- NEW!
by Brand Y on May 1st, 2008
What does Made in America mean?
by Answerbag Staff on June 17th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
What is free market trade?
by Answerbag Staff on April 30th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
What is the NAFTA agreement?
by Answerbag Staff on March 24th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
How does trade liberalization make poor countries poorer?
by AskAnswerbag on November 30th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
What were/are some of the effects of the FTA/NAFTA?
by assasanlord on November 3rd, 2011
| 1 person likes this
You're reading The U.S. could be a net exporter of oil if not for stupid policies, it would create jobs, we would not be borrowing money from China, we would not be sending our money to countries who hate us, WTF?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments
not talking about people, talking about energy, OIL. Your answer is nonsensical considering the Question.
by Cowboy-Matter of Fact on May 1st, 2008
You brought in the issue of hate. That's something very relevant to my answer. I'm sorry you think it's nonsensical, but I suspect your response is more of a personal reaction than a considered and balanced assessment.
by Brand Y on May 2nd, 2008
The issue of haste was merely in regard to a reasonable and logical desire to want stop funding countries who either outright or underhandedly try at every turn to undermine the U.S.out of unreasonable fear, jealousy or simple contempt.
Read in whatever makes you all lofty, 'superior' and high and mighty to help you to pat yourself on the back and feel better about yourself Brandy. But Cowboys has a very valid point in that we send a great deal of money in financial aid to countries who would not only not think twice about stabbing us in the back but would go to extreme lengths to do it!
by Capt. Jack Sparrow GALCIY on May 2nd, 2008
It is also very had to not have an us vs. them mentality when "them" is trying to kill us.
by Cowboy-Matter of Fact on May 2nd, 2008
I do not think you should have been downrated for your answer though Brand. I gave you 6,not enough to get you back above 0 but it's all I can do. Sorry.
by Cowboy-Matter of Fact on May 2nd, 2008
Thanks, I appreciate the spirit.
@Capt. Jack: it's a common error I've learned, due to my unfortunate failure to anticipate the way my username would be read -- but it's "Brand Y", not "Brandy". I'm male, my previous account was named "Stableboy". I hope that explains the arrogance. :)
by Brand Y on May 2nd, 2008
Oh it was clear as crystal for quite some time ago as well as another of your annoying arrogant and self-righteous socks that I believe you went anon with, if memory serves. Your pretending to be European there still has me in stitches. Frankly as it seems you'd be happier there than here feel free to "Move On" I can't think of that many that might miss you.
as for the typo with your user-name I apologize, my skill with a keyboard is not my strong suit.
As for a downrating I wasn't responsible, I rarely ever do that even when I strongly disagree with an opinion, or feel that a gross assumption was made, as in this case.
I reserve downrating to those Q&A I find outright offensive, hateful and abusive. If I just strongly disagree I leave an answer be and uprate those around it, regrettably even I have not stepped up to give MY two cents here as of yet. When I do feel free to downrate it or flag it if you like as it's your option. But even THAT wouldn't allow me to put a response above
by Capt. Jack Sparrow GALCIY on May 2nd, 2008
And for the record I gave you one stinking point to level you out to the 0 I feel this assumption deserves.
Have a nice day
by Capt. Jack Sparrow GALCIY on May 2nd, 2008
I guess I'm baffled both by your misinterpretation of my identity and intent, and the intensity of your hostility toward me. Did I do something to offend you and then forget about it?
To address your identity statements, my "Brand Y" profile has always made clear my previous identity, I've never even hinted that I was European, I have no anonymous or unidentifiable sock puppets and never have (you're not counting Stabledog, I assume?), and my answer here is actually quite mild... it names no names, if anything it points to the unity of humanity, something that I think is good. So what is all the anger about?
by Brand Y on May 2nd, 2008
The last time I recall you and I speaking, it was on friendly terms. We've not been close, but I don't recall doing anything to offend you that would justify a statement like "feel free to "Move On" I can't think of that many that might miss you."
If anything, I had the impression you were fair-minded and independent in your thinking. I think based on our previous interactions, if I had said something offensive you would have the decency and courage to confront me about it at the time so I could apologize if appropriate. Was I wrong?
by Brand Y on May 2nd, 2008
Okay so let me get this straight, you are implying that you have
NO involvement with the Anonymous user formerly known as Zenmonk?
.
If I'm mistaken my apologies are due, if not then own up to it and let's get this out of the way.
by Capt. Jack Sparrow GALCIY on May 3rd, 2008
That is correct. I knew him a bit, because of course we both have a Zen interest. At first, I didn't care for him much -- his Zen answers were accurate, but he seemed to lack any real interest in other people or compassion / patience, etc. After a while, I warmed up to him a bit... he's not such a bad guy, but he did get into a lot of conflicts. Then I learned that some folks were passing rumors around that he was my sock puppet! One even claimed to have proof, so I forwarded their claim to the staff to challenge this notion. Instead of responding to that, the staff ended up pboxing me a few days later for arguing with that user. I think that probably added weight to the presumption that Zenmonk and I were the same. In the end I think he burned out on all the conflicts.
Incidentally, I'm leaving AB, so my detractors are going to get their wish. I'm just posting a few "cleanup" comments on incomplete threads. Time to focus on other things.
by Brand Y on May 4th, 2008
Well I truly wish I was completely convinced you are not one in the same myself, I do for some reason appreciate though that you seemed to think of me as rather fair and accepting of those who I didn't necessarily share the opinions of. I do very much belief in the right of freedom of expression and opinion. As Clint said;"Opinions are like assholes, everybodies got one."
by Capt. Jack Sparrow GALCIY on May 4th, 2008
Ok, well I'm not going to put on a full-fledged persuasion campaign. But I hadn't realized that the rumor had spread this far from camp. Basically, for about 6 months (since I took up with Carmella), there has been a pretty persistent "discredit Stableboy" campaign by some folks who dislike me with considerable intensity. When she and I became an item, it provided them with the juicy ammunition they needed to turn me into a full fledged villain, instead of merely an arrogant annoyance. Really, the list of rumors I've heard borders on the hilarious -- supposedly I've had affairs with up to a dozen women (has anybody SEEN my photo?... not exactly chick magnet!). This "he is Zenmonk" thing is relatively small potatoes compared to my other alleged crimes.
I've tried various strategies to counter these stories, but the people who are behind them are much more committed than I. I can't figure it out, who has that kind of time? But obviously...
by Brand Y on May 4th, 2008
... I have really pissed some people off.
Anyway, I can see why, if you had some nasty exchanges with Zenmonk (it wasn't hard to do), and you thought I was him, that would explain your hostility to me. But if you heard some of the other stories that include plenty of pure fabrication, you might be more likely to be suspicious. In any case, it matters little... I will move on, the gossipers will declare victory and find themselves a new devil, and people will go on posting "who is trolling me!" questions, and the world will keep spinning.
BTW, Fuschia and I are good friends, if you trust her ask her what she thinks of those stories.
by Brand Y on May 4th, 2008
One more thing: I've updated my profile, partly in response to this realization that people really DO think I was Zenmonk.
by Brand Y on May 4th, 2008
The part of "Us" that become "them" do so when "they" refuse to be a part of "Us"...
by designer is wearing a ....... on May 4th, 2008
Oops, I only saw the thread of comments after I posted the above..
Funny, I thought :Brand Y" was "Stable boy"......
by designer is wearing a ....... on May 4th, 2008
Hey Davy Jones, When I saw this question and went to answer, I saw this answer and recognized SD's style...I have had debates with him before. I do respect his determination though!!
On my laptop, unless I disable Norton, I dont see the comment threads on ?'s with only one answer, so when I posted my comment i hadn't seen the thread. I will read thread now......
by designer is wearing a ....... on May 4th, 2008
Hey Stable Boy, Brand Y.... I remember you, I like reading your answers> Although I do not share your point of view in a realistic sense, I like that you are indeed consistent. I have never known you to be hostile, just passionate in you resolve for what you believe..I have also had debates with Zenmonk. I have never confused the two of you. I have tried to engage him in debate, only to be called names by him, I must say his attitude seemed to be 180* degrees from that of a Zen Monk...
by designer is wearing a ....... on May 4th, 2008