What a bizarre story. In 1991, 11-year-old Jaycee Dugard was snatched up by the bus stop. The step dad witnessed it and became the suspect. Turns out a nut job named Phil Garrido and his wife Nancy Garrido have been arrested. Also turns out that Jaycee has two kids, reportedly by Phil and they are 15 and 11. Jaycee is only 29. Do the math.
I am beginning to believe this Internet thing isn't so good. Over lunch I was reading an update on this story and there is a section for people to write in their thoughts. Somehow this digressed into a name calling episode with some blaming this on religion, crazy-liberals in CA, lazy cops, corrupt politicians, and yes, even some blamed it on Phil and Nancy Garrido. Oh yea, that is who should be blamed!
Phil and Nancy apparently aren't nice people - they are kidnappers and pedophiles. They are to blame and should be held accountable. It is not the fault of religion, liberals, cops, politicians, etc.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Teddy
It has not been a good month for the Kennedy clan. With the passing of Edward, the clan is now more of a collection of distant cousins, nieces, and nephews. John, Robert and now Teddy. With JFK jr. also gone, the chances of the clan rising again to the top of the political world seems limited.
Regardless of how one felt about their politics and their life styles, they were interesting and worked to create consensus in legislation. Something sorely missed in today's divisive political arena filled with blow hards and hateful people of limited intelligence.
Regardless of how one felt about their politics and their life styles, they were interesting and worked to create consensus in legislation. Something sorely missed in today's divisive political arena filled with blow hards and hateful people of limited intelligence.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Money Trumps Principles
This is interesting, so follow along. Business people, a majority of which here in AZ are Republicans (just a guess) are now complaining about the gun toters seen at the President Obama event in downtown Phoenix.
The most famous of these guys is Christopher Broughton, who's name only surfaced much later, was sponsored by the Libertarian party and is associated with some right wing groups concerned about gun ownership and other rights.
So why are businesses in AZ upset with Chris B and his ilk? Because it hurts business! Yes, he can legally carry a gun in AZ and he broke no laws, except the law of common sense. We have an economy in AZ with tourism and real estate at its core. Real estate is in the tank as is tourism. What the Chris B types forget is that while millions of people (a majority) of people believe we have a right to own a gun, they still don't want to bring their families, friends, employees, co-workers etc. to a place that might seem dangerous. Assault rifles really have no use in downtown Phoenix, do they?
Given tough competition for tourist and conventioneer dollars, scaring people seems a bit silly to me and now, too, the business folks in AZ.
The most famous of these guys is Christopher Broughton, who's name only surfaced much later, was sponsored by the Libertarian party and is associated with some right wing groups concerned about gun ownership and other rights.
So why are businesses in AZ upset with Chris B and his ilk? Because it hurts business! Yes, he can legally carry a gun in AZ and he broke no laws, except the law of common sense. We have an economy in AZ with tourism and real estate at its core. Real estate is in the tank as is tourism. What the Chris B types forget is that while millions of people (a majority) of people believe we have a right to own a gun, they still don't want to bring their families, friends, employees, co-workers etc. to a place that might seem dangerous. Assault rifles really have no use in downtown Phoenix, do they?
Given tough competition for tourist and conventioneer dollars, scaring people seems a bit silly to me and now, too, the business folks in AZ.
Deficit
The U.S. deficit is expected to rise over the next 10 years - higher than expected. This should not color our response to the financial crisis. Clearly the deficit can only be fixed when the revenue side increases. Yes, I still believe we should limit expenditures and shrink the federal government, ala Ronald Reagan, but not right now.
Yes, this will make the national debt very scary. However, it took many years to get to this point and will take many more to get us out of this mess. In 2008 alone (yes under George Bush) more than 2.3M mortgages went into foreclosure. That is devastating to the families and communities associated with those mortgages. It is at the root of all evil and was a long time in the making.
Clinton and Bush both touted home ownership as the ultimate right. Bush made it so bankers could run amok and this caused the meltdown. Simplified explanation, agreed, but basically the biggest asset of many people became a liability in too many cases.
Yet, those 2.3M mortgages are less than 2% of the mortgages held in this country. So while devastating, it is something we can overcome and will.
Again, people need to save, spend wisely when needed, and live their lives. They also need to read and understand what is going on around them because politicians are doing a woeful job of giving reliable information. Too much spin, too much politics.
Yes, this will make the national debt very scary. However, it took many years to get to this point and will take many more to get us out of this mess. In 2008 alone (yes under George Bush) more than 2.3M mortgages went into foreclosure. That is devastating to the families and communities associated with those mortgages. It is at the root of all evil and was a long time in the making.
Clinton and Bush both touted home ownership as the ultimate right. Bush made it so bankers could run amok and this caused the meltdown. Simplified explanation, agreed, but basically the biggest asset of many people became a liability in too many cases.
Yet, those 2.3M mortgages are less than 2% of the mortgages held in this country. So while devastating, it is something we can overcome and will.
Again, people need to save, spend wisely when needed, and live their lives. They also need to read and understand what is going on around them because politicians are doing a woeful job of giving reliable information. Too much spin, too much politics.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Okay - Health Care Again
Perhaps the Republicans can eke out something here. They should begin to hammer at tort reform as part of the overall changes needed. They could say something like, "you want to lower costs, then we will support some form of public option, but only if you agree to tort reform." Most Americans support some form of tort reform.
You cannot effectively control costs until tort reform is enacted. Instead of being obstructionists, as the majority of the voting public sees them, they would actually be bringing an idea and negotiating. If Dems go ahead without them, and skip the popular tort reform portion, then the Republicans will have scored an important political point. That seems to be their main goal anyway.
You cannot effectively control costs until tort reform is enacted. Instead of being obstructionists, as the majority of the voting public sees them, they would actually be bringing an idea and negotiating. If Dems go ahead without them, and skip the popular tort reform portion, then the Republicans will have scored an important political point. That seems to be their main goal anyway.
Unions
In my youth, I lived in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. A dreamy little town that was clean and prosperous. Oddly, this small community had a powerhouse manufacturer - Mercury Marine. In fact, Fondy still has it. They build Mercury boat motors.
However, recently the union was given a list of demands by the corporation that were clearly stated as must be met or the company would shutter the plant in 3 years and move operations to Oklahoma. The existing Oklahoma plant is non-union. About 850 workers will be effected, plus the ripple effect. This is huge for a small city like Fondy.
Apparently the union voted no, thus assuring the jobs would be moved. Merc Marine builds devices that currently fall into discretionary buys. In fact, they always have, but discretionary wasn't so bad until the economy tanked a year and half ago.
I would guess that the majority of the workers there fall into the "unskilled labor" category - the very category being hammered all over the place. However, in this case, those unskilled laborers have cast a vote that will adversely effect the whole city. I hope the union did their very best to inform their members of the outcome and trickle effect on a quiet, cute little place. 850 people, most with limited education, have voted to cripple a city. Wow.
However, recently the union was given a list of demands by the corporation that were clearly stated as must be met or the company would shutter the plant in 3 years and move operations to Oklahoma. The existing Oklahoma plant is non-union. About 850 workers will be effected, plus the ripple effect. This is huge for a small city like Fondy.
Apparently the union voted no, thus assuring the jobs would be moved. Merc Marine builds devices that currently fall into discretionary buys. In fact, they always have, but discretionary wasn't so bad until the economy tanked a year and half ago.
I would guess that the majority of the workers there fall into the "unskilled labor" category - the very category being hammered all over the place. However, in this case, those unskilled laborers have cast a vote that will adversely effect the whole city. I hope the union did their very best to inform their members of the outcome and trickle effect on a quiet, cute little place. 850 people, most with limited education, have voted to cripple a city. Wow.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Favre a Viking!
I am glad I will not be in Green Bay when the Vikings make their annual trip into Packer land. I wish he would stay retired, but I must admit, the drama of those Packers-Vikings games just got ratcheted up.
If the Packers aren't going to contend, will I root for the dreaded Vikings? I just don't know. Imagine his legend if he brings the Vikes to the Superbowl! November 1, mark it on your calendar - Favre led Vikings head into Lambeau Field - wow.
If the Packers aren't going to contend, will I root for the dreaded Vikings? I just don't know. Imagine his legend if he brings the Vikes to the Superbowl! November 1, mark it on your calendar - Favre led Vikings head into Lambeau Field - wow.
Pistol Packin' Zonie
The President was here in Phoenix addressing the VFW convention yesterday. There was a pistol packing gentlemen with an assault rifle slung over his shoulder in plain sight.
We have laws here in the wild, wild, west allowing guns to be toted most everywhere. He could not have entered the convention center with it because the facility is "federalized" when the President is on the grounds.
The man basically said he did it because he can. He used more words, but that was the gist. Now, I totally believe people should be able to own guns in this country, as I have opined many times in the past, but shouldn't you also consider those around you? There were thousands of people in the crowd, all in danger in the event someone threatened this man, who I feel certain would think nothing of whipping out one of those guns. A peaceful man, indeed, but also one lacking common sense.....or reasonableness.
We have laws here in the wild, wild, west allowing guns to be toted most everywhere. He could not have entered the convention center with it because the facility is "federalized" when the President is on the grounds.
The man basically said he did it because he can. He used more words, but that was the gist. Now, I totally believe people should be able to own guns in this country, as I have opined many times in the past, but shouldn't you also consider those around you? There were thousands of people in the crowd, all in danger in the event someone threatened this man, who I feel certain would think nothing of whipping out one of those guns. A peaceful man, indeed, but also one lacking common sense.....or reasonableness.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Another Nice Story
I so enjoyed sharing the nice story about the Utah Painter that I decided to share another. Reilly is a good writer - he used to write for SI but moved to ESPN. I get SI so I read him online now. Here is the link. Count your blessings - I know I did.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=reilly_rick&id=4391631&sportCat=mlb
I love when the evil empire does something totally reasonable.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=reilly_rick&id=4391631&sportCat=mlb
I love when the evil empire does something totally reasonable.
Yang
Wow, finally after all this time, someone stood up to Tiger Woods and beat him in a major golf tournament. Jack Nicklaus has always contended, reasonably I believe, that there is no one pushing Tiger. Actually, Jack's record pushes Tiger and his contenders cannot compete with this drive for excellence and ultimate domination.
Y.E. Yang, from South Korea, took on Tiger and beat him. Wow. I bet the tour will have their hands full with Tiger in 2010 - the price for this beating will be steep on the tour regulars.
Y.E. Yang, from South Korea, took on Tiger and beat him. Wow. I bet the tour will have their hands full with Tiger in 2010 - the price for this beating will be steep on the tour regulars.
Health Care....Yes, Again.
Over the weekend the administration began to back off a public funded health insurance plan. Apparently the Senate will never pass it. Instead they have begun to push harder on the idea of non-profit cooperatives for those of us who are struggling for coverage. I don't really understand how it works, but am more than happy to listen and learn.
As I have always contended, the government has a tough time running anything correctly so this has an appeal to me. However, I have also come to realize that the insurance companies are in the business of making money and when they drop sick clients, or deny coverage, then the public option gets momentum.
It will be interesting to see what these cooperatives are all about and how they will help the 50 million uninsured or those of us with miserable, yet expensive coverage. It is only reasonable to listen and consider. Perhaps we will get the added benefit of not listening to "Death Panel" nonsense.
As I have always contended, the government has a tough time running anything correctly so this has an appeal to me. However, I have also come to realize that the insurance companies are in the business of making money and when they drop sick clients, or deny coverage, then the public option gets momentum.
It will be interesting to see what these cooperatives are all about and how they will help the 50 million uninsured or those of us with miserable, yet expensive coverage. It is only reasonable to listen and consider. Perhaps we will get the added benefit of not listening to "Death Panel" nonsense.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Decent People
Just after railing in writing about the lack of decency in this country, I received this. There must be a reason. Follow the link and be happy for a decent person's work.
http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/hancock/
http://www.militarytimes.com/multimedia/video/hancock/
Random Thoughts
So, Palin won - at least a little. She scared people so much with the Death Panel nonsense that the Senate Finance Committee removed the counseling provision from their measure. Total nonsense. Anyone who has cared for a dying patient and had the help of hospice will tell you what a Godsend hospice is. Total foolishness and Americans should be ashamed that they were so easily duped.
GM says they are converting a plant to assemble the battery for the Chevy Volt. Good. Too bad the actual chemical part is being built in Korea. If we want manufacturing jobs, we need to put our best minds on these types of problems so that future energy can be harnessed, canned, jarred, produced, packaged, etc. right here in the good old USA.
Obama and family are visiting the Grand Canyon tomorrow. Totally disruptive to the park, but several presidents have visited over the years while in office. What are you going to do? Unfortunately the airport will be a mess and I need to go there.
Michael Vick has been embraced by the City of Brotherly Love. Hmmm. I guess I think he has the right to make a living as he has paid his debt to society. That is the way it works.
Democracy is a tough experiment. It is still a child in comparison to some of the older forms of government as practiced in countries that are considered ancient in comparison to the U.S. It should continue to produce the best results. However, the current version, really in the past 20 years or so, is in deep trouble. Human beings behavior hasn't quite caught up with instant communications and basic human decency has waned. Democracy is totally dependent on the exchange of ideas. I don't hear much exchanging going on any more.
Karl Rove made heavy handed decisions in regard to the Justice Department. Do you think? Leave it alone and lets move on. Thankfully Mr. Rove is behind us, at least in terms of public "service." Now he just gets to be another big mouth with no ideas, just ideology.
This just in - Dick Cheney (the former VP who said ex-public employees should not be writing books) is now writing a book and supposedly taking his shots at Bush. Says Bush was weak in the end for listening to public sentiment. Dick Cheney should take his own advice and shut up. Bush needs no help looking stupid. He does it well. But, in the end, part of Bush's problem was Cheney. Cheney always was of the "apologies, etc. make you weak" school which Bush enrolled in. Too bad. I really think George went to Washington to do his best. He probably is a decent guy who really cares about this country. He just didn't have the right people around him. That is his fault for not choosing better. History will not be kind to his administration, nor should it, but George the person deserves to be left alone by the hot air bag Cheney.
Have you seen a Kindle II - the electronic book device from Amazon? Too cool. However, Laurie belongs to a group called Swaptree, which basically allows exchange of books between members for simple shipping costs. Thus books are about $2.75 apiece and creates sharing of resources. Very nice. Hard to buy a Kindle when you are paying so little for the book now.
Obama has made a tactical error in allowing the weak congress to head up this fight for health care reform. It seemed like a good idea but they are really the weak link in the process, being bullied by loud mouths who forgot about decency. I read that he was trying to avoid the mistakes of the Clinton administration when it tried to get some reform in health care. Now it is 16 years later and the system is broken.
Our energy use at home has gone down about 25% because of two solar panels heating our water. Costs almost nothing to do by the time you get rebates from State of AZ, the utility company, and the U.S. government. The savings will make up the difference in less than two years. Incredible.
GM says they are converting a plant to assemble the battery for the Chevy Volt. Good. Too bad the actual chemical part is being built in Korea. If we want manufacturing jobs, we need to put our best minds on these types of problems so that future energy can be harnessed, canned, jarred, produced, packaged, etc. right here in the good old USA.
Obama and family are visiting the Grand Canyon tomorrow. Totally disruptive to the park, but several presidents have visited over the years while in office. What are you going to do? Unfortunately the airport will be a mess and I need to go there.
Michael Vick has been embraced by the City of Brotherly Love. Hmmm. I guess I think he has the right to make a living as he has paid his debt to society. That is the way it works.
Democracy is a tough experiment. It is still a child in comparison to some of the older forms of government as practiced in countries that are considered ancient in comparison to the U.S. It should continue to produce the best results. However, the current version, really in the past 20 years or so, is in deep trouble. Human beings behavior hasn't quite caught up with instant communications and basic human decency has waned. Democracy is totally dependent on the exchange of ideas. I don't hear much exchanging going on any more.
Karl Rove made heavy handed decisions in regard to the Justice Department. Do you think? Leave it alone and lets move on. Thankfully Mr. Rove is behind us, at least in terms of public "service." Now he just gets to be another big mouth with no ideas, just ideology.
This just in - Dick Cheney (the former VP who said ex-public employees should not be writing books) is now writing a book and supposedly taking his shots at Bush. Says Bush was weak in the end for listening to public sentiment. Dick Cheney should take his own advice and shut up. Bush needs no help looking stupid. He does it well. But, in the end, part of Bush's problem was Cheney. Cheney always was of the "apologies, etc. make you weak" school which Bush enrolled in. Too bad. I really think George went to Washington to do his best. He probably is a decent guy who really cares about this country. He just didn't have the right people around him. That is his fault for not choosing better. History will not be kind to his administration, nor should it, but George the person deserves to be left alone by the hot air bag Cheney.
Have you seen a Kindle II - the electronic book device from Amazon? Too cool. However, Laurie belongs to a group called Swaptree, which basically allows exchange of books between members for simple shipping costs. Thus books are about $2.75 apiece and creates sharing of resources. Very nice. Hard to buy a Kindle when you are paying so little for the book now.
Obama has made a tactical error in allowing the weak congress to head up this fight for health care reform. It seemed like a good idea but they are really the weak link in the process, being bullied by loud mouths who forgot about decency. I read that he was trying to avoid the mistakes of the Clinton administration when it tried to get some reform in health care. Now it is 16 years later and the system is broken.
Our energy use at home has gone down about 25% because of two solar panels heating our water. Costs almost nothing to do by the time you get rebates from State of AZ, the utility company, and the U.S. government. The savings will make up the difference in less than two years. Incredible.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Deficit and the National Debt
First - the U.S. deficit is how much money is added to the national debt each year. Some think it is the debt itself. Not even close.
Congress basically has budget power, but really the President can shape and push it. This is an interesting chart. It is the national debt as a percent of Gross Domestic Product - thus a good measuring tool. Just click on each picture.
Now for a closer look at the comparison of the womanizing, cad Bill Clinton, and the "deer in a headlight" George Bush. How did they do? This chart shows the deficit, which again is just how much is being added to the over-all debt.
Remember - both had a Republican Congress for 6 of their 8 years. Where was the bitching a few years ago? Really - don't you have to ask yourself that? Makes you wonder if it even really matters - the deficit I mean. If it can run up so high with very little complaints by Republican majority a few years ago, and now they are whining terribly, does it mean they care or are they being political? The answer is obvious and it is done by both parties.
My point is - relax, it has been far higher in the past and we survived quite nicely. Take care of your own finances, be civil to one another, vote, and teach your family to be responsible. Oh, and quit listening to hype.
Congress basically has budget power, but really the President can shape and push it. This is an interesting chart. It is the national debt as a percent of Gross Domestic Product - thus a good measuring tool. Just click on each picture.
Now for a closer look at the comparison of the womanizing, cad Bill Clinton, and the "deer in a headlight" George Bush. How did they do? This chart shows the deficit, which again is just how much is being added to the over-all debt.
Remember - both had a Republican Congress for 6 of their 8 years. Where was the bitching a few years ago? Really - don't you have to ask yourself that? Makes you wonder if it even really matters - the deficit I mean. If it can run up so high with very little complaints by Republican majority a few years ago, and now they are whining terribly, does it mean they care or are they being political? The answer is obvious and it is done by both parties.
My point is - relax, it has been far higher in the past and we survived quite nicely. Take care of your own finances, be civil to one another, vote, and teach your family to be responsible. Oh, and quit listening to hype.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Health Care... Again and Again
Okay - this has all taken a turn for the worst. Yikes. First, let me say that I didn't like the way the Bush Administration made those of us who disagreed with his war in Iraq seem like we were being un-American. I don't like it any better when Nancy Pelosi calls these folks at town hall meetings, un-American either.
Both are wrong - neither party has a hold on the American title. Neither has a hold on the un-American title.
The folks who are going to town hall meetings to ask questions and carry on civil conversation with their elected official should be commended, no matter what side they are on, and they should be heard. That is democracy in action.
Health-care reform must happen and civil people should act in a civil manner. Sarah Palin saying there will be "Obama Death Panels" is absurd. So people showing up at a town hall meeting and acting un-civilized is really not acceptable. Especially if they are going to spew Death Panel idiocy. In reality, allowance for doctors to discuss end-of-life matters started during the first Bush's brief administration and is supported by current moderate Republicans who actually had it inserted into this legislation so that doctors could be compensated.
As usual, the American public is not using their common sense. This has digressed to a political show to see who can score the most points.
Nancy Pelosi should be fired. People need to stop listening to Rush Limbaugh. Even Newt, who is in my mind a bright and dedicated guy has no filtering system. It is why he didn't get a presidential run. That and he was having an affair even while blasting then-President Clinton over Monica.
What a waste.
The true death panels are at insurance companies. I directed nearly $1 million dollars to Aetna in my nearly three years as President of the college. They insure my family, at great cost, but they will not insure me - If I get seriously ill, I face the real "death panel." I am one of many millions.
Both are wrong - neither party has a hold on the American title. Neither has a hold on the un-American title.
The folks who are going to town hall meetings to ask questions and carry on civil conversation with their elected official should be commended, no matter what side they are on, and they should be heard. That is democracy in action.
Health-care reform must happen and civil people should act in a civil manner. Sarah Palin saying there will be "Obama Death Panels" is absurd. So people showing up at a town hall meeting and acting un-civilized is really not acceptable. Especially if they are going to spew Death Panel idiocy. In reality, allowance for doctors to discuss end-of-life matters started during the first Bush's brief administration and is supported by current moderate Republicans who actually had it inserted into this legislation so that doctors could be compensated.
As usual, the American public is not using their common sense. This has digressed to a political show to see who can score the most points.
Nancy Pelosi should be fired. People need to stop listening to Rush Limbaugh. Even Newt, who is in my mind a bright and dedicated guy has no filtering system. It is why he didn't get a presidential run. That and he was having an affair even while blasting then-President Clinton over Monica.
What a waste.
The true death panels are at insurance companies. I directed nearly $1 million dollars to Aetna in my nearly three years as President of the college. They insure my family, at great cost, but they will not insure me - If I get seriously ill, I face the real "death panel." I am one of many millions.
GM's Volt
GM announced today that the GM Volt, due in show rooms in late 2010, will get more than 230 miles per gallon in the city. Wow! Technically, for the first 40 miles, you are not burning any gas. Once you go beyond the 40 miles then the gasoline engine kicks in and motors the car and apparently helps charge the battery, similar to hybrid technology now.
Imagine if we can get the popularity of these up and the costs down. We can tell the middle-eastern, oil producing countries to stick it. It may take a while, but if you want to settle the middle-east problem, terrorism (funded by oil money), the brown cloud over Phoenix, LA, Chicago, etc., huge numbers of Asthmatics, particulates in the air we breathe, etc., then this is a good day.
Built in America even!
Imagine if we can get the popularity of these up and the costs down. We can tell the middle-eastern, oil producing countries to stick it. It may take a while, but if you want to settle the middle-east problem, terrorism (funded by oil money), the brown cloud over Phoenix, LA, Chicago, etc., huge numbers of Asthmatics, particulates in the air we breathe, etc., then this is a good day.
Built in America even!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Congress on Vacation
As voters, we should all vote each and everyone of the members of congress out of office. Vacation should be reserved for those working hard so that they can recharge their batteries. Pelosi and Reed should have insisted that they stay and actually do some work.
The Hudson
Last month I took a boat tour, leaving out of southern area of Manhattan and going on the Hudson, out around Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty and back and under the Brooklyn Bridge.
I watched several helicopters take off and the air traffic seemed dense. I have to say I am glad I was not on the river the other day when the helicopter and plane collided. Also have to say, it is not surprising that this happened - the traffic congestion in NY is not confined to the streets and subways.
I watched several helicopters take off and the air traffic seemed dense. I have to say I am glad I was not on the river the other day when the helicopter and plane collided. Also have to say, it is not surprising that this happened - the traffic congestion in NY is not confined to the streets and subways.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Lawyers
One thing that needs to be addressed in the revamping of the health care system is tort reform. Republicans have championed this in the past, but despite 8 years of Bush II, 4 years of Bush I, and 8 years of Ronnie, nothing really happened.
Democrats, many indebted to lawyers, or lawyers themselves (Obama, Clinton) haven't really ever talked about this in a meaningful way. I read this morning that a high percentage of doctors admit that they order tests, knowing they are useless, but to avoid litigation. Ugh.
We have seen over the last 8 years what happens when you let the powerful run amok so you can't just lop off the legal system, but clearly we need to reduce the ridiculous awards being given. What is even worse, is people getting paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for their own stupidity, because it is cheaper for the insurance company to pay than risk some huge award given by a sympathetic jury.
This reform would go a long way toward reducing pressure, thus costs, on the system. It should be part of the reform. I doubt that it will be however.
Democrats, many indebted to lawyers, or lawyers themselves (Obama, Clinton) haven't really ever talked about this in a meaningful way. I read this morning that a high percentage of doctors admit that they order tests, knowing they are useless, but to avoid litigation. Ugh.
We have seen over the last 8 years what happens when you let the powerful run amok so you can't just lop off the legal system, but clearly we need to reduce the ridiculous awards being given. What is even worse, is people getting paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for their own stupidity, because it is cheaper for the insurance company to pay than risk some huge award given by a sympathetic jury.
This reform would go a long way toward reducing pressure, thus costs, on the system. It should be part of the reform. I doubt that it will be however.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Sotomayor
What is interesting about these judicial appointments and the wrangling that goes on is that both Dems and Reps look silly. They cannot ask what they really want - "Are you for or against Abortion, gun rights, etc." That's it.
You have to question the Republican leadership because there is no way to win this fight. All they can do is piss off the ever growing and powerful Hispanic bloc of voters. Bush did pretty well with them, McCain failed miserably, getting only 31% of the Hispanic vote.
And both sides always say things like, we want the nominee to be only interested in strict interpretation of the law. If that were true, then they wouldn't be haggling all the time. Everyone understands that we all see things based on a preponderance of factors, inputs, and stimuli, as well as personal philosophy based on religion, economics, social position, etc.
One Republican Senator said Tuesday "that her "wise Latina" speeches suggested that her empathy, a quality Obama said he wanted, would trump blind adherence to the law." Blind adherence to the law? Surely he doesn't think that laws are without interpretation and selective use? If they were not subject to interpretation, then every vote in the hundreds of years of Supreme Court decision would be 9-0. That is certainly not the case.
If they object to her, they should vote against her. But, as a Republican who has hopes that the moderate majority of the party can rebound, it worries me that they will cut off a huge portion of the voting public, thus further marginalizing the party.
You have to question the Republican leadership because there is no way to win this fight. All they can do is piss off the ever growing and powerful Hispanic bloc of voters. Bush did pretty well with them, McCain failed miserably, getting only 31% of the Hispanic vote.
And both sides always say things like, we want the nominee to be only interested in strict interpretation of the law. If that were true, then they wouldn't be haggling all the time. Everyone understands that we all see things based on a preponderance of factors, inputs, and stimuli, as well as personal philosophy based on religion, economics, social position, etc.
One Republican Senator said Tuesday "that her "wise Latina" speeches suggested that her empathy, a quality Obama said he wanted, would trump blind adherence to the law." Blind adherence to the law? Surely he doesn't think that laws are without interpretation and selective use? If they were not subject to interpretation, then every vote in the hundreds of years of Supreme Court decision would be 9-0. That is certainly not the case.
If they object to her, they should vote against her. But, as a Republican who has hopes that the moderate majority of the party can rebound, it worries me that they will cut off a huge portion of the voting public, thus further marginalizing the party.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Wish I Could Believe.........
I do wish I could believe that the Republicans are just doing their job as the loyal opposition. Health care, banking reform, Sotomayor's confirmation, Cash for Clunkers, etc. are all under siege by Republicans. But how much of this is because they lost power, or their top guys are caught having affairs, or their top woman just quit as Governor of Alaska, or because they want to protect their rich friends at the insurance companies and banks?
You remember those people? They were the ones who destroyed the worlds economy by being excessively greedy. They benefited by refusing coverage or creating risky investment options with no regard to who got hurt or lost their house or their job.
Where are the Republicans with an actual idea, stated without bias, without citing stats presented by the Insurance industry? Where? Step up to the plate and present a way to solve the insurance problem. Say yes to Sotomayor since no one will care about this when you go to get elected the next time and she will be confirmed anyway.
Quit acting like Obama started this Socialism mess - Henry Paulson of the Bush Administration stepped up to Congress and said we need to bail out these companies and banks or the economy will collapse. Was that not true? If it was, then work to fix the problems, don't just rail at the Democrats - it isn't helping and you are not showing leadership.
I had to begin blogging again because I want to know - where are the Republican leaders? Nancy Pelosi couldn't be any weaker in the eyes of the electorate - you have a genuine opportunity to get the congress back. But you have to lead!
You remember those people? They were the ones who destroyed the worlds economy by being excessively greedy. They benefited by refusing coverage or creating risky investment options with no regard to who got hurt or lost their house or their job.
Where are the Republicans with an actual idea, stated without bias, without citing stats presented by the Insurance industry? Where? Step up to the plate and present a way to solve the insurance problem. Say yes to Sotomayor since no one will care about this when you go to get elected the next time and she will be confirmed anyway.
Quit acting like Obama started this Socialism mess - Henry Paulson of the Bush Administration stepped up to Congress and said we need to bail out these companies and banks or the economy will collapse. Was that not true? If it was, then work to fix the problems, don't just rail at the Democrats - it isn't helping and you are not showing leadership.
I had to begin blogging again because I want to know - where are the Republican leaders? Nancy Pelosi couldn't be any weaker in the eyes of the electorate - you have a genuine opportunity to get the congress back. But you have to lead!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Cash For Clunkers
The Cash for Clunkers program is an apparent hit. Ford actually has growing sales. Two interesting things about that:
- The Ford Focus was the biggest seller which is great news because that is a small, fuel efficient American made car.
- Ford is the only one of the so-called Big 3 that didn't ask for a bailout. Do you suppose they were rewarded by the U.S. public? I think probably so.
What is less interesting, because it only makes sense, is that Honda and Toyota sales are down. Why you ask? They don't build clunkers and most vehicles won't qualify for the handout.
Good for Ford though!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
This is Sooooo Interesting!
Takes about 5 minutes to watch, but pretty darn interesting. Besides, what else do you have to do for the next 5 minutes?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY
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