Is this just a coincidence?

[NorthSideSox72]

Honestly, is that really the case?

 

I'm under the impression that the widespread trading of oil futures contracts as speculation is something that is fairly new as of the last couple decades, am I wrong on that?

 

Furthermore, even if I'm wrong, I think it's safe to argue against the rationality of markets under certain circumstances right now. For example, if the futures markets had predicted the large dropoff in demand for oil in 2008, it would have blunted the gigantic price spike. On the other hand, if the futures markets were trading into a bubble, they would have exacerbated the price spike and helped push down the global economy. I think, in hindsight, that the latter was reality.

Who said the market was perfect? What kap was suggesting was to not have one at all. In other words, the oil cartels could collude (they are mostly not in US jurisdiction for their discussions away) and push prices for oil and gas sky high. They already own a ton of patents for alt energy anyway, so if the increased prices push more research that way, then great - win-win.

 

Yes, its really the case. I am not saying the markets aren't flawed - they are. I'm not saying its the greatest thing ever. I'm saying things would be a lot worse on consumers in terms of energy costs if not for those markets.

 

[Balta1701]

Who said the market was perfect? What kap was suggesting was to not have one at all. In other words, the oil cartels could collude (they are mostly not in US jurisdiction for their discussions away) and push prices for oil and gas sky high. They already own a ton of patents for alt energy anyway, so if the increased prices push more research that way, then great - win-win.

 

Yes, its really the case. I am not saying the markets aren't flawed - they are. I'm not saying its the greatest thing ever. I'm saying things would be a lot worse on consumers in terms of energy costs if not for those markets.

I hear what you're saying and so I'm only responding on subtle points I think so don't take this as me being argumentative.

 

Don't oil cartels/companies already do a lot of collusion?

[bmags]

First... these are public schools we are talking about. I'm all for getting parents heavily involved in nearly all things school, but frankly, the school diet will not be helped by most parents. For public schools, the schools need to do something - either independently, or at the state or federal level. Probably best at the state level.

 

Second... If the only people buying oil futures contracts are planning to take delivery, then you no longer have a market whatsoever. Oil prices will go up FAR faster that way, than with having futures markets.

 

there are numerous, numerous studies that ALSO show that kids given a healthy diet performed better on test scores than those on high fat/sugar diets. It's a fantastic investment.

[mr_genius]

there are numerous, numerous studies that ALSO show that kids given a healthy diet performed better on test scores than those on high fat/sugar diets. It's a fantastic investment.

 

oh i'm sure pepsi will come out with a study showing the opposite.

[Balta1701]

oh i'm sure pepsi will come out with a study showing the opposite.

And the Republicans will flock to Pepsi's defense, and declare that obesity is "The greatest scientific hoax ever perpetrated on the American people".

[southsider2k5]

excellent, all these people using gasoline are sucking the teat of the government. the lazy bastards.

 

Why do you hate poor people?

[mr_genius]

And the Republicans will flock to Pepsi's defense, and declare that obesity is "The greatest scientific hoax ever perpetrated on the American people".

 

they probably will and so will pepsi sponsored Democrats.

[Balta1701]

they probably will and so will pepsi sponsored Democrats.

They'll just keep the bill that makes Pepsi pay an extra $.05/20 gallons of corn syrup (at the same time as spending $20 billion more on corn subsidies) tied up in the Senate.

[Jenksismyhero]

they probably will and so will pepsi sponsored Democrats.

 

Only Republicans are backed by evil, greedy corportions. Democrats are sponsored by butterflies and ponies.

Edited July 16, 2010 by Jenksismybitch

[Soxbadger]

Kap,

 

You are still missing the point. The GOVERNMENT is not the ones who should be telling us what to eat. This is preposterous. You don't even realize the freedoms of making those decisions. Right or wrong, it's NOT THE PLACE OF THE GOVERNMENT to tell us what to eat and what not to. Yet, you condone this from our government.

 

Great point, which is why I dont believe the govt has the right to to tell us what to consume or not.

 

So If I want to take 7 hits of acid and wash it down with an eighth of mushrooms, while smoking a joint, I should be able to.

 

The govt used to not be able to legislate what people consumed. But then all of these people started dieing, getting sick and losing their jobs due to drug abuse, add that to religious zealots and you have our current drug policy.

 

So as a liberal Im down with getting rid of govt intrusion into my life. Just gotta make sure that we dont half-ass it.

[kapkomet]

Well, there you go. You get population control that way.