naked capitalism

Mike says:

This guy has some good insights, but I’m so sick of this cynical world view.

Let’s solve problems. Let’s look at causes. But for god’s sake, let’s stop pouting about the challenges and stop patting our back for our righteous understanding of how the world ’should’ be.

Anonymous says:

18 billion barrels of oil is a lot and under current US law you cannot export crudes from the US (products, but not crudes.) So, although 18 billion barrels of oil is only 7 months of global demand, it is actually 2 1/2 years of US demand. But, the US produces about 40% of the oil it consumes–it imports 12.5 mb/d. Therefore, 18 billion barrels of oil = 3.9 years of our total import requirement. The Middle East fulfills 30% of our total import requirement, 18 billion barrles of oil = 13 years Middle Eastern imports.

In a world where taking 500 kb/d off the markets due to a conflict in Nigeria can have the effect of pushing oil prices up $10/b, I’d say that 18 billion barrels might well do something to mitigate prices at the pump.

Kolbert’s arguments re: global warming aside, her understanding of the oil markets is limited. What’s her option, depending on coal?

Unsympathetic says:

Dan, would you like some cheese with your whine? Keep insulting the persona of the blogger instead of the substance of the argument – you’re just another ignorant Republican with no solutions.

Problem: Lack of energy independence for the US. Solution: Nuclear and coal plants for all energy, burying the silly objections of the greenies once and for all. Also, the “new” nationwide investment needs to be in trains/subways for passenger service.

If you release ANWR tomorrow, you’re not seeing one barrel of that oil for a minimum of 10 years. By then, gas price could be $8/gallon – as it is today in Europe.

Cynicism is a good thing – and it’s a well deserved backlash after gratuitously ignorant Republican free-market idealogues wrecked the US economy for their own benefit.

Anonymous says:

I am not finding the SAR posts useful. Snipets are unlike the usual detailed analysis I look for here.

Anonymous says:

Oh for pity sake,

You still have the right to write whatever you want and Jim is just pointing out some stories that suggest that Bush is a crook for trying to spook people into thinking that Friends Of Angelo that are well connected to lobby groups should continue to rule the world and do as much harm as they can get away with; if I’m the guy in charge, these bastards would all be hung as examples of corruption and treason — ok that was harsh, I’d let them rot in prison and take the money they stole and give it back to America.

ScottH says:

Here’s a suggestion for all the whiners and complainers.

At the top of each of Jim’s posts, you will see the words “This post is by Jim Fitch of Some Assembly Required.” If you are more than 5 minutes out of bed, you will also recognize the unique style and coloration of his posts.

At that point, STOP and move on. Don’t read on and get yourself all worked up in a lather and then muck up the comments section with your nasty and personalized attacks. Some of us enjoy the format and “get” the sarcasm that you seem to miss. I like Jim’s posts. I am not a raving leftist. However, I do not care for raving-extreme-right people who haven’t the time of day for an opinion other than their own. Blinders are for horses, not people.

Oh, one other thing. Yves DESERVES a vacation, and has tried to accommodate all of us in her absence. Let’s try to show a little respect for that too, rather than making – or trying to make – her feel guilty for not being here 365 days a year at no cost to you.

Anonymous says:

Jim,

What was the world population before the industrial revolution?

Anonymous says:

Jim Fitch

Thanks for your point of view. I don’t agree with some of your points, appreciate the tongue-in-cheek irony in others, and the off beat delivery.

I have no idea where the non-regular commentators have come from. I suspect they may normally not get through.

Anonymous says:

Last time I checked, you need to have a population and some form of industry to have an economy.

IF (and yes, Im a believer) global warming exists and if we do nothing, there’ll be no economy or booms or busts to comment on.

If you think developing countries coal consumption is not close enough to home, try this: (BTW I do not believe in denying developing nations achieving developed country standards of living either):

“It takes five to 10 days for the pollution from China’s coal-fired plants to make its way to the United States, like a slow-moving storm.

It shows up as mercury in the bass and trout caught in Oregon’s Willamette River. It increases cloud cover and raises ozone levels. And along the way, it contributes to acid rain in Japan and South Korea and health problems everywhere from Taiyuan to the United States.” From:http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2007/11/chinas-dependence-on-coal.html

By the way, the above link was authored by Yves so you cant blame Mr Fitch.

For those that are interested,while we’re sort of off-topic in this thread, I cant recommend the book “Our Stolen Future” highly enough. I just finished reading this book which was written 10 years ago and has some pretty important messages we need to be cognisant of. I’m shocked that I hadnt heard of it earlier and that it hasnt been the basis of a documentary as Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth has – btw, Al Gore wrote the preface in OSF.