They have a different problem than we do. They need a higher price to support their life style (not working), while we need it to keep from going broke.

 

If you're like Venezuela then you have no money to produce and nothing to support their life style of not starving for food
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-cuba-oil-idUSKCN0ZO0DI

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...in-a-death-spiral-and-its-only-getting-worse/

And it's entirely man-made. The easiest way to think about this is as a four-stage cycle of doom that begins with inflation, continues to price controls, then shortages, and finally nationalizations. Here's how it works, or rather doesn't.
...
It brings to mind the old joke: Under capitalism, man exploits man, and under Bolivarian socialism, it's just the opposite.

 

If you're like Venezuela then you have no money to produce and nothing to support their life style of not starving for food
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-cuba-oil-idUSKCN0ZO0DI

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...in-a-death-spiral-and-its-only-getting-worse/

I feel so, so very sorry for the population of Venezuela... this is what happens when a mindless, populist government takes power, and doesn't let go until death's end...

 

If you're like Venezuela then you have no money to produce and nothing to support their life style of not starving for food
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-cuba-oil-idUSKCN0ZO0DI

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news...in-a-death-spiral-and-its-only-getting-worse/

I think all the "oil only" economies have the same problem-just a matter of degrees. We are doing the same in a way. We aren't drilling yet - only pumping the existing stuff. That can't go on forever. Then profits will fall again. I guess most would be happy at $80 -$90.

 

I feel so, so very sorry for the population of Venezuela... this is what happens when a mindless, populist government takes power, and doesn't let go until death's end...

Why do you feel sorry for them? They got what they voted for -- good and hard.

 

Why do you feel sorry for them? They got what they voted for -- good and hard.

At first, yes... but now they're in a situation in which those in power won't let them change things ... And as far as "what they voted for", who is "they"? I bet you there were many who are now aboard that train that never intended for things to go the way they're going. It's the ugly downside of democracy.

 

It's the ugly downside of democracy.

And speaking of which... what's happening right now down there can no longer be called by that name.

 

And speaking of which... what's happening right now down there can no longer be called by that name.

This is inevitably where "democracy" leads. Again, democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for dinner.

 

This is inevitably where "democracy" leads. Again, democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for dinner.

Well... I think the alternative for that would be an absolute monarchy... if I'm the king, of course... otherwise democracy will have to do

Seriously now, maybe most people will want to crucify me for what I'm about to say, but I honestly think that only people with a certified education above a certain level should be allowed to vote... but that's just my opinion.

 

Well... I think the alternative for that would be an absolute monarchy... if I'm the king, of course... otherwise democracy will have to do

Seriously now, maybe most people will want to crucify me for what I'm about to say, but I honestly think that only people with a certified education above a certain level should be allowed to vote... but that's just my opinion.

No. Those with the biggest guns. That's how it usually works out in the end.

 

No. Those with the biggest guns. That's how it usually works out in the end.

Man... if only Bansky could paint what goes on in that mind of yours ...

 

Man... if only Bansky could paint what goes on in that mind of yours ...

My point is: why waste time? Just skip ahead to the inevitable.

 

My point is: why waste time? Just skip ahead to the inevitable.

Ever heard of the word "hope" ... in its positive connotation?

 

Ever heard of the word "hope" ... in its positive connotation?

Yeah. And I've heard of "faith", too. But I've none of that.

 

Yeah. And I've heard of "faith", too. But I've none of that.

Nahhh... your answers are becoming predictable. .. no offense

 

Acceptance is one if the stages of grief , and part of the path to feeling better. Denying reality just leads to anxiety when your model of the world doesn't match incoming data.

 

...only people with a certified education above a certain level should be allowed to vote... but that's just my opinion.

I completely agree but have no hope this could ever be implemented. We can't even get to requiring voters to identity themselves, and we have the misuse of testing in our history which makes it impossible to even talk about voter competency. Unless you're young and unable to vote. Then nobody cares about you at all

 

@cmartinez The courts ruled against any type of test to determine eligibility to vote.

While there is merit in what you say, it's not going to happen.

I wonder how many natural born U.S. citizens can pass the Test given to immigrants before they become citizens.

 

@cmartinez The courts ruled against any type of test to determine eligibility to vote.

While there is merit in what you say, it's not going to happen.

I wonder how many natural born U.S. citizens can pass the Test given to immigrants before they become citizens.

Yeah, I know about that... but the law (and common sense) dictates that a child can't vote, for instance... Why? For exactly the same reason that I'm arguing.

 

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article114931993.html