Lindsey Graham said “Mr. President, don’t think for one minute I don’t hold you ultimately
responsible for Benghazi. I think you failed as commander in chief
before, during and after the attack.” As for Rice, Graham said, “I have
no intention of promoting anyone who is up to their eyeballs in the
Benghazi debacle.”
The most grievous debacle I've seen is two Senators who obviously listened to a leaky CIA employee or someone with access to top secret CIA information who used them to spin lies of an ideological nature. Who was it that told these two Senators that the White House had taken reference Al Qaeda out of the first Benghazi response read by Susan Rice? Didn't they even question that person's information enough to know it was the CIA that removed that comment. Didn't they listen to Ambassador Rice's words and understand her caveats and the fact that this was what the CIA knew at the time of her presentation.
John McCain said “I take on things … when I believe they’re wrong. Four Americans died that didn’t have to die.”
Even one casualty is a terrible loss but compared to the 4,486 US soldiers killed in the Iraq war they supported based on bad information (without question) a bit worse.
It seems to me the horrific understanding we now should see clearly is that we have a shadow force withing our CIA and Military that thinks nothing of outing Secret Agents like Valerie Plame and probably more individuals in her network, spinning us into an unnecessary war, and using Honorable Senators and leaders to further their own ideological goals and profits. How wrong can Sen. McCain and Sen. Graham be for a position of leadership to not only fall for this again and again. What next war are they already working on and why do they always opt for violent confrontation or the destruction of good people and their credibility.
I can understand Lindsey Graham's motivation (although I don't respect that motivation) being from South Carolina and up for reelection but even the very conservative people of that state can spot a phony and I know he will not make it past his primary race.
So why has John McCain gone from moderate (if you can call it that) Republican to extremist to moderate to extremist conservative over the last few years?
I'm sorry to say it all sounds like they both would rather believe the worst of their President and his administration than just ask the serious questions in their committees of people who really know the answers rather than shadow dances who dance with the truth like a fart in a windstorm.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Guilded Age becomes the Glutted Age
Joe the Plumber talked a lot about the redistribution of wealth and he was right. Wealth was redistributed when George W. Bush took office and instituted his tax cuts. It's still happening ladies and gentlemen of the Tea Party and will go on until business realize they are killing the fatted cow known as the middle class.
What are we willing to do without so millionaires can take a few more trips to Europe, build another home to visit every now and then, speculate on the market while millions struggle to keep their homes, keep their jobs, eat well, enjoy their lives.
Never before have so few taken so much from so many and resent that the little people exist. Never before have so many people been so angry that they try to destroy all efforts to help them and their families and help the very people who's policies and propaganda made them angry.
Money is being redistributed alright - Flooding up and never trickling down.
The excesses of the Guilded Age were best shown in the breaking of unions in a more violent way then the movement Ronald Reagan began but it is a parallel between then and now.
Those who refuse to understand their history are doomed to repeat it.
Amen brother
"Today, the concentration of privately held wealth at the top is at its highest peak since 1929, the year the financial markets crashed and gave rise to the Great Depression of the 1930s. At that time, 25% of the population was out of work.Despite our economy being mired in the deepest recession since the 1930s, people in the top 1% continue to own as much wealth as those in the bottom 90%, and education is essential to reversing this trend and constructing a strategy for recovery."~ United Fair Economy Dot Org
Never before have so few taken so much from so many and resent that the little people exist. Never before have so many people been so angry that they try to destroy all efforts to help them and their families and help the very people who's policies and propaganda made them angry.
Money is being redistributed alright - Flooding up and never trickling down.
"What is the chief end of man?--to get rich. In what way?--dishonestly if we can; honestly if we must." ~ Mark Twain-1871
"The brutal depression of 1893-94 triggered some of the worst labor conflicts in the country's history, including the strike against the Pullman Palace Car Company. When George Pullman slashed wages and hiked rents in his company town, a national strike and boycott was called on all railways carrying Pullman cars. Railroad traffic ground to a halt as 260,000 workers struck, and battles with state and federal troops broke out in 26 states. The strike ultimately failed, its leaders imprisoned and many strikers blacklisted.
The labor movement lay in shambles, and would not rise again for nearly fifty years. Although workers would find new strength in the next century, they would never again pose the same broad challenge to the claims of capital."
Amen brother
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Common Sense and common senseless
The GOP and extreme right wing puppeteers are being charlatans when they talk about President Obama lecturing, and living in an Ivory Tower as if education is a bad thing and college is a place to be indoctrinated.
Rush Limbaugh graduated from Cape Girardeau, Missouri Central High School, in 1969. Because of his parents' desire to see him attend college, he enrolled in Southeast Missouri State University but left the school after two semesters and one summer. According to his mother, "he flunked everything", and "he just didn't seem interested in anything except radio."
It isn't any wonder Rush Limbaugh resents education and makes statements like, "Now, we've all acknowledged while they are book smart, they're genuinely ignorant, devoid of common sense, real-life experience people. "
There is such a thing as smart and scheming and Rush is probably a little of both with his love on power and money far exceeding his morality and common decency.
Then there is Glen Beck.In 1996 Beck took a theology class at Yale University. The class was called "Early Christology" and it marked the extent of his post secondary education. This was followed by Beck going on a "spiritual quest" where he "sought out answers in churches and bookstores." As Beck later recounted in his books and stage performances, his first attempt at self-education involved six wide-ranging authors: Alan Dershowitz, Pope John Paul II, Adolf Hitler, Billy Graham, Carl Sagan, and Friedrich Nietzsc
Today Glen Beck lectures his followers in front of a blackboard while complaining about how President Obama acts like a professor (which he was, teaching Constitutional Law) when giving a speech.
It is Beck and Limbaugh and others that have convinced their listeners that only they know the Constitution of Common Sense and it's all smoke and mirrors.
There is no one who respects common sense more than I do but the common sense does come equally to those with an education and those without. I've known some very wise people in my lifetime who never went to a University and some really dense people with a Doctorate. I have also met some really misinformed individuals with no education and some very brilliant college professors who have a great deal of common sense and a genuine humble personality.
The most unsettling thing about Beck, Limbaugh and their followers is that while they say they want to restore the Constitution they at the same time have tried to tear down everything in the constitution except the Right to have a firearm.
They are teaching anarchy in the name of patriotism and division in the name of unity and neither is qualified to teach a dog to roll over.
Government is not the problem these people are the problem or spokesmen of a higher power with lots of money, gold and drugs.
Rush Limbaugh graduated from Cape Girardeau, Missouri Central High School, in 1969. Because of his parents' desire to see him attend college, he enrolled in Southeast Missouri State University but left the school after two semesters and one summer. According to his mother, "he flunked everything", and "he just didn't seem interested in anything except radio."
It isn't any wonder Rush Limbaugh resents education and makes statements like, "Now, we've all acknowledged while they are book smart, they're genuinely ignorant, devoid of common sense, real-life experience people. "
There is such a thing as smart and scheming and Rush is probably a little of both with his love on power and money far exceeding his morality and common decency.
Then there is Glen Beck.In 1996 Beck took a theology class at Yale University. The class was called "Early Christology" and it marked the extent of his post secondary education. This was followed by Beck going on a "spiritual quest" where he "sought out answers in churches and bookstores." As Beck later recounted in his books and stage performances, his first attempt at self-education involved six wide-ranging authors: Alan Dershowitz, Pope John Paul II, Adolf Hitler, Billy Graham, Carl Sagan, and Friedrich Nietzsc
Today Glen Beck lectures his followers in front of a blackboard while complaining about how President Obama acts like a professor (which he was, teaching Constitutional Law) when giving a speech.It is Beck and Limbaugh and others that have convinced their listeners that only they know the Constitution of Common Sense and it's all smoke and mirrors.
There is no one who respects common sense more than I do but the common sense does come equally to those with an education and those without. I've known some very wise people in my lifetime who never went to a University and some really dense people with a Doctorate. I have also met some really misinformed individuals with no education and some very brilliant college professors who have a great deal of common sense and a genuine humble personality.
The most unsettling thing about Beck, Limbaugh and their followers is that while they say they want to restore the Constitution they at the same time have tried to tear down everything in the constitution except the Right to have a firearm.
They are teaching anarchy in the name of patriotism and division in the name of unity and neither is qualified to teach a dog to roll over.
Government is not the problem these people are the problem or spokesmen of a higher power with lots of money, gold and drugs.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
This mid-term election isn't important to our country
.Vote Reminder!!!
Vote Reminder! This election is very important- Since when is the DMV part of the Federal Government? I got my drivers license in 15 minutes today - and where on earth is McDonald's considered a good meal rather than an unhealthy snack
Republican candidate for New York governor sits down with Megyn Kelly
Ron Johnson rails against government aid, but news reports indicate he received $4 million in government-subsidized loans to grow his business and his company used a government $75,000 grant to build a rail spur.
"There is a brochure out by my opponent which says I proposed that we not tax the oil industry when in fact, what I proposed was we not tax any of those energy industries and let the whole system take off.
Vote Reminder! This election is very important Wacko personified
Here is a video clip of Art Robinson responding to a question about public schools. Art Robinson says in this clip, "I think the public schools should be abolished."
Vote Reminder! This election is very important
Delaware Senate Debate: Christine O'Donnell Refuses To Say Whether Evolution Is A 'Myth,' Calls Oppo
Delaware Senate candidates Chris Coons and Christine O'Donnell faced off in their first debate on Wednesday night, a feisty exchange on issues ranging from evolution to Afghanistan to gays serving in the military to whether China is planning to take over the United States.
Vote Reminder !!! If you don't think this mid-term election isn't important to our country
Check out America's Voice new weekly resource, "Immigration Insider," which takes an in-depth look at immigration politics, leading up to the November election. SUBSCRIBE to receive Immigration Insider in your inbox every Tuesday-- absolutely gratis.Immigration Insider Election 2010Among Latinos,...
Vote Reminder !!! If you don't think this mid-term election isn't important to our country
AK-Sen: Joe Miller on Border Security: “If the East Germans Could Do It, We Can Do It” | America’s V
At a town hall meeting in Anchorage yesterday, GOP Senate candidate Joe Miller (R-AK) argued for an interesting approach to border security: harkening back to the good old days of…East Germany.
Vote Reminder !!! If you don't think this mid-term election isn't important to our country
On Sunday's morning public affairs shows, both Republican Senate candidates Carly Fiorina in California and Ken Buck in Colorado struggled to give specifics about how they would reduce the deficit while also supporting expensive extensions of the Bush tax cuts. Although journalists ask Republicans t..
Vote Reminder !!! If you don't think this mid-term election isn't important to our country
Security guards for Alaska senate candidate Joe Miller handcuffed and detained the editor of the online magazine "Alaska Dispatch" on Sunday while he tried to interview the Republican nominee, according to multiple reports. The Anchorage Daily News reports that Tony Hopfinger, who founded and edits ...
If you don't think this mid-term election isn't important to our country
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
The Fourth Estate - Mass Media - Seducing the Masses
Oscar Wilde said,
"In old days men had the rack. Now they have the press... We are dominated by Journalism."
We are in very dangerous times, having lost any semblance of understanding. As information Technology has advanced the ability to find meaningful information has suffered. I think about the chaff used to defend fighter jets and bombers against radar guided missiles.
Countermeasure Chaff"Radar countermeasure chaff is dispensed by aircraft to decoy radar-seeking missiles. Our chaff products offer high reliability, multiple broadband frequency protection, excellent operational radar cross section and a rapid bloom with minimal birds-nesting. Variations of products are available to suit specific user requirements."
If you can't outrun a missile just confuse it with what appear to be multiple targets. So it is with politics and the Mass Media. Misinformation is 2,000 times more prevalent that fact. We are inundated with molehills being made into mountains by the "Press," fake news shows (Fox), loud clowns like LimpBaugh, Beck, and even Ed Schultz on the left. There are Tea Baggers in 57 varieties (most radical some just angry and very few who understand the contradictions they espouse "Keep the government out of my Medicare"). There are Republican'ts that say they are for small business but vote against it and do nothing but make our government look ineffective.
No wonder we are all confused, clarity is in short supply while the amount of information has grown into one humongous cloud. I'm not sure but I think clarity in politics, policy and the media is a thing of the past.
Perhaps the acclaimed TV series "Mad Men" also gives a clue about how this all started with large, professional advertising firms and the honing of their craft. Branding, Weasel Words, Controlled Access and other techniques now dominate the news.
The political bible says Halderman begat Segretti who begat Atwater who begat Rove who begat Brietbart who begat O'Keefe etc... Dirty Tricks and false statements seem to get more coverage in the "news" than fact and now fact has been smothered by fiction.
I used to be able to discern easily right from wrong now I have to take days to get even a kernel of the truth. Perhaps I'm just becoming a skeptic but phone in polls on the Ed show are a joke because of the audience who watches Ed and Fox is worse having several hacks sit and call our president a racist as though they had the corner on sooth saying.
Everyone should rent and watch the movie "Network" to see what life has become with a fourth estate gone either wacko and influential or so affluent and droll they can't and should not be taking our time on the air.
A few notable exceptions are Bill Moyers, Rachael Maddow, Jon Stewart, Paul Krugman and E.J. Dionne.
I am tired of Chris Matthews fawning over Chuck Todd a young man with more snark toward our president and with almost enough brains to keep his commentary to himself and grow up to be a real "News" director. I am tired of Glen Beck crying and making connections out of thin air and Rush Limbaugh pontificating while both feed lies and innuendo to trusting followers and ditto heads. Sure we are angry but one day I hope they realize why and turn on the weasels who drove them mad.
The fourth estate has become a morbid joke that is tearing the country apart or do we need classes in critical reading, listening and thinking before a person is allowed to vote. The news business is almost non-existent and at this point has constipation of the facts and diarrhea of the bluster.
The political bible says Halderman begat Segretti who begat Atwater who begat Rove who begat Brietbart who begat O'Keefe etc... Dirty Tricks and false statements seem to get more coverage in the "news" than fact and now fact has been smothered by fiction.
I used to be able to discern easily right from wrong now I have to take days to get even a kernel of the truth. Perhaps I'm just becoming a skeptic but phone in polls on the Ed show are a joke because of the audience who watches Ed and Fox is worse having several hacks sit and call our president a racist as though they had the corner on sooth saying.
Everyone should rent and watch the movie "Network" to see what life has become with a fourth estate gone either wacko and influential or so affluent and droll they can't and should not be taking our time on the air.
A few notable exceptions are Bill Moyers, Rachael Maddow, Jon Stewart, Paul Krugman and E.J. Dionne.
I am tired of Chris Matthews fawning over Chuck Todd a young man with more snark toward our president and with almost enough brains to keep his commentary to himself and grow up to be a real "News" director. I am tired of Glen Beck crying and making connections out of thin air and Rush Limbaugh pontificating while both feed lies and innuendo to trusting followers and ditto heads. Sure we are angry but one day I hope they realize why and turn on the weasels who drove them mad.
The fourth estate has become a morbid joke that is tearing the country apart or do we need classes in critical reading, listening and thinking before a person is allowed to vote. The news business is almost non-existent and at this point has constipation of the facts and diarrhea of the bluster.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Headline: Chamber Of Commerce Calls Out Obama On Jobs
I was listening to All Things Considered on NPR yesterday and heard some interesting thoughts from the Chamber of Commerce on how to improve the economy. It was the same tired old Trickle Down, Voodoo Economics, No regulations, Lower taxes for the wealthy confabulated drivel. This time it was couched in terms of improving job growth.
How could anyone in their right mind believe that illogical, proven wrong theory any longer. I heard things that any thoughtful, self respecting middle income citizen knows deep inside is pure bunk, as in bunko.
Here is the transcript with credit to National Public Radio, Talk of the4 Nation, Robert Siegel, Michelle Norris and Tamara Keith the interviewer. This transcript can be found here
The following is a transcript with comments in Yellow
Chamber Of Commerce Calls Out Obama On Jobs
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted a jobs summit in Washington this afternoon and posted an open letter demanding that something be done to improve the business climate.
NPR's Tamara Keith reports.
TAMARA KEITH: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce building is virtually across the street from the White House, there's a small park between them, and the building is plastered with these giant red, white and blue banners that spell out the word: jobs. It's a not-so-subtle reminder of what is quickly becoming the Obama administration's Achilles' heel, and it was a rallying cry at today's summit.
Jobs - The Chamber and it's members need to first answer this question. "Do you see jobs or maximization of profits as your first concern?"
Mr. TOM DONOHUE (President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce): The need to create more than 20 million new jobs for America over the next 10 years, it's why we're here today.
The Real Demands of the Chamber - Is that really why you're here Mr. Donohue or are you here to demand lower or no regulation, no serious efforts to seek alternate energy and deny climate change, or is it lower taxes on the wealthy.
KEITH: Tom Donohue is president of the chamber. In his keynote address, he said the climate for business these days is bad, and recent actions by Congress and the White House are making matters worse. He points to health care reform, financial regulation and talk of climate change legislation.
Mr. DONOHUE: And all of this has injected tremendous uncertainty into our economy, and uncertainty is the enemy of investment, of growth and of jobs.
Uncertainty I - Investor uncertainty isn't about the economy but rather the confidence in the management of the companies they are being asked to invest in. When Steve Jobs illness was in the news it affected Apple. A company I worked for whose stock dropped dramatically was a market leader but when their main money maker had defects from lack of testing the stock went from about $60 to somewhere around $2.
Uncertainty II- is also caused by market demand or perceived demand for a companies products. When people (the average blue or white collar) cannot find work demand drops (as we can see today) and companies layoff more workers. Keeping the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy does nothing to improve demand for products and smart companies will not grow until demand rises with more employment either Private or Public.
KEITH: Of course, Democrats in Congress and the Obama administration don't see it that way. They say these bills and others will create jobs. Donohue is less optimistic. He says small business owners can't get the capital they need to grow. Others are struggling just to stay afloat. Many larger corporations actually have plenty of cash.
Mr. DONOHUE: But they're sitting on it. They cannot in good faith and responsibility to their shareholders incur the heavy obligations of expanding and adding to the payroll at this time.
Expanding Payroll and Responsibility to Shareholders - It isn't just the wealthy that are shareholders anymore but a mix of wealthy & middle class folks who own stock. Corporate responsibility is, if we are to believe the Supreme Court's recent decision, is like any other citizen. First responsibility is to our family and next our neighbors. When a corporation succeeds we all succeed but success is not unreasonable profit but sustaining profit especially in downturns. Of course you can't expand payroll without a well thought out plan but that requires wise management and some effort planning - get with it guys.
KEITH: And that's how you get stagnant job growth. Small businesses are the biggest engines of job creation, but most owners are like Jim Wordsworth. He hasn't hired anyone in two years. Wordsworth owns several small businesses, including a catering company that supplies food for White House events like the Easter Egg Roll.
Mr. JIM WORDSWORTH (Owner, JR's Goodtimes): I don't like the atmosphere in here. They're gray clouds of a business, and it's just a dark day.
Gray Clouds - What better time to plant crops?
KEITH: What is it going to take for you to hire again?
Mr. WORDSWORTH: I guess, if there was one word I would use, I would use confidence. I just have lost confidence in so many things.
Loss of Confidence - We have all lost confidence in a congress built on one group trying to get things done after an administration that put us in two unnecessary wars, increased the deficit beyond even the "Off The Books" wars, and brought this economy (the strongest in the world) to it's knees with lack of regulation and turning a blind eye to the sinking economy. And, by the way at the same time gave away over a trillion dollars in tax breaks to the wealthy, corporations (some Foreign) while not creating jobs in this country but over seas.
KEITH: One thing Wordsworth says would really help is also at the top of the chamber's agenda. A series of Bush-era tax breaks are set to expire at the end of this year, and the chamber wants them extended, at least for a couple of years.
Bush Tax Break Extension - How in he heck will tax breaks for the wealthy help when there is so much uncertainty and lack of confidence and no demand from the masses for lack of money. Wouldn't it be better to extend unemployment and have that money hit the streets. Does this sound familar
Stan Anderson is leading up the chamber's jobs campaign.
Mr. STAN ANDERSON (Legal Adviser, U.S. Chamber of Commerce): We'd like the president to say that that's the policy they're going to follow. We think that would have an enormous psychological impact.
Psychological Impact - Sure Stan that will perk up the economy. Reward the investors in stock while homeowners are losing $20, $50, $100 thousand in their only investment in their homes.
KEITH: The chamber's jobs strategy also calls for reducing the regulatory burden on businesses, cutting the deficit, expanding exports, even allowing more logging in national forests.
Regulatory Burden - Sure like the unbearable burden on BP (A foreign firm) who still cut corners and caused the death of it's workers, wasted a huge quantity of oil, and have fouled the environment for years to come.
Cutting the Deficit - Do they really think extending the Bush Tax Cuts will reduce the deficit? Did they think not putting the "Cost of War" in the budget helped the deficit or just hid it from view.
Expanding Exports - What are we going to export? Goods made in China back to China?
Logging in National Forests - Teddy Roosevelt must be turning over in his grave. Part of what makes this country great has been the conservation of it's wilderness and scenic recreational areas. I've seen "Old growth" forests and believe me it's isn't just the spotted owls that we should save those forests for but for places like the redwoods, or Constitution Grove of trees as old or older that the Constitution and other great parks.
President Obama held his own meetings with business leaders today to talk about what the administration can do to encourage employers to start hiring again.
What President Obama and Congress SHOULD do - If corporations refuse to plan better and invest in this country President Obama should call for major government projects in partnership with companies both large and small to lead us to energy independence just as John Kennedy led us to the moon.
Tamara Keith, NPR News, Washington.
How could anyone in their right mind believe that illogical, proven wrong theory any longer. I heard things that any thoughtful, self respecting middle income citizen knows deep inside is pure bunk, as in bunko.
Here is the transcript with credit to National Public Radio, Talk of the4 Nation, Robert Siegel, Michelle Norris and Tamara Keith the interviewer. This transcript can be found here
The following is a transcript with comments in Yellow
Chamber Of Commerce Calls Out Obama On Jobs
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted a jobs summit in Washington this afternoon and posted an open letter demanding that something be done to improve the business climate.
NPR's Tamara Keith reports.
TAMARA KEITH: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce building is virtually across the street from the White House, there's a small park between them, and the building is plastered with these giant red, white and blue banners that spell out the word: jobs. It's a not-so-subtle reminder of what is quickly becoming the Obama administration's Achilles' heel, and it was a rallying cry at today's summit.
Jobs - The Chamber and it's members need to first answer this question. "Do you see jobs or maximization of profits as your first concern?"
Mr. TOM DONOHUE (President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce): The need to create more than 20 million new jobs for America over the next 10 years, it's why we're here today.
The Real Demands of the Chamber - Is that really why you're here Mr. Donohue or are you here to demand lower or no regulation, no serious efforts to seek alternate energy and deny climate change, or is it lower taxes on the wealthy.
KEITH: Tom Donohue is president of the chamber. In his keynote address, he said the climate for business these days is bad, and recent actions by Congress and the White House are making matters worse. He points to health care reform, financial regulation and talk of climate change legislation.
Mr. DONOHUE: And all of this has injected tremendous uncertainty into our economy, and uncertainty is the enemy of investment, of growth and of jobs.
Uncertainty I - Investor uncertainty isn't about the economy but rather the confidence in the management of the companies they are being asked to invest in. When Steve Jobs illness was in the news it affected Apple. A company I worked for whose stock dropped dramatically was a market leader but when their main money maker had defects from lack of testing the stock went from about $60 to somewhere around $2.
Uncertainty II- is also caused by market demand or perceived demand for a companies products. When people (the average blue or white collar) cannot find work demand drops (as we can see today) and companies layoff more workers. Keeping the Bush tax breaks for the wealthy does nothing to improve demand for products and smart companies will not grow until demand rises with more employment either Private or Public.
KEITH: Of course, Democrats in Congress and the Obama administration don't see it that way. They say these bills and others will create jobs. Donohue is less optimistic. He says small business owners can't get the capital they need to grow. Others are struggling just to stay afloat. Many larger corporations actually have plenty of cash.
Mr. DONOHUE: But they're sitting on it. They cannot in good faith and responsibility to their shareholders incur the heavy obligations of expanding and adding to the payroll at this time.
Expanding Payroll and Responsibility to Shareholders - It isn't just the wealthy that are shareholders anymore but a mix of wealthy & middle class folks who own stock. Corporate responsibility is, if we are to believe the Supreme Court's recent decision, is like any other citizen. First responsibility is to our family and next our neighbors. When a corporation succeeds we all succeed but success is not unreasonable profit but sustaining profit especially in downturns. Of course you can't expand payroll without a well thought out plan but that requires wise management and some effort planning - get with it guys.
KEITH: And that's how you get stagnant job growth. Small businesses are the biggest engines of job creation, but most owners are like Jim Wordsworth. He hasn't hired anyone in two years. Wordsworth owns several small businesses, including a catering company that supplies food for White House events like the Easter Egg Roll.
Mr. JIM WORDSWORTH (Owner, JR's Goodtimes): I don't like the atmosphere in here. They're gray clouds of a business, and it's just a dark day.
Gray Clouds - What better time to plant crops?
KEITH: What is it going to take for you to hire again?
Mr. WORDSWORTH: I guess, if there was one word I would use, I would use confidence. I just have lost confidence in so many things.
Loss of Confidence - We have all lost confidence in a congress built on one group trying to get things done after an administration that put us in two unnecessary wars, increased the deficit beyond even the "Off The Books" wars, and brought this economy (the strongest in the world) to it's knees with lack of regulation and turning a blind eye to the sinking economy. And, by the way at the same time gave away over a trillion dollars in tax breaks to the wealthy, corporations (some Foreign) while not creating jobs in this country but over seas.
KEITH: One thing Wordsworth says would really help is also at the top of the chamber's agenda. A series of Bush-era tax breaks are set to expire at the end of this year, and the chamber wants them extended, at least for a couple of years.
Bush Tax Break Extension - How in he heck will tax breaks for the wealthy help when there is so much uncertainty and lack of confidence and no demand from the masses for lack of money. Wouldn't it be better to extend unemployment and have that money hit the streets. Does this sound familar
Stan Anderson is leading up the chamber's jobs campaign.
Mr. STAN ANDERSON (Legal Adviser, U.S. Chamber of Commerce): We'd like the president to say that that's the policy they're going to follow. We think that would have an enormous psychological impact.
Psychological Impact - Sure Stan that will perk up the economy. Reward the investors in stock while homeowners are losing $20, $50, $100 thousand in their only investment in their homes.
KEITH: The chamber's jobs strategy also calls for reducing the regulatory burden on businesses, cutting the deficit, expanding exports, even allowing more logging in national forests.
Regulatory Burden - Sure like the unbearable burden on BP (A foreign firm) who still cut corners and caused the death of it's workers, wasted a huge quantity of oil, and have fouled the environment for years to come.
Cutting the Deficit - Do they really think extending the Bush Tax Cuts will reduce the deficit? Did they think not putting the "Cost of War" in the budget helped the deficit or just hid it from view.
Expanding Exports - What are we going to export? Goods made in China back to China?
Logging in National Forests - Teddy Roosevelt must be turning over in his grave. Part of what makes this country great has been the conservation of it's wilderness and scenic recreational areas. I've seen "Old growth" forests and believe me it's isn't just the spotted owls that we should save those forests for but for places like the redwoods, or Constitution Grove of trees as old or older that the Constitution and other great parks.
President Obama held his own meetings with business leaders today to talk about what the administration can do to encourage employers to start hiring again.
What President Obama and Congress SHOULD do - If corporations refuse to plan better and invest in this country President Obama should call for major government projects in partnership with companies both large and small to lead us to energy independence just as John Kennedy led us to the moon.
Tamara Keith, NPR News, Washington.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Let Them Eat Dirt - Republicans to the Unemployed
For all the talk by the Republican't Party about Barack Obama being all eloquent words, about lecturing, about being a celebrity, about naivety, and the rest who is it that simply will not lift a finger for those in need?
The Republicans refuse to allow the majority to pass a supplemental unemployment bill. The Republicans, in fact, seem to only care about extending the Bush Tax Cuts to the wealthiest people in and out of this country. Yes, I did say out of this country. How many multinational corporations benefited from the Bush tax cuts...?
The Republicans refuse to allow the majority to pass a supplemental unemployment bill. The Republicans, in fact, seem to only care about extending the Bush Tax Cuts to the wealthiest people in and out of this country. Yes, I did say out of this country. How many multinational corporations benefited from the Bush tax cuts...?
"the tax package had grown into a massive giveaway that will add to the complexity of the tax system and end up rewarding multinational companies that move jobs overseas. " ~ MSNBC
"President Bush signed into law late Friday $136 billion in corporate tax breaks, including a one-year reduction from 35 percent to 5.25 percent on foreign profits for U.S. multinationals. The provision was strongly backed by the technology industry despite criticisms that the break rewards corporations that outsource jobs overseas. "... "The final version of the bill also eliminated efforts by Democrats to attach anti-off shoring provisions to the legislation. " ~ Roy Mark (IT MANAGEMENT online)
What will it take for the Independents, Libertarians and Tea Bagger Supporters who think they are grassroots to realize their grass is being spiked with Roundup® and being killed. Those people could give a flying flip about anything other than a vote even if it means destroying the country.
It's not really the original Country Club Republicans but the John Birch Society, blowhards, one issue haters of government that captured the Republican Party and are holding it hostage not to help the country but to destroy a good administration trying to help the average American who is lost in the rush to maximize profits no matter the costs or collateral damage.
It's not really the original Country Club Republicans but the John Birch Society, blowhards, one issue haters of government that captured the Republican Party and are holding it hostage not to help the country but to destroy a good administration trying to help the average American who is lost in the rush to maximize profits no matter the costs or collateral damage.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
GTL - Gun Toting Liberals Mass at Town Hall
Palin Forced to Leave Stage Under Heckler Heat
Curly Alexander
CBC Staff Writer
One of the LRR (Liberal Ready Reserve) when asked if his 357 magnum was loaded said, "Of course it's loaded otherwise it is just a hunk of metal."
One placard depicted 1/2 Gov Palin drenched in oil and the words spill baby spill, That group is called SPOIL (Sarah Palin's Oil)
Other liberals shouted Palin down when she mentioned "Redistribution" of wealth shouting out we are already doing that and it's all being redistributed up to the wealthy and waving a placard saying "That's why they call them wealthy all of our money goes up"
Sarah Palin finally gave up trying to speak took a sip from he bendy straw and left on her private helicopter shooting down into the crowd with a Bear Rifle.
Absurd isn't it! Of course none of this happened or will ever happen.
I think it's sad that today the conservative minority keeps working on the notion that civil discourse is bad, frenzy is imperative to keep their troops in line. They are embracing racism, sexism, fanatic militias and fostering tyranny against the government we the people elected. They even call the effort to help the less fortunate "socialism" as if socialism is the same as communism.
So a group of people meet at a community building to discuss issues in their community and work together to solve problems. The fringe Republicans call that socialism, communism, Nazism. The world is coming to an end what will we do.
That group of people is the Grange:
How does it sound? watch this video created by Politico.Com VIDEO: Town hall heckler highlights - Politico Staff - POLITICO.com
Curly Alexander
CBC Staff Writer
Sarah Palin speaking at a town hall in South Carolina had to walk through a crowd of liberals holding signs saying she was the anti-Christ. Other liberals in the crowd were openly carrying pistols.
One of the LRR (Liberal Ready Reserve) when asked if his 357 magnum was loaded said, "Of course it's loaded otherwise it is just a hunk of metal."
One placard depicted 1/2 Gov Palin drenched in oil and the words spill baby spill, That group is called SPOIL (Sarah Palin's Oil)
Other liberals shouted Palin down when she mentioned "Redistribution" of wealth shouting out we are already doing that and it's all being redistributed up to the wealthy and waving a placard saying "That's why they call them wealthy all of our money goes up"
Sarah Palin finally gave up trying to speak took a sip from he bendy straw and left on her private helicopter shooting down into the crowd with a Bear Rifle.
Absurd isn't it! Of course none of this happened or will ever happen.
I think it's sad that today the conservative minority keeps working on the notion that civil discourse is bad, frenzy is imperative to keep their troops in line. They are embracing racism, sexism, fanatic militias and fostering tyranny against the government we the people elected. They even call the effort to help the less fortunate "socialism" as if socialism is the same as communism.
So a group of people meet at a community building to discuss issues in their community and work together to solve problems. The fringe Republicans call that socialism, communism, Nazism. The world is coming to an end what will we do.
That group of people is the Grange:
The Grange, is a fraternal organization for American farmers that encourages farm families to band together for their common economic and political well-being. Founded in 1867 after the Civil War, it is the oldest surviving agricultural organization in America, though now much diminished from the over one million members it had in its peak in the 1890s through the 1950s. In addition to serving as a center for many farming communities, the Grange was an effective advocacy group for farmers and their agendas, including fighting railroad monopolies and advocating rural mail deliveries. Indeed, the word "grange" itself comes from a Latin word for grain, and is related to a "granary" or generically, a farm.
Whether it's the grange, or any other community group it is NOT "socialism" it's just common concern.
Hecklers are a conservative tactic much like a child holding their breath because they didn't get what they wanted. Now like sore losers all they can do is shout, intimidate, threaten, and lie.
Hecklers are a conservative tactic much like a child holding their breath because they didn't get what they wanted. Now like sore losers all they can do is shout, intimidate, threaten, and lie.
How does it sound? watch this video created by Politico.Com VIDEO: Town hall heckler highlights - Politico Staff - POLITICO.com
Monday, July 5, 2010
How to Save the Economy
I just happened to be flipping through the Channels and came upon Charlie Rose talking to Paul Krugeman PhD. While I wonder how ideas form and take on a life of their own, I do know it happens best when all the distractions are eliminated. I guess kind of like a retreat or a time to think our own thoughts.
I listened as doctor Paul Krugman talked and wondered why the thoughts he expressed rang such a strong clang in my head and stopped wondering why he won the Nobel Prize. Mr Krugman while an academic did not sound like an "Ivory Tower" theoretical professor but like a thoughtful analyst looking for answers in a morass of information and historical fact.
We look at the economy today and hear calls for belt tightening austerity as if spending less will solve the problem. Doctor Krugeman disagrees in his article titled Myths of Austerity and in the more at depth interview with Charlie Rose makes a cogent and fact based argument against austerity as the answer.
Sadly, however, he also points out that austerity sounds good to conservative politicians and the remedy will never be addressed by congress. We all respond with our own proclivities and ingrained beliefs in crisis much like self defense mechanisms we exhibit in our daily lives it is no different in this case.
Myths about economic policy are much like "old wives tales" and quack medicine. People try something - it seems to work - it becomes a hard belief. The odd thing about austerity theory is that it doesn't work if you believe in growth that keeps pace with the population.
Some people see cutting back as being the same thing as efficiency and waste reduction and that just isn't the case. Debt (their concern) is not just caused by spending but it is also caused by decreased revenue.
The crux of this issue and our economy is not spending (by the government) but lack of spending by our consumers. It is true! The causes are many and include outsourcing, two wars, the decline of our educational system and work force , loss of the innovation edge, etc.
Jobs is the best indicator and lack of investment in the future and short sighted corporate management follow closely.
Maximizing profit replaced growth and market share back in the 1990's and smaller more profitable ventures were seen as "hot" and constant but moderate companies lost favor. Consistently strong but non-flashy companies continue on today doing well but not always making flashy profits.
If we want to lead the world we cannot abdicate by shrinking our economy but we must have a national priority for job growth and company leadership enrichment.
Confidence in this economy will not happen if we "turn tail and run" hunkering down and thinking we can save our way out of debt. We MUST improve revenue, strengthen business practices, award innovation, create opportunity, inventory our resources, and create a plan for the future. It will cost money but the growth that follows will soon over shadow the debt if we do it right.
Entitlement programs will decrease as jobs are created and we can reverse and minimize dependence on Medicaid in the future.
We are on the verge of success or failure what we do as a country will determine the outcome.
I listened as doctor Paul Krugman talked and wondered why the thoughts he expressed rang such a strong clang in my head and stopped wondering why he won the Nobel Prize. Mr Krugman while an academic did not sound like an "Ivory Tower" theoretical professor but like a thoughtful analyst looking for answers in a morass of information and historical fact.
We look at the economy today and hear calls for belt tightening austerity as if spending less will solve the problem. Doctor Krugeman disagrees in his article titled Myths of Austerity and in the more at depth interview with Charlie Rose makes a cogent and fact based argument against austerity as the answer.
Sadly, however, he also points out that austerity sounds good to conservative politicians and the remedy will never be addressed by congress. We all respond with our own proclivities and ingrained beliefs in crisis much like self defense mechanisms we exhibit in our daily lives it is no different in this case.
Myths about economic policy are much like "old wives tales" and quack medicine. People try something - it seems to work - it becomes a hard belief. The odd thing about austerity theory is that it doesn't work if you believe in growth that keeps pace with the population.
Some people see cutting back as being the same thing as efficiency and waste reduction and that just isn't the case. Debt (their concern) is not just caused by spending but it is also caused by decreased revenue.
The crux of this issue and our economy is not spending (by the government) but lack of spending by our consumers. It is true! The causes are many and include outsourcing, two wars, the decline of our educational system and work force , loss of the innovation edge, etc.
Jobs is the best indicator and lack of investment in the future and short sighted corporate management follow closely.
Maximizing profit replaced growth and market share back in the 1990's and smaller more profitable ventures were seen as "hot" and constant but moderate companies lost favor. Consistently strong but non-flashy companies continue on today doing well but not always making flashy profits.
If we want to lead the world we cannot abdicate by shrinking our economy but we must have a national priority for job growth and company leadership enrichment.
Confidence in this economy will not happen if we "turn tail and run" hunkering down and thinking we can save our way out of debt. We MUST improve revenue, strengthen business practices, award innovation, create opportunity, inventory our resources, and create a plan for the future. It will cost money but the growth that follows will soon over shadow the debt if we do it right.
Entitlement programs will decrease as jobs are created and we can reverse and minimize dependence on Medicaid in the future.
We are on the verge of success or failure what we do as a country will determine the outcome.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Timelines Do Make Sense in the Big Picture
Peter Feaver in a blog for foreignpolicy.com says,
It makes me wonder about wars and timelines, boots on the ground, strategy and tactics. Still it has never been stated clearly what the objective in in this or the war in Iraq. What is the goal and where does it fit into the National Goals and even further what are our National Goals?
What do we really want from government? This country was created to throw off the oppression of the English Kind George. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." one of the best-known sentences in the English language.
A lesser quoted but just as valid statement was this grievance against King George. "He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to civil power." The military is an honored, loved and respected part of our country but they do not set goals or strategy but they do participate in developing strategy and creating the tactics necessary to achieve our goals.
No one can or should criticize General McCrystal for expressing his passion and views about the execution of the war in Afghanistan. I would, in fact, expect him to fight for those views. The problem is that he is part of a team of informed people and public statements disparaging the team was reckless and regrettable. Bringing the public into the debate only brings uninformed opinion and well intentioned but uninformed support creating a very fractured front for our country.
Timetables - With the economy of the US in critical condition, job creation slowly moving forward, people losing their homes and their investment in those homes and other pressing issues just how long can we afford to stay in Afghanistan and even better question why. 2...3....5...10...20...50. years? If half the money spent in Iraq and Afghanistan had been invested in public/private investment in technology, housing, manufacturing we would be a much stronger country with a bright future.
Knowing when to quit is not a sign of loss when we understand the full reason this country exists and the responsibilities of our government to we the people. There is a time to say we cannot spend our future and our wealth to fight a war with a few thousand gangsters while people are losing homes and jobs and self respect in this country.
Believe it or not most people just want to do their job, run their business and live a good life with their families and friends. They want a hamburger or hot dog at the beach, mountains, lakes or backyard and a few laughs. They want to better themselves, do sports, shop, eat out, see good entertainment, create beautiful, abstract, impressionistic art, race cars and smile.
Of course it isn't so easy to forget 9/11 but we need to understand the horror and inhuman acts we the acts of individuals not Iraq or Afghanistan or the Muslim faith. Hunt down the terrorists but we don't need a "Nuclear Bomb to kill and Ant".
What we do need is to get our people back on their feet working and back in their homes smiling.
Timelines in this case Mr. Feaver are necessary for our country to find solid ground and the reason we are a great country "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness"
Timelines Do Make Sense in the "Big Picture" for our country.
"In short, the timeline made no military sense, no strategic sense, and little political sense -- except in partisan terms of enabling Obama to shift any blame from a potential failure from himself to the military. Clarifying who insisted on the timeline and who is merely accepting it is a useful function in an otherwise less-than-dramatic congressional hearing. "
It makes me wonder about wars and timelines, boots on the ground, strategy and tactics. Still it has never been stated clearly what the objective in in this or the war in Iraq. What is the goal and where does it fit into the National Goals and even further what are our National Goals?
What do we really want from government? This country was created to throw off the oppression of the English Kind George. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." one of the best-known sentences in the English language.
A lesser quoted but just as valid statement was this grievance against King George. "He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to civil power." The military is an honored, loved and respected part of our country but they do not set goals or strategy but they do participate in developing strategy and creating the tactics necessary to achieve our goals.
No one can or should criticize General McCrystal for expressing his passion and views about the execution of the war in Afghanistan. I would, in fact, expect him to fight for those views. The problem is that he is part of a team of informed people and public statements disparaging the team was reckless and regrettable. Bringing the public into the debate only brings uninformed opinion and well intentioned but uninformed support creating a very fractured front for our country.
Timetables - With the economy of the US in critical condition, job creation slowly moving forward, people losing their homes and their investment in those homes and other pressing issues just how long can we afford to stay in Afghanistan and even better question why. 2...3....5...10...20...50. years? If half the money spent in Iraq and Afghanistan had been invested in public/private investment in technology, housing, manufacturing we would be a much stronger country with a bright future.
Knowing when to quit is not a sign of loss when we understand the full reason this country exists and the responsibilities of our government to we the people. There is a time to say we cannot spend our future and our wealth to fight a war with a few thousand gangsters while people are losing homes and jobs and self respect in this country.
Believe it or not most people just want to do their job, run their business and live a good life with their families and friends. They want a hamburger or hot dog at the beach, mountains, lakes or backyard and a few laughs. They want to better themselves, do sports, shop, eat out, see good entertainment, create beautiful, abstract, impressionistic art, race cars and smile.
Of course it isn't so easy to forget 9/11 but we need to understand the horror and inhuman acts we the acts of individuals not Iraq or Afghanistan or the Muslim faith. Hunt down the terrorists but we don't need a "Nuclear Bomb to kill and Ant".
What we do need is to get our people back on their feet working and back in their homes smiling.
Timelines in this case Mr. Feaver are necessary for our country to find solid ground and the reason we are a great country "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness"
Timelines Do Make Sense in the "Big Picture" for our country.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
A fool and his country are soon parted
Do you like to be treated like a fool? Do you know how often valid concerns are turned into invalid opinion? Perhaps the biggest "corruption in politics" isn't about the corruption most of us think about; bribes, lobbyists, back room deals but the corruption that allows black to become white and pink becomes purple. It's a tool used effectively today in politics called the "directed survey." It's usually built on unsubstantiated statements, insinuation, false premise and inflated priority.
Those who use this tool are after one thing, creating a false and misleading impression and a survey that is skewed.
Perfect example of a directed survey with a strong anti-Obama bias is this conservative survey.
Those who use this tool are after one thing, creating a false and misleading impression and a survey that is skewed.
Perfect example of a directed survey with a strong anti-Obama bias is this conservative survey.
| 1) | What is your opinion of President Obama? |
| Favorable Unfavorable This is a perfectly fair opinion question. | |
| 2) | Do you believe President Obama was right in letting BP manage the oil spill disaster? |
| Right Not right This is an example of a directed question where the question. "Letting BP Manage the disaster" assumes the Obama Administration did nothing and sat on their thumbs allowing the disaster to get out of control. The fact is, once the disaster began, it was beyond the control of anyone. It also assumes the management of the disaster overshadows the cause giving the survey taker President Obama somehow was involved in the cause, was responsible for the the immediate response to the blowout, and the plan of action to stop the leak. You do realize, of course, this comes from the same people who whine about government interference and regulation and - God Forbid - takeover of business. | |
| 3) | How would you rate President Obama's handling of the disaster? |
| Excellent Good Fair Poor Did President Obama twiddle his thumbs? An industrial disaster happens and who is responsible? | |
| 4) | Do you believe BP's political donations to the Obama campaign have been a factor in how the President handled the matter? |
| Yes, it played a role. No, it didn't play a role. I doubt it but do you think the fact that more in contributions went to Republicans like Joe Barton who apologized to BP for Barack pushing hard on BP to set up an escrow. So who's contribution looks like it was a bribe? | |
| 5) | Have the media been much more lenient on President Obama than on President Bush with the Katrina disaster? |
| Yes, more lenient on Obama. No, it's been about the same. Actually I think harder in many ways. A lot of sludge washed up on Obama that was not deserved and he acted immediately to determine the severity. | |
| 6) | In the 2008 election between McCain-Palin and Obama-Biden, whom did you vote for? |
| McCain-Palin Obama-Biden Other So what do you think they want to know this? To see if the Oil spill had an effect on Obama's popularity. Why ? So they would know whether to drive this message harder or back off. If you want to know more about the government response and The President's Actions read several sources and don't be led like sheep to the "Greener Pastures" of "Trickle Down economic robbery" |
Saturday, June 5, 2010
My Mass E-mail from President Obama
I know a lot of what any politician says is orchestrated and while I realize this probably is not much different, it seems a lot different because rather than putting a glossy face on the tragedy President Obama gave me, at least, a more specific look at how devastating the Deep Water Horizon crisis really is for all of us and those on the coast in particular. To call this unprecedented disaster an "oil spill" really has softened the truth into a lie.
I wanted to pass on these comments from President Obama:
I wanted to pass on these comments from President Obama:
"Paul,
Yesterday, I visited Caminada Bay in Grand Isle, Louisiana -- one of the first places to feel the devastation wrought by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. While I was here, at Camerdelle's Live Bait shop, I met with a group of local residents and small business owners.
Folks like Floyd Lasseigne, a fourth-generation oyster fisherman. This is the time of year when he ordinarily earns a lot of his income. But his oyster bed has likely been destroyed by the spill.
Terry Vegas had a similar story. He quit the 8th grade to become a shrimper with his grandfather. Ever since, he's earned his living during shrimping season -- working long, grueling days so that he could earn enough money to support himself year-round. But today, the waters where he has worked are closed. And every day, as the spill worsens, he loses hope that he will be able to return to the life he built.
Here, this spill has not just damaged livelihoods. It has upended whole communities. And the fury people feel is not just about the money they have lost. It is about the wrenching recognition that this time their lives may never be the same.
These people work hard. They meet their responsibilities. But now because of a manmade catastrophe -- one that is not their fault and beyond their control -- their lives have been thrown into turmoil. It is brutally unfair. And what I told these men and women is that I will stand with the people of the Gulf Coast until they are again made whole.
That is why, from the beginning, we have worked to deploy every tool at our disposal to respond to this crisis. Today, there are more than 20,000 people working around the clock to contain and clean up this spill. I have authorized 17,500 National Guard troops to participate in the response. More than 1,900 vessels are aiding in the containment and cleanup effort. We have convened hundreds of top scientists and engineers from around the world. This is the largest response to an environmental disaster of this kind in the history of our country.
We have also ordered BP to pay economic injury claims, and this week, the federal government sent BP a preliminary bill for $69 million to pay back American taxpayers for some of the costs of the response so far. In addition, after an emergency safety review, we are putting in place aggressive new operating standards for offshore drilling. And I have appointed a bipartisan commission to look into the causes of this spill. If laws are inadequate, they will be changed. If oversight was lacking, it will be strengthened. And if laws were broken, those responsible will be brought to justice.
These are hard times in Louisiana and across the Gulf Coast, an area that has already seen more than its fair share of troubles. The people of this region have met this terrible catastrophe with seemingly boundless strength and character in defense of their way of life. What we owe them is a commitment by our nation to match the resilience they have shown. That is our mission. And it is one we will fulfill.
Thank you,
President Barack Obama"
Thursday, June 3, 2010
(fill in the blank) baby (fill in the blank)
Drill baby Drill
Barack Obama gave in a little to the howls of Sarah Palin's self-aggrandizing Drill baby Drill and ended up drilled by the Spill baby Spill. While some say it is his Katrina event I believe the public knows who caused the spill, who has the equipment to fix the spill, and who has the means and can clean it up. Now we need Seal baby Seal
On April 20, 2010, an explosion on the rig left eleven crewmen dead. The resulting fire could not be extinguished, and on April 22, 2010, the rig sank, leaving the well gushing, causing an oil spill that has been considered to be the largest ever in the U.S.
On April 30, 2010 Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced that Admiral Thad Allen would serve as the National Incident Commander for the federal government's response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Wall Street, Madoff, Enron, and the beat goes on...
Kill baby Kill & Bill baby Bill
We are still in Iraq a totally senseless waste of lives based in lies and fear. At the same time Blackwater, Halliburton, KBR and others soaked the taxpayers for billions.
NO baby NO
The Republican't Party has become dead weight dragging down the government as much as possible perhaps Barack and We the People can leap tall buildings if he can get the Nay baby Nay party off of his back.
I guess the thing that bothers me is that catchy slogans are not what we need in government or our lives. We all need to think baby think with our own brains and not the words of hate-mongers, Radio & TV street corner preachers, viral e-mail false messages and even some of our friends. There is no excuse for shirking the responsibility we all have for having an open mind.
Meanwhile spring is here and grab some grub and your favorite tea, soda, beer or wine set up the BBQ and Grill baby Grill
I'm don't mean Enhanced Interrogation when I say Grill baby Grill
Barack Obama gave in a little to the howls of Sarah Palin's self-aggrandizing Drill baby Drill and ended up drilled by the Spill baby Spill. While some say it is his Katrina event I believe the public knows who caused the spill, who has the equipment to fix the spill, and who has the means and can clean it up. Now we need Seal baby Seal
On April 20, 2010, an explosion on the rig left eleven crewmen dead. The resulting fire could not be extinguished, and on April 22, 2010, the rig sank, leaving the well gushing, causing an oil spill that has been considered to be the largest ever in the U.S.
On April 30, 2010 Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced that Admiral Thad Allen would serve as the National Incident Commander for the federal government's response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Steal baby Steal[Drill baby Drill] The issue saw increased coverage as president George W. Bush in July 2008 lifted a 1990 executive order by George H.W. Bush banning offshore drilling, while at the same time calling for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
As of August 2008, a 1981 federal ban is still in place, making Bush's action a symbolic gesture. The issue of offshore drilling became central in the 2008 presidential election, not least because of the oil price increases since 2003. It is also being debated in terms of both environmental issues and U.S. energy independence. As of September 2008, President Barack Obama is for limited offshore drilling as part of an extensive energy independence overhaul.
Wall Street, Madoff, Enron, and the beat goes on...
Kill baby Kill & Bill baby Bill
We are still in Iraq a totally senseless waste of lives based in lies and fear. At the same time Blackwater, Halliburton, KBR and others soaked the taxpayers for billions.
NO baby NO
The Republican't Party has become dead weight dragging down the government as much as possible perhaps Barack and We the People can leap tall buildings if he can get the Nay baby Nay party off of his back.
I guess the thing that bothers me is that catchy slogans are not what we need in government or our lives. We all need to think baby think with our own brains and not the words of hate-mongers, Radio & TV street corner preachers, viral e-mail false messages and even some of our friends. There is no excuse for shirking the responsibility we all have for having an open mind.
Meanwhile spring is here and grab some grub and your favorite tea, soda, beer or wine set up the BBQ and Grill baby Grill
I'm don't mean Enhanced Interrogation when I say Grill baby Grill
Friday, May 28, 2010
Get that President a Wetsuit
Lets reduce the size of government and hold them responsible for poor decisions made by private corporations while at the same time reducing the government's ability to regulate.
I don't care who is responsible for the oil spill but I do care that it gets cleaned up and that this kind of disaster never occurs again.
Bill Nelson when asked about the cozy relationship between Minerals Management Service and Oil companies responded by saying the relationship was "incestuous". Then went on to talk about "breaking up" the agency. The question seems a bit obvious to me me but is anyone talking about criminal prosecution of the Oil companies for offering the bribes and influencing the MMS decisions. Why is it the focus is on government only when there is a crime instigated by the corporations who bribe the government people. Tough enforcement of this type of crime never seems to be an option. Why is it destroying the lives of millions of people and killing some creates less of an outrage against theses criminals that a shoplifter of a pack of twinkies?
I don't like the finger pointing even when it's at George Bush I do care about solutions. Who is responsible. All of us, for allowing our government and business leaders to drag their feet in working toward alternate solutions to oil.
Who is best equipped to solve the current problem? Where was the industry-wide response. Where was Shell, Mobile, and all the other offshore oil companies; where was T. Boone Pickens?
So the way some people talk we should send Barack Obama down with a wetsuit to fix it and have Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reed cleaning the shore with scouring pads. Isn't it ironic that the Republican outrage is focused on the government when it is their own pet industry is the problem.
Meanwhile let's all grab a dish towel and head for the Gulf of Mexico or better yet start planning better and reduce our oil consumption. Perhaps we can get some Crayfish and Crude Etouffee.
I don't care who is responsible for the oil spill but I do care that it gets cleaned up and that this kind of disaster never occurs again.
Bill Nelson when asked about the cozy relationship between Minerals Management Service and Oil companies responded by saying the relationship was "incestuous". Then went on to talk about "breaking up" the agency. The question seems a bit obvious to me me but is anyone talking about criminal prosecution of the Oil companies for offering the bribes and influencing the MMS decisions. Why is it the focus is on government only when there is a crime instigated by the corporations who bribe the government people. Tough enforcement of this type of crime never seems to be an option. Why is it destroying the lives of millions of people and killing some creates less of an outrage against theses criminals that a shoplifter of a pack of twinkies?
I don't like the finger pointing even when it's at George Bush I do care about solutions. Who is responsible. All of us, for allowing our government and business leaders to drag their feet in working toward alternate solutions to oil.
Who is best equipped to solve the current problem? Where was the industry-wide response. Where was Shell, Mobile, and all the other offshore oil companies; where was T. Boone Pickens?
So the way some people talk we should send Barack Obama down with a wetsuit to fix it and have Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reed cleaning the shore with scouring pads. Isn't it ironic that the Republican outrage is focused on the government when it is their own pet industry is the problem.
Meanwhile let's all grab a dish towel and head for the Gulf of Mexico or better yet start planning better and reduce our oil consumption. Perhaps we can get some Crayfish and Crude Etouffee.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tea Party Logic Fails
They scream they want smaller government yet with the BP oil spill they rant about how the government is doing nothing (not true). So do they want less government or more? Do they want more regulation or less? The Bush era loaded the government with "hands off" managers and regulators who allowed the decimation of the forests and now the destruction of the gulf.
The tea Party and Republicans are blaming the Obama Administration for their failures to protect the environment. It appears as if they never understood "the Environment" meant the fishing industry and coastal tourism. Did they think all the energy in the world would make up for the loss of income for all those on the coast?
It is about time for these people to stop and think beyond their sound bites and come to grips with what small government really means - no protection for the common person in this country.
Can we afford to complain and not support our government? Are we becoming a bi-polar, short sighted group of malcontents? Chris Mathews can't understand why other oil companies are not asked to help out and I wonder if he knows that multi-national oil companies have zero allegiance to the US.
A strong country with the support of its people could cope with huge issues and yet the supposed "patriots" are ranting about "bringing down the government" or taking back "their country" as if two thirds of our citizens are the enemy. It is all male bovine waste and what they call common sense is really either hindsight or mimicked talking points espoused by the radical right who look at the common folk as surfs.
So, we have a problem created by corporate greed and these clowns blame Barack Obama and government as if he specifically told BP, Haliburton and Transocean LTD. to screw up and cause a spill.
Well I need to let my blood pressure get back to normal (JK) and close.
The answer is stronger regulation and a strong government that really gives a flying flip for the country's best interests.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Elena Kagan and the Keystone Republican't Cops
Does it bother anyone that President Obama can't talk without us hearing how the world will come to an end if anyone agrees with him? I suppose if you are sliding over a cliff you will grasp at anything initially and then claw at rock until your finger bleed as you are at the brink.
Senator Jeff Session, the ranking Republican on the committee, told George Stephanopoulos he wasn’t so sure; “This is a confirmation process not a coronation." S here we have one Senator insinuating what? Why the talk of Coronations and Czars coming from the party of wealth and power?
Frank Lutz is the savvy wordsmith of the darkside that got it right about what most Americans hate these days his only problem it happens to be the arrogant Republican't jerks he represents. So Frank designed a tapestry of oft repeated points for getting poor and middle income people to "Hate Government" it goes something like this.
Repeat early and often these sayings:
"Big Government" = to take your eye off the real bureaucracy "Big Business"
"Czar, Coronation..." = To make you think of government as a dictatorship
"Cram/Ram/Stuff down your throats" = Make majority opinion appear something akin to rape.
"Socialism, Fascism, any-ism" = Something other than Democracy
"The Democrat Party" = we can't have people confusing democracy with "Those People"
"The Elite/Intellectual" vs "Common Sense" = So you believe Democrats are aloof snobs while listening to Republican't aloof snobs tell you what to do.
"Tax & Spend Liberals" = So you can't see the Republican't party has been "Spend and Bankrupt the Country Conservatives"
Sure the country is upset, so much so, some people are preparing for the "End of Days" with great delight while stocking up on guns, food, gasoline and other supplies for some vague catastrophic event that will wipe out mankind. Why do you need all of this for the end of the world? Is it to kill everyone in sight while waiting to die?
But back to Kagen
Elena Kagan has a superb record of legal accomplishment yet the buzzards are out pecking. I don't mind intelligent comment and I do consider Jeff Sessions an intelligent person after listening to his questioning of Halliburton at the Senate hearing on the BP oil spill, but really what kind of logic can you credit him with after comparing Kagen to Abdul.Senator Jeff Session, the ranking Republican on the committee, told George Stephanopoulos he wasn’t so sure; “This is a confirmation process not a coronation." S here we have one Senator insinuating what? Why the talk of Coronations and Czars coming from the party of wealth and power?
Frank Lutz is the savvy wordsmith of the darkside that got it right about what most Americans hate these days his only problem it happens to be the arrogant Republican't jerks he represents. So Frank designed a tapestry of oft repeated points for getting poor and middle income people to "Hate Government" it goes something like this.
Repeat early and often these sayings:
"Big Government" = to take your eye off the real bureaucracy "Big Business"
"Czar, Coronation..." = To make you think of government as a dictatorship
"Cram/Ram/Stuff down your throats" = Make majority opinion appear something akin to rape.
"Socialism, Fascism, any-ism" = Something other than Democracy
"The Democrat Party" = we can't have people confusing democracy with "Those People"
"The Elite/Intellectual" vs "Common Sense" = So you believe Democrats are aloof snobs while listening to Republican't aloof snobs tell you what to do.
"Tax & Spend Liberals" = So you can't see the Republican't party has been "Spend and Bankrupt the Country Conservatives"
Sure the country is upset, so much so, some people are preparing for the "End of Days" with great delight while stocking up on guns, food, gasoline and other supplies for some vague catastrophic event that will wipe out mankind. Why do you need all of this for the end of the world? Is it to kill everyone in sight while waiting to die?
But back to Kagen
From Andy Borowitz ~ "Howling in protest over Obama Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan’s lack of judging experience, leading Republicans today urged the President to withdraw Kagan and instead nominate Paula Abdul.
“The American people have had years of watching Paula’s judging expertise, and they know that she is fair,” said Sen. Jeff Sessions (R., Ala.), top Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee."
I look at the legacy the Republicant's gave us with John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Antonin Scalia, Sam Alito and see something other than justice something akin to the phrase "gimme, gimme, gimme" with no understanding of what it means struggle in life.
Thee used to be a value in apolitical thought that was more concerned with right thinking and not right leaning.
So far Barack Obama has nominated two people to the Supreme Court both are even handed and better represent moderate thought and both have been blasted by the Republican'ts as unqualified even though both are extremely qualified and highly intelligent.
I read the comment Jeff Sessions made and wondered if he is expressing thoughts better said about Clarence Thomas and never got a chance to say.
Late news - BP, Transocean and Halliburton in a Ménage à trois made in hell.
Ménage à trois ~ In contemporary usage, the meaning of the term has been extended to mean any living relationship between three people, whether or not sex is involved, but the term retains its suggestive quality.
Thee used to be a value in apolitical thought that was more concerned with right thinking and not right leaning.
So far Barack Obama has nominated two people to the Supreme Court both are even handed and better represent moderate thought and both have been blasted by the Republican'ts as unqualified even though both are extremely qualified and highly intelligent.
I read the comment Jeff Sessions made and wondered if he is expressing thoughts better said about Clarence Thomas and never got a chance to say.
Late news - BP, Transocean and Halliburton in a Ménage à trois made in hell.
It has been a day of finger-pointing at the first Senate hearing on what caused the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion. None of the men representing the three companies — BP, Transocean, and Halliburton — have wanted to admit total responsibility for what caused the accident on April 20, which resulted in 11 deaths, and in 4,000 square miles of oil contaminated water in the Gulf of Mexico.
Friday, April 30, 2010
There is No Comparison - At All
The Business Insider said,
How could anyone compare the two incidents in severity, loss of life, timeliness of the response?
"It's been argued that Hurricane Katrina was one of George W. Bush's biggest organizational failures, for the tragedy was allowed to fester on for way too long before his much-vaunted homeland security apparatus sprang into action.Will the oil spill in the gulf -- which some suspect could be worse than Exxon Valdez -- be the equivalent for Barack Obama?"
How could anyone compare the two incidents in severity, loss of life, timeliness of the response?
While George Bush did not cause the storm or create the circumstances of Katrina his administration did have an awful lot to do with the response and lack thereof. How many days did we see people dying at the Superdome and not even get transportation to a safer place or food and assistance?
Then comes a great BP corporate disaster in lives and environmental/economic losses. And what has been the response? First I must say to those who keep harping on how terrible regulations are not just for off-shore drilling, finance and mining but a myriad of business ventures that perhaps a little more regulation would help rather than cripple business. Business men at the top of these organizations are powerful but they are no more competent than government in being effective.
Then comes a great BP corporate disaster in lives and environmental/economic losses. And what has been the response? First I must say to those who keep harping on how terrible regulations are not just for off-shore drilling, finance and mining but a myriad of business ventures that perhaps a little more regulation would help rather than cripple business. Business men at the top of these organizations are powerful but they are no more competent than government in being effective.
"The Response To The Oil Spill So Far
Posted by Robert Gibbs on April 30, 2010 at 09:51 AM EDT
Ed. Note: This post was updated at 3:45PM.
The response to the BP Oil Spill began as an emergency search and rescue mission by the U.S. Coast Guard and other partners on April 20. Concurrently, command center operations were stood up immediately in the Gulf Coast to begin also addressing the environmental impact of the incident.
The morning after the explosion, Secretary Salazar deployed Deputy Secretary Hayes down to the gulf to assist with coordination and response to the incident.
The Administration immediately began holding regular calls with BP leadership and numerous senior-level meetings have been held between the administration and BP to discuss BP’s response effort and federal oversight and support.
The National Response Team (NRT), an organization of 16 federal departments and agencies responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness and response to oil and hazardous substance pollution incidents was quickly activated and a coordinated group of federal partners—including the United States Coast Guard, Departments of Homeland Security, Commerce, Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency—immediately began directing and overseeing BP’s response.
The President immediately began actively monitoring the incident and consulting on the response. The President has been in contact with all the governors of the states that may be affected and ordered that the administration use every single available resource at our disposal.
The Department of Defense is fully integrated into the DHS-led team and fully supportive of all response activities. Navy assets have been involved since day #1, and DOD continues to offer and prepare to offer what is needed as the situation develops.
The Secretary of Defense has approved a request for two C-130 aircraft with Modular Aerial Spray Systems (MASS), which are currently en route to the affected area. The Coast Guard has requested assistance from the Department of Defense for these aircraft.
These aircraft dispense the same dispersant chemical being used by BP and the federal responders. Each system is capable of covering up to 250 acres per flight with three flights per aircraft per day.
Additionally, in direct support of the Coast Guard under an existing pollution clean-up and salvage operations agreement, the Navy is providing a variety of oil pollution control equipment. The Navy has sent thousands of feet of inflatable oil boom with mooring equipment, several skimming systems, related support gear, and personnel to support oil spill response efforts. Naval Air Station Pensacola is serving as a staging facility for Coast Guard contractor-provided equipment.
Early on, the President directed responding agencies to not only devote every resource to respond to this incident but to also determine its cause. Earlier this week, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar laid out the next steps for the investigation.
The President has also dispatched Secretary Napolitano, Secretary Salazar, EPA Administrator Jackson, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Policy Carol Browner and NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco to the Gulf Coast to ensure all is being done to respond to this oil spill.
DHS Secretary Napolitano announced that this incident is of national significance, the Department of Interior has announced that they will be sending SWAT teams to the Gulf to inspect all platforms and rigs and the EPA is conducting air monitoring activities to gather information on the impact of the controlled burn on air quality.
By the Numbers To Date:
Personnel were quickly deployed and 1,900 have been responding to protect the shoreline and wildlife—hundreds more than yesterday.
Approximately 75 response vessels have been responding on site, including skimmers, tugs, barges, and recovery vessels to assist in containment and cleanup efforts—in addition to dozens of aircraft, remotely operated vehicles, and multiple mobile offshore drilling units.
More than 217,000 feet of boom (barrier) have been deployed to contain the spill—an increase of more than 40,000 feet since yesterday. An additional 305,000 feet is available.
20,313 barrels (853,146 gallons) of an oil-water mix have been recovered—an increase of 90,000 gallons since yesterday.
139,459 gallons of dispersant have been deployed—an increase of more than 40,000 gallons since yesterday. An additional 51,000 gallons are available.
Six staging areas (Biloxi, Miss., Pensacola, Fla. Venice, La., Pascagoula, Miss. and Theodore, Ala., and Fourchon, La.) were set up to protect sensitive shorelines—an increase of 1 since yesterday. "
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The real "Death Panels" Insurance Companies
"I mean, people have access to health care in America. After all, you just go to an emergency room." ~ G.W.Bush, 7/10/07.
The way Sarah Palin squawked about "Death Panels" you would think she didn't realize we already have them and they are administered by Insurance Companies. The real death panels are "certain rules" adopted by those we had trusted to keep us safe.
Insure - to do something in order to prevent something unpleasant from happening or from affecting you.
By excluding us from coverage too many people lose everything including their lives from lack of adequate care. When we have no coverage or coverage was dropped there is no true option other than letting an illnes fester until the Emergency Room is the only option and then in many cases it is too late, all other patients pay for the Dr./Hospital losses and many die.
So what are the real "Death Panels?" I found this on the web.
Which Can Cause Denial of Health Insurance Coverage | |||
| Abnormal PAP Smear | Heart and/or Lung Transplants | Quadraplegia | |
| This composite list is by no means exhaustive. These are just SOME of the reasons for denial of medical coverage. It was compiled from conditions listed by Anthem (Blue Cross), Assurant, CIGNA, and Kaiser. "Undiagnosed symptoms" is my favorite. That covers everything. | |||
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