As usual I find Barack Obama's style to be winning. If you listen to what he says, and not just dismiss him because he is growing government, slamming oil dependence, being a democrat, being half black, etc. then you see that he has ideas. Ideas have made this country go. Yes, I would prefer the ideas come from the private sector, but recently they mainly thought up things like how to steal billions and how to build outdated vehicles that are hard to sell when gas is being manipulated by countries that would like to destroy the U.S.
I don't think all of the ideas are all going to work, nor are they all going to fail. I am not sure that I believe he doesn't like big government, but at this moment it is a minor problem. What I do think is he is dead on about problems caused by our dependence on fossil fuels. This is not minor.
President Obama stated, "We know the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century. And yet, it is China that has launched the largest effort in history to make their economy energy efficient. We invented solar technology, but we’ve fallen behind countries like Germany and Japan in producing it. New plug-in hybrids roll off our assembly lines, but they will run on batteries made in Korea.
Well, I do not accept a future where the jobs and industries of tomorrow take root beyond our borders – and I know you don’t either. It is time for America to lead again."
Totally reasonable sentiment. We can surely make better batteries than people in Korea. I know a military pilot who spent time stationed in Korea and he said it was totally crazy how badly stuff was built. I was in Hawaii and saw plenty of solar there. Still, more solar and wind is needed and we need to export to the rest of the world. Lead, lead, lead.......
I had to laugh at this event: My son and I were on the shuttle from the airport to where our car was parked during our Hawaiian vacation. The brand spanking new light-rail train went passed and another passenger in the shuttle said, "what a total waste, doesn't help me at all." The shuttle driver then asked what kind of vehicle the man had so he could be dropped off. The man said, "I have a Ford Super Duty." I nearly fell over laughing. His pollution doesn't help me either. His heavy truck takes a larger toll on the road and having to fix roads more often doesn't help me either. Idiot. If he needs the truck (there was only him), then have the truck, but please don't assume the rest of us agree with your stance. Apparently he felt all reasonable people must dislike mass transit.
At any rate, I continue to think ideas and brains will help more than they hurt in trying to get out of this mess.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Washington Post Cartoon
Sean Delonas created a political cartoon, as he is paid to do, and sparked quite a controversy. In reality, that is what he is paid to do. He did it well.
Rupert Murdoch this morning apologized for the controversy. Seemed a bit thin to me, but also I think it was unnecessary. Not that the cartoon wasn't a ridiculous play on old prejudicial stereotypes - it clearly was. When White America says this is not a racist society or that the worst was a long time ago, it rings hollow when you see this published in a large American newspaper.
Having said that, however, political correctness is going to be the downfall of this country. If we have to endure a trashy piece like this to get past our fascination with political correctness, then so be it. It is reasonable for people, all people who despise the small thinkers who continue prejudices, to be upset and to speak out. It is more reasonable for them to put there money where there mouth is and spend it at companies who don't advertise in the Post. Let the market be the demand.
Remember the outrage over the Dixie Chicks and their slam on Bush? For a while their sales suffered, but they have rebounded quite nicely. So really, how upset were people really? In the long run, not very. The reason is that most issues dealt with in a politically correct way aren't very important.
Time to grow up - we have real problems to solve.
Rupert Murdoch this morning apologized for the controversy. Seemed a bit thin to me, but also I think it was unnecessary. Not that the cartoon wasn't a ridiculous play on old prejudicial stereotypes - it clearly was. When White America says this is not a racist society or that the worst was a long time ago, it rings hollow when you see this published in a large American newspaper.
Having said that, however, political correctness is going to be the downfall of this country. If we have to endure a trashy piece like this to get past our fascination with political correctness, then so be it. It is reasonable for people, all people who despise the small thinkers who continue prejudices, to be upset and to speak out. It is more reasonable for them to put there money where there mouth is and spend it at companies who don't advertise in the Post. Let the market be the demand.
Remember the outrage over the Dixie Chicks and their slam on Bush? For a while their sales suffered, but they have rebounded quite nicely. So really, how upset were people really? In the long run, not very. The reason is that most issues dealt with in a politically correct way aren't very important.
Time to grow up - we have real problems to solve.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Tough Times Ahead
I read an analyst who stated that if everything went perfectly with the bailout then the stock market will stop dropping at 6,000. I guess that is when you get back in to the market if you were lucky enough to get out. Might not be too long from now that we get there.
No one knows whether this will work or not. A trillion sounds like a lot but many economists say it is not enough. Some economists say it is just right. Some economists say there shouldn't be any stimulus. Just let the market be. Sort of - it is what it is.
I certainly don't know which is right. What I do know is that we can continue to live our lives and in the same financially sound way that we have the past 20 years. If we do that, I believe we will be okay. I think it holds true for others as well.
So, live your life, but do it wisely and within your means.
No one knows whether this will work or not. A trillion sounds like a lot but many economists say it is not enough. Some economists say it is just right. Some economists say there shouldn't be any stimulus. Just let the market be. Sort of - it is what it is.
I certainly don't know which is right. What I do know is that we can continue to live our lives and in the same financially sound way that we have the past 20 years. If we do that, I believe we will be okay. I think it holds true for others as well.
So, live your life, but do it wisely and within your means.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Beautiful Place, This Maui!
Nothing to comment or complain about since I refuse to pay too much attention while "on" Maui.
Went to see the "blow hole" on the north side of the island. It is reasonable to enjoy a good pic.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Hawaii
I am sure there is much to scratch my head about, however, I am in Maui (or do you say on Maui?) At any rate, the unreasonableness will have to wait because I refuse to screw up my vacation thinking about a trillion dollar bailout, bad mortgages, stupid bankers, ridiculous U.S. car manufacturers, Rush Limbaugh and his merry band of hate mongers, the obstructionists, gas prices, tanking stock market, etc.
Time to go to the beach instead.
Totally reasonable.
Time to go to the beach instead.
Totally reasonable.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Get to Work!
Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) wants to talk to Alex Rodriguez about steroids. Now, they have to get Bonds and Clemens because they have already been to congress and apparently lied under oath. Bad idea. Tejada - same thing.
A-Rod hasn't been to congress and there is no reason for Cummings or any other member of congress to spend one more minute on this. Do I think that steroids are ruining the game? Yes, and in better times I would concur that they should look into this. But they have been looking into steroids for a long time, and to what end? None.
Now, in this time of huge problems, financial and geo-political, it is time to get to work! It is only reasonable.
A-Rod hasn't been to congress and there is no reason for Cummings or any other member of congress to spend one more minute on this. Do I think that steroids are ruining the game? Yes, and in better times I would concur that they should look into this. But they have been looking into steroids for a long time, and to what end? None.
Now, in this time of huge problems, financial and geo-political, it is time to get to work! It is only reasonable.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Bonus Time!
Man, do I wish I had worked in banking, especially at Merrill Lynch with its huge losses.
This from Reuters:
"Cuomo, who began questioning bonus plans in October after nine banks received $125 billion of U.S. Treasury capital injections, said in the letter that Merrill "secretly and prematurely" paid $3.6 billion of bonuses in December so that taxpayers would foot the bill.
"It appears that instead of disclosing their bonus plans in a transparent way as requested by my office, Merrill Lynch secretly moved up the planned date to allocate bonuses and then richly rewarded their failed executives," Cuomo wrote."
My fellow Republicans - note the dates in this blurb - October and December. George Bush was in charge. Let's keep the facts straight.
This from Reuters:
"Cuomo, who began questioning bonus plans in October after nine banks received $125 billion of U.S. Treasury capital injections, said in the letter that Merrill "secretly and prematurely" paid $3.6 billion of bonuses in December so that taxpayers would foot the bill.
"It appears that instead of disclosing their bonus plans in a transparent way as requested by my office, Merrill Lynch secretly moved up the planned date to allocate bonuses and then richly rewarded their failed executives," Cuomo wrote."
My fellow Republicans - note the dates in this blurb - October and December. George Bush was in charge. Let's keep the facts straight.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Cato Institute
In today's newspaper there appears a lengthy list of economists who believe that there should be no stimulus package. Who knows, they may be right. For as impressive as the list of names was, at least for length, there are thousands more who disagree. Still, I don't know who is right.
What is interesting is the mission of the Cato Institute:
"The mission of the Cato Institute is to increase the understanding of public policies based on the principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and peace. The Institute will use the most effective means to originate, advocate, promote, and disseminate applicable policy proposals that create free, open, and civil societies in the United States and throughout the world."
Sounds good. But didn't we try this recently? With disastrous results. They will argue that the market hasn't really been free, and I suppose that is true. However, the lack of regulation let the thieves run rampant and kill our, and the world's, economies. Their mission is idealistic, one that I personally love, but unfortunately greed is the death of this ideal.
So, while a great message, it ignores the recently experienced rampant greed of the money grubbers. Totally unreasonable - too bad though.
What is interesting is the mission of the Cato Institute:
"The mission of the Cato Institute is to increase the understanding of public policies based on the principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and peace. The Institute will use the most effective means to originate, advocate, promote, and disseminate applicable policy proposals that create free, open, and civil societies in the United States and throughout the world."
Sounds good. But didn't we try this recently? With disastrous results. They will argue that the market hasn't really been free, and I suppose that is true. However, the lack of regulation let the thieves run rampant and kill our, and the world's, economies. Their mission is idealistic, one that I personally love, but unfortunately greed is the death of this ideal.
So, while a great message, it ignores the recently experienced rampant greed of the money grubbers. Totally unreasonable - too bad though.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
What an Interesting Development
It has come to my attention that some of my fellow Republicans thinks I have lost my mind because I support our President and voted for Barack Obama. Bottom line is this: You can vilify the cad Bill Clinton, call Obama the anti-Christ, listen to right wing nut jobs like Rush L. and read other right leaning "journalists" and it changes nothing. Every demographic group in this country except old white men voted for Barack Obama.
Had the party not lost so many of us that are educated and that work in diverse situations, then John McCain would be president. The Republican party needs to become more diverse, get away from the far right and religious conservatives and become more inclusive. They need better spokesmen or we will continue to get Democrats elected for President. My generation started by voting for Ronald Reagan and we stuck with the Reps for a long time. Think how many young people voted for a Democrat, and remember that statistically they will stick with the Dems now for 25 to 30 years. If you are a Republican like me, that is substantial and you have to do something about it other than say, "George is good, Bill is bad, Obama is bad." Not going to work.
That Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are bad leaders doesn't make the Republicans better, just means you have two bad Democrats and Republican party that excluded those of us who dared to question George Bush.
If they want me back, and the millions of voters like me, then the Republican party has to quit listening to the mouth pieces espousing hate and white Anglo superiority.
Had the party not lost so many of us that are educated and that work in diverse situations, then John McCain would be president. The Republican party needs to become more diverse, get away from the far right and religious conservatives and become more inclusive. They need better spokesmen or we will continue to get Democrats elected for President. My generation started by voting for Ronald Reagan and we stuck with the Reps for a long time. Think how many young people voted for a Democrat, and remember that statistically they will stick with the Dems now for 25 to 30 years. If you are a Republican like me, that is substantial and you have to do something about it other than say, "George is good, Bill is bad, Obama is bad." Not going to work.
That Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid are bad leaders doesn't make the Republicans better, just means you have two bad Democrats and Republican party that excluded those of us who dared to question George Bush.
If they want me back, and the millions of voters like me, then the Republican party has to quit listening to the mouth pieces espousing hate and white Anglo superiority.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Georgia Nut Jobs
8 people are dead and hundreds sick because of The food manufacturer, Peanut Corp. of America. They are being investigated for criminal activity. Hopefully that means that they will be jailed if found guilty. Hopefully they can be charged with murder.
They are worse than a gang banger and his gun. They knowingly sent out shipments that were tainted will Salmonella; Some for kids in schools. Nuts.
They are worse than a gang banger and his gun. They knowingly sent out shipments that were tainted will Salmonella; Some for kids in schools. Nuts.
Friday, February 6, 2009
$500,000
If you come "hat in hand" to get money from the tax payers to bailout your company, then you cannot be paid more than $500k. Sounds good to me. Sounds good to most people.
I have read a few opinions where people say they don't like the government being involved in compensation. Obama isn't limiting pay for those who don't have "hat in hand." Only those that do. The argument that these bankers, wall street gurus will go elsewhere is idiotic. If another company hires them for millions and then the company goes in the tank, no bailout money should be made available. They are toxic.
How bad are these "hat in hand" executives? They, buoyed by Bush et.al., have nearly destroyed the world's economy. It is not reasonable for anyone to feel bad for these greedy, terrible human beings. They have destroyed peoples livelihoods, retirement, dreams, hopes, etc.
As far as I am concerned, they should be put in jail for the largest fraud in American history.
I have read a few opinions where people say they don't like the government being involved in compensation. Obama isn't limiting pay for those who don't have "hat in hand." Only those that do. The argument that these bankers, wall street gurus will go elsewhere is idiotic. If another company hires them for millions and then the company goes in the tank, no bailout money should be made available. They are toxic.
How bad are these "hat in hand" executives? They, buoyed by Bush et.al., have nearly destroyed the world's economy. It is not reasonable for anyone to feel bad for these greedy, terrible human beings. They have destroyed peoples livelihoods, retirement, dreams, hopes, etc.
As far as I am concerned, they should be put in jail for the largest fraud in American history.
8 Plus 6 Equals Poverty, Sickness, Being on the Dole
Nadya Suleman had 6 kids from a sperm donor. Now she has 14 from the same sperm donor. 14 kids, including 8 all at once, is incredible. She is single and unemployed. I am sure the ACLU will want to protect her reproductive rights so they won't like this suggestion:
Take those 8 kids away as soon as they can leave the hospital and give them to deserving parents waiting to adopt. Then use one of those birth control methods that can be reversed easily.
She is sick and those kids will cost millions to get through this difficult time medically and to raise to age 18. Who is paying? California is $40B in debt and cannot foot the bill. She hasn't a job and cannot foot the bill. The sperm donor apparently wasn't aware that he was about to be the father of 14. I doubt that he can foot the bill.
Perhaps they can find the doctor who did this and he/she can foot the bill. How irresponsible can this doctor be anyway? He/she should have no license.
Take those 8 kids away as soon as they can leave the hospital and give them to deserving parents waiting to adopt. Then use one of those birth control methods that can be reversed easily.
She is sick and those kids will cost millions to get through this difficult time medically and to raise to age 18. Who is paying? California is $40B in debt and cannot foot the bill. She hasn't a job and cannot foot the bill. The sperm donor apparently wasn't aware that he was about to be the father of 14. I doubt that he can foot the bill.
Perhaps they can find the doctor who did this and he/she can foot the bill. How irresponsible can this doctor be anyway? He/she should have no license.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Already a Big Change
Already we have seen a big change. Not once do I remember George Bush saying he screwed up anything. That he participated in screwing up our country's economy, worse than any time since the 1930's, didn't matter. That he erred in Iraq goes without saying. Oil dependence? Not a chance.
Obama made an error with the Daschle situation. And what did he say? "Did I screw up in this situation? Absolutely. I'm willing to take my lumps." How refreshing. Maybe this will be the beginning of American citizens being able to admit their mistakes instead of blaming everyone else around them.
Obama made an error with the Daschle situation. And what did he say? "Did I screw up in this situation? Absolutely. I'm willing to take my lumps." How refreshing. Maybe this will be the beginning of American citizens being able to admit their mistakes instead of blaming everyone else around them.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Cardinals
Growing up in Wisconsin makes one a lifelong member of the Packer fan club. That is just the way it is. So becoming a Cardinal's fan isn't even expected of us Cheeseheads who moved here.
Plus, there has never been such a poorly run and shoddy organization as the Bill Bidwill owned Cardinals. Long history of crappy teams, crappy coaches, crappy players, crappy facilities, etc. The only thing not crappy has been his personal wealth which is enhanced each and every year because of revenue sharing (sort of communism or socialism of sports.)
Then, after playing miserably in December and looking embarrassingly bad, they did the unbelievable - they let their pride and ability take over. They played great. I admit, I jumped on the bandwagon - it was fun.
Panic-not Cheeseheads, the Green Bay Packers still are the chosen. Just nice to have a back up now.
Plus, there has never been such a poorly run and shoddy organization as the Bill Bidwill owned Cardinals. Long history of crappy teams, crappy coaches, crappy players, crappy facilities, etc. The only thing not crappy has been his personal wealth which is enhanced each and every year because of revenue sharing (sort of communism or socialism of sports.)
Then, after playing miserably in December and looking embarrassingly bad, they did the unbelievable - they let their pride and ability take over. They played great. I admit, I jumped on the bandwagon - it was fun.
Panic-not Cheeseheads, the Green Bay Packers still are the chosen. Just nice to have a back up now.
Again, What is With People? Ethics Anyone?
What is going on in this country? If you were being considered for a high profile nomination, wouldn't you disclose your dirty laundry to avoid, one, embarrassing yourself, and two, embarrassing the President? It would be the only reasonable thing to do.
Blago is out, Richardson is out, Daschle is out. Given more time and a better cadre of financial wizards, Geithner should have been out. Where are the ethics?
We cannot solve the ridiculous problems we have if the "fixers" are unethical. The bankers and wall street "gurus" that caused this mess were unethical, and in my opinion should be in jail. The unethical Bush administration let them run wild and look what they did.
Those who are to help fix this going forward need to be ethical. It is only reasonable.
Blago is out, Richardson is out, Daschle is out. Given more time and a better cadre of financial wizards, Geithner should have been out. Where are the ethics?
We cannot solve the ridiculous problems we have if the "fixers" are unethical. The bankers and wall street "gurus" that caused this mess were unethical, and in my opinion should be in jail. The unethical Bush administration let them run wild and look what they did.
Those who are to help fix this going forward need to be ethical. It is only reasonable.
Daschle
I recently opined that Tom Daschle should withdraw from his nomination for not paying taxes. And wouldn't you know it, he did. Makes me wish I would have asked for a million bucks or world peace or something.
Back in November I wrote in this blog:
"I dislike the choice of Thomas A. Daschle for secretary of health and human services. However, I do like that he was able to get under Rush's skin a few years ago; so much so that as I recall Rush called Daschle the devil. Still, he is an extremely partisan player and it seems like there are others as qualified and more moderate that could have taken the position. Plus, he never seems like the sharpest tool in the shed. Keep with the brains."
Too bad Rush didn't call him a non-tax paying devil. At any rate, Daschle is out - good.
Back in November I wrote in this blog:
"I dislike the choice of Thomas A. Daschle for secretary of health and human services. However, I do like that he was able to get under Rush's skin a few years ago; so much so that as I recall Rush called Daschle the devil. Still, he is an extremely partisan player and it seems like there are others as qualified and more moderate that could have taken the position. Plus, he never seems like the sharpest tool in the shed. Keep with the brains."
Too bad Rush didn't call him a non-tax paying devil. At any rate, Daschle is out - good.
Monday, February 2, 2009
My Fellow Republicans
An open letter to my fellow Republicans in Congress:
Dear Sirs and Madams:
The electorate is watching you to see what ideas you have. So far I would say the majority of the voting public will be disappointed in you, the loyal opposition. Okay, so you vote no on the stimulus package which helps you only if the entire system tanks next year. If it tanks, it won't much matter will it?
Put forth some real ideas other than cutting taxes. That isn't going to happen and you are only pandering to the same group that couldn't deliver John McCain to the white house.
Think, use your access to pure information, try to put our American way of life ahead of political expediency.
Some of what you say, and certainly the loud mouth right wingers do this, sounds like you hope we are attacked, or our economy tanks, or some other terrible thing happens so you can say, "I told you so."
Grow up. America needs you to be adults.
Dear Sirs and Madams:
The electorate is watching you to see what ideas you have. So far I would say the majority of the voting public will be disappointed in you, the loyal opposition. Okay, so you vote no on the stimulus package which helps you only if the entire system tanks next year. If it tanks, it won't much matter will it?
Put forth some real ideas other than cutting taxes. That isn't going to happen and you are only pandering to the same group that couldn't deliver John McCain to the white house.
Think, use your access to pure information, try to put our American way of life ahead of political expediency.
Some of what you say, and certainly the loud mouth right wingers do this, sounds like you hope we are attacked, or our economy tanks, or some other terrible thing happens so you can say, "I told you so."
Grow up. America needs you to be adults.
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