The news is full of sad, sad, headlines today and recently. I know one of the post-Ennis Tradfest threads made the point that bad times are bringing out real Irish values and Irish soul----but it is grim now nonetheless......Not to bathe in bathos or anything, but......We love you, we love Ireland, and we love our music.
The British Government just made six billion pounds worth of cuts to public services to save our own economy.
Now we have to give the whole of that six billion pounds to Ireland, which means we will have to lose another six billion pounds worth of schools, hospitals and jobs to save ourselves.
Skreech - the reality is yet again the British taxpayers, ie you and me, are bailing out British banks who had massively invested in the Irish economy. Not blaming the beleaguered Irish people. They have enough to worry about. It is the fact that capitalism has failed drastically, and Ireland's woes could bring down the Euro. Capitalism has failed and there is no viable alternative.
.......not to mention RBS, owned by the UK public, who have 50 billion invested in Ireland over and above the Euro bailout. I agree with Rudall, don't blame the Irish.
UK is and always has been a con and a swindle. For my part in the liability I blame the conmen (including greedy Scots) who fool us into remaining in the union and the Scots who don't take the time to see through it, believing the unionist scaremongering and propaganda and voting for unionist parties.
I'm out of this thread as it's a touchy subject and nothing can swing my opinion of the "union".
I am not and never was into Politics - I'am not a red under the bed. nor wear a swastika arm band...
But I cant agree more with tis - < It is the fact that capitalism has failed drastically, > I beleave it's Dead they just haven't buried the corpse Yet ! - Prediction now watch Europe crumble.
So do I. You sound like my cousin. He's stocking up on canned food, ammo and gold coins! The world will make it through all of this, my hope being that a major adjustment in values will come with it but I doubt it. The big boys never change do they?
It's not capitalism that has failed. It's the worldwide use of unbacked fiat currency and the credit bubble of recent years. Capitalism does not require credit or unbacked currency. It's not Capitalism's fault. (Granted, it may well be Greed's fault...)
Unfortunately, the credit and currency issues are worldwide, and all world economies are linked. Times are tough for many, many people in the US, too, but the media won't let on about that.
I am doing all I can to keep our local trad scene healthy and vibrant. When times get tough, we need traditional music more than ever.
To the people who are saying that "capitalism has failed": I don't think you're quite getting it - this is the way capitalism is *supposed* to work. It's working.
Mrs Blend, yes I agree it's all about boom and bust. the busted get busted and the boomers load up on cheap assets.
This time round however, if all the debts are called in, the whole friggin world ,with the exception of a few boomers will be bust.
If these banks were normal businesses then by anybodies standards they're bust. But the creditors are crying about their lost marbles so are clutching at straws and propping up failing economies in an attempt to keep what they think they have, or think they should have with us Joe's paying.......
So all sing along;
"We're toe deep in the big muddy and the dam fools keep sayin
We're knee deep in the big muddy and the dam fools keep sayin,
We're waste deep in the big muddy and the dam fools keep sayin
Chest deep
Neck deep in the big muddy and the dam fools keep sayin.....................
Your cousin is wise Shanty. Especially when you look at what some of the top astrophysicists are saying .
David McWilliams called the game in Eire back in 2003. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxtkjZFfuZI&feature=related
Now there is a man who's proven himself astute enough , brave enough and intelligent enough to make a good job at repairing our Ills.
Its one huge scam, still is. And the sad thing is the country is so drugged up on the chemical waste in the water supply, that they can do nothing!
But as regards capitalism Ben IMO your mistaken, this is more like socialism. Capitalism and the free market demands that failing banks be left to fall. Socialism demands that we all share the burden of their foolish greedy mistakes.
And the real crunch is that the folk who will pay most will be the poorest who never gained from the ridiculously over-hyped scam that was the celtic tiger.
John Waters gets it 100% right IMO in his book ;
'''An Intelligent persons guide to modern Ireland'. Required reading I suggest for anyone who wants to understand the foundations of todays crisis.
<<Yes, but it's *designed* to "fail ordinary people". Honestly, there's nothing wrong with the mechanism. Working just fine.>>
and in one simple sentence Ben hits the nail on the head.
it's about the failure of credit (when it is not backed by anything productive), and what happens to fiat currencies (when they are backed by nothing either), when credit fails. The countries that are doing ok through all this are the countries that actually produce something (and sell it to the countries that don't produce anything - but credit!) Years ago, you couldn't get credit cards - they didn't bloody well exist. You virtually had to beg to get a loan for a house - and you had to have some collateral to get it. Then something changed, and the whole world went to the credit casino. Those born since this happened actually think it is the norm. Government love fiat currencies too, that means they can crank up the money printing presses and save greedy, profligate banks and their CEOs. Capitalism hasn't failed here, but as you will have noticed, no doubt, there is becoming a huge gulf between the very powerful and those with nothing. When the powerful become powerful enough, they will be the remaining capitalists, and likely own all the capital, all the banks, and all the land. Scary times. Music is a comfort, but it is only a comfort, and a memory of a more predictable time, at least.
banks love credit, because they get big interest...and it doesn't matter if they give a thousand times out in credit than what they hold in deposits, because they know that the taxpayers (ie the Government) will have to bail them out because if they dont and the bank goes down, everyone loses their houses.
Ethical I know what you mean, empires thrive on slavery and capitalism thrives on exploiting working people. The worse it exploits the better it works - for a small minority. I still think that fails the vast majority of humanity.
it isn't just "capitalism", it is much more about how governments deal with its excesses (or not), you don't put a fire out by throwing gas on it, and you don't really fix economic problems like this by printing money and throwing more and more out there as keynesian socialist governments are blindly doing.
NONE of this money is backed by any production at all - that means that eventually, down the track in a few years (maybe much less), probably after the socialist government gets kicked out, there will be galloping inflation, and massive interest rate rises.
I'm off to play a tune, it's all too much...hmm, the gold ring sounds appropriate. I'll play that.
tragically, the real failure here
is not capitalism, republicanism, etc, etc,
...it is democracy, or at best it has been rendered irrelevant.
hold on for the ride.
There is no democracy as such. We've gone from being citizens to consumers (an aim of Thatcher and Reagan), fooled into thinking that democracy and the free market are somehow cojoined concepts and that were they to be separated the other would die a needless death.
Our 'democracies' are now so closely tied with big business even genuine keynesian economics are only called on to save the very people who actually caused the problem. These grandees of the markets are not interested in social responsibility or creating a better society, but only in making money. The Irish, like the UK before it surrendered their sovereignty not to the EU or the IMF but to the stateless apostles of free market economics, like SDD said, the profligate, unaccountable maggots who run the global economy.
They must love watching the flag-waving and rioting proles in each country that teeters on the brink, each sure their nationality is being robbed from under their very nose, an assault on their culture and nation by the faceless bureaucrats of the EU or an old enemy; it makes their job so much easier.
In truth, the men in suits and big cars in the financial centres of the world are the real criminals here, above the law and unaccountable. That our politicians don't have the guts to stand up to them makes it all seem so hopeless but who knows, perhaps if everyone realised at the same time that it's the ordinary folk being taken for a ride then there might be hope, but I wouldn't look for the revolution too soon.
democratic politicians can't really be blamed. For decades now, populations in the 'democratic' countries have become accustomed, even encouraged, to make countless and strident demands of their democratic governments to provide free this and free that on pain of being elected out of government. The natural progression is that governments, particularly of the socialist type, learned very quickly to say and do what the demanding populace wants, and evolve themselves into faceless yesmen within their own organisations and in their public interface. of course, the financiers love this, because they can provide more credit, the people have put the governments exactly where the financiers want them. Financiers did the same thing to monarchies through the centuries, now it's the democracies that are the big customers. I think you're right, there won't be a revolution anytime soon, no one knows how to fight bureaucratised political capitalism that owns everything and doesn't really need anyone.
Here Skull Duggery - what socialist government are you referring to? - it can't possibly be in Ireland. One of the things I find ultimately depressing about politics in Ireland is that in all the many years I've been voting, there's practically no choice. I live in a rural area and looking down the ballot paper, all you see are middle and elderly grey suited males from FG or FF. I'm an ABF'r now - anyone but the effers.
To Skreech above: I might legitimately point out that the six billion or whatever that the UK is kindly offering to assist in Ireland is not a gift - it's a loan on which you'll charge interest. The idea is that we, the long suffering Irish public will pay it back over many years. Maybe we will and maybe we won't but either way it's in the UK's interests as you send massive amounts of exports to Ireland.
You're right of course - it is a loan. And the UK is bound to make a profit out of this. But I bet it WON'T be the ordinary Joe-Soap UK taxpayers from whom the money was raised in the first place, who will see any of this profit.
this is kind of relevant - im over in australia on a working holiday visa. Ive been reading all week about the bail out and that young people are expected to come here over the next few months in their droves - but word over here is that WHVs will not be handed out so easy any more, the applicant will have to be in a trade or profession that is currently in demand in the country (ie nursing and civil engineering). Just a warning to anyone whos thinking about it. Im being sent home in June and am dreading the prospect of returning to Ireland.
David McWilliams for Taoiseach!!!!
Seconded Seanmy. David McWilliams for Taoiseach!!!!
The fact is that Ireland Inc has taken for granted that it can' let go' of a great number of its workforce through Emigration. If this becomes not the case, then Ireland Inc wont be able to downsize so easily. The rest of the world might not be so keen in future to accept surplus labour as it has done so conveniently in the past.
I agree with the comment above that democracy is failing. Or
rather the political system associated with democracy. In
Australia and USA, the pollies check the polling data every five
minutes and fine tune their plans according to the data. ( I'm
not qualified to comment on Ireland)
That ends up being something like:
-less taxes
-more spending on things I like, e.g., jet fighters, prisons
and farmers
-less spending on things I don't understand or can't spell,
e.g., infrastructure, research and regulation
Big Government has failed and betrayed the masses here in the USA. And the Big Corporations are in bed with them.
The "sheeple" of this country have willingly or ignorantly given up their rights and control over their leaders. And they are still under the illusion that things can and should go on this way. They are certain that "someone" is looking after "things" for them.
Rome is the mob, the vacuous oblivious mob.
They do not trouble themselves to know, or keep watch over, who and what those things are.
Sad, really.
Not a backbone to be found,
some places.
Rook writes: "Big Government has failed and betrayed the masses here in the USA. And the Big Corporations are in bed with them."
It is said that Mussolini wrote in the forward of the Italian Encyclopedia that his word, "fascism" would be better called "corporatism" because it is when corporations merge with the power of the State.
just thinking that people might ask what this has to do with ITM as its discussed on this website - the answer is a lot!!! the tradition in Ireland will be greatly effected by this. Parents who are out of work wont be able to afford instruments for their children who want to lern (imagine your son or daughter asking for a half set of pipes for his/her 14th birthday months after youve been made redundant). Also, with times being so hard, someone who may be in posession of an instrument that would recieve good money may be tempted to part with it. With the bars and clubs also being effected, this will lead to a lack of sessions and ceilis. Sessions can be held at home easily, but how can you get other people interested from behind closed doors? This confines ITM to the people who play it. Also it may be the end of the 'paid session'. some people may be happy with that, but for others that extra few euros every week might have been handy for the shopping bill.
Im sure theres loads of other reasons ive left out.
seamyderry - I've posted a thread or two similar to this in the past and made comments similar to yours, but they had been edited out. You are exactly correct - this 2nd Great Depression will seriously impact traditional music playing and dissemination. I don't know if we will see a repeat of the 1920s and 30s where Irish music flourished better in New York than Ireland, or the 1950s - 70's in London ......maybe it will be Shanghai or Beijing this time.....
So, a ludicrously low rate of corporation tax (soon to be in combination with unusually high rates of VAT and personal income tax) is part of the Irish "brand", eh? Sheesh!
For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
The news is full of sad, sad, headlines today and recently. I know one of the post-Ennis Tradfest threads made the point that bad times are bringing out real Irish values and Irish soul----but it is grim now nonetheless......Not to bathe in bathos or anything, but......We love you, we love Ireland, and we love our music.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by ceemonster
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
It's not sad at all.
The British Government just made six billion pounds worth of cuts to public services to save our own economy.
Now we have to give the whole of that six billion pounds to Ireland, which means we will have to lose another six billion pounds worth of schools, hospitals and jobs to save ourselves.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by skreech
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Skreech - the reality is yet again the British taxpayers, ie you and me, are bailing out British banks who had massively invested in the Irish economy. Not blaming the beleaguered Irish people. They have enough to worry about. It is the fact that capitalism has failed drastically, and Ireland's woes could bring down the Euro. Capitalism has failed and there is no viable alternative.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Rudall the time
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
.......not to mention RBS, owned by the UK public, who have 50 billion invested in Ireland over and above the Euro bailout. I agree with Rudall, don't blame the Irish.
UK is and always has been a con and a swindle. For my part in the liability I blame the conmen (including greedy Scots) who fool us into remaining in the union and the Scots who don't take the time to see through it, believing the unionist scaremongering and propaganda and voting for unionist parties.
I'm out of this thread as it's a touchy subject and nothing can swing my opinion of the "union".
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by bogman
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Well said.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Solidmahog
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Just don't put any bloody water in the Guinness, that's all.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Steve Shaw
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
I am not and never was into Politics - I'am not a red under the bed. nor wear a swastika arm band...
But I cant agree more with tis - < It is the fact that capitalism has failed drastically, > I beleave it's Dead they just haven't buried the corpse Yet ! - Prediction now watch Europe crumble.
I HOPE I AM WRONG -
jim,,,
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by FIDDLE4
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
I HOPE I AM WRONG
So do I. You sound like my cousin. He's stocking up on canned food, ammo and gold coins! The world will make it through all of this, my hope being that a major adjustment in values will come with it but I doubt it. The big boys never change do they?
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by shanty
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
The fall of capitalism and;
"We're neck deep in the big muddy and the dam fool keep yellin..................
push on!"
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Solidmahog
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
It's not capitalism that has failed. It's the worldwide use of unbacked fiat currency and the credit bubble of recent years. Capitalism does not require credit or unbacked currency. It's not Capitalism's fault. (Granted, it may well be Greed's fault...)
There is a reasonably good layperson's explanation of all this here: http://www.chrismartenson.com/crashcourse
Unfortunately, the credit and currency issues are worldwide, and all world economies are linked. Times are tough for many, many people in the US, too, but the media won't let on about that.
I am doing all I can to keep our local trad scene healthy and vibrant. When times get tough, we need traditional music more than ever.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by worthy
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
To the people who are saying that "capitalism has failed": I don't think you're quite getting it - this is the way capitalism is *supposed* to work. It's working.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by ethical blend
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Capitalism has failed ordinary people. Not that it ever did them much good. I'll have a look at your link shortly, thanks.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Rudall the time
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Mrs Blend, yes I agree it's all about boom and bust. the busted get busted and the boomers load up on cheap assets.
This time round however, if all the debts are called in, the whole friggin world ,with the exception of a few boomers will be bust.
If these banks were normal businesses then by anybodies standards they're bust. But the creditors are crying about their lost marbles so are clutching at straws and propping up failing economies in an attempt to keep what they think they have, or think they should have with us Joe's paying.......
So all sing along;
"We're toe deep in the big muddy and the dam fools keep sayin
We're knee deep in the big muddy and the dam fools keep sayin,
We're waste deep in the big muddy and the dam fools keep sayin
Chest deep
Neck deep in the big muddy and the dam fools keep sayin.....................
Push on"
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Solidmahog
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Your cousin is wise Shanty. Especially when you look at what some of the top astrophysicists are saying .
David McWilliams called the game in Eire back in 2003.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxtkjZFfuZI&feature=related
Now there is a man who's proven himself astute enough , brave enough and intelligent enough to make a good job at repairing our Ills.
Its one huge scam, still is. And the sad thing is the country is so drugged up on the chemical waste in the water supply, that they can do nothing!
But as regards capitalism Ben IMO your mistaken, this is more like socialism. Capitalism and the free market demands that failing banks be left to fall. Socialism demands that we all share the burden of their foolish greedy mistakes.
And the real crunch is that the folk who will pay most will be the poorest who never gained from the ridiculously over-hyped scam that was the celtic tiger.
John Waters gets it 100% right IMO in his book ;
'''An Intelligent persons guide to modern Ireland'. Required reading I suggest for anyone who wants to understand the foundations of todays crisis.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by piobagusfidil
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Yes, but it's *designed* to "fail ordinary people". Honestly, there's nothing wrong with the mechanism. Working just fine.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by ethical blend
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
That was to Rudall. I had no idea there was so much other stuff in between.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by ethical blend
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
<<Yes, but it's *designed* to "fail ordinary people". Honestly, there's nothing wrong with the mechanism. Working just fine.>>
and in one simple sentence Ben hits the nail on the head.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by piobagusfidil
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Well, having worked it out, I reckon my share of the money equates to a set of pipes. When can I expect delivery?
Oh, and please don't make them out of cheese.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by ormepipes
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
it's about the failure of credit (when it is not backed by anything productive), and what happens to fiat currencies (when they are backed by nothing either), when credit fails. The countries that are doing ok through all this are the countries that actually produce something (and sell it to the countries that don't produce anything - but credit!) Years ago, you couldn't get credit cards - they didn't bloody well exist. You virtually had to beg to get a loan for a house - and you had to have some collateral to get it. Then something changed, and the whole world went to the credit casino. Those born since this happened actually think it is the norm. Government love fiat currencies too, that means they can crank up the money printing presses and save greedy, profligate banks and their CEOs. Capitalism hasn't failed here, but as you will have noticed, no doubt, there is becoming a huge gulf between the very powerful and those with nothing. When the powerful become powerful enough, they will be the remaining capitalists, and likely own all the capital, all the banks, and all the land. Scary times. Music is a comfort, but it is only a comfort, and a memory of a more predictable time, at least.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
banks love credit, because they get big interest...and it doesn't matter if they give a thousand times out in credit than what they hold in deposits, because they know that the taxpayers (ie the Government) will have to bail them out because if they dont and the bank goes down, everyone loses their houses.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
globalist level economic playing fields eh! b*sh*te. always was
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Ethical I know what you mean, empires thrive on slavery and capitalism thrives on exploiting working people. The worse it exploits the better it works - for a small minority. I still think that fails the vast majority of humanity.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Rudall the time
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
it isn't just "capitalism", it is much more about how governments deal with its excesses (or not), you don't put a fire out by throwing gas on it, and you don't really fix economic problems like this by printing money and throwing more and more out there as keynesian socialist governments are blindly doing.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
NONE of this money is backed by any production at all - that means that eventually, down the track in a few years (maybe much less), probably after the socialist government gets kicked out, there will be galloping inflation, and massive interest rate rises.
I'm off to play a tune, it's all too much...hmm, the gold ring sounds appropriate. I'll play that.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
tragically, the real failure here
is not capitalism, republicanism, etc, etc,
...it is democracy, or at best it has been rendered irrelevant.
hold on for the ride.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
There is no democracy as such. We've gone from being citizens to consumers (an aim of Thatcher and Reagan), fooled into thinking that democracy and the free market are somehow cojoined concepts and that were they to be separated the other would die a needless death.
Our 'democracies' are now so closely tied with big business even genuine keynesian economics are only called on to save the very people who actually caused the problem. These grandees of the markets are not interested in social responsibility or creating a better society, but only in making money. The Irish, like the UK before it surrendered their sovereignty not to the EU or the IMF but to the stateless apostles of free market economics, like SDD said, the profligate, unaccountable maggots who run the global economy.
They must love watching the flag-waving and rioting proles in each country that teeters on the brink, each sure their nationality is being robbed from under their very nose, an assault on their culture and nation by the faceless bureaucrats of the EU or an old enemy; it makes their job so much easier.
In truth, the men in suits and big cars in the financial centres of the world are the real criminals here, above the law and unaccountable. That our politicians don't have the guts to stand up to them makes it all seem so hopeless but who knows, perhaps if everyone realised at the same time that it's the ordinary folk being taken for a ride then there might be hope, but I wouldn't look for the revolution too soon.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Sugarfoot Jack
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
democratic politicians can't really be blamed. For decades now, populations in the 'democratic' countries have become accustomed, even encouraged, to make countless and strident demands of their democratic governments to provide free this and free that on pain of being elected out of government. The natural progression is that governments, particularly of the socialist type, learned very quickly to say and do what the demanding populace wants, and evolve themselves into faceless yesmen within their own organisations and in their public interface. of course, the financiers love this, because they can provide more credit, the people have put the governments exactly where the financiers want them. Financiers did the same thing to monarchies through the centuries, now it's the democracies that are the big customers. I think you're right, there won't be a revolution anytime soon, no one knows how to fight bureaucratised political capitalism that owns everything and doesn't really need anyone.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Perhaps, Capitalism is only good for those that have Capital...
jim,,,
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by FIDDLE4
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Here Skull Duggery - what socialist government are you referring to? - it can't possibly be in Ireland. One of the things I find ultimately depressing about politics in Ireland is that in all the many years I've been voting, there's practically no choice. I live in a rural area and looking down the ballot paper, all you see are middle and elderly grey suited males from FG or FF. I'm an ABF'r now - anyone but the effers.
To Skreech above: I might legitimately point out that the six billion or whatever that the UK is kindly offering to assist in Ireland is not a gift - it's a loan on which you'll charge interest. The idea is that we, the long suffering Irish public will pay it back over many years. Maybe we will and maybe we won't but either way it's in the UK's interests as you send massive amounts of exports to Ireland.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by the wounded hussar
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
You're right of course - it is a loan. And the UK is bound to make a profit out of this. But I bet it WON'T be the ordinary Joe-Soap UK taxpayers from whom the money was raised in the first place, who will see any of this profit.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Rudall the time
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Finally,, Someone with a bit of sense -
< But I bet it WON'T be the ordinary Joe-Soap UK taxpayers from whom the money was raised in the first place, >
jim,,,
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by FIDDLE4
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Help is at hand.
Bob Geldorf is organising a concert in Ethiopia for "Irish Aid".
He has asked me to play.
I am honoured.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by bodhran bliss
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Capitalism is into its corrupt phase.
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by Phantom Button
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Ah, is this an oblique reference to the Romans, PB?
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by ethical blend
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Can we go back to feudalism now?
# Posted on November 23rd 2010 by DrSilverSpear
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
this is kind of relevant - im over in australia on a working holiday visa. Ive been reading all week about the bail out and that young people are expected to come here over the next few months in their droves - but word over here is that WHVs will not be handed out so easy any more, the applicant will have to be in a trade or profession that is currently in demand in the country (ie nursing and civil engineering). Just a warning to anyone whos thinking about it. Im being sent home in June and am dreading the prospect of returning to Ireland.
David McWilliams for Taoiseach!!!!
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by banjo'd
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Seconded Seanmy. David McWilliams for Taoiseach!!!!
The fact is that Ireland Inc has taken for granted that it can' let go' of a great number of its workforce through Emigration. If this becomes not the case, then Ireland Inc wont be able to downsize so easily. The rest of the world might not be so keen in future to accept surplus labour as it has done so conveniently in the past.
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by piobagusfidil
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
I agree with the comment above that democracy is failing. Or
rather the political system associated with democracy. In
Australia and USA, the pollies check the polling data every five
minutes and fine tune their plans according to the data. ( I'm
not qualified to comment on Ireland)
That ends up being something like:
-less taxes
-more spending on things I like, e.g., jet fighters, prisons
and farmers
-less spending on things I don't understand or can't spell,
e.g., infrastructure, research and regulation
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by Hup
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Nicely said, Hup.
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by DrSilverSpear
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
WTF! "Corporate Profits Were the Highest on Record Last Quarter"
So you know you're well into the corrupt phase of capitalism when the economy is tanking but corporations are reporting record profits.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Corporate-Profits-Were-the-nytimes-3994329548.html?x=0&.v=1
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by Phantom Button
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Amen.
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by Sugarfoot Jack
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Nice one - Hup,,
You should run for President of U.S.A... At least You know what the Problem Really is !
jim,,,
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by FIDDLE4
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
IMHO:
Big Government has failed and betrayed the masses here in the USA. And the Big Corporations are in bed with them.
The "sheeple" of this country have willingly or ignorantly given up their rights and control over their leaders. And they are still under the illusion that things can and should go on this way. They are certain that "someone" is looking after "things" for them.
Rome is the mob, the vacuous oblivious mob.
They do not trouble themselves to know, or keep watch over, who and what those things are.
Sad, really.
Not a backbone to be found,
some places.
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by Piece
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
omg
the Irish austerity package, national debt defaults, migration, etc, etc...
un be lievable times. I can't bear to look.
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by Skull Duggeraigh Dubh
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
The next US president should be Phantom Button. There already is a phantom president.
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by David Levine
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
If it were a race for the White House he'd be at a big advantage. He would just have to get his son Jensen to do the driving.
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by Steve Shaw
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
too right rook, plenty of em here too.
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by piobagusfidil
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
Rook writes: "Big Government has failed and betrayed the masses here in the USA. And the Big Corporations are in bed with them."
It is said that Mussolini wrote in the forward of the Italian Encyclopedia that his word, "fascism" would be better called "corporatism" because it is when corporations merge with the power of the State.
# Posted on November 24th 2010 by Phantom Button
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
just thinking that people might ask what this has to do with ITM as its discussed on this website - the answer is a lot!!! the tradition in Ireland will be greatly effected by this. Parents who are out of work wont be able to afford instruments for their children who want to lern (imagine your son or daughter asking for a half set of pipes for his/her 14th birthday months after youve been made redundant). Also, with times being so hard, someone who may be in posession of an instrument that would recieve good money may be tempted to part with it. With the bars and clubs also being effected, this will lead to a lack of sessions and ceilis. Sessions can be held at home easily, but how can you get other people interested from behind closed doors? This confines ITM to the people who play it. Also it may be the end of the 'paid session'. some people may be happy with that, but for others that extra few euros every week might have been handy for the shopping bill.
Im sure theres loads of other reasons ive left out.
# Posted on November 25th 2010 by banjo'd
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
seamyderry - I've posted a thread or two similar to this in the past and made comments similar to yours, but they had been edited out. You are exactly correct - this 2nd Great Depression will seriously impact traditional music playing and dissemination. I don't know if we will see a repeat of the 1920s and 30s where Irish music flourished better in New York than Ireland, or the 1950s - 70's in London ......maybe it will be Shanghai or Beijing this time.....
# Posted on November 25th 2010 by Rudall the time
Re: For Our Members and Lurkers in Ireland
So, a ludicrously low rate of corporation tax (soon to be in combination with unusually high rates of VAT and personal income tax) is part of the Irish "brand", eh? Sheesh!
# Posted on November 25th 2010 by ethical blend