A Little Education...

[smitty]

Which President was the first to raid the Social Security fund?

[stevenash]

Since TXHoops started the "name that President" thread, I suggest we allow him to be the first to respond.

[TxHoops]

When attempting to educate, it is helpful when the question you ask isn't premised on a term such as "raid," which is ambiguous as best. If you rephrase the question with more specificity, I will be glad to take a shot at the answer. For instance, had you asked under which president was social security created, I would have answered FDR. If you had asked under which president did social security annuities begin being taxed, I would have answered Reagan.

[stevenash]

Let me boldly speak on Smittys behalf and ask you this way:  Which President was the first President to invade the Social Security fund?  If you still find that too ambiguous how about:  Which President was the first President to allow social security funds to be used for purposes other than social security benefits?

[smitty]

When attempting to educate, it is helpful when the question you ask isn't premised on a term such as "raid," which is ambiguous as best. If you rephrase the question with more specificity, I will be glad to take a shot at the answer. For instance, had you asked under which president was social security created, I would have answered FDR. If you had asked under which president did social security annuities begin being taxed, I would have answered Reagan.

It becomes ambiguous when one knows the answer but don't want to say because it'll indict a socialist icon!   ;)

[smitty]

When attempting to educate, it is helpful when the question you ask isn't premised on a term such as "raid," which is ambiguous as best. If you rephrase the question with more specificity, I will be glad to take a shot at the answer. For instance, had you asked under which president was social security created, I would have answered FDR. If you had asked under which president did social security annuities begin being taxed, I would have answered Reagan.

Raid:  "An entrance into another's territory for the purpose of seizing goods or valuables."   And the education never stops! 

[TxHoops]

Since a President has no authority to "raid," "invade," or borrow from the social security trust, perhaps you guys are still asking poorly worded question? Or maybe just failing to make whatever point you are jointly trying to make?

[stevenash]

But, since you know the answer, why not provide it.? After all, an experienced educator such as you is smart enough to know the intent of a question.  We already know that a President has no authority to raid or invade the social security trust.    We also know that a President has no authority to lie about whether or not you can keep your healthcare plan if you like it.  That  lack of authorization did not stop it from happening. Under whose administration were social security funds first used for purposes other than social security benefits? 

[TxHoops]

I will provide you with this answer. Epic thread title fail 😂

[stevenash]

May I assume that , from this point forward, unless a question is posed in a manner you find acceptable, you will not answer it or will that only happen if the answer is negative for the left?  If you believe that you can somehow portray, from a historical perspective, that the Dems are more fiscally responsible than the Republicans, you have the most ambitious task you have ever undertaken in your life and one that you will be unable to prove.  The dismal and well documented fiscal failure of the current administration will more than counter any historical examples you can provide.

[LumRaiderFan]

Really having a problem getting an answer on this one.  :D

[TxHoops]

May I assume that , from this point forward, unless a question is posed in a manner you find acceptable, you will not answer it or will that only happen if the answer is negative for the left? If you believe that you can somehow portray, from a historical perspective, that the Dems are more fiscally responsible than the Republicans, you have the most ambitious task you have ever undertaken in your life and one that you will be unable to prove. The dismal and well documented fiscal failure of the current administration will more than counter any historical examples you can provide.

You know what they say about "assuming." And come on Nash! You are a pro at avoiding answering questions when the answer doesn't suit your cause! You deflect like you're at the net with a 100 mph forehand coming at your head.

[TxHoops]

By the way, your assumption why I haven't answered is off base. (See what I mean about assuming?). I really wanted you and/or Smitty to provide your answer(s). I can't decide if you know the correct answer or not. From one of smitty's comments, I lean toward he doesn't (but could easily be wrong). Then again, I guess there could be multiple correct answers to ambiguous questions; hence, the ambiguity.

[stevenash]

So we are simply having a contest to see who can delay his response the longest? Please note that I asked permission to make the assumption. In the other thread where you accused me of avoiding your question, you were attempting to lead me in a certain direction because you were already armed with an answer you wanted to give. As previously stated, if you want to discuss the ills of the economy and who is or isnt responsible, I am more than willing )and very well armed) to discuss with you.

[TxHoops]

As am I. Particularly with this question. And I am pretty confident that my answer will be different than yours. But I am more than willing to be educated. :)

As for the ills of the economy, you more than most knows there is no absolute blue print to a robust economy (much like the stock markets - as you well know). However, many of us have our opinions as to what is the best strategy to fostering a strong economy. I will be happy to share my opinion later when I have a little more time.

As for who is to blame for the ills, the correct answer is there is plenty of blame to go around.

[stevenash]

Lets start with this one. Since this recovery is the weakest rebound since World War II with GDP being about 1/2 of what any average recovery is, do you think it is fair to question the methodology of the current administration? Do you think that a country mired in more debt (as a percentage of GDP) than it has ever been, has any business being involved in projects such as Solyndra? Do you believe that the government is as efficient and productive in business efforts as the private markets?

[smitty]

By the way, your assumption why I haven't answered is off base. (See what I mean about assuming?). I really wanted you and/or Smitty to provide your answer(s). I can't decide if you know the correct answer or not. From one of smitty's comments, I lean toward he doesn't (but could easily be wrong). Then again, I guess there could be multiple correct answers to ambiguous questions; hence, the ambiguity.

I know who AND why!    ;)

[TxHoops]

Nash - yes, no, and depends.

Smitty - I think you think you know ;)

[LumRaiderFan]

Very informative thread!   :D

[stevenash]

 

Nash - yes, no, and depends.

Smitty - I think you think you know ;)

 

Sorry, the government has a well documented track record (regardless of party affiliation) of being a very failed business manager. You stated you were well equipped to have these discussions so please counter my claim and explain why. And since you are "well equipped" you shouldn't need to google so much.

[TxHoops]

You asked for answers not explanations and I gave them to you. And once again, you broad brushed a question so I said it depends. On a number of variables. In general, I agree with your assertion regarding the private markets assuming a number of variables which I did not have time to get into. As I stated, I will be happy to give you my thoughts on what reforms are needed when I get the time. And I will do it in this thread. Patience is a virtue Nash.

As for Google, I have noticed you asking people to google a particular term or query numerous times on this board. I would agree with you that it is a good search engine. If you are assuming that is what I rely on for my information, once again heed the old saying about assuming. I assure you that you probably don't want to get into a comparison of educations with me. ;)

[stevenash]

Ok  I don't mind comparing educations.  Keep in mind that there are a lot more "educations" available out there than a formal one.  Ask Bill Gates or Steve Jobs if they agree.  I have a basic 4 year college education( very average grades or maybe even slightly below average) and that's all and I know a number of Masters and Doctors whose annual income is less than the taxes I pay annually.  If you have a PHD from  Wharton, I can quite easily debate business issues with you.  So I would say, abandon the "my dog is bigger than yours" and just simply humble me via the debate..  I have a very close friend ( drummer in band I played in when in High school and college) who is a department head at NYU International School of Business and has served as a consultant to the Federal Reserve..  He and I have frequent discussions regarding business and economics that are pretty interesting.  Even though he is just a PHD at NYU, I have this suspicion that if I can discuss/debate with him, I can do the same with you.  One more note-  When I passed the securities exam a number of years ago, I was told that it is the third most difficult exam behind the Bar exam and the MCat.  ( don't know if that is true or just an opinion of people in my industry)  Our Chicago office recently had two Ivy League grads join our firm and, like every other potential advisor, they were told they  would have to pass the securities exam.  They felt it would not be a problem because they had recently completed an education that was second to none. Both flunked the exam.  Pretty interesting, huh?

[77]

Which pres. said Al Quida is on the run?

[stevenash]

The one who wouldn't know the truth if it looked him in the eye.

[TxHoops]

Ok I don't mind comparing educations. Keep in mind that there are a lot more "educations" available out there than a formal one. Ask Bill Gates or Steve Jobs if they agree. I have a basic 4 year college education( very average grades or maybe even slightly below average) and that's all and I know a number of Masters and Doctors whose annual income is less than the taxes I pay annually. If you have a PHD from Wharton, I can quite easily debate business issues with you. So I would say, abandon the "my dog is bigger than yours" and just simply humble me via the debate.. I have a very close friend ( drummer in band I played in when in High school and college) who is a department head at NYU International School of Business and has served as a consultant to the Federal Reserve.. He and I have frequent discussions regarding business and economics that are pretty interesting. Even though he is just a PHD at NYU, I have this suspicion that if I can discuss/debate with him, I can do the same with you. One more note- When I passed the securities exam a number of years ago, I was told that it is the third most difficult exam behind the Bar exam and the MCat. ( don't know if that is true or just an opinion of people in my industry) Our Chicago office recently had two Ivy League grads join our firm and, like every other potential advisor, they were told they would have to pass the securities exam. They felt it would not be a problem because they had recently completed an education that was second to none. Both flunked the exam. Pretty interesting, huh?

Interesting. I agree there is more to education than formal education. I was referring to your comment about google. I have a four year degree with honors. An advanced degree from the top school in the state in my field with studies in a joint program at two European colleges, one arguably the most prestigious on that continent. Oh and I passed one of the exams you were told was harder than the securities exam on my first try, after self studying, and finished in the top 10 percent of those taking the exam in my class. Where's my cookie?