[MD] Down the road of mediocrity

[pholden at davtv.com]

Quoting ARLO J BENSINGER JR <ajb102 at psu.edu>:

> [Platt]
> What pray tell are "social resources?"
> 
> [Arlo]
> A strong economy, and an infrastructure capable of ensuring that none among us
> go hungry or without medical assistance.
> 
> About Zambia's poverty, Wikipedia states: "Once a middle-income country, Zambia
> began to slide into poverty in the 1970s when copper prices declined on world
> markets. The socialist government made up for falling revenue with several
> abortive attempts at International Monetary Fund structural adjustment
> programmes (SAPs), which ended after popular outcries from the people. After
> democratic multi-party elections, the Chiluba government (1991-2001) came to
> power in November 1991 committed to an economic reform programme. The
> government privatised most of the parastatals (state-owned corporations),
> maintained positive real interest rates, eliminated exchange controls, and
> endorsed free market principles. Corruption grew dramatically under the Chiluba
> government. It remains to be seen whether the Mwanawasa government will be
> aggressive in continuing economic reform."
> 
> Well, they're at a 37 year life-expectancy and 73% poverty, but at least they
> ain't bleedin' commie bastards any more. But again witness the large scale
> economic forces (copper prices) that have devastated the economy.

Putting all your economic eggs in one basket has never been good policy, whether
for an individual or a country. But, I'm sure there's more to the story, like
corruption in government.

> [Arlo previously]
> They are good people hit by economic forces of both financial and employment
> drain, hardly "bums and freeloaders".
> 
> [Platt]
> Right. Because most of them didn't sit on their butts feeling sorry for
> themselves. And probably have too much pride to depend on handouts.
> 
> [Arlo]
> I think many in these areas receive some form of assistance, whether food stamps
> or otherwise. Renova is trying to win a bid for a new locomotive repair
> facility which will bring employment and money back into the area. As I said
> before, are there "freeloader"? Sure, but I believe the majority of poor (and
> working poor) are good people hit by bad times, and often forces outside of
> their control.

Seems to me there is plenty of opportunity in this country for anyone willing
to work hard. Since Reagan, the economy has been expanding and job growth has
continued apace.   

> [Platt]
> Incidentally, do you ever go up to the Horseshoe Curve and watch the trains go
> by?
> 
> [Arlo]
> Ah, Platt, most definitely! I love trains, always have. Used to go HO scale
> model railroading, but have nothing set up currently (my brother has an amazing
> set-up). I am lucky enough where I live now that few freight trains roll
> through in the morning and late afternoon, one around 6:20am that I (in good
> weather) go outside on the porch and watch. (It's actually about a half-mile
> away). I really lament the loss (or decline) of rail industry, if for no other
> selfish reason than I find something fascinating and beautiful about them.

All our differences melt away by our mutual love of trains! 

 

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