:
Is the President Truly Mad? Or just pretending?
President Obama has hit the road. This is as all the punditry is writing off the elections noting that it is going to be a bloodbath. If that is the case, I wonder why even the President is bothering to do it all. But, the campaign has just begun and there is still time to turn things around. The President seems to be angry--and that's good to light some fire. I welcome the spark on both sides--it makes for great theatre!!!
The President's two speeches has been quite stirring. I have wondered what took him that long. Although I have been of the view that we have to move ahead, the country has to be reminded that it took America a while to be driven into the ditch that the County is still in. The Republicans have seized the narrative and have continued to dominate the headlines. Mr. Boehner, the House Republican Leader, has been pushing his agenda in a major way. He has come out with his policy ideas that essentially calls for a Freeze on Non-Security Spending and extending the Bush Tax Cuts for two years. He has an fan in Peter Orzag, President Obama's Former Budget Director, who called for that extension too in a New York Times editorial. I was shocked to see that editorial.
The problem I have is that extending the cuts is going to favor the ubber rich in the Country. I am yet to see any explanation on how the Republicans are going to let go of monies that is simply not there, while opposing the President's Tax Cut Agenda that he laid out in Cleveland yesterday. There is a sense of responsiblity that those in power seem to really forget. looked at. Yet, the atmosphere right now will not allow this to go anywhere. I am with the President when he noted that if he said that the Sky is Blue, the Republicans will disagree. I have repeatedly noted this because the Republicans are interested in one thing and one thing only: Power. Slowing down judicial nominees, bills being stalled in the Senate and the sophisiticated public relations
As for the Republicans, I am amazed at the Soap Opera within the Republican Party. The cast of characters are straight out of a suspense novel. Between Joe Miller in Alaska, Sharon Angle in Nevada, Christine O'Donnel in Delaware and Ken Buck in Colorado, there is a lot to write about. They are so far out of the mainstream, yet they have a shot to win unless the narrative does change. The President seems to have begun the fight with his speeches.a need to realize the true nature of the Republicans and what's going on with them. I am even amazed at the fact that Christine O'Donnell in Delaware may even have a chance to beat Michael Castle, the long-serving Member of Congress who is a Republican. This is, of course, Michael Steele, the RNC Chairman out Island Hopping in the Pacific. I had great hopes for him when he was named Chairman. But, he has become a joke. It has given the likes of Rachel Maddow great material to ridicule him. But the Republican Elite has effectively sidelined him. He is no where to be found--but in pictures!!!
I was shocked to see Mayor Daley's Annoucement that he won't run for Mayor of Chicago again. Rahm Emmanel wants the job. I think he will go for it--and I think he will get it!!! I know there are others who want the job too. But, I hope everyone gets behind Rahm and let him have a run at it. I love Chicago and it needs a tough guy like Rahm to keep it all together as Mayor Daley rides into the sunset.
I had a chance to catch Megan McCain, John McCain's Daughter on Jay Leno and Rachel Maddow. She has a new book out. Many on today's Republican Party probably consider her a RINO. I am sure Sarah Palin is no fan of Ms. McCain. I do congratulate Senator and Mrs. McCain on raising such an independent, outspoken daughter. I am confident that her parents are very proud of her. She is another example of a dedication to public service that epitomizes the McCain Family. I have had my disagreements and disappointments with Senator McCain. But, he has served America for over 50 years and that service should be honored and the tradition it represents. As I listened to her, though, I wondered whether she is able to resurrect the Republican Party that was the Party of Linclon and Eishenhower.
As I listened to Megan McCain, I also had a chance to read Ann Coulter's latest contribution to the discussions. She came out against the Holy Quran Book Burning. I welcomed that. But, then she again went on a rant about how Liberals are godless and everything in the World is the liberals fault. I hope she somehow figures out a different way to express her views. I still enjoy reading her stuff--it is truly entertaining.
America will be witness to quite a show. As we go through the next 55 days in the United States, we will continue to see charges, counter charges and over-the-top rhetoric as I've never seen before. I am so amazed that my view of this being "the Greatest Show on Earth" is constantly reaffirmed!!!
The drama goes on.....
:
Some Funny...Some Not So Funny....
The "Greatest Show on Earth" did not disappoint on the first day of the new Month!!!
The day began, for me, taking a look at the current edition of Newsweek Magazine headling a Jonathan Alter er piece. Newsweek, of course, will go on under its new owner, Sidney Harman--who happens to be the husband of the California Congresswoman Jane Harman. Jonathan Alter talks It shows how Obama has been characterized as a terrorist-coddling, wall street loving, godless, Foreign-Born, Muslim--when in fact none of it is true. Between the Afghan Surge, drone attacks, rejecting nationalization of banks and pushing to get monies back from GM and Chrysler, the record is one of a comitted capitalist. What is now prevalent is a testanment to the power of the Right Wing Noise Machine having been as effective as it has been. I nearly fell off my Chair when Mitch McConnel noted that he took the President at his word that he was not a Muslim. This is not as bad as Rush noting that Imam Hussein Obama is here and now!!! Does Mitch McConnell live in the same America or is it a different America? I wonder.
As this nonsense over the President continues, there is of course the true realities. Although Mr. Obama declared the end of combat operations in Iraq, the fact remains that the United States will continue to be engaged there. The Republicans wanted the President to thank President Bush for the "victory" in Iraq. The fact remains that the War was wrong, the premise was wrong and the Country is worst off because of this ill-conceived war that cost over 800 Billion Dollars. Iraq is a broken, shattered country that is under the thumb of the major regional powers. Yet, in the fantasy world that is the Republican Party today, they want the World to believe otherwise that America won.
The same amen crowd that pushed the rightenousness of the Iraq War is also behind the Mosque hysteria. If one visits the Keep America Safe website, all they talk about is the Ground Zero Mosque. It is as if they have nothing else to talk about. Liz Cheney's crusade against the Mosque seems to have been her group's raison d'etre. That's fine because that is her right to exercise her right of free speech. But, her paranoia surprises me becuase she was part of the gang that was in charge of US Foreign Policy during the Bush Years. She claims to be an expert on the Middle East, yet seems to have no clue whatsoever and seems to want to portray Muslims as animals. The only word I could possibly find to explain her action is simply this: Racist. For someone who is a lawyer, it seems as if she has no clue about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the history of this great land. She apparently needs to re-read history. That seems to be out of fashion, though, in the fantasyland of The New Republican Party today.
The Greatest Show on Earth that is the US Election Season continues to be ever more surprising, though. Joe "Wacko" Miller seems to be the gift that keeps on giving. His pronoucements about the Feds simply pulling out of Alaska is perfectly understandable. But, it seems as if he has to explain to the people of Alaska how he intends to replace all the Federal Funds. What if some of us around the country would want all the monies we sent to Alaska to come back? How would Alaska propose to pay that back as Oil begins to run out? Other candidates also seem to be on this wacko trip that seems to be never ending--but it sure is fun to watch!!! There is also the issue of the repeal of "Obamacare". I have been trying to find out what Mr. Miller's solution is counter the actions of regional hospital chains like Sutter Health in Northern California that charge 3 times the normal rate for a normal procedure and even the mightly insurance companies can't say anything about it.
Back in California, Fiorina and Boxer had their debate. It was a contentious one because the race is one that is supposedly a toss-up right now. What I found quite ironic was how Fiornia criticized how her tenure at HP was brought out and used as a political football. Someone had to remind her that politics is a high-touch contact sport where nothing is off the table--with the exception of one's family. California is a Democratic-Majority State. The fact that the polling is fairly close is a reflection of the national mode right now. But, polls are polls. I will not be paying attention to polls--just the facts Fiorina's campaign, though, had already put out a Press Release on the Campaign and Boxer's was yet to do so. So, the publicilty machine has been in full gear and will continue to be so.
There is of course the case of the birthers. Terrence Lakin, an Army Officer, has refused his deployment orders on the grounds that President Obama is foreign-born. I hope the Army will nail him to the wall and Court Martial him. Furthermore, I hope that the Air Force will call back to Active Duty General McInerney, the retired Air Force General who has apparently filed papers in support of Colonel Lakin and court marshall him too. It is one thing to have buffons like Steve King use the hallowed halls of Congress to push their twisted agends. I am sure that the Army will do what needs to be done and I'll let the course of Justice run its' course.
The big elephant in the room is the Economy. I was gratified to see the broad gains in the market yesterday. Yet, the economy continues to remain fragile. The question is whether voters will embrace the current path or give the Republicans another shot. I continue to believe that the election will be a lot closer than handicappers like Charlie Cook and others are calling it. It will be fascinating, though.
:
...Worth checking Out...
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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Fact or Fiction..........
When the May unemployment numbers was announced on Friday, I initially jumped with joy when I heard the figure of around 450,000. But, then, my initial enthusiasm turned to disappointment when I saw that 411,000 of them were temporary Census Workers. Furthermore, I saw downward revisions of the Job Numbers which caused further concerns and caused the Dow Jones to drop.
There are some realities that has to be noted. The Fed is pretty much tapped out. It is beginning to gradually wind down its' purchases of mortgage securities. Consumer spending will tapper off and the level of Government debt is so high that future action by Governments to jump start another recession is going to be a major challenge. One of the statistics that really bothered me was the report by the IMF noting that the U.S. structural deficit will be 6% of the GDP. Despite a trillion dollars of stimulus being spent, the U.S. economy is yet to be on the sound footing necessary to sustain a long-term sustained growth that will bring the jobs back. Jobs continue to be lost. I also question the viability of Europe's 1 Trillion Dollar "rescue" package. The Greek Debt, The French Debt, the Spanish debt and the British debt are part of the problem and sovereign debt ratings continue to be downgraded. The Euro just dropped below US $ 1.20. That's why all Governments are now talking austerity. Although I welcome the committment by Governments to tackle deficits, the question yet to be answered is whether If the faucet of support is shut off, what will happen next
[ Click here to read more ]
:
...Waiting for an Encore....
This past week was exciting and scary on the political scene. It all culminated with the passage of the Healthcare Legislation. The Obama Adminstration should right now feel pretty good about what they have been able to achieve so far.
It all began with Healthcare. The legislation passed . I was in awe as I saw Democracy in Action. The debate was vibrant and frankly hillarious at times. The Republicans committed to run on a slogan to "repeal and replace.' What I found especially ironic was a clip on This Past Sunday's Meet the Press from then-Minority Leader Gerald Ford
[ Click here to read more ]
:
....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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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 ]
The Republicans seem to be totally rudderless right now. It appears that Michael Steele has stumbled and stumbled badly. I had hoped that Mr. Steele would be able to bring the Republicans into the new era by realizing that the Country was changing. I am yearning for a vibrant debate on the future. Right now, the debate is pretty much one-sided.
Michael Steele was absolutely right when he reminded the country that Rush is an entertainer. Rush has quite a following and is influential. He is gifted and eloquent. But, whether Rush is the "leader" is frankly a bit of an overstretch. Rush, Hannity and the rest of the conservative radio crowd are to be simply ignored. What is certain is that the Republicans do not have much time left to get themselves organized for 2010.
:
..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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
The Image of a reformer...or not?
Governor Palin is once again in the news. This time, it has to do with the expenses she incurred for her children. It included a $ 707/Night hotel stay in New York with her 17-year old daughter. I think Governor Palin seems to realize that all such conduct must be beyond even the mildest reproach. Such information that is continuing to come out puts the McCain campaign in very, very,very bad light. The basics of politics is opposition research. You have to make sure you get to know what is out there that would come back and haunt you. It appears that the McCain campaign did not understand it. If they did, then I wonder how come this information is coming out now.
This is yet again another indication of how things are shaping up as we enter the final two weeks of the campaign. The BBC has featured an analysis by Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia. In my view, he is one of the most credible and insightful analysts on the political scene today. He has made a compelling case on where things stand for Senator Obama as he get ready. Here is the link
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Debunking The Myth of Leadership
I was thinking about the issue of Executive Leadership and Experience today. I read about how Senator Obama began his quest. Over the course of the last 2 years, he has been able to build a 50-State Operation with a ground operation that has been second to none. He has led a half-billion dollar organization with thousand of employees (some volunteers of course) and has been able to harness the power of the interent beyond anything imaginable or possible. The genius of his success has been the people he has picked. Starting with David Axelord and others in his high command, he seems to have understood the need to have the best there is. He also did overcome rather long odds by overcoming such formidable challlengers--including Hillary Rodham Clinton. I also wrote his choice of Joe Biden as his running mate. Joe Biden (or as the Economist called him Jobama!!) was the same guy who said that Barack Obama was not ready. The mark of a leader is not to be afraid at all. I view Senator Obama as not being afraid to surround himself with people who will tell him the way it is--no matter what.
The McCain campaign has talked about Senator Obama's connection to the Chicago Political Machine, one thing for sure is that the Daleys have dominated Chicago for a long time. Mayor Daley has made mistakes. But, Chicago is still a City that works. Mayor Daley has not been afraid to make the tough decisions. I think selling Midway Airport is a mistake. But this shows that Mayor Daley is trying to figure out how to make the City work for the betterment of all. As for Bill Daley, Mayor Daley's Brother, he ran the Commerce Department during the Clinton Adminstration. In regards to Bill Ayers, he actions during his youth has been condemned by all. But, he is a respected educator who has worked to make a difference in Chicago. Unfortunately, some decided to manifest their opposition to the war in Vietnam in ways that was simply not the right thing to do. I suggest that we judge the man by what he has done since he emerged from the underground in 1980. In America, we believe in second chances. Bill Ayers was given a second chance and from what I have seen, he has tried to make good of the second chance given to him. I think that even Senator McCain will agree with that
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
September 30th 2008 03:11
:
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:
[ Click here to read more ]
September 22nd 2008 05:35
:
"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
[ Click here to read more ]
September 15th 2008 04:49
:
"May One Live in Interesting Times!!!??!!!"
What a week-end!!??!! Between Lehman's pending bankrupcy, Merrill Lynch's potential sale to Bank of America, the billion dollar Presidential Campaign and the collapse of Alitalia in Italy,the days and weeks can only get more lively!!!
Sarah Palin is still being talked about in the mainstream media. The New Yorker ran a story noting that the President of the Alaska State Senate (who is a Republican) said that the Governor was not fit for the office. She was interviewed on CNN noting how the claims Governor Palin made were stretching the truth. The simple fact that she was for the bridge before she was against it is just one example. The Republicans got away with it in 2004 when they got John Kerry for his explanation of the vote
[ Click here to read more ]
September 11th 2008 02:48
:
Don't ordinary folks deserve better??!!???
With the latest "controversy" regarding the Lipstick on a pig comment, I stepped back to think about the Republican Convention that concluded last week. I thought about the beating Senator Obama got at the convention. The Republican Team is continuing the drumbeat as we speak. I received something from a friend that I thought was a "funny" attempt to do some fact checking. I edited certain portions I absolutely did not agree with. The achievements of both teams must be respected and must be so stipulated. This is not a school yard fight. When one team trashes the other one and does not want to subject itself to answering the tough questions, it does a disservice to the American People. The analysis is striking and must be brought to bear regarding Senator Obama:
".....If you spend 3 years as a community organizer growing your
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Why is Obama not gaining Traction?
Fox News's headline right now reads, "McCain surges...". I disagree totally with the characterization. The fact is that they got a bounce out of their Convention. There is no question about it. But, I am trying to understand how come Obama is not getting any traction. The polls numbers are right now even. As I see it, the debates will break the race right open. I would be interested to see who gets mad first...mad enough to win the election!!!
:
I guess they have to have their moment in the sun!!!
The third day of the Republican Convention has been in full swing. The array of people who have spoken has been quite impressive. From Meg Whitman to Carly Fiorina, they have touted the Republican message of change, of hope, of committment and belief in putting "country first". The video noted that Senator McCain will make sure that the Budget is balanced by 2013. The country was also told about the "gas tax" holiday for three months. Furthermore, the country was also told about tax credits and technology adoption to help change healthcare.
As the evening went on, Michael Steele of GOPAC reminded us to "Drill, Baby, Drill...:" Michael Steele told the country and the world that we should win the war on terror. Mitt Romney talked about the fact that "liberals" were in fact in charge in Washington since 1980. There was of course, Governor Huckabee. He told the country, in his folksy style, that John McCain had "earned" the right to the desk in the Oval Office. The Governor of Hawaii's introduction went to who Sarah Palin is. She was touting Sarah Palin's experience as an Executive. The Governor of Hawaii is telling the country that Senator Obama and Senator Biden have gotten no executive experience at all. The Governor of Hawaii thinks that Sarah Palin is a great choice. The Governor noted that Alaska has the same electoral votes as Delaware and 250 states the size of Delaware can fit into the size of Alaska. She also noted that Sarah Palin is an outsider and an experienced reformer. She called the choice, "...bold and historic...". Now, Rudy Giulinai is speaking and attacking Senator Obama
[ Click here to read more ]
:
What about Senator McCain's Judgement?
The McCain campaign said that Governor Palin was fully vetted. I already commented on the fact that the discussion on her daughter's pregnancy is off limits. Ms. Palin's privacy must be respected.
The Alaska legislature is continuing the investigation into the firing of Alaska's Public Safety Commisioner. Kyra Phillips of CNN commented on Larry King last night that the lead investigator in Alaska has been uncovering evidence daily. The Lawyer for Governor Palin, according to reports, is in a legal tussle on whether the Alaska legislature is the right venue for this investigation to continue. On top of that, the "bridge to no where" which was touted as an example of Governor Palin was debunked by this report courtesy of the Real News. Here it is
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Will Senator Obama's Challenge be honored?
I was so moved by Senator Obama's speech that I decided to listen to it briefly to understand the issues he outlined. He laid out a challenge to Senator McCain to avoid questioning one's patriotism and character. I hope Senator McCain accepts that challenge. With Steve Schmitt running the campaign, I wonder. Steve Schmitt was on the team that got George W. Bush reelected to a second term. He was a disciple of Dick Cheney and Karl Rove. Senator Obama's campaign must be prepared to hit back and hit back hard. But, as I wrote earlier, the 527's won't necessarily listen to Senator McCain. I hope that Senator McCain does condone the crap that folks that this so-called our committee deserves is peddling right now.
I"ll be interested in what Senator McCain has to say later on today when he is supposedly going to appear with his running mate. Already, Senator McCain's spokesperson has come out with its' attack. Therefore, the call by Senator Obama was totally ignored by Senator McCain. Senator McCain was gracious, but the attacks will happen and the attack dogs will be unleashed
[ Click here to read more ]
:
What will Senator McCain Do?
Throughout the last day or so, I have been seeing reports that an agreement has been signed to insure that U.S. troops leave Iraq by 2011. Now, this is exactly in line with what Senator Obama proposed. If this agreement is in fact signed, then it take a major issue off the table for Senator McCain. I wonder what Senator McCain is going to do next. If Senator Clinton sees to it that the people know the real truth and what she thinks, that will debunk the divide and conquer strategy that seems to be the strategy by Senator McCain's team right now. If the economy continues to stagnate and Iraq's withdrawal is also finalized, what would Senator McCain retain to hang his hat on? From where I sit, not much.....
I do anxiously await Senator McCain's choice of a running mate and the Republican convention to see how they will position themselves to go beyond the 8 years of George W. Bush. Everyone realizes a change of direction is necessary. The question that will be settled on November 4 is what kind of change
[ Click here to read more ]
:
A Call to Come Home.....
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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
An Interesting Discourse
The wide ranging discussions Pastor Warren and Senator McCain had continued on. One of the questions I felt was poignant. Pastor Warren noted that leaders are not stubborn and do change their minds. He then asked Senator McCain about a decision he had made and then changed his mind. He was quick to respond: Off Shore Drilling. He went on to note that we must attack the problem of energy on all fronts now. He reminded all of us that the United States is sending out 700 billion dollars a year to folks who are not at times that friendly and cooperative. Senator McCain's plan is dubbed the "Lexington Plan" and is available on his website. Leaders should be flexible and change their mind, while not forgetting their principles. George W. Bush seems to have understood that during the last months of his Presidency.
His response to the question of Abortion was to the point and without any reservations. His view is that abortion begins at the moment of conception. He told the world that he was going to be a Pro-Life President. As for marriage, Senator McCain was also adamant that it was a union between a man and a woman. Although an avowed Federalist, Senator McCain noted that he would back a marriage amendment if the States moved to force other states to accept their marriages. Evil must be defeated and the Senator brought up Osama Bin Laden. He committed to hunting him down. Osama is evil and evil indeed must be eradicated. I think his commitment is a bit over the top due to the realities on the ground in Pakistan and Afghanistan
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Fiath, Morality, Character & Our Society
The second hour of the Saddleback Civil Forum featured Senator John McCain. Pastor Warren began by asking who Senator McCain considered the 3 wisest men in his view. He named General Petraus, John Lewis and Meg Whitman. I found his comments curious. What Meg Whitman did at EBay was nothing short of remarkable. She took a vision by Pierre Omidyar and made it a reality. The need for such visionaries is needed. We do also need men with the moral compass and authority like John Lewis who struggled so that all enjoy the fruits of freedom. As for General Petraus, what he has been able to do is to be celebrated with the security gains due to the so-called surge. The analysis I have seen has clearly shown that there has been improvements. But, the gains have been fragile at best. The mainstream U.S. media has lost all interest in reporting out of Iraq. If one visits http://www.juancole.com, one gets some visibility, though. Juan Cole is reporting that bombings are continuing in Karbala. So, if security is improving, then what seems to be the problem? Furthermore, there is the issue of the Kurds, the Turks and the Arabs in Kurdistan. Senator McCain's praise for General Petraus is deserved. But, the realities of the ground may shift the ground yet again.
On the question of character, I found the response to his personal failure to be straightforward. He blamed himself for the collapse of his first marriage. There were some discussions about a week ago when Hannity and Colmes devoted an hour to that idiot John Edwards as to the double standard on why Senator McCain's shortcomings should not be discussed. Senator McCain had the guts to step up and we must take his word at it. As for America's greatest moral failure, I found his response to be a subtle repudiation of George W. Bush's motivation strategy to get America back after the tragedy of 9/11. Senator McCain's felt that Americans should have been motivated to be more involved with their communities vs. simply going out shopping. What he noted that all must, "....serve as cause greater than your self-interest...Â. Senator McCain also reminded all of us that he went against the Republican Party and the President of the day on many occasions including torture, climate change and one that I thought was quite courageous: The Boeing Procurement Scandal that saw Boeing's CFO and the top Air force procurement official actually going to prison over it
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Faith, Morality, Freedom and Our Society
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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
I wish there were more like Rick Warren....
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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
The Struggle For America's Soul....
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.
:
The Drama is On-Going.....
Jim Leach, the former Congressman from Iowa, has endorsed Barack Obama. I think it is a big, big deal. Jim Leach was one of the voices of reason within the Republican party as it drifted further away from its' roots. He was one of those guys who understood what politics in its' truest sense was. He is right now at Harvard. The fact that he endorsed Senator Obama and there is a movement of Republicans to get behind Senator Obama should also be an indication of things to come. The polls continue to sing to a different tune. But, it is still early. After the convention, all bets are off.
There was a story in the Monday Edition of the Los Angeles Times about Senator McCain's apparent affair with his current wife Cindy before divorcing his first wife. My response to that was simply this: so what ?? Senator McCain has acknowledged his shortcomings which led to the dissolution of his first marraige. I will take him at his word and leave it at that. We have to focus on the profound issues before us. There is also a report that Cindy Sheehan qualified to run as an indepedent against The U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Cindy Sheehan's loss and subsequent sacrifice is something that is worth admiring. This crusade to impeach President Bush is simply a waste of time,though. We need to focus on the future. Such fights will divert us on working to secure that very future
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
Mike Pouraryan
Add Comments
Read More
Comments (4)
