Can anyone suggest some moderate Republicans to follow on twitter? I do want to know what they think. I now follow McCain and Gingrich. I will continue to follow Gingrich as a private citizen. McCain, as I have stated in the past, apparently has forgotten that he got trounced in the election. He never suggests any alternative to whatever he is bitching about so I quit following him. He is wasting my time and digital space.
As far as I can tell, he doesn't like "pork" projects and so 49 states get them and AZ doesn't. In the mean time, a well informed person with access to vital information spends his time whining and not offering any alternatives.
I want to hear from moderate Republicans and how they would do something different rather than just bitchin' and moanin'. Does one exist? Please tell me we Republicans have someone else to look to for the future.
I would prefer they keep their nose out of our personal business and beliefs and get back to worrying about fiscal responsibility for all, not just the lower and middle class folks, but also the banks, insurance companies, rich folks, etc. I want them to champion tort reform. Just think if George Bush and the Republican congress he had for 6 years had worked at true tort reform as hard as Obama is working on something he believes in - health care reform. If GWB had worked as hard on tort reform as Ronald Reagan did to reduce government size, we wouldn't have had U.S. Air paying some Imams who scared a plane full of people with their actions. Actions they knew that would cause fear among some fliers.
I don't want to spend all my time thinking about GWB, but until they put up a true reformer, GWB will be the face of the party and its excessive love for money and spite for those of us in the shrinking middle class and below.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Flight Security
The Dutch are now going to use the technology of full body scans. Good for them, good for the U.S. as they are doing this on flights bound for our country. It is crazy that we developed this technology and then don't use it because people on the extremes of the parties sponsored legislation banning the use.
Yes, a bi-partisan ban on the device that would have allowed TSA employees (or European counterparts) to see the explosives in the dude's underwear. This was sponsored by a conservative Republican who apparently thinks the workers would be studying and lusting over our "imaged" bodies. The co-sponsor is a liberal Democrat who thinks it is an invasion of rights. Really? I think the guy trying to blow up the plane is much bigger invasion of rights.
Times have changed folks, time to take threats seriously and to use whatever means necessary to provide security in a quick and efficient fashion. Perhaps some of the detractors just enjoy pat-downs. Totally unreasonable to jeopardize our lives when we have developed a superior, if not fail safe, technology.
Yes, a bi-partisan ban on the device that would have allowed TSA employees (or European counterparts) to see the explosives in the dude's underwear. This was sponsored by a conservative Republican who apparently thinks the workers would be studying and lusting over our "imaged" bodies. The co-sponsor is a liberal Democrat who thinks it is an invasion of rights. Really? I think the guy trying to blow up the plane is much bigger invasion of rights.
Times have changed folks, time to take threats seriously and to use whatever means necessary to provide security in a quick and efficient fashion. Perhaps some of the detractors just enjoy pat-downs. Totally unreasonable to jeopardize our lives when we have developed a superior, if not fail safe, technology.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Terrorists
The terrorist goes missing in his country. His father calls the U.S. Embassy and says he is worried that his kid has become radical and a threat. He is put on a list. Not the "No Fly" list.
Yesterday, two Muslims are on a flight to Phoenix on U.S. Air. They speak in a foreign tongue, go to the bathroom too long, and scare a lady to death so she complains of unusual behavior to the crew. Police, feds, etc. are called to meet the plane upon arrival in Phoenix.
What do these things have in common?
They point out how delicate this situation with flying and terrorists is and how it will stay that way. In the first case, the guy clearly should have been put on a "No Fly" list and his U.S. Visa taken away. That is it. Sorry buddy, no chance to appeal. Stay where you are. Even your parents are afraid of you.
The second case points out what will happen if we allow the first case to happen. We will all be detained, searched, probed, and be late every time we fly because someone will become afraid when confronted with an Arabic looking person, or any person of color from another country. We will be afraid because the "No Fly" list and other tools aren't used fully.
Add the other business problem: U.S. Air paid those Imams a few years ago who were chanting and praying and moving seats, etc. on a flight from Minneapolis to Phoenix. PAID. Now, do they want to confront these two guys speaking another language and scaring their other paying customer? You are the CEO - what do you tell the workers to do?
Reasonably, Congress should pass a law saying that if a person brings a legitimate concern to the flight crew, the airline company can act, and there will be no lawsuit allowed. Instant tort reform. Then Congress and the President will make the "No Fly" list mean just that. Even if we do all of these things and detain, search, probe all of us, there will be some dumb ass who will find a way to get something on board the plane, train, or automobile. Welcome to the 2010s.
Thank God that some guy wrestled that terrorist to the floor of the plane. Also good that the terrorist dude was the one to get burned. Idiot.
Yesterday, two Muslims are on a flight to Phoenix on U.S. Air. They speak in a foreign tongue, go to the bathroom too long, and scare a lady to death so she complains of unusual behavior to the crew. Police, feds, etc. are called to meet the plane upon arrival in Phoenix.
What do these things have in common?
They point out how delicate this situation with flying and terrorists is and how it will stay that way. In the first case, the guy clearly should have been put on a "No Fly" list and his U.S. Visa taken away. That is it. Sorry buddy, no chance to appeal. Stay where you are. Even your parents are afraid of you.
The second case points out what will happen if we allow the first case to happen. We will all be detained, searched, probed, and be late every time we fly because someone will become afraid when confronted with an Arabic looking person, or any person of color from another country. We will be afraid because the "No Fly" list and other tools aren't used fully.
Add the other business problem: U.S. Air paid those Imams a few years ago who were chanting and praying and moving seats, etc. on a flight from Minneapolis to Phoenix. PAID. Now, do they want to confront these two guys speaking another language and scaring their other paying customer? You are the CEO - what do you tell the workers to do?
Reasonably, Congress should pass a law saying that if a person brings a legitimate concern to the flight crew, the airline company can act, and there will be no lawsuit allowed. Instant tort reform. Then Congress and the President will make the "No Fly" list mean just that. Even if we do all of these things and detain, search, probe all of us, there will be some dumb ass who will find a way to get something on board the plane, train, or automobile. Welcome to the 2010s.
Thank God that some guy wrestled that terrorist to the floor of the plane. Also good that the terrorist dude was the one to get burned. Idiot.
Football
Okay - we all know that professional football has now replaced baseball as the national pastime. Too bad as I always loved that baseball doesn't employ a clock - where there is a will there is a way without a clock's limitations.
Now, to answer the question in my own head - who in football am I rooting for and why?
The Packers are my sentimental choice because once a Packer fan, always a Packer fan. Too bad they will probably play the AZ Cardinals in the first round. Would love to see both teams move past round one. Perhaps something crazy will happen and they won't meet in round one.
The Cardinals - historically the worst professional sports franchise in America. Ridiculous really. However, I admit that I jumped on the bandwagon last year as the lowly Cardinals made the most amazing run to the Super Bowl. Great game too. They get my fiscal vote for sure because hosting a game is great for the economy. Hosting two would be even better.
The Vikings - never been a fan, in fact, have always rooted against the purple. But, they have Favre, for all his faults, still one of the most exciting players to play the game - ever! Looks a little tired right now and might be too much to ask for a 40 year old to garner the energy needed. We shall see.
Unfortunately, all three teams are in the NFC, thus cannot meet in the Super Bowl.
Assuming that the planets don't align correctly, thus the Cardinals don't get a bye in round one, I believe they will play the Packers at home. If the Cardinals win, they will likely have to go on the road for game two. No economic impact there except perhaps beer and team gear sales.
So I vote for the Packers or Cardinals to make it to the NFC Championship game against the Vikings. Whichever team comes out of that scrum should beat whoever comes out of the other AFC. Would love to see the Packers against the Colts in the "big game."
Go Packers, Cardinals, Favre, in that order.
Now, to answer the question in my own head - who in football am I rooting for and why?
The Packers are my sentimental choice because once a Packer fan, always a Packer fan. Too bad they will probably play the AZ Cardinals in the first round. Would love to see both teams move past round one. Perhaps something crazy will happen and they won't meet in round one.
The Cardinals - historically the worst professional sports franchise in America. Ridiculous really. However, I admit that I jumped on the bandwagon last year as the lowly Cardinals made the most amazing run to the Super Bowl. Great game too. They get my fiscal vote for sure because hosting a game is great for the economy. Hosting two would be even better.
The Vikings - never been a fan, in fact, have always rooted against the purple. But, they have Favre, for all his faults, still one of the most exciting players to play the game - ever! Looks a little tired right now and might be too much to ask for a 40 year old to garner the energy needed. We shall see.
Unfortunately, all three teams are in the NFC, thus cannot meet in the Super Bowl.
Assuming that the planets don't align correctly, thus the Cardinals don't get a bye in round one, I believe they will play the Packers at home. If the Cardinals win, they will likely have to go on the road for game two. No economic impact there except perhaps beer and team gear sales.
So I vote for the Packers or Cardinals to make it to the NFC Championship game against the Vikings. Whichever team comes out of that scrum should beat whoever comes out of the other AFC. Would love to see the Packers against the Colts in the "big game."
Go Packers, Cardinals, Favre, in that order.
AZ Foolishness
All places have their local politics and most of it looks pretty silly, especially if you shine a big light on it. School Boards, local politics gone amok much of the time, have interesting power over our schools and what kids see and hear. Think about the school boards that banned the President from encouraging kids to stay in school.
In Phoenix, we have a school board that recently suspended a female choir director for taking her students to Hooter's for lunch. As I recall they were at an event downtown and one of the few places that could take a large group for lunch was Hooter's. Remember - the director is a woman. At any rate, she was suspended because she took her students to Hooter's for lunch - thus showing bad judgement according to the School Board.
In this morning's AZ Republic, newspaper to the 5th largest city in America, a citizen opined on this subject. He wrote:
"Regarding the decision to place Mary Segall, a choir director at Paradise Valley High School, on administrative leave for taking her class to Hooters for a meal:
You'd think Hooters was a strip club by the school board's reaction. Granted, Hooters waitresses are provocatively dressed. So what? This is an age-old method by businesses and organizations to draw attention to their product or service.
One could argue that high schools, colleges and professional sports programs essentially do the same thing. The only difference is they utilize cheerleaders in lieu of waitresses.
No crime was committed. No rule was broken. Nobody was harmed.
The school board should get a life, chill out, start worrying about important stuff and reinstate the teacher."
I copied this here because I couldn't say it better myself.
In Phoenix, we have a school board that recently suspended a female choir director for taking her students to Hooter's for lunch. As I recall they were at an event downtown and one of the few places that could take a large group for lunch was Hooter's. Remember - the director is a woman. At any rate, she was suspended because she took her students to Hooter's for lunch - thus showing bad judgement according to the School Board.
In this morning's AZ Republic, newspaper to the 5th largest city in America, a citizen opined on this subject. He wrote:
"Regarding the decision to place Mary Segall, a choir director at Paradise Valley High School, on administrative leave for taking her class to Hooters for a meal:
You'd think Hooters was a strip club by the school board's reaction. Granted, Hooters waitresses are provocatively dressed. So what? This is an age-old method by businesses and organizations to draw attention to their product or service.
One could argue that high schools, colleges and professional sports programs essentially do the same thing. The only difference is they utilize cheerleaders in lieu of waitresses.
No crime was committed. No rule was broken. Nobody was harmed.
The school board should get a life, chill out, start worrying about important stuff and reinstate the teacher."
I copied this here because I couldn't say it better myself.
Health Insurance Deal
Politics is the art of bargaining - always has, always will. In fact, without bargaining, as we have seen over the last 10 years, nothing good happens. Bargaining loosely equates to compromise. Having said that, the deal made by Ben Nelson, Democratic Senator from Nebraska is over the top. Usually these things don't seem so blatant.
As I have said many times, I believe the health system is broken and can only be repaired by reform created by government. Yes, I know the feds can't run anything properly, but neither can today's corporations. Apparently, our choices are inept government on one end or efficient criminal companies on the other. Given those choices, and the fact that a huge percentage of workers in this country are covered by a "public" option (military, ex-military, teachers, city/county/state/federal government, etc), I would rather have the inept government. That is sad, I might add, but true none-the-less.
As to Nelson's deal, hopefully that vote was needed for to get the bill out of the Senate. Once the bill is reconciled with the House version, then a simple majority vote is all that is needed. Perhaps then, Nelson will reconsider his position and the others will tell him that Nebraskans will pay like the rest of us.
As I have said many times, I believe the health system is broken and can only be repaired by reform created by government. Yes, I know the feds can't run anything properly, but neither can today's corporations. Apparently, our choices are inept government on one end or efficient criminal companies on the other. Given those choices, and the fact that a huge percentage of workers in this country are covered by a "public" option (military, ex-military, teachers, city/county/state/federal government, etc), I would rather have the inept government. That is sad, I might add, but true none-the-less.
As to Nelson's deal, hopefully that vote was needed for to get the bill out of the Senate. Once the bill is reconciled with the House version, then a simple majority vote is all that is needed. Perhaps then, Nelson will reconsider his position and the others will tell him that Nebraskans will pay like the rest of us.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Foreclosures
Sometimes the "gray-ness" of an issue is simply perplexing. A good place to look at the problem of the extremes.
There is a company called Litton Loan Servicing which is owned by Goldman Sachs. Yes, the Goldman that received billions in TARP, paid it back, and is now paying huge bonuses to bankers for the fine job they did. Hmmm.
The easy thing to do from the "feel sorry for the little guy" side is say that all these foreclosures that Litton is performing are a tragedy and that the bank should work harder to help owners stay in their homes. However, in the end, these folks made a decision to enter into a loan they couldn't afford. Goldman Sach's didn't make them do it, nor did the subsidiary Litton. I didn't either so I don't want to pay for their loan.
On the other extreme, it is easy to say what I just said and hold that this is the way a capitalistic society works. Work hard, make good decisions, be rewarded. However, in that many of the folks being foreclosed on lost their jobs due to the banking industry's arrogance and risky play, I begin to see the "gray."
Apparently reworking loans for people hurt by the near-depression caused by the careless Bush and his banking buddies isn't profitable for the banks and loan servicers. So what? Where is their pride in community? Their humanity? Where is there remorse for the lethal practices they perpetrated on the American economy?
Where is the outrage by the public not yet hammered by their practices? And, where is the courage to say to people who over extended and bought Hummers, summer homes, boats, etc. with phantom funds - so called equity in their homes - "you should have been a better consumer and recognized that this couldn't last."
As I said, no easy situation - very Gray. The extreme positions are untenable and unreasonable. Obama has acted pretty much like a centrist on most issues (no matter what Fox tries or the far liberal left tries to sell you.) As such, he probably could have got more movement from both sides to find a way to "fix" this situation, if congress didn't spend so much time dissing each other and the President himself. However, he is the President and he needs to somehow rise above the fray and "fix" it. Be a leader. That is the only reasonable thing to do.
There is a company called Litton Loan Servicing which is owned by Goldman Sachs. Yes, the Goldman that received billions in TARP, paid it back, and is now paying huge bonuses to bankers for the fine job they did. Hmmm.
The easy thing to do from the "feel sorry for the little guy" side is say that all these foreclosures that Litton is performing are a tragedy and that the bank should work harder to help owners stay in their homes. However, in the end, these folks made a decision to enter into a loan they couldn't afford. Goldman Sach's didn't make them do it, nor did the subsidiary Litton. I didn't either so I don't want to pay for their loan.
On the other extreme, it is easy to say what I just said and hold that this is the way a capitalistic society works. Work hard, make good decisions, be rewarded. However, in that many of the folks being foreclosed on lost their jobs due to the banking industry's arrogance and risky play, I begin to see the "gray."
Apparently reworking loans for people hurt by the near-depression caused by the careless Bush and his banking buddies isn't profitable for the banks and loan servicers. So what? Where is their pride in community? Their humanity? Where is there remorse for the lethal practices they perpetrated on the American economy?
Where is the outrage by the public not yet hammered by their practices? And, where is the courage to say to people who over extended and bought Hummers, summer homes, boats, etc. with phantom funds - so called equity in their homes - "you should have been a better consumer and recognized that this couldn't last."
As I said, no easy situation - very Gray. The extreme positions are untenable and unreasonable. Obama has acted pretty much like a centrist on most issues (no matter what Fox tries or the far liberal left tries to sell you.) As such, he probably could have got more movement from both sides to find a way to "fix" this situation, if congress didn't spend so much time dissing each other and the President himself. However, he is the President and he needs to somehow rise above the fray and "fix" it. Be a leader. That is the only reasonable thing to do.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Twas the Night........Tiger
While inevitable, still clever, and reasonable.
Tiger Woods' Holiday Poem
Twas the night of Thanksgiving and out of the house
Tiger Woods came a flyin', chased by his spouse..
She wielded a nine iron and wasn't too merry,
Cause a bimbo's phone number was in his Blackberry.
He'd been cheatin' on Elin, and the story progressed.
Woman after woman stepped up and confessed.
He'd been cheatin' with Holly, and Jaimee, and Cori,
With Joselyn, and Kalika. The world had the story.
From the top of the Tour to the basement of blues,
Tiger's sad sordid tale was all over the news.
With hostesses, waitresses, he had lots of sex,
When not in their pants, he was sendin' them texts.
Despite all his cryin' and beggin' and pleadin',
Tiger's wife went investin' -- a new home in Sweden.
And I heard her exclaim from her white Escalade,
"If you're gettin' laid then I'm gettin' paid."
She's not pouting, in fact, she is of jolly good cheer,
Her prenup made Christmas come early this year.
Tiger Woods' Holiday Poem
Twas the night of Thanksgiving and out of the house
Tiger Woods came a flyin', chased by his spouse..
She wielded a nine iron and wasn't too merry,
Cause a bimbo's phone number was in his Blackberry.
He'd been cheatin' on Elin, and the story progressed.
Woman after woman stepped up and confessed.
He'd been cheatin' with Holly, and Jaimee, and Cori,
With Joselyn, and Kalika. The world had the story.
From the top of the Tour to the basement of blues,
Tiger's sad sordid tale was all over the news.
With hostesses, waitresses, he had lots of sex,
When not in their pants, he was sendin' them texts.
Despite all his cryin' and beggin' and pleadin',
Tiger's wife went investin' -- a new home in Sweden.
And I heard her exclaim from her white Escalade,
"If you're gettin' laid then I'm gettin' paid."
She's not pouting, in fact, she is of jolly good cheer,
Her prenup made Christmas come early this year.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Pink Gloves
As always, I like to promote anything that has to do with breast cancer. I was asked to forward this link. Here it is. Enjoy!
https://webmail.west.cox.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.youtube.com%252Fwatch%253Fv%253DOEdVfyt-mLw
Totally reasonable.
https://webmail.west.cox.net/do/redirect?url=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.youtube.com%252Fwatch%253Fv%253DOEdVfyt-mLw
Totally reasonable.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Tort Reform
As I have opined many times in the past, I believe the health care reform should include some tort reform as well. There are many examples of crazy suits. Here is one that doesn't sound crazy - at least at first.
In northern AZ a police officer made an illegal u-turn on a state highway and was struck by a motorcyclist driving in the opposite direction. The motorcyclist was killed and the cop sustained minor injuries.
All with me so far? Sounds like a suit just waiting to be won. The killed motorcyclist was in his late 40s. His family did sue and they won $2.3M. Sounds like a lottery, doesn't it?
Can't blame the system for awarding the money, right?
Turns out that the motorcyclist had more than double the legal limit for alcohol in the blood system and also marijuana. So the moral of the story is this:
Even when one party is drunk and stoned when he dies, society wants to help them by rewarding money that currently belongs to an insurance company (as in this case), the government, or a big corporation. In other words, we as a society refuse to teach personal responsibility or to take responsibility for our own actions and then wonder why government officials are so irresponsible.
Totally unreasonable.
In northern AZ a police officer made an illegal u-turn on a state highway and was struck by a motorcyclist driving in the opposite direction. The motorcyclist was killed and the cop sustained minor injuries.
All with me so far? Sounds like a suit just waiting to be won. The killed motorcyclist was in his late 40s. His family did sue and they won $2.3M. Sounds like a lottery, doesn't it?
Can't blame the system for awarding the money, right?
Turns out that the motorcyclist had more than double the legal limit for alcohol in the blood system and also marijuana. So the moral of the story is this:
Even when one party is drunk and stoned when he dies, society wants to help them by rewarding money that currently belongs to an insurance company (as in this case), the government, or a big corporation. In other words, we as a society refuse to teach personal responsibility or to take responsibility for our own actions and then wonder why government officials are so irresponsible.
Totally unreasonable.
Disfunction
I have heard that the griping and partisan politics has always been bad in D.C. but I fail to believe it was ever this bad. Barack Obama ran on a platform that had at the center of it the reform of health care or at least insurance.
The Democratic, far left Liberals are unhappy about the Senate version of health reform because of limits on abortion funding and the lack of a public option. The Republicans, are just plain against anything that they perceive as pro-Obama. If Obama suggested that all Republican run businesses have their taxes cut in half, they would object and obstruct. The Conservative part of the Reps are just plain "out there."
What that leaves is either no reform or completely watered down reform which achieves very little. But some achievement is better than none. So whatever Obama can get out of this cowardly group, he should take. Then slowly add more features until we have something that will not bankrupt the country like the current non-system will.
Not sure why the liberals are pushing so hard for abortion to be included. While the majority of Americans support a woman's right to choose, that doesn't mean that most want to fund abortions. They would just rather not have the government intervene in their decision making about their own bodies or those of their loved ones.
The Democratic, far left Liberals are unhappy about the Senate version of health reform because of limits on abortion funding and the lack of a public option. The Republicans, are just plain against anything that they perceive as pro-Obama. If Obama suggested that all Republican run businesses have their taxes cut in half, they would object and obstruct. The Conservative part of the Reps are just plain "out there."
What that leaves is either no reform or completely watered down reform which achieves very little. But some achievement is better than none. So whatever Obama can get out of this cowardly group, he should take. Then slowly add more features until we have something that will not bankrupt the country like the current non-system will.
Not sure why the liberals are pushing so hard for abortion to be included. While the majority of Americans support a woman's right to choose, that doesn't mean that most want to fund abortions. They would just rather not have the government intervene in their decision making about their own bodies or those of their loved ones.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
2009 - The Year of the Unethical and Stupidity
2009 should be remembered for the lack of ethics and complete stupidity.
Begin with Tom Daschle, nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services didn't pay taxes. Tim Geithner, plausible (barely) story but still didn't pay his taxes. N.M. Governor Richardson withdrawing from nomination because of ethic concerns.
Not to be outdone, the Republicans had their normal idiocy. S.C Governor Mark Sanford admits to a long affair, one he used public money to fly to South America to have. Sarah Palin - Death Panels - I needn't say any more. Republican's invoking the names of Hitler and Saddam to describe the president's desire to address school kids and encourage them to stay in school. Oh My God How Will We Survive The Madness?
Sports guys being killed (Steve McNair) while having affairs, Tiger dropping unbelievably far as his dalliances become more broad (no pun intended) and numerous.
These are just a few of the crazy and unreasonable examples of the lack of ethics. Let us hope that 2010 sees an increase in these important areas.
I am sure you can think of a few hundred more examples and encourage you to leave a few in the comments.
Begin with Tom Daschle, nominee to head the Department of Health and Human Services didn't pay taxes. Tim Geithner, plausible (barely) story but still didn't pay his taxes. N.M. Governor Richardson withdrawing from nomination because of ethic concerns.
Not to be outdone, the Republicans had their normal idiocy. S.C Governor Mark Sanford admits to a long affair, one he used public money to fly to South America to have. Sarah Palin - Death Panels - I needn't say any more. Republican's invoking the names of Hitler and Saddam to describe the president's desire to address school kids and encourage them to stay in school. Oh My God How Will We Survive The Madness?
Sports guys being killed (Steve McNair) while having affairs, Tiger dropping unbelievably far as his dalliances become more broad (no pun intended) and numerous.
These are just a few of the crazy and unreasonable examples of the lack of ethics. Let us hope that 2010 sees an increase in these important areas.
I am sure you can think of a few hundred more examples and encourage you to leave a few in the comments.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tiger Again
Tiger has been a very busy boy apparently over the years. The longer this drags on, the more he will be harmed by this.
I personally think he will channel his energies into golf - not good news for Phil, Ernie, Padraig, etc. Jack Nicklaus' records are going to fall as Tiger entrenches himself in what he does well - golf. He apparently is bad at marriage and family, and seems smart enough to know that. His only reasonable response will be to be the best golfer by a bigger margin that he already was.
I personally think he will channel his energies into golf - not good news for Phil, Ernie, Padraig, etc. Jack Nicklaus' records are going to fall as Tiger entrenches himself in what he does well - golf. He apparently is bad at marriage and family, and seems smart enough to know that. His only reasonable response will be to be the best golfer by a bigger margin that he already was.
The Peace Prize
I have read that conservatives have chosen to ignore Barack Obama's speech, instead just continue to pan the choice for a new president. I have read the whole speech, and as usual with Obama, there is something for everyone.
What I took away from it is that he totally gets the complaints, and might even agree. But, being a leader means using whatever means to try to move people in a particular direction. He has delievered yet another fabulous speech.
Statements from the speech that should thrill the conservatives (if they were honest:)
"Compared to some of the giants of history who have received this prize Schweitzer and King; Marshall and Mandela my accomplishments are slight. And then there are the men and women around the world who have been jailed and beaten in the pursuit of justice; those who toil in humanitarian organizations to relieve suffering; the unrecognized millions whose quiet acts of courage and compassion inspire even the most hardened of cynics. I cannot argue with those who find these men and women some known, some obscure to all but those they help to be far more deserving of this honor than I."
"Yes, terrible wars have been fought, and atrocities committed. But there has been no Third World War. The Cold War ended with jubilant crowds dismantling a wall. Commerce has stitched much of the world together. Billions have been lifted from poverty. The ideals of liberty, self-determination, equality and the rule of law have haltingly advanced. We are the heirs of the fortitude and foresight of generations past, and it is a legacy for which my own country is rightfully proud."
"But as a head of state sworn to protect and defend my nation, I cannot be guided by their examples alone. I face the world as it is, and cannot stand idle in the face of threats to the American people. For make no mistake: Evil does exist in the world. A nonviolent movement could not have halted Hitler's armies. Negotiations cannot convince al-Qaida's leaders to lay down their arms. To say that force is sometimes necessary is not a call to cynicism it is a recognition of history, the imperfections of man and the limits of reason.
I raise this point because in many countries there is a deep ambivalence about military action today, no matter the cause. At times, this is joined by a reflexive suspicion of America, the world's sole military superpower."
For the less conservative:
"So yes, the instruments of war do have a role to play in preserving the peace. And yet this truth must coexist with another that no matter how justified, war promises human tragedy. The soldier's courage and sacrifice is full of glory, expressing devotion to country, to cause and to comrades in arms. But war itself is never glorious, and we must never trumpet it as such."
"Where force is necessary, we have a moral and strategic interest in binding ourselves to certain rules of conduct. And even as we confront a vicious adversary that abides by no rules, I believe that the United States of America must remain a standard bearer in the conduct of war. That is what makes us different from those whom we fight. That is a source of our strength. That is why I prohibited torture. That is why I ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed. And that is why I have reaffirmed America's commitment to abide by the Geneva Conventions. We lose ourselves when we compromise the very ideals that we fight to defend. And we honor those ideals by upholding them not just when it is easy, but when it is hard."
"The same principle applies to those who violate international law by brutalizing their own people. When there is genocide in Darfur, systematic rape in Congo or repression in Burma there must be consequences. And the closer we stand together, the less likely we will be faced with the choice between armed intervention and complicity in oppression."
For everyone, whether you like Barack Obama or not, here is the link to the text.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/dec/10/barack-obama-nobel-acceptance-speech
What I took away from it is that he totally gets the complaints, and might even agree. But, being a leader means using whatever means to try to move people in a particular direction. He has delievered yet another fabulous speech.
Statements from the speech that should thrill the conservatives (if they were honest:)
"Compared to some of the giants of history who have received this prize Schweitzer and King; Marshall and Mandela my accomplishments are slight. And then there are the men and women around the world who have been jailed and beaten in the pursuit of justice; those who toil in humanitarian organizations to relieve suffering; the unrecognized millions whose quiet acts of courage and compassion inspire even the most hardened of cynics. I cannot argue with those who find these men and women some known, some obscure to all but those they help to be far more deserving of this honor than I."
"Yes, terrible wars have been fought, and atrocities committed. But there has been no Third World War. The Cold War ended with jubilant crowds dismantling a wall. Commerce has stitched much of the world together. Billions have been lifted from poverty. The ideals of liberty, self-determination, equality and the rule of law have haltingly advanced. We are the heirs of the fortitude and foresight of generations past, and it is a legacy for which my own country is rightfully proud."
"But as a head of state sworn to protect and defend my nation, I cannot be guided by their examples alone. I face the world as it is, and cannot stand idle in the face of threats to the American people. For make no mistake: Evil does exist in the world. A nonviolent movement could not have halted Hitler's armies. Negotiations cannot convince al-Qaida's leaders to lay down their arms. To say that force is sometimes necessary is not a call to cynicism it is a recognition of history, the imperfections of man and the limits of reason.
I raise this point because in many countries there is a deep ambivalence about military action today, no matter the cause. At times, this is joined by a reflexive suspicion of America, the world's sole military superpower."
For the less conservative:
"So yes, the instruments of war do have a role to play in preserving the peace. And yet this truth must coexist with another that no matter how justified, war promises human tragedy. The soldier's courage and sacrifice is full of glory, expressing devotion to country, to cause and to comrades in arms. But war itself is never glorious, and we must never trumpet it as such."
"Where force is necessary, we have a moral and strategic interest in binding ourselves to certain rules of conduct. And even as we confront a vicious adversary that abides by no rules, I believe that the United States of America must remain a standard bearer in the conduct of war. That is what makes us different from those whom we fight. That is a source of our strength. That is why I prohibited torture. That is why I ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed. And that is why I have reaffirmed America's commitment to abide by the Geneva Conventions. We lose ourselves when we compromise the very ideals that we fight to defend. And we honor those ideals by upholding them not just when it is easy, but when it is hard."
"The same principle applies to those who violate international law by brutalizing their own people. When there is genocide in Darfur, systematic rape in Congo or repression in Burma there must be consequences. And the closer we stand together, the less likely we will be faced with the choice between armed intervention and complicity in oppression."
For everyone, whether you like Barack Obama or not, here is the link to the text.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/dec/10/barack-obama-nobel-acceptance-speech
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tiger Again
So now we know. Maybe not the details, but everyone knows. I admire the guy for battling hard to keep this as private as possible, even as the ladies begin to surface with emails and recordings.
Leave him alone - this may cost him his marriage and family and millions of dollars. Maybe Gatorade, AT&T, Nike et. al. will not toss him aside right now, but do you think they will renew? Some will not.
When Jack Nicklaus said that Tiger still has to break his (Jack's) records, and that life has a way of getting in the way of golf, do you think this is about what he was talking?
Leave him alone - this may cost him his marriage and family and millions of dollars. Maybe Gatorade, AT&T, Nike et. al. will not toss him aside right now, but do you think they will renew? Some will not.
When Jack Nicklaus said that Tiger still has to break his (Jack's) records, and that life has a way of getting in the way of golf, do you think this is about what he was talking?
John McCain - You Lost Buddy - Get Over It!
John McCain has lost his marbles. The war mongers got what they want - more war. McCain got what he wants - more war. Even moderates (I guess like me) got what we wanted - more war. Well, it isn't that we want the war to be escalated, it just seems the only prudent course of action. More war is never reasonable.
McCain, not being able to blast away at the man who soundly defeated him one year ago because he got - more war - so now he blasts away at giving a time line for getting out. For a guy who claims to understand finances (but didn't know how many houses he owned), he sure thinks we can just hang there in Afghanistan indefinitely. Totally unreasonable.
Do the deal, tell the Afghanis to take control, and get the hell out of, well, hell ASAP.
McCain, not being able to blast away at the man who soundly defeated him one year ago because he got - more war - so now he blasts away at giving a time line for getting out. For a guy who claims to understand finances (but didn't know how many houses he owned), he sure thinks we can just hang there in Afghanistan indefinitely. Totally unreasonable.
Do the deal, tell the Afghanis to take control, and get the hell out of, well, hell ASAP.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tiger "The Billion Dollar Man" Woods
Tiger has woes. Unbelievable really. You rarely see him anywhere except on a golf driving range, between the ropes on the course, or in commercials - lots of commercials.
So what to think about an accident in the early a.m. hours, in his drive way, taking out the fire hydrant and a tree. Add his lovely wife wielding a golf club, supposedly to help free him. Hmmm.
In the end, does he have a right to his privacy or did he give that up when he became a highly paid pitchman, or the teacher of America's youth at his foundation? I think he has reasonable claim to privacy on his property. Still.......doesn't this cater to the worst in all of us? Don't we really want to know what really happened and really soon?
So what to think about an accident in the early a.m. hours, in his drive way, taking out the fire hydrant and a tree. Add his lovely wife wielding a golf club, supposedly to help free him. Hmmm.
In the end, does he have a right to his privacy or did he give that up when he became a highly paid pitchman, or the teacher of America's youth at his foundation? I think he has reasonable claim to privacy on his property. Still.......doesn't this cater to the worst in all of us? Don't we really want to know what really happened and really soon?
Monday, November 30, 2009
Islam in Europe and Beyond
A version of the text found at the below link was sent to me. I checked it out on Snopes and indeed there are several versions floating around, but that the speech referenced is real. Amazing what is going on in Europe. Hopefully the terrible economics of the system that is described will one day show its fallacy and slow or reverse the growth.
http://www.cicentre.com/articles/gw_america_last_man_standing.html
No reasonableness to be found.
http://www.cicentre.com/articles/gw_america_last_man_standing.html
No reasonableness to be found.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Afghan War Ad Nauseum
In early October I opined that I think we should stay in Afghanistan if that is what our military leaders think is best. I personally like that Obama took 6 weeks to think it through. Don't know if this "surge" will work, but I guess it is worth a try.
After we get rid of the rising Taliban, we need to leave and if they rise again, then that is the will of the populace in the area. Or the lack of will. As I have written many times on this blog, the root of the problem is not with us, it lies with long-bearded radicals who follow an extreme form of Islam and espouse ridiculous, unreasonable things about us, the infidels.
Get out of Iraq and load it up in Afghanistan and lets get this over with.
After we get rid of the rising Taliban, we need to leave and if they rise again, then that is the will of the populace in the area. Or the lack of will. As I have written many times on this blog, the root of the problem is not with us, it lies with long-bearded radicals who follow an extreme form of Islam and espouse ridiculous, unreasonable things about us, the infidels.
Get out of Iraq and load it up in Afghanistan and lets get this over with.
AZ Welfare
It is interesting that the State of AZ has enacted a new rule - if you are applying for welfare, you must fill out a three question form about your current and past drug use. If the welfare worker determines the applicant may be a drug user, then they can force the applicant to get a drug test. Yes, the state will pay for the test.
Apparently the state believes they can save about $1.7m or so per year. It seems likely to me that a very high number of people on welfare are also on drugs. Likewise, it seems likely that they will lie on the form.
Frankly, I didn't even know you could apply for and receive welfare if you were on drugs. I guess you could. Now you just have to lie about the drugs and then still get welfare. Progress is slow and unreasonable.
Apparently the state believes they can save about $1.7m or so per year. It seems likely to me that a very high number of people on welfare are also on drugs. Likewise, it seems likely that they will lie on the form.
Frankly, I didn't even know you could apply for and receive welfare if you were on drugs. I guess you could. Now you just have to lie about the drugs and then still get welfare. Progress is slow and unreasonable.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Barack Obama and the Polls
For the first time Barack Obama dropped below a 50% approval rating.
Hold your head up President Obama - you are in good company. It took Ronald Reagan 10 months to drop below the mark and he was the best president of the modern age.
He was also re-elected by a wide margin.
So, Mr. President - keep going, use your brain, use your incredible speaking skills, get some of your advisers in line or put them out, and get the health care thing done. Decide soon on Afghanistan and keep talking to other countries and representing us with dignity and grace and articulation.
Hold your head up President Obama - you are in good company. It took Ronald Reagan 10 months to drop below the mark and he was the best president of the modern age.
He was also re-elected by a wide margin.
So, Mr. President - keep going, use your brain, use your incredible speaking skills, get some of your advisers in line or put them out, and get the health care thing done. Decide soon on Afghanistan and keep talking to other countries and representing us with dignity and grace and articulation.
Updated Ramblings
Douglas Hoffman is the Republican who lost in upstate NY a few weeks ago in an election that would have been won by the moderate Republican had the far right not stepped in. Apparently Doug Hoffman, similarly to Senator Craig, wants a do-over! Hoffman conceded the election but now thinks he shouldn't have because the vote is closer than previously thought. He even somehow blamed in on the ridiculous organization ACORN. Note: Senator Craig you will remember plead guilty to hustling men in the bathroom in Minnesota and then said (as an attorney) that he didn't understand what he was doing when he entered said plea. What? Are these guys for real?
Sarah Palin is drawing big crowds and rambling on about conservative issues. She should tone it down or shut up before the Republican hierarchy has to step in. If they even can. Sarah is a hit! The cover of Newsweek was a nice picture but they shouldn't have used that picture. Not fair to Sarah Palin at all. I hate feeling sorry for her in any way, but that was a pretty blatant slam.
The union for the grocery worker here in AZ at the last minute ratified the agreement and avoided a strike. Duh! Interestingly, when they announced the agreement, they didn't disclose what the "concessions" were that they won. Probably because the concessions were probably close to nothing. I can tell you first hand, the workers the next day at Fry's Food Store were pretty darn pleased to be working rather than picketing.
Favre is still rolling. Thank goodness Green Bay rebounded from an embarrassing lost to TB, the worst team in football.
Sarah Palin is drawing big crowds and rambling on about conservative issues. She should tone it down or shut up before the Republican hierarchy has to step in. If they even can. Sarah is a hit! The cover of Newsweek was a nice picture but they shouldn't have used that picture. Not fair to Sarah Palin at all. I hate feeling sorry for her in any way, but that was a pretty blatant slam.
The union for the grocery worker here in AZ at the last minute ratified the agreement and avoided a strike. Duh! Interestingly, when they announced the agreement, they didn't disclose what the "concessions" were that they won. Probably because the concessions were probably close to nothing. I can tell you first hand, the workers the next day at Fry's Food Store were pretty darn pleased to be working rather than picketing.
Favre is still rolling. Thank goodness Green Bay rebounded from an embarrassing lost to TB, the worst team in football.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Republicans - Palin
I have argued in this blog that the Republicans need to get back to the middle and stay away from the extreme right. If you want to get elected to the big offices, you have to appeal to the moderates and independents. That is the way it is.
Sarah Palin, who would easily be the best looking President, is a real problem. She appeals to the worst of the Republican, conservative base. She is popular and will sell a lot of books - no doubt about it. Heck, I might even buy it myself............nah, just kidding.
Newsweek writer, Evan Thomas, beautifully summed up exactly how Reagan and Ike led the majority by appealing to the Conservatives and moderates. Ms. Palin - take note because you have the political chops to make a run. Can you be a builder of consensus?
Thomas wrote, "The two greatest postwar presidents understood this. Dwight Eisenhower governed in the 1950s by deftly uniting center and right, and Ronald Reagan did the same in the 1980s. They needed to be flexible to the point of gross expediency. To placate the far right, Ike shamefully refused to stand up for his friend and fellow statesman Gen. George Marshall, who was ludicrously attacked by Sen. Joe McCarthy as "soft" on communism. Reagan piously gave lip service to the right-wing social agenda while doing nothing to further it by legislation; he also chose George H.W. Bush to be his vice president and allowed the ultrapragmatic James A. Baker III to run the White House. The "Gipper" talked tough about the Russians--while doing more than any other president to foster détente. With a slyness that belied their smiling patriotism, Eisenhower and Reagan confused and occasionally exasperated their own followers. But it's no coincidence the Eisenhower '50s and Reagan '80s were periods of unusual peace and prosperity."
I have often opined that Ronnie was very conservative, but didn't make the rest of us feel like bad people for not agreeing. Where are the leaders like Ronnie?
Sarah Palin, who would easily be the best looking President, is a real problem. She appeals to the worst of the Republican, conservative base. She is popular and will sell a lot of books - no doubt about it. Heck, I might even buy it myself............nah, just kidding.
Newsweek writer, Evan Thomas, beautifully summed up exactly how Reagan and Ike led the majority by appealing to the Conservatives and moderates. Ms. Palin - take note because you have the political chops to make a run. Can you be a builder of consensus?
Thomas wrote, "The two greatest postwar presidents understood this. Dwight Eisenhower governed in the 1950s by deftly uniting center and right, and Ronald Reagan did the same in the 1980s. They needed to be flexible to the point of gross expediency. To placate the far right, Ike shamefully refused to stand up for his friend and fellow statesman Gen. George Marshall, who was ludicrously attacked by Sen. Joe McCarthy as "soft" on communism. Reagan piously gave lip service to the right-wing social agenda while doing nothing to further it by legislation; he also chose George H.W. Bush to be his vice president and allowed the ultrapragmatic James A. Baker III to run the White House. The "Gipper" talked tough about the Russians--while doing more than any other president to foster détente. With a slyness that belied their smiling patriotism, Eisenhower and Reagan confused and occasionally exasperated their own followers. But it's no coincidence the Eisenhower '50s and Reagan '80s were periods of unusual peace and prosperity."
I have often opined that Ronnie was very conservative, but didn't make the rest of us feel like bad people for not agreeing. Where are the leaders like Ronnie?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Islam
It would appear that there is no other explanation other than Political Correctness (PC) gone amok to account for the shootings in Texas. Nidal Malik Hasan clearly had some bizarre ideas and a fair amount of contact with know terrorists in other countries. The FBI knew, and apparently the military did as well.
Those analysts should be fired. Hasan should be tried and hopefully convicted of treason and executed for this tragedy.
Also, the hubbub about trials in NY versus in the military now is just another pissing match between Democrats and Republicans - sort of the issue de jour. Notice how the hubbub rises on an issue and then dies in two weeks. Why? Because the issue isn't worth all the hubbub in the big scheme of things. Think - Republicans and Obama talking to school kids - remember that? Hitler and Hussein names were invoked. Talk about hype. The Democrats aren't much better.
Truthfully - on one side I don't like that these 5 crazy bastards will get an open court to avow their dislike for every American and pontificate about Allah. On the other hand, perhaps letting them do so will help to chip away at PC-ness since more and more people will be convinced that these radical Muslims want all the infidels (that is us) dead or converted to Islam.
In the end, I don't care where they try them - they just need to get on with it as his has already gone on for 8 years. Try and give them their wish - death. Crazy freakin' people!
Those analysts should be fired. Hasan should be tried and hopefully convicted of treason and executed for this tragedy.
Also, the hubbub about trials in NY versus in the military now is just another pissing match between Democrats and Republicans - sort of the issue de jour. Notice how the hubbub rises on an issue and then dies in two weeks. Why? Because the issue isn't worth all the hubbub in the big scheme of things. Think - Republicans and Obama talking to school kids - remember that? Hitler and Hussein names were invoked. Talk about hype. The Democrats aren't much better.
Truthfully - on one side I don't like that these 5 crazy bastards will get an open court to avow their dislike for every American and pontificate about Allah. On the other hand, perhaps letting them do so will help to chip away at PC-ness since more and more people will be convinced that these radical Muslims want all the infidels (that is us) dead or converted to Islam.
In the end, I don't care where they try them - they just need to get on with it as his has already gone on for 8 years. Try and give them their wish - death. Crazy freakin' people!
Friday, November 13, 2009
More Hypocricy
Hmmm. I wonder how many elective "procedures" were paid for in the last 18 year? Yes, the Republicans made a stink about coverage for abortions in the various health plans. (As they should) And, yes their health insurance covers abortions.
Hypocrisy. Here is the story:
"The GOP is doing its darnedest to quickly move on from an embarrassing revelation -- that even as congressional Republicans insist that the health care overhaul does not cover abortions, the national party's own health plan covers elective procedures."
"Late Thursday night, the Republican National Committee acknowledged that its health plan, as far back as 1991, included some coverage for elective abortion. Chairman Michael Steele instructed the RNC's director of administration to opt out of any coverage for elective abortion services in its health insurance policy, the party said."
I agree that abortions shouldn't be paid for by the public. I don't really care if the Republicans, or Democrats for that matter, have insurance that covers abortions, what I do care about is the unreasonable hypocrisy running wild.
Hypocrisy. Here is the story:
"The GOP is doing its darnedest to quickly move on from an embarrassing revelation -- that even as congressional Republicans insist that the health care overhaul does not cover abortions, the national party's own health plan covers elective procedures."
"Late Thursday night, the Republican National Committee acknowledged that its health plan, as far back as 1991, included some coverage for elective abortion. Chairman Michael Steele instructed the RNC's director of administration to opt out of any coverage for elective abortion services in its health insurance policy, the party said."
I agree that abortions shouldn't be paid for by the public. I don't really care if the Republicans, or Democrats for that matter, have insurance that covers abortions, what I do care about is the unreasonable hypocrisy running wild.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
This Is Cool - Bogus But Still Cool
This was sent to me with a story about being built at a university in Iowa and being sent to the Smithsonian. Supposedly this was built with parts from John Deere, the tractor company. It looked a little too animated to me and so I checked at Snopes and for sure it is fake. Great animation though!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Death Penalty
Somehow or other, I have pretty much jumped over the death penalty issue all this time. However, the D.C. Sniper was executed last night so now it is on our collective minds again. If you watch the movie "Dead Man Walking" or a few others, you almost get convinced that the death penalty is a bad deal. "Dead Man Walking" is a great movie - well acted and extremely thoughtful.
Having said all of that, I believe the death penalty is a deterrent. It should be used but in a more humane manner for everyone. You get sentenced to death (well not "you" per se, but you get the point), you get an appeal in your state at one year, and then the U.S. Supreme Court one month later, and then you get your date within the next 30 days. If the Governor wants to step in, so be it.
One year and two months on death row is time for catching errors and looking at legal rights and then it is over for the inmate and the families of those that were killed. Totally reasonable. Leaving them on death row for 7-10-15 years is a waste of precious resources.
Having said all of that, I believe the death penalty is a deterrent. It should be used but in a more humane manner for everyone. You get sentenced to death (well not "you" per se, but you get the point), you get an appeal in your state at one year, and then the U.S. Supreme Court one month later, and then you get your date within the next 30 days. If the Governor wants to step in, so be it.
One year and two months on death row is time for catching errors and looking at legal rights and then it is over for the inmate and the families of those that were killed. Totally reasonable. Leaving them on death row for 7-10-15 years is a waste of precious resources.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
More Union Stupidity
In Arizona there is the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 99 which has 25,000 members who work for Fry's Food grocery store (owned by Krogers) and Safeway. The members are primarily checkers, butchers, stockers, etc and are hourly wage employees. A few weeks ago, the misguided members voted to authorize their union leadership to use strike threat to get their collective agreement completed.
Oops.
Once again, similar to the story I recounted about Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, WI, the union has to be kidding. They have said that concessions must be made by Friday at 6:00 p.m. or they will go on strike. In the mean time, people are applying for the jobs that they anticipate will be opening up.
Non-union employees are going to go to work, new workers will be hired, and the business will go on. Sure, they will lose some customers who don't want to shop where the union is being busted. However, times are tough, and in Fry's case, they are cheap and most people will still go shop their. Safeway - I don't know as it is pretty spendy in comparison.
Now, some union members are asking for another vote as the companies have floated a mild concession, one that union leaders discounted and ignored. Smart move by the company to float this small concession, thus giving membership a way to say they stood up to the company and won. However, the union leaders aren't allowing another vote.
In the end, most of these jobs aren't high skill (butcher excluded) and the jobs that are will still be able to be filled. There is massive unemployment and many people who would love to have the job. One gal quoted in the paper said (and I paraphrase), "I am here at work watching people coming in to apply for my job."
Unions need to have their head's examined in these unprecedented times.
Oops.
Once again, similar to the story I recounted about Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, WI, the union has to be kidding. They have said that concessions must be made by Friday at 6:00 p.m. or they will go on strike. In the mean time, people are applying for the jobs that they anticipate will be opening up.
Non-union employees are going to go to work, new workers will be hired, and the business will go on. Sure, they will lose some customers who don't want to shop where the union is being busted. However, times are tough, and in Fry's case, they are cheap and most people will still go shop their. Safeway - I don't know as it is pretty spendy in comparison.
Now, some union members are asking for another vote as the companies have floated a mild concession, one that union leaders discounted and ignored. Smart move by the company to float this small concession, thus giving membership a way to say they stood up to the company and won. However, the union leaders aren't allowing another vote.
In the end, most of these jobs aren't high skill (butcher excluded) and the jobs that are will still be able to be filled. There is massive unemployment and many people who would love to have the job. One gal quoted in the paper said (and I paraphrase), "I am here at work watching people coming in to apply for my job."
Unions need to have their head's examined in these unprecedented times.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Public Insurance and Abortion
I am a supporter of the "public option" for medical insurance and a woman's right to choose what she feels is best her for body. Never should the two meet however.
The House of Representatives bill that passed (thankfully) over the weekend restricts federal funding for any insurance policy that covers abortion. The Senate versions are little more lax, which I actually find a bit confusing, so anti-abortion groups are urging their supporters to contact their Senators.
Even though the majority of people in the U.S. are pro-choice (true no matter how the conservatives try to spin it), the number of people who are against abortion is a substantial minority and using their tax money to support something so vile to them, is a powder-keg issue. Helping poor people to get abortions with public dollars isn't tolerated now, nor should it be. Abortion is a decision best left to the woman, and she (and hopefully the sperm provider), not the public, should pay for that decision.
The House of Representatives bill that passed (thankfully) over the weekend restricts federal funding for any insurance policy that covers abortion. The Senate versions are little more lax, which I actually find a bit confusing, so anti-abortion groups are urging their supporters to contact their Senators.
Even though the majority of people in the U.S. are pro-choice (true no matter how the conservatives try to spin it), the number of people who are against abortion is a substantial minority and using their tax money to support something so vile to them, is a powder-keg issue. Helping poor people to get abortions with public dollars isn't tolerated now, nor should it be. Abortion is a decision best left to the woman, and she (and hopefully the sperm provider), not the public, should pay for that decision.
Pictures We Remember Our Whole Life
Every person has events that they will never forget. People born in 1959 will always remember John Kennedy's funeral. I suspect we will all remember pictures from Oklahoma City and 9-11 in NY. I will also always remember the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 - 20 years ago today. I suppose I remember the guy with the pick ax or hammer - similar to the picture below.
As a side note - the East German-West German divide is like a huge, human petri dish. The countries that whooped the Germans put up this wall, in part, to divide the spoils of war and to promote their own philosophical agenda. When that wall came down, the differences between the two cities couldn't have been more pronounced. In some cases, these were the same families, divided by the wall themselves, but they too couldn't have been much different. Communism doesn't work, not because the rise of communism was forced, but because not all human beings are wired the same. Many, without rewards, will simply do the minimum to get by. The achievers and risk takers aren't rewarded, or even encouraged. The city of Berlin, proved beyond any doubt that Communism is a failure.
Any way, the picture is a reminder of a very special time for those of us who grew up worrying about the Soviet Union and nuclear proliferation. It was the beginning of the end of a terrible time.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Unemployment
Unemployment hit 10.2%. All the ideology, on both sides of the aisle (maybe congressional members should have to sit Republican-Democrat-Republican-Democrat and that would make them work together better than this left and right side of the aisle business), will not make a difference to voters if they don't find jobs for people.
In order to create jobs, they need to grow new industries (batteries for hybrid cars comes to mind) and punish harshly companies who send jobs overseas. Our economy is shedding jobs, yet productivity is rising. What that tells us is, the jobs aren't going to come back because they are unnecessary. The trick it to create necessary, good paying jobs. This will take time but President Obama and the congress need to put the screws to companies to stay put in America, and to get the lenders to move money to innovative start-up companies immediately.
We cannot save the automobile or steel industry, although automobiles could be resuscitated sufficiently to be viable.
Health care has taken too long, primarily because the Conservative far right wants to protect insurance and pharmaceutical company's profits and basically could care less about "thy neighbor", and because the Liberal far left wants to have socialized medicine. The result, the number one initiative of Barack Obama, which he outlined clearly and concisely in his campaign and resulted in his overwhelming election, remains mired in "Death Panel" and Medicare scares, and discussions about how to make a mammoth health care system belong to the public entirely.
Get it done - pick out something in the middle and get it done now. A public-option, tort reform, remove underwriting, and open up total competition and do it now.
Then you can get back to figuring out how to create sustainable jobs. Oh, and any company, especially one that took dollars from tax payers, that pays out more than a nominal bonus based on the surging stock market should be fined until the unemployment rate drops below 7%. That will give them incentive to create jobs.
In order to create jobs, they need to grow new industries (batteries for hybrid cars comes to mind) and punish harshly companies who send jobs overseas. Our economy is shedding jobs, yet productivity is rising. What that tells us is, the jobs aren't going to come back because they are unnecessary. The trick it to create necessary, good paying jobs. This will take time but President Obama and the congress need to put the screws to companies to stay put in America, and to get the lenders to move money to innovative start-up companies immediately.
We cannot save the automobile or steel industry, although automobiles could be resuscitated sufficiently to be viable.
Health care has taken too long, primarily because the Conservative far right wants to protect insurance and pharmaceutical company's profits and basically could care less about "thy neighbor", and because the Liberal far left wants to have socialized medicine. The result, the number one initiative of Barack Obama, which he outlined clearly and concisely in his campaign and resulted in his overwhelming election, remains mired in "Death Panel" and Medicare scares, and discussions about how to make a mammoth health care system belong to the public entirely.
Get it done - pick out something in the middle and get it done now. A public-option, tort reform, remove underwriting, and open up total competition and do it now.
Then you can get back to figuring out how to create sustainable jobs. Oh, and any company, especially one that took dollars from tax payers, that pays out more than a nominal bonus based on the surging stock market should be fined until the unemployment rate drops below 7%. That will give them incentive to create jobs.
NY, the GOP, and the Right
Okay, first it should be noted that I don't pretend to understand NY politics. Keeping track of the ding dongs here in AZ is hard enough. However, my premise about the far right and the Republican party was just proved (perhaps not beyond any reasonable doubt, but to some extent none-the-less) in an up-state NY election.
The Republican party's picked candidate was a woman named Dede Scozzafava; a person the Conservatives would deem a RINO (Republican in Name Only). Get used to the term because it is going to get used a lot among the Conservatives. I digress. The Conservatives wanted a man named Douglas Hoffman and the Democrat's candidate was Bill Owens.
A month or so ago, Republican Scozzafava, was the leader of the race which isn't surprising as the seat has been held by a Republican for about 100 years. Are we good so far? It is a bit of a confusing story.
The Conservatives don't like RINOs so they pumped a million dollars into the election and sent in Sarah "Death Panel" Palin, Fred Thompson (Law & Order actor and ex-Senator and late-to-the-race Presidential candidate), and Dick Armey to embarrass Scozzafava into dropping out of the race. Throw in the blow-hard Glenn Beck, mix in the Conservative meddlers, whip up the radical right into a frenzy, and what do you get?
A Democratic win in a seat held by Republicans for 100 years. Good job!
Idiots.
The Republican party's picked candidate was a woman named Dede Scozzafava; a person the Conservatives would deem a RINO (Republican in Name Only). Get used to the term because it is going to get used a lot among the Conservatives. I digress. The Conservatives wanted a man named Douglas Hoffman and the Democrat's candidate was Bill Owens.
A month or so ago, Republican Scozzafava, was the leader of the race which isn't surprising as the seat has been held by a Republican for about 100 years. Are we good so far? It is a bit of a confusing story.
The Conservatives don't like RINOs so they pumped a million dollars into the election and sent in Sarah "Death Panel" Palin, Fred Thompson (Law & Order actor and ex-Senator and late-to-the-race Presidential candidate), and Dick Armey to embarrass Scozzafava into dropping out of the race. Throw in the blow-hard Glenn Beck, mix in the Conservative meddlers, whip up the radical right into a frenzy, and what do you get?
A Democratic win in a seat held by Republicans for 100 years. Good job!
Idiots.
Ft. Hood Tragedy
12 people dead and many more injured by a crazy psychiatrist, trained by the U.S. Military. Unbelievable. Mr. Hasan was apparently without many friends and was called a Camel Jockey. So what! As Laurie pointed out, this morning's newspaper article appeared to try to make him into some sympathetic character.
Reportedly he actually said that U.S. Soldiers should stand up and help the Iraqi and Afghan fighters, rather than his own U.S. Army. I think soldiers have a right to express their opinion without Rush Limbaugh calling them Phony Soldiers, or without being drummed out of the military. However, saying you disagree with the wars is different than saying we should fight for the opposition. That seems like treason to me.
The military has never struck me as an organization that would stand for such an offense - yet they apparently did. Why? Was it to appear sympathetic to a so-called devout Muslim? Seems likely that they didn't want to seem harsh on a Muslim soldier. Perhaps any troop who is a member of the military medical community is afforded some leeway - sort of like the military putting up with Hawkeye Pierce on MASH because he was a great doctor. We may never know for sure I suppose.
Whatever the reason, had they locked him up for treason or some lesser crime related to his remarks, those 12 people in Texas would be alive today.
Reportedly he actually said that U.S. Soldiers should stand up and help the Iraqi and Afghan fighters, rather than his own U.S. Army. I think soldiers have a right to express their opinion without Rush Limbaugh calling them Phony Soldiers, or without being drummed out of the military. However, saying you disagree with the wars is different than saying we should fight for the opposition. That seems like treason to me.
The military has never struck me as an organization that would stand for such an offense - yet they apparently did. Why? Was it to appear sympathetic to a so-called devout Muslim? Seems likely that they didn't want to seem harsh on a Muslim soldier. Perhaps any troop who is a member of the military medical community is afforded some leeway - sort of like the military putting up with Hawkeye Pierce on MASH because he was a great doctor. We may never know for sure I suppose.
Whatever the reason, had they locked him up for treason or some lesser crime related to his remarks, those 12 people in Texas would be alive today.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Various Topics
A few things I want to ramble about, which is reasonable I believe.
I was embarrassed by the poor reception (even hostile) that Brett Favre received in Green Bay. Sure, once the game started they should have rooted for the Pack and harassed Favre like any other quarterback. But he isn't just any other quarterback - he is the guy that saved the franchise from 20 years of oblivion. He and Reggie White teamed to get good players to agree to move to and play for the Packers. By the way - once again did anyone else notice how he can still zing that ball?
Virginia elected a Republican governor. Interesting to see what that means going forward, if anything. I don't personally see it helping in national elections, but time will tell. The job situation will be the key a year from now. Since 1970 they have been even on electing Republicans and Democrats in Virginia gubernatorial races. Under the pattern, it appeared to be the Republicans turn and they didn't disappoint.
Gays cannot get married in Maine. First they could and now they can't. I personally don't care one way or the other. If they are just going to pass laws to make them eligible for benefits, etc. and just keep them from saying they are married, then I don't get it. I see the economics of allowing benefits etc. as detrimental. Apparently in Maine they don't care about that, but do care about keeping the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Seems like much ado about nothing to me.
Speaking of gays, the 16 year old policy of "Don't ask, don't tell" will be ended according to President Obama. When, we don't know. He promised to do it and now is listening to advisers on how and when. As was predictable, the military brass aren't too keen on the idea, which is how we ended up with the policy in the first place. I say that if they want to enlist in the military, take em' and God Bless'em.
The East Valley Tribune was published in Mesa, Arizona for nearly 120 years, but no more. One of hundreds of newspapers to take a powder. I never once read it, so I don't care. I do care about the trend however. I will miss newspapers, but I realize that the younger generation seemingly will not. Seems likely that many more will fail, victims of the electronic age. I like the electronic age, but this is a bad consequence.
I didn't win at McDonald's Monopoly game and I probably knocked a year or two off of my life and gained a couple of pounds eating that crap. I have decided it is a scam.
I was embarrassed by the poor reception (even hostile) that Brett Favre received in Green Bay. Sure, once the game started they should have rooted for the Pack and harassed Favre like any other quarterback. But he isn't just any other quarterback - he is the guy that saved the franchise from 20 years of oblivion. He and Reggie White teamed to get good players to agree to move to and play for the Packers. By the way - once again did anyone else notice how he can still zing that ball?
Virginia elected a Republican governor. Interesting to see what that means going forward, if anything. I don't personally see it helping in national elections, but time will tell. The job situation will be the key a year from now. Since 1970 they have been even on electing Republicans and Democrats in Virginia gubernatorial races. Under the pattern, it appeared to be the Republicans turn and they didn't disappoint.
Gays cannot get married in Maine. First they could and now they can't. I personally don't care one way or the other. If they are just going to pass laws to make them eligible for benefits, etc. and just keep them from saying they are married, then I don't get it. I see the economics of allowing benefits etc. as detrimental. Apparently in Maine they don't care about that, but do care about keeping the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Seems like much ado about nothing to me.
Speaking of gays, the 16 year old policy of "Don't ask, don't tell" will be ended according to President Obama. When, we don't know. He promised to do it and now is listening to advisers on how and when. As was predictable, the military brass aren't too keen on the idea, which is how we ended up with the policy in the first place. I say that if they want to enlist in the military, take em' and God Bless'em.
The East Valley Tribune was published in Mesa, Arizona for nearly 120 years, but no more. One of hundreds of newspapers to take a powder. I never once read it, so I don't care. I do care about the trend however. I will miss newspapers, but I realize that the younger generation seemingly will not. Seems likely that many more will fail, victims of the electronic age. I like the electronic age, but this is a bad consequence.
I didn't win at McDonald's Monopoly game and I probably knocked a year or two off of my life and gained a couple of pounds eating that crap. I have decided it is a scam.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Health Insurance - Publicly Funded
I saw a commercial on TV the other night that was trying to scare Medicare recipients. It was funded by the health insurance industry. Hmmm. On another note.......
If you or your spouse work for a city, town, state, the Feds, school, or are military or retired military, then you are on socialized health insurance. Same with recipients of Medicare or Medicaid. The insurance companies would have you believe that you are all on terrible, flawed plans where you cannot get basic medical service. Another Hmmm.
I do not begrudge these folks the coverage they have, which I suspect is pretty darn good. I do begrudge them saying it is okay for me to not have the same coverage. Believe me, I would love to have such "flawed" coverage. I pay taxes now to pay for the teachers, and city workers, and state workers, and federal workers, and letter carriers, and retired folks, and poor folks, and our brave men and women of the military and their retired brethren to have "flawed" coverage and I would like the same.
If you or your spouse work for a city, town, state, the Feds, school, or are military or retired military, then you are on socialized health insurance. Same with recipients of Medicare or Medicaid. The insurance companies would have you believe that you are all on terrible, flawed plans where you cannot get basic medical service. Another Hmmm.
I do not begrudge these folks the coverage they have, which I suspect is pretty darn good. I do begrudge them saying it is okay for me to not have the same coverage. Believe me, I would love to have such "flawed" coverage. I pay taxes now to pay for the teachers, and city workers, and state workers, and federal workers, and letter carriers, and retired folks, and poor folks, and our brave men and women of the military and their retired brethren to have "flawed" coverage and I would like the same.
Conservatives V. Republicans
This is a scary thing to me. In some local elections, the Conservatives have put up candidates against the Republican candidate. In other words, they think the run-of-the-mill Republican is too liberal.
My worry is that somehow this movement will take off. Yes, they may win some local elections with this tactic, even a congressional seat perhaps, but as a whole I have a hard time seeing how this will work on a national level.
I realize that Conservatives are well-heeled, and prone to vote, thus they can have an influence and even move some local elections. The problem is two fold: if the mainstream Republicans move further to the right to appease the Conservatives, they will further alienate the majority of Americans. The other possible outcome is that the Republican vote gets split, and the Democrats make hay.
In my humble Republican opinion, the party needs to unite around the moderate side, not the Conservative side. The moderate Republicans, so called RINOs (Republican In Name Only) aren't very inclusive to begin with and if they are forced to move to the right, where incivility and intolerance run rampant, the independents plus moderates in both parties will stay away from the Republican party.
The Republicans will no doubt pick up seats at the mid-term elections, unless jobs pick up quickly in the next year. This is normal in our national politics. However, if they misunderstand the public and move to the more Conservative side, they may lose this opportunity.
My worry is that somehow this movement will take off. Yes, they may win some local elections with this tactic, even a congressional seat perhaps, but as a whole I have a hard time seeing how this will work on a national level.
I realize that Conservatives are well-heeled, and prone to vote, thus they can have an influence and even move some local elections. The problem is two fold: if the mainstream Republicans move further to the right to appease the Conservatives, they will further alienate the majority of Americans. The other possible outcome is that the Republican vote gets split, and the Democrats make hay.
In my humble Republican opinion, the party needs to unite around the moderate side, not the Conservative side. The moderate Republicans, so called RINOs (Republican In Name Only) aren't very inclusive to begin with and if they are forced to move to the right, where incivility and intolerance run rampant, the independents plus moderates in both parties will stay away from the Republican party.
The Republicans will no doubt pick up seats at the mid-term elections, unless jobs pick up quickly in the next year. This is normal in our national politics. However, if they misunderstand the public and move to the more Conservative side, they may lose this opportunity.
Fix Or Repair Daily (FORD)
It seems that this fake acronym (or was it Found On Road Dead?), which has been around for a long time, may no longer hold true. Apparently Fords are doing well in initial problems with manufacturing actually declining and making it where they can compete with Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
GM and Chrysler can't say the same. In fact Chrysler stinks.
Now, Ford has announced that it made a hefty profit in this past quarter - a correlation seems possible. As the only one of the so-called Big 3 to not be partially owned by tax payers, this should be a cause for celebration.
Now the union workers at Ford are being asked for the same concessions as those at GM and Chrysler have endured. Ford is asking for this because they know that part of the profit was due to brisk sales because of the Cash4Clunkers program and some nifty accounting moves.
The union voted overwhelmingly - NO. So, Ford should say, see ya later and hire some of the thousands of laid-off auto workers scattered across the mid-west. The business model that Ford is following still needs to be trimmed, and the union needs to face up to that.
One last note: in the health care debate, the scary argument made is that public offered insurance will put the private sector out of business. Really? Ford is doing swimmingly well against its American competitors despite the others being tax-payer supported.
GM and Chrysler can't say the same. In fact Chrysler stinks.
Now, Ford has announced that it made a hefty profit in this past quarter - a correlation seems possible. As the only one of the so-called Big 3 to not be partially owned by tax payers, this should be a cause for celebration.
Now the union workers at Ford are being asked for the same concessions as those at GM and Chrysler have endured. Ford is asking for this because they know that part of the profit was due to brisk sales because of the Cash4Clunkers program and some nifty accounting moves.
The union voted overwhelmingly - NO. So, Ford should say, see ya later and hire some of the thousands of laid-off auto workers scattered across the mid-west. The business model that Ford is following still needs to be trimmed, and the union needs to face up to that.
One last note: in the health care debate, the scary argument made is that public offered insurance will put the private sector out of business. Really? Ford is doing swimmingly well against its American competitors despite the others being tax-payer supported.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Maxine Waters
This is a bit obscure unless you follow CA politics or have worked in career colleges. Maxine Waters is a Representative from CA. Ms. Waters, a democrat, has been trying to legislate for-profit education out of existance. She has been successful in getting some tough regs but not enough to kill the industry.
Now she is being investigated for using her position to help a business in which her husband is invested. Surprise, surprise - another elected representative who is critical of other's ethics who has, at a minimum, done something that appears to be unethical.
It would be reasonable to fire her.
Now she is being investigated for using her position to help a business in which her husband is invested. Surprise, surprise - another elected representative who is critical of other's ethics who has, at a minimum, done something that appears to be unethical.
It would be reasonable to fire her.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
That Punk Rush Limbaugh
I love it - Rush Limbaugh was apparently punked or in old school speak - he was duped! A blogger placed a bogus story about Barack Obama (then a student) writing a thesis titled "Aristocracy Revisited," that supposedly showed Barack's disdain for the constitution and the Founding Fathers.
The blogger used Time Magazine's Joe Kline' name and Rush picked up the story. He figured out that he had been punked half way through his show. Supposedly he admitted he was punked, but that he went with it because it felt true.
What would Rush say if a real journalist ran a story because it felt true? Especially a liberal one?He would correctly lambaste said reporter. The hypocrite will not lambaste himself however. That would be too reasonable.
The blogger used Time Magazine's Joe Kline' name and Rush picked up the story. He figured out that he had been punked half way through his show. Supposedly he admitted he was punked, but that he went with it because it felt true.
What would Rush say if a real journalist ran a story because it felt true? Especially a liberal one?He would correctly lambaste said reporter. The hypocrite will not lambaste himself however. That would be too reasonable.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Bailout Dollars
This is interesting. John McCain has been tweetin' away daily and lamenting the bailout dollars (for which he voted yes). And we should all be concerned. What we don't hear about much is those that have paid it back already, and the $12B earned in interest from warrants.
Follow the link (the first list is those who got TARP dollars and how much so I highly recommend a good glass of red wine to calm your innards) and then dig deeper to find those who paid back and also how much the warrants are worth. The picture gets better as you go - almost palatable - almost reasonable, but only almost.
http://bailout.propublica.org/main/list/index
Follow the link (the first list is those who got TARP dollars and how much so I highly recommend a good glass of red wine to calm your innards) and then dig deeper to find those who paid back and also how much the warrants are worth. The picture gets better as you go - almost palatable - almost reasonable, but only almost.
http://bailout.propublica.org/main/list/index
Interesting Discussion
The average student in the U.S. now takes about 6 1/2 years to earn a bachelor's degree. Wow.
Read an article written by Lamar Alexander, former Secretary of Education for Bush Sr., and President of University of Tennessee. He is advocating the three year BA/BS degree for some people. This is not new, of course, in the for-profit world but relatively new in the public and more traditional colleges.
Some schools are simply accelerating the number of courses a student takes during each semester so that they are taking 20 credits per semester. That would be tough. Some are pushing for year round as most colleges' facilities are actually used about half of a year, yet up keep, debt financing and maintenance (the monthly nut) never ends. A university could save millions per year if they better used their facilities. The student would end in 3 years and save 25% on tuition and fees. That is a lot of coin, scratch, cheddah, dineros, etc.
The whole idea of two semesters, fall to spring, was in place back in the American Revolution days because of our agricultural needs (kids working on the farms and plantations.) Lamar Alexander's point was very topical.
He used the fall of GM and the rest of the American automobile industry as an example. 30 years ago, 80% of cars sold in America were built in America. Now it is less than 50% as Toyota has perfected the small car and become the largest seller of autos in the world. Likewise, America has 35 of the worlds top 50 research universities. Research universities have a great deal to do with why we produce 25% of the worlds wealth.
What he is saying is that we need to find a way to preserve the research universities because the output is enormous. Keeping the status quo for 250 years isn't going to do that. Universities need to adapt to the modern age.
Read an article written by Lamar Alexander, former Secretary of Education for Bush Sr., and President of University of Tennessee. He is advocating the three year BA/BS degree for some people. This is not new, of course, in the for-profit world but relatively new in the public and more traditional colleges.
Some schools are simply accelerating the number of courses a student takes during each semester so that they are taking 20 credits per semester. That would be tough. Some are pushing for year round as most colleges' facilities are actually used about half of a year, yet up keep, debt financing and maintenance (the monthly nut) never ends. A university could save millions per year if they better used their facilities. The student would end in 3 years and save 25% on tuition and fees. That is a lot of coin, scratch, cheddah, dineros, etc.
The whole idea of two semesters, fall to spring, was in place back in the American Revolution days because of our agricultural needs (kids working on the farms and plantations.) Lamar Alexander's point was very topical.
He used the fall of GM and the rest of the American automobile industry as an example. 30 years ago, 80% of cars sold in America were built in America. Now it is less than 50% as Toyota has perfected the small car and become the largest seller of autos in the world. Likewise, America has 35 of the worlds top 50 research universities. Research universities have a great deal to do with why we produce 25% of the worlds wealth.
What he is saying is that we need to find a way to preserve the research universities because the output is enormous. Keeping the status quo for 250 years isn't going to do that. Universities need to adapt to the modern age.
Cleverness - Here You Gogh
Family Tree of Vincent Van Gogh (no originality on my part - this was sent to me):
His dizzy aunt ----------------------------------------------- Verti Gogh
The brother who ate prunes------------------------------- Gotta Gogh
The brother who worked at a convenience store ------ Stop N Gogh
The grandfather from Yugoslavia ----------------------------- U Gogh
His Missing uncle ---------------------------------- Where-diddy Gogh
His Mexican cousin ---------------------------------------- A Mee Gogh
The Mexican cousin's American half-brother ------------ Gring Gogh
The nephew who drove a stage coach --------------- Wells-far Gogh
The constipated uncle ------------------------------------- Can't Gogh
The ballroom dancing aunt -------------------------------- Tang Gogh
The bird lover uncle -------------------------------------- Flamin Gogh
The fruit-loving cousin -------------------------------------- Man Gogh
An aunt who taught positive thinking ------------------ Way-to-Gogh
The little bouncy nephew ----------------------------------- Poe Gogh
A sister who loved disco -------------------------------------- Go Gogh
And his niece who travels the country in an RV --- Winnie Bay Gogh
I saw you smiling . . . there ya Gogh!
His dizzy aunt ----------------------------------------------- Verti Gogh
The brother who ate prunes------------------------------- Gotta Gogh
The brother who worked at a convenience store ------ Stop N Gogh
The grandfather from Yugoslavia ----------------------------- U Gogh
His Missing uncle ---------------------------------- Where-diddy Gogh
His Mexican cousin ---------------------------------------- A Mee Gogh
The Mexican cousin's American half-brother ------------ Gring Gogh
The nephew who drove a stage coach --------------- Wells-far Gogh
The constipated uncle ------------------------------------- Can't Gogh
The ballroom dancing aunt -------------------------------- Tang Gogh
The bird lover uncle -------------------------------------- Flamin Gogh
The fruit-loving cousin -------------------------------------- Man Gogh
An aunt who taught positive thinking ------------------ Way-to-Gogh
The little bouncy nephew ----------------------------------- Poe Gogh
A sister who loved disco -------------------------------------- Go Gogh
And his niece who travels the country in an RV --- Winnie Bay Gogh
I saw you smiling . . . there ya Gogh!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tailgating Being Killed?
I like the sports writer Rick Reilly, formerly of SI and now ESPN Magazine. His latest piece is on the death of tailgating. Unreasonable!
Here is the beginning and then you can follow the link to read the whole thing. Humorous.
Of all the gates -- Watergate, Monicagate, Spygate -- there is only one gate this country can be proud of: the tailgate.
A parking-lot spiral, a cheese brat whispering sweet nitrates and a decent ticket in your pocket. Buddy, that's more American than deficits. So why is America trying to kill tailgating?
Look around: Outside Soldier Field -- home of the Chicago Bears -- fans are getting kicked out of the parking lot once the game starts. Heresy! A lot of Bears fans can't afford tickets ($245 for a nosebleed), but they love pulling into the south lot (for which they pay $46), opening up the camper van, putting one satellite dish on the tailgate and one on the roof and living and dying for their Bears. Tailgating is a tradition that's been in place for 90 years, and now it's forbidden? Why don't they just clean our Weber grills with the American flag!
The link is:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=reilly_rick&id=4577871&sportCat=nfl
Here is the beginning and then you can follow the link to read the whole thing. Humorous.
Of all the gates -- Watergate, Monicagate, Spygate -- there is only one gate this country can be proud of: the tailgate.
A parking-lot spiral, a cheese brat whispering sweet nitrates and a decent ticket in your pocket. Buddy, that's more American than deficits. So why is America trying to kill tailgating?
Look around: Outside Soldier Field -- home of the Chicago Bears -- fans are getting kicked out of the parking lot once the game starts. Heresy! A lot of Bears fans can't afford tickets ($245 for a nosebleed), but they love pulling into the south lot (for which they pay $46), opening up the camper van, putting one satellite dish on the tailgate and one on the roof and living and dying for their Bears. Tailgating is a tradition that's been in place for 90 years, and now it's forbidden? Why don't they just clean our Weber grills with the American flag!
The link is:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=reilly_rick&id=4577871&sportCat=nfl
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Loyal Opposition
I am amazed that Barack Obama let his staff get all involved in this fight with Fox News. Making them the enemy only gives them credibility. I didn't like when Bush made all detractors "Un-American" and I don't like that Obama is singling out Fox. While I despise most of the nonsense espoused on Fox, they have a right to do so without being mauled by the administration.
I get that Fox "reporters" are loud mouthed blow hards, and nearly impossible to ignore, but Obama should just stick to his agenda and stay above this ridiculous and unreasonable stuff.
I get that Fox "reporters" are loud mouthed blow hards, and nearly impossible to ignore, but Obama should just stick to his agenda and stay above this ridiculous and unreasonable stuff.
Capitalism Wins
Rush Limbaugh is a big supporter of free markets, as we all should be. I noticed however that when the free market went against Rush - he was quick to blame President Obama, Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton rather than himself.
The free market spoke and Rush is dropped from the group pursuing the St. Louis Rams. Those investors made a market decision - Rush will not be good for their investment as he is too divisive. They may even agree with Rush, or not, but what they do know is that they cannot alienate a large number of people when you are trying to sell an expensive product to the public. In other words, Rush wasn't good business.
Capitalism does work - reasonably well.
The free market spoke and Rush is dropped from the group pursuing the St. Louis Rams. Those investors made a market decision - Rush will not be good for their investment as he is too divisive. They may even agree with Rush, or not, but what they do know is that they cannot alienate a large number of people when you are trying to sell an expensive product to the public. In other words, Rush wasn't good business.
Capitalism does work - reasonably well.
Balloon Boy Nuttiness
A co-worker pointed out that Facebook, etc. are designed to say, "Look at Me!" And, he opines that this narcissistic trait is what causes things like balloon-boy-gate.
Not sure that I would assign that much blame to the Facebooks of the world as millions join and happily say, "look at me" without also creating havoc and wasting thousands of dollars.
The Heenes should be put in jail for creating this hoax. A few idiots will follow suit, but only a few because they won't want to go to jail also. Denver airport service was disrupted for a little while, causing a ripple effect in lost business, late flights, etc. It is equivalent to sending viruses out via the Internet and crippling business. This was just more fascinating. The BBC and Al Jazeera even followed the "event."
Nuttiness and unreasonableness abound.
Not sure that I would assign that much blame to the Facebooks of the world as millions join and happily say, "look at me" without also creating havoc and wasting thousands of dollars.
The Heenes should be put in jail for creating this hoax. A few idiots will follow suit, but only a few because they won't want to go to jail also. Denver airport service was disrupted for a little while, causing a ripple effect in lost business, late flights, etc. It is equivalent to sending viruses out via the Internet and crippling business. This was just more fascinating. The BBC and Al Jazeera even followed the "event."
Nuttiness and unreasonableness abound.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Bad Reds - But Necessary Reds
Russians didn't play nice on Iran sanctions this time but I hope Obama keeps talking and working with them and avoid caving to conservative sabre rattlers. Russia is important as it has a huge arsenol of WMD. Iran might get a few. Err on Russia's side.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Rush - Team Owner?
Rush Limbaugh, along with Dave Checketts (owner of St. Louis Blues hockey team), is trying to buy the St. Louis Rams football team. Very interesting.
Per Questia.com about 65% of NFL players are African-American. So, assuming the Rams are fairly typical, Rush will own the rights to a whole bunch of black men. This will probably satisfy some of his longest standing dreams.
Now, a few players and the Players Association have begun to weigh in on Rush's proposed purchase. Can you guess what they think?
Personally, I hope the NFL tells him "no deal buddy, there are consequences to your hateful rhetoric over the years." Not that Rush will learn, but at least he will be shown for what he is - a blow hard, negative, racist.
Per Questia.com about 65% of NFL players are African-American. So, assuming the Rams are fairly typical, Rush will own the rights to a whole bunch of black men. This will probably satisfy some of his longest standing dreams.
Now, a few players and the Players Association have begun to weigh in on Rush's proposed purchase. Can you guess what they think?
Personally, I hope the NFL tells him "no deal buddy, there are consequences to your hateful rhetoric over the years." Not that Rush will learn, but at least he will be shown for what he is - a blow hard, negative, racist.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Nobel
As Barack Obama is pretty new to the position of President, it seems a bit odd that he was chosen for the prestigous Nobel Peace Prize. However, the Swede's group is clearly saying that they like the direction Obama has set for the U.S. in terms of world positioning.
What is more interesting is the critisizm of the private organization that has for more than 100 years given out a variety of awards. The folks over there at the Nobel Prize offices know what their namesake wanted to support. So I say, "good for them."
Besides, as my son pointed out, it is good to see an American win this award. I couldn't agree more, especially with the poor outlook the world has had for us.
Also, glad to hear Barack will donate the $1.4 Million to charity.
What is more interesting is the critisizm of the private organization that has for more than 100 years given out a variety of awards. The folks over there at the Nobel Prize offices know what their namesake wanted to support. So I say, "good for them."
Besides, as my son pointed out, it is good to see an American win this award. I couldn't agree more, especially with the poor outlook the world has had for us.
Also, glad to hear Barack will donate the $1.4 Million to charity.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Michael Moore
Michael Moore has another movie out, this one about capitalism. Like Rush Limbaugh, he is a loud-mouthed media person who is hypocritical. Rush - drug addict who earlier said white drug addicts should go to jail. In Moore's case, I am sure he is not working for the average wage of an American - say $40K per year. Millions, more like it.
Perhaps he is giving it all away? Who believes that?
If there is justice in the afterlife, Rush and Michael will be locked in a room together for eternity.
Perhaps he is giving it all away? Who believes that?
If there is justice in the afterlife, Rush and Michael will be locked in a room together for eternity.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Favre - A Legend!
With the possible exception of my brother-in-law (a die-hard Steeler fan), my entire family will probably disown me for admitting that I rooted for Favre last night against the Packers. Truth be told, I would have been pleased had the Packers won on some last second miracle (not caused by a Favre error), but that didn't happen.
Did anyone notice the laser beams this guy throws at 40 years old? What a joy to watch once your not blowing a gasket that he is throwing those lasers in that dreaded purple uniform.
What did happen, as evidenced by the very emotional Favre after the game, he showed Packer's GM Ted something-or-other that he can still play and perhaps they shouldn't have given up on him so quickly. After all, they were in the NFC championship game the last time Favre was quarterback and now they have a losing record since. The debate before and after was, "is this a revenge issue?" I think he reasonably wanted to say to Ted - "told you so!"
Did anyone notice the laser beams this guy throws at 40 years old? What a joy to watch once your not blowing a gasket that he is throwing those lasers in that dreaded purple uniform.
What did happen, as evidenced by the very emotional Favre after the game, he showed Packer's GM Ted something-or-other that he can still play and perhaps they shouldn't have given up on him so quickly. After all, they were in the NFC championship game the last time Favre was quarterback and now they have a losing record since. The debate before and after was, "is this a revenge issue?" I think he reasonably wanted to say to Ted - "told you so!"
Afghan War Again
Afghanistan is a tough situation. President Obama has military advisers who think we should escalate the war effort, including more troops, and those who say it is unnecessary. He also has congress with a variety of opinions, all which make strong arguments for and against. Public opinion isn't helping him either - even FoxNews admits there is an even split in public opinion.
Obama and McCain both ran for President saying that the Afghan War is where the action is in terms of getting the terrorists. Since I don't see the daily briefings, it is hard to know. However, I do trust McCain on this matter and have decided that escalating there one more time may be necessary. The only caveat to McCain is that early on in Iraq he stated we didn't need to be there and then changed his tune, at least slightly. He tried during the campaign to make the issue in Iraq about support for the "surge" rather than rejecting the need for the Iraq war in the first place. He lost.
Had we stayed in Afghanistan with full attention, and stayed out of Iraq, we wouldn't be chasing down Taliban right now. Bush did a good job of defeating them and freeing the Afghans from these nut jobs. But going to Iraq made us take our eye of the ball, and allow them to rearm and regroup.
All said, I guess we need to stay, no matter how unpopular this becomes if the majority of military minds think we can win. I still believe winning the Afghan War seems like a misnomer but......
In the end, the whole thing is totally unreasonable caused by a bunch of unreasonable men with long beards and a disdain for the West, women, civil rights, Jews, etc.
Obama and McCain both ran for President saying that the Afghan War is where the action is in terms of getting the terrorists. Since I don't see the daily briefings, it is hard to know. However, I do trust McCain on this matter and have decided that escalating there one more time may be necessary. The only caveat to McCain is that early on in Iraq he stated we didn't need to be there and then changed his tune, at least slightly. He tried during the campaign to make the issue in Iraq about support for the "surge" rather than rejecting the need for the Iraq war in the first place. He lost.
Had we stayed in Afghanistan with full attention, and stayed out of Iraq, we wouldn't be chasing down Taliban right now. Bush did a good job of defeating them and freeing the Afghans from these nut jobs. But going to Iraq made us take our eye of the ball, and allow them to rearm and regroup.
All said, I guess we need to stay, no matter how unpopular this becomes if the majority of military minds think we can win. I still believe winning the Afghan War seems like a misnomer but......
In the end, the whole thing is totally unreasonable caused by a bunch of unreasonable men with long beards and a disdain for the West, women, civil rights, Jews, etc.
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Billion Dollar Man
Forbes magazine announced that Tiger Woods is the first athlete to reach $1,000,000,000 in earnings - yep, that is a billion. Wow! Apparently poor Michael Jordan has only reached $800,000,000 in his 25 years in the limelight. Palmer and Nicklaus are still making millions per year at their age (Palmer is 80!) so can you imagine what Tiger will amass in his lifetime? Double wow!
The thing about Tiger, who doesn't have an entourage of hangers-on, he doesn't really employ that many people. That leaves him, and his family, and his foundation with a ton of dough.
At least it can be said that he is unequivocally the best at what he does and the bulk of the money comes from endorsements. Apparently Tiger sells, thus he can command the big dollars. As far as golf goes, it is not a team game, thus whatever he can earn, good for him. While I routinely root for his biggest competitor, I admire the man's grit and determination and incredible feel for the big moment.
If he could can that grit, determination, and incredible feel for the big moment, he would make some serious money.
The thing about Tiger, who doesn't have an entourage of hangers-on, he doesn't really employ that many people. That leaves him, and his family, and his foundation with a ton of dough.
At least it can be said that he is unequivocally the best at what he does and the bulk of the money comes from endorsements. Apparently Tiger sells, thus he can command the big dollars. As far as golf goes, it is not a team game, thus whatever he can earn, good for him. While I routinely root for his biggest competitor, I admire the man's grit and determination and incredible feel for the big moment.
If he could can that grit, determination, and incredible feel for the big moment, he would make some serious money.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Time For Grown-ups To Get To Work
This is what happens when public discourse becomes uncivilized. Some people say, "so what, why are people so sensitive?" The answer is because as a nation we cannot afford to waste so much time and energy to make the other guy look bad. It simply doesn't resolve anything. In fact, poor civil discourse makes the problems worse. Totally unreasonable.
They all need to apologize to us, the public who foolishly sent them to Washington to help. What is the point of getting control of power if all you do is try to hold onto it, or when lost, to get it back. If they tried to hold onto or regain power by putting forth effort, proper civil discourse, strong ideas based on their true beliefs, then work would be done.
I don't know what the answer right now is because the Republicans and the Democrats are both failing to do their jobs.
- Nancy Pelosi should be fired for her ongoing nasty rhetoric
- Any Republican who repeated "Death Panel" non-sense should be fired
- Any Congressman who yells at the President - "you Lie" should be fired
- Any Congressman, at any level, that invokes Nazis, Saddam Hussein, death camps, etc. in a way to compare to our President or a fellow member of Congress should be fired. This is true regardless of party
- Every time Rush Limbaugh shoots off his mouth, the conservative members of Congress should say, "shut up - you are hurting more than helping." They can't fire him or compel him to shut up officially.
- Every time someone says they are for family values or proposes legislating morality and is caught having an affair, not paying their taxes, having an illegal immigrant working for them, etc. they should be fired
- Every minister, Baptist, Lutheran, whatever, who is Black, White, Hispanic, Brown, Yellow, whatever, should lose their tax exemption the minute they weigh in on political matters or the appropriateness of killing our President.
- Any state legislator that is in a state with a budget deficit, should be fired for introducing legislation that has anything to do with prosecuting a past government official, trying to reverse Roe V. Wade in their state, get rid of guns, make guns available to school kids and drunks, and every nut job, etc. In other words - get to work!
They all need to apologize to us, the public who foolishly sent them to Washington to help. What is the point of getting control of power if all you do is try to hold onto it, or when lost, to get it back. If they tried to hold onto or regain power by putting forth effort, proper civil discourse, strong ideas based on their true beliefs, then work would be done.
I don't know what the answer right now is because the Republicans and the Democrats are both failing to do their jobs.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
First Pluto is Gone, and Now Saturn
Very bad headline - I couldn't resist - sorry! (Seems like a few years ago Pluto was deemed a non-planet. Not sure how that works.)
However, this Saturn that is going away is not the celestial type but a money losing entity owned by GM. Nice idea. Small well built American made cars to compete with Honda et al. As they lost 20-30 billion on the brand over the years, it seems likely that GM wishes they hadn't tried that experiment. What does it say when in the mid-80's you dream up a new brand and say you are going to make the quality cars? I mean, what does it say about Chevy, Pontiac, etc. when you make that statement?
Anyway, they thought they had it sold and the deal fell apart, thus Saturn goes the way of Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and, yes, Pluto.
By the way, they are trying to sell Saab and Hummer (the most ridiculous vehicle ever built in a world with shrinking oil supplies and growing air pollution).
I do feel bad for the 13,000 Americans who will be out of jobs related to the building and selling of the Saturn line.
However, this Saturn that is going away is not the celestial type but a money losing entity owned by GM. Nice idea. Small well built American made cars to compete with Honda et al. As they lost 20-30 billion on the brand over the years, it seems likely that GM wishes they hadn't tried that experiment. What does it say when in the mid-80's you dream up a new brand and say you are going to make the quality cars? I mean, what does it say about Chevy, Pontiac, etc. when you make that statement?
Anyway, they thought they had it sold and the deal fell apart, thus Saturn goes the way of Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and, yes, Pluto.
By the way, they are trying to sell Saab and Hummer (the most ridiculous vehicle ever built in a world with shrinking oil supplies and growing air pollution).
I do feel bad for the 13,000 Americans who will be out of jobs related to the building and selling of the Saturn line.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Medical Insurance - Yes, Again
Here is an interesting perspective on the need for medical insurance reform, or even a single payer system. The author's name is Kwak but I don't think he is a quack - in fact, he is totally reasonable.
http://www.truthout.org/080709A
http://www.truthout.org/080709A
Monday, September 28, 2009
Ugliness Breeds Ugliness
No, I am not talking about human procreation. Ugly statements by public figures, be they small-minded congressman, conservative talk show hosts, or members of the clergy, do have an effect.
Today on Facebook a question was posed by a user (not Facebook itself) about Obama being killed. It specifically asked:
"Should Obama be killed?" The choices: No, Maybe, Yes, and Yes if he cuts my health care."
Personally I hope the Secret Service finds the person and then flogs him/her in public. Too bad that won't happen. The person will end up on Rush's show and they will say he is a hero and misunderstood.
Today on Facebook a question was posed by a user (not Facebook itself) about Obama being killed. It specifically asked:
"Should Obama be killed?" The choices: No, Maybe, Yes, and Yes if he cuts my health care."
Personally I hope the Secret Service finds the person and then flogs him/her in public. Too bad that won't happen. The person will end up on Rush's show and they will say he is a hero and misunderstood.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Nostalgia
This was sent to me and it brought a nostalgic feeling. My younger readers (read my kids) will laugh no doubt - reasonably I might add.
HEY, WASN’T THAT US?
Sometimes we would separate to do things on our own, But we knew where the others were without our own cell phone.
Remember when the doctor used to be the family friend, And didn't need insurance or a lawyer to defend? The way that he took care of you or what he had to do, Because he took an oath and strived to do the best for you.
There was a time when mailed letters came right to your door, Without a lot of junk mail ads sent out by every store. The mailman knew each house by name and knew where it was sent; There were not loads of mail addressed to "present occupant."
There was a time when just one glance was all that it would take, And you would know the kind of car, the model and the make.
They didn't look like turtles trying to squeeze out every mile; They were streamlined, white walls, fins, and really had some style.
Oh sure, we had our problems then, just like we do today, And always we were striving, trying for a better way.
This life seemed so much easier and slower in some ways, I love the new technology but I sure miss those days.
HEY, WASN’T THAT US?
A little house with three bedrooms and one car on the street. A mower that you had to push to make the grass look neat.
In the kitchen on the wall we only had one phone, And no need for recording things, someone was always home.
We only had a living room where we would congregate, Unless it was at mealtime in the kitchen where we ate.
We had no need for family rooms or extra rooms to dine, When meeting as a family those two rooms would work out fine.
We only had one TV set, and channels maybe two, But always there was one of them with something worth the view.
For snacks we had potato chips that tasted like a chip, And if you wanted flavor there was Lipton's onion dip. Store-bought snacks were rare because my mother liked to cook, And nothing can compare to snacks in Betty Crocker's book.
Weekends were for family trips or staying home to play, We all did things together -- even go to church to pray.
When we did our weekend trips depending on the weather, No one stayed at home because we liked to be together.
Sometimes we would separate to do things on our own, But we knew where the others were without our own cell phone. Then there were the movies with your favorite movie star, And nothing can compare to watching movies in your car.
Then there were the picnics at the peak of summer season, Pack a lunch and find some trees and never need a reason.
Get a baseball game together with all the friends you know, Have real action playing ball -- and no game video.
Remember when the doctor used to be the family friend, And didn't need insurance or a lawyer to defend? The way that he took care of you or what he had to do, Because he took an oath and strived to do the best for you. Remember going to the store and shopping casually, And when you went to pay for it you used your own money?
Nothing that you had to swipe or punch in some amount, Remember when the cashier person had to really count?
The milkman used to go from door to door, And it was just a few cents more than going to the store.
There was a time when mailed letters came right to your door, Without a lot of junk mail ads sent out by every store. The mailman knew each house by name and knew where it was sent; There were not loads of mail addressed to "present occupant." 
There was a time when just one glance was all that it would take, And you would know the kind of car, the model and the make. 
They didn't look like turtles trying to squeeze out every mile; They were streamlined, white walls, fins, and really had some style. One time the music that you played whenever you would jive, Was from a vinyl, big-holed record called a forty-five.
The record player had a post to keep them all in line, And then the records would drop down and play one at a time.
Oh sure, we had our problems then, just like we do today, And always we were striving, trying for a better way. Oh, the simple life we lived still seems like so much fun, How can you explain a game, just kick the can and run?
And why would boys put baseball cards between bicycle spokes, And for a nickel red machines had little bottled Cokes?
This life seemed so much easier and slower in some ways, I love the new technology but I sure miss those days. So time moves on and so do we, and nothing stays the same, But I sure love to reminisce and walk down memory lane.
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