chickentribs

I didn't say that - I was just using the example to point out our government is heavily involved with manipulating trade and controlling money supply and the cost of money, and yes even wields it as a weapon of significant proportion. Free trade is a myth, and the socialist influence over our money has grown exponentially in the last 4 1/2 years. The federal government has grown 40%, power (money and law) is being taken from the states and moved to D.C. every day, and they have all but eliminated the barrier for federal agents to move with autonomy and without regard for state law based on the Patriot Act. What part of Socialism are we missing?? Which branch of the Republican Party wanted to consolidate powers at the federal level and make the White House the largest financial drain on our ability to export goods competitively in the world market? I am not being hostile, I would really like to know if that is the agenda you agree with as a Republican.
To keep this on point, let me say that the fear of a new economic system is unfounded because we have created policy around money since the first tax was collected and the first road was built. We tax alcohol and cigarettes at increasing levels for "public good" to create an artificial hinderance. To have the government step in and do that with gasoline as they are doing in Norway doesn't strike me as being any different than that.

And yes, if I was going to be homeless I would take warm weather any day.
It wasn't my statement in terms of the dramatic improvement, but if the US opens up trade, a lot of "capitalist" will be on the first planes over to Havana because of the opportunities that exist for business. The market for wheat and corn alone is tremendous, yet we would rather the government pay our farmers subsidies (country welfare) to compensate for crops that go to waste. It's a shame.

__________________
Oft expectation fails...
and most oft there Where most it promises
- Shakespeare, W.