:
...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.
:
...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 ]
:
Much ado about nothing....
This is a new feature I have decided to introduce that talks about the Political Tidbits and to briefly reflect upon them. The talk of the town, of course, was Harry Reid and his comments about Barack Obama. I was frankly amused as to the air time that the talking heads gave to it over the past twenty four hours. To me, it was frankly much ado about nothing. The Republicans have had a field day over it, though.
The other Tidbit of News was Sarah Palin. She's a start and has got loads of fans. I am fascinated by how Brand Palin has shot into the stratosphere. Everyone was talking about her ascendancy d her continued ascendancy. She joined Fox News as an analyst. I really wondered what took her so long. Of course, she resigned the governorship, mades loads of money making speeches and wrote a blockbuster best seller. Not withstanding the spin by some, she still made loads of money from it. She will also be guaranteed to be a blockbuster at Fox. The only problem I see is how she is going to live down this "truth
[ Click here to read more ]
:
As Only JibJab Can Say It!!
As I continue to finish off 2009 and gear up for 2010, I just ran across JibJab's take on this very, very tough year:
[ Click here to read more ]
:
..and Newt wanted Sarah Palin & John McCain?
Yesterday saw a suicide attack on a major hotel in Peshawar. I have been assessing the
aftermath to see who has claimed responsiblity. I see no other hand but the Taliban. Pakistan continues to be in the fight for its' very survival.
[ Click here to read more ]
:
....What will happen? Who Knows.....
As I write this, the polls have closed in the U.S. State of Georgia. Chambliss, the Incumbent Senator, is up against Jim Martin. This was a revote. Martin and Chambliss both brought in the big guns to campaign for them. I caught a few of the campaign events. I found Chambliss' conention to be a firewall against the "liberal" big spenders to be laughable. The need for people to be constructive and bring constructive ideas is what is needed. Bill Clinton said it best when he reminded Georgia voters that a bridge is needed--not a firewall. I view what he did to Max Cleland as shameful. He justified it by noting that he wanted to talk about the voting record of Senator Cleland. Even John McCain condemned it.
Although I eagerly await the results of the election in Minnesota, I think Georgia will also be quite pivotal. Having folks who have constructive, positive and innovative ideas and will not be a bulwark against change is what we need. We are faced with a recession that may end up being more severe than we have seen. Let's see what happens. If it turns out that the people are going to send Chambliss back to Washington, I will respect that. It will make Harry Reid's job just a bit tougher. I wonder if the people will buy Chambliss' argument this time though
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Infotainment at its' best
Silvio the clown (aka the Prime Minister of Italy) was in Russia. According to a report in the Times of London, the clown said that, ".... Russia and America can do business together.." He went on to say that, "...I will try to help relations between Russia and the United States, where a new generation has come to power. I don't see problems for Medvedev in establishing good relations with Obama, who is also handsome, young and suntanned".
According to the report, he said that he had intended the remark as a compliment and those who failed to understand this were "imbeciles". The clown is the imbecile. He is the idiot. I am sorry that President-Elect Obama has to deal with such a fool.
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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:
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Is he a fool or does he think we are?
Sean Hannity was on a roll today. I was listening to his radio show. I think he is one hell of an advcoate for all things conservative. I think if he was not there, he would have to be created. But, I think we went way over the top in his comments today.
I found his comments frankly disgusting. He went on and on about how this election was going to be stolen. He went on and on as to how "liberal" Senator Obama's record was. He went on about how McCain will surge to a win. He went on to remind everyone that America owns everything to Ronald Reagan. I think when he was ranting and raving about ballott stuffing and election fraud, he forgot 2000 and 2004. It was right then when Kathryn Harris and Ken Blackwell did what they needed to do. What bothered me more than anything was the god-like stature that these guys have elevated Ronald Reagan to. Reagan was a regular guy who became President. He is to be respected for his 8 years of service as President. But, an analysis of his policies shows his utter disdain and total lack of regard for the institution of government. Yet, it was the same Government that helped to save the financial markets during the crash of 1987. It was the same Government that oversaw disaster relief. But, the eight years of Reagan caused a massive deficit that took four years of disciplined spending by the Clinton Adminstration to bring things into balance. I also am worried when the conservatives claim that Reagan "won" the cold war. It was the sacrifice and investment of the American People over the course of some 50 years that ultimately led to the collapse of the Iron Curtain and the dissolution of the Soviet Union
[ Click here to read more ]
:
How big is the Tsunami?
What will happen to the Republicans after November 4? I have been continuing to think about and assess the state of punditry on this. I had talked about Sarah Palin running in 2012. What was talked about in this segment of Olberman was a different view. It is true that Alaska politics is in a flux after "Uncle Ted" was convicted and all the negatives that have come out about Governor Palin. Don't write her off...no matter what the pundits say:
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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!!!
:
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:
[ Click here to read more ]
:
McCain does not seem to get it?
McCain is a sunny optimist. He is entitled to it. But, when prominent Republicans start to abandon the ticket, there is a problem. Someone needs to tell Senator McCain, "..Hello!!??!!!!". Two had already done it: Scott McClellan and General Powell. I wrote about General Powell earlier. This past Friday, The former Governor of Minnesota Arne Carlson jumped ship. He has made a compelling case. Here it is (courtesy of MSNBC):
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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!!!
:
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:
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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):
[ Click here to read more ]
:
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
[ 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 ]
:
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:
[ Click here to read more ]
:
Now, that's being a good sport!!!
Governor Palin joined the cast of NBC's Saturday Night Live this past Satruday. I was digging around to see if any video had made it to the NBC site yet. The closest thing I found was a picture on NBC's site with SNL's Executive Producer, Lorne Michaels.
I have been quite vocal in my commentary here about the profound disagreements I have with Governor Palin. Many conservative and liberal pundits have been ever more blunt about what a train wreck she has been to the Republican Ticket. I think, though, that she was quite a sport to go on Saturday Night Live. As the spirit of the Al Smith Dinner showed, we all have to have fun, laugh at each other and in the end, do remember that we are all Americans. Kudos to her for going out there and having fun
[ Click here to read more ]
Today, Senator Obama warned everyone against being "cocky" . I reflected on this very fact yesterday. The election is not over, yet. I don't care what the polls say. The only real poll that matters is on election day. The last debate was not a game changer for Senator McCain. Both still have to seal the deal with the American People first.
:
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
[ 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 ]
I nearly fell off my chair when I heard Charlie Black, John McCain's Senior Advisor/Campaign Chair (I guess that's his title now). The BBC was interviewing him in the spin room. Mr. Black noted that Mr. Brokaw "abandoned" the rules. It is bad enough that Cindy McCain came out earlier noting the "dirty" campaign that Senator Obama was running. Now, Mr. Black is lambasting Tom Brokaw. Someone could possibly believe Charlie Black if they actually did not see the debate. I think Tom Brokaw did a GREAT job. I will leave it at that.
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
With thirty days remaining in the campaign, the McCain-Palin campaign has adopted swift-boat III. Governor Palin was out apparenlty yesterday calling William Ayers, a 60's radical, a Pal of Barack Obama. I was glad to see that the Obama Campaign came out with a swift response. This is the kind of gutter politics that must not b tolerated by anyone. I spoke up for Governor Palin. I do condemn her stance in thinking that she's more American than the rest of the us who disagree with the Republican Ticket. I have seen NOTHING except talk about reform. Many of us are trying to look ahead. Yet, our conservative friends and the McCain-Palin campaign seem to want to fight the last election. Let's focus on the future!!!
:
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 ]
:
"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
[ Click here to read more ]
September 29th 2008 22:26
:
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:
[ Click here to read more ]
September 26th 2008 03:04
:
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 07:46
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
September 25th 2008 00:14
:
Things are changing constantly......
Bill King appeared on Larry King's programs on CNN earlier. Bill Clinton's shortcomings has been discussed, it seems, forever. But even his detractors and enemies respect him for his keen political insight and skills. This was evident in this clip:
[ Click here to read more ]
September 24th 2008 20:29
:
Politics of the worst kind.......
Senator McCain just came out with a statement suspending the Presidential Campaign. In his comments, he notes that the campaign can wait because the economic crisis the country faces is historic. Warren Buffett compared it to 9/11. I believe it is.
I, along with many other observers, will see how this plays out. President Bush is also about to speak to the country later on tonight. Congressional hearings are going on. To their credit, the members of Congress are asknig the tough questions. There are reports that there were conversations between Senators Obama and McCain on this. Apparently Senator Obama suggested a joint statement on this. Yet, Senator McCain came out with a statement to look "Presidential". What Senator McCain has done is pure politics. His notion of "country first" will not wash based on the move he made. He did it during the convention and he is doing it again
[ Click here to read more ]
September 24th 2008 09:32
:
...T.hat's a good thing....
I saw the reports on Sarah Palin meeting foreign leaders in New York. Despite my profound reservations about Hamid Karzai, I think her introduction is a good thing. Karazi noted that she "asked the right questions" about Afghanistan. What Karzai fails to understand is that he is the wrong guy to be asked the questions.
The bigger concern I have had is the cocoon within which the Republican Campaign has kept Governor Palin away. It is just wrong. I think we deserve more than this. I wonder if Senator McCain and Governor Palin will live up to their populist stance they have adopted since this financial implosion. Slogans will not be enough.
September 24th 2008 09:14
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
September 23rd 2008 07:46
:
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
[ 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 19th 2008 02:56
:
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
[ Click here to read more ]
September 17th 2008 03:55
:
The "WOW" effect is in full swing....
What a day it was today!!!
For starters, the McCain-Palin Campaign pulled out all the stops on the Troopergate investigation. It was announced that Governor Palin will not cooperate with the investigation becuase of the partisan nature of the players involved. The McCain campaign sent a spokesman to talk to Rick Sanchez at CNN to note that the Democratic State Senators were awoved supporters of Barack Obama. There was no way they were going to be "honest brokers". They are pushing the investigation to be done by the State Personnel Board
[ Click here to read more ]
Mike Pouraryan
Add Comments
Read More
Comments (1)
