> >> > Keith says; First of all, " ... to cover their in-hock asses. Steve Frenz..." > has a disrespectful implication toward business people.
Chris responds: Disrespectful? That's much too euphemistic. Let me put it bluntly: There's a good many business folk in this town that could use a swift kick to their royal kiesters (and I'd include some politicians, too) . Minneapolis has become horribly price-gouged in terms of goods and services while real wages are not keeping up (in fact, wages are being driven down, particularly at the lower end of the income spectrum). This city, like much of the country, is awash in an encroaching - almost reactionary - lack of economic realism about the cost of living. Never before have I encountered such a shocking absence of candor (if not political will) about the simple reality of what it costs to live and how this effects the growing numbers who can't afford it. Second, and much more > significant, the housing shortage is really a money shortage in the renter > pool. Chris responds: Well, gee whiz, ya think...? The darkest hour is just before dawn, someone once said. Rents have > gone way up with little vacancy in the last few years. Now there is much > vacancy. Chris responds: Well, I don't anticipate I'll be getting a rent reduction notices in the mail anytime soon. Show me the landlord who is willing to reduce his/her prices (something I've never seen) and I'll happily take you snark hunting. And much talk of multiunit housing starts in the city. Let us > control the rise of the stock market (gambling), let us control the price of > gas (conspicuous consumption), the Mineolas I like are too damn much at Cub. > Let me reach in your pocket and have some of your money. Automobiles are > vital transportation-can we get our city to start building the cars? Or > should I settle for a subsidy to help me purchase one. Chris responds: A rather absurd series of analogies that overlooks the reality of genuine need. No one would compare the luxuries of playing the market, over-priced junk food or the desire for a new auto with the neccessity of having a roof over one's head. A perfect illustration of the lack of realism I'm talking about. Capitalism is so > unfair; but when allowed to function, it works for the greatest general good. > Keith Reitman, I support socialist rant-control, NearNorth Chris responds: Unfortunately, there are too many instances where it clearly operates for the good of the few and fewer. Capitalism graces us with too many brands of potato chips, grossly over-paid sports stars and corporate CEOs and, as illustrated most recently, high echelon corporate honchos with a noxious sense of financial entitlement so profound it allows them to bilk their company employees of billions in retirement investments. But on the issues of housing, healthcare, and the cost of educating a kid, where genuine need resides, well, let's just say if you think sheer unchecked market forces are going to solve those problems anytime soon, then I'd say you've been chasing white rabbits down holes 'cause you're surfin' in Wonderland, dude. Chris Beckwith Ward 6 > _______________________________________ > Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy > Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: > http://e-democracy.org/mpls > _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
