isn't really what we were thinking when we said 'spreading the wealth.'

[Curly Bill]

I don't think that even by looking at your *** I could be converted to socialism.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Do you suppose you could at least get it shaved or waxed? I don't generally spend my time looking at other men's asses, but since you aren't giving me much choice, I insist that you at least make it presentable.

In France, whilst dining on Onglet cut beef, the fashion moguls and friends of the runway find the hirsute *** the ultimate in trendy, shiek expressionism.

[Curly Bill]

So do you think peeps voted for Brack because of his ***?

[Tulsa_Fireman]

No.

He is a pirate of the highest order.

[Vaevictis]

No.

He is a pirate of the highest order.

Is he an *** pirate, or a seaman pirate?

[Curly Bill]

No.

He is a pirate of the highest order.

An *** pirate?

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Seeeeeeeeemaaaaaaaaaaan.

You guys should totally read my 'feet stink' thread. It's as full of wisdom-flavored nuggets of delicious deep fried wisdom as this thread is.

[Vaevictis]

Seeeeeeeeemaaaaaaaaaaan.

You guys should totally read my 'feet stink' thread. It's as full of wisdom-flavored nuggets of delicious deep fried wisdom as this thread is.

Are you going to make us look at your *** there? Because if not, I might be convinced to jump ship and take my business there.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

I agree with your theory and application.

May I subscribe to your newsletter?

[proud gonzo]

I painted a picture of the titanic yesterday.

[Tulsa_Fireman]

Did it have a pirate riding a donkey on it?

[salth2o]

Did it have a pirate riding a donkey on it?

You may want to seek out some professional help to take care of your donkey/pirate obsession.

[Vaevictis]

Or were they waltzing together next to a dinner table with raw-cooked Onglet et Eschallots?

[proud gonzo]

Did it have a pirate riding a donkey on it?
it might have

[Vaevictis]

You may want to seek out some professional help to take care of your donkey/pirate obsession.

What, are you telling me that when you do word association, donkey and pirate don't always go together?

That's just weird.

[OUTromBoNado]

This is one of the greatest threadjacks evar.

[salth2o]

Meybe I need help.

[proud gonzo]

just so long as it's not a donkey riding a pirate. I don't want to see that.

[proud gonzo]

a donkey and a pirate "waltzing" on the titanic? :eek:

[Vaevictis]

just so long as it's not a donkey riding a pirate. I don't want to see that.

I wasn't aware that actually happens. Wait, do women pirates count? Cause I bet you could probably find something like that in Tiajuana.

[salth2o]

just so long as it's not a donkey riding a pirate. I don't want to see that.

I think that is illegal in most states. It might be accepted in Arkansas, but I don't suspect there are many pirates there. Lots of donkeys....just no pirates.

[Vaevictis]

This is one of the greatest threadjacks evar.

I know, it's awesome isn't it?

But it's okay. I didn't really want to talk about corn anyway.

[Vaevictis]

Speaking of corn, what do you guys think about cucumber?

[salth2o]

I think it's a very underrated vegetable. It goes really well in a salad and is a great snack when dipped in ranch dressing.

[Vaevictis]

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/collecting_double_takes.png

[Vaevictis]

I just figured I'd throw that in, since we're discussing cucumber.

It's a very versatile vegetable.

So is corn, by the way. Especially corn on the cobb.

Which is why I brought it up in the first place. I mean, this is a thread started by RLIMC. This sort of discussion belongs here.

[salth2o]

Do you think RLIMC looks like TRRL?

Corn cobs can be useful when you run out of TP.

[proud gonzo]

Corn cobs can be useful when you run out of TP.that does NOT sound pleasant.

[Vaevictis]

Do you think RLIMC looks like TRRL?

Personally, I figure he looks something like this:

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8507/donotwantis3wx6.jpg


Not when he's surprised mind you. All the time.

Again, the reference to corn on the cobb, cucumbers and KY? Not accidental. I was going somewhere with it the whole time.

[Vaevictis]

that does NOT sound pleasant.

I wouldn't think so either. But, I have a friend who drives an ambulance, and he tells me it's surprisingly common.

He says the worst is coke bottles, because of the suction they generate.

[Vaevictis]

The reference to French coke? That was a coincidence, but it ties in nicely here, don't you think?

[salth2o]

I wouldn't think so either. But, I have a friend who drives an ambulance, and he tells me it's surprisingly common.

He says the worst is coke bottles, because of the suction they generate.

This may be something Tulsa_Fireman could elaborate on. He may have seen it first hand.

[Vaevictis]

This may be something Tulsa_Fireman could elaborate on. He may have seen it first hand.

Maybe, but in his line of work, I think it's more likely that it involves fire hoses or fire axes.

[Vaevictis]

:les: WHAT HAPPENS IN THE FIREHOUSE, STAYS IN THE FIREHOUSE!

[Vaevictis]

But mostly we're talking about the hazing of the probies.

'Probie.' Everything I know about fire houses I learned from 'Rescue Me.'

It's a good show. I hope it comes back soon.

[Vaevictis]

Speaking of good shows, and in honor of this being a RLIMC thread:

4eYSpIz2FjU

[soonerboomer93]

I personally prefer Diet Coke.

But American Diet Coke. Did you know that French Diet Coke tastes different? They call it "Coca Light." It tastes a lot like some cross between Pepsi and American Diet Coke.

It's kind of weird. What's more wierd is that Coke Zero is cheaper than regular Coca and Coca Light. Something like 0.60 euros out of the vending machine compared to 0.80. Strange, huh?

Gosh, I'm glad to be back in the USA where Diet Coke tastes like Diet Coke is supposed to taste.

coke light is a completely different product from diet coke

the only place I recall seeing "diet coke" is in north america, in asia it's coke light

[85Sooner]

The responses to your thread go right along with the article.

[Harry Beanbag]

In the navy, I knew a Seaman Spray and a Seaman Swallow.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

The responses to your thread go right along with the article.Yeah, LALALALALALA...I can't HEEARRRRR YOU! LALALALALALA

[PDXsooner]

anyone remember "New Coke" -- which wasn't bad, but couldn't hold a candle the "Coke Classic"

[olevetonahill]

I don't know about you guys, but I love drinking Coca-Cola!

I like Beer Coffee and OVJ , pretty much in that order to .

[Fraggle145]

anyone remember "New Coke" -- which wasn't bad, but couldn't hold a candle the "Coke Classic"

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Zszc6uGCDQ&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3Zszc6uGCDQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[JohnnyMack]

I wouldn't think so either. But, I have a friend who drives an ambulance, and he tells me it's surprisingly common.

He says the worst is coke bottles, because of the suction they generate.

Couldn't you just break the bottom of the bottle to remedy that?

[Vaevictis]

Couldn't you just break the bottom of the bottle to remedy that?

You could, but you run the risk of breaking the whole thing. You probably don't want a glass coke bottle shattering whilst half-way up your ***.

[LosAngelesSooner]

Yeah, LALALALALALA...I can't HEEARRRRR YOU! LALALALALALA


The responses to your thread go right along with the article.http://www.lectrosonics.com/PressReleases/tantrums/orfield.jpg

http://files.blog-city.com/files/aa/32997/p/f/corn7084976.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/43/125450730_921594f733_o.jpg

http://www.tonya.me.uk/graphics/Baby/Zac/Zachary-10-26-washing-tub.jpg (http://farm1.static.flickr.com/110/278214947_8c4b023483.jpg?v=0)

You get the message.

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

Guess it's time for a new round of piracy!

[RUSH LIMBAUGH is my clone!]

No.

He is a pirate of the highest order.If piracy is ever a high order.

[KingBarry]

OK, I understand that a number of the posters on this thread are not interested in discussing European socialism, but I want to wade in on this one.

There are those that will disagree with me, but I think the economic stagnation of Europe is due more to there culture, than to their socialistic policies.

It's like a manifestation of the "chicken or egg" paradox: Did Europeans become risk- and work-averse and lazy because their governments are socialist, or did socialism sap them of their natural dynamism?

I am in the culture camp. In other words, if European economies were ruled by more US-style business regulation, I think they would still be pretty unproductive, as compared to American companies. And, I think the reason they do have socialist governments is their undynamic populations choose socialism. They think that it protects them from the risks of life.