Secrets of the City

I think someone actually trotted that out here in the aftermath of 35W.

But it will forever remain hilarious.

As much as I wish we didn’t look at federal money as “free money”, it is a bit creepy.

Well, I think there is some basis in truth, since we do not get a fair slice of the money we pay into the federal coffers, while failed-states like WV and MS get a bonus on their contribution to the kitty.

kevin, not necessarily ‘free money,’ BUT
for the last 18 years minnesota has been in the bottom ten states for federal benefits recieved vs. income taxes paid. in fact, it looks like we’ve been in the bottom FIVE since 2001.

i.e. for every dollar we pay in taxes, we get around 70 cents back. a lot of the poor backwards (and, surprise, republican!) states pull in $1.20 and up. not free money, but redistributed money. wait, I thought conservatives hated that?

source

hey, look at that, in 2005 Mississippi got $2.02 back on its $1 paid. Not a bad return for them!

Which only proves that collectivism is a failed idea.

actually this data is fascinating, I really want to plot the cost-benefit value vs. proportion of reps that are republican vs. democrat (obviously broken up by election periods).
I have a feeling there’s a pretty strong correlation there.

Which only proves that collectivism is a failed idea.
Nah, it only proves that it pays to have long serving senators and representatives in the Ways and Means type committees.

here’s another interesting one
with a few exceptions, I’d say my hypothesis is sound.

Either that or a hurricane.

it also pays to have representation that isn’t shy about bringing pork home.

Wow, both george bush AND dennis tester, indeed, do not care about black people.

Three years after Katrina, there’s still people living in gubmint trailers in Louisiana. I wonder how many people in Iowa will be living in gubmint trailers three years after their floods.

depends on how many of them are black

NM had Pete Domenici, Alaska Ted Stevens, LA Katrina, WV Bird… ND Minot AFB…

I wonder how many people in Iowa will be living in gubmint trailers three years after their floods.

I don’t know, but it’s safe to say they’ll be paying for it with their health. So, really, it’s all good in the hood.

I wonder why there aren’t that many living in their government trailors in Biloxi?

Oh, that’s right Trent Lott and Governor Haley Joel Osmet (or whatever his name is) hooked them up.

Let that be a lesson, people:

It’s about who you know or who you blow.

That’s what makes the article funny, all good humor is grounded in truth.

Any comparison between Katrina and Cedar Rapids is utter bullshit. Less than 30,000 people had to leave their homes in Cedar Rapids. Hundreds of thousands had to evacuate New Orleans. Not even apples and oranges, it’s apples and fucking television sets.

kevin, not necessarily ‘free money,’ BUT

I know it’s not free, but people talk about it as if it’s some sort of magic money that is just out there and doesn’t actually come from anywhere. If there were a tax on every time someone said “We have to spend $___ in order to get federal money” we’d have enough money that we wouldn’t need it. The very act of this laundering money back and forth between levels of government is utter nonsense that only clouds accountability and fosters ever-escalating spending, which lacks accountability, and the circle never ends. Quite brilliant, really, if you’re into that sort of thing.

PwrGeek, did you see the debate documentary on HBO last night?

Sorry…uuuhh most of the potholes are less than four feet wide? TWO foot wide potholes are worthy of mention, let alone three or four.

You people sure are extremely undemanding.

I demand a much more interesting troll. This one is boresville.

Let’s put an ad on Craigs List:

“Wanted: Internet Troll. Troll wanted for Minnesota-based online community forum. Experience in ranting, flaming, taunting and baiting required. Thinly veiled racism/sexism/self-loathing a plus. Must be from Minnesota, yet have no real understanding of its history, politics, people, culture and arts. Ability to make any topic partsan, mean and petty a must. Please provide references and list of other sites you have been banned from. Contact Ms. Parper at…. “

It pains me to say it, but Craigslist might actually produce a better quality of troll than Badgery Thing.

I know, right?

I’m guessing the pay is too low for us to get anyone of quality.

Even we in the Troll community have standards.

Even we in the Troll community have standards.

It’s moments like that that makes maz fun to have around.

There is honor among Trolls.

Sad that a man or woman tweaking thin-skinned sensibilities is really all most people see when they encounter one.

If you’re trolling and no one has to resist arguing with your stupid point then you’re doing it wrong!

Honestly, I think it’s time for Max to go out and hire some freelance trolls because the ones we currently have are a little too comfortable in their current trolling positions and are really lying down on the job.

Trolling isn’t a right, it’s a privilage!

*also, I’d like to note that I’m in bed hopped up on cold medicine (but not purple drank), so yeah…

I think I’m going to start trolling MNspeak. Someone has to try and set a good example.