Tear gas for self-defence

Big riots in Greece so out of control are rare but I've seen them happen in other countries too (US, France). My experience in Greece is that shop owners are completely defenseless, the Greek police cannot protect the streets or the shops. I remember when Bill Clinton visited Athens and the city was burnt down. He cut his trip short and went for a 'safe' trip in Turkey next door. As a better alternative to guns or hiring snipers from abroad, shop owners in Greece should arm themselves with tear gas and use it to protect their property. It takes 1 hothead shop owner to start shooting at protesters destroying his property or threatening his life. If caught he can claim self-defense.

But with no police around and fire and smoke all over no one will see him or his sniper firing. This is the scenario of all hell breaking loose with many dead people. If the police can't protect, tear gas is better self-defense to guns.

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If you can't trust your neighbor...

As all Canadians know, we are on the eve of having to show a passport in order to cross the US/Canadian border. In our 200 history as neighbors, this is a disturbing precedent, and yet both Clinton and Bush confessed to having absolutely no knowledge of it when they came to speak together in Toronto. The two former US Presidents came to discuss global and domestic challenges facing the U.S. and Canada and both of them were ignorant about it. That such an important step is implemented without their knowledge is beyond belief. How are we Canadians supposed to feel?

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US Presidential Elections, who can use who?

This thought was posted on Thinkaloo on 21 March 2008 by member monica

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I am interested in your opinion on this. If Hillary wins, she could use Obama in her cabinet, possibly as Secretary of State or at the Department of Energy to oversee the transition to a green economy. If Obama wins, however, I don't think there is much room to use Hillary. Their positions on health care and foreign policy in Iraq are different. Which do you think is more likely to happen?

If it's true that Hillary and Obama are a dream ticket, would you vote for Hillary so that you can also get Obama's talent or would you go for Obama with less chances to use any of Hillary's experience?

Public Healthcare

This thought was posted on Thinkaloo on 25 February 2008 by member smartypants

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H. Clinton and Obama are advocating more requirements to own/provide health insurance. As a teacher, public healthcare seems very reasonable and humane. As an economist, I question if we are prepared for the changes in the supply and demand of doctors?

Just thinking ahead to the future. . . If more people own health insurance, I expect there will be an increase in doctor visits due to accessibility. There is already a shortage of doctors in the US. In 2010, doctors will be required to have computerized records of all patients. These new mandates will probably drive doctors (not ready for change) into early retirement.


We will need to prepare for these changes by 1) Increasing the supply of doctors 2)Decreasing the demand for doctors.

My ideas:
1)Provide incentives or money refunds to people who do not frequent the doctor's office.

2)Allow doctor's assistants (nurses) to prescribe antibiotics for more common illnesses (flu, cold, strep). I'm not sure how practical or safe this would be, but would be interested to hear a professional's response.

3)Shorten the length of medical school for doctors who specialize in more common illnesses.

4) Government funding for students in med school.