Excellent piece from Stossel as usual.

But I am sure there will be some who will say it's Bush's fault. :)

I've read 2 of Stossel's books, and he's a common sense libertarian. I'd vote for him. Semper Fi.

I like Stossel. He's cool, he thinks!

War is Peace
Ignorance is Strength
Freedom is Slavery

Are we closer or further from this? Documents such as this make me wonder sometimes whether Governments over/under regulate society to the point of exhaustion. Everyone wants a hand in the cookie jar, politicians seem to invent new laws for no other reason than they think its their job. The issues that need review, repair, and upgrade, stagnate to the point of uselessness. While pointless legislation is brought to discussion.

I’m not an American and I’ve never been to New York but the societal problems seem no different, and they wont be. They will continue this way, at least until upheaval occurs. Do not take me for to think that I welcome this, I simply state that change is part of life. Sometimes its easy, other times, not so much so! I disagree with some of Mr. Stossel’s opinions and that’s what makes my country great and yours as well. My political opinions seem to align with the very reasoning as to why I align myself to this particular conditioning program. I like to be well balanced and so my own opinions tend to walk the wire of “conservative-nationalistic-capitalist-liberalism with a pinch of patriotism”. Now this is as far as I’ll go, to be honest I’m never looking for accreditation of my opinions, only that I may learn from the rebuttals and comments that return, whether in angst or agreement.

Oh, and I'll admit to being longwinded!

Elite Fitness, BRING IT!

I'm eager to hear comments from those who disagree with any or all aspects of this article. Outstanding, commonsense thoughts.
When I was in the Marines, 100K left over at the end of the fiscal year had to be spent right away on whatever... or we might not get that amount next year. Now that I'm in the private sector, if I can leave 100K on the table, I get a nice bonus, it adds value to my company and is reinvested or distributed for the good of employees and shareholders alike. Less government is good for us all!

I don't "hate" any reporters, but there are two who totally disgust me; this guy...and Geraldo Rivera.

I would also not call Stossel a "journalist", at best I'd call him a reporter. Even when he is supporting something I agree with, he is so one-sided he blows it. Nice exchange with Al Sharpton, but then he screws up the "Republicans spend more bit" by not adjusting for inflation. Finally, the tone of the whole piece just sounded like he was butt kissing the Cato Institute. I admire the Cato Institute, I hope it does not get too invested in Stossel. His objectivity, if he ever had any, is long gone now, along with his credibility.

By the way, what exactly is Al Sharpton's role in society, and why does anyone ever even give him the time of day? At best, this clown was the number two (or number three) ringmaster in the Tawanna Brawley hoax. And it's been downhill from there.

5 push ups, 10 pull-ups, 15 squats
175 lbs bw, 21 cycles in 20 minutes

stossel had me drinking the kool-aid until page 6, the relavant portion of which states as follows: "every time somebody buys a new car, the air gets cleaner because of better anti-pollution technology." two points:

(1) this statement is true only if the buyer is replacing a higher-polluting car with the new car.

(2) why are new car generally cleaner than older ones? answer: governmental regulation. (ironic because the article lambasts the negative effects of such regulation, while simultaneously citing cleaner cars -- a direct result of govt'l regulation -- as one of the things responsible for improving quality of life)

"Liberty makes life better." 'nuff said.

The workout in the photo, is that one round?

Interesting red.
#7, if all you founf wrong was these 2 points in a 6 page article, it is not so bad as you make it.
Stossel makes sencible statement. Like #4 said, It is the same in almost all goverments.
We vote for more safety and we get more regulations. This is not the same, even if the short-time effects may apear simular, look at the long term effects. Use tyour brain for a change.
If the goverment was more like crossfit (doing more with less, instead of visa versa), I think the world would become a better place to live.

Happy mind training, Johan

i think stossel has some good points, "most" people follow the mob mentality, i also think he's a little high on himself.

Hey everybody!

I have have a question about one of the WODs, the day we did benchpress 21 times for 3 rounds at our bodyweight, am I to believe that most of you guys can do that? I know that on a scale most men who do the collbine for the NFL can only do 225 for about 24 times on average, and i have noticed that several of us are over 200. NOw I am not saying its not possible but I want to make sure i am reading that workout correctly, I was just a little confused. Thanks guys.

Team UB Xfitt

Comment #11 "most" people follow the mob mentality, i also think he's a little high on himself.

I say he's right.Mob rule is alive and well today in the form of Mobocracy!

Check out:
Extraordinary Popular Delusions And The Madness Of Crowds
By Charles MacKay
http://www.litrix.com/madraven/madne001.htm#1

In reading the history of nations, we find that, like individuals, they have their whims and their peculiarities; their seasons of excitement and recklessness, when they care not what they do. We find that whole communities suddenly fix their minds upon one object, and go mad in its pursuit; that millions of people become simultaneously impressed with one delusion, and run after it, till their attention is caught by some new folly more captivating than the first. We see one nation suddenly seized, from its highest to its lowest members, with a fierce desire of military glory; another as suddenly becoming crazed upon a religious scruple, and neither of them recovering its senses until it has shed rivers of blood and sowed a harvest of groans and tears, to be reaped by its posterity. At an early age in the annals of Europe its population lost their wits about the Sepulchre of Jesus, and crowded in frenzied multitudes to the Holy Land: another age went mad for fear of the Devil, and offered up hundreds of thousands of victims to the delusion of witchcraft. At another time, the many became crazed on the subject of the Philosopher's Stone, and committed follies till then unheard of in the pursuit.

It was once thought a venial offence in very many countries of Europe to destroy an enemy by slow poison. Persons who would have revolted at the idea of stabbing a man to the heart, drugged his pottage without scruple.

Ladies of gentle birth and manners caught the contagion of murder, until poisoning, under their auspices, became quite fashionable. Some delusions, though notorious to all the world, have subsisted for ages, flourishing as widely among civilized and polished nations as among the early barbarians with whom they originated, -- that of duelling, for instance, and the belief in omens and divination of the future, which seem to defy the progress of knowledge to eradicate entirely from the popular mind. Money, again, has often been a cause of the delusion of multitudes.

Sober nations have all at once become desperate gamblers, and risked almost their existence upon the turn of a piece of paper. To trace the history of the most prominent of these delusions is the object of the present pages. Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one.

Comment #12 - break up the reps. I doubt anyone who weighs 225 lbs did 3 sets of 21 reps. I know I didn't (weigh 220 lbs). I did 6,5,4,3,2,1 for 21 total each time.

on these workouts, if it says 21 reps, that doesn't mean 21 continuous. Almost everyone breaks them up. If you don't, then you specify "unbroken" when giving your results.

Beautiful looking workout, will try it this weekend when gym is closed.

For today:

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1
24kg kb snatch
HSPU

(kb snatch was 1r1l for each rep count, so 55 for each arm)

"Home Remedy":
15 Back Extensions, 5 min bike for warm up
12 push ups, 500m row, 9 dips/pull-ups, 12 dips/pull-ups, 1000m row, 12 pull-ups/dips, 9 pull-ups/dips, 500m row, 12 push ups
18:18
5 min bike, 15 Back Extensions for cool down.

Still nursing a 'shmahsed-up' toe. Elbow and knee recovering at steady pace, but I'm wearing a hard soled boot on right foot, hobbling about feeling like Quasimodo.

"Home Remedy":
15 Back Extensions, 5 min bike for warm up
12 push ups, 500m row, 9 dips/pull-ups, 12 dips/pull-ups, 1000m row, 12 pull-ups/dips, 9 pull-ups/dips, 500m row, 12 push ups
18:18
5 min bike, 15 Back Extensions for cool down.

Still nursing a 'shmahsed-up' toe. Elbow and knee recovering at steady pace, but I'm wearing a hard soled boot on right foot, hobbling about feeling like Quasimodo.

I generally agree with the article. I think we need a mix of government and business, one to check the other.

Personally, I don't like stossel he is arogant and his whiny voice just drives me nuts. He does make some excellent comments on the state of our government and it is frustrating because it is just the tip of the ice berg. These types of problems occur at every level of government. If, when elected or hired, politicians/officials did what was right for their constituents vice what was right for their careers our budget wouldn't be in the red and we would be in a position to help those that need it. Just think what will be done with the 5 million dollars saved when the bridge to no where Alaska was canceled. Although I am sure some other Senator stole the money for a "how smart is the sea urchin" project in Florida. If anything I was reminded by this article that common sense goes a long way.

Oh and I agree with an earlier poster - Why does anyone, ever give people like Sharpton a forum let alone bring up his name in an article. As soon as I hear the name the article or program looses credibility.

Have a great weekend, I know I will as I head back to the U.S. tonight for a couple of weeks.

Personally, I don't like stossel he is arogant and his whiny voice just drives me nuts. He does make some excellent comments on the state of our government and it is frustrating because it is just the tip of the ice berg. These types of problems occur at every level of government. If, when elected or hired, politicians/officials did what was right for their constituents vice what was right for their careers our budget wouldn't be in the red and we would be in a position to help those that need it. Just think what will be done with the 5 million dollars saved when the bridge to no where Alaska was canceled. Although I am sure some other Senator stole the money for a "how smart is the sea urchin" project in Florida. If anything I was reminded by this article that common sense goes a long way.

Oh and I agree with an earlier poster - Why does anyone, ever give people like Sharpton a forum let alone bring up his name in an article. As soon as I hear the name the article or program looses credibility.

Have a great weekend, I know I will as I head back to the U.S. tonight for a couple of weeks.

As a former journalist I disagree with Stossel's approach and his blatant attempts to massage his own ego and clearly try to sell a few more books.
The best journalists, in my opinion, bring all sides of a story to the table and allow the reader to reach their own conclusions of what is right or wrong or good or bad.
The way they do this is with concise, in depth interviews of valid (therefore knowledgeable) subjects who can present their opinions in a manner that is easily understood by the lay person.
It is not done by making a target look ignorant by his lack of knowledge. If he does not have the knowledge, as Sharpton clearly did not, then he is not a viable subject and Stossel should have found someone who was.

I agree with the article, but don't think the recommendation of reduction of government is radical enough.

Focussing on better latrine legislation is too restricting. We need to thing big picture if we're to really make a difference in the shape and size of the Government.

Why not extend the thinking. Take a whack of costs out by privatizing the military. Let's have a system of feudal militia in which those have money fund private armies that defend their markets interests and will collaborate with other militia when combined interests will be served. Kinda like Buffet and Gates spending money on bullets and not vaccines. Sounds good already.

In fact, there's some record that it will serve our geo-political interests too. Look at the English. Their small Government gave license to the privateers (Raleigh et al) to conquer the seas, invade new lands, then stepped in to provide adminstration. 20,000 (Britis) civil servants ran India. How's that for low cost efficiency.

Cecil Rhodes - from Cape to Cario - he and his private army got all the way from Cape Town to Rhodesia. He did it for the Empire and took NO public money. What a guy.

To heck with this "no taxation without representation" stuff. It's too expensive to administer support to the folks who add least value to the economy. Perhaps Nevil Shute (In the Wet) was right. The guys and gals with the big brains, big cars and big wallets should get more votes than the rest of us: they have a track record of success in a meritocracy, and so what, if they do a make a buck or two on the way up, that should be applauded, not castigated. Cheney, Bush, Rumsfeld - look at what a little enterprise has done for them. Financial security has only added to the even handedness with which they've dealt with issues on oil, exploration etc. Personally, I think we should have no "spaces" for the nation. Sell it all. We'd save millions on costs and admin, and generate billions in (low) tax revenues from Disney, the new owners of Yosemite theme park.

Bad air, who cares. With lower taxes and some talent, you can afford you own 8,000 sq ft Clean Air Act. Oh, and we should save on hygiene legislation as well. This will only make things better because, if you got out to a Manhattan restaurant tonight and die tomorrow from food poisoning - good. You're too weak anyway.

Wow, there are so many opportunities. I won't take anymore of your time as I record my thoughts in more depth in a journal. Hmm a title - Das Kapitalist

"the top 1 percent pays 34% of the income taxes." Isn't that incredible?!?

Actually, it was 34.75% in 1998 (those with AGI above $269,496). It's probably higher now.

More interestingly, the top 5% (AGI > 114,729) paid 54%.

top 10% of taxpayers had AGI > 83,220!

AND! the bottom half of taxpayers pay only 4.2%!

That's it?! I say increase the taxes on the poor!

Source: Tom Herman, "Upper-Income Taxpayers," Tax Report, Wall Street Journal, October 18, 2000; Press Release, "New IRS Data On Income Tax Shares Now Available," October 16, 2000, Joint Economic Committee.

I think you cross the line from belief to ideology when you start unconsciously inserting the word "always". More Government is (always) bad, for example. This is manifestly untrue. I would hazard a guess at least half of all CrossFitters are Government employees of one shape or another. The Government is fighting our wars and defending our nation.

The real question, of course, is the proper role of Government, and so much of it depends on how smart or dumb the decisions made are. In turn, the decisions made depend in large measure on how smart or dumb we the people are. Much of the grosser stupidities Stossel cited are the result of perceived pressure on the part of elected officials from special interest groups. These groups are a reflection of what could be called on a larger scale a culture of entitlement. Everybody thinks the world owes them something.

This is one the reasons George Bush is perceived as autocratic: he is unwilling to pander to whiny people, simply because they are whining.

In both action, and the thinking underlying the action, it is almost always desirable to be as precise as possible. To see a target clearly, expand it in your mind, and blow it out of the water. Because of the nature of many governemental processes, fuzziness, and diffusion of purpose is almost inevitable. However, "Government" has no essence, or objective referent, so it's important to go as far as we can in the abstract, then stop, and contextualize.

Stossel was the graduation speaker at the high school I teach at in 2005.

Every report of him was that he was a grade A prima donna, full of himself, and exceedingly difficult to work with.

He does make some sense though. (He wasn't that great of a graduation speaker either.)

Although I am a card carrying member of the CI, I think one needs to note that the "top one percent pays 34 percent of income taxes" statistic is (a) a bit misleading since there are many other taxes that impact the poor such as sales and payroll deductions; and (b) given our progressive tax system, it is indicative of a fairly large gap between the earning power of the rich and poor.

Chris # 26

Ever eager to learn.

Who are the CI?

Many thanks

Adam

SCREW OFF DAYS!!!

3 Rounds:

400M Run
20 Box Jumps (24")
20 Situps
20 Squats

Time: 13:03

You know...it's really wonderful to see "Adam Smith" on the board. A man who in reality would have abhored the idea of hiding behind a false name...but wait...Adam Smith is dead, and I'm pretty sure that "Adam__Smith@freetrade.com" isn't a real email address.

It's always great to see the cowards come out.

By the way "Adam"...CI is the Cato Institute. The real Adam Smith would have been smart enough to figure that out. You're a poor imitation.

starting to feel better, did my first wod sinds sunday
reverse heavy angie, without time
100 x OH broomstick squat
100 x ab-mat sit-ups
100 x full range on paralettes push-ups, feet elevated on 20"box (took me 10 min)
100 x 10 kg weighted pull-ups (took me over 20 min)
It felt good to be training again

Matt #29

Thank you for your constructive comments enlightening me on three things:

1. Names can't be recyled;
2. There is a correlation between intellect and the ability to decipher acronymns; and
3. My ISP has failed me.

The first throws up a new business opportunity, the second consigns me (and a few others I suspect) to terminal duncehood, and the third I shall remedy with all due haste.

Adam

#21

Well written. You are right that Stossel did make Sharpton look ignorant. In my opinion Sharpton does that to himself every time he opens his mouth. Sharpton, however, is one of the most outspoken critics on the two points that Stossel brought up, "Gun Control" and "Under taxed rich."

I think it's good that he exposed the two myths and the lack of knowledge that one of the loudest critics has. Also there can not be a logical difference of opinion on these two subjects. There can be two different emotional ones but the facts just back up his points, so the only discussion that can be had is the one he had with Sharpton.

#21: "If he does not have the knowledge, as Sharpton clearly did not, then he is not a viable subject and Stossel should have found someone who was."

Read back a sentence or two. The lack of actual information before speaking WAS the point of the question therefore it was fair to bring it up.

Domain Name: FREETRADE.COM
Updated Date: 26-Nov-2005
Creation Date: 16-Mar-1999
Expiration Date: 28-Dec-2006
>>> Last update of whois database: Fri, 07 Jul 2006 10:46:47 EDT <<<

Registrant:
Ameritrade IP Company, Inc.
(DOM-269065)
c/o Ameritrade Holding Corporation
6940 Columbia Gateway Drive, St. 200 Columbia
MD
21046 US

Domain Name: freetrade.com

Administrative Contact:
Domain Manager
(NIC-1514410)
Ameritrade IP Company, Inc.
c/o Ameritrade Holding Corporation
6940 Columbia Gateway Drive, St. 200 Columbia
MD
21046 US
hostadmin@ameritrade.com +1.8002580816 Fax- +1.4435392209
Technical Contact, Zone Contact:
Domain Manager
(NIC-1514410)
Ameritrade IP Company, Inc.
c/o Ameritrade Holding Corporation
6940 Columbia Gateway Drive, St. 200 Columbia
MD
21046 US
hostadmin@ameritrade.com +1.8002580816 Fax- +1.4435392209

Created on..............: 1999-Mar-17.
Expires on..............: 2006-Dec-28.
Record last updated on..: 2006-May-17 11:10:55.

"Adam", you'd better call your ISP quickly...apparently they've been ripping you off for over 7 years (since March of 1999).

Re: the Stossel piece...I rather enjoyed it. Not because I agree with all of his data (i.e. tax rate may be 34%, but after write-offs, shelters, etc. I don't believe that all the "rich" are paying 34%). What I liked about it was that he brought to light a simple problem that many people suffer from...the tendency to put anyone that doesn't agree with you into a nice little box. Like "conservative". Stossel's cohorts apparently consider him a "conservative" because he doesn't believe that bringing government to bear on an issue should be the first resort. I fail to see how that makes him a "conservative". The same phenomenon exists on the other side of the coin, where people would consider you a "liberal" if you don't have a problem with homosexuals getting married (pulling an example out of thin air). It constantly amazes me that there is such a desire to label people.

Re: my earlier comments to "Adam"...I for one actually enjoy reading the comments/thoughts/ideas of those that I tend not to agree with. Exposure to different thinking does nothing but broaden your own mind. I wish we could all (myself included...I know I'm guilty) drop the level of sarcasm and namecalling down a few levels. It's not the opposite viewpoints that get me riled up...it's the lack of respect shown to your fellow participants. And putting your own name/email to your post is the most basic level of respect. Have the balls to stand behind what you post here...whether it's on a "rest" day or a WOD day.

You know, these types of back-and-forth, circle, around and about things are microcosms of human interaction, and I would highly recommend those of an ironic, philosophical bent to step back for a moment, past the rightness and wrongness of what people say, and just look at their own and others processes of assessment. When you read that article, some things stand out more than others. Some think Stossel is a jerk, some get reminded that Al Sharpton has a big mouth and small brain, etc.

I just got done saying thinking should be targeted, but it's worth opening yourself up from time to time to the observation that thoughts exist like little islands in oceans of feelings, and people live in different oceans.

One of the most worthwhile things you can do is figure out which ocean you live in, and then see if you can grasp that of another, on an experiential level.

I think one common motivation for posting on the internet--certainly in my case--is that the way our lives are structured--the way we have structured them in the modern world--so often we FEEL unheard, especially if there is a significant gap between our intellectual capabilities, and those by whom we are surrounded as colleagues, lovers, and friends.

Some of the posts I see, are like one of those toys that get wound up, they have latent energy, then you put them on the ground, and they spin around madly. The topic is irrelevant: it is the expression itself that is of prime importance.

This is not intended as criticism, rather as descriptive. I get lost sometimes pondering the depths of my own ignorance, and what things I have figured out--if I have--I attribute to that habit.

I am capable of being blunt past the point of rudeness, but I also like sometimes to communicate in what I call cloud form: diffuse, but still tangible. That's what this is intended to be: a potential nexus for new thoughts and perceptions.

Matt G,

Thank you for your research. This now explains why I have received so little email. A stinging letter has been dispatched to the robber ISP.

I accept your advice. and will tame some of my enthusiasms which may come across as sarcasm.

I think the key issue in this debate is how much Government is required for an effective society, and how much constraining. Small societies, like small businesses, require little administration, but as they grow in size and complexity, more structure is required. But the paradox of structure is that it is both enabling and limiting at the same time. We then reward behaviours in which more structure is encouraged (ie political careers) but decry structure when it limits enterprise or taken to extremes.

It seems to me that the key question is: how can we determine what is the "right" amount of structure? I don't know the answer, but I do know that a Republican/Democrat distinction is not valid - both parties typically bring in similiar volumes of legislation, and remove equally as little.

ps Apologies for my name, but I had little input at the time.

With a veteran father in a wheelchair for many years and many veterans who have been injuried defending our freedoms I think the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is an example of a great society. Yes, sometimes the implementation of any rule can be messy but for Mr. Stossel to imply that this act (ADA) is government gone awry is wrong.

His example about cleaner cars and waterways being available now only proves that government regulation can and does work. The Clean Air and Water Act are a great legacy of the Nixon era with democrats and republicans working for the greater good. Government regulations make a level playing field for legitimate businesses to thrive.

The discourse is great but the endorphins from the WOD's are better!

Hugh

I believe the essence of Stossel's piece is that he is not the bad guy for bringing attention to illogical regulations or misguided thoughts such as Sharpton. The problem with big government is that there is no such thing as efficiencies or desire to reduce spending. The answer is just to tax more. That is a bad prescription for America. I witness first hand regarding the ever-changing regulations that cost the consumer more and more. In the energy sector we are fined thousands for having emissions that are much lower than your typical pilot light on a household water heater/stove. I don’t understand why Stossel is lambasted for informing the public. Isn’t that a good thing? Or should he be silenced and let the public be the loser.

#33
Agreed.
But what did the other Democratic presidential candidates say?

#33
Agreed.
But what did the other Democratic presidential candidates say?
Has he tested republicans in a similar fashion and, if so, what was the result?

Great article! I agreed with 80% of it. Wheelchair access is not a minor concern imho. I'd like to consider myself a commensense libertarian too. The "nanny state" drives me nuts! Too many laws, too many lawyers, too many cops, waaaaay too much military (present company excepted of course! XD), not enough personal responsibility.

And comment #5: "When I was in the Marines, 100K left over at the end of the fiscal year had to be spent right away on whatever"

When I was in non-profit, which is quasi-governmental, for years our budgets were based on the previous years budget, exactly as you experienced. I'm proud to say once I had a bit of authority I was part of putting a stop to this whacko practice!

#40 Henry,

First your complaint is that the question wasn't fair becasue Sharpton didn't know; now it isn't fair becasue someone somewhere might know? I suppose you feel like Stossel has to ask every single person on the planet to be able to show evidence of his point.

The fact everyone knows Sharpton's name and his somewhat endorsed political affiliaton says that he is to a degree a representive of that political affiliation. His lack of knowledge about a subject he feels so strongly speaks volumes. If someone is going to have a REAL opinion for change don't you think they should at least KNOW about the current situation?

I also find it difficult to believe he wouldn't know because he's pretty well off probably falls within that bracket himself. Faking ignorance?

Interesting ideas put forth in the article and in the posts today. I have a smiliar feeling to the author in sense that I am labeled "liberal" because I believe in looking out for the little guy and things like universal health care. I have been shunned by "right-wingers nut jobs" because I think history has shown then when business is left to run free it screws as many people as possible for money, thus the government needs to step in. Think of the early 1900 era with child labor and such, what if the government had never passed the laws against that? But then I shunned by the "left-wing whiners" that I grew up with because I believe in the right to own a gun, and because I serve in combat arms, and I don't outright HATE Bush. What ever happened to moderates, people who have personal beliefs that vary from party lines, and believe in well thought out, studied, intelligent argument as a basis for lesiglation, instead of knee jerk reactions based on dogmatic beliefs.
Another thing, why is this current Republican party so far from its ideals of less government involment in daily life, when they call an emergency seesion to invole themselves in one persons life? Yet it took them 4 days to pull toghter for Katrina? I might have my facts here a little messed up, but you get the point.
Few last words: Conservatives stop whining about the liberal media, its getting REALLY old. Liberals stop whining. All of us need to get over our selves and care about whats going on, stop caring so much about party lines and work togheter. And to comment #1, its not all Bush's fault for anything, its EVERY Americans fault for everything, thats what democracy is all about, we the people elect these folks, and history has shown that whan America cares enough to change something, we can.

Matt G. -

I have a good friend whose real name is William Blake. Would you have called him a liar and a coward if he had posted here under that name?

I don't know if the fellow posting as Adam Smith is really named Adam Smith or not, but I'm not sure what your grounds are for assuming he isn't.

At the risk of stating the obvious, there have to be a lot of folks out there who share names with historical figures, especially when the first name and last name in question are as common as "Adam" and "Smith". Further, it's not like the historical Adam Smith is famous to the same degree as, say, George Washington or Abraham Lincoln. I would bet that the majority of parents in the English-speaking world don't know who he was (or who William Blake was either).

I guess I should be glad that I don't share a name with anyone famous....

As it regards Adam Smith's original post:

It was a lousy haiku.

Stossel was funnier when he dubunked junk science. Now he seems more Quixotic tilting at the windmills of big government in NYC. He should come to Orange County where the government is limited and the housewives are beautiful. Plastic, but beautiful.

this site has great mountian bike videos shot with helmet cam great for seeing the trail before you go
http://www.mountainbikebill.com/videos.htm

While I generally support most libertarian principles: i.e. less politically motivated governmental structure (not necessarily less governance); I think Stossel is a mediocre mouthpiece at best. The advent of 24-hour news services forced the former bastions of U.S. television broadcast news reporting to lower their standards. Now everyone with a slightly different stratified viewpoint, a telegenic (recorded not live broadcast) personality and the patience to build up a meager following can get paid to tout their views and vilify others. I'm not convinced that this fosters any positive growth in our society. In fact, I tend to think such drivel stunts our psychological and intellectual growth whether or not we're a party to it.

I bet both Stossel and Sharpton would cough up a lung trying to do "Barbara" or "Cindy".

#44 - re Adam Smith: "I would bet that the majority of parents in the English-speaking world don't know who he was"

I'll take that bet.

Chris (#44)...

Use your head a bit here. Do you know who the "original" Adam Smith was? An economist and philosopher in Colonial America. Now, go back and read post #22...the intial post by "Adam" this morning (someone who to the best of my knowledge has never posted word 1 before today). Read it with the concepts of economics and philosophy in mind. Now, does it strike you as odd/suspicious at all? Combine that with the email address given: Adam__Smith@freetrade.com. In case you didn't read everything earlier...the "freetrade.com" domain is owned by Ameritrade, the discount brokerage, and has been since 1999.

Put it all together Chris. Possible that I'm wrong? Absolutely. But I wouldn't bank on it (pun intended). I'm more than willing to believe that there are plenty of Adam Smiths running around. However, in conjuction with the obviously BS email address and the amusing slant on philosopy and economics of the original post...let's just say I'm more than a little skeptical.

#42
Sorry mate - you're on the wrong tack.
I criticised Stossel for poor journalism.
I am not saying that the question was not fair because Sharpton did not know the answer.
I am asking "what did everyone else say who Stossel interviewed on this show say?"
A fair balanced report would have given us an indication.
Instead what we have here is the risk that people walk away after reading or hearing this speech and thinking that Sharpton represents all Democrats.
Is that fair?

Now, I also fully agree with you that if Sharpton walks around claiming to know all about these topics and forcing his opinion about them on people yet knows nothing then he is an idiot - fair enough.

But were all the Democratic presidential candidates at this time idiots? Were they all of the same class as Sharpton? I don't know but I do feel this type of journalism, reporting, interviewing does allude to the fact that this might be the case and that is why I think it is poor.

Best of my recollection Sharpton was embraced by the deomcratic party during the last election. He was in fact regarded as a legitimate candidate since he was invited and a willing participant in the debates. I believe that is the point of including Sharpton by Stossel in his story. And if you read closely Sharpton agreed to the invite to be interviewed by Stossel. In the previous paragraph Stossel brought up the myth of the rich not paying enough taxes. And that is a thought that many in the democratic party believe is a fact.

#50
Not trying to be a smartass, but Adam Smith was Scottish. Your time of Colonial America is correct but as far as I know he never visited the colonies. Sorry, its amazing what the mind retains half comatose in an 8am econ. class.

Matt G. - Yes, I know who the famous Adam Smith was. I would have thought that was clear in the context of my original post. BTW, a quick Wikipedia search confirms my recollection that he was a Scot, not an American.

I can understand your suspicions, but I still think calling the guy a coward was excessive, especially given that you yourself concede that you could be wrong (however unlikely you think that is). On the other hand, it's certainly possible that Adam Smith is a pseudonym, and you and I are in agreement that all should post under their real names here.

Can't say much about Mr. Stossel that hasn't been said already, but on taxes the rates Mr. Messano seemed in so outraged about seem rather logical to me maybe even a little unfair on the poor.

According to 1998 statistics, I'm sure I could find more up to date ones if I felt like spending more time on this.
1. The top 1% richest of the USA hold around 38% of the countries wealth.
2. The top 5% richest of the USA hold around 59% of the countries wealth.
3. The top 20% richest of the USA hold over 80% of the countries wealth.

That would mean that the top 5% hold more wealth than the all of the bottom 95% combine for those who have trouble with the math.

Is it so amazing that they pay most of the taxes? They have most of the money don't they? Tax the poor, what's the point?

No rest for me on the rest day...Ran 3miles in just under 20mins...not quite the 14:30 I was able to do in high school but good enough for me!

Semper Fi

Hi all,
{Pull-up (weighted) Bdw., Bdw.+10, 20, 25, 30 kilosx5 and run 5k (hilly but moderate) 24:22 for the run}.
Until tomorrow...

#51 Henry

No, I’m not “on the wrong tack.”

#:“I am not saying that the question was not fair because Sharpton did not know the answer.”

Yes, you did. Right here:

#“If he does not have the knowledge, as Sharpton clearly did not, then he is not a viable subject and Stossel should have found someone who was.” Which is what started this discussion in the first place.

#“I am asking "what did everyone else say who Stossel interviewed on this show say?"”

It doesn’t’ matter. Were they campaigning to increase taxes on the rich as a core issue like Sharpton does? No. Ask those making an issue of it the question, in this case Sharpton. Sharpton has this as one of his core issues. Ask the other politicians the current situation of their own core issues, that’s “fair and balanced” like you seem to want.

Besides, fair and balanced is an impossible myth and a marketing gimmick. “Fair balanced” reporting isn’t the same as objective. Objective is what reporters and journalists are taught they should be.

Barry #35:

I think I understand and thus, agree with your observation.

Your best point is what I have found as fault with many internet forums, blogs and groups:

It's interesting how easily provoked many people are by illogical, unsubstantiated, emotional expressions. Emotional comments beget passionate responses. Unfortunately, interesting and meaningful discussions get lost in the froth of emotions.

#55

The point isn't that they shouldn't pay most of the taxes, because they overwhelmingly do, the point is that the Sharptons of the world should quit feeding false information to their followers that the "poor" pay too much in taxes.
The bottom 5% pay no taxes.

36% of the money I earn every year goes to the Gov't, compared to the 7% that is taken from my lowest paid employees. Don't punish those that take it upon themselves.

Ha ha ha, a noble! Good one.

About the name/anonymous/coward thing - Matt G. (is your last name G. by the way? - just kidding), we don't know each other, so sorry for the directness, but over the months it's sometimes struck me as a tad over-pompous to call people out on their 'assumed' identities on this board. It's a bit like kids at a tree-house club. While I have always appreciated your comments toward people who want to dictate what Crossfit and Crossfit talk should be about, how in blazes can anyone be deemed brave or cowardly on an internet forum? And it leads to misunderstandings, and generally lame exchanges.
Why not just let whoever wants to hide behind a bush do so? "I can't take it off - it's my chest hair!"
Best,
David Stryker

For those that are enamored with Stossel's statistics and the blatant unfairness of forcing the richest 5% to pay 34% of federal taxes (not payroll taxes, local taxes, or FICA, which are much more of a burden), one can also think of it in terms of distribution of wealth.

The richest 1% in the United States own 35% of the wealth in America. The richest 5-7% own more than 55% of the wealth in America. That means that, while the richest 5% own above 55% of the wealth, they also pay only 34% of the taxes. Looked at alternatively, those who own the other 40% of the wealth pay a disproportionatly high 65% of federal taxes in America. The numbers are even more skewed with respect to local taxes, sales taxes (which are unilaterally punitive), and social security.

One can also think of Stossel's point in terms of the effects of taxation. Taxing someone who grosses $30,000 at 33% means that that person will pay $10,000 in taxes, and will have to live off of $20,000. Taxing someone that makes $150,000 at 33% means that that person will have to pay $50,000 in taxes, but still leaves them with $100,000 to live off of. The person who makes more than $100,000 also stands to benefit disproportionately from the repeal of capital gains taxes and estate taxes.

Stossel's argument about taxation is simply a red herring. If he is so adamant about "government waste," then he should investigate more thoroughly the three allocations that take up more than 85% of the federal budget: defense spending (more than all the other countries of the world combined), payment on the national debt (which accelerated exponentially under Reagan), and social security (and, under it, Medicare). "Social" spending programs, such as the Department of Interior, welfare, etc., only take up less than 10% of the federal budget.

He could also investigate the annual multi-billion dollar subsidy programs which pay farmers in the midwest to not grow crops on the richest farmland in the world, the massive pay-offs to the drug industry, the nearly annual bail-out of the airline industry, the subsidies of third-world dictatorships (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Turkey, etc. -- often to fund their own wars), or the massive incentives given to oil and gas companies for "exploration", "extraction," and the externalization of their costs, i.e., pollution.

But that would, of course, require a modicum of independent thinking and perhaps doing stories more robust than "what's going on with New York City's public toilets". If Stossel is a true libertarian, he should be concerned with the disproportionate control both corporations and government have over our lives and the lives of others in other parts of the world. The virtues of the free market should not be seen as a validation for illogical public policy or Stossel's own attempt to legitimate corporate excesses and benefits above and beyond the average citizen.

If this is a stupid question I apologize, but what does the "FedEx" reference in the photo mean?

My bad...that should have read "in the time of Colonial America" not "in Colonial America".

Re: cowardice. In my opinion, and I don't think it's that extreme, anyone that pops in to grandly voice their opinions with a tremendous air of sarcasm under what must be suspected is a fake name/email is a coward. Sure, in a totally repressive society that tortures or kills its dissidents (and their families...hello Iraq) I would absolutely understand the need to go with a pseudonym. But we don't live in that society, and I think it's blindingly obvious that Coach isn't running death squads around the country to abduct and kill those who post unpopular opinions/sentiments in Comments. There is absolutely no reason to not use your real name/email if you actually believe what you're writing. What possibly ramifications are there to doing so?

Not providing legitimate information is disrespectful to those seeking an honest exchange of ideas. If one can't trust the most basic information (name/email) how can you put trust in anything else?

This is not to say that someone who has become a recognizable (via consistent presence) entity around CF with a "handle" should be ignored. But the kind of asshat that pops in for the first time (or the 15th time with his/her 15th "name") on a rest day (conspicuously absent when actual work is being done) in an attempt to incite an argument should never be accepted or allowed to go unchallenged.

If your corporate board was meeting and Jimmy from the mailroom decided to put on a suit and attend in order to try out his new stand-up act, how long do you think he'd be in the room before he was thrown out? Writing this kind of behavior off to "well, it's the Internet" is ludicrous. Internet or not, it's still human interaction, respect (and spelling, and grammar, etc.) still counts. At least in a civilized world; I for one still prefer to live as though I'm a member of one.

#62 Zach

What tax rate do you propose?

Thank you cross fit. I have ben doing crossfit for about 4 months now and I have lost wieght and my psa has gone done a full point and I have a renewed sense of self and I can't waite to get to the gym and do the w.o.d.I would just like to know if there are any 50 year old guy's, like myself, out there doing crossfit? thanks again crossfit!!

Point taken Matt.

Came up with this to do on my lunch break.

3 rounds for time:

20 cal Rowing
50 situps
50 cal Step Mill
50 situps

Time: 32:38

#65 Tracy

Is it cool to say "I don't know"? Taxes shouldn't be so punitive that they discourage free enterprise, or so lax as to be unfair to the working middle class and poor. Taxes also shouldn't be used to fundamentally redistribute wealth, though they should be used to help create wealth among the lower classes. I don't know when this existed in the U.S....perhaps in the Nixon years, where the upper bracket paid about 40-45%, and loopholes weren't created in the estate and capital gains systems. The baby boomers seemed to do well with that system.

What would you say?

I'm in the same boat with you. The big question is what would be "fair". I've read the pros and cons of various new tax proposals but still am not sold on them as a whole. But 45% is a big chunk for someone who worked their tail off to build their business. So that to me is not fair. But I would love to hear ideas from others.

Scene; Girl on Southern Antebellum mansion front porch:
Father...why don't we speak anymore?

I want to inform you that I'm pregnant (long pause)...
by a Negro (even longer pause)...

...and his name is "Rufus"!

Fathers Response from his rocking chair as he reads the Sunday paper:
Why can't you leave me alone while I read the paper?....

Daughter's response:
Why don't you connect with me? Why not open up and tell me all your secrets?

Fathers resposnse:
I like being alone! I want to be an enigma...

...Like a "Chink"!

Robert Duvall from Pat Conroys famous Novel "The Great Santini"

I don't know why I posted this, I just thought that all the name calling was kinda funny and it reminded me of this scene from the Movie. I also visualize Al Sharpton being the "Negro" every time I see that specific scene!

Now that's just funny. Y'all have a good day!

Used to feel bad for Stossel having to kow tow to BaBa Walters.

Did the rest day triple: a hot tub, a sauna, and a shower. If I could have gotten massage in it would have perfect.

I can't resist chiming in with some of my favorite quotes for Alexis de Tocqueville. Although his words were written about 150 years ago, their wisdom endures:

"The American Republic will endure, until politicians realize they can bribe the people with their own money."

"There is a manly and lawful passion for equality which incites men to wish all to be powerful and honored. This passion tends to elevate the humble to the rank of the great; but there exists also in the human heart a depraved taste for equality, which impels the weak to attempt to lower the powerful to their own level, and reduces men to prefer equality in slavery to inequality in freedom."

"Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude."

I love our democratic republic, and am grateful for it. I also do fear the current tendency in our culture to use the tyranny of the majority to take from any minority, be it an ethnic minority or an oft spurned minority called 'the wealthy.' Robin Hood is a good story, but to take that which is not our own because we have the power to do so, then to call it fair or good is dangerous. The fact that they have x% of the wealth does not mean we can take it! That opens the door for any majority to exert similar tyranny over any other. Hence, I tend to oppose progressive taxation for the same basic reasons that I oppose racism -- oppression of the minority by the majority is not wrong because of who the minority is, but because it is wrong. Justify taking from the rich today because you don't like them, and they can't out vote you; tomorrow justify deporting people who don't look like you for the same reasons. . . I don't like it.

Two more from de Tocqueville:

"America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

"The Americans combine the notions of religion and liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive of one without the other"

Although I don't mean to turn this into a religious discussion, my point is that it is the combination of liberty and charity that I believe makes our nation amazing. Our liberty produces the means for some to become great, and their philanthropy raises the tide for those who have not attained such success.

P.S. I think Matt G. does have a good point -- this is the internet and anyone can choose to create a persona, etc., but part of CF is creating a community, a culture that challenges and supports each other, but a fundamental hope for those of us who value that community is that authenticity/integrity will be a groundrule. Don't post fake results on the WOD's, and if you want to engage in the rest day discussions, attribute your identity and quotes honestly. That's not asking too much, I don't think.

Had another "CrossFit experience" this morning at the big box gym.

I'm a day behind in the WODs and was doing yesterday's deadlifts early this morning at my gym. It is a beautiful place full of beautiful people on cell phones using beautiful white machines to tone calves and delts. But there is one kinda scary looking woman who works out there early in the AM...she's really built, has lots of tattoos, and a voice like chain smoker.

She comes up to me today to ask if I'm doing deadlifts. I say yes. She pumps her fists in the air and says: "Yea! You're the only other person I've ever seen in the gym doing deadlifts. way to go!" Turns out she's a former powerlifter.

I'm now getting kudos at the gym from the only serious lifter there. Never thought that would happen. Thanks CrossFit. : )

I have to say there are certain things in Adam's note that provide challenging thinking, but I dont' see them addressed by anyone. Perhaps its just me. It's a shame that debate about the concepts has been rail-roaded by other perspectives.

I agree about the preference for real identities though the point is made quite harshly IMHO. Still just a style issue I suppose.

I do think this a thought provoking forum on rest days, and I thank you all for making it so.

Taffy

I've now seen it all. Yesterday as I was warming up for the deadlifts, there was a woman jogging on the treadmill in front of me having a conversation on her cell phone. Get some.

Dear Adam Smith,

I knew Adam Smith.

I taught Adam Smith at the university.

Adam Smith was a friend of mine.

Poster, you're no Adam Smith.

#10 John Nederhof --

invest in a spell-checker and english classes

Coach Glassman, would you clarify the purpose of the articles posted on rest days. Thank you.

#74 Dan

While I enjoy your quotes from de Tocqueville, you failed to mention his continual reminder that, if unchecked, American democracy will become the very aristocracy it wished to escape. He was also highly critical of American religiosity, something which he also feared might threaten American democratic self-governance. I'm not sure if de Tocqueville would also endorse the concept of taxation as "tyranny" or "stealing." What does constitute tyranny is the disproportionate aggregation of power by those who create wealth. Democracy is only intended to ensure the means necessary for capitalism (and that's a dubious connection at best); it is not to be the lapdog of those who disproportionately benefit -- by their own means or by the the means of others -- from the spoils of capitalism.

"I think one needs to note that the "top one percent pays 34 percent of income taxes" statistic is (a) a bit misleadin"

It is misleading because economic burden of an expense should be measured against disposable income, not total income. If you are at the 10% tax rate and have no disposable income, that is a huge burden. If you are in the 34% tax rate and have millions in dispoable income, the burden is small.

you measure the burden against disposable income, not total income.

I know its a rest day but I took one two days ago.

bw# 182

21 reps of 135#
21 reps of sumo dead lift 95 #
21 reps of 145#
21 reps of sumo dead lift 95#
21 reps of 145#
21 reps of sumo dead lift 95 #

11:03

Walt, # 63, Fed Ex in the photo refers to a run down to Fed Ex and back at CF Santa Cruz. About 400 meters.

8 rounds of
double 35# kb c&p ladders (1-3)
pullups x 8
53# kb swings x 10

#82 slim,

Interesting but 2 things:

-the 10% tax rate is a income tax not a purchasing/sales tax.

-you would have to define every purchase being from disposable or not. Is a house paid for by disposable income? Is a 5 million dollar house?

Wouldn't your system encourage people to spend so thier disposable income would be zero so as not to be taxed? Note that savings and the like come form disposable income.

CrossFit Plano opened its doors to us today.
We did Diane:
21-15-9
225# Deadlift
Handstand Push ups
10:30 or so.

High Points
No breaks on the deadlifts
Getting to workout at CF Plano!

Low Points
Yesterdays Workout of
100 burpees
75 pull ups
50 ring dips
25 HSPU
Wreaked havoc on my HSPU's today

#21 Henry
I agree with you that the news should interview and discuss topics with individuals who actually know what they are talking about. As far as Al Sharpton goes though, he's going to get air time on some other network and people watching are going to come under the impression that he knows what he's talking about, which is clearly not the case. So it was right for Strossel to discredit him.
As far as journalist and reporters go they should report the news not there opinions about it. There are more news commentary shows than actual news shows. If I did an WOD exercise every time I heard someone NOT answer a direct question on these news commentary shows (both sides) I wouldn't have to workout. I truly wish there was a show that was fair and balanced or maybe something called straight talk.

As far as the article is concerned Strossel brought up some good points. The biggest one the many government officials don't live in the same world we (the people) do.

Marcus Wu, are you being bad again, telling Johan to get this and do that? Bad, Marcus, bad boy. The English language doesn't need you to protect it, and Johan is fine just the way he is. To the naughty step, mwu!!

And 210 pullups on a rest-day in 20 min.? Double bad!

Did yesterday's WOD:

135
145
155
165
175
185
195(PR)
+2 mile run

couldn't rest... did 50 sit ups, 100 downunders and some random arm exercises...

Dan. . .where are you Dan?

Hmm. Thought for sure he'd be here by now.

#21 Henry:
"The best journalists, in my opinion, bring all sides of a story to the table and allow the reader to reach their own conclusions of what is right or wrong or good or bad.
The way they do this is with concise, in depth interviews of valid (therefore knowledgeable) subjects who can present their opinions in a manner that is easily understood by the lay person."

As a consumer of news, I would agree. But when the whole goal of newspapers and shows is to gain readership/sell papers, then their desire to do just that (and perhaps not be sensational enough) withers faster than a rose in Phoenix in June.

Ran a very hilly 5k this evening.

26:23

Bench Press 95/25 115/12 135/10 145/12
Deadlift 95/25 135/12 185/10 200/6 255/2
Half hour on 15% incline treadmill 3 mph
Half hour on recumbent bike heart rate 140

175# bench pr (16,12,12,10,10) & pullups (17,15,15,13,13)

didn't take the day off ran 5k in

16:36

There is no one in power who is actually against “big government.”

That has always been the dirty and not-so-little secret of our governance. Both Democrats and Republicans, both liberals and conservatives, have always wanted bigger and more powerful government. They want activist and interventionist government.

The only difference has been a debate over when, where and how that government should intervene. In this case, our rulers can play both physician and God

Was the great conservative, Ronald Reagan, the president who said he would get government off our backs?

Yes, he did, as he ran up more deficit spending than all the 39 men who proceeded him in that most powerful of offices. He borrowed that money to finance bigger government, particularly a bigger military.

Yes, he did hate government bureaucrats, or at least the idea of them, but he never seemed to understand that a bureaucrat by any other name was still a bureaucrat, even in uniform.

Actually, in the last couple of heady years, conservatives have been talking about some of this. “Big Government Conservatism” is the term of art, apparently coined by Fred Barnes of The Weekly Standard, who wrote last year:

“Sure, some conservatives are upset because he (George W. Bush) has tolerated a surge in federal spending, downplayed swollen deficits, failed to use his veto, created a vast Department of Homeland Security, and fashioned an alliance of sorts with Teddy Kennedy on education and medicine. They (the Bush administration) simply believe in using what would normally be seen as liberal means—activist government—for conservative ends. And they’re willing to spend more and increase the size of government in the process.”

That really is the reason we have come to this politics of values, the politics of imposing the victor’s values on friends and foes alike. The government is big. The government is arrogant. The government is intrusive. The only difference now is what the holders of the power of the moment choose to do with it—and to us.

Comment #23 >>"the top 1 percent pays 34% of the income taxes." Isn't that incredible?!?

Actually, it was 34.75% in 1998 (those with AGI above $269,496). It's probably higher now. AND! the bottom half of taxpayers pay only 4.2%!

That's it?! I say increase the taxes on the poor!<<

You are kidding,right???

If not,you need to check out:

Take the Rich Off Welfare 2ND Edition
by Mark Zepezauer

As `Take the Rich Off Welfare' aptly points out, welfare really does suck a lot of money from our treasury, but it's not the poor and needy in this country that benefits from this bonanza. As a matter of fact the word `wealthfare' is more applicable, because that's who's really benefiting- the wealthy.

Very brief, but meticulously researched and with sources to back up every fact.

huh...