Really, why would market players buy, soley out of patriotism. I remember after Sept. 11, some talk about "be patriotic and don't sell" Well that's all well and fine on idealistic terms, but it's not very wise on realistic terms. This is a business so why would I risk my capital or a fund manager risk his clients capital based on being patriotic. Is it more patriotic for me not to sell and take a hit, or go ahead and sell and still be a taxpayer. (anyway, that was my thoughts after Sept. 11 - I still had to look at my business as a business, all the while feeling pain and anguish for the victims and their families) I can be a lot more patriotic as a taxpayer than I can be standing in the soup line.
Just in case anyone has any doubt that humans are just as primitive as other animals, I recommend watching The Jerry Springer Show or CSPAN.
lobsterman, yes, i have witnessed a monster patriotic rally and unfortunately was on the wrong side of lock limit up. it occured in jan. of 1991, the day of the US/ IRAQI invasion. patriotic rallys are real and powerful. best, surfer
Is Jerry Springer where I turn to see you in a profanity laced death match struggle with a specialist and your broker over a bad fill?
This is a ridiculous statement. Does it make anyone less of a person ('cause that is what your making it sound like) because they happen to think about an incident that directly relates to their livelihood, before they think about people who have absolutely no ties or affect to themselves? And unlike 9-11, no help or assistance can be rendered. And what's to keep anyone from grieving and thinking about market implications both at the same time? I'm with surfer on this. I immediately thought about the markets, but I also thought about the astronauts at exactly the same time.
If you say so..... However, my contention is that what happens is our minds and hearts is preemptive multitasking, not simulataneously multitasking. There is a very first thought, based on what is most important to us. An immediate thought, the first thought, is the product of the dominant consciousness of a person at times of "news." Really, it is between the heart of a person and their feelings for the victims versus the potential spoils for themselves, and where their heart and mind first run. My question to surf was more for him to answer to himself and his sense of priorities in life, not me. People can always find out where their hearts and minds are at a time of a shock and stress. I have even seen scientists and avid agnostics cry for help from God at times when their life is in danger, or they experience a deep personal loss. The deepest thoughts we have, and the closest to our true heart is the guage and nature of our evolution.
I was very sad to hear the news. My first thought was that this is terrible event. However, five seconds later I was taking mental inventory: 1. What are my positions? 2. Could this be a terrorist attack? 3. What worldmarkets are open? 4. etc, etc. And I don't feel bad about it at all.
5 seconds can feel like an eternity. Imagine if 5 seconds was the amount of time the members of the crew had once they knew the end was inevitable. Glad to hear you used your 5 seconds wisely.
So, is there some way to completely eliminate posts from people who are on your ignore list? I've got some folks on mine, but I still see their comments listed. It'd be better if I was completely unaware of their continued plague of this board. A lot better.