Valley Stream, New York

Valley Stream sounds nice don't you think? The Internet is so interesting because you can look up these places (think back to the nice resident in Grosse Pointe Farms) that are in the news.

Valley Stream is not a poor place, but not rich either. From the web:

The median income for a household in the village is $103,243, and the median income for a family is $110,585. Males have a median income of $80,094 versus $56,260 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $66,334. About 1.0% of families and 1.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.4% of those under age 18 and .4% of those age 65 or over.

Do folks making $100k really need to stand out in the cold and darkness, working themselves into a lather? A lather that results in a good ol' fashioned trampling.

Ho Ho Ho and Other Random Thoughts

What will a Walmart-shopping parent in Long Island tell his kid when he doesn't like his or her gift on Christmas Day? Perhaps he or she will say, "play with the plastic doo-dad since I trampled-to-death someone for it!"

In Arizona we have an 8 year old who killed his dad and dad's friend by shooting them. Apparently he was keeping track of how many spankings he received and when he got to 1,000 then dear ol' dad was goners. Bang, bang your dead. What to do with this kid?

I watched football Americano today and saw a commercial for Cadillac Escalade about every 3 minutes. Apparently they have unlimited funds over there at GM. Perhaps they could use that money to retool a factory faster so they can bring the Volt to market in less than 2 years (scheduled for November 2010.)

President-Elect Obama is smart to keep Gates in charge of the Pentagon. Not because he has done such a bang-up job (all puns intended), but because they have all agreed to get out of Iraq and he is in the best position to give this some momentum.

As Moses would say, "Guns don't kill people, 8 year olds kill people."

Black Friday

Ho Ho Ho!

Apparently shoppers at Walmart's Valley Stream store on Long Island (sounds lovely don't you think?) couldn't be bothered to stop their activities, even though they trampled a man to death. Reportedly people refused to leave even after being told that an employee had been trampled and died.

Trampled!

Two guys in Palm Desert, CA shot each other. They both died, but thankfully killed no one else. It would have been perfect except for the trauma to small children. But, at least only the doers are dead. Idiots.

Back to Walmart......here is betting that the family of the part-time temporary employee sues Walmart......and wins. Totally unreasonable. There was security, but can there really be enough to account for 2,000 people who completely lose their humanity, not to mention any common sense whatsoever?

What would added security have done? Were they going to shoot the rabid shoppers as they broke through the doors? I think not.

The only reasonable thing to do is to study the video, identify people using credit card receipts, and by interviewing everyone of them, sweat'em until they tell who and what they saw and prosecute everyone of them for killing that man.

What retailers can do is stop this crazy system of ridiculous deals at 4 a.m. so that people aren't afforded an opportunity to show their absolute worst. The retailers aren't at fault, but they now know for certain the Black Friday shoppers are potential killers.

Thanksgiving

It is a tough year and uncertain times, yet we have much for which to be thankful. It is reasonable to think about the wonderful people and things for which we can be thankful.

In order to not be to sappy I offer this: I am thankful that I am not a Detroit Lions fan.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Partisanship Revisited

It is popular to say we want the partisan politics to stop yet most everyday, regular Joe's that I hear or read sound more partisan than government officials. Americans, all of us, need to grow up - we have grown up problems that require the dedication of all behind our elected officials.

Being in Scottsdale for work is a different slice of life. At lunch yesterday I heard two people (they pulled up in a Mercedes - I know as I was on the patio) discussing the impending Obama administration and that he will take us to socialism. Wow, successful people ignoring the facts.

For example, this from Reuters:

Bush administration officials continue to extend massive life support efforts to the ailing U.S. financial system. The Federal Reserve on Tuesday announced a $600 billion program to buy mortgage-related debt and securities, and a $200 billion program to increase the availability of consumer debt, such as credit cards and auto loans. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson urged patience and said any effort will take time to work.

My point is, if the electorate, even apparently successful types, can't read and understand what is truly happening, then we have "a tough row to hoe" as they say.

Cash is King

Maybe, just maybe, this financial meltdown will have an upside. Apparently Americans are paying for Christmas presents with cash in lieu of credit cards. Good thinking. That would fall into the category of making some sacrifices.

We Americans can probably go a long time without having to buy a lot of things because we have everything already. It will be miserable for the retailers if we stop buying for a while, but it will be better in the long run.

I actually heard a commercial for a company and its lay-a-way plan. We were in Cabela's yesterday and we noticed they had a lay-a-way plan. I bet some of our kids don't even know what that is.

If Americans can learn to live within our means and somehow get away from our addiction to oil, we might just survive this mess.

(P.s. Lay-a-way is an antiquated way to buy something. You give the store money, sort of a down payment and they hold the merchandise for you. Then over time you bring them more money until you have paid for it in full. At that glorious moment you get to take the item home for personal use.)

Chapter 11

After deep contemplation and listening to too many talking heads, I have decided that we should encourage the auto companies to file Chapter 11. That way they can restructure with a different management group (this group should be fired for all sorts of stupidity, the least of which was flying to DC on corporate jets - separate ones at that). They can also walk away from the whole union pay-benefit fiasco. If the workers don't want to work for a company that has realistic pay, O.T., and benefits, then they can go to work somewhere else.

As to long retired folks and their benefits, pay, etc.? Well, welcome to the real world. I would actually prefer the government "bail" them out rather than the companies themselves.

Any way, use some government money to help suppliers who are screwed if the "big 3" fail.

As a side note, should they really be called the "big 3" any more? Isn't Toyota the top dog now? Can't be long before Toyota, Honda, and ?? are the "big 3."

Tough Job But Someone's Gotta Do It (thank God)

Barack Obama is working to pick his cabinetry - okay...a bad use of the word. Seems to be taking the right amount of time.

So far I like that the far left is getting a little restless with his choices - they must be good. Beyond that it is difficult to decide how he is doing. I am sort of new to this supporting a Democrat thing - usually I would just automatically dislike all of them for being.....well....Democrats.

I can say this, I like the choice of Janet Napolitano, Governor of AZ, as the head of Homeland Security. I also like the choice of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State. Two smart ladies. Hillary probably brings a bit of "Bill Baggage" but Obama can only get so many people who are from outside the federal government. If you needed dental work, wouldn't you pick someone who knew dentistry? Of course you would.

I dislike the choice of Thomas A. Daschle (S.D.) for secretary of health and human services. However, I do like that he was able to get under Rush's skin a few years ago; so much so that as I recall Rush called Daschle the devil. Still, he is an extremely partisan player and it seems like there are others as qualified and more moderate that could have taken the position. Plus, he never seems like the sharpest tool in the shed. Keep with the brains.

I need to consider them next time as a whole group.

One other note, it is good that he met with John McCain and also that he is trying to help Joe Lieberman - seems Barack meant what he said about working with the other side to fix problems.

What is Wrong With This Picture?

Nothing! Looks almost exactly like Laurie's Mini Cooper - a terrific little vehicle.

Oh.....this one happens to be an electric version. 500 zero emission vehicles headed for CA. Nice!

Private Jets

Totally unreasonable - the big shots for the Big Three Automakers (GM, Ford, Chrysler) flew on private jets to DC to ask for bailout money.

Are they kidding?

To make matters worse, the companies said this is a non-negotiable issue and their execs will continue to fly this way.

I say, "non-negotiable? See you later - no money until those planes are grounded, or better yet, sold."

Here Is the Inherent Problem

In two paragraphs from Reuters, here is the problem with the proposed bailout of the U.S. automakers:

"Ford expects significant fuel economy improvements with the 2010 Mustang GT and improved horsepower over the current version that gets about 22 miles per gallon on the highway. But it will still be gas-thirsty."

Ford and fellow U.S. automakers General Motors Corp and Chrysler -- which is owned by private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management LP -- were in Washington on Tuesday to plead for a $25 billion U.S. government bailout package.

Tough to just say NO, especially if you are a President-Elect and the Unions delivered votes your way. But, if this money is given, then those statements above need to be reconciled and no person there should be getting any bonuses or golden parachutes.

....This Just In - Again and Again.......

Stevens lost - finally. Now I hope he doesn't waste any precious Alaskan resources on a recount. That money could be used to better keep an eye on the Russians.

The sad truth is that Stevens was the longest sitting Republican Senator in our history and now a convicted felon. He was also a big time grabber of the pork. I'll give this to McCain, and McCain only, he is a Republican who says he doesn't go for the pork, and actually doesn't go for the pork. The rest are full of it.

Talking Heads

Last night I was at the gym (trying to get in tip top shape so I can eat and drink too much over the holidays) riding the Elliptical.

I was watching CNBC and they were discussing the merits of the bailout, auto industry bailout, etc. I couldn't hear what they were saying as I was listening, thankfully, to the Mighty Led Zeppelin, but I could see the transcript on the screen.

Basically, the transcript was a worthless jumble of unreadable words and what I saw was 4 guys flailing their arms and yelling. I didn't see any thoughtful contemplative looks like maybe they were considering what each other was saying. I figure they are probably all broke, having lost all their money in the market. These so-called experts certainly didn't teach anyone anything of importance.

Total, unreasonable waste of expensive airtime. Thank God for the IPOD.

....This Just In - Again.......

Alaskans who voted early apparently are going to swing this vote for the Senate in the favor of Mark Begich, the Democratic Mayor.

Stevens, the Convicted Criminal, is holding out hope that some other absentee ballots need to be counted and that they will bring him back to the top. What an idiot. Totally unreasonable.

Stay tuned........

California Vacation

California gets a bad rap from the rest of America. However, we just spent 4 days there and I have some observations:

1. We went to a park on Mt. San Jacinto. One had to ride a tram to get there or you could hike to the 8,500 elevation instead. We rode. What is interesting is that I didn't see one bottle, can, plastic bag, etc. lying on the ground. Not one - must be important to them to see pristine lands.
2. I didn't see one person, not one, driving and talking on a cell phone. I am sure they were using hands-free, but at least they could control their car. My son tells me that there is research to show that hands-free users are just as distracted. Probably true, but if they need two hands, they have them.
3. The windmill farm near Palm Springs powers the whole area. They aren't the coolest looking things, but neither is a brown cloud like we have here in Phoenix. Bottom line is the things spin as needed and power the 5 or 6 communities in the area. Nice!
4. We trekked around a preserve that in just 4,500 acres allowed us to experience desert, rocky ridges, marsh land, trees, local bushes and plants. Oh, and I didn't see one single bottle or can on the ground there either.

So while California has probably earned some of its ridicule, I have to say that it was a very satisfying place to travel and spend some time. Nice trip.

.......This Just In........

Senator Stevens of the the Russian-watching state of Alaska is now behind by 800 votes as the mail-in vote is still being counted.

Think about this: Some percentage of the mail in vote would have been already cast when Stevens was convicted yet they appear to be voting for the Democrat in a higher percentage. That means that the people who went and cast votes at the polls AFTER he was convicted said they still wanted him. Shouldn't that have been reversed?

What does that say about the Alaskans?

Auto

Here is what I cannot stand - this is totally unreasonable - how to know what is the right thing to do about the auto industry? Bush-Paulson are tossing money all over the place so it seems likely they want to give it to the people who build the vehicles that suck up the oil they are all so enamored with.

Now they say they aren't all that interested in giving it to Detroit, but the Democrats do want to. Now we know why they want to - unions vote democratic, and Detroit is in Michigan and Detroit voted Democratic. Bush can draw a line in the sand, betting that the Dems will pick up the cause, thus making it so that Bush isn't the only socialist in the government.

The only thing is, how are we supposed to know what is the correct path? I did hear that President-Elect Obama talked about the bailout, but they have to agree to build more efficient vehicles. That sounds good, but I still am not sure if they are vital enough.

I guess if I was president, I would let them file Chapter 11, sell off bad parts, renegotiate benefits to retired automakers and current unionized workforce, and present a plan to design, build, and sell fuel efficient cars that most people really want to buy.

On the other hand, I just don't know how many jobs we can shed and still be a viable economic power. Over the last 8 years we have shed millions of jobs and the automakers still employ a great number of people. Totally unreasonable decision to have to make.

What's Good For GM.....

You remember the old saying, "what's good for GM is good for America?"

No longer true. GM, Ford, Chrysler.....all in trouble for complex reasons, and some simple reasons.

First, when the fairly new President George W. Bush gave tax CREDITS to people buying Hummers, etc. he basically screwed them into the ground. Sales of those vehicles blossomed, the economy moved along, and everyone was happy. Everyone except the people who couldn't stomach the cost to insure and put gas in those things.

Thus those folks bought Toyotas and Hondas. Vehicles which last, don't blow black smoke out the back end, and get 35+ miles per gallon. They cost less to insure, by a lot. Their maintenance cost is much less because the efficiency is incredible.

The complex issues have to do with people getting full salaries who haven't built a car in a very long time. What to do with them? Too complex for me to know. They are getting paid because they worked under those terms. They acted in good faith. However, it is easy to argue that they should have known that the unions were overstepping and getting concessions that would ultimately kill the company.

If we give them money, they will waste it. Short sighted folks are going to run out now and buy trucks they don't need, SUVs that will tote one person around 5 days a week, or status vehicles like Hummers. They will do this because the prices are down, gas is down temporarily, and they will say, "see, all will be okay and I am an American and I can drive this big rig if I want to."

Then GM, Ford, Chrysler will say, "see, the American populace wants these big rigs, we best build some more."

In the mean time, the Japanese will continue to build small efficient vehicles with zero emissions, great gas mileage, and the lowest cost of ownership in the business and the majority of Americans will buy them.

We will have tried desperately to save a dinosaur.

Hannity et al

What is wrong with these Conservative talking heads on a.m. radio and other media outlets? Are they trying to sound stupid? Everyday we are bailing out someone, and by "we" I mean this Republican administration and those of us who are allowing this to continue. Yet Hannity and the rest of the hate spewers are indicating that Barack Obama is going to take us to socialism and tax us to death. I saw a ridiculously condescending commercial for Hannity on TV last night. His IQ must be about 90 at best.

As usual, the more they talk, and the louder they talk, the more they think people will not question what they say. Sort of, "Rush must be right because listen to how loud he is talking and how angry he is."

My fellow Republicans - stand up and tell Hannity et al to SHUT UP! They are not helping to return the Republicans to favor. They are showing why the party got smoked; the electorate rejected the small mindedness of these hateful fear mongers.

Sheriff Joe

For those of you who are not from AZ, and have expressed interest in the "Toughest Sheriff in America" - Joe Arpaio won yet again. It seems he is slipping a bit as he only got about 55% of the vote, compared to high numbers in the past.

I know the media out here dislike him as do some readers of this blog. However, I have always liked his tough stance, even if there is some showmen in him. If you don't want to be humiliated in his jail, don't commit crimes. I like it.

Smart People

I watched "This Week with George Stephanopolous" on ABC this weekend, as I did leading up to the election. I always like to listen to George Will.

At any rate, this week George Will, Fareed Zakaria, Cynthia Tucker and David Gergen joined Stephanopolous. The discussion about Barack Obama's pending appointees was interesting because it seemed all of them, from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, seemed to agree that the important thing right now is to get smart people to join the administration.

Wouldn't that be nice? What a refreshing change from the current administration - BRAINS COUNT, not just partisan B.S. I believe President-Elect Obama can get it done; he seems to treat everything as an intellectual exercise.

All That is Old is Not Bad

This is interesting.



But, can you do Morse Code while driving your car at 75 MPH without looking at the road?

Alaska - What a Funny Place

First, Governor Palin made sure we knew that those pesky, tough Alaskans have our back. They are keeping their eyes on the Ruskies for the rest of us.

Now, for the first time in our history, the Alaskan electorate has (most likely any way) voted to put a convicted felon in the Senate. Are you kidding? How bad was the Democratic rival?

Stevens is the longest tenured Republican member of the Senate, and who wants to bet that he has been effective at getting dollars and prestige for Alaska, no matter what the Governor has said about earmarks.

Alaska, beautiful place I hear, filled with a totally unreasonable electorate.

Who Voted for Who

This is interesting. Republicans, I trust, will be studying this to see what direction in which they need to go next. Barack Obama was the first democrat with more than 50% of the vote in a long, long time, and it certainly qualifies as a mild landslide. Only old, White guys really went for McCain or it would have been even worse.

Obama McCain Other/No Answer

Vote by Sex
Male (47% of voters)
49%
48%
3%

Female (53% of voters)
56%
43%
1%

Vote by Age
18-29 (18% of voters)
66%
32%
2%

30-44 (29% of voters)
52%
46%
2%

45-64 (37% of voters)
50%
49%
1%

65-up (16% of voters)
45%
53%
2%

What is a Republican to do?

The old days for the Republicans are gone. Don't get me wrong, I think we will rise again. But it will require that the party decide what it wants to be.

Does it want to be the fiscally conservative group that believes people can solve problems better than government? Ronald Reagan fell into this group. He was also very socially conservative, but I never felt like he was preaching at me.

Does it want to be the loud, obnoxious group led by the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity or worse Karl Rove who was actually in the administration. Socially conservative (in speech any way) and big spenders, ala Bush. This wing of the party isn't very inclusive. If you don't agree with them, they yell and call you unpatriotic. They talk louder and louder.

It should be noted that the 2nd group couldn't deliver the vote. They lost too many of us from group one. I am a fiscally responsible person who would like for government to not be so intrusive. However, I also recognize that some government is necessary and that it isn't all bad.

The great Ronald Reagan is turning over in his grave. Not because Obama won (Ronnie always liked the guy who set a goal and achieved it), but because the "Reagan Revolution" is dead. Bush, Rove, et al killed it. Reagan Democrats voted Democrat. Its not your fault Ronnie -R.I.P.

I hope Republicans work hard with President Obama and the Democratic congress to get our problems solved. Show leadership not partisanship. Show the new voters, youth, women, and minorities that the Republican party cares about them and has something to offer them. The Republicans cannot continue to pander to the religious right and count on old White guys to deliver enough votes. It didn't work.

Class Act

John McCain garnered more respect in his beautiful speech conceding the election that at any other time I heard him speak. Powerful message. Yes, I know it is "traditional" to have such a speech, but rarely have I heard one delivered with the love of country that is so evident in the man.

His campaign team was all over the place and he got the most of the campaign as possible given the odds. Those odds were stacked against him by George W. Bush and his divisive group of administrators that have nearly destroyed the country.

So even the media darling John McCain and the "straight talk express" couldn't overcome that obstacle. Add to that, the Obama campaign machine, fueled by an average of $86 donation and thousands of volunteers, and McCain was done.

In losing, he taught his followers and indeed the country how to be a good loser. A leader indeed!

President-Elect Obama

What a fascinating time in American history. Certainly I didn't anticipate that a Black man, even half Black, would be elected President. When he and I were born, blacks didn't have the right to vote in this country. What a change.

Barack Obama will be under enormous pressure, being the first Black President. Being the "first" anything is tough. A woman will be next.

What we saw in Grant Park after he was elected, in terms of the crowd, was a microcosm of how he got elected. Young people, young women especially, and minorities were very enthusiastic and they voted. In the past, they didn't vote, but now they have been inspired. That alone is worth it.

Blacks make up less than 14% of our population, thus it isn't mathematically possible to argue that Blacks elected Senator Obama to the Presidency. That only tells a small part of the story. When you view the vote in rural areas of "Red" states, places where Bush got 60% of the vote, McCain only got 54% or so. That swing is in White, rural voters. Amazing, and bodes well for our country.

Pennsylvania, an area that was projected to be tough for the "elitist" Obama, went for him in a large way. Clearly McCain used his precious resources to gain that area, and failed.

The moral of the story is that change was needed and the young folks said, "enough already." Good for them.

Random Thoughts

Win or lose, John McCain is really amazing - how many 70+ year old people could go at his pace? Not many, especially with the world's most powerful job on the line. Wow.

We didn't have many ads here in AZ for president. I think the tone of the two I saw in the last two days tell the story - one, paid for and approved by Barack Obama didn't mention John McCain, only what he planned on doing as president to solve the problems we have. The other, presented and paid for by some nefarious sounding organization had a picture of Barack Obama with the word HATE written all over the background and a video of the numskull Rev. Wright in one of his rants. Incredibly divisive. HATE - really?

The stock market, since WWII has done best under a Democratic President - consistently. To be fair, ideally it is a Democratic President and Republican Congress that has had the best returns. Next best is Democratic President and Democratic Congress. The single most successful 8 years you ask? President - Bill "I never met an Intern I didn't like" Clinton and the Republican Congress.

Not much news from the NRA or other gun control stuff. Interesting, or maybe just true here in the wild, wild, west. However, the marriage stuff is hot. Ballots to ban gay marriage or to define in the constitution that marriage is a man and woman and lots of them. Millions spent here in AZ to duplicate something that is already legislated. Amazing.

We had a ballot initiative in AZ that basically said a person who doesn't vote counts as a no vote. What? The couch potato gets to be counted without voting - some idiot dreamed that one up.

I read that some voting instructions and voting material printed in Spanish had the wrong voting date. Too bad......or not.

Thank god it is almost over.

Obama's Grandmother

Amazing that the woman Barack Obama largely credits for his upbringing will not be able to celebrate his victory or console him in defeat. Life can be cruel.

Always a Great Day

What a privilege to be an American. There are many things that the rest of the world dislikes or hates about America, but we are definitely the envy of the people of the world in terms of elections. No matter who wins, the transition of power goes off in an orderly fashion. That is nearly unique to America.

(As a side note: I hope the people of Florida have learned how to vote - they are not the envy of anyone)

The campaign was way too long, expensive, and contentious. That must change and a simple limit of time will ease the expense and contentiousness.

At any rate, I was out early this morning and there was a lengthy line filled with well behaved people who didn't fight or complain or sling mud or anything else for that matter. When they came out of the school having voted, I noticed most were smiling.

Long lines means participation is up which can only be good for this country. People who are enfranchised are more likely to have a stake in our country and act accordingly. No matter the outcome of any race or initiative, it is a great day.

CEO - Bonuses

The bonuses that CEOs have received over the years really don't bother me - in other words, I think they have earned them when the company is doing well. Totally reasonable.

I ran a company with 250 employees and 5 locations in two states and that was a handful. I can only imagine the stress and responsibility for thousands of employees, multinational workforces, stockholders, SEC regulators, etc. Thus, no objection to their large salary and bonus structure.

Having said that, if they run the company at a deficit, they deserve to be fired without any more than a nominal separation package - not millions, maybe 3 months salary with no bonus. In other words they shouldn't do any better structurally than Joe the Plumber, Joe Blow, Joe Six Pack, GI Joe, Bazooka Joe, or Joe Cool when they lose their job.

And, if they take any money from the bailout funds (read - you and me), then there are no bonuses for them or any person working at that company. If they don't like it, don't take the money from you and me. Period. The argument that they will leave and go work at a Private Equity firm is nuts - the PE people I know don't want these CEOs - they ran their company into the ground!

The Last Days Will Be Furtile For Bloggers

The last days of this contentious election period (more like an eon) will be very furtile. Must be how Tina Fey felt when Sarah Palin became the VP nominee.

This morning it is reported that a woman in the upscale Grosse Pointe Farms area (Michigan) refused to give candy on Halloween to kids of Obama supporters. Yikes! Seems....well....pretty unreasonable to me.

Being the curious person that I am, this is what is written at the Grosse Pointe Farms official website:

"Grosse Pointe Farms is a beautiful, upscale, suburban community on the shores of Lake St. Clair in southeastern Michigan. Since its establishment in 1892, Grosse Pointe Farms has become one of the premier neighborhoods in the country. The Farms is recognized for excellence in its schools, the quality of its housing stock, the safety and welfare of its citizens and its commitment to the special enhancements that make a city a community."

Hmmm?

Now, do you suppose this woman (who actually posted a sign indicating her candy distribution policy on her lawn) is upset with Obama's policy, let's say on Afghanistan? Sort of, "Darn it all, Obama wants to focus on the hills between Afghanistan and Pakistan instead of Iraq, thus I should not give candy to those Obama supporter's 3 year old kid."

Occam's razor is a scientific idea that basically says, "all other things being equal, the simplest solution is the best." (I heard this in the terrific movie, Contact)

Applying the very smart Occam's principle - what is most likely to cause a person in "a beautiful, upscale, suburban community on the shores of Lake St. Clair in southeastern Michigan" to take this stance on Obama, his policies or something less reasonable?

Gotta Laugh!

Two truths:

You gotta laugh

You can't believe anything you see!

Auntie Obama

I suppose this will be the October Surprise for which McCain has been longing. Barack Obama's aunt is here illegally, living in a poor neighborhood of Boston. Not good.

Given his upside, I hope the October Surprise doesn't give someone the excuse they are looking for to not vote for the Senator. No way that Auntie Obama makes me long for 4 more years of Bush policy and the disastrous socializing of our economy under this administration.

Still, Obama should have known her status and dealt with this a long time ago.