I caught a glimpse of a news conference by the Heritage Foundation's Michael Franc. He is the Government Relations VP for the Foundation. I am well aware of some of the support the Heritage Foundation receives. However, I have been of the view of that any idea that would help provide a roadmap is absolutely crucial to be looked at. I would be analyzing the report annouced by Heritage and providing guidance on it as part of OV's Election Watch Series over the ensuing weeks.
I welcome the Heritage Report because it is how things should be. There was one thing that Michael Franc also noted that I also agree with: incremental change is simply not acceptable. There needs to be the courage to truly work to transform for the greater good.
I was witness to another busy and hectic week on the political front. There was of course the Budget the Obama Adminstration has sent up to the U.S. Congress. The U.S. Congress has started to write the legislation to get the process moving forward. It was also a week that saw the President throw the gauntlet down to the Republicans in the House to produce their own alternative. They did produce one. From the review so far, though, there are no numbers to back the so called roadmap they have proposed. I will be anxious to see what they have to say on this next week.
As I was witness to the debate, I was laughing at how the President seemed to be getting it from both sides. On the one hand, I saw the so-called right (or conservatives) in the country noting how the President was taking the country down the path to socialism and communism. I was really laughing when I read Dick Morris' comments and then visited his new YouTube Channel he had just laid out. On the other hand, I was also just as amazed and laughing at how the so-called left (or liberals) were keen to attack the President. Paul Krugman's admonition about the President's Public-Private Partnership as "cash for trash" was just one example. They are noting that the clintonites will help drive a centrist economic policy that will leave many out in the cold.
It seems as if there is at some sort of consesus that has emerged: The roadmap taken so far over the past thirty years has been the true road to nowhere. I was especially keen to have read Alan Greenspace's admission in the Financial Times that there were multiple failures in how the financial system was regulated. Alan Greenspan is not entirely a leftie and is as conservative and a free-marketer as it comes. What is especially troubling is when the so-called free marketers who seem to oppose any sort of regulation and embrace social darwinism seem to forget the admonition of Adam Smith himself, when he reminded the world that prudence should be the key factor in insuring that the markets remained as vibrant as ever. Prudence means caution and avoid too much excess. Whether this lesson is going to be learnt by all parties is still an open question.
As the U.S. and the world continues to deal with the Economic Winter of our times, there is of course the twin wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Obama announced his Afghanistan strategy on Friday. The President committed to a renewed focus on Afghanistan during the campaign. He has kept that promise. But, sustaining an Army is becoming problematic. Pakistan cannot be depended upon. I read with horror accounts of another attack on a NATO Supply Depot in Afghanistan. As I understand the strategy, The additional 4,000 troops are slated to train the Afghan Army. But, the problem I have with this strategy is simple: The world can't just simply shoot its' way to a resolution in Afghanistan. The reason Iraq worked was that many of the so-called insurgents were bought off by the United States. Such a strategy is slated to be tried in Afghanistan. The Republicans seem to be behind the President, though. I welcome that support. But, my profound reservations about the current policy in Afghanistan remains unchanged. It is ever more so as long as Karzai the fool sticks around.
The week that just ended disturbed me in more ways than one, though. Congresswoman Michelle Bachman of Minnesota was on the Sean Hannity Radio Show advocating Revolution. After initially reading about her rant, I wanted to see what she actually said. I did not find anything on her website. All I was able to find something on it on MSNBC's Countdown. It is clear to me that her stance is one to cater to a conservative base that likes to maintain a 21st Century Wild West Mentality regarding the free market, views that Global Warming has been manufactured by the so-called Extreme Left and in fact advocates doing nothing simply because it will just go away. Maybe this little video will at least give them a moment of pause:
On the political front, there is of course the race in New York's 20th, where Jim Tedisco seems to be losing. Dick Morris, in a recent column, declared this to be "the" race that would serve as a referendum on the plans by the Obama Adminstration. I am sure that if New York's 20th goes for Tedisco, the Republicans will have a field day. But, they seem to forget that it is a heavily Republican District. The real news is if it in fact it is retained by the Democrats. Let's see what happens!!!
I continue to yearn for a viable opposition that would foster genuine debate. I have written about Newt Gingrich's American Solutions Ideas that he has laid out. I realize he took a page away from his so-called Contract for America. When I wrote about in an earlier column, I noted that many of the ideas he talked about were incorporated in one fashion or another in the President's Budget Blueprint that came out a number of weeks ago. It is that blueprint that is working its' way through the Congress right now.
There are a few other interesting developments that I think is worth noting. I find the rise of a new entity called the Foreign Policy Initiative of interest. The founders of this new entity are some of the stars of the so-called Neo-Cons who were instrumental in pushing the country to the wars that seem to have no end. I also continue to assess the activities of David Frum. He is serving as an Editor at http://newmajority.com. I was especially impressed by how he repudiated Rush and his rhetoric. I also was quite impressed in how the website has a wide array of views reflected on its' site. Of all the conservative luminaries on the scene, I regard David Frum as the man to watch.
The week ahead will also be just as exciting. The G20 is going on in London and then Obama is about to go to Turkey for a visit and then onward to Mexico to deal with the War on Drugs. There is never a dull moment in our world.
The world is right now fascinated with Davos. The rich, the famous and the powerful are all there in paradise talking about the world and all the problems. There is enough being said by all pundits which will speak for itself on Davos. But, two key things occured which I wanted to note:
1) Turkey's Prime Minister Edrogan stormed out of a discussion with Shimon Peres during discusisons on Gaza. Edrogan was given a minute by David Ignathius of the Washington Post to rebute a lengthy comment by Shimon Peres. I think the gesture by Mr. Edrogan must be taken seriously by Israel. It shows the frustration with Israel and the fact that as Amr Mousa said, Israel "does not listen". I was quite disappointed by David Ignathius when he did not grant equal time during the discussions. It seems to me that Dinner could have waited
Sean Hannity was on a roll today. I was listening to his radio show. I think he is one hell of an advcoate for all things conservative. I think if he was not there, he would have to be created. But, I think we went way over the top in his comments today.
I found his comments frankly disgusting. He went on and on about how this election was going to be stolen. He went on and on as to how "liberal" Senator Obama's record was. He went on about how McCain will surge to a win. He went on to remind everyone that America owns everything to Ronald Reagan. I think when he was ranting and raving about ballott stuffing and election fraud, he forgot 2000 and 2004. It was right then when Kathryn Harris and Ken Blackwell did what they needed to do. What bothered me more than anything was the god-like stature that these guys have elevated Ronald Reagan to. Reagan was a regular guy who became President. He is to be respected for his 8 years of service as President. But, an analysis of his policies shows his utter disdain and total lack of regard for the institution of government. Yet, it was the same Government that helped to save the financial markets during the crash of 1987. It was the same Government that oversaw disaster relief. But, the eight years of Reagan caused a massive deficit that took four years of disciplined spending by the Clinton Adminstration to bring things into balance. I also am worried when the conservatives claim that Reagan "won" the cold war. It was the sacrifice and investment of the American People over the course of some 50 years that ultimately led to the collapse of the Iron Curtain and the dissolution of the Soviet Union
CNN is right now reporting that Ted Stevens, the Senior Senator from Alaska, has been found guilty of ALL charges. This is a slam dunk!!!! The government got him. This is what America is about. The law is supreme no matter what. We ought to be proud of that. I am just amazed that Senator Stevens allowed himself to be subjected to this. I am sorry for him and his family. But this is a reaffirmation of America and it should be a cause for celebration.
On a side note, I just read quite an obiturary on the Bush II years by Ed Rollins. He once again reminds us what a historic election this is and what a colossal failure Bush Jr. Is. I think the only guy that truly does not recognize it is W himself. He destroyed his party, almost destroyed the country in the name of power. At least towards the end he has had enough sense to put grown-ups back in charge. The question in my mind is how big the win is going to be? Senator Obama will need all the help he can get!!!
John McCain seems to love Bill Ayers. He and his running mate were on NBC Nightly News. John McCain again blasted Senator Obama for the Ayers Ties. For a tired campaign, it seems as if he has nothing better to say. I am sorry for Senator McCain and what the Republican Party has come to. The folks who are fleeing the ship are quite impressive. When Scott McClellan came out for Senator Obama, that should tell the country something extra ordinary. What about the Goldwater family turning on Senator Goldwater's successor?
Senator McCain finally came down to blasting the Bush Administration today in a Washington Times interview. When asked about spending $150,000 on clothes, McCain's comment was "...she needed clothes..". But, it is too little too late. All polls, so far, shows that Barack Obama in a commanding lead. I say, so what? Obama can't be complacent and has to fight all the way to the end. There is still twelve days left. Obama's Prime Time Special is on next week. Obama has to seal the deal next week. We'll see
The daily barrage of polls and analysis continues. History can be a harbinger of things to come. It is important to note that some of the poll analysis noted that in 1980, 2000 & 2004, the Republicans candidates were down in the polls. Yet, the same candidates went on to win. So, who knows frankly what is going to happen. If the Democrats think they have it in the bag, they are frankly smoking crack or something!!??!! They have to work as hard as they can to earn every vote. Because the Republicans will be just as aggressive in their attacks.
Governor Palin continues his "culture war" against the Democrats. As I caught a brief glimpse of her on CNN, she talked about how "unpatrotic" Barack Obama is. I continue to be sickened by the ugly tone of the McCain campaign. John McCain and Sarah Palin have perpetuated a lynch mob mentality that in my view does a profound sense of disservice to the country. They are trying to be able to perpetuate a case of trumped up charges of voter fraud and the supposed alleged ties to ACORN. Interestingly enough, the Atlantic Monthly reports that John McCain spoke at an ACORN rally two years ago. The diversion being done is simply sickening. The fact that even one person is calling for Senator Obama to be killed is absolutely wrong. Senator McCain claimed that the same crap being said at his campaign is being said at Obama rallies. That's an absolute lie. Senator McCain simply makes himself look like an idiot by trying to shift the debate. The McCain campaign is all over the map. One day Senator Obama is a family man. One day Senator Obama is a risk. I am trying to figure out which is it
President Bush spoke late Wednesday to the country and the world. He underscored how tough things are. He has called for a bipartisan meeting at the White House later on today to discuss the bailout package and the way forward. I think the President has risen up to the challenge to bring all parties together. Although I wish he would have governed in this fashion, better late than never!!!
I view this event as quite significant. I also am heartened by the joint statement issue by Senators Obama and McCain. There is no question that we have arrived at the moment of reckoning. The President was absolutely right on when he said that in times of crisis throughout history, everyone has risen up to the challenge. I am confident that the leaders will do so yet again. The people expect no less
Senator McCain just came out with a statement suspending the Presidential Campaign. In his comments, he notes that the campaign can wait because the economic crisis the country faces is historic. Warren Buffett compared it to 9/11. I believe it is.
I, along with many other observers, will see how this plays out. President Bush is also about to speak to the country later on tonight. Congressional hearings are going on. To their credit, the members of Congress are asknig the tough questions. There are reports that there were conversations between Senators Obama and McCain on this. Apparently Senator Obama suggested a joint statement on this. Yet, Senator McCain came out with a statement to look "Presidential". What Senator McCain has done is pure politics. His notion of "country first" will not wash based on the move he made. He did it during the convention and he is doing it again
The Political Candidates, The Pundits and Government Officials have been at it. The proposed 700 Billion Dollars bailout is now before the Congress. Although there is enough information and analysis out there right now, what Robert Scheer noted was worth mentioning: President Bush vetoed S-Chip becuase it cost too much money. Yet, somehow, the country can come up with 700 Billion Dollars to bailout Wall Street. An interesting idea HIllary Clinton had was to have the bank to freeze the foreclosures to avoid the spike while allowing banks to work through the challenges?
Let's not rush to judgement and truly insure that all ordinary folks interests are indeed protected. Some decisions needs to be made soon, though. So far, the markets seem to have given a big thumbs down to what has been proposed. As I write this, markets in Asia are falling after the big fall on Wall Street. When will this all end
:Let's get beyond the fear & blame game....don't we deserve better?
I am worried!!!! As I have seen the Lehman Brothers saga unfold, I wonder where the next domino is going to fall. Just now, Lehman Brothers is on the verge of declaring bankrupcy because it has been trying to sell itself to a number of buyers. No one seems to want it!!! Barclays of the UK has pulled out of the negotations, effectively killing Lehman. It appears that The U.S. Government is not prepared to facilitate a bailout now.
I do find the stance of the Government puzzling. Let's think about what has happened over the past number of months. The United States Government has facilitated the sale of Bear Stearns, bailed out a number of banks, injected capital into Fannie & Freddie and is watching other developments closely. Washington Mutual, a big regional player, is in trouble--as well as Downey Savings. U The economic implosion triggered by the Housing Crisis shows no sign of slowing down. Folks wanting to borrow money are finding it harder. I realize the fact that we have to be optimistic. But, it is getting tougher and tougher right now. The attacks by both sides has been simply sad. The media has played right along. As Andrew Shepherd reminded us in the American President, "...we have serious problems to solve...". Yes, it is about character. But, it is also about experimenting and going beyond the "now"so that we can leave a better society than we found it. There are certain lessons we have to learn to remember
Senator Biden apparently talked about special needs children. Sarah Palin and the McCain campaign took it to be a direct afront to her. Governor Palin needs to understand that not everything will be directly attributable to her. The McCain campaign needs to stop being sensitive and Mrs. Palin needs to live up to her "hockey mom" status.
Because the McCain campaign seems to be so sensitive, the issue of teaching creationism, rejecting the hand of man in Global Warming, misstatements on the Bridge-to-no where, etc. etc., will be fair game. This does not even include charges made back to the State of Alaska for travels, etc. Although it may be much ado about nothing, it must be looked and addressed. The Media must get off this cozy relationship with the McCain campaign and be tough as nails. I doubt if they will have the courage
Between a planet in peril, economies in trouble, insurrections and wars all around us, we have a lot to be worried about. I have written about it and my colleagues within the ever growing Orble community and beyond have talked about it. But, the need to step back and sometimes have a laugh is sooooooooo important. I wanted to share this to remind all to relax, have fun, don't despair and be optimistic.
As Gustav heads towards the US Gulf Coast, John McCain and Sarah Palin are in Mississipi finding out about storm preparation. Barack Obama has talked about mobilizing his extensive network to help with recovery efforts. Although this is only a picture, it scared the daylight out of me:
As a self-professed political junkie, I cleared my afternoon to monitor the second day of the Democratic Party Convention. As always with such great parties, it was full of speeches and music. The keynote by Mark Warner underscored the position he has as a rising star and the importance of Virginia. The speech By Dennis Kucinich set the theme for Democrats when he simply said, "Wake Up America". It brought Bob Casey, another of the rising stars who is a Pro Life Catholic From Pennyslvania. The "big tent" was very much in evidence tonight.
As the parade of office holders continued, the ordinary folks It also featured a lot of ordinary folks. Richard Golden was one such guy. He is a guy from Michigan. He will be unemployed in three months because his manufacturing facility is being moved to Mexico. It featured an Iowa Flood victim who was supporting her sister who had celebral palsey. It also featured one of the so-called "New Age" Democrats, The Governor of Montana. He gave a rousing speech blasting the Bush Adminstration on the Energy plan. The Governor of Michigan hosted a brief panel on the future and the possiblities on energy. The ordinary folks seemed to underscore the theme that the Democrats were trying to tell the world
Barack Obama has told the world that he has chosen his running mate. Those of us who have signed up to get the text message will get it shortly before he goes on stage with his partner in Sprinfield Illinois. I have talked about the fact that this is probably his most decision ever. It will provide insight as to his thinking. I have seen reports that he has noted that his running mate is an independent thinker with a strong economic background. I will venture a guess that it will be Bill Richardson. The man has had a strong economic record in New Mexico, has a strong foreign policy background, is a Hispanic-American and can reach across the Aisle. The other luminaries are just as tough and qualified as well.
But, after the party in Denver, the real work begins. As the Economist noted this, it is going to be a long, hard road. The campaign has already turned nasty and will become even nastier. It is going to be a fist fight and whomever is left standing will have a tough time bridging the divide. The cover of the Economist this week says it all: (Courtesy: http://www.economist.com, retrieved August 23, 2008
Pastor Warren began the first hour of the forum with Senator Obama. Unfortunately, I missed the first 10 minutes of the session where the question he asked was on the 3 wise men that have had a profound impact on his life and his profound failures of Character. I did find Senator McCain's response interesting on both count....but more on that later on. On the question of faith, there was no question that he embraced his faith with no reservations in anyway, shape or form. He told the world that he understood his faith to insure that he acted justly and lovingly.
The question from Pastor Warren was when a fetus acquires human rights. Senator Obama told the world that he was pro-choice. His view was based on a fundamental belief that women who decide to have abortions do not come to such decisions lightly. But, he noted that alternatives should be explored to not have 40 million abortions since Roe v. Wade became the law of the land. What Senator Obama talked about was a culture shift that allows women choices. Pastor Warren also brought up Marriage. Senator Obama told the world that he believed that marriage was the union between a man and a woman. He did not support a constitutional amendment due to his belief that it was states' rights issue
I had reported on the upcoming forum, sponsored by Saddleback Church in Lake Forest California featuring Senator Obama and Senator McCain. It was hosted by Rick Warren, the Senior Pastor for Saddleback Church. It concluded about an hour ago local time in California. As I listened to both men, I found both Senators to be thoughtful and truly prepared. I also found both of them to have truly grown throughout the campaign. I have some profound disagreements with Senator McCain's vision, but I got a sense tonight as to why the country is split down the middle and the polls are as close as they are.
As I listened to both Senators, I found them to both believe in America and the promise that America is. I also was amazed at how Pastor Warren was able to conduct the forum in such a manner. The questions posed to both Senators were not "soft-ball" at all. They were tough questions that have gone to the heart of the stark choices we face as a country. In my view, Pastor Warren is a profound example of what is so right about America and so beautiful about America. I have continued to struggle and wonder civil discourse cannot be the order of the day. Pastor Warren proved that it can
I reported and commented on Jim Leach's endorsement of Barack Obama for President. I noted the big deal that it was. I continue to believe it. I ran across this new term, "Obamacans", that signifies the Republicans who have declared their support for Barack Obama. According to a story by Edward Luce in yesterday's Financial Times, there is talk of maybe even Colin Powell coming out for Barack Obama. Among some of the names mentioned that will withhold endorsement for John McCain, there is talk of James Baker being one of them. I am not sure if a Bush Family loyalist like Jim Baker is going to go that far. But, the fact that the old realists within Republican circles understand how much United States has suffered during the Bush years gives me hope that change will be in the air. Senator McCain has also acknowledged and noted his differences with George W. Bush. We will see change. The question is whether it is incremental or wholesale. For the sake of the world, I hope it is wholesale.
John O'Neill is one of the guys who led the "Swift-Boaters" who helped to derail U.S. Senator John Kerry's 2004 Presidential Campaign. It was a concerted effort that ulimately resulted in George W. Bush being reelected to a second term. It was the second term where he said he had gained "political capital" to get things done.
Well, the swifboaters don't seem to want to give up. John O'Neill's email reminded the country about the "honor" he had to derail John Kerry's campaign. I don't know Mr. O'Neill and will not question his intergrity and honesty. I also respect his service to America. But, I don't believe that he truly understands the America that he fought for. To me, America means respect and admiration. America to me means an optimism and belief in the future and the fact that anything is possible. It is about respect for all men and all beliefs. I am sure that John O'Neill believed it once. Doing this to me has undermined the very essence of America. Americans should repudiate and reject such notions. As for Freddoso's book, he has a right to publish his book. That's why we have the first amendment in this country. But blatant character assassination cannot be allowed to continue for the sake of our country
I have perceived government to be a partner. Yet, over the past 28 years (ever since the election of Ronald Reagan), Government has been systematically dismantled under the guise of efficiency. It has been dismantled because it was perceived to be a part of the problem, not the solution. Part of how it was done was to put people in charge who were ideologically opposed to the very nature of the mission of the institution. I remember appointments like James Watt who was an avowed opponent of the mission of the Department of the Interior--whose sole mission was to protect the natural resources of the United States. Watt was just extreme example. There were many others.
Now that 8 years of the Bush Disaster is coming to an end, his successor will have a profound problem. With deficits as far as the eye can see, the choices are limiited. Joe Klein talked about the fact that the next President has to make government work again. Reagan was praised because he was a former President. But, his record and his achievements were not that impressive. I am sure that many will disagree. If Obama is elected, he will have his hands full in trying to undo the damage of 8 years of msguided excesses which has jeoporidized the U.S. position as the biggest economy in the world. It will begin with Obama appointing visionaries who are tough enough to make the tough choices for the sake of the nation. As for Senator McCain, he has said that economy is not his strong suite. Where is he going to find the money to give away more tax cuts is something that is a bit of a mystery? We'll have to see how it all pans out
Mike Pouraryan
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