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....and the Republican Beef is?
The Republicans have been on a continued warpath to circumvent Barack Obama's agenda at every turn. The healthcare debate has shown that all they are interested in an outright power grab to implement their narrow idelogical vision on the country. They are opposed to anything that remotely insures that the average person has a fighting chance. Paul Ryan's plan to replace Medicare with vouchers is just one of those extreme examples.
While the Republicans have continued to dominate the airwaves and win the public relations war, the real world goes on. There was a spike in unemployment not withstanding the 51,000 hires for the Census temporary jobs. The "real" unemployment rate stands at 16.8 Percent, on par with Spain. What Republicans should take notice of is a speech by the US Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue. He spoke and made five key points:
* First, we can create jobs by doubling U.S. exports in five years.
* SecondÃÂwe can create jobs by rebuilding AmericaÃÂs infrastructure.
* ThirdÃÂwe can create jobs with major investments and breakthroughs in energy.
* FourthÃÂwe can create jobs by expanding credit across our economy.
* FifthÃÂto create jobs we must ease the uncertainty over tax increases as well as health, environmental, labor, legal, and fiscal policies.
What the stimulus did was to insure that all items were addressed. What he also noted was that the US Infrastructure is "running out of capacity" and has to be rebuilt to deal with 21st Century challenges. This is as China came out with growth anticipated to be around 8 percent per year because it has undertaken a massive investment to continue on the cutting edge on all fronts. The full speech can be accesssed at: Really Long Link
Mr. Pence called the current path by the Adminstration "a failure". I hope that Mr. Pence (who apparently has Presidential aspirations) to take the time to review the Chamber's recommendations and not merely hold on to the old ways of just tax cuts and more tax cuts. There needs to be a concerted effort to actually invest too. There should absolutely be a concerted effort to make sure that we deploy resources in a smart and responsible way. This should not be at the expense of creating a society of haves and have nots.
Tuesday November 3 was another election day in America. It was an election day to decide some governorships, a key mayoral election and very intersting race in the New York 23rd Congressional District. All the pundits have been pounding the pavements about how this was a referendum on President Obama and how the people have begun to speak up and be frustruated about the direction of the country. The Tea Party folks, the 9/12 Movement, Freedom Works and the Republicans are all celebrating tonight.
Well, it has been a good night for the Republican Party. They won two key Governorships. They have won other key statewide offices in Virginia. Yet, the national implications of these races is way overstated. The mainstream media (and yes that includes Fox) will be hard at work spinning this as a major setback for the White House. The reality is otherwise, though.
For one thing, many of the issues were local issues. New Jersey's Jon Corzine was not a partciuarly strong or effective Governor. Although a Democrat, he bought his way to the Senate and thereafter bought his way to the Governorship. The corruption probe leading to some major arrests did not help the image of the Garden State either. The continued economic calamity New Jersey also faced played a profound part as well. Corzine was the man--and he was held accountable. From what I have read of Doug Christie, he is a straight shooter who understands what needs to be done. What happened in New Jersey is democracy in action.
I regard Virginia as a bit of a different story. I think that the Democratic Candidate was a lousy candidate. I also think that if Terry McAuliff would have won the nomination, he would have defeated Mr. McConnel, the new Governor Elect. But, Bob McConnell is the Governor-Elect of Virginia and how Virginia evolves will be interesting to observe. I think the bigger indication is what happens with legislative elections in 2010. We will see. But, the big story I see is the New York 23rd. The conservative leaders got behind a candidate who did not live in the District because he was an adherent to Glen Beck and was supported by Sarah Palin and the rest of the Conservative Mainstreat Establishment in the Republican Party. Yet, it appears that Bill Owens is winning a District that has been solidly Republican for over 100 years. This, to me, is the story. It is because again the politics are local. The people of the 23rd District did not want a carpetbagger who was apparently being forced by the National Conservative Establishment on them. It is again democracy in action. That's what this is all about.
There was of course the election in New York City. Michael Bloomberg has been re-elected. But, after spending almost 100 Million Dollars of his own money, his margin of victory was about 5 percent. I figured he'd have a blowout. I was also amused when Shepherd Smith of Fox News chalked up the win for Bloomberg in the Republican column. Mr. Bloomberg changed his party affiliation last year.
What is clear is that the White House does need to take stock of what has happened in the key states. Although the issues were local, the fact remains that there is an apprehension by the people. Whether it is because of media manipulation, the people are afraid. Although I welcome the new data from the Institute for Supply Management, the jobless recovery that has begun looks set to continue. All indications are that unemployment will continue to rise for a while. Some are already noting that Mr. Obama is a one-termer. But, I also remember when Peggy Noonan declared Bill Clinton to be a one-termer. Mr. Clinton went on to win a second term and preside over one of the more vibrant economic eras. There are some that may argue that some of the calamities we face now were begun during the Clinton era. But, the problem is when one has people in Government who do not believe in the fundementals of Government as stewards of the public interest is when things start to fall apart. The notion of Government by the Corporations, of the Corporations and for the Corporations is something that seems to be the prevalent mode.
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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
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..and the hits keep on coming.........
In my almost daily columns/comments on the Economy, I had thought about the calamity as a Tsunami. With a Tsunami, there is at least a chance to see Sunshine. However, I think the better term for it is a Winter Storm. I continue to wonder when we will see sunshine.
On Wednesday, the bleeding continued. Cisco Systems, the leading network gear maker, missed the numbers. Alcatel-Lucent continued its' downward slide which has been on-going for a number of years. Disney missed then it came out with its numbers and annouced jobs cuts totaling some 400 workers at the ABC unit. Earlier in the week, Electronic Arts annouced a job cut and delay in new games
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What a Ride it has been
The first result is in: Dixville Notch, New Hampshire is the first in the nation to cast its vote for Barrack Obama. Although this one was lopsided, I think the results will be a lot closer. The candidates have been at it and at it hard. Right now, I am awaiting to see John McCain to appear at a rally in Phoenix. CNN is reporting that he will be going on to Colorado and New Mexico later on today to gain that final vote. It appears that Senator Obama may pound the pavement as well. I suppose if I were in their shoes I would do th same. I was also sorry to hear that Senator Obama's "Toot", her Grandmother, passed away. May her soul rest in peace.
I had a chance to meet my local candidate for Congress. He was working to canvass his local neighborhood to urge folks to get out to vote. He also had a GOTV operation at his campaign headquarters which was in full swing. It was great to see Democracy in action
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I just wanted to be fair....
As the campaign draws to a close, I wanted to get a sense of what the conservatives thought about. I read about Bill Kristol's opposition to John McCain. But, being the loyal conservative he is, he went on the Daily Show and spoke up for John McCain. I thought he was as effective an advocate for Senator McCain and the Conservative cause as any. After Senator Obama's interview, I thought equal time was in order:
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Someone seems to have sense, I guess...
Barack Obama for President, even though he is voting for Senator McCain!!! . I figured with all the serious "stuff" we have talked about, I figured a little humor won't hurt. I nearly fell off my chair in laughter when I listened to this. Enjoy!!
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History in the Making.....
As I thought about Barack Obama's informercial, I really thought about America. I really thought about how he was indeed America and lived the life that is America. The America that Sarah Palin and John McCain talk about is not the America that I have come to know. As I heard Sarah the attack dog yet again, I got another interesting bit of news: Senator McCain was the head of an organization that gave $ 500,000 to an institute founded by the same Rashid Khalidi. If he was OK then, then why is he all of a sudden a bad guy now? I am not smart enough to explain it.
Now, as I write this, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton have appeared at a late night rally in Florida. I also caught a glimpse of Jimmy Smits who was on West Wing and played the last Democratic President. The campaign depicted on the West Wing in large measure was played out during the past twenty months. Barack Obama just finished speaking. Bill Clinton, as always, made one of his ever-eloquent speeches as he has ever made. The two key things that resonated with me was the need to understand and the committment to do what was right. Barack Obama passed the test when he decided on Joe Biden and how he reacted to the financial crisis. He consulted before he came out with his reaction to it. So, the stark choices are indeed there
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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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This is great...brings back great memories...
As the new week starts in America, I ran across this that Ron Howard put together. I thought it to be funny. There are 8 more days til Election Day in America:
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Can anyone do anything about it?
I can't help but be worried. As I continue to write about our world, I want to remain hopeful. But, the bad news continues coming in. The Dow lost over 300 points on Friday. As America continues to be in the midst of a Presidential Campaign, the world seems to be falling apart. BBC is reporting on a very disturbing development in Colombia threatens to undermine all that seems to have been achieved in the so-called war on drugs. A number of Army colonels have been sacked because they apparently kidnapped homeless men and then killed them to secure body counts and in turn promotions. Colombia was the same country, of course, that pulled off the release of Ingrid Betancourt and others using the emblems of the International commitee for the Red Cross. I view it as a bothersome development because it will undermine the very perilous nature of achievements made in the war on drugs that the world seems to be losing. Look at what is going on in Mexico. I regard Uribe as the ultimate teflon, though. I think he would muddle through as he has through other crisis.
The more worrisome development, though, is the killing of foreigners in the center of the Afghan capital, Kabul. Afghanistan is on fire. Karzai is useless and is a lost case. I am heartened by Joe Klein's comments on Time.com about Barack Obama's views. According to Klein, Barack Obama (and General Petreaus) are in favor of negotiations with the Taliban. I would be interested in any alternative anyone could offer. Right now, I see none
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I think he's wrong.....
Bill Bratton, the LA Police Chief, co-wrote an article about the possiblity of a terrorist attack against financial institutions and how it would sway the election. I also have been concerned about media reports about Osama Bin Laden favoring McCain. It was exactly this kind of hype that helped undermine John Kerry in 2004. I believe in the American People, though. I think that the American People will be wise enough to choose what they think is right. I am confident that I am right. Osama can do whatever he wants. He is a decpicable character that is not even worth being mentioned. This does not mean that he should be forgotten. It is far from it!!!
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I am sorry to have seen this!!!
When I saw this earlier today, It simply floored me. I have written about honoring Senator McCain and his service to America. For Senator McCain's sake, I hope that what was discussed here is simply wrong. But, when the issue of being pals with terrorists comes up, one has to wonder. What about Obama being a "socialist"? This is terrifying, if true:
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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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The Sage Speaks Yet Again....
In my quest to quench the thirst I have continued to develop, I want to continue to understand. One of the alternative views has been Professor Choamsky. I am always overwhelmed when I hear him speak. Here are his thoughts on the election (courtesy of the Real News):
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Don't Be Sorry For Them......
John McCain has been talking about the fact that he's at a funding disadvantage. Apparently, his campaign is running low on cash. Now, the Republican National Committee and a whole host of 527's are doing quite a bidding for him. So, this notion of somehow feeling sorry for the McCain campaign running out of cash during the final two weeks of the campaign is just rubbish. This is just a simple, yet petty reason why I am not feeling sorry for the Republicans: The Republican National Committee spent $ 155,000 on clothes for Governor Palin. When I heard that this morning, I said to myself--good grief. So much For Governor Palin speaking for the "regular folks". It is sad. But it shows how truly out ot touch the Republicans are.
As the campaign draws to a close, I eagerly await the destruction of the Republicans. I am anxious to see the back of Elizabeth Dole, Mitch McConnel, Norm Coleman, Gordon Smith and John Snunu. I am sure that they will survive and make a fine living going to the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation. So, no one should feel sorry for them. I won't. So far, it looks like that Mary Landreau is in a strong position to win re-election in Louisiana. I am also fascinated by the Udall Cousins in Colorado and New Mexico. From the reports I have seen, they have a solid shot to winning their Senate seats. Both made some truly courageous moves and spoke up against the war when it was truly unpopular. It will an interesting Congress in 2009
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Quite an indicement of the Republican Party
General Powell went on the record earlier on U.S. National Television. He has endorsed Barack Obama for President. I found his near repudiation of the right-wing shift of the Republican Party especially pointed. Senator McCain's judgement was the key question, as I saw it. As I listened to General Powell, what especially drove me was how General Powell addressed the question on Muslims on in America:
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We have to be able to Laugh at each other!!!
In all the seriousness of Presidential campaigns, a little humour never hurts. I was hunting around and finally found the clip of Senator McCain and his appearance on David Letterman. Whatever his strategic mistakes may have been (and we'll all have a chance to talk about it), he proved to me that he's enough of a standup guy. It was good enough when he said to David Letterman and the world, "...I screwed up...". Here it is:
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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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We truly deserve better than this......
We're truly living in extraordinary times. I laughed when I read about Larry Sabato's characterization of the economic policies of Barack Obama and John McCain. Larry Sabato noted that one of them is living in Disneyworld and one is living in Disneyland. Right now, the U.S. is bankrupt. The U.S. is Ten Trillion (that is Trillion with a "T") Dollars in Debt. The number is so high that the U.S. National Debt Clock ran out of digits. With the way committments are being made right now, the debt will only go through the roof.
As markets are falling and wealth is being wiped off, there is no substantive discussion of the issues. The McCain-Palin ticket continued the pathetic path of guilt by association again today with the release of the new video on association with Ayers. The country and the world need enlightened leadership and a renewed sense of purpose to give folks hope. All they have to talk about is Bill Ayers. They are even going to talk about Jeremiah Wright. "Someone" at a rally "begged" Senator McCain to take it to Senator Obama. "Guilt By Association" may come back to haunt both Senator McCain and Governor Palin. For instance, Governor Palin has apparently attended Alaskan Independence Party Convention with all their rather "interesting" views
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Right now, the question is how big?
All the polls and the pundits are pointing to an Obama landslide. The front page story in today's New York Times did a rather interesting analysis of this very fact. Most notable Republican Senate Republican Incumbents seem to be in trouble right now. The question right now is: how long? If Barack Obama takes things for granted, I will remind him of one name: Tom Bradley. I was there and saw how a 35% poll advantage withered away on election day. I hope that the Democrats do not become overconfident. Furthermore, do not count the Republicans out. John McCain will continue to fight to the end. The nasty attacks yesterday by both Cindy McCain and Sarah Palin will go on. There has to be a line drawn when participants in such rallies call Barack Obama a terrorist or even other more radical measures which I won't even go into.
The biggest question is if the Democrats win and win big. The concerns raised has been the "lack" of a check on unlimited power. The Republicans had unchecked power for six years and led the country to ruin. Will the Democrats be more responsible? I hope so. No matter who wins, I think they would work to govern more responsbily than what has happened to us over the past eight years
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Is there room for such hatred?
Sean Hannity has a weekly show called "Hannity's America" on Fox News. Apparently, according to the New York Times story, Obama got the nth degree. Hannity blased him for his ties to "radicals" and talked about again Obama being a Muslim.
I have periodically listened to Sean Hannity on his syndicated Radio Show, have read his work and have seen him on Fox. He has done some commendable work in support of Veterans and I regard him as caring American. I do however draw the line when he goes out there to destroy the character and intergrity of others. This is not America. We do not elect saints as President. I want a human who understands. As for Bill Ayers, the man has never been convicted of a crime. He has dedicated his life to Education. He has been at the forefront of school reform. So, my question to Sean Hannity is, so what
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The Stark Choices......
The U.S. Vice Presidential debate has just concluded. Before I talk about the debate itself,the role of the debate moderator must be mentioned. I think Gwen Ifill did an outstanding job. All this hype about her book and her apparent "tilt" towards Obama turned out to be crap!!! So far, the moderators have done a great job. With Tom Brokaw and Bob Schieffer moderating the next two debates, I think it will only get better.
Senator Biden and Governor Palin went toe-to-toe. I think Senator Biden side-stepped Governor Palin in a rather deft way. He was quite restrained, but on top of his game. He was my candidate twenty years ago. He was not my candidate this time simply because I was duped by John Edwards. But, I think Senator Obama's decision to choose him was a master stroke. Senator Biden has spoken his mind. I was impressed when he made two key points: 1) He reminded the world that the idiot Ahmadinejad does not control the Iranian Security services. He was surprised that that Senator McCain was not aware of this fact and 2) He reminded the world of Senator McCain's record
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"Interesting Times Indeed....."
Right now, I am listening to a live feed of C-SPAN as the Senate is gearing up to vote on the bailout package. There seems to be consesus that something has to be done. Supposedly, there are provisions to take care of "Main Street". I find that to be a good thing. Let's see what happens. We are in the midst of a profound storm. I trust that our leaders are wise enough and courageous enough to do the right thing. Blaming each other for partisanship is simply not going to cut it. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is having his say. I always enjoy hearing him speak. He is the only declared socialist. I pray that voices like Bernie Sanders are not silenced. Our democracy is better for it. As I write, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Harry Reid of Nevada, the Senate Leaders, are speaking.
The Senate is gearing up to vote on it. Whatever the Senate does, the House still has to vote tomorrow and then there has to be a conference committee. So, we're not out of the woods just yet. But, signifcant progress has been made. What I am particularly pleased about is the fact that the only amount to be released immediately is 250 Billion Dollars. In addition, the deposit limit is being raised. They have just fixed the AMT, among other things. There are also so-called "payment in lieu of land" for Federally Owned Land. I did not know a signicant percentage of the State of Nevada was owned by the Federal Government and they are yet to receive any payment for the expected income. I find these to be really great ideas. One thing that has to be also understood is that the balance of the $ 700 Billion is subject to further approval. The balance is subject to further approval
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September 30th 2008 03:11
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Leadership Is Needed Now.....
This Simple Sentence set the tone for Franklin Delano Roosevelt's quest to begin the painful renewal of America in 1933. Whoever becomes President in about 38 days will inherit a "mess" that is as tough as the challenge faced by FDR in 1933. I believe that America can overcome and renew itself yet again. It requires leadership and sacrifice. We must all be ready to do so for the sake of our children. I Pray that whomever wins will be up to the task. I listened to him to gain some comfort on the future:
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September 29th 2008 22:26
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The Question is Now What?
The U.S. House of Representatives has bailed on the bailout. What was laughable was the reason given by the House Republican Leader about how Republicans were offended by the House Speaker's speech. I briefly caught Senator McCain later when he lambasted "Senator Obama and his allies" for being partisan. As I listened to it, I just sighed. This inaction caused the dow jones to lose almost 800 points. I can only imagine what other markets will do when they open in about 8 hours or so. I just can't believe how broken and irresponsible our leaders are. I found Barney Frank's comments funny, yet sad at the same time:
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September 27th 2008 15:41
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America Should Be Worried!!!
As the U.S. Congress is debating how to get out of the economic 9/11, China thunders on. The Chinese launched a 3-Man space craft yesterday and the first space walk was completed a short while ago. They are also talking about beating the U.S. to the moon by 10 years. Senator Obama talked about this during the debate. China's march to the future continues while it seems America wants to stay stagnat.
Sign of The Future......
September 26th 2008 03:04
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Do they deserve another four years?
Reports are coming in right now that The House Republicans have rebelled against the bailout plan. There is no agreement!!!! The meetings in Washington have broken down. The Republicans have their own plan now. This is after a whole week!!!! This proves a simple, yet crucial point: The Republicans have no moral authority or legitimacy now. The Republicans are playing politics--pure and simple. In the meantime, the ordinary folks in main street are suffering. The irresponsbility of the Republicans is absolutely appalling.
September 25th 2008 23:59
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Quite a maverick (really??!!!???)
Some say a week is a long time in politics. Well, now, it was proven that a day is a long time in politics. Yester day, John McCain was the toast of the political reporters. The front page of the U.S. Edition of the Financial Times had a large picture of John McCain with Barack Obama noted as an afterthought.
The hypocrisy of his move was illustrated yet again. He told the world that he had no time to waste. Yet, somehow, he found time to grant Katie Couric of CBS news an interview. He stood up David Letterman. David Letterman tore into him--and deservedly so. Watch
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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 24th 2008 09:14
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I am worried stiff!!!!!
The U.S. is in debt to the tune of 9 trillion dollars. It is soon to be almost 12 trillion. As I was reading on the analysis of the plan and the reaction from U.S. Political leaders yesterday, I have come to the simple conclusion: the U.S. is broke. The plan to bail out the banks means an average family will have to pay out $ 10,000. This means that proposals do something about healthcare and infrastructure will either have to be put on hold or cancelled all together. There will be painful budget cuts. We have started down a road that may indeed lead to nowhere. There is word that somehow main street may be helped. Whether in fact it happens or not is another question. Markets are nervous and rightly so.
FBI has begun an investigation of the companies involved, though. I am glad that the government is looking at it. Some people may end up going to jail. I don't know how that will help the average guy on main street, though
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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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September 22nd 2008 05:35
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"It is the Economy, folks......."
Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley changed their charter to bank holding companies. This will allow them to start taking commercial deposits. That's a good thing, I suppose. It allows them to have access to the borrowing window of the Federal Reserve. So, the restructruing of investment banking is now complete. Investment banking as we have known it for hundreds of years is gone!!! It is high time indeed.......
As the new week begins, it appears that the U.S. Government's decision to take on the "Toxic Assets" to the tune of 700 Billion has been embraced by markets around the world. I am cautiously optimistic. However, there has to be further steps taken to insure that the middle class is protected from the freefall that it is faced with. I view the economy as the central overriding factor in the election as in 1992. Gallup's daily tracking poll has shown that Senator Obama has lost his edge by about a percent. Other polls, though, continue to call it even. I think it is still even despite Senator Obama taking the lead because of the economy. I continue to view the upcoming debate as a turning point. It should be a blockbuster
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September 19th 2008 02:56
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Who's the maverick now?
Senator Chuck Hagel, one of the Senior Republicans on the Foreign Relations Committee, questioned Sarah Palin's experience to serve as President. He discussed this during an interview with his hometown paper, the Omaha World-Herald. Here is the link:
Hagel
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Is mistatements, character assasination and outright falsehoods going to carry the day????!!!???
The Republican National Convention is in full swing and just concluded its' second night. The theme and focus was on the hurricane. I was frankly sickened by how the Republicans took advantage of the hurricane. Despite whatever representations the Republicans may have made, the fact is that the Republicans took advantage of the hurricane and that SHOULD not be allowed. They did it and got mileage out of it. No matter what they tried to say, it left a very sour taste in my mouth. Senator McCain should have stayed away and simply made a declaration of support. He decided not to do it.
As always, there were speeches and music. Among the number of keynoters was Fred Thompson, the former Tennesse Senator and failed Presidential candidate. I became more and more agitated as he spoke. He had so many mistatements in his speech, it was not even funny. The only thing I will grant him is the fact that all of us salute John McCain for his service, sacrifice and courage for America. The humanity that led Senator and Mrs. McCain to adopt their daughter Bridget is beyond question. I salute them for it. It is what we stand for as a country. But, such traits does tnot mean that he is entitled to be crowned President. That is what Mr. Thompson asked us to do. There are those of us who love this country and try to serve our country and our communities as well. The implication that somehow our love of country and community is less is unfortunately frustruating--and Mr. Thompson told the country as such
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A little humor will never hurt.....
Campaigns are serious business. Campaigns are a chance to debate and reflect upon the future. As I was reviewing my daily analysis, I thought some humor was in order. Senator McCain's visit to the oil rig prompted a response from the Democrats. I I have commented on the idiocy of this push by Senator McCain. I did get a kick out of the ad,though:
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When will civil discourse be the norm?
Well, what I had feared has in fact happened. Corsi, the same idiot who helped do a hatchet job on John Kerry in 2004, is at it again. He is out with a new book that he claims he has researched extensively. Every review I have seen notes that his so-called research is full of inaccuracies. He was featured on Hannity and Colmes a few days ago. So, Fox is giving him a platform to peddle his book.
One of the statements I read about him was his claim that he is a muslim and he has proof. This statement, to me, means that he is an outright racist and a liar. These kind of characters have no clue and don't understand America. At least, he is honest about one thing: he is out to take down Obama. I do at least commend Bill O'Reilly for calling Corsi a pinhead. I understand that he is among the nay-sayers who apparently believes in the conspiracy theories that has been pushed by the fringes on 9/11
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Maybe Rick Warren Will Try and Talk Some Sense....
By now, I am sure everyone has heard about the upcoming get-together Barack Obama and John McCain have got planned for August 16. For those who are interested, the details are available at Really Long Link It is also going to be broadcast live on CNN, as well as streamed over the internet.
I view this get-together as significant. First of all, it will in a forum moderated by a very interesting man. Rick Warren, Saddleback's Senior Pastor, started this church from virtually nothing a little over 25 years ago. I remember the time when the campus Saddleback Church is now was being built and how it evolved. I view his message of love and compassion as refreshing. He is truly one purpose driven man that should be listened to. I have also been quite taken by his humility in spite of his power and that in and of itself makes him credible in this increasingly cynical world that we live in
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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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