Ok, I have decided to pretty much make it my goal to do all I can to make sure Obama doesn't get re-elected in 2012. I am not sure that a Republican takeover of Congress this Fall will help that. It probably helps his cause, the way it did with Clinton in the 90's. Right now, since they are the minority party, Obama and the Democrats have to take all the blame for the current problems this nation faces. Therefore, if I were purely a party partisan, I might want the Republicans to make gains, but stay in the minority.
Yes, I do want to see this country get turned around. I did want Obama to succeed. I wanted him to defeat Hillary Clinton in the primary, initially. But, once I learned more about him, the less I liked him. Now, I am convinced he is simply a vain, arrogant, egotistical man more impressed with being a celebrity than he is in having the ability to solve the nation's problems.
I can't believe anything that this man says anymore. He shows up on "The View" and delivers this gem..."We shouldn't be campaigning all the time. There is a time to campaign and there is a time to govern." Huh?
Coming from the president who has made more talk show appearances and more photo-ops and more speeches to talk up his agenda than any other president in history, I find this mind boggling. The man is constantly in campaign mode.
Then, the man has the nerve to go to Detroit and claim that the bailout of GM and Chrysler has been a success. Again, huh? The bailout has simply gone to save the jobs of union workers working within a company whose products no one wants to buy. GM just announced its first quarterly profit in three years. If not for the problems with Toyota, I guarantee that GM would not be making a profit.
If you want to look to an auto company that is doing things right, you can stay in Detroit and look at Ford. Ford kept away from government money, and has improved its product line and has been significantly improving its market share.
The bottom line is that I think Obama is a lousy president. He campaigned as a moderate, but his agenda is clearly liberal. He campaigned as a uniter, and has divided us more than ever. Every day, he slams the Republican party for obstructing his agenda, when he and the Democrats have more power than any party has since LBJ. He and the Democrats still blame George W. Bush for everything. Blame, blame, blame. The man acts with no class.
I'm sorry, but I just don't like the guy. I guess that makes me a racist.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Democrats Want You To Pay More Taxes, While They Evade Them
Yesterday, the House Ethics committee investigating New York Rep. Charles Rangel, a Democrat and head of the House Ways and Means Committee, which writes new tax law, laid out its case against Rangel and his evasion of taxes.
When Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner was nominated for this post by President Obama last year, it was disclosed that he had failed to pay tens of thousands in income taxes.
Former Democratic senate leader Tom Daschle, who was nominated to be head of the Department of Health, had to remove his name from consideration when it was disclosed that he owed over $100,000 in taxes.
The excuses of all three were pretty lame. And, I don't suggest that these issues only involve Democrats. However, Democrats want to let the Bush tax cuts expire, at least for those earning over $200,000 annually. They want the capital gains tax rate and dividends tax rate to go back up, and they want the estate, or death tax, to be revived. All because they have been spending money in an out of control fashion and have run up a national debt that they used to scold George W. Bush for.
Do the Democrats have any credibility at all anymore?
When Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner was nominated for this post by President Obama last year, it was disclosed that he had failed to pay tens of thousands in income taxes.
Former Democratic senate leader Tom Daschle, who was nominated to be head of the Department of Health, had to remove his name from consideration when it was disclosed that he owed over $100,000 in taxes.
The excuses of all three were pretty lame. And, I don't suggest that these issues only involve Democrats. However, Democrats want to let the Bush tax cuts expire, at least for those earning over $200,000 annually. They want the capital gains tax rate and dividends tax rate to go back up, and they want the estate, or death tax, to be revived. All because they have been spending money in an out of control fashion and have run up a national debt that they used to scold George W. Bush for.
Do the Democrats have any credibility at all anymore?
Economists Don't Know Jack!
Economists, highly paid by Wall Street firms to forecast the economy with the hope of determining the direction and strength of the stock market, are pretty much worthless. This is coming from someone who graduated with a BA in Economics.
Did economists see the housing bubble bursting? No. Did they see the plunge in the stock market and economic recession that resulted? No. Did they see the tech bubble in 1999? No. Did they see the resulting recession that resulted from that? No.
Obama's economists predicted that if the stimulus would not be passed last year that unemployment would rise to 9.0%. If it would be passed, unemployment would be capped at 8%. It was passed, and unemployment reached as high as 10.1% and currently stands at 9.5%.
Now, Obama shill Mark Zandi, the economist at Moody's, which failed to provide accurate bond ratings for many of the corporations and countries around the world over the last several years, is now out with an economic model that suggests that if the stimulus were not passed, we would have plunged into a 2nd Great Depression and unemployment would be at 15%. Why should we bother to believe the guy?
Every day we see economists arguing on CNBC about more stimulus spending or tax cuts, etc. They make forecasts about the strength of the economy through estimates of GDP, and neither side ever gets it right. They are no more accurate at forecasting the economy six months to a year down the road than a weather man is forecasting the weather two weeks ahead of time.
With that in mind, the government should learn to just quit paying attention to these idiots and get out of the way in regard to trying to assist the economy. The Federal Reserve Board, headed by Ben Bernanke, is full of economists. Last week, Bernanke indicated he really does not know what the current state of the economy is. That should tell you something.
The government relies on these economists to set policy, and since the government tries to solve our problems, this is not good. They are relying on bad information. Isn't that what George W. Bush relied on when he sent our troops to Iraq? Now you know the consequences when the government relies on bad information.
Did economists see the housing bubble bursting? No. Did they see the plunge in the stock market and economic recession that resulted? No. Did they see the tech bubble in 1999? No. Did they see the resulting recession that resulted from that? No.
Obama's economists predicted that if the stimulus would not be passed last year that unemployment would rise to 9.0%. If it would be passed, unemployment would be capped at 8%. It was passed, and unemployment reached as high as 10.1% and currently stands at 9.5%.
Now, Obama shill Mark Zandi, the economist at Moody's, which failed to provide accurate bond ratings for many of the corporations and countries around the world over the last several years, is now out with an economic model that suggests that if the stimulus were not passed, we would have plunged into a 2nd Great Depression and unemployment would be at 15%. Why should we bother to believe the guy?
Every day we see economists arguing on CNBC about more stimulus spending or tax cuts, etc. They make forecasts about the strength of the economy through estimates of GDP, and neither side ever gets it right. They are no more accurate at forecasting the economy six months to a year down the road than a weather man is forecasting the weather two weeks ahead of time.
With that in mind, the government should learn to just quit paying attention to these idiots and get out of the way in regard to trying to assist the economy. The Federal Reserve Board, headed by Ben Bernanke, is full of economists. Last week, Bernanke indicated he really does not know what the current state of the economy is. That should tell you something.
The government relies on these economists to set policy, and since the government tries to solve our problems, this is not good. They are relying on bad information. Isn't that what George W. Bush relied on when he sent our troops to Iraq? Now you know the consequences when the government relies on bad information.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Republicans Blowing it in Nevada
Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader from Nevada, was ripe for the picking in the upcoming mid-term election. He is very unpopular in his state, and a posterboy for the problems in DC. His approval rating has been well below 50% for months. Yet, in the latest Rasmussen poll, he has regained the lead over challenger Sharon Angle. Her apparent extremist views, incompetence, and an inexperienced political team has caused her to drop in the polls.
The Republicans in Nevada appear to have blown it. In fact, you can say this is a symptom of the party nationally. This is what gave rise to the Tea Party movement. Unfortunately, the movement contains some outliers with some out of mainstream views.
Republicans have not put together their message for the fall campaign yet. They need to keep it simple... smaller government, less spending, investing in legitimate job creation, a more credible health plan, and an energy plan that steers a course a way from dependence on foreign oil, but one that doesnt say just "drill baby drill." I am not sure the Republican leadership is capable of providing such a message.
As a result, in spite of the supposed wave in the electorate this year away from Democrats, I think the Republicans will have a tough time regaining the House, and likely will pick up only a few seats in the Senate. This opinion, of course, may change over time, but due to incompetent Republican leadership, I am not as optimistic as some.
The Republicans in Nevada appear to have blown it. In fact, you can say this is a symptom of the party nationally. This is what gave rise to the Tea Party movement. Unfortunately, the movement contains some outliers with some out of mainstream views.
Republicans have not put together their message for the fall campaign yet. They need to keep it simple... smaller government, less spending, investing in legitimate job creation, a more credible health plan, and an energy plan that steers a course a way from dependence on foreign oil, but one that doesnt say just "drill baby drill." I am not sure the Republican leadership is capable of providing such a message.
As a result, in spite of the supposed wave in the electorate this year away from Democrats, I think the Republicans will have a tough time regaining the House, and likely will pick up only a few seats in the Senate. This opinion, of course, may change over time, but due to incompetent Republican leadership, I am not as optimistic as some.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Obama Poll Numbers
I was waiting for this to happen. Recently, President Obama's poll numbers have been sliding quite steadily. This drop has sort of accelerated in the last two weeks. His approval rating fell below is disapproval rating a couple weeks ago, but a couple polls by networks were still keeping him near the surface. In the Realclearpolitics averages today though, those two poll numbers were dropped since they occurred two weeks ago. Both polls indicated Obama's approval ratings above 50%, which I never believed for a second.
Even the polls now conducted by the press organizations are showing him under 50%. He now has an average approval rating of 45.7% and an average disapproval rating of 49.0%. Only the Time magazine poll of nearly two weeks ago shows him with a net positive approval rating. The Reuters poll yesterday showed him even, while all others give him a net negative rating.
Consider this though...in one poll whose numbers I looked at more deeply, his approval rating among black Americans was 93%. That suggests that his approval rating among whites is well below 40%. Among hispanics, his approvals are in the upper 50s. In other words, he has lost the independent voters.
It is clear that the vast majority of Americans have tired of Obama and his over abundance of speeches, his blaming of George W. Bush for the state of the economy, and the GOP for blocking progress. Americans voted for a positive change in 2008, and Obama is simply more divisive than George Bush. His policies were not popular with the majority of Americans, yet he rammed them through with partisan votes. The economy has not rebounded as strongly as it should after such a plunge. And now, his political capital is tapped out.
What will happen in November is anyone's guess. The Republicans have a strong chance to retake the House. If they do, Obama has two choices. Stick to his liberal ideology, or move to the center like Bill Clinton. I personally think his ego is too big to do the latter because he has a view of the world and what it should be like, and does not seem capable of compromising on that view.
Clinton on the other hand managed to do some good things when he moved back to the center and that is why he was re-elected and has remained popular. We'll see what Obama does after November 2nd.
Even the polls now conducted by the press organizations are showing him under 50%. He now has an average approval rating of 45.7% and an average disapproval rating of 49.0%. Only the Time magazine poll of nearly two weeks ago shows him with a net positive approval rating. The Reuters poll yesterday showed him even, while all others give him a net negative rating.
Consider this though...in one poll whose numbers I looked at more deeply, his approval rating among black Americans was 93%. That suggests that his approval rating among whites is well below 40%. Among hispanics, his approvals are in the upper 50s. In other words, he has lost the independent voters.
It is clear that the vast majority of Americans have tired of Obama and his over abundance of speeches, his blaming of George W. Bush for the state of the economy, and the GOP for blocking progress. Americans voted for a positive change in 2008, and Obama is simply more divisive than George Bush. His policies were not popular with the majority of Americans, yet he rammed them through with partisan votes. The economy has not rebounded as strongly as it should after such a plunge. And now, his political capital is tapped out.
What will happen in November is anyone's guess. The Republicans have a strong chance to retake the House. If they do, Obama has two choices. Stick to his liberal ideology, or move to the center like Bill Clinton. I personally think his ego is too big to do the latter because he has a view of the world and what it should be like, and does not seem capable of compromising on that view.
Clinton on the other hand managed to do some good things when he moved back to the center and that is why he was re-elected and has remained popular. We'll see what Obama does after November 2nd.
The Stimulus and Infrastructure
I just read an editorial by PA governor Ed Rendell this morning about how the nation's infrastructure is in such poor shape. When you look at roads in Pennsylvania, you can easily understand why he writes this. Our roads are annually ranked by truck drivers as among the worst in the country.
But, it's not just in PA that we have infrastructure issues. It wasnt that long ago we had that catastrophic bridge collapse in Minnesota (2007). When you drive around most major cities here in the northeast down to DC, it is common to get caught in a major traffic jam at least once a week. Traffic jams result in less productivity.
Yet, when the $800 billion stimulus package was passed last year, it did very little to address these issues. Occasionally, we see a sign touting the stimulus along with some road construction. I travel down to DC now and then and have seen one small strip of I-270 being worked on where this sign is visible. Between Frederick and Rockville, I-270 needs widened due to the ever growing population in both areas. Yet, there is no sign of that happening.
The fact is the stimulus was misguided into the pet projects of liberal leaders, the pockets of the unions, and to ease some of the budget concerns facing state and local governments. All it did was put off the pain of spending and employee cuts in state and local governments until now.
We are going to have a slow recovery. Corporations are flush with cash from all of the savings they created by cutting jobs the last two years. They are shy to hire new workers due to Obamacare and since the Bush tax cuts are set to expire January 1st. The government is now essentially out of money due to the high deficits and voter anger about all the spending that has done nothing to create new jobs. As a result, the recovery in jobs will be slow. Oh, what could have been.
But, it's not just in PA that we have infrastructure issues. It wasnt that long ago we had that catastrophic bridge collapse in Minnesota (2007). When you drive around most major cities here in the northeast down to DC, it is common to get caught in a major traffic jam at least once a week. Traffic jams result in less productivity.
Yet, when the $800 billion stimulus package was passed last year, it did very little to address these issues. Occasionally, we see a sign touting the stimulus along with some road construction. I travel down to DC now and then and have seen one small strip of I-270 being worked on where this sign is visible. Between Frederick and Rockville, I-270 needs widened due to the ever growing population in both areas. Yet, there is no sign of that happening.
The fact is the stimulus was misguided into the pet projects of liberal leaders, the pockets of the unions, and to ease some of the budget concerns facing state and local governments. All it did was put off the pain of spending and employee cuts in state and local governments until now.
We are going to have a slow recovery. Corporations are flush with cash from all of the savings they created by cutting jobs the last two years. They are shy to hire new workers due to Obamacare and since the Bush tax cuts are set to expire January 1st. The government is now essentially out of money due to the high deficits and voter anger about all the spending that has done nothing to create new jobs. As a result, the recovery in jobs will be slow. Oh, what could have been.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Now We Know Why FOX News Exists
I've been following the JournoList controversy over the last few weeks, and now that it is starting to really burst into flames, I thought I would throw in my two cents.
If you are unfamiliar with the controversy, the JournoList was created by Washington Post blogger and opinionator Ezra Klein a couple years ago. Klein is a regular political writer for WP and makes it known that his views are liberal. The JournoList includes liberal/progressives throughout academia and the media. These folks would often trade emails and discuss their views on politics, and they were very active during the 2008 presidential campaign.
As it turns out, these people were doing a bit more than just exchanging ideas. They were coordinating attacks on the McCain campaign, and trying to figure out ways to blunt the attacks on Obama, particularly involving the Jeremiah Wright scandal. The people on the JournoList (oh, I just read that the O stands for Obama) write for major publications such as the Washington Post, Newsweek, Time and The Economist.
Is it any wonder then why FOX News exists? Journalists clearly do not report without a bias any more. They inject their opinions into their columns. Considering that 80% of journalists consider themselves liberal, it was necessary to counteract that bias with the opposite bias.
The bottom line is you can't trust your favorite newspaper columnist or network news anchor anymore. If you want the truth, you need to read both sides of the story. You can't just read the Huffington Post, you need to read the National Review as well.
So, while you might complain that FOX News is biased to the right, the rest of the networks are clearly biased to the left, and so are most newspaper publications. Yet, because this country is still more conservative, FOX remains the most popular. It's a good thing, because the other major networks outnumber them 4 to 1 (CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN). And, the conservative publications are far outnumbered by the liberal ones. Keep an open mind folks, don't believe everything you read.
If you are unfamiliar with the controversy, the JournoList was created by Washington Post blogger and opinionator Ezra Klein a couple years ago. Klein is a regular political writer for WP and makes it known that his views are liberal. The JournoList includes liberal/progressives throughout academia and the media. These folks would often trade emails and discuss their views on politics, and they were very active during the 2008 presidential campaign.
As it turns out, these people were doing a bit more than just exchanging ideas. They were coordinating attacks on the McCain campaign, and trying to figure out ways to blunt the attacks on Obama, particularly involving the Jeremiah Wright scandal. The people on the JournoList (oh, I just read that the O stands for Obama) write for major publications such as the Washington Post, Newsweek, Time and The Economist.
Is it any wonder then why FOX News exists? Journalists clearly do not report without a bias any more. They inject their opinions into their columns. Considering that 80% of journalists consider themselves liberal, it was necessary to counteract that bias with the opposite bias.
The bottom line is you can't trust your favorite newspaper columnist or network news anchor anymore. If you want the truth, you need to read both sides of the story. You can't just read the Huffington Post, you need to read the National Review as well.
So, while you might complain that FOX News is biased to the right, the rest of the networks are clearly biased to the left, and so are most newspaper publications. Yet, because this country is still more conservative, FOX remains the most popular. It's a good thing, because the other major networks outnumber them 4 to 1 (CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN). And, the conservative publications are far outnumbered by the liberal ones. Keep an open mind folks, don't believe everything you read.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Unemployment Benefits Create Jobs! Huh?
Recently, Nancy Pelosi suggested that the best way to stimulate the economy is to extend jobless benefits to the unemployed. Her reasoning is that giving the unemployed some money will get them to spend some money, which in turn provides new business and therefore helps to create new jobs.
Ok, if that is the best way to stimulate the economy, why didn't we just take that $800 billion stimulus and give the unemployed one big chunk of cash? Or, triple their weekly benefits? Then the recession would be long gone!
This morning, Michigan AFL-CIO leader Mark Gaffney echoes this sentiment. But, he doesn't even bother to provide any evidence. He has the nerve to go on to say that all the Republicans want to do is provide the rich with undeserved tax cuts. Who the hell is he to say who deserves what?
Unfortunately, this is not how the economy works. Extending jobless benefits keeps some people from looking for work at low paying jobs. They keep looking for higher paying jobs while collecting these benefits. Since a $1 of tax dollars spent is a $1 taken away from the private sector to spend, no real growth will occur.
I've had a conversation today with a client who owns a HVAC contracting firm. He says business is still dead. There is no building going on, no major retrofitting of existing buildings, so there is no demand for his product. That suggests that the stimulus has not stimulated.
The bottom line is that the massive redistribution of wealth that has occurred in the last year with the stimulus and Obamacare has left the government with a huge pile of new debt on top of the old debt and a weak economy.
Time to rethink what works and what doesn't.
Ok, if that is the best way to stimulate the economy, why didn't we just take that $800 billion stimulus and give the unemployed one big chunk of cash? Or, triple their weekly benefits? Then the recession would be long gone!
This morning, Michigan AFL-CIO leader Mark Gaffney echoes this sentiment. But, he doesn't even bother to provide any evidence. He has the nerve to go on to say that all the Republicans want to do is provide the rich with undeserved tax cuts. Who the hell is he to say who deserves what?
Unfortunately, this is not how the economy works. Extending jobless benefits keeps some people from looking for work at low paying jobs. They keep looking for higher paying jobs while collecting these benefits. Since a $1 of tax dollars spent is a $1 taken away from the private sector to spend, no real growth will occur.
I've had a conversation today with a client who owns a HVAC contracting firm. He says business is still dead. There is no building going on, no major retrofitting of existing buildings, so there is no demand for his product. That suggests that the stimulus has not stimulated.
The bottom line is that the massive redistribution of wealth that has occurred in the last year with the stimulus and Obamacare has left the government with a huge pile of new debt on top of the old debt and a weak economy.
Time to rethink what works and what doesn't.
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Difference Between Lebron James And Manute Bol
I just read online that Lebron James is checking out a $50 million home in Miami, where he is heading after his obnoxious, nationally televised, free agency decision to play for the Miami Heat. Not even Tiger Woods owns a $50 million home, and while Lebron is wealthy, he is not anywhere near Tiger’s league, or former league I should say.
On the other hand, we had the recent passing of Manute Bol, who spent much of his small fortune trying to improve conditions in his native Sudan. Bol ultimately died as a result of his selflessness, as he put off returning to the U.S. for treatment of a medical condition that ultimately cost him his life. He put off returning to honor the request to make an appearance in Kenya, even while he is in a very weakened condition. By the time he returned to the U.S., he was too sick.
This is the difference between a selfish American athlete, and a selfless non-American athlete who gets it. In this economy, with nearly 10% unemployed, and the unemployment rate among black males more than double the national rate, King James is more interested in flaunting his money like so many before him.
What is the point of owning a $50 million mansion? Isn’t a $10 million mansion enough? Just think what good James could do with the difference in value between those two homes. How about making an investment in the Cleveland community he just pissed off with his free agency announcement? Instead, James is more intent on announcing to the world that he has arrived. Let’s see how long it takes him to blow it all, like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Michael Vick, did before him.
On the other hand, we had the recent passing of Manute Bol, who spent much of his small fortune trying to improve conditions in his native Sudan. Bol ultimately died as a result of his selflessness, as he put off returning to the U.S. for treatment of a medical condition that ultimately cost him his life. He put off returning to honor the request to make an appearance in Kenya, even while he is in a very weakened condition. By the time he returned to the U.S., he was too sick.
This is the difference between a selfish American athlete, and a selfless non-American athlete who gets it. In this economy, with nearly 10% unemployed, and the unemployment rate among black males more than double the national rate, King James is more interested in flaunting his money like so many before him.
What is the point of owning a $50 million mansion? Isn’t a $10 million mansion enough? Just think what good James could do with the difference in value between those two homes. How about making an investment in the Cleveland community he just pissed off with his free agency announcement? Instead, James is more intent on announcing to the world that he has arrived. Let’s see how long it takes him to blow it all, like Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Michael Vick, did before him.
Job losses Mystify White House
I just read a blog by John Harwood, a Democratic lackey who writes for the New York Times and is often seen on MSNBC. He writes that the continued weakness in the jobs situation continues to mystify the White House and Democrats.
It is no mystery to me. Repeat after me... Obamacare
The uncertainty about the costs of Obamacare to small businesses and large businesses alike is probably the single biggest reason why employers are unwilling to hire new workers at this point. They see their healthcare costs surging even more because of this new healthcare bill. Additionally, with the Bush tax cuts set to expire on January 1, and the threat of cap and trade legislation passing in a lame duck Congress after the election, it is no wonder that businesses are not hiring.
There you have it Mr. Harwood. Maybe you and the rest of the Democrats should open your eyes.
It is no mystery to me. Repeat after me... Obamacare
The uncertainty about the costs of Obamacare to small businesses and large businesses alike is probably the single biggest reason why employers are unwilling to hire new workers at this point. They see their healthcare costs surging even more because of this new healthcare bill. Additionally, with the Bush tax cuts set to expire on January 1, and the threat of cap and trade legislation passing in a lame duck Congress after the election, it is no wonder that businesses are not hiring.
There you have it Mr. Harwood. Maybe you and the rest of the Democrats should open your eyes.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Why Independent Voters Run from Democrats
I just read a great reply to Howard Fineman's article regarding the defection of Independent male voters away from the Democrats. This reply was written by a Michael Vargas. He is an idependent voter like me, who obviously gets it. Obama and his Democratic friends don't get it, and I don't think the Republicans do either. Here is what he said...
"Typical incompetent Beltway blathering; desperate to understand why the Dems will lose, Mark Penn-ian pollsters are quickly interrogated who declare essentially that there's a subset of voters out there who vote based on common sense. No kidding.
Though to be sure, if you are registered with the gangster factions Demo-Rat Party and Rethuglican Party, then you do, indeed, have no common sense.
Here's the scoop for you Fineman, from an "indie male" you and the pollsters are so eager to shove into a box and label: Obama is either an accomplice or a patsy, and both ways a liar.
He said he'd put an end to neocon boondoggles like Gitmo and Middle East warmongering, then he reneged.
The phony "stimulus" exists entirely to preserve the same DemoRat interests that are currently bankrupting cities and states.
The promised "reform" of health care and Wall Street was passed onto an obviously corrupt Congress, who produced legislation welcomed by the very villains necessitating reform, akin to anti-racketeering laws approved by Tony Soprano.
Speaking of the weasel boys of Wall Street, they've escaped repercussion without missing a beat, the latest being this absurd Goldman/SEC settlement. Accomplice or patsy.
If "indie males" are like me, we're aghast that our votes wound up duplicitously spent on a double-down of both neoliberalism and neoconservatism, with a heaping dash of embedded liberalism to placate the wretched DemoRat base. One we could live with if it meant at least stopping the others, but all three??
Speaking of which, your friends, the DemoRats' strategy of raising the spectre of the Rethuglicans won't work.
Yes, we hate them. But we hate yours ever more.
At least we know where the Rethuglicans stand; simple antagonistic malice, like Sauron the flaming eyeball from the Lord of the Rings.
The DemoRats are instead Brad Douriff's "Wormtongue" character: endlessly whispering pieties and promises in your ear, and before you know it you are withered, impotent, and firmly under control."
"Typical incompetent Beltway blathering; desperate to understand why the Dems will lose, Mark Penn-ian pollsters are quickly interrogated who declare essentially that there's a subset of voters out there who vote based on common sense. No kidding.
Though to be sure, if you are registered with the gangster factions Demo-Rat Party and Rethuglican Party, then you do, indeed, have no common sense.
Here's the scoop for you Fineman, from an "indie male" you and the pollsters are so eager to shove into a box and label: Obama is either an accomplice or a patsy, and both ways a liar.
He said he'd put an end to neocon boondoggles like Gitmo and Middle East warmongering, then he reneged.
The phony "stimulus" exists entirely to preserve the same DemoRat interests that are currently bankrupting cities and states.
The promised "reform" of health care and Wall Street was passed onto an obviously corrupt Congress, who produced legislation welcomed by the very villains necessitating reform, akin to anti-racketeering laws approved by Tony Soprano.
Speaking of the weasel boys of Wall Street, they've escaped repercussion without missing a beat, the latest being this absurd Goldman/SEC settlement. Accomplice or patsy.
If "indie males" are like me, we're aghast that our votes wound up duplicitously spent on a double-down of both neoliberalism and neoconservatism, with a heaping dash of embedded liberalism to placate the wretched DemoRat base. One we could live with if it meant at least stopping the others, but all three??
Speaking of which, your friends, the DemoRats' strategy of raising the spectre of the Rethuglicans won't work.
Yes, we hate them. But we hate yours ever more.
At least we know where the Rethuglicans stand; simple antagonistic malice, like Sauron the flaming eyeball from the Lord of the Rings.
The DemoRats are instead Brad Douriff's "Wormtongue" character: endlessly whispering pieties and promises in your ear, and before you know it you are withered, impotent, and firmly under control."
Friday, July 16, 2010
Republicans Will Blow Mid-Terms
I just saw a poll where Harry Reid now has a lead over Republican challenger Sharron Angle. Apparently, she is scaring more voters away than Reid can piss off. He still can't seem to clear 44%, so Angle still has a chance, if she keeps her foot out of her mouth.
In Delaware, Mike Castle's lead is also shrinking. As election day gets closer, the races will tighten, and it will be a matter of turnout. Republicans are more motivated to vote, and Independents give Democrats low approvals. Independents also give Republicans low approvals. So, if Republicans are not able to offer a message and plan to Independents, they simply won't turn up at the polls. Even though Republicans are more motivated right now, they are still outnumbered by Democrats.
With just under 4 months to go, I don't get why the Republicans have not produced their 2010 version of the Contract for America yet. In my view, the Republicans have inept leadership at the top. Therefore, I just don't see how they gain the House, and they certainly will not get control of the Senate.
In Delaware, Mike Castle's lead is also shrinking. As election day gets closer, the races will tighten, and it will be a matter of turnout. Republicans are more motivated to vote, and Independents give Democrats low approvals. Independents also give Republicans low approvals. So, if Republicans are not able to offer a message and plan to Independents, they simply won't turn up at the polls. Even though Republicans are more motivated right now, they are still outnumbered by Democrats.
With just under 4 months to go, I don't get why the Republicans have not produced their 2010 version of the Contract for America yet. In my view, the Republicans have inept leadership at the top. Therefore, I just don't see how they gain the House, and they certainly will not get control of the Senate.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
How Accurate are Political Polls?
There is something going on in America, and I don't think the political polls have really gotten a good read on its pulse. Once again, a major network poll (ABC/Washington Post) came out and showed that Obama has a 50% approval rating. Every single month, you can count on one of the big net works, ABC, NBC, CBS or CNN to come out with a poll that shows higher support for Obama than the vast majority of other polls. Surprisingly, the latest CBS poll showed him at only a 44% approval.
I read an interesting piece recently. Obama's approval among black voters remains very high at 90% and above. They will not abandon him, yet. Black voters have far more invested in Obama than any other voting bloc, because he is the first black president. They need him to do well, and I don't need to discuss the reasons why. Latino voters would feel the same about the first Latino president.
So, with 90% approval from black voters, you can bet that his approval rating among everyone else must be abysmal considering that his average total approval rating is only 47%. I guarantee that George W. Bush did not get 90% support from ANYONE during the last two years of his presidency.
But, I still think the 47% approval rating by the polls overstates them, or it at least overstates the publics approval with the Democrats as a whole. Here is why I think this. I just read an editorial piece by Joe Conason in the New York Observer. Conason is a liberal. His article is titled "Change at a Cost." He says voters should be careful what they wish for if they vote to change the power in Congress back to the Republicans.
When I read the article at about 9:30 this morning, there were 10 comments after the article. All of them lambasted Conason. There was not one supporting comment from a reader who agreed with Conason.
With this in mind, it is clear that the mood of the country toward the Democrats is much darker than what the polls state. While I still believe that the Republicans can find a way to screw up the election and not achieve the majority in the House, it is clear that, right now, the numbers for the Democrats could be far worse than what many polls are suggesting. Voters are much more angry now, and without Obama on the ballot, many black voters who turned out in 2008 won't be turning out in 2010.
I read an interesting piece recently. Obama's approval among black voters remains very high at 90% and above. They will not abandon him, yet. Black voters have far more invested in Obama than any other voting bloc, because he is the first black president. They need him to do well, and I don't need to discuss the reasons why. Latino voters would feel the same about the first Latino president.
So, with 90% approval from black voters, you can bet that his approval rating among everyone else must be abysmal considering that his average total approval rating is only 47%. I guarantee that George W. Bush did not get 90% support from ANYONE during the last two years of his presidency.
But, I still think the 47% approval rating by the polls overstates them, or it at least overstates the publics approval with the Democrats as a whole. Here is why I think this. I just read an editorial piece by Joe Conason in the New York Observer. Conason is a liberal. His article is titled "Change at a Cost." He says voters should be careful what they wish for if they vote to change the power in Congress back to the Republicans.
When I read the article at about 9:30 this morning, there were 10 comments after the article. All of them lambasted Conason. There was not one supporting comment from a reader who agreed with Conason.
With this in mind, it is clear that the mood of the country toward the Democrats is much darker than what the polls state. While I still believe that the Republicans can find a way to screw up the election and not achieve the majority in the House, it is clear that, right now, the numbers for the Democrats could be far worse than what many polls are suggesting. Voters are much more angry now, and without Obama on the ballot, many black voters who turned out in 2008 won't be turning out in 2010.
Obama and Democrats Cared More About Legacy than Jobs
We’ve got unemployment at 9.5% and a real unemployment rate over 16%, and NOW the Democrats and Obama are whining about jobs, or trying to tell us where we would’ve been without the stimulus. Now, they want to spend more money, money they don’t have.
Ummm, contrary to what some economists say, I believe we’d be better off if the stimulus had never been passed. After all, how many economists could see the real estate bubble ahead of time? How many of the top bankers at the Fed could see it? None, nada, zippo. So, why shouldn’t we believe that no stimulus would have been better than what we got?
All the stimulus did was keep the states from laying off the workers and making the painful cuts they face now. Now, we have an even bigger fiscal mess, yet the left still says we should keep throwing good money after bad. Why wasn’t more money thrown at real projects? Our highways are so clogged right now, that work alone would have produced thousands of jobs across the country. Instead, the Democrats bailed out public employee union jobs, which now are in danger anyway. What about all those crumbling bridges we have across the country? How about some more nuclear plants to help with our energy issues? What about more drilling for natural gas on Federal land?
No, instead, the Democrats were more interested in securing their legacy by ramming a huge new entitlement, Obamacare down our throats. And now, as time goes on, we are finding out just how this healthcare bill will actually force our costs higher, and many will be forced out of the current insurance they have, contrary to what Obama said while selling the bill. By doing this, and focusing on cap and trade legislation, business has decided instead to hoard cash due to the uncertainty caused by Washington politicians who are more intent on growing the business of politics rather than the businesses that produce real jobs.
Americans feel like they’ve been conned, and in a few months, they will be rendering judgment on the con artists.
Ummm, contrary to what some economists say, I believe we’d be better off if the stimulus had never been passed. After all, how many economists could see the real estate bubble ahead of time? How many of the top bankers at the Fed could see it? None, nada, zippo. So, why shouldn’t we believe that no stimulus would have been better than what we got?
All the stimulus did was keep the states from laying off the workers and making the painful cuts they face now. Now, we have an even bigger fiscal mess, yet the left still says we should keep throwing good money after bad. Why wasn’t more money thrown at real projects? Our highways are so clogged right now, that work alone would have produced thousands of jobs across the country. Instead, the Democrats bailed out public employee union jobs, which now are in danger anyway. What about all those crumbling bridges we have across the country? How about some more nuclear plants to help with our energy issues? What about more drilling for natural gas on Federal land?
No, instead, the Democrats were more interested in securing their legacy by ramming a huge new entitlement, Obamacare down our throats. And now, as time goes on, we are finding out just how this healthcare bill will actually force our costs higher, and many will be forced out of the current insurance they have, contrary to what Obama said while selling the bill. By doing this, and focusing on cap and trade legislation, business has decided instead to hoard cash due to the uncertainty caused by Washington politicians who are more intent on growing the business of politics rather than the businesses that produce real jobs.
Americans feel like they’ve been conned, and in a few months, they will be rendering judgment on the con artists.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
George Steinbrenner Dies
I just saw on CNBC that George Steinbrenner, longtime owner of the New York Yankees, has died. Steinbrenner was a controversial owner due to his relationships with his managers over the years, and his willingness to spend huge money to buy the best talent money could buy in order to allow his team to be in the running for the World Series every year. For a long time, the tactic did not work, but ultimately his management team was able to blend good chemistry among the star players and role players.
Unfortunately, Steinbrenner epitomized what is wrong with baseball today, unless you are a Yankee fan of course. Small market teams do not have the ability to compete every single year. Occasionally, a team like Tampa Bay or Florida is able to have a good team, but then the owner are forced to trade their high priced free agents. Ultimately, it is the California teams along with the New York teams, Philadelphia and Boston who are able to compete year in and year out. Small market teams in Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Kansas City have not been competitive for years.
Steinbrenner is to blame because it was he who started the trend of paying huge money to free agents starting with Reggie Jackson in the 1970's. While his winning legacy will long be remembered by Yankee fans, he will be long despised by fans in these other cities.
Unfortunately, Steinbrenner epitomized what is wrong with baseball today, unless you are a Yankee fan of course. Small market teams do not have the ability to compete every single year. Occasionally, a team like Tampa Bay or Florida is able to have a good team, but then the owner are forced to trade their high priced free agents. Ultimately, it is the California teams along with the New York teams, Philadelphia and Boston who are able to compete year in and year out. Small market teams in Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Kansas City have not been competitive for years.
Steinbrenner is to blame because it was he who started the trend of paying huge money to free agents starting with Reggie Jackson in the 1970's. While his winning legacy will long be remembered by Yankee fans, he will be long despised by fans in these other cities.
Where are Republican Presidential Candidates?
Where are the Republican presidential candidates? Yeah, I mean the real ones. Honestly, Sarah Palin? Mike Huckabee? Newt Gingrich? Mitt Romney? Can’t they do any better than that?
Palin vs. Obama would be a landslide no matter how low Obama’s poll numbers are. Same if it is Huckabee or Gingrich. I would have thought Romney had a chance last time around, but somehow he let John McCain beat him in the primary. Republicans have a history of giving the next guy in line his chance, and that would be a toss up to determine who that next guy (or gal) is. Palin could stake her claim since she was on the ticket last time. Romney and Huckabee could stake theirs since they were essentially co-runners up in the primary last time. Gingrich has no claim.
Politically, Romney is the only one moderate enough to sway independents. Palin and Gingrich are lightning rods, while Huckabee is simply too conservative.
Hopefully, the field will widen out, and a candidate will come out of nowhere for the Republicans much like Bill Clinton did for the Democrats in 1992. The conditions are somewhat similar, with the economy, real estate and banking troubles and continued war in the Middle East. The country will want a change at the top, someone different. George H.W. Bush was the man in charge then, and he is the only one-term president we have had in the last 30 years. Hopefully, Obama will be the next, but it will likely take a very appealing candidate, rather than the current Republican re-treads, to do the job.
Palin vs. Obama would be a landslide no matter how low Obama’s poll numbers are. Same if it is Huckabee or Gingrich. I would have thought Romney had a chance last time around, but somehow he let John McCain beat him in the primary. Republicans have a history of giving the next guy in line his chance, and that would be a toss up to determine who that next guy (or gal) is. Palin could stake her claim since she was on the ticket last time. Romney and Huckabee could stake theirs since they were essentially co-runners up in the primary last time. Gingrich has no claim.
Politically, Romney is the only one moderate enough to sway independents. Palin and Gingrich are lightning rods, while Huckabee is simply too conservative.
Hopefully, the field will widen out, and a candidate will come out of nowhere for the Republicans much like Bill Clinton did for the Democrats in 1992. The conditions are somewhat similar, with the economy, real estate and banking troubles and continued war in the Middle East. The country will want a change at the top, someone different. George H.W. Bush was the man in charge then, and he is the only one-term president we have had in the last 30 years. Hopefully, Obama will be the next, but it will likely take a very appealing candidate, rather than the current Republican re-treads, to do the job.
Can Republicans Win in California?
I just read a new SurveyUSA poll that indicated both Meg Whitman in the race for governor (against Jerry Brown) and Carly Fiorina in the race for Senate (against incumbent Barbara Boxer) have leads. In most previous polls both Republican candidates have trailed, but have been close and within the margin of error.
There is still a lot of time left, and in my opinion, the two Democrat candidates are weak, but still, I think it is quite telling that two Republicans have a chance to win statewide in California. If both were to win, this would be an even bigger blow to the Dems than Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts earlier this year. Of the two, I think Whitman has the better chance against an aging Jerry Brown. He is a known entity, and I suspect that California’s attitude may be “been there, done that.” It is interesting that the Democrats could not come up with a better candidate.
Fiorina is not as strong a Republican candidate as Whitman due to her lack of success as CEO of Hewlett Packard. But, Barbara Boxer, the more liberal of California’s two female Senators, has low approval ratings. The time is right for her to be knocked off, but I am not sure that Fiorina can pull it off. The debates will certainly go a long way toward determining this winner.
There is still a lot of time left, and in my opinion, the two Democrat candidates are weak, but still, I think it is quite telling that two Republicans have a chance to win statewide in California. If both were to win, this would be an even bigger blow to the Dems than Scott Brown’s victory in Massachusetts earlier this year. Of the two, I think Whitman has the better chance against an aging Jerry Brown. He is a known entity, and I suspect that California’s attitude may be “been there, done that.” It is interesting that the Democrats could not come up with a better candidate.
Fiorina is not as strong a Republican candidate as Whitman due to her lack of success as CEO of Hewlett Packard. But, Barbara Boxer, the more liberal of California’s two female Senators, has low approval ratings. The time is right for her to be knocked off, but I am not sure that Fiorina can pull it off. The debates will certainly go a long way toward determining this winner.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Awful World Cup Final
I did my best to watch the World Cup Final yesterday, but it was horrible. The Dutch came out aggressively in order to take Spain out of its regular ball control game, and a record yellow cards were awarded. Both sides blew most of their chances, until finally, Spain scored late in extra time with the Dutch down a man.
Admittedly, there have been Super Bowl games that were difficult to watch. However, I used to enjoy watching many of the big matchups in World Cup soccer. But, this year, as I watched, I often found myself turning the channel. The rest of the world can keep this game. It will NEVER catch on as a major sport here in the U.S. It will simply be something fun to see every four years like the Olympics.
For me, NHL playoff hockey will continue to reign supreme as the best sport to watch.
Just my two cents again.
Admittedly, there have been Super Bowl games that were difficult to watch. However, I used to enjoy watching many of the big matchups in World Cup soccer. But, this year, as I watched, I often found myself turning the channel. The rest of the world can keep this game. It will NEVER catch on as a major sport here in the U.S. It will simply be something fun to see every four years like the Olympics.
For me, NHL playoff hockey will continue to reign supreme as the best sport to watch.
Just my two cents again.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Income Inequality at Heart of Our Recession? What Crap
Hi just read former Labor Secretary Robert Reich's column regarding the cause of the current recession (yeah, we are still in one). He blames income inequality. He suggests that median wages from 2000 to 2007 went nowhere, while the Wall Street types were making fortunes.
So, his suggestion is that Target and Wal-mart be forced to pay higher wages, and that companies not be allowed to layoff many workers at once, be forced to pay a year of severance. Can you say income re-distribution? The haves have the money because they are smart and creative while the have-nots are too lazy and dumb to do any better for themselves. Of course, not all hard workers are like that. And it is unfortunate that people lose their jobs during a recession. Most of us are feeling the pinch and weren't prepared for it.
But, rather than sit on my ass, I have been pro-active at trying to improve my situation. I am scaling back on my living expenses by providing a rent to own opportunity to a family that can make better use of my home. I am creating more opportunities for the businesses I enjoy, and creating a plan to get out of debt.
That is just me though. I've always been motivated, to an extent. Apparently, Mr. Reich would rather we live in a communist society where we are all equal. No reward for hard work. Instead of a company being responsible to its shareholders, it is supposed to be run inefficiently in order to keep its workers employed. Where will the incentive for new business and technology creation come from if the government is going to dictate what you must pay your employees and how long you must keep them?
The beauty of America is that you can create a business out of your garage or your dorm room and turn yourself into a billionaire. Yeah, it requires a brain and motivation. But those are the kind of people who create jobs. Just look at how much wealth Google and Apple have created over the last decade. Then just look at how mediocre companies that are heavily unionized perform...ummm, Chrysler and GM come to mind. Who would you rather work for?
While there is income inequality in this land, that is a symptom of what makes this country great...everyone with the motivation has the opportunity! Sitting around whining about inequality doesn't get you anywhere.
So, his suggestion is that Target and Wal-mart be forced to pay higher wages, and that companies not be allowed to layoff many workers at once, be forced to pay a year of severance. Can you say income re-distribution? The haves have the money because they are smart and creative while the have-nots are too lazy and dumb to do any better for themselves. Of course, not all hard workers are like that. And it is unfortunate that people lose their jobs during a recession. Most of us are feeling the pinch and weren't prepared for it.
But, rather than sit on my ass, I have been pro-active at trying to improve my situation. I am scaling back on my living expenses by providing a rent to own opportunity to a family that can make better use of my home. I am creating more opportunities for the businesses I enjoy, and creating a plan to get out of debt.
That is just me though. I've always been motivated, to an extent. Apparently, Mr. Reich would rather we live in a communist society where we are all equal. No reward for hard work. Instead of a company being responsible to its shareholders, it is supposed to be run inefficiently in order to keep its workers employed. Where will the incentive for new business and technology creation come from if the government is going to dictate what you must pay your employees and how long you must keep them?
The beauty of America is that you can create a business out of your garage or your dorm room and turn yourself into a billionaire. Yeah, it requires a brain and motivation. But those are the kind of people who create jobs. Just look at how much wealth Google and Apple have created over the last decade. Then just look at how mediocre companies that are heavily unionized perform...ummm, Chrysler and GM come to mind. Who would you rather work for?
While there is income inequality in this land, that is a symptom of what makes this country great...everyone with the motivation has the opportunity! Sitting around whining about inequality doesn't get you anywhere.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Education Still Gets More Expensive
Penn State University announced a 5.9% hike in tuition costs for the upcoming school year. It boggles the mind how our schools of hire learning are able to get away with these hikes year after year after year. The cost of tuition at PSU will have more than doubled in nine years. I can't think of many more items that have doubled in price over that period of time.
The school president indicated that the factors for the increase include no increase in state money, a $30 million increase in salaries to maintain competitive, $23 million for rising health care and pension costs, $11.4 million for building maintenance, $10 million for new programs and $1 million for need based student aid.
The only factor on that list that I see as reasonable is the last one. $30 million in salary increases to remain competitive? The rest of the world is trying to find a job, yet our educators continue to thrive, just like our professional athletes. $23 million for rising health care and pension costs? Well, make the employees contribute a little more, not the students!
Every year a college education becomes less attainable for most students. And, the question is, is it really worthwhile? Ok, if you absolutely know what profession you want to be in when you are 18, and it requires continuing education, then a 4 year degree and masters or grad school may be warranted. If not, get an online degree and become an entrepreneur. That is where the big money is! A college education and graduate degree will simply saddle you with debt that will take years to pay off. And for what? Only 24% of the 2010 graduating class had a job lined up after graduation this year.
It is clear to me that college is becoming more and more of a rip off.
The school president indicated that the factors for the increase include no increase in state money, a $30 million increase in salaries to maintain competitive, $23 million for rising health care and pension costs, $11.4 million for building maintenance, $10 million for new programs and $1 million for need based student aid.
The only factor on that list that I see as reasonable is the last one. $30 million in salary increases to remain competitive? The rest of the world is trying to find a job, yet our educators continue to thrive, just like our professional athletes. $23 million for rising health care and pension costs? Well, make the employees contribute a little more, not the students!
Every year a college education becomes less attainable for most students. And, the question is, is it really worthwhile? Ok, if you absolutely know what profession you want to be in when you are 18, and it requires continuing education, then a 4 year degree and masters or grad school may be warranted. If not, get an online degree and become an entrepreneur. That is where the big money is! A college education and graduate degree will simply saddle you with debt that will take years to pay off. And for what? Only 24% of the 2010 graduating class had a job lined up after graduation this year.
It is clear to me that college is becoming more and more of a rip off.
Friday, July 9, 2010
A nation of Arrogant Leaders
The U.S. it seems is dominated by arrogant, egotistical, self-centered leaders. Not just in politics, but in other areas of life...sports, business, entertainment, etc.
Last night, Lebron James held a one hour spectacle on ESPN labled as "The Decision." As if the entire world would be captivated by where this egotistical ass chose to play basketball for the next few years. Unfortunately, millions tuned in to hear this announcement, so what does that tell you about this country? We have nothing better to do than sit and watch some gazillionaire tell us where he intends to be employed? Meanwhile, millions are out of work and begging for a chance to work ANYWHERE!
Tiger Woods...need I say more? The arrogance with which he conducted his life the last five or six years speaks volumes about the man. And yet, he still can't seem to show any humility. Probably the most ungracious winner and sorest loser in sports. Phil Mickelson wins the Masters a year after learning both his mother and wife have breast cancer, and Tiger can't congratulate him during an interview after his round because he is pissed he didn't win himself.
Obama-Pelosi-Reid...we know what's best for the country in spite of what you think, so welcome to our stimulus package that has failed to stimulate, welcome to Obamacare that most of you didn't want and screw you Arizona, we want to keep the illegal immigrants here, because those are potential voters to save our asses.
90% of the politicians in Washington, as well as state and local government. They really could care less about the average Joe, it's more about increasing their power.
Just about all of Wall Street. Still not much apology there for screwing the country, and the world economy for that matter. The bigger keep getting bigger, and local banks get screwed.
Hollywood...these folks never seem to think that the rule of law applies to them. Just look at Lindsey Lohan this week...shocked at the prospect of going to jail after violating her probation. Charlie Sheen? Mel Gibson?
Honestly people, why do we continue to put these idiots on a pedestal? Oh, wait, because its the media that does it! The arrogant media, the elite media. This is what sells, so they put these people at the forefront of our lives. Then the media tries to minimize and de-legitimize real movements such as the Tea Party. The Tea Party movement, which is filled with every day people who have had enough of all this crap. Yet, the media labels them as extremists.
The country is run by a bunch of self-serving, arrogant people and it is time for the regular guy to take back this country.
Last night, Lebron James held a one hour spectacle on ESPN labled as "The Decision." As if the entire world would be captivated by where this egotistical ass chose to play basketball for the next few years. Unfortunately, millions tuned in to hear this announcement, so what does that tell you about this country? We have nothing better to do than sit and watch some gazillionaire tell us where he intends to be employed? Meanwhile, millions are out of work and begging for a chance to work ANYWHERE!
Tiger Woods...need I say more? The arrogance with which he conducted his life the last five or six years speaks volumes about the man. And yet, he still can't seem to show any humility. Probably the most ungracious winner and sorest loser in sports. Phil Mickelson wins the Masters a year after learning both his mother and wife have breast cancer, and Tiger can't congratulate him during an interview after his round because he is pissed he didn't win himself.
Obama-Pelosi-Reid...we know what's best for the country in spite of what you think, so welcome to our stimulus package that has failed to stimulate, welcome to Obamacare that most of you didn't want and screw you Arizona, we want to keep the illegal immigrants here, because those are potential voters to save our asses.
90% of the politicians in Washington, as well as state and local government. They really could care less about the average Joe, it's more about increasing their power.
Just about all of Wall Street. Still not much apology there for screwing the country, and the world economy for that matter. The bigger keep getting bigger, and local banks get screwed.
Hollywood...these folks never seem to think that the rule of law applies to them. Just look at Lindsey Lohan this week...shocked at the prospect of going to jail after violating her probation. Charlie Sheen? Mel Gibson?
Honestly people, why do we continue to put these idiots on a pedestal? Oh, wait, because its the media that does it! The arrogant media, the elite media. This is what sells, so they put these people at the forefront of our lives. Then the media tries to minimize and de-legitimize real movements such as the Tea Party. The Tea Party movement, which is filled with every day people who have had enough of all this crap. Yet, the media labels them as extremists.
The country is run by a bunch of self-serving, arrogant people and it is time for the regular guy to take back this country.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
American Football vs. World Football (soccer)
I've been watching many of the World Cup games, particularly some of the big matchups and some of the U.S. games. I was particularly interested in England vs. Germany, Brazil vs. Netherlands, Germany vs. Argentina and Germany vs. Spain. So, I watched at least a portion of these games, and I yawned. American Football is far superior to watch. I say this even though I despise all the timeouts during the games.
While the action in soccer generally does not stop much, the pace of play is often slow, and rarely is the action very intense at the end of a game when the game is on the line. Sure, there can be a flurry of activity when one team needs a goal, but the players really have so little control over the outcome, it is rare that you get that big score at the end of the game when it is needed, like the U.S. got against Algeria.
On the other hand, look at all of those fantastic finishes in big playoff football games over the years. Can you get a more thrilling finish to a game than when the Steelers beat Arizona in the Super Bowl in the last seconds? Never in a soccer game. If the game is tied near the end of regulation, the teams play not to lose.
I've enjoyed some of the games, but you won't see me tuning into any Major Soccer League games any time soon, unless I need some sleep.
While the action in soccer generally does not stop much, the pace of play is often slow, and rarely is the action very intense at the end of a game when the game is on the line. Sure, there can be a flurry of activity when one team needs a goal, but the players really have so little control over the outcome, it is rare that you get that big score at the end of the game when it is needed, like the U.S. got against Algeria.
On the other hand, look at all of those fantastic finishes in big playoff football games over the years. Can you get a more thrilling finish to a game than when the Steelers beat Arizona in the Super Bowl in the last seconds? Never in a soccer game. If the game is tied near the end of regulation, the teams play not to lose.
I've enjoyed some of the games, but you won't see me tuning into any Major Soccer League games any time soon, unless I need some sleep.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Where are Republican Ideas?
Clearly, most Americans are frustrated with the policies of Obama and the Democrats. With a slow recovering economy that is not producing enough jobs, many feel that the stimulus has not done what it was intended to do. This is no surprise to those of us who actually paid attention to what was in the stimulus package. It was essentially a payoff to supporters of the Democratic party and President Obama filled with pork and wasteful spending that had no chance of stimuluting the economy for the long run. There were a few good investments, but nowhere near enough to put the economy on a sustainable path of growth.
After passing this lousy stimulus package, the Democrats decided to spend the next year ramming a trillion dollar healthcare package down our throats. Now that it is receiving more scrutiny since more details are known, it is realized that the package will ultimately increase the cost of healthcare substantially.
In this environment, and a new financial regulation bill being debated in the Senate, business is unwilling to hire due to the uncertainty. Next year, the Bush tax cuts are set to expire. This includes income taxes, capital gains taxes and estate taxes. So, the folks who create the jobs, are getting ready to hand over more money to the government. Combine that with the healthcare bill and they realize that the cost of doing business has gone up substantially, so why should they hire new workers?
But, where are the Republican ideas? Cutting corporate taxes and other taxes are ideas that are easily dismissed by Democrats as causing the deficits we now have. Republicans have never been good stewards of the budget, just like the Democrats never have. Democrats realize that spending will never be cut (because they certainly don't want to cut it), so we can't cut taxes.
Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin has produced a plan for attacking the budget deficit and potentially creating some jobs, but it is also widely dismissed by the Washington pols, because it would never realistically be passed. The establishment Republicans such as Mitch McConnell would never support it. Like the Democrats, most Republicans don't have the cahunas to pass legislation that will affect Social Security, Medicare and the like. I like some of Ryan's plan, but it has no chance of ever seeing the light of day.
What we need on both sides of the aisle are more credible people to get together and attack these issues. Ryan is one of them. I don't see too many others. In other words, we need to throw the bums out of both parties, and get some new people in Washington.
After passing this lousy stimulus package, the Democrats decided to spend the next year ramming a trillion dollar healthcare package down our throats. Now that it is receiving more scrutiny since more details are known, it is realized that the package will ultimately increase the cost of healthcare substantially.
In this environment, and a new financial regulation bill being debated in the Senate, business is unwilling to hire due to the uncertainty. Next year, the Bush tax cuts are set to expire. This includes income taxes, capital gains taxes and estate taxes. So, the folks who create the jobs, are getting ready to hand over more money to the government. Combine that with the healthcare bill and they realize that the cost of doing business has gone up substantially, so why should they hire new workers?
But, where are the Republican ideas? Cutting corporate taxes and other taxes are ideas that are easily dismissed by Democrats as causing the deficits we now have. Republicans have never been good stewards of the budget, just like the Democrats never have. Democrats realize that spending will never be cut (because they certainly don't want to cut it), so we can't cut taxes.
Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin has produced a plan for attacking the budget deficit and potentially creating some jobs, but it is also widely dismissed by the Washington pols, because it would never realistically be passed. The establishment Republicans such as Mitch McConnell would never support it. Like the Democrats, most Republicans don't have the cahunas to pass legislation that will affect Social Security, Medicare and the like. I like some of Ryan's plan, but it has no chance of ever seeing the light of day.
What we need on both sides of the aisle are more credible people to get together and attack these issues. Ryan is one of them. I don't see too many others. In other words, we need to throw the bums out of both parties, and get some new people in Washington.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Republicans Blocking Progress?
It is amazing to me that just about every day I read about someone in the Democratic party, Obama, Pelosi, Reid, or some journalist, whining about how the Republicans are blocking progress. With control of all of Washington, how is this possible? George W. Bush was able to pass through an idiotic war, tax cuts, a prescription drug benefit, no child left behind, etc., yet he never had anywhere near the majorities in the House and Senate that the Democrats do.
Oh wait, maybe it is simply the incompetence of the people in charge of the Democratic party that is blocking "progress." Or, maybe it is the fact that the American people do not want the "progress" that the Democrats prescribe? Or, maybe it is both?
No one likes a whiner, and this president and his crony bitch and whine every day like its that time of the month. How about we get some leadership?
Oh wait, maybe it is simply the incompetence of the people in charge of the Democratic party that is blocking "progress." Or, maybe it is the fact that the American people do not want the "progress" that the Democrats prescribe? Or, maybe it is both?
No one likes a whiner, and this president and his crony bitch and whine every day like its that time of the month. How about we get some leadership?
Friday, July 2, 2010
Pelosi and Stimulating Jobs
Nancy Pelosi was once again speaking out of her ass the other day when she suggested that one of the biggest ways to stimulate the economy is to provide unemployment checks to those who are unemployed. She indicates that money is used to spend money, and that helps to create jobs.
Well, if that isn't a head scratcher, I don't know what is. If it was as simple as that, wouldn't we have zero unemployment? When someone loses a job, all we gotta do is write them a check, they spend it, and a job is created!
Ok, so, why are we stuck near 10% unemployment? We've been writing to checks to some folks for over a year. What are they doing with that money? Stuffing it under their mattress? Oh, wait, they are using it to pay their rent or mortgage, and by some groceries. Other than that, their isn't enough money in those checks to spend it on much else.
I believe we need a safety net such as unemployment insurance. However, the notion that it creates jobs is just an outrageous fabrication, and another example of Democrats grabbing at straws and trying to pull on the heartstrings of voters who are sick of all the wasteful spending in DC. The Democratic agenda is going down in flames because of the weak economy. Their ideas and programs have provided stiff headwinds to any economic recovery, and they are realizing that they will suffer mightily at the polls in November. I hope this actually becomes the case, because the triumvirate leadership of Obama-Pelosi-Reid has been a disaster.
Well, if that isn't a head scratcher, I don't know what is. If it was as simple as that, wouldn't we have zero unemployment? When someone loses a job, all we gotta do is write them a check, they spend it, and a job is created!
Ok, so, why are we stuck near 10% unemployment? We've been writing to checks to some folks for over a year. What are they doing with that money? Stuffing it under their mattress? Oh, wait, they are using it to pay their rent or mortgage, and by some groceries. Other than that, their isn't enough money in those checks to spend it on much else.
I believe we need a safety net such as unemployment insurance. However, the notion that it creates jobs is just an outrageous fabrication, and another example of Democrats grabbing at straws and trying to pull on the heartstrings of voters who are sick of all the wasteful spending in DC. The Democratic agenda is going down in flames because of the weak economy. Their ideas and programs have provided stiff headwinds to any economic recovery, and they are realizing that they will suffer mightily at the polls in November. I hope this actually becomes the case, because the triumvirate leadership of Obama-Pelosi-Reid has been a disaster.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Democrats Getting Worried
So I can get a balanced view of the world, I often read the more liberal commentaries just to get an idea of what those people are thinking. Since I pretty much already know what the right wingers are thinking, I don't need to read their crap.
It is amazing to me how differently liberals view the world compared to the rest of us. And they continue to make their arguments with old stale facts that don't share the whole story.
This morning I read Gene Lyons comments in Salon. Same old argument. It was Bush's tax cuts for the rich that lead to the current deficits we have. Ummm...Bush cut taxes for EVERYONE! Geez, isn't that fair? In fact, in the real world, over 45% of the U.S. workforce does NOT pay taxes.
It was not tax cuts that lead to deficits. It was an ill-conceived war and the fact that Bush and the Republicans went on a spending spree typical of the Democrats. However, the Bush deficits came nowhere close to what we have in store now and into the foreseeable future.
After all of the spending on the stimulus, TARP, auto bailouts, bank bailouts, cash for clunkers, home buyer tax credits, etc., where is the economy today? Getting ready to roll back over into another recession. This morning, new jobless claims rose by 13,000 and the 4 week moving average is at its highest level since March. Continuint claims also rose. Yesterday, ADP reported that the private sector likely added only 13,000 new jobs to the economy in June.
I spoke with a realtor yesterday who indicated that sales have fallen by two-thirds since the homebuyer tax credit ended. You can't fix a structural problem with a band-aid. The tax credit only helped the homebuilders, who overbuilt and paid exorbitant amounts for land in areas that could not support that much supply.
The Democrats must be shaking in their boots, because the economy is getting set to roll over during the home stretch to the mid-term elections. You can see it on their exasperated faces, faces such as Paul Kanjorski, who rolls his eyes and whines and complains that it was the Republicans who caused this mess.
The Republicans didn't cause it any more than the Democrats. The Washington culture caused it. They are out of touch. Voters are getting ready to make a change again like they did two years ago. Democrats are worried.
It is amazing to me how differently liberals view the world compared to the rest of us. And they continue to make their arguments with old stale facts that don't share the whole story.
This morning I read Gene Lyons comments in Salon. Same old argument. It was Bush's tax cuts for the rich that lead to the current deficits we have. Ummm...Bush cut taxes for EVERYONE! Geez, isn't that fair? In fact, in the real world, over 45% of the U.S. workforce does NOT pay taxes.
It was not tax cuts that lead to deficits. It was an ill-conceived war and the fact that Bush and the Republicans went on a spending spree typical of the Democrats. However, the Bush deficits came nowhere close to what we have in store now and into the foreseeable future.
After all of the spending on the stimulus, TARP, auto bailouts, bank bailouts, cash for clunkers, home buyer tax credits, etc., where is the economy today? Getting ready to roll back over into another recession. This morning, new jobless claims rose by 13,000 and the 4 week moving average is at its highest level since March. Continuint claims also rose. Yesterday, ADP reported that the private sector likely added only 13,000 new jobs to the economy in June.
I spoke with a realtor yesterday who indicated that sales have fallen by two-thirds since the homebuyer tax credit ended. You can't fix a structural problem with a band-aid. The tax credit only helped the homebuilders, who overbuilt and paid exorbitant amounts for land in areas that could not support that much supply.
The Democrats must be shaking in their boots, because the economy is getting set to roll over during the home stretch to the mid-term elections. You can see it on their exasperated faces, faces such as Paul Kanjorski, who rolls his eyes and whines and complains that it was the Republicans who caused this mess.
The Republicans didn't cause it any more than the Democrats. The Washington culture caused it. They are out of touch. Voters are getting ready to make a change again like they did two years ago. Democrats are worried.
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