Bill Maher, Presidents, and Nonsense

[mrpercentage]

So I was watching HBO late and decided to watch Bill Maher. I usually don't watch regular news except CNBC because I have no interest in learning about who got ran over, shot, stabbed, and eh... you get the idea.

So anyway the presidential election is the subject and it the usual comes out. They start talking about who should get credit for what.

Bill, if you are reading can we cut through the nonsense.
Obama didn't create jobs, Bush didn't create jobs, the business world created jobs.
Then it crossed gas and he tried to give Obama the credit for that too. Did Obama give OPEC a blowjob or something? No.. They are killing US oil independence, and I got news for you. You need high oil as motivation for innovation out of it. Oil this low will have people buying monster trucks with flamethrower exhaust systems if it continues for a couple of years.
Then he went into Obama care. The very thing that had my mom spending $800 a month at 63 while being def with vertigo and somehow unable to qualify for disability even though she was unable to work. Well %^& you Obama. #$%  you very much.

Yeah thats why I don't watch the news. Im voting for Sanders or Trump. If I can't make up my mind I am flipping a coin because it is the only way I can give Washington the middle finger

[GuitarStv]

I think your first mistake was equating a late night comedy show with 'news'.

[golden1]

Uh, that was quite incoherent.  I watch Bill Maher too but it is entertainment, not news.  I like that he brings conservatives on his panel. 

But if we are going to criticize him, let's criticize his suck up interview of Dr. Chachoua who "cured" Charlie Sheen of AIDS with goat milk.  He gives a bad name to liberals everywhere by saying that on the one hand that we should support science over religion, and then on the other hand spouting his anti-vax and pseudoscience bullshit. 

[mrpercentage]

I think your first mistake was equating a late night comedy show with 'news'.

I know he is not real news but the politics are exactly the same. Somehow the president gets credit for random crap that happens and it is just gross. Do people know why they have cheap gas? From conversations I have had at work it's anything from fracking to Obama

[Roboturner]

I totally agree with OP, Bill Maher is an (occasionally) funny Rush Limbaugh. People eat it up, you can't just say "it's not news, it's comedy" because there is an agenda and it does sway public opinion.

Presidents always get blamed/credited for things that most of the time they have nothing to do with - Whatever fits your party's talking point. Most people are too misinformed (dumb?) to realize that, and the subsection that isn't either:

• Keeps to themselves
• Exploits this knowledge to weave a narrative

Maher and Limbaugh are in the latter, people eat it up

[music lover]

I think your first mistake was equating a late night comedy show with 'news'.

The second mistake was making CNBC their sole "news" source.

[the_gastropod]

So I was watching HBO late and decided to watch Bill Maher. I usually don't watch regular news except CNBC because I have no interest in learning about who got ran over, shot, stabbed, and eh... you get the idea.

So anyway the presidential election is the subject and it the usual comes out. They start talking about who should get credit for what.

Bill, if you are reading can we cut through the nonsense.
Obama didn't create jobs, Bush didn't create jobs, the business world created jobs.

Ok, I think you have missed a couple points. First, GuitarStv is right: this is a comedy show. Secondly, Maher was poking fun at the fact that Republicans in the 2012 election set milestones for their own successes. The U.S. under Obama has beat all of these milestones.

For your first example, in 2012, Mitt Romney claimed he would create 12 million jobs. Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/mitt-romney-outlines-5-step-plan-to-create-jobs/

Under Obama, the U.S. has created 14 million jobs. Maher's point is: why are the Republicans still unhappy? As a country, we've BEATEN Romney's projections.

Then it crossed gas and he tried to give Obama the credit for that too. Did Obama give OPEC a blowjob or something? No.. They are killing US oil independence, and I got news for you. You need high oil as motivation for innovation out of it. Oil this low will have people buying monster trucks with flamethrower exhaust systems if it continues for a couple of years.

Again, Maher was poking fun at the fact that in 2012, Mitt Romney had a "three-point plan" for getting $2 gas. Under Obama, gas (as you know) is well under that. Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mitt-romney-obama-to-blame-for-high-gas-prices/

[mrpercentage]

I think your first mistake was equating a late night comedy show with 'news'.

The second mistake was making CNBC their sole "news" source.

Yeah. What would you recommend. Generally I have found that if you want someones real opinion then follow the money.

[GuitarStv]

Generally I recommend staying away from the US style entertainment news or comedians.  The BBC, the Wall Street Journal, and the Economist all do decent and reasonably impartial news coverage.  Maybe try getting your information from there.

[Scandium]

Generally I recommend staying away from the US style entertainment news or comedians.  The BBC, the Wall Street Journal, and the Economist all do decent and reasonably impartial news coverage.  Maybe try getting your information from there.

I've learned more about how macro and micro economics actually works in the two years I've subscribed to the economist than the rest of my life combined. My degree has nothing to do with economics so that's a low bar, but still.

[mrpercentage]

I will keep those in mind but I prefer my news told to me. Lately while I'm driving in Sirius xm. And I like CNBC. I have tried fox, msnbc, and cnn but frankly they aren't even good at hiding their bias. I see hedge fund managers and about every CEO that wants to take the time from Mark Fields to Tim Cook. CNBC has given me an actual face with every company instead of an agenda crazed pile of words I have found elsewhere.

I think they are less biased than most and it's obvious. They like the markets and interests that protect walstreet. That's a lesser evil than the major networks in my opinion. The issue I have with subscription magazines is that I already pay for satellite, internet, Netflix, HBO, 4LTE, psychology today, and audible on and off. I have to stop the bleeding somewhere and I only have so much time.

[matchewed]

I will keep those in mind but I prefer my news told to me. Lately while I'm driving in Sirius xm. And I like CNBC. I have tried fox, msnbc, and cnn but frankly they aren't even good at hiding their bias. I see hedge fund managers and about every CEO that wants to take the time from Mark Fields to Tim Cook. CNBC has given me an actual face with every company instead of an agenda crazed pile of words I have found elsewhere.

I think they are less biased than most and it's obvious. They like the markets and interests that protect walstreet. That's a lesser evil than the major networks in my opinion. The issue I have with subscription magazines is that I already pay for satellite, internet, Netflix, HBO, 4LTE, psychology today, and audible on and off. I have to stop the bleeding somewhere and I only have so much time.

If you value quality news then pay for it instead of expensive non-quality entertainment...

[mrpercentage]

Isn't this a little like saying I shouldn't like strawberry; I should like chocolate. Can you tell me who the CEO of PPG is, what he looks like, and your general impression of his character? If you can I want to know where you get that from.

[matchewed]

https://www.google.com/search?q=ceo+ppg&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

What I said wasn't about what you should like or not like. But if you liked something then feel free to pay for it instead of

satellite, internet, Netflix, HBO, 4LTE, psychology today, and audible on and off.

which seems a little silly in this context of choosing quality media.

[Jeremy E.]

I will keep those in mind but I prefer my news told to me. Lately while I'm driving in Sirius xm. And I like CNBC. I have tried fox, msnbc, and cnn but frankly they aren't even good at hiding their bias. I see hedge fund managers and about every CEO that wants to take the time from Mark Fields to Tim Cook. CNBC has given me an actual face with every company instead of an agenda crazed pile of words I have found elsewhere.

I think they are less biased than most and it's obvious. They like the markets and interests that protect walstreet. That's a lesser evil than the major networks in my opinion. The issue I have with subscription magazines is that I already pay for satellite, internet, Netflix, HBO, 4LTE, psychology today, and audible on and off. I have to stop the bleeding somewhere and I only have so much time.

I am embarrassed even to say I have high speed internet and Netflix, I don't have that other stuff, but if I did, I wouldn't admit it on the MMM forums without dying of embarrassment. That being said, I don't see much point in the news. I decided to follow the 2016 presidential election, so using my internet I looked up all of the candidates policies, and have watched the debates on youtube, without needing to spend money every month on random subscriptions. I feel if you have internet, you can learn anything you want.

[mrpercentage]

What's to be embarrassed about? I have a wife and two kids. What I do effects them directly and they do not chose an MMM lifestyle. I think a 30% savings is very thrifty for a family. Most at my work are closer to zero or maybe $25 a check into a 457 account. For sure I can save more if I cut off my favorite forms of entertainment, get rid of the phone I'm typing on, and my access to this forum by finally ditching cox for good. Just the thought makes me think--what the hell for?

Maybe I should stop watering my grass and put gravel out there. That would save more too. Then again my kids play out side 3x as much since it was put in.

I thought I was already paying for quality. CNBC's job is to ready the journals and concentrate it for me in an entertaining form. I'm sure I will burn out eventually but not yet. Plus I get a little vulgar delight with Howard Stern a little bit each week. I'm not going to lie about it. I'm going to watch the recorded walking dead tonight in a few minutes with some clash of clans. You almost have to be a tech weenie to be on this forum. A pure distilled mustachian would not be at all. He would be making a hundred grand in the dark ages and die getting blasted by a F150 pedaling to work with 8 million in the account. Killed by a dumbass in debt who ends up having eight kids. One becomes a rock star and buys him a house. God mocks our plans sometimes

[Jeremy E.]

What's to be embarrassed about? I have a wife and two kids. What I do effects them directly and they do not chose an MMM lifestyle. I think a 30% savings is very thrifty for a family. Most at my work are closer to zero or maybe $25 a check into a 457 account. For sure I can save more if I cut off my favorite forms of entertainment, get rid of the phone I'm typing on, and my access to this forum by finally ditching cox for good. Just the thought makes me think--what the hell for?

Maybe I should stop watering my grass and put gravel out there. That would save more too. Then again my kids play out side 3x as much since it was put in.

I thought I was already paying for quality. CNBC's job is to ready the journals and concentrate it for me in an entertaining form. I'm sure I will burn out eventually but not yet. Plus I get a little vulgar delight with Howard Stern a little bit each week. I'm not going to lie about it. I'm going to watch the recorded walking dead tonight in a few minutes with some clash of clans. You almost have to be a tech weenie to be on this forum. A pure distilled mustachian would not be at all. He would be making a hundred grand in the dark ages and die getting blasted by a F150 pedaling to work with 8 million in the account. Killed by a dumbass in debt who ends up having eight kids. One becomes a rock star and buys him a house. God mocks our plans sometimes

I don't know what you're rambling about, i'm talking about your subscription to sirius xm, satellite, internet, netflix, HBO, 4LTE, psychology today, audible, etc. and FYI, biking is safer than driving an F150, their are more truck drivers that die of health issues from obesity than their are people killed in bike accidents.
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/06/13/bicycling-the-safest-form-of-transportation/

[mrpercentage]

Exactly. My favorite form of quality entertainment. I'm just saying that I am saving. Give me a break

[Kris]

Exactly. My favorite form of quality entertainment. I'm just saying that I am saving. Give me a break

I think what people are saying is that it seems a bit arbitrary to stop at paying a small amount for a legitimately good soirce of news when you are paying for so many sources of entertainment that range from reasonably good to legitimately crappy.

[mrpercentage]

I know but when it comes between a book, cable, or the journal. I'm sorry I am killing the print version. I can chase a toddler around the house listening/watching sqwauk box. Can't do that with the journal. It's valuable for sure and if the contributors to CNBC are not reading it they are fired. By me anyway

And the Walking Dead was great. Glad it's back on

[Tyson]

Clearly you are watching the wrong edutainment program with Maher.  You should watch the Daily Show instead!  Hahaha.  Or maybe "Last Week Tonight", to get a bit more value out of your HBO subscription.  Regardless, Maher is crap.  And I say that as a liberal.  If you are going to watch left-biased comedy shows, at least watch the 2 good ones.

[mrpercentage]

VICE: fighting ISIS was good

[faramund]

VICE: fighting ISIS was good

You're not the only one - I also have a 30% savings rate and a ridiculously high income, so there's all sorts of money spent on things the rest of the family want and which, really could be cut - but I'm fire in 6.7 years so what's the point of all this fighting.

[matchewed]

What's to be embarrassed about? I have a wife and two kids. What I do effects them directly and they do not chose an MMM lifestyle. I think a 30% savings is very thrifty for a family. Most at my work are closer to zero or maybe $25 a check into a 457 account. For sure I can save more if I cut off my favorite forms of entertainment, get rid of the phone I'm typing on, and my access to this forum by finally ditching cox for good. Just the thought makes me think--what the hell for?

Slippery slope and hiding behind new factors. I'm sure your kids really demand

satellite, internet, Netflix, HBO, 4LTE, psychology today, and audible on and off.

Maybe I should stop watering my grass and put gravel out there. That would save more too. Then again my kids play out side 3x as much since it was put in.

Red herring.

I thought I was already paying for quality. CNBC's job is to ready the journals and concentrate it for me in an entertaining form. I'm sure I will burn out eventually but not yet.

No. No it's not. It's their job to do what the industry asks them to do. Feed information to the masses who have extra capital to invest. That information does not have to be from any journal as evidenced by 15 minutes of watching CNBC. It sounds more like it's modified crap news with a financial bent sprinkled with CEO interviews.

Plus I get a little vulgar delight with Howard Stern a little bit each week. I'm not going to lie about it. I'm going to watch the recorded walking dead tonight in a few minutes with some clash of clans. You almost have to be a tech weenie to be on this forum. A pure distilled mustachian would not be at all. He would be making a hundred grand in the dark ages and die getting blasted by a F150 pedaling to work with 8 million in the account. Killed by a dumbass in debt who ends up having eight kids. One becomes a rock star and buys him a house. God mocks our plans sometimes

What?

I'm not sure what a tech weenie is but you're missing the point. Sure you can like the walking dead and tons of other stuff and still be mustachian. But consuming the amount that you've presented in many various paid forms is what separates you IMO. You're seeing someone like myself say "Why are you paying for so much crap entertainment?", then answering "because my kids love grass and I like the walking dead and an app." That form of entertainment doesn't need to be paid for with 7 or so subscriptions to various services. That's the point. You're being wasteful with your time and your money regardless of your savings level. If you're cool with that and cool with raising your kids to be that way then fine. I just don't get why you're on this board then. It's about efficiently pursuing what makes us happy. Not opening a hose of money at it.

[mrpercentage]

Sorry dad.

I spend 9 hours a week in a car commuting. I know you don't understand that. That's okay.
And don't confuse my kids with my wife. You must not have one because you don't just say no..we can totally afford it, it makes you happy, but you are not getting it because I don't want to work in a few years. You know what would happen if I did that? Obviously NOT

I would end up with two jobs and probably child support. If you don't think there is diversity in the MMM crowd you're wrong. We all don't save 50%

Besides saving comes first but I have the money. I am not going for fire. I like FI+

Honestly, I don't know why you are on this board if you are saving 50% and have no expenses for likes. Likes are subjective. We like media. That's not exactly smoking or booze

[GuitarStv]

Sorry dad.

I spend 9 hours a week in a car commuting. I know you don't understand that. That's okay.

You spend that time voluntarily.  Nobody is making you do it.

And don't confuse my kids with my wife. You must not have one because you don't just say no..we can totally afford it, it makes you happy, but you are not getting it because I don't want to work in a few years. You know what would happen if I did that? Obviously NOT

I have a wife.  We're both on the same page financially.  If you're not, maybe it would be a good idea to have some frank discussions.  Avoiding that conversation leads to the kind of fear that you have indicated rules your life.

I would end up with two jobs and probably child support. If you don't think there is diversity in the MMM crowd you're wrong.

If you're married to a person who is so terrible that she would divorce you because you want to spend less, divorce is probably the best path for you to take long term.  That said, there is hope - maybe discussing finances and future goals with her will not result in immediate divorce?

We all don't save 50%

That's true, some of us are much higher.  We get to the higher savings rates by not wasting money on silly things and then justifying our bad purchase decisions.

Besides saving comes first but I have the money. I am not going for fire. I like FI+

That's completely valid.  If you don't want to retire early - cool.  Bitching about how the entertainment program that you pay premium money for as a cable extra isn't providing you with unbiased news is a silly waste of everyone's time on this forum though.

Honestly, I don't know why you are on this board if you are saving 50% and have no expenses for likes. Likes are subjective. We like media. That's not exactly smoking or booze

Again, if you like media and want to spend your money there that's fine.  If you want news though, pay for actual news.  Don't pay for entertainment and be shocked that it's not particularly factual.

[mrpercentage]

Right I'm going to tell my wife tomorrow that her and the kids will have no health insurance. I'm going to quit a government job that will provide a permanent stream of income if fifteen years to wing it and see what's out there.

I love your enthusiasm but sometimes you guys are seriously disconnected from reality. Would she Divorce  me for direct TV? No but it would piss her off. Leaving my job I would enter into a mine field. I know I was selling everything I had of value-- guns, gold, and silver in 2009 while I was unemployed for about 8 months. I will never forget that or the strain in put on our relationship.

Just in case you all forgot where songs like this come from
http://youtu.be/aoDTaegG6eI

[matchewed]

Right I'm going to tell my wife tomorrow that her and the kids will have no health insurance. I'm going to quit a government job that will provide a permanent stream of income if fifteen years to wing it and see what's out there.

I love your enthusiasm but sometimes you guys are seriously disconnected from reality. Would she Divorce  me for direct TV? No but it would piss her off. Leaving my job I would enter into a mine field. I know I was selling everything I had of value-- guns, gold, and silver in 2009 while I was unemployed for about 8 months. I will never forget that or the strain in put on our relationship.

Just in case you all forgot where songs like this come from
http://youtu.be/aoDTaegG6eI

Where did I say you have to leave your job? You're not actually having a discussion with a person. You have discussions with some random ass thoughts that you seem to see somewhere but weren't said.

But if you want me to engage with what you just said I'd say that your experience in 2009 led you to the wrong conclusion. You don't get more security from crap. You actually get less. So that's why you get encouragement to differentiate between crap and not crap. You seem to have a bit of difficulty with that distinction.

You're no more secure because you have a 30% savings rate than you were before 2009. You haven't established actions which will protect your from such a thing again. Certainly buying HBO doesn't.

[mrpercentage]

You are right. I'm talking to more than one person like the one that said I have a choice. And I will troll tv instead. Frankly, it's more useful

[Jeremy E.]

sorry i derailed the conversation, but lets get this back on track, what do you guys think the chances are of Sanders getting the democratic nomination? I'm thinking he has a 10% chance and Clinton has a 90% chance. What about for the republican nomination? my thoughts. (note these are what I think their chances are, not necessarily who I want to win)
Trump - 30%
Cruz - 32%
Rubio - 32%
Bush - 2%
Kasich - 3%
Carson - 1%

edit: I think Biden has like a 1% chance as well, if he changed his mind and decided to run, i'd change that to a much bigger number, I think he has until saturday to get in

[dramaman]

I think your first mistake was equating a late night comedy show with 'news'.

I know he is not real news but the politics are exactly the same. Somehow the president gets credit for random crap that happens and it is just gross. Do people know why they have cheap gas? From conversations I have had at work it's anything from fracking to Obama

The way I see it is a sword cuts two ways. If the President can get blamed when something goes bad, one shouldn't begrudge the President getting credit when the same thing goes right. On both the economy and gas prices, in the past the President's opponents have blamed the President for high unemployment, slow growth and high gas prices. Heck in my state in Kansas, our current 'wonderful' governor is STILL blaming Obama for the relatively poor state of the Kansas economy.