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George W.Bush Finally Woke Up!!!
George W. Bush finally acknowledged that a recession has befallen the United States. When I heard him speak while on the road, my first reaction was simple: heeeeeeeeeelllllllllllooooooo o, where have you been? I should not have been shocked because I sense that he is so detatched from reality. He seems to have been the last guy in America who finally woke up to what we have all been seeing for the longest time. He committed to do everything he can to avoid further detriment to the economy. When I heard him say that, I would have told him that you have done more than enough Mr. President. Please just finish the transition and retire to your new luxurious Dallas Home and go out to build your library. You have done enough!!!
As I listened to his comments at the White House, I was especially bothered by how he has has abrogated complete responsibility. The man is still President for another 40 days. Yet, it seems that he does not want to do anything. Every day I see reports of companies cutting people. Whether it is Viacom or AT&T, no one is immune. Now, the problem is that the jobs being cut are not coming back. We also have leaders who are arguing about who is the best Steward of tax payers money. Where were all the stewards and good samartians when they were needed the most?
I think American Political leaders are trying to fashion a consesus on what can be done. One example of it is a discussion on Federal Aid for the Auto Industry. The American Auto Industry is not alone. I saw the hearings Congress had on the Auto Industry bailout yesterday. I was sorry to see how far things have gone. The discussions with the Auto Industry Executives were laughable to say the least. Although I am glad to see that some sort of a bridge loan is being worked out, the need for more bold and innovative action is every more important now. It bothers me when Congressman like Brad Sherman are only talking doom and gloom and even touted how they were proud to have voted against the bailout. Such doomsayers have yet to say how they are going to be different.
President-Elect Obama has just spoken further of his plans to create jobs and jump start the economy. We have had too much talk and not enough action. President-Elect Obama has to finish appointing his cabinet and has to really hit the ground running at 12:01 PM on January 20. I think his gesture to scale back inaugural galas is a start. If I were the President Elect, I think all galas should be cancelled and the food be donated to food kitchens in the Washington area. That would go a long way to underscore how tough things are and committ the new Adminstration to an era of austerity that will be unprecedented Everyone knows that we have a profound problem and we need to have bold action now. Leadership is something that we are surely lacking. Right now, the buck is stopping with no one.
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..and the Drama Continues....
The 2008 election is yet to be over, but at least one race has been decided. U.S. Media is now reporting that Saxby Chambliss has won re-election to the U.S. Senate. I noted that the verdict of the people of the State of Georgia should be respected. The numbers I saw pointed to a blowout. Although, it appears that the turnout was rather low and African Americans hardly turned out at all. I saw David Gergen on CNN earlier. He was saying that this win is a plus for Sarah Palin. She was out for Chambliss throughout the week-end. I suppose she is right. She seems to be everywhere but in her own State right now. She's got the National Bug. Who can blame her?
I happened to catch William Bennett on CNN. He has a new book out called the American Political Almanac. He spoke highly of Barack Obama. He noted that he is trying to be a good President. When conservatives speak up for him, I sense hope. It is fascinating to see how the 2010 and 2012 campaigns have already begun. It will be fascinating to see how it evolves. We will live with the Bush legacy for years, though. One thing I am quite happy about is the fact that we have people coming in that truly believe in Government. If nothing else, this is a refreshing change. Guys like Chambliss may be a firewall. We may need such firewalls for the sake of Democracy.
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An Ordinary Man's Perspective
Just like "ordinary folks", I was out on committments for the day. Although I don't every think that those of us who think and take the time to write about our world are necessarily ordinary. But, I wanted to once again be witness to history. So, I popped into a place where I could watch CNN as I worked on some paperwork and happened to call in to a conference call I needed to be in. It was just another ordinary day for an "ordinary guy".
Today was the day Mr. Obama went to Washington. As I watched this on CNN, I again was in awe as to the peaceful and seamless transfer of power that has begun in the United States. There was a new poll that came out about how unpopular President Bush is. As I heard that, my reaction was "so what". I see the role of the President right now is one thing: to insure a smooth, seamless transfer of power. There is one President, that's for sure. But, let's focus on the future while being mindful of the world around us. I am gratified and frankly proud to be an observer as this transfer is going on. The signifcance of a man of color visiting a house built by Slaves shows how far America has come. I caught this image as CNN was showing the two men walking down the corridor to the Oval Office
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No one is above the law
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!!!
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Doesn't he have anything better to talk about ?
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
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Haven't they done enough damage?
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
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September 25th 2008 07:46
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Can The Leaders Truly Come Through?
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
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September 23rd 2008 07:46
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Should we rush into it?
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
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If this is honor...I wonder what dishonor is...
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
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Is it in fact part of the solution?
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
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Mike Pouraryan
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