:
A Day To Be Celebarted...What's next?
The White House Healthcare Summit took place. C-Span had gavel-to-gavel coverage. For those around the world who are not aware of C-Span, it is the public affairs programming that is provided as a public service by America's Cable Companies. It is devoid of political commentary, although it features reporters and political actors during its roundtables. But it is the best way to see Democracy in Action:
There was a lot of give and take. I found it to be a political show of the highest calibre. As the discussions went on, the President tried his utmost to keep things on track. As I listened to the proceedings, one person tweeted that "the republicans came with facts, the democrats came with tissues". This is one statement that I take issue. The stories that the Democrats talked about was heart-wrenching. What moved me was Patty Murray's story about a young child who lost her mother because she got sick, lost her job and subsequently died because she could get the care she needed.
What I found striking was that everyone felt that the system needed to be repaired. I was so stricken by how the Republicans were singing from the same tune. The Republicans wanted the whole thing scrapped and wanted them to start over with a clean sheet of paper. Daily Koz, one of the premier liberal blogs, noted the frustruation with the Republicans. Such frusturation is misguided, because the Republicans showed their true colors. As the Republicans pushed their view of wanting to scrap it all and start over, the Democrats also were at it too. There were some interesting highlights:
1) George Miller of California, one of the Senior Democratic Congressmen, noted that he had two hip replacements and kidney stones. He was precluded from getting insurance anywhere else he had a pre-existing condition;
2) Louis Slaughter, The Chair of the House Rules Committee, said something that truly blew me away: 8 States in the U.S. have declared demoestic violence to be a pre-existing condition. So, poor women who have been subject to domestic violence in those states are precluded from getting insurance coverage. Good Grief!!!!
John McCain spoke up complaining about the process and how things had not changed and stayed the same. Yet, at the same summit, it was revealed that some 147 distinct Republican Proposals were adopted as part of the healthcare package that was passed. Yet, the Republicans continued to push the fiction that they were excluded from the process and noted that the country was sick and tired of this. I also caught a glimpse of Congressman King of Iowa talking about the Socialization of bodies afterwards again on C-Span during a debate in the House.
The players talked about how America is the best healthcare system in the world. The reality is otherwise. Just because America has the best technology in the world does not necessarily equate it to be the best healthcare system in the world. Access and affordability is also just as crucial a component in this regard. Jay Rockfeller, the West Virginia Democrat, noted how Insurance companies were sharks. All they cared about was profits. Chris Dodd reminded the summit how every day of inaction caused 14,000 people to lose their healthcare every month and up to 6-8 people dying of healthcare every day.
As the give-and-take progressed, what I found especially poignant was a comment by the President. The President noted that a new study just came out noting that The Government had turned out to be the biggest provider of health insurance because of the continued calamity in the job market. I sense that calamity to continue for a while yet. I see it as I visit the local One Stop Center and see the people. There are those who have been out for over a year. I have written about it in my periodic write-ups in my "Job Search Chronicles".
Everyone seemed to agree that something had to be done. But, what I found disturbing about the Republican View was that the "Fierce Urgency of Now" seemed to not be as prevalent with them as it was with the Democrats. I wonder if the Republicans really understand what is going on in "Main Street". They say they do. But, they really don't. An example of it was the stunt that Jim Bunning of Kentucky just pulled to object to legislation to extend unemployment benefits for thirty days. The Senate was called into a late session to deal with this latest stunt by Jim Bunning. I was trying to understand what he specfically objected to. If Dick Durbin couldn't figure out, who am I to do so?
As for the Health Summit, the curtain fell on the show and everyone went back to their bunkers. I sensed that despite all the cordial talk and the mutual respect shown, no one moved. I see no prospects of a compromise. The ball is now in the Democrats court to get something passed so that the country knows that they mean. Everyone has to remember what Tom Harkin said at the meeting. America outlawed segregation based on race, creed, national origin, sex and disability. It must now have the courage to outlaw segregation based on health. The question is whether the political leaders have the courage and the backbone to do so?
:
Will the Democrats Wake Up?
I have continued to observe how the GOP has literally stolen the limelight on the debate over healthcare. The Democrats have a steep mountain to climb because of this:
“Democrats have decided to give the voters what they don't want anyway”
[ Click here to read more ]
:
The Lines Are Clearly Drawn....
I was pleased to see the reports that the Economy is on the mend. The President talked about it during the State of the Union. I especially was jazzed about the 5.7% growth of GDP during the 4th Quarter of 2009. Jobs, though, continue to be lost--albeit at a slower pace. But, if anyone thinks we're out of the woods--I have a bridge in Alaska that I really want to suggest that they go out and check out. The point is that this growth is not translating into much.
President Obama hit the road noting that there is a lot yet to be done. He noted that 1 in 10 Americans can't find work. The President needs to be reminded that the actual number is almost 1 in 17. In California, it is almost 1 in 20. I think the President was brilliant in how he went on the offense with the Republicans during their Policy retreat on Friday
[ Click here to read more ]
:
I don't hold out much hope!!!
I followed the President's walk-about yesterday when he went out to Florida to speak and "test out" the talking points of the SOTUS (State of the Union). As I noted in my daily write-up yesterday, I found the speech to be a centrist speech which I think the Republicans should embrace in a big way. I find it interesting that they have continued to basically "Just Say No".
I find the President's visit to the Republican Retreat quite intriguing. I welcome it because it shows that the Adminstration wants to reach out yet again. This has been a one-way street, though. Maybe the monthly meetings the President also proposed will help to bridge the apparent Grand Canyon that continues to exist. Governing is not easy. Governing is hard. Governing means choices. All who occupy the seats of power in Washington need to really understand that. Those on Main Street must remember to keep those people accountable. This accountability seems to have withered away. I find that quite disconcerting
[ Click here to read more ]
:
The Advent of the United Corporate States of America
:
It is quite an adventure
This week saw me continue my quest to see what is out there and what is within the realm of the possible for jobs right now. I had an appointment to review my existing resume. I thought I had it down--oh was I soooooooooooo wrong!!!
What I had done, though, was to present my resume to one of those online resume services. This was a free critique available through Job.Com. What the Counselor Sent me gave me a preview of what to do expect. She wanted to charge me $ 595 to redo the resume and was going to throw in the cover letter for free. With the budget being what is it, I ignored her sales pitch and thought about the essentials of her message. I did make a point of arriving 15 minutes early. This was to get myself into the "groove' of being really disciplined enough for this exercise
[ Click here to read more ]
:
I wonder if the World will have the courage
The World right now continues to be focused on Haiti. The focus is so right in light of the utter devastation going on. The desparation is evident and the scenes are heart breaking. I cannot even comprehend what Kerry Sanders, the NBC News Correpodent is reporting right now:
[ Click here to read more ]
:
So!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The U.S. Economy grew in the third quarter. Housing Sales were at its highest in four years, according to the National Association of Realtors. When I have been talking to Realtors, I have sensed a movement towards folks actually buying real estate again. But, the problem is that most of the growth has been driven by the massive stimulus put in place by the Obama Adminstration. No one is hiring. No one is investing. That's the biggest problem I see happening right now that will linger on for a while yet.
The growth that is being seen is anemic at best. 30 out of the 50 States will run out of money to pay out unemployment benefits. So, the people who have no job and have lost all hope will not have much to look forward to in 2010. The shortfalls in State and local budgets will continue to be ever more. For instance, the Orange County California Sheriff Department in Orange County California 's expected shortfall for 2010 is slated to be apprxoimately 45 Million Dollars out of a budget of $ 450 Million. This means longer response time to 911 calls and prisoner releases. Although the Country is focused on healthcare and the reform battle in Washington (and rightly so), the fundemental structural definicies in the Country has to be addressed--and it is not being done
[ Click here to read more ]
:
No one should be happy just yet!??!?
The news headlines yesterday were dominated with the 60th Vote that the U.S. Senate Democratic Leadership secured when Ben Nelson was brought on board. I am sure that there was a lot of horse trading going on til the last minute. Bernie Sanders apparently got more money for community clinics. Ben Nelson got more Medicaid Money for his state plus the assurance he needed on abortion. I do wonder what Joe Lieberman got for his vote after all the "noise" he generated. What I find fascinating is how such horsetrading is part of the legislative process and it is understandable.
What I find interesting is that both the so-called left and right spoke out against the bill. The most vocal opponent was Dr. Howard Dean, the former Governor of Vermont and the Chair of the Democratic National Committee. The Republicans took that as gospel. As for the Republicans, well they are going to pull out all the stops to head off the vote til Christmas Eve. The fact remains that this is just one more step in a rather long process. Although I am sure that Senators wish to spend Christmas with their families, the people's business comes first. Furthermore, it can still be derailed at the last minute
[ Click here to read more ]
:
....It ain't over yet..........
:
WIll Our Leaders Wake Up?
:
Now this is going to be fun 2 watch!!!
:
Can't Help But Feel Sorry For him....
I remember the day when Joe Lieberman was chosen as Al Gore as his running mate in 2000. At the time, the country was told that this was a man who was principled, grounded and understood what was right. The country was told that he was a man who never forgot the common man and his common roots. What happened to someone who almost became Vice President of the United States and who could have been President today?
The transformation of Joe Lieberman has been nothing but spectacular. For a man who was a soldier in the Democractic Party, he became one of the soldiers in John McCain's failed bid to be President. I was shocked to see how he turned away from the principles he stood for so long. To me, his total transformation became evident over the last twenty four hours when he said that he would support a threatened Republican fillibuster over healthcare reform. What I found shocking was his arrogant comments on Fox News when he started smiling as he explained his position to serve his constituents. I wonder who the constituents are that he is talking about. It seems as if the national interest should overcome whatever so-called constituent interest He forgot that there are 300,000 Million Americans that need to be served. Yet, it appears that Aetna and Cigna are his constitutents--not the American People. That's the biggest tragedy of all and underscores the tragic figure that Joe Lieberman has become. I can only feel sorry for him.
:
Will they get away with it?
The Healthcare Reform debate took an ugly turn today. The Insurance Industry's lobby, AHIP, succeeded in derailing the reform movement, yet again thru a report it came out noting that reform will do nothing to slow down the cost of healthcare and that premiums will go up. From what I have seen of the folks who actually did the analysis, they have no expertise in healthcare. The rationale used by the AHIP Press Secretary to justify their view of "universal coverage" was quite amazing.
The insurance industry wants everyone to be covered. But, the AHIP's report wants everyone to buy their products that has pretty much driven the US economy to the ground. When I see my sister's hospital bill at 12,000 Dollars for a single overnight stay (and Insurance will not cover it) I see a problem. When I see my mother's surgery and how costly the surgery has been, there has to be a better way. The major players (United Healthcare, Wellpoint, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, CIGNA) just want things the way they are. These major players have already instituted rationing. They are just interested in one thing: Profits
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Doesn't he have anything better 2 do?
Honduras continues to be in a state of political turmoil. The ousted President, Zelaya, is held up in the Brazilian Embassy as the Coup Government continues to cling on to power in the midst of opposition from the population and the world. Now, Senator "Waterloo" DeMint wants to go to Honduras on a "fact finding" mission. But, Senator DeMint's trip was blocked by John Kerry and the State Department. Senator DeMint cried foul and issued this statement posted on his Senate website:
[ Click here to read more ]
September 30th 2009 03:17
:
Why aren't folks surprised?
The U.S. Senate Finance Committee left out the Public Option in their markup. As I assessed the debate over the past 24 hours, I can't help but declare the insurance companies the winners and the American People the loser in what the U.S. Senate has done.
Not withstanding Chuck Grassley being "mad" at the President, it seems as if the country should be mad at him for pushing the fiction of death panels and citing sources like the Heritage Foundation and that outfit that is owned by an entity owned by UnitedHealth Care. The Republicans are winning the day hands down right now. What happened in the Finance Committee was just one battle that was lost. The war is not lost yet by any means
[ Click here to read more ]
September 29th 2009 06:16
:
A Big question mark (or not)?
Every 2 years, a third of the U.S. Senate seats is up for re-election. As I wrote in OV's sister site, Smooth Political, there is a school of thought noting that incumbents are pretty much a shoe-in for re-election unless some real calamity occur which will derail the efforts at hand. One of the key races is in California. Barbara Boxer is up for re-election. But, the Republicans are not standing still.
Currently, the Republicans are quite busy. Chuck Devore is a California State Assemblyman from Orange County California who has mounted a concerted campaign to be the Conservative alternative to the so-called liberal Barbara Boxer. There is also an active, vibrant campaign by Carly Fiornia, the former CEO of HP and a adrent advocate of John McCain to run for office. As I see the campaign right now, Boxer should be able to overcome either one of these folks. However, Boxer should not take this campaign for granted by any stretch of the imagination. Senator Boxer will not be a pushover either
[ Click here to read more ]
September 18th 2009 07:39
:
My Eyes Almost Popped Out
Senator Chris Dodd is fighting for his political life. I have had this apparent to me ever since he decided to launch his Presidential Bid and even moved his family to Iowa. It was probably the biggest political mistake he ever made. Now, his enemies are smelling blood. He has got Democratic opponents. But my eyes nearly popped out when Linda McMahon announced her candidacy for the Republican Nomination in 2010.
Who is Linda McMahon? She is the husband of Vince McMahon, the supremo of Wrestling. Their family has dominated Wrestling for almost 30 years. She can claim quite a mantle as a businesswoman. But, to be a Senator, there has to be a lot more than simply being involved in Entertainment. It sure will be entertaining to watch
[ Click here to read more ]
September 17th 2009 08:00
:
...But will those losers in Washington Listen?
:
Always fun...Never Dulll!!!
It has been another interesting few days, to say the least. The most uplifting event, for me, was the interview this smart, articulate and self-confident 11-Year Old had with Mr. Obama:
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Never a Dull Moment.....
What a way to start the Month!!! Bill Clinton has arrived in North Korea to help negotiate the release of the two American Journalists being held there. Wow
[ Click here to read more ]
The talk of the town over the last week or so has been on Healthcare. President Obama's Wednesday News Conference was all healthcare. The debate with the talking heads has been on healthcare. Democrats have profound differences within each other. In the midst of it all, the ordinary folks seem to be just lost in the shuffle.
Everyone notes that there is no need to "rush" this. What is apparent is that the Republicans are pursuing a strategy of "just say no". I have trying to find a plan that the Republicans have. The only thing I have read is "choice" and "competition". It is those two things that has caused premiums to go up, insurance companies to continue to deny coverage and costs to go up. Not withstanding the debate itself, the only problem I have with "rushing this" as Mr. Bohener and Mr. McConnell have said is that the United States has discussed this for the past one hundred years. Teddy Roosevelt first talked about it back in 1912. How much more time is needed?
:
One Less Thing 4 the Democrats....
Roland Burris has just come out annoucning that he will not seek reelection to the US Senate Seat that he was appointed to. This should be good news to the Democrats who can insure that they have a fighting chance now. The Republicans were thinking about mounting a challenge. Now, it will be quite a fight. There are some really good candidates out there now.
It will be interesting to see that fight!!!
[ Click here to read more ]
The Minnesota Supreme Court has declared Al Franken the winner of the disputed US Senate Primary. Mr. Coleman has talked about a Federal Challenge. The law certainly grants him that right. But, so far Mr Coleman has lost every single challenge. As I write this, Mr. Coleman is having a news conference to congratulate Mr. Franken. It will be interesting to see what the conspiracy theorists will have to say now. The people of Minnesota will have their full representation now.
John Ensign, one of the most Senior Republicans in The U.S. Senate, is about to hold a news conference admitting to an extra-martial affair. Although it is a trying time for him and his family, it does also show a bit of hypocracy by those who preach so-called conservative values and yet forget the very essence of committment. Leaders should walk the talk. Anything else is a disservice to those who have placed their faith in such leaders.
:
Not Surprised at all!!!
:
A Sign of Desparation, Perhaps?
Today Eric Holder was before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Appropriations for the Justice Department to discuss the FY 2010 Budget for the Justice Department (Source: Really Long Link retrieved 5/7/2009). Not withstanding the usual mundane testimony, I found one particular question by Senator Alexander of Tenessee quite funny. As the country continues to come to grips with the debate over torture, Lamar Alexander threatned to start investigations about what the Clinton Adminstration (including the Attorney General) knew and approved about torture. My initial reaction was, wow!!!
Up to today, I viewed Lamar Alexander as a reasonable guy. But, I suppose he has to march in lockstep with the Limbaugh/Savage/Hannity wing of the Republican Party so that he won't be thrown under the bus. What Lamar Alexander and the Republicans are working on is to basically whitewash the sins of the Bush Adminstration by blaming everyone else. What Lamar Alexander showed today was a total disregard of the past 8 years and what the country has gone through. The Republicans wrecked the Constitution and banrkupted the country. If they want to present a constructive alternative, I welcome it. I am yet to see one. All I see are empty slogans and discredited old arguments
[ Click here to read more ]
:
It will be quite a Day!!!!
The results of the bank stress tests are due later on Today after markets close. I have seen reports that a number of the banks will be forced to raise additional capital. For instance, the number I have seen for Bank of America is 33 Billion Dollars. The number for Citigroup is around 50 Billion based on the reporting I have just seen from the Financial Times.
The numbers that are being talked about are scary. The remaining funds in TARP I are around 100 Billion Dollars only. The scale of the need for capital means that there is going to be a need for TARP II. Although some members of the conservative community do not wish to hear it, the need for nationalization of the institutions is becoming ever more vital now. The U.S. Treasury has given some 45 Billion Dollars to Bank of America so far. The fact that it requires a further 33 Billion Dollars means that the Bank is not a viable going concern in its' present form. The math simply just does not add up
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Will Republicans Listen?
Jack Kemp died of Cancer last night. For those who do not know who he was, he was a Quarterback for the Buffalo Bills who went on to have a very successful Political Career as a Member of the U.S. House of Representative, Cabinet Secretary and Vice Presidential Nominee. He helped to pass Ronald Reagan's First Tax Cut along with the late William Roth of Delaware.
Although I have had fundemental disagreements with his views on Government, I respected him because he understood how to reach out to others. He believed in the Republicans having a big tent. He understood before many how America was changing. He talked about it in this Meet the Press interview with the last Tim Russert
[ Click here to read more ]
Arlen Specter, the Senior U.S. Senator from the State of Pennsylvania, is going to switch to the Democratic Party. I am not that shocked by this revelation currently being reported by FoxNews and now the Washington Post. But, the implication for the power in the U.S. Senate is going to be far-reaching for Republicans becasue they are one seat shorter to having a fillibuster-proof majority once the Franken-Coleman Side Show in Minnesota comes to an end.
It is ever more imperative to insure that the rights of the minority is respected. If the Democrats do what the Republicans did for six years, then nothing really changes. But, this does mean that the Republicans need to emerge from simply being the Party of "No" and providing true constructive solutions. There is never a dull moment in politics--that's for sure.
:
When will we see the end?
One of the side shows of the 2008 campaign is still the lingering Minnesota Senate Race. Norm Coleman has been putting up a valiant fight. From what I read in the Thursday edition of the New York Times, he has given up quite a bit to do what he thinks is right. He has no job right now and spends his time weighing his legal options and working part time as a consultant for the American Jewish Congress. I felt kind of sorry for him as I read this story.
As I have bee assessing the continued legal challenges and the road ahead, it seems as if the odds are stacked against Coleman and for Al Franken. I continue to be concerned as to the rhetoric from the right on this. Some of the more passionate advocates have said that the election is being stolen. I have seen no indication of it. I have found Minnesota to be one of the most transparent of processes out there. For the sake of the people of Minnesota, this has to end at some stage though
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Should the Adminstration Be Believed?
As the week came to a close, the markets continued their recovery. Wells Fargo Bank had records profits and Ford cut its debt. But, unemployment has continued to rise. The International Monetary Fund has estimated worldwide losses at somewhat in the neighborhood of 4 Trillion Dollars.
In the United States, losses by US State and Local Pension Funds are estimated to be at approximately 40 percent of the 2 Trillion Dollars held by the 2600 Pension plans that pays out pensiosn for retired teachers, police officers and firefighters.hese pension plans are selling their assets at fire sale prices trying to make their pension obligations.In the midst of this mixed news. I continue to be concerned about Congressional Budget Office estimates on the actual costs of the proposed Budget Blueprint. The deficit is projected to be 9.3 Trillion Dollars over the next decade. It will average 5.3% of the GDP--something that the President's Budget Director himself concedes is unsustainable
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Reality Has Arrived....
Bob Gates, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, has begun a process to truly transform U.S. Defense Policy. I have written about the F22 and the analysts who have attacked how useless the plane is. We have to truly think about Smart Government in the era of limited means. For a country that continues to fight two wars with no end in sight, the country has to change its stance. The Secretary's bold move to transform the defense budget has begun this process.
As this debate begins, the opposition will be fierce. Senator Inhofe of Oklahoma has come out with a YouTube Message accusing the Adminstration of disarming America. There will be others on the so-called right who will be just as strident and bellicose in their rhetoric without realizing the true realities going on. I view Mr. Inhofe's pronoucement as not truly credible simply because of his role in delaying plans to deal with global warming due to his scepticisim and belief that somehow global warming was an "act of god". I think that Mr. Gates understands what needs to be done. If there are concerns, I expect it to be on the merits. If the human capital is the concern, I am certain that they can be reassigned to other projects and initiatives. As it stands, America will still spend more than the entire rest of the world combined. Taking advantage of Smart and Innovative ways to adjust to the new realities is the right and responsible thing to do. I see no other way.
:
We must never, ever forget!!!
Whenever someone dies, it is always a sad moment. Life is the most precious resource granted. The death always leaves a void. Although I have continued to believe that we are all passengers in this journey of life, the emptiness will never overcome. I view it as ever more tragic for the heroes who have paid the ultimate price while serving in wars in faraway lands. This includes Americans, Canadians, British, Australians, German, French and other NATO and coalition members who have strived to eradicate the extremism that continues to grow like a cancer.
When President Obama came into office, he directed Secretary Gates to leave it to the families to decide whether to allow coverage of their fallen coming back home. Mr. Gates decided to leave it up to the families. The first coverage was of the latest fallen hero, U.S. Airforoce Staff Sergeant Philip Myers
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Lessons On What Not To Do.....
As I have written about the Econmic Winter of our times, I have also continued to witness quite a transformation despite the challenges all around us. I view the transformation in the technology space as nothing less than spectacular. As a "Twitter" addict, a facebook "fan", and a committed writer/blogger, I am excited about the possiblites. I was witness to Sun Microsystems meteroic rise to be the darling of the IT world during the dot.bomb era. I cut my teeth writing my first email on a Sun Sparcstation 2. I was also witness to the spectacular fall when the bottom fell out back in 2000.
Since the internet bubble burst, Sun Microsystems has tried to figure out a reason to live. It has attemptef to be the go-to vendor for open source by buying the leading open source database player (MySQL), it made a signifcant investment in storage by buying a major storage player (storagetek), yet it has failed to gain any traction. It has a large installed base and a signifcant service business. But, it appears that the days of it being an independent major player has passed. I view Sun as a company about potentially what may have been. I think that it is another symbol of the very transformation that we have had to deal with throughout the last number of years
[ Click here to read more ]
:
"Change" has occured....
Eric Holder, the U.S Attorney General, has decided to drop all charges against former Republican Senator Ted Stevens. Thanks to this single decision, I believe that name "Justice" has truly been put back into the Justice Department.
I wrote at the time that Senator Stevens had to be commended for his service. I stand by today. Today's decision removes a cloud over the years of service Senator Stevens has had. Countdown had a discussion about it earlier on this very subject
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Why was this allowed to happen?
In the midst of all the continued bloodletting I have written, I was especially shocked to find out that the man in charge of the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation decided to move its' investments to stuff like hedge funds and other riskier investments. The fund appears to have lost substantial sums. What is troublesome is that this is the fund that guarantees defunct Pension Funds which continue to pile up as the US Economy continues to implode. I could only think what would have happened to the Social Security Trust Fund if George W. Bush would have succeeded in moving monies into the private markets. Why was this allowed to happen? Why weren't safeguards in place? Where was Congress in all of this?
:
Is the Message Coming Through?
I have been making the rounds of the Sunday Talk Shows. NBC and ABC had Tim Geitner on and CBS' Face the Nation had the President on as well: (available at http://www.cbsnews.com).
As I listened to the Face The Nation Interview, I was glad that Bob Schieffer brought up Mexico. I have regarded Mexico as the soft underbelly that is indeed a major threat to the security of the United States. I did also find Meet the Press quite insightful in explaining in layman's terms how the plan is supposed to work. As I listened to all the shows, the central message I heard was that the Obama Adminstration views the strategies on both the economy and Afghanistan was on track. Time will only tell
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Will Idiotnjead Survive?
There was a recent poll taken in Iran to assess how the major Presidential Candiddates fared in the upcoming elections. The current President polled at 36.8%, the former President Mohammad Khatami polled at 28.4%, the Former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mossavi polled at 11.8% and the former Parliamentary Speaker polled at less than 1%.
As I assessed this poll results (taken before the advent of the holidays and the traditional two weeks of vacation in Iran), I found it quite signifcant. If the moderate forces do in fact unite, they will present a profound challenge to idiotnejad. The current President has the power of incumbency and the entire state apparatus at his disposal. Yet, somehow, the people of Iran have a knack to pull off a rabbit out of a hat
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Cause to Celebrate? Hardly......
The Dow went up almost 7% today. The rally was quite spectacular. It was in response to the U.S. Government's plan to buy up to a Trillion Dollars worth of Toxic Assets to help get lending going again.
Although Paul Krugman noted that "..Zombie Ideas have won...", It is frankly gratifying to write about some good news after so much bad news that has been out there. I have written weekly about the Economic Winter we have had over the last number of months. The U.S. taxpayer will guarantee any monies put up by private investors against any downside risk. To me, It is quite a deal for anyone who has money to invest. Yet, what bothers me is how the underlying fundementals of the banking system remains shoddy and broken and has to be changed
[ Click here to read more ]
:
What other shoe will ever drop?
I had hoped to leave behind the Bush years in my writings here. Yet, it appears that the actions by the Bush Adminstration will continue to be the talk of the nation for a while yet.
I have been reading with horror comments by Seymour Hersh about what had transpired about an alleged assassination squad. The accumulation of power is quite scary. I realize that the reporting done here by MSNBC is biased. Between the John Yu memos and this allegation, it shows an apparent debunking of the Constitutional Form of Government during the past eight years. Not withstanding the political tone of it, the mere fact that this kind of "command" existed should be of concern to all
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Although Funny...it may well be scary.....
I find the recent spat between Jon Stewart and Jim Cramer and Meghan McCain and Ann Coulter hillarious to say the least. Bill O'Reilly talked about it in his Factor show on Monday on Fox News. He talked the Cramer vs. Stewart feud with Stewart Varney of Fox Business and on Meghan McCain vs. Ann Coulter with a reporter for the Washington Times.
I saw Jon Stewart's show, I saw Jim Cramer's "response when he appeared on MSNBC and NBC and then Jon Stewart's rebuttal. Jon Stewart nailed Jim Cramer. There was no question about it. But, O'Reilly's way of lambasting Stewart for going after him for being "liberal" and "mainstream" is a bit far-fetched. What O'Reilly and the folks at fox forget to tell the rest of the world is that they were the "mainstream" during the 8 years of the Bush Adminstration. They pushed this fiction that markets work and self-regulate and had to be left alone. Well, this so-called conservative philosophy (as they call it) was in fact the cause of the economic winter we are faced with today. Bernie Maddoff and Allan Stafford are but the most extreme of examples. But, the entertainment nature of CNBC was also just as much to blame in my view. Jon Stewart called Jim Cramer on it. I do commend Jim Cramer for agreeing to appear on The Daily Show later on tonight. That should be quite interesting. But, this fiction of a liberal bias that Bill O'Reilly continues to push gets to be old. It is entertaining and funny, though. Cramer made some bad calls and he has to own up to it
[ Click here to read more ]
I congratulate the US Senate for the vote to ease sanctions on Cuba. It is high time!!! As I celebrate another one of the Bush policies being tossed into the waste basket, I thought about Israel. I wonder if the Congress (and by extension the Adminstration) will have the courage to show Israel the "tough love" necessary to overcome the deep divisions that continues to haunt the region and the world.
:
Who is right? Who Knows/
The Sunday Talks shows on US Network Television featured quite a number of political and media personalities. As I attended the NBC and ABC's webcast, I was trying to find an alternative vision that the Republicans offered. Lindsay Graham and Richard Shelby only said that they were opposed. Beyond that, I did not hear any concerte solutions to get this economy jump-started again.
NBC also featured New Ginrigch. He is probably the leading Republican thinker right now. He also brings a historical sense of it all, having been a Professor of History. I was gratified to hear him say two key things: 1) The Economic Winter we're contending is nothing like we have seen before & 2) He does not want to see the President fail. In my view, these two key things are a solid basis to talk about a constructive vision of the future. I found his contention that the proposed tax increases as equivalent to the smooth-Hailey Tarriff Act a bit of an overstretch. I also think that the advocacy of doing nothing is also quite distrubing because of the disastrous decision made by Herbert Hoover
[ Click here to read more ]
:
A Loss For the Country....
Sanjay Gupta withdrew his name to be considered for the position of Surgeon General. When the buzz over his nomination first surfaced, I was estatic. His qualifications is beyodn reproach as a neurosurgeon at Emory University. His Prominence as the Chief Medical Correspodent for CNN provided a ready bullypulpit to push his ideas through in a such a way not seen since the days of C. Everret Koop.
I found Dr. Gupta's withdrawal to be extremely unfortunate. The unwarranted scrutiny that comes with public service appointments will deter many. Sanjay Gupta was especially targeted by the so-called liberal groups who took issue with his thoughts on Michael Moore's Film, Sicko. The fact that he made some factual oversights (and subsequently apologized) should not have deterred his nomination from proceeding. I regret that
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Will we ever hear any good news at all?
The blood letting in the markets has continued nonstop. The Dow was as choppy as ever as I was monitoriong the daily trading. Beyond that, there is not much good news that I could hold on to.
I did find the Adminstration's annoucement of a new trillion dollar loan facility interesting. But, the problem I see is that the Opposition will continue to throw whatever roadblocks it can. The need to move and spur investment is driven by how bad things are for the financial system and the overall economy. I found the news about Ford's Feburary Sales to be especially shocking. Sales dropped 48% from the same period last year. People have just simply stopped buying. I view Ford as the one that has a fighting chance to emerge from the carnage in the Auto Industry. It will be a shadow of its' former self, but at least it will survive
[ Click here to read more ]
:
...we should all listen!!!!
Dr. Doom (aka Nouriel Roubini) was just interviewed by France24 (http://www.france24.com). He was one of the few economists who foresaw this Economic Winter we are faced with. A startling statistic he noted was that US Banks have a capital shortfall of some 1.5 Trillion Dollars. Furthermore, his assessment was that the U.S. Financial System was under government control. The guarantees extended by the Government is some 9 Trillion Dollars.
The argument of whether we're socialists now is pretty much settled. Nationalization has happened for all intent and purpose. Citigroup was the first to fall. Right now, AIG is getting a 4th bailout. Others are in trouble. I predict that The Obama Adminstration will make the decision in relatively short order to formalize this and work to get it cleaned up. There is no other way out.
:
We're Living in Interesting Times
The week has been an interesting, fun and exciting week. It started with Barack Obama's Speech to Congress, the release of the budget blueprint and then culminated with the Conservative Annual Lovefest at CPAC in Washington. Barack Obama also announced plans to remove troops from Iraq. I found John McCain's support to be surprising. Yet, the Democrats were not happy. There was of course Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union in Los Angeles. I saw Michael Steele there as well. MIchael Steele continues to interest me a great deal.
CPAC's Congress has interested me a great deal. I have been reading with great interest the speech by Rush Limbauagh, who is the "man" in talk radio. I saw other conservative luminaries come out to make their case. I almost fell out of my chair when I heard Rick Santorium throw George W. Bush and John McCain under the bus
[ Click here to read more ]
:
The Battle Lines Have been Drawn
The President's Budget Blueprint has been released and is now available on http://www.omb.gov, the Office of Management and Budget Website. It is 142 pages long. There is a big gap between capacity and the ability of businesses to produce right now. Government has to be the purchaser of last resort. The blueprint has begun this process.
Understanding this blueprint will take a while. I will not take what the Republicans or the Democrats say at face value. I do welcome a number of initiatives. For instance, I think that in the spirit of "Smart Government" that I advocate, some of the weapon systems is clearly not geared towards war in the 21st Century. The one weapon system is the F22 Raptor. There are jobs at stake. But the F22 has not seen one day of action and is suspectible to be brought down by a single missile. It seems to me that at $ 140,000,000 per plane, the taxpayers can get a lot better bang for the buck by investing it in drones. From the recent testimony I have seen Secretary Gates give before the Congress, he is in agreement with this. There are many other places where we can look at doing things differently
[ Click here to read more ]
Mike Pouraryan
Comments (2)
Add Comments
Read More
