Since the election my tone and tenor has been, well, a tad on the ranting side; then again this is about the rants of a Jewish Republican, but I have probably ranted more in the past two weeks than in the past.
So, I have decided that in taking some of my own medicine I will spend an entire week writing nothing but positive posts....whether those are about things the new incoming administration is doing that I agree with, positive news in the world, etc.
I wonder how many positive posts I can crank out in seven days? Care to take a guess?
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Agree with Marathon Pundit
I read the posts on other blogs all the time, sometimes for entertainment, sometimes because I happen to enjoy reading the the writers, other times it is because I am wondering what others are thinking, and there are times I do it because I happen to see something that catches my eye.
Tonight I was browsing through the blognetnews.com/illinois website and I came across the article by Marathon Pundit regarding Durbin possibly renominating U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald for another term. I agree with MP in that Durbin finally got one right.
When Fitzgerald was first confirmed as AG, I had my doubts about him, and in some cases have been hostile to his actions or decisions but his desire to bust corruption has been the best we have ever seen. Nobody comes close to his ability to weed out the bad politicians in Illinois.
Now, that said, I do have my doubts about Obama actually following through on it. Fitzgerald's investigations could very well lead to the new administration and Obama could easily prevent that from happening if he just allows Fitzgerald to go away quietly.
Regardless, Marathon Pundit deserves a hat tip for giving credit when credit is due, Durbin is right on this one.
Tonight I was browsing through the blognetnews.com/illinois website and I came across the article by Marathon Pundit regarding Durbin possibly renominating U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald for another term. I agree with MP in that Durbin finally got one right.
When Fitzgerald was first confirmed as AG, I had my doubts about him, and in some cases have been hostile to his actions or decisions but his desire to bust corruption has been the best we have ever seen. Nobody comes close to his ability to weed out the bad politicians in Illinois.
Now, that said, I do have my doubts about Obama actually following through on it. Fitzgerald's investigations could very well lead to the new administration and Obama could easily prevent that from happening if he just allows Fitzgerald to go away quietly.
Regardless, Marathon Pundit deserves a hat tip for giving credit when credit is due, Durbin is right on this one.
Cabinet choices will make for interesting hearings
Make no mistake, as it stands right now Obama's choices for his cabinet will be confirmed. The Democrats hold a large enough advantage in the Senate that even if one or two break ranks they will still have plenty of room for confirmation. That does not mean though the hearings will not be lively, interesting and in some cases messy.
Janet Napolitano appears to be the choice for Homeland Security Secretary and with her comes the past baggage of the Anita Hill Sexual Harrassment matter which was orchastrated by Democrats in an attempt to keep Clarence Thomas from his Supreme Court Appointment.
We have already discussed Eric Holder and Bill Richardsons involvement in the Monica Lewinsky matter may come up as well.
I do strongly suggest the Republicans tread carefully with these issues. If there is clear and convincing evidence that wrongdoing was involved, fine use it; otherwise, leave it alone. Right now the Republicans have a great opportunity to show that they are willing to fight on important issues and will be as the Democrats were for the past upteen years, obstructionists with no agenda of their own.
If the Republicans want to challenge a bill, policy fine....do so, but offer something in return. If you want to attack an appointment make sure you have your ducks in order and they are lined up bill to tail, anything less is well just show and we have endured enough show already.
Janet Napolitano appears to be the choice for Homeland Security Secretary and with her comes the past baggage of the Anita Hill Sexual Harrassment matter which was orchastrated by Democrats in an attempt to keep Clarence Thomas from his Supreme Court Appointment.
We have already discussed Eric Holder and Bill Richardsons involvement in the Monica Lewinsky matter may come up as well.
I do strongly suggest the Republicans tread carefully with these issues. If there is clear and convincing evidence that wrongdoing was involved, fine use it; otherwise, leave it alone. Right now the Republicans have a great opportunity to show that they are willing to fight on important issues and will be as the Democrats were for the past upteen years, obstructionists with no agenda of their own.
If the Republicans want to challenge a bill, policy fine....do so, but offer something in return. If you want to attack an appointment make sure you have your ducks in order and they are lined up bill to tail, anything less is well just show and we have endured enough show already.
Returning to Prominence - Cont'd
This will be the final post on the returning to prominence issue. One only has to go back to the 1980 election of Ronald Reagan to see how campaigns should be run.
Everyone seems to think that Obama was the first campaign to use detailed information to build a coalition of voters, Reagan was the first and did so without the benefit of computers and the internet. They developed detailed notes and information on the voter base on a precinct by precinct basis. They knew how those voters had voted, what issues were important to them, what issues were not.
All of that information was gathered, cataloged and perfected on a local level, at the precinct, street by street, house by house with just volunteers. That information is what helped Reagan hone his message so that it had broad appeal, but even more importantly they tailored their campaign material to each group and area.
All we saw with McCain was the same ads, same stories, in every locale and it had a look of being tired, old and worn. I do not fault McCain directly, his campaign staff was horrible, they did a poor job showing that their candidate was a candidate of change. They were yes man and women and did not do McCain any service with their actions.
If the Republican party truly wants to return to prominence they need to get back to the local level, they need to gather information on the voters, their patterns, their wants, their desires, what issues are important to them and then tailor the Republican message to those voters.
Remember all elections are local, and they won ONE VOTE AT A TIME!
Everyone seems to think that Obama was the first campaign to use detailed information to build a coalition of voters, Reagan was the first and did so without the benefit of computers and the internet. They developed detailed notes and information on the voter base on a precinct by precinct basis. They knew how those voters had voted, what issues were important to them, what issues were not.
All of that information was gathered, cataloged and perfected on a local level, at the precinct, street by street, house by house with just volunteers. That information is what helped Reagan hone his message so that it had broad appeal, but even more importantly they tailored their campaign material to each group and area.
All we saw with McCain was the same ads, same stories, in every locale and it had a look of being tired, old and worn. I do not fault McCain directly, his campaign staff was horrible, they did a poor job showing that their candidate was a candidate of change. They were yes man and women and did not do McCain any service with their actions.
If the Republican party truly wants to return to prominence they need to get back to the local level, they need to gather information on the voters, their patterns, their wants, their desires, what issues are important to them and then tailor the Republican message to those voters.
Remember all elections are local, and they won ONE VOTE AT A TIME!
Citigroup next in line to fail?
Is citigroup the next banking and investment company that is poised to fail? Citigroup which has operations ranging from banking to mortgages to investments watched their stock fall more than 50% in the past week, with the bottom still not in sight.
There is the real danger of additional investors who operate on the premise of not owning, buying or holding stock that is below the $10 and $5 per share benchmark, selling off their holdings driving the stock price down even further.
With the board of directors meeting on Friday in an attempt to stop the bleeding and or find a suitable company to buy them out, the writing is on the wall, Citigroup will fall, the ony question is when and how hard.
There is the real danger of additional investors who operate on the premise of not owning, buying or holding stock that is below the $10 and $5 per share benchmark, selling off their holdings driving the stock price down even further.
With the board of directors meeting on Friday in an attempt to stop the bleeding and or find a suitable company to buy them out, the writing is on the wall, Citigroup will fall, the ony question is when and how hard.
What is MSNBC's Problem with Palin?
I have to ask the question and it truly is an honest one. What is MSNBC's problem with Governor Sarah Palin? They apparently have one and you only need to read the last few articles on their website to come to this conclusion.
The most recent which was posted today asks "Is Alaska big enough for celebrity Palin?" As if she is the one seeking out the interviews, book deals, couch sessions with the likes of David "Mr. Crass" Letterman, Oprah "I got Obama Elected" Winfrey, etc. They also take great pains to mention she was on the losing end of election time and time again, as if we did not already know the McCain-Palin ticket did not win the election.
They go out of their way to mention that she lost not just once in the article but five times and two of them occuring in the first three paragraphs. They continue to hammer away at her answers to some questions saying that she "flubbed" the answers, using terms that imply she is an incompetent redneck that has no place in national politics.
I expect and demand that any news organization present the news straight and without bias. I expect more from MSNBC but then again, this is the same organization that employs the likes of Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann so one has to wonder if they truly are interested in presenting the news in an honest manner.
It goes deeper than just their pundits and website, their news has continually hammered at Governor Palin even three weeks after the election, so it begs the question of what their problem is, I just would not be holding my breath for an answer; you might not live long enough to hear it.
The most recent which was posted today asks "Is Alaska big enough for celebrity Palin?" As if she is the one seeking out the interviews, book deals, couch sessions with the likes of David "Mr. Crass" Letterman, Oprah "I got Obama Elected" Winfrey, etc. They also take great pains to mention she was on the losing end of election time and time again, as if we did not already know the McCain-Palin ticket did not win the election.
They go out of their way to mention that she lost not just once in the article but five times and two of them occuring in the first three paragraphs. They continue to hammer away at her answers to some questions saying that she "flubbed" the answers, using terms that imply she is an incompetent redneck that has no place in national politics.
I expect and demand that any news organization present the news straight and without bias. I expect more from MSNBC but then again, this is the same organization that employs the likes of Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann so one has to wonder if they truly are interested in presenting the news in an honest manner.
It goes deeper than just their pundits and website, their news has continually hammered at Governor Palin even three weeks after the election, so it begs the question of what their problem is, I just would not be holding my breath for an answer; you might not live long enough to hear it.
New Deal II in the making
Obama has instructed his economic team to come up with a plan that will create 2.5 million jobs by 2011 and is calling for a plan that includes using them to rebuilding roads, bridges, etc.
This is shaping up to be the New Deal II and will include government spending that will completely and totally dwarf anything we have previously seen.
History has shown that the New Deal actually prolonged the Great Depression and the steps Obama is taking now are the same ones and we can expect a similar result.
This is shaping up to be the New Deal II and will include government spending that will completely and totally dwarf anything we have previously seen.
History has shown that the New Deal actually prolonged the Great Depression and the steps Obama is taking now are the same ones and we can expect a similar result.
Zimbabwe Rejects Carter
Apparently the Zimbabwe Government has refused to cooperate with former President Jimmy Carter and UN Chief Kofi Annan.
This should not suprise anyone; the citizens of the United States rejected Carter 28 years ago, apparently he never received the message.
This should not suprise anyone; the citizens of the United States rejected Carter 28 years ago, apparently he never received the message.
2.5 Million Jobs - Who actually creates them
It is being reported today that Obama is claiming that he will create 2.5 million jobs.
Really? I did not know that Presidents actually ran a business that created jobs, well other than giving their cronies government jobs.
It takes years in most cases for economic policies to have an actual effect on the economy and the creation of jobs is much more complicated. Then there are certain policies which can lead to the destruction of jobs or loss of jobs in an area.
We all know that no matter what the actual results are, or what the causation may be, Obama nonetheless will take credit for any jobs that are created, even though he will not be the one actually doing the work.
Really? I did not know that Presidents actually ran a business that created jobs, well other than giving their cronies government jobs.
It takes years in most cases for economic policies to have an actual effect on the economy and the creation of jobs is much more complicated. Then there are certain policies which can lead to the destruction of jobs or loss of jobs in an area.
We all know that no matter what the actual results are, or what the causation may be, Obama nonetheless will take credit for any jobs that are created, even though he will not be the one actually doing the work.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Obama woefully late with Treasury
Word is coming out of Washington late this afternoon that Obama has chosen Tim Geithner, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, for Treasury Secretary, and Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico as Commerce Secretary.
It has been almost three weeks since the election and the nominations are still not official. These decisions, albeit some of the most important ones that President-Elect Obama will make should have been made days after the election.
Part of the meltdown is Obama and his indecision on who he will nominate. This never should have happened; and its obvious that with Obama change means bringing back 90% of the Clinton Administration.
A bold move would have been to nominate a Republican, show that he is willing to cross party lines to attract the best of the best and all we have seen so far is a regurgitation of the past. I cannot help but be pessimistic.
It has been almost three weeks since the election and the nominations are still not official. These decisions, albeit some of the most important ones that President-Elect Obama will make should have been made days after the election.
Part of the meltdown is Obama and his indecision on who he will nominate. This never should have happened; and its obvious that with Obama change means bringing back 90% of the Clinton Administration.
A bold move would have been to nominate a Republican, show that he is willing to cross party lines to attract the best of the best and all we have seen so far is a regurgitation of the past. I cannot help but be pessimistic.
GM Cancels Private Jet Leases
Fox News is reporting that GM is canceling the leases for two of their five private jets after the debacle the executives created with their use of a private jet with hand out asking, in fact begging for taxpayer money.
They claim the move is to "cut costs", which if that were the case, they should cancel all five leases; when you are raiding the US Treasury for a bailout package and expecting the taxpayer to pay for it, you have an obligation to cut costs everywhere you can.
I still say Congress needs to use my bailout plan as a blueprint, actually they need to use it in its entirety and with no changes. The auto industry needs to make some fundamental changes, which must include employees paying a fair share of their health insurance, the end of executive perks, and the elimination of a defined benefit pension plan.
Those need to be DOA in Washington, but with the Democrats running the show do not hold your breath.
They claim the move is to "cut costs", which if that were the case, they should cancel all five leases; when you are raiding the US Treasury for a bailout package and expecting the taxpayer to pay for it, you have an obligation to cut costs everywhere you can.
I still say Congress needs to use my bailout plan as a blueprint, actually they need to use it in its entirety and with no changes. The auto industry needs to make some fundamental changes, which must include employees paying a fair share of their health insurance, the end of executive perks, and the elimination of a defined benefit pension plan.
Those need to be DOA in Washington, but with the Democrats running the show do not hold your breath.
Is Obama letting the Economy Fail ?
With the economy in tatters, with the stock market plunging on a daily basis and with retirees losing hundreds of thousands of dollars on a daily basis, one has to ask "Where is Obama"?
He talked a big game, and everyone was expecting him to come out strong by naming his Treasury Chief immediately, but so far the only sound coming from the Obama camp on the economy is silence.
Are they still putting together their plans? Are they still interviewing candidates? Is the problem too big for Obama to get his mind around it, or do they really care at this point?
Strictly from a political viewpoint, it hurts them nothing to sit and let it fester, its still the watch of George W. Bush and they know it. He will take the blame for the economy even though the President has little to no influence over the economy. Obama seems to be perfectly willing to sit back and let it get worse, because if it turns around on his watch, it will appear to be that much more dramatic.
Conspiracy theory? Maybe, but usually where there is smoke a fire is lurking around the corner.
He talked a big game, and everyone was expecting him to come out strong by naming his Treasury Chief immediately, but so far the only sound coming from the Obama camp on the economy is silence.
Are they still putting together their plans? Are they still interviewing candidates? Is the problem too big for Obama to get his mind around it, or do they really care at this point?
Strictly from a political viewpoint, it hurts them nothing to sit and let it fester, its still the watch of George W. Bush and they know it. He will take the blame for the economy even though the President has little to no influence over the economy. Obama seems to be perfectly willing to sit back and let it get worse, because if it turns around on his watch, it will appear to be that much more dramatic.
Conspiracy theory? Maybe, but usually where there is smoke a fire is lurking around the corner.
Season Opener - slugs be a flying
Today marks the opening day of the Illinois Deer Season; alas I sit in an office reminiscing of the days gone by where I sat freezing my hindparts in a tree stand waiting for that rack of a lifetime to pass me by.
I am disappointed that I was not able to deer hunt this year, but I will spend several days bird hunting between now and January so all is not lost.
I wish every hunter has a safe and enjoyable experience....
Now if I could moose hunt with Governor Palin, that would be a trip worth making!
I am disappointed that I was not able to deer hunt this year, but I will spend several days bird hunting between now and January so all is not lost.
I wish every hunter has a safe and enjoyable experience....
Now if I could moose hunt with Governor Palin, that would be a trip worth making!
Letterman is a crass old man
David Letterman's recent comments regarding Governor Sarah Palin are just more evidence that he is not only out of touch, but a crass old man that has outlived his usefulness on television.
Bottoming out the ratings between himself and Leno, Letterman needs to retire.
Bottoming out the ratings between himself and Leno, Letterman needs to retire.
Free Money Is it possible?
J.P. Morgan economist Michael Feroli recently predicted that the Fed will probably slash interest rates to 0% to stave off deflation and that would in effect make it "free" to borrow money.
I am no economist but that seems illogical to me. If someone is willing or able to explain how that would truly benefit the country, I am all ears.
I am no economist but that seems illogical to me. If someone is willing or able to explain how that would truly benefit the country, I am all ears.
Hillary to get Post Holiday Nod
It appears that Hillary Clinton will receive the nod for Secretary of State post Thanksgiving.
Given a choice between Hillary and Kerry, I will take Hillary every day of the week and twice on Sunday. It does however raise the issue of where is Obama's change? This administration is looking more and more like Clinton Act II.
Given a choice between Hillary and Kerry, I will take Hillary every day of the week and twice on Sunday. It does however raise the issue of where is Obama's change? This administration is looking more and more like Clinton Act II.
Wanting something for free is not the American Way
George Hall, a GM retiree, worked at the Linden, NJ GM plant for 33 years and recently retired at the age of 54. that provides him with the prospect of living in retirement for over 21 years. That is based upon the average lifespan of an American male of 75.2 years.
George Hall is upset with the management of GM for "lying" to him about having a secure pension and health insurance. Now, I do not believe that they "LIED" to him, but I do believe management has done a horrible job running the company. The employees and union are to blame as well. They have lived a life of greed for so many years, a greed that has now come home to roost in corporate losses that exceed those of many countries.
George Hall was promised "free health care", well guess what George, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and its about time you and the rest of the GM employees live under the same rules as the rest of us....YOU PAY FOR HEALTH CARE.
Defined pension plans are a remnant of the past and all three auto makers need to do away with them. Employees need to take responsibility for their own retirement with 401k's and IRA's and not expect the company to continue to pay everything, assume all the risk and they assume the benefits.
In addition, George Hall's 16 year old is upset that there will not be a free ride for college. Apparently Grampa has put up two years worth of money, and good ole Avery was expecting Mom and Dad to foot the rest of the bill.
I have a suggestion for Avery, GET OUT AND WORK FOR IT! As for George, sorry that times are tough, and I truly mean that, but the bottom line is nothing lasts forever and you should know that, and wanting something for "FREE" is not the American Way.
George Hall is upset with the management of GM for "lying" to him about having a secure pension and health insurance. Now, I do not believe that they "LIED" to him, but I do believe management has done a horrible job running the company. The employees and union are to blame as well. They have lived a life of greed for so many years, a greed that has now come home to roost in corporate losses that exceed those of many countries.
George Hall was promised "free health care", well guess what George, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and its about time you and the rest of the GM employees live under the same rules as the rest of us....YOU PAY FOR HEALTH CARE.
Defined pension plans are a remnant of the past and all three auto makers need to do away with them. Employees need to take responsibility for their own retirement with 401k's and IRA's and not expect the company to continue to pay everything, assume all the risk and they assume the benefits.
In addition, George Hall's 16 year old is upset that there will not be a free ride for college. Apparently Grampa has put up two years worth of money, and good ole Avery was expecting Mom and Dad to foot the rest of the bill.
I have a suggestion for Avery, GET OUT AND WORK FOR IT! As for George, sorry that times are tough, and I truly mean that, but the bottom line is nothing lasts forever and you should know that, and wanting something for "FREE" is not the American Way.
Roger Penske has been sniffing the oil again
Roger Penske is floating an auto bailout idea of levying a one time fee on all auto sales to bail out GM, Ford and Chrysler.
Roger Penske has apparently been sniffing too much motor oil again, because he is woefully out of touch. The company executives and their antiquated ways of doing business have put the big three in trouble and there is absolutely no reason or justification for anyone including the buying public to bail them out.
Roger, if you are so concerned, how about you take a few million out of your checking account and loan it to them? As for me, let em fail.
Roger Penske has apparently been sniffing too much motor oil again, because he is woefully out of touch. The company executives and their antiquated ways of doing business have put the big three in trouble and there is absolutely no reason or justification for anyone including the buying public to bail them out.
Roger, if you are so concerned, how about you take a few million out of your checking account and loan it to them? As for me, let em fail.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Eric Holder to get AG Nod
Washington attorney and senior member of the Justice Department under the Clinton Administration is poised to be the next Attorney General of the United States. Although Mr. Holder will have to be confirmed by the full Senate, there does not appear to be a ground swell of opposition to his nomination.
I have always been a believer that when a President selects a candidate for a cabinet post the Senate has to only answer ONE question: "Are they qualified to serve?" Their political views should never be considered a part of that process, simply because cabinet posts are a POLITICAL appointment.
Mr. Holder would not make my top 20 list for Attorney General and I personally would have disqualified him over the Rich pardon, but hey, that is me. If Mr. Obama selects and submits his name, I will again say that unless he is somehow unqualified to serve, his nomination SHOULD BE CONFIRMED.
I have always been a believer that when a President selects a candidate for a cabinet post the Senate has to only answer ONE question: "Are they qualified to serve?" Their political views should never be considered a part of that process, simply because cabinet posts are a POLITICAL appointment.
Mr. Holder would not make my top 20 list for Attorney General and I personally would have disqualified him over the Rich pardon, but hey, that is me. If Mr. Obama selects and submits his name, I will again say that unless he is somehow unqualified to serve, his nomination SHOULD BE CONFIRMED.
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