Communism Isn't Dead

Posted by Eric Wed, 22 Jan 2003 05:00:00 GMT

One of my European friends recently told me that work was a "scarce resource". He said a French philosopher argued that (1) everybody should receive a salary from the government, and (2) those people who wanted to work should pay for the privilege.

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones--I have a surplus of work. If you're a competent programmer, and you would like to pay me for the privilege of doing some work, please use the e-mail address on the bottom of the page to contact me.

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Tomato Advice

Posted by Eric Tue, 21 Jan 2003 05:00:00 GMT

I spoke to my mother about growing tomatoes last night. Her advice: Purchase the yummy-looking varieties, but also some early ones. The growing season in Maine is all too short, and a September frost can kill the late-bearing varieties. If this happens, you need to pick all the green tomatoes and take them inside, where they'll turn red--but never properly ripen. So if you want to be guaranteed that ripe tomato taste, you should plant at least one variety which ripens early.

My mother, like every other New Englander I've asked, agrees that tomatoes are the one plant worth growing at home.

In related news, Fedco Seeds is running low on Orange Banana tomato seeds. I'll have to order this week!

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Double Standards

Posted by Eric Tue, 21 Jan 2003 05:00:00 GMT

When a CEO lays off thousands of workers and gives himself a $10 million dollar bonus (and a private jet), it's simply the free market at work. When the government throws a single mother off welfare, it's teaching her personal responsibility.

When the Federal government gives billions of our tax dollars to large coporate farmers, it's a vital investment in agriculture. When a state seizes private land to subsidize a sports stadium, it's a savvy business deal.

The current leadership of the Republican Party is very anxious to teach personal responsibility to the poor. But they understand that free market can be a cruel place, so they're always willing (after careful consideration) to provide a safety net for the rich.

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