Mark Ritchie, the Minnesota Secretary of State is responsible for the recount of the hotly contested contest between the Republican Incumben, Norm Coleman and Democratic comedian, Al Franken.
However, Mr. Ritchie's recent comments and statements that are ON THE RECORD and his previous ties to ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) make his ability to perform his job as top elections administrator impossible.
The only way for Mr. Ritchie to come out of this looking like anything but the rear end of a horse, is to step aside and do so immediately.
Mr. Ritchie is biased and his comments in recent days have proven that and you cannot fairly judge an election recount when you have a stake in the outcome.
Mr. Ritchie I am calling on you to step aside and allow the Governor to appoint someone else to manage this mess.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Duties of the Vice President
There are numerous articles floating around about the duties of the Vice President, especially in this last election cycle, and most of them have missed the boat. The Vice President is President of the Senate, which means he/she/it gets to set the rules of the Senate and this is outlined in Rule XVI.
Mr. Biden's claim that the Vice President only has the power to break a tie is wrong and he knows it.
I hope he pays more attention after taking his oath.
Mr. Biden's claim that the Vice President only has the power to break a tie is wrong and he knows it.
I hope he pays more attention after taking his oath.
Obama to Quit Senate
Well its about time. Personally, I wanted Obama to resign the moment he ran for the White House, as I did McCain, Biden and Palin.
If you are going to seek a higher office, it should be a requirement that you step down from the office you hold, regardless of what it is.
Not to mention that Obama assured Illinois residents that when he was elected to the Senate he would not seek higher office during his term.
Ok, that was a lie, and when someone lies that makes them what?
If you are going to seek a higher office, it should be a requirement that you step down from the office you hold, regardless of what it is.
Not to mention that Obama assured Illinois residents that when he was elected to the Senate he would not seek higher office during his term.
Ok, that was a lie, and when someone lies that makes them what?
Poll finds Great Expectations for Change
I read the CNN article this evening on the recent poll that found 2/3 of those questioned (of course I would love to know the details of the polling - interesting that the statistics were not disclosed hmmmm wonder why?) have high expectations for the Obama Presidency, especially when it comes to change.
I ask the same question I asked during the campaign....."WHAT CHANGE ?" BE SPECIFIC! Obama is the first candidate elected to the highest office in the land without having to explain his policies in depth, and he is the first candidate to get a pass from the press like no other.
I ask the same question I asked during the campaign....."WHAT CHANGE ?" BE SPECIFIC! Obama is the first candidate elected to the highest office in the land without having to explain his policies in depth, and he is the first candidate to get a pass from the press like no other.
GM Bailout proposal
With General Motors asking, in fact begging Washington for a bailout I thought I would come up with a bailout package of my own.
Its simple and straightforward.
1. All executives, members of the board, will have their compensation reduced to $1.00 per year for the next three years. No exceptions at any time.
2. All executive expense accounts are eliminated for 18 months and if the company has returned to profitability, they can be reinstated to a max of 25% of the pre-bailout level.
3. An across the board cut of 10% on all wages.
4. Employees must begin contributing towards their health insurance of no less than 15% of the single coverage and no less than 25% of the family coverage.
5. No retirement benefits will be paid to any employee or executive during the first 3 years and no more than 50% of the pre-bailout rate while the bailout loan is still unpaid.
6. The bailout loan cannot exceed 25 billion and must be repaid within 10 years, at a per annum rate of 8.5%.
Simple, straightfoward, effective.
Got a better one? Let me hear it
Its simple and straightforward.
1. All executives, members of the board, will have their compensation reduced to $1.00 per year for the next three years. No exceptions at any time.
2. All executive expense accounts are eliminated for 18 months and if the company has returned to profitability, they can be reinstated to a max of 25% of the pre-bailout level.
3. An across the board cut of 10% on all wages.
4. Employees must begin contributing towards their health insurance of no less than 15% of the single coverage and no less than 25% of the family coverage.
5. No retirement benefits will be paid to any employee or executive during the first 3 years and no more than 50% of the pre-bailout rate while the bailout loan is still unpaid.
6. The bailout loan cannot exceed 25 billion and must be repaid within 10 years, at a per annum rate of 8.5%.
Simple, straightfoward, effective.
Got a better one? Let me hear it
Bailout largess
This U.S. Government bailout of the financial industry just keeps on getting worse.
First, they were supposed to be buying up mortgages from companies that never should have extended credit to people who never should have applied for loans all because someone in some boardroom somewhere on wallstreet decided they could make a buck at it.
Then it morphed into a well of money for insurance carriers and now appears on the edge of giving the big three automakers a line of credit they do not deserve.
The bottom line is, these companies need to be held responsible for their own actions. If you make mistakes in business, you fail. Period. The U.S. Government does not have a responsibility to bail out every company that has screwed up due to inept management and wasteful spending.
Now, we are faced with Secretary Paulson changing the rules midgame. It is time to put an end to this nonsense. No more money, no more bailouts, no more Paulson.
The largess udder has dried up, and its time for those in Congress, Bush and Obama to realize that they only way to improve this, is to let this run its course. Obama on the other hand wants to be the "Saviour" and "save America".
The question is, who is going to save America from the Obama bailout?
First, they were supposed to be buying up mortgages from companies that never should have extended credit to people who never should have applied for loans all because someone in some boardroom somewhere on wallstreet decided they could make a buck at it.
Then it morphed into a well of money for insurance carriers and now appears on the edge of giving the big three automakers a line of credit they do not deserve.
The bottom line is, these companies need to be held responsible for their own actions. If you make mistakes in business, you fail. Period. The U.S. Government does not have a responsibility to bail out every company that has screwed up due to inept management and wasteful spending.
Now, we are faced with Secretary Paulson changing the rules midgame. It is time to put an end to this nonsense. No more money, no more bailouts, no more Paulson.
The largess udder has dried up, and its time for those in Congress, Bush and Obama to realize that they only way to improve this, is to let this run its course. Obama on the other hand wants to be the "Saviour" and "save America".
The question is, who is going to save America from the Obama bailout?
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Obama Please Do it
I would love to see OBama appeal to Congress for a private bill for citizenship for his Aunt Onyango.
There is no doubt that he would succeed, and I would stand up and support the decision.
Then again, I may have an ulterior motive....What do you think?
There is no doubt that he would succeed, and I would stand up and support the decision.
Then again, I may have an ulterior motive....What do you think?
No explanation
On a day when the market drops 411 points, and oil drops a whopping 3.17 per barrel, the local price of gasoline in Springfields shoots up $.25 per gallon. Inventories are higher than they have been in a year, and consumption is down.
Considering all that, I would like someone to explain to me how in the world there is a price increase today?
Please, someone explain it.
Just what I thought, there is no explanation, except GREED!
Considering all that, I would like someone to explain to me how in the world there is a price increase today?
Please, someone explain it.
Just what I thought, there is no explanation, except GREED!
Two steps I hope the Democrats make
I sincerely hope that the Democratic leadership on day one of the Obama administration makes it a point to bring this bill forward for a vote. Do it, please do it.
While your at it, please bring the "Fairness Doctrine" forward at the same time.
Those two actions would prove more harmful to the Democrats than anything the Republicans could do on their own in an entire year.
While your at it, please bring the "Fairness Doctrine" forward at the same time.
Those two actions would prove more harmful to the Democrats than anything the Republicans could do on their own in an entire year.
Progressive Taxes - The Worst of the worst
There are some rumblings from those on the left that Illinois needs to move to an progressive state income tax. That would be the worst decision this state could make.
Progressive taxes stifle creativity, they punish those that work hard to improve and what it will generate in additional income will be temporary and outweighed by the increase in costs associated with processing the state income tax returns.
I have a better suggestion, how about we cut spending 20% across the board and reduce the tax base by 20%. You want to bring more business into Illinois? Lower the costs of doing business here. You want to be a haven for technology? Lower the taxes on companies that base their corporate headquarters here.
It is not rocket science, but I am beginning to realize that for some Democrats, its all about taking from the haves, regardless of how it effects the economy.
Progressive taxes stifle creativity, they punish those that work hard to improve and what it will generate in additional income will be temporary and outweighed by the increase in costs associated with processing the state income tax returns.
I have a better suggestion, how about we cut spending 20% across the board and reduce the tax base by 20%. You want to bring more business into Illinois? Lower the costs of doing business here. You want to be a haven for technology? Lower the taxes on companies that base their corporate headquarters here.
It is not rocket science, but I am beginning to realize that for some Democrats, its all about taking from the haves, regardless of how it effects the economy.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Chicago Tribune has lost all credibility
The Chicago Tribune in their efforts to make money has sold their soul, in their greed they have given up the pursuit of the truth, and in their desire to be first they have lost all credibility.
Tonight they were running an advertisement offering a limited edition Obama picture, what got me about was the following quote:
"Barack Obama has inspired millions of Americans with his authentic message of change, hope and equality..."
Authentic message of change, hope and equality....I literally was left sitting there with my mouth open and no words, which does not happen often, as a matter of fact, I cannot remember the last time it happened.
The message of Obama is simple, if you have it I am going to take it. His message was anything but authentic and with that ad, the Tribune has made it clear that they are no longer about the truth, its all about the money.
I wonder if they will be asking for a piece of the bailout as well?
Tonight they were running an advertisement offering a limited edition Obama picture, what got me about was the following quote:
"Barack Obama has inspired millions of Americans with his authentic message of change, hope and equality..."
Authentic message of change, hope and equality....I literally was left sitting there with my mouth open and no words, which does not happen often, as a matter of fact, I cannot remember the last time it happened.
The message of Obama is simple, if you have it I am going to take it. His message was anything but authentic and with that ad, the Tribune has made it clear that they are no longer about the truth, its all about the money.
I wonder if they will be asking for a piece of the bailout as well?
Palin in 2012 is really out of her conrtrol
Sarah Palin in her interview with Greta Van Susteren left open the door for a possible Presidential bid in 2012. There is no doubt that she can energize the base of the Republican Party and that if she handles herself with distinction in Alaska over the next four years that she will gain among women and independents alike.
What she cannot control is how the press paints her and you can be assured they are watching and waiting for every opportunity to keep her from launching a serious campaign.
I personally would love to see her make a serious run, if for no other reason that to piss off Rachel Maddow and the ever moronic Keith Olbermann, you know the guy that has been fired from every single broadcasting job he ever had.
What she cannot control is how the press paints her and you can be assured they are watching and waiting for every opportunity to keep her from launching a serious campaign.
I personally would love to see her make a serious run, if for no other reason that to piss off Rachel Maddow and the ever moronic Keith Olbermann, you know the guy that has been fired from every single broadcasting job he ever had.
Minnesota - did you expect anything less?
I will keep my thoughts short, but it is obvious that something is disturbingly wrong in Minnesota when before the automatic recount fires, Senator Norm Coleman has lost 500+ votes. It smells bad, it tastes bad, and it smacks of fraud.
When they are showing Franken having more missed ballot counts in a county that Obama received in the entire state, one can easily draw the conclusion that someone is up to some serious games.
You can be sure of this, before it is over this will be ANOTHER election result that will end up in the courts.
Hey Al Gore, thanks again...
When they are showing Franken having more missed ballot counts in a county that Obama received in the entire state, one can easily draw the conclusion that someone is up to some serious games.
You can be sure of this, before it is over this will be ANOTHER election result that will end up in the courts.
Hey Al Gore, thanks again...
Wild Prediction
I am going to make a hugely wild prediction as it pertains to the economy and gas prices.
Today, the Dow is already down another 277 points at 1:43pm and appears to be sinking further. The American people are opposed to another bailout package just as they were with the first. So here is the prediction:
1. Oil will continue its slide all the way to $25.00
2. Gas prices will sink to $1.25 a gallon
3. The Dow will drop below 5,000
And nothing that Obama tries to do will work, he does not seek a second term.
Wild prediction, we can only hope that I am right and wrong at the same time.
Today, the Dow is already down another 277 points at 1:43pm and appears to be sinking further. The American people are opposed to another bailout package just as they were with the first. So here is the prediction:
1. Oil will continue its slide all the way to $25.00
2. Gas prices will sink to $1.25 a gallon
3. The Dow will drop below 5,000
And nothing that Obama tries to do will work, he does not seek a second term.
Wild prediction, we can only hope that I am right and wrong at the same time.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Aaaay aaaay good byyyyyyyyyyyye
Hey Howie, nice knowing ya, now get lost would ya?
That is about all I can muster up for the departing Howard Dean. He has been without a doubt, the biggest demogogue this country has ever seen and frankly it cannot come a moment too soon.
Make no mistake, he got things done, a far sight better than the Republicans, but hopefully with the thumping they were just handed, the arrogance we are already seeing from Obama, the guaranteed overreaching by the Congressional Democrats, I already feel a new wind blowing.
Of course, for the next several weeks we are going to hear what a great leader Dean was, well, he was for the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, but he was certainly no leader for America.
Howie, can I help ya move dude?
That is about all I can muster up for the departing Howard Dean. He has been without a doubt, the biggest demogogue this country has ever seen and frankly it cannot come a moment too soon.
Make no mistake, he got things done, a far sight better than the Republicans, but hopefully with the thumping they were just handed, the arrogance we are already seeing from Obama, the guaranteed overreaching by the Congressional Democrats, I already feel a new wind blowing.
Of course, for the next several weeks we are going to hear what a great leader Dean was, well, he was for the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, but he was certainly no leader for America.
Howie, can I help ya move dude?
Dan lungren - Is it possible? Could we have hope?
Dan Lungren a Representative from the 3rd Congressional District of California is reportedly considering challenging John Boehner for the House Minority Leader.
The House Minority Whip, Roy Blount, has already indicated that he will not seek the seat again; of course he is stating family reasons, but we all know its because of his inept leadership that has Blount stepping down.
Dan Lungren is the former Attorney General of California and now represents the 3rd district which includes parts of Sacramento, Solano county.
Lungren definitely has a strong conservative bent and could be considered a tough challenge for Boehner; we can only hope.
Boehner is a nice enough fella, but his time has come and gone and we need new leadership, so I say bring it on Dan......
The House Minority Whip, Roy Blount, has already indicated that he will not seek the seat again; of course he is stating family reasons, but we all know its because of his inept leadership that has Blount stepping down.
Dan Lungren is the former Attorney General of California and now represents the 3rd district which includes parts of Sacramento, Solano county.
Lungren definitely has a strong conservative bent and could be considered a tough challenge for Boehner; we can only hope.
Boehner is a nice enough fella, but his time has come and gone and we need new leadership, so I say bring it on Dan......
Returning to Prominence (Cont'd)
Point two on returning the Republican Party to prominence, requires that the party as a whole returns to its roots of fiscal responsibility. There is absolutely no doubt that after the '94 elections, the Republicans in Congress became drunk on their own wasteful spending.
You cannot stand for one thing and do something else and not expect the public and especially the press to take notice. It is a simple philosophy, so simple it smacks of grade school intellect; you only spend what you have! You do not increase spending when you do not have the money. Now, when faced with a 300 or in the case of 2008, a 455 billion decifit, you have backed yourself into a corner.
Make no mistake this is not just a Republican problem, members on both sides of the isle are drunk with spending, earmarks, and projects that are designed only to gain votes for reelection. The American public and voters at large expect that their money will be properly managed; at least they did at one point in time, I doubt at this stage with the excess we have seen in the past 16 years they are going to easily trust anyone.
The problem now is manifesting itself even more so with the 700 billion bailout of Wall Street and others to the point that it will take no less than a decade to get ourselves out of this mess. You can expect the decifit under Obama to increase substantially, unless the Republicans, especially in the Senate unite behind this principle - No increase in spending without a legitimate source from which to fund it. Period.
With the economy in a contraction state at the moment, it is imperative that Congress manage this situation delicately and eliminate all new increases in spending.
That means NONE, not a single one, not without a funding source. Pretty simple, if you do not have the money, you do not spend it.
My plan is even simpler. A complete hiring freeze in Washington for 4 years. For 24 months no increases in spending. The second 24 months spending increases is limited to 1/2 the rate of inflation. Year 5-8 Spending increases is limited to the rate of inflation.
In addition, we streamline the Department of Homeland Security, and eliminate the Department of Education.
Basic, straight forward approach that will eliminate the deficit within 10 years without requiring a single tax increase.
Speaking of taxes, well, I will save that for another day.....
You cannot stand for one thing and do something else and not expect the public and especially the press to take notice. It is a simple philosophy, so simple it smacks of grade school intellect; you only spend what you have! You do not increase spending when you do not have the money. Now, when faced with a 300 or in the case of 2008, a 455 billion decifit, you have backed yourself into a corner.
Make no mistake this is not just a Republican problem, members on both sides of the isle are drunk with spending, earmarks, and projects that are designed only to gain votes for reelection. The American public and voters at large expect that their money will be properly managed; at least they did at one point in time, I doubt at this stage with the excess we have seen in the past 16 years they are going to easily trust anyone.
The problem now is manifesting itself even more so with the 700 billion bailout of Wall Street and others to the point that it will take no less than a decade to get ourselves out of this mess. You can expect the decifit under Obama to increase substantially, unless the Republicans, especially in the Senate unite behind this principle - No increase in spending without a legitimate source from which to fund it. Period.
With the economy in a contraction state at the moment, it is imperative that Congress manage this situation delicately and eliminate all new increases in spending.
That means NONE, not a single one, not without a funding source. Pretty simple, if you do not have the money, you do not spend it.
My plan is even simpler. A complete hiring freeze in Washington for 4 years. For 24 months no increases in spending. The second 24 months spending increases is limited to 1/2 the rate of inflation. Year 5-8 Spending increases is limited to the rate of inflation.
In addition, we streamline the Department of Homeland Security, and eliminate the Department of Education.
Basic, straight forward approach that will eliminate the deficit within 10 years without requiring a single tax increase.
Speaking of taxes, well, I will save that for another day.....
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Illinois Review makes the call
A cudos to Illinois Review this morning for making the call on Paul Volker. In case anyone has missed it, Paul Volker has been named as a part of Obama's economic team, a team that is comprised of former Clinton Administration officials and a few like Volker, from the Carter Administration.
He is the last one this country needs right now, and I salute the Illinois Review for making the call.
He is the last one this country needs right now, and I salute the Illinois Review for making the call.
Obama's first acts should come as no suprise
Now that Obama is a President in waiting, he has wasted no time in sending his mouth piece John Podesta out to float the first acts of an Obama Administration.
It should come as no suprise that Obama has every intention of legislating with Executive Priviledge; yes I know Bush used the EP pen as did Clinton, Reagan, Bush Senior, etc. They were all wrong.
Obama has every intention of rescinding or reversing Bush policies on stem cell research, rules pertaining to us financial assistance for abortions, and drilling for oil.
Considering that Obama has made his support of abortions front and center and he has a dislike for the oil and gas industry, this is something that all should have expected; if you did not, well, then you are asleep at the wheel.
It should come as no suprise that Obama has every intention of legislating with Executive Priviledge; yes I know Bush used the EP pen as did Clinton, Reagan, Bush Senior, etc. They were all wrong.
Obama has every intention of rescinding or reversing Bush policies on stem cell research, rules pertaining to us financial assistance for abortions, and drilling for oil.
Considering that Obama has made his support of abortions front and center and he has a dislike for the oil and gas industry, this is something that all should have expected; if you did not, well, then you are asleep at the wheel.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Returning Republican Party to Prominence (Con'td)
As I indicated previously, I was going to outline what I believe the Republican Party needs to do in order to return to prominence in Illinois politics and in the US in general.
I will expand each original comment and not in any specific order.
This time I will concentrate strictly on the issue of new leadership and I will probably be in a minority when I say this.
Its time to fire the entire leadership team from Mike Duncan all the way through to the local county chairman that did not get the job done. The bottom line for each party is to get people elected, and not just on the local front. They have an obligation to support the national party as well, and its candidates at the top. Mike Duncan is responsible overall for the performance of the Republican Party on the national scale and he failed MISERABLY.
John Boehner not only failed to get new members elected, he lost additional seats in the House. His performance has been horrible. the question is will anyone else step forward to challenge him? Probably not, and that will only result in more losses in two years.
Mitch McConnell is a nice guy, I happen to like Mitch and agree with a lot of his philosophies; at the same time though, he failed to not only hold onto the Senate seats he had, he lost at least six more. That is frankly unacceptable in today's world.
If any county in the U.S. suffered more Republican losses than gains, that chairman should get the boot. Period. Nada, gone say Asta Lavista Baby.
That is one of the biggest problems right now for the party is the lack of leadership, someone to stand up and say "Hey, this is what we are about and we will not accept defeat, we will not accept the notion that we have to make ourselves Democrats in order to win, that we do not need to compromise our values in order to win elections."
In essence we need someone to stand up, paddle the party on the fanny and say let's go! The also need to repudiate the statements of individuals like Jim Edgar that seem to think that they only way to win an election is to be a Democrat in sheeps clothing. In case anyone noticed he played with the idea of running for Obama's Senate seat four years ago, what did he do? He bailed. He then touted with the idea of running against the incumbent Rod Blagojevich, again, he bailed.
Why? Is it because with his liberal bent he knew that running as a Republican liberal would result in nothing more than a loss?
The last thing the Republican Party right now needs is to take advice from someone who does not have the party's interest at heart.
I will expand each original comment and not in any specific order.
This time I will concentrate strictly on the issue of new leadership and I will probably be in a minority when I say this.
Its time to fire the entire leadership team from Mike Duncan all the way through to the local county chairman that did not get the job done. The bottom line for each party is to get people elected, and not just on the local front. They have an obligation to support the national party as well, and its candidates at the top. Mike Duncan is responsible overall for the performance of the Republican Party on the national scale and he failed MISERABLY.
John Boehner not only failed to get new members elected, he lost additional seats in the House. His performance has been horrible. the question is will anyone else step forward to challenge him? Probably not, and that will only result in more losses in two years.
Mitch McConnell is a nice guy, I happen to like Mitch and agree with a lot of his philosophies; at the same time though, he failed to not only hold onto the Senate seats he had, he lost at least six more. That is frankly unacceptable in today's world.
If any county in the U.S. suffered more Republican losses than gains, that chairman should get the boot. Period. Nada, gone say Asta Lavista Baby.
That is one of the biggest problems right now for the party is the lack of leadership, someone to stand up and say "Hey, this is what we are about and we will not accept defeat, we will not accept the notion that we have to make ourselves Democrats in order to win, that we do not need to compromise our values in order to win elections."
In essence we need someone to stand up, paddle the party on the fanny and say let's go! The also need to repudiate the statements of individuals like Jim Edgar that seem to think that they only way to win an election is to be a Democrat in sheeps clothing. In case anyone noticed he played with the idea of running for Obama's Senate seat four years ago, what did he do? He bailed. He then touted with the idea of running against the incumbent Rod Blagojevich, again, he bailed.
Why? Is it because with his liberal bent he knew that running as a Republican liberal would result in nothing more than a loss?
The last thing the Republican Party right now needs is to take advice from someone who does not have the party's interest at heart.
Even in victory Democrats still cannot help themelves
Even with the resounding thumping that the Democrats handed John McCain on November 4, 2008, they cannot help themselves with accusations of Bush stealing elections, approving the bombing of the towers, etc.
It really is sad that some will always see a conspiracy in everything. How incredibly shallow their lives must be.
I suppose it should not suprise me, they really cannot help themselves.....they have nothing else.
It really is sad that some will always see a conspiracy in everything. How incredibly shallow their lives must be.
I suppose it should not suprise me, they really cannot help themselves.....they have nothing else.
One Final word on the Palin Blame Game
I have just one final word on this fiasco and I am hopefully going to be able to move past it.
Actually it is in the form of a question. "Where in the hell is John McCain?"
This trash talk and blame game has been going on for almost a week now and John McCain has been noticeably absent. Now, is that because he is refusing to give credence to the outrageous comments, does not want to give an unnamed spoiler more press time, or he actually believes some of the crap that is being fed to the media.
If McCain had any decency whatsoever, he would have had his ASS in front of the cameras immediately and put an end to these ridiculous accusations, but then again, I am not suprised that he has remained silent.
McCain cannot accept the fact that this loss was his and his alone. He had no message, had no money, and was willing to allow Obama to get away with too much. He conceded race after race and you cannot win unless you are competitive. He is to blame for this loss, not Sarah Palin.
Actually it is in the form of a question. "Where in the hell is John McCain?"
This trash talk and blame game has been going on for almost a week now and John McCain has been noticeably absent. Now, is that because he is refusing to give credence to the outrageous comments, does not want to give an unnamed spoiler more press time, or he actually believes some of the crap that is being fed to the media.
If McCain had any decency whatsoever, he would have had his ASS in front of the cameras immediately and put an end to these ridiculous accusations, but then again, I am not suprised that he has remained silent.
McCain cannot accept the fact that this loss was his and his alone. He had no message, had no money, and was willing to allow Obama to get away with too much. He conceded race after race and you cannot win unless you are competitive. He is to blame for this loss, not Sarah Palin.
Will Obama ride to the rescue of his Aunt?
With Obama's aunt facing almost certain deportation, unless of course an INS judge gets cold feet in sending the President Elect's aunt packing back to Kenya, will he step in and ensure she stays?
It is hard to believe that as President or even President-Eelct is not going to have some influence on this case, and even if he does not get involved personally, the perception will be there that he influenced any decision to reverse course.
The best action that can be taken, for Obama and for the country, is to send her back to Kenya and let her make her appeals from there.
It is hard to believe that as President or even President-Eelct is not going to have some influence on this case, and even if he does not get involved personally, the perception will be there that he influenced any decision to reverse course.
The best action that can be taken, for Obama and for the country, is to send her back to Kenya and let her make her appeals from there.
Rally around the President-Elect? Why?
Give me one good reason why I should rally around a man whose policies I rejected two years ago and still reject today?
Give me one good reason why I should support a man who happens to stand for everything I oppose?
Rally around Obama? No, I reject Obama now as I did then. If the Republican Party wants to regain the White House in four years, they will heed my advice.
"Never concede anything, and do not rally around a man whose principles are the very ideas you oppose".
Give me one good reason why I should support a man who happens to stand for everything I oppose?
Rally around Obama? No, I reject Obama now as I did then. If the Republican Party wants to regain the White House in four years, they will heed my advice.
"Never concede anything, and do not rally around a man whose principles are the very ideas you oppose".
Arrogance cometh forth
Well it did not take long; within days of winning the election Barack Obama has shown what will be his trademark over the next four year - arrogance. His comment regarding Nancy Reagan during his press conference shows how arrogant he can and will be.
He can apologize afterwards if he likes, which according to Fox News he did, but that does not take away from the fact that he said it to start with.
Barack Obama has always been an arrogant politician, he believes that he knows best on how to spend our tax dollars, more so than we do. He believes that government is the answer to our problems and the historic waste of taxpayer money associated with the Bush financial bailout now looking at a second round, his arrogance will only grow.
It is going to be a long four years.
He can apologize afterwards if he likes, which according to Fox News he did, but that does not take away from the fact that he said it to start with.
Barack Obama has always been an arrogant politician, he believes that he knows best on how to spend our tax dollars, more so than we do. He believes that government is the answer to our problems and the historic waste of taxpayer money associated with the Bush financial bailout now looking at a second round, his arrogance will only grow.
It is going to be a long four years.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Transition Council of Economic Advisers
I wonder if Obama is going to release the minutes from the meeting today? He was blasting Cheney about having secret meetings, its time to see if he will do as he says....
I would not be holding my breath though, one might pass out if you do that
I would not be holding my breath though, one might pass out if you do that
Obama is elected / Markets crash
I know that I am not the only one that has noticed that since Obama won the election that the markets two days in a row went into the tank......
Hmmm, I wonder why that is......
I know, some will say correlation is not causation, but it damn sure smells that way to me.
Hmmm, I wonder why that is......
I know, some will say correlation is not causation, but it damn sure smells that way to me.
Returning the Republican Party to Prominence in IL
It is simple, so simple that everyone skips the basics. So I am going to layout over the next several weeks exactly what the Republican Party needs to do in order to return to prominence in Illinois.
1. Elect new leadership. Andy McKenna needs to go and go now. It has been during his tenure that the party has suffered its greatest losses and ultimately as State Chairman he is responsible for that.
2. Return to its principles of fiscal responsibility; low taxes and controlled spending.
3. Operate on the basic and time proven principle that all politics is local. That means you concede nothing, The State Chair needs to emphasize to each county chair that they must have Republican Representation in each and every precinct. Without fail.
4. Articulate the position of the party in a clear and concise manner, and do not act ashamed of it.
Those are simple, probably too simple for the leadership, but its the basics at which the Republican Party has failed.
Some will argue that the Party needs to move to the left, well we did that with Topinka and look where that got us? She was stomped by 10 points. Some will argue that we need to moderate our views, or positions. That is a recipe for failure. We cannot out-dem the Democrats and any attempt to do so will fail.
The last time a Republican carried the state in a Presidential election was when? Anyone know? 1988 - George Herbert Walker Bush. We have moved left since then and what has it got us? Nothing.
I am not advocating that the party move to the fringes on the right, I am advocating that the party re-position itself back to its core, the same core that Reagan espoused.
If we fail to do that, this state will remain a blue state.
1. Elect new leadership. Andy McKenna needs to go and go now. It has been during his tenure that the party has suffered its greatest losses and ultimately as State Chairman he is responsible for that.
2. Return to its principles of fiscal responsibility; low taxes and controlled spending.
3. Operate on the basic and time proven principle that all politics is local. That means you concede nothing, The State Chair needs to emphasize to each county chair that they must have Republican Representation in each and every precinct. Without fail.
4. Articulate the position of the party in a clear and concise manner, and do not act ashamed of it.
Those are simple, probably too simple for the leadership, but its the basics at which the Republican Party has failed.
Some will argue that the Party needs to move to the left, well we did that with Topinka and look where that got us? She was stomped by 10 points. Some will argue that we need to moderate our views, or positions. That is a recipe for failure. We cannot out-dem the Democrats and any attempt to do so will fail.
The last time a Republican carried the state in a Presidential election was when? Anyone know? 1988 - George Herbert Walker Bush. We have moved left since then and what has it got us? Nothing.
I am not advocating that the party move to the fringes on the right, I am advocating that the party re-position itself back to its core, the same core that Reagan espoused.
If we fail to do that, this state will remain a blue state.
Economy is not the worst since FDR
It is in trouble, there is no doubt about that, but calling it the worst since FDR is just plain irresponsible. In 1980 we had interest rates reaching 20%, inflation running out of control at a staggering 12% and unemployment that was close to 8%.
Someone, please anyone show me where that is better than today?
That cannot because it is not. The last thing we need as well is another government funded bailout package. If these companies cannot survive on their own, then they should be allowed to fail.
This is going to turn into the largest grab of private enterprise by the federal government in the history of the country.
Someone, please anyone show me where that is better than today?
That cannot because it is not. The last thing we need as well is another government funded bailout package. If these companies cannot survive on their own, then they should be allowed to fail.
This is going to turn into the largest grab of private enterprise by the federal government in the history of the country.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Blaming Sarah Palin is shameful
With the election over and McCain being handed the biggest thumping of his career, McCain staffers have started making exuses over their inept handling of the campaign by blaming Palin for their loss.
The smacks of sour grapes, grasping to find someone to blame other than the people they should - Themselves. Let's face it, they screwed up. They conceded far too many races, left no room for error and got away from the basic philosophy of all elections are local, they deserved to lose. To come out after the election and blame someone who their own guy selected is shameful and am embarrassment for McCain.
Own up to your own mistakes, you had a candidate that could not find his own rear with both hands and an Admiral Bird expedition in this campaign, his mistakes are long and stupid and frankly I had a tough time voting for him, in the end I chose McCain over socialism but Palin was a non factor and anyone claiming anything different is a liar and they know it.
Step up and face the music staffers, you blew it and blaming her only makes you look worse.
The smacks of sour grapes, grasping to find someone to blame other than the people they should - Themselves. Let's face it, they screwed up. They conceded far too many races, left no room for error and got away from the basic philosophy of all elections are local, they deserved to lose. To come out after the election and blame someone who their own guy selected is shameful and am embarrassment for McCain.
Own up to your own mistakes, you had a candidate that could not find his own rear with both hands and an Admiral Bird expedition in this campaign, his mistakes are long and stupid and frankly I had a tough time voting for him, in the end I chose McCain over socialism but Palin was a non factor and anyone claiming anything different is a liar and they know it.
Step up and face the music staffers, you blew it and blaming her only makes you look worse.
Fitzgerald as AG? Not gonna happen
The IllinoisReview blog had an interesting discussion on the prospect of U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald being appointed as Attorney General.
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/11/getting-rid-of.html
I would bet the mortgage that it will not happen, I seriously doubt they want him anywhere near Obama, especially with his desire to get everything Tony Rezko has.....
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2008/11/getting-rid-of.html
I would bet the mortgage that it will not happen, I seriously doubt they want him anywhere near Obama, especially with his desire to get everything Tony Rezko has.....
Lindsay Graham needs to make some decisions
You are either a Republican and support Republican causes, or you are a Democrat in sheeps clothing.
Step up Lindsay or Step Out! Your choice.
Step up Lindsay or Step Out! Your choice.
Governing will prove far harder
than campaign speeches. Obama campaigned far left during the primary (typical for the Democratic Party) and center left during the general election. He gave wonderful, inspiring speeches, and that halting stepping stone voice of his was resounding with crowds.
Now, the election is over and he is faced with cobbling together an administration in 75 days and then govern. He will find that speeches will no longer carry the day, voting present will no longer be acceptable to America, he will have to actually make decisions and take stands; that will prove to be the hardest thing he has ever had to do.
Now, the election is over and he is faced with cobbling together an administration in 75 days and then govern. He will find that speeches will no longer carry the day, voting present will no longer be acceptable to America, he will have to actually make decisions and take stands; that will prove to be the hardest thing he has ever had to do.
Introspection is a good thing
It allows us to closely look at the causes for our failures, it allows us to adjust and regroup, choosing new leaders that will help guide us back to our place.
There are so many areas that our party needs to concentrate on, reasons why we lost and it will not be accomplished in a day, week or months; but it has to happen or we will be right back here again two years from now, licking our wounds miffed at the world.
Politics is local, always has been and I venture to say it will always be that way and the Republican party ignored that this time. Who was the Sangamon County Chairman for the McCain campaign? Do you know? Because I damn sure do not. I did not have a single Republican candidate call me, or send me a card, or knock on my door. Where was the precinct captains in all this? They did not do their job. Period. Tony Libri, Sangamon County Republican Party Chairman, made a big splash when the party endorsed Rudy, and then guess what? Nothing, nada, dead silence from that moment on.
If we are to make a difference we need to return to the roots, our core values and work up from there, I am willing are you?
There are so many areas that our party needs to concentrate on, reasons why we lost and it will not be accomplished in a day, week or months; but it has to happen or we will be right back here again two years from now, licking our wounds miffed at the world.
Politics is local, always has been and I venture to say it will always be that way and the Republican party ignored that this time. Who was the Sangamon County Chairman for the McCain campaign? Do you know? Because I damn sure do not. I did not have a single Republican candidate call me, or send me a card, or knock on my door. Where was the precinct captains in all this? They did not do their job. Period. Tony Libri, Sangamon County Republican Party Chairman, made a big splash when the party endorsed Rudy, and then guess what? Nothing, nada, dead silence from that moment on.
If we are to make a difference we need to return to the roots, our core values and work up from there, I am willing are you?
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Ok I am a little miffed
and I will admit I am sorely disappointed in the election results last night. I am still amazed that any American of Jewish descent actually gave the thought of voting for Obama more than a second thought, let alone actually pull the handle, but I can understand the feeling of helplessness.....I had it too.
After '94 when the Republican Party swept the Democrats out of control in the House and Senate, they went on a feeding binge as though they were a great white shark that had not had as much as a sliver of squid in six months. They increase spending, they spent more, increased spending and still spent more. Along came Bush with his compassionate conservatism and actually did pretty decently through the first four years before losing his senses in the second.
See, the difference between a conservative like myself and the Democrats (or those claiming to be a compassionate conservative) is that I am willing to admit when we make a mistake. I have never heard a single Democrat admit their administration or policies were a mistake or failure.
The Republicans have a rare opportunity here to clearly show the difference of someone of the far left like Obama and themselves, the only question is will the have the nerve to actually do it, polls be damned?
After '94 when the Republican Party swept the Democrats out of control in the House and Senate, they went on a feeding binge as though they were a great white shark that had not had as much as a sliver of squid in six months. They increase spending, they spent more, increased spending and still spent more. Along came Bush with his compassionate conservatism and actually did pretty decently through the first four years before losing his senses in the second.
See, the difference between a conservative like myself and the Democrats (or those claiming to be a compassionate conservative) is that I am willing to admit when we make a mistake. I have never heard a single Democrat admit their administration or policies were a mistake or failure.
The Republicans have a rare opportunity here to clearly show the difference of someone of the far left like Obama and themselves, the only question is will the have the nerve to actually do it, polls be damned?
Chris Wallace might need a new career
predicting what politicians will do is probably beyond his pay grade. With Obama tapping Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) as his Chief of Staff, he has once again proved that he has every intention of operating from the fringes of the far left.
Emanuel is an extreme socialist that has removed the words centrist and center from his dictionary.
I really want to say "I told you so" but I will refrain until I see who else he appoints....the flood is coming America and its going to get ugly.
Emanuel is an extreme socialist that has removed the words centrist and center from his dictionary.
I really want to say "I told you so" but I will refrain until I see who else he appoints....the flood is coming America and its going to get ugly.
Nancy Pelosi - What happened to the last two years?
Speaker Pelosi made the following statement today "The American people have called for a new direction, a very important part of that change will be the bipartisanship, the civility in which we engage in our dialogue and the fiscal responsibility that we bring to our legislation".
I ask her, where the hell have you been for the past two years? Because I certainly have not seen an iota of civility from the Democratic leadership and bipartisanship? That is code for "Do it MY WAY".
You have had two years in which to engage in civility and bipartisanship and you have not done it, but since the Republicans had their head stuck in the sand pretending to be something they were not, they handed you another election.
I suppose this is no different that Mr. Obstructionist Barney Frank talking about the housing meltdown, of which he was the prime architect.
Oh well, I have 3 years 363 more days of political drama to write about...that is if I am still permitted to write.
I ask her, where the hell have you been for the past two years? Because I certainly have not seen an iota of civility from the Democratic leadership and bipartisanship? That is code for "Do it MY WAY".
You have had two years in which to engage in civility and bipartisanship and you have not done it, but since the Republicans had their head stuck in the sand pretending to be something they were not, they handed you another election.
I suppose this is no different that Mr. Obstructionist Barney Frank talking about the housing meltdown, of which he was the prime architect.
Oh well, I have 3 years 363 more days of political drama to write about...that is if I am still permitted to write.
Compassionate Conservatism is a joke
and here is a primary reason why. Over the past eight years, President Bush has operated not as a Republican, a keeper of the faith, a guardian of the people, and a stalwart of limited government; rather, he has operated as a "Compassionate Conservative".
Compassionate Conservatism is a euphemism for liberalism. It is a liberal who wants to sound like he is something he is not, it is a liberal that wants to be all things to all people.
We (Conservatives) lost this election because we forgot who we were and we allowed a President to operate as a liberal and defended him as though he was one of us; he was not, never was.
It is time that we return to our roots, return to what made us great, return to our values and refuse to compromise on those principles, if we do not we will never return to the position of gatekeepers of freedom.
Compassionate Conservatism is a euphemism for liberalism. It is a liberal who wants to sound like he is something he is not, it is a liberal that wants to be all things to all people.
We (Conservatives) lost this election because we forgot who we were and we allowed a President to operate as a liberal and defended him as though he was one of us; he was not, never was.
It is time that we return to our roots, return to what made us great, return to our values and refuse to compromise on those principles, if we do not we will never return to the position of gatekeepers of freedom.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
I never could concede gracefully
so I figure why start now?
Barack Obama did not "win" this election, the Republican Party lost it. Pure and simple and there is no mistaking it. They lost it with an unpopular President, a faltering economy, and a party that has lost its vision and direction. These problems extend from Washington right down to Sangamon County.
It is time to take back the party from the old guard, the Libri's and Cellini's of the party who have forgotten what the party stood for. The time to start cleaning house is immediately, we do not need a week or two or a month or even six to think about it. We need to immediately start tomorrow morning getting rid of every single one of them that are responsible for putting us in this position.
To think that 28 years ago, Ronald Reagan defined the greatness of this party is difficult to recall when you look at what we have today.
Change may be coming but it damn sure needs to come from within the Republican Party and there is only four years to get it done.....I am not sure that is enough time.
Barack Obama did not "win" this election, the Republican Party lost it. Pure and simple and there is no mistaking it. They lost it with an unpopular President, a faltering economy, and a party that has lost its vision and direction. These problems extend from Washington right down to Sangamon County.
It is time to take back the party from the old guard, the Libri's and Cellini's of the party who have forgotten what the party stood for. The time to start cleaning house is immediately, we do not need a week or two or a month or even six to think about it. We need to immediately start tomorrow morning getting rid of every single one of them that are responsible for putting us in this position.
To think that 28 years ago, Ronald Reagan defined the greatness of this party is difficult to recall when you look at what we have today.
Change may be coming but it damn sure needs to come from within the Republican Party and there is only four years to get it done.....I am not sure that is enough time.
Its finally here - Election Day
Election day is finally upon us and starting tomorrow we can hopefully return to a sense of normalcy; however, something eating away deep down inside tells me that will probably not happen. We will be faced with the prospect of listening to the same old rhetoric crapola day after day.
For what it is worth, I did my part, I walked into the voting booth, I held my nose and I voted for Obama.
JUST KIDDING!!!!! I chose faith over ridicule, I chose fiscal responsibility over socialism, and I chose for my second amendment.
It is important that everyone that is registered to vote votes. In the end you may not like the results, but at least your voice was heard.
Now, time will tell.
For what it is worth, I did my part, I walked into the voting booth, I held my nose and I voted for Obama.
JUST KIDDING!!!!! I chose faith over ridicule, I chose fiscal responsibility over socialism, and I chose for my second amendment.
It is important that everyone that is registered to vote votes. In the end you may not like the results, but at least your voice was heard.
Now, time will tell.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Will Obama do for us what he has done for his Aunt?
As it turns out, his aunt is living in Boston in PUBLIC HOUSING. Mr. Obama who is worth millions of dollars and can afford to take care of his own family, has saw fit to let his aunt feed at the public trough of public housing.
Oh, lest one forgets to mention - SHE IS HERE ILLEGALLY! Her request for asylum was denied by an IRS administrative law judge 4 years ago. 4 years ago! Here she is, an illegal living on public money.
Put us all in public housing, just give our checks to the government, let someone else take care of us....is that it Mr. Obama ? Or should I say Mr. Socialist.
Oh, lest one forgets to mention - SHE IS HERE ILLEGALLY! Her request for asylum was denied by an IRS administrative law judge 4 years ago. 4 years ago! Here she is, an illegal living on public money.
Put us all in public housing, just give our checks to the government, let someone else take care of us....is that it Mr. Obama ? Or should I say Mr. Socialist.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Clinton is Liberal, but this guy is SCARY
The more I read Barack Obama's positions the more I am amazed that anyone in their right mind supports this man. He is a socialist, and of that there is no question. Mr. Obama can deny that all he wants, his entire career has been based upon the belief of socialism.
Today's liberals are nothing like the liberals of the 70's and even the 80's. The days of common sense liberals who, although misguided, believed in personal responsibility and a sense of fairness are long gone. What we have today is extreme liberalism that makes no apologies for their firm belief in wealth redistribution, bigger government, and the mindset that they know best.
One can argue that socialism has failed so many times in so many countries that history should prove the system as a complete and utter failure; the problem is people like Obama do not believe that socialism is a failure, its implementation was and they would do a better job of that implementation.
I am, for the first time in my life, truly scared of a politician. The tag team consisting of the two most liberal members of the United States Senate running the White House should have every red blooded American shaking in their boots - these guys are SCARY!
Today's liberals are nothing like the liberals of the 70's and even the 80's. The days of common sense liberals who, although misguided, believed in personal responsibility and a sense of fairness are long gone. What we have today is extreme liberalism that makes no apologies for their firm belief in wealth redistribution, bigger government, and the mindset that they know best.
One can argue that socialism has failed so many times in so many countries that history should prove the system as a complete and utter failure; the problem is people like Obama do not believe that socialism is a failure, its implementation was and they would do a better job of that implementation.
I am, for the first time in my life, truly scared of a politician. The tag team consisting of the two most liberal members of the United States Senate running the White House should have every red blooded American shaking in their boots - these guys are SCARY!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Eugene Robinson - article is one big lie
I was reading today's op-ed piece by Eugene Robinson in the State Journal Register and had to comment.
Mr. Robinson is a typical liberal talking head that loves to opine about the failures of the Republican Party and Republican members of Congress, the President (provided, he is a Republican)and refuses to acknowledge any Democratic involvement in any thing.
This despite the factthat Congress has been controlled by the Democrats for the past two years.
So in order to be fair to Mr. Robinson, I will go through his article pointing out every single mistake he has made, and when I agree with him, I will.
Issue One:
Mr. Robinson starts out by stating that since the President was elected "...The Republican Party has presided over massive, out of control spending, converted a federal budget surplus into a half trillion deficit and looked the other way while Wall Street's greed and stupidity turned the hallowed free market into scorched earth."
Ok, I have to stop here and address the issues. First he incorrectly stats that "SinceGeorge W. Bush became President..." implies from that moment up to the current date and time. Mr. Robinson knows that is incorrect. The Democrats have controlled both the House and the Senate for the past two years. Knowingly writing something that is incorrect is a lie.
In addition, he falsely states that we had a budget surplus, which is in fact wrong and Mr. Robinson knows it. There never was a budget surplus, that so called surplus was a result of accounting trickery that has been used for quite some time. In all fairness though, both parties have played that game and they are both at fault for the misleading statements of asurplus.
This may be semantics here, but Mr. Robsinson states that the deficit is half a trillion dollars. That is also FALSE. According to the Wall Street Journal Market Watch dated October 14, 2008, the federal deficit is $455 billion. That is still $45 billion short of Mr. Robinson's statement. That is a 10% mistake, or should I call it something else?
Mr. Robinson further states that the Republicans in Congress looked the other way while Wall Street's greed ran unchecked. I seem to recall that Chris Dodd, Barney Frank opposed any additional oversight on the biggest fiasco of them all, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. I found it a convenient item left out of Mr. Robsinson's article. In reality the Republicans asked for additional regulation and oversight to no avail. However, I will concede they did not do enough; that does not excuse the fact that the Democrats who have been in control of Congress for the past two years have not done a damn thing.
Ok, let us move on.
Issue Two:
Mr. Robinson further states "Can any Republican candidate claim with a straight face to represent the party of small government? For that matter, can any Republican candidate plausibly explain what the party is supposed to stand for these days?"
Just because the President has made some stupid choices in bailing out failed banks that should be allowed to fail, just because the Democrats in Congress want to pass another round of social engineering masked as an economic bailout, just because we have some of the most inept economists running the Treasury department, does not represent the entire Republican Party and Mr. Robsinson damn well knows it.
Here he is talking out of one side of his mouth criticizing the President for taking this action and out the other complains it did not happen fast enough and does not go far enough.
Issue Three:
"It's pathetic to hear right-wing talk radio blowhards try to associate Barack Obama with "radical" or "socialist" views when a Republican administration is tossing aside "Atlas Shrugged" and speeding reading "Das Kapital".
No, I will tell you what is pathetic, it is the complaining from left wing socialist liberalslike Mr. Robinson who want their cake and eat it too. President Bush has made some of theworst decisions a President could make as it relates to this bailout; but the problem here is the Democratic machine wants to pass it, and bitch about it at the same time. Ala, step forward Mr. Robsinson.
By passing this legislation and allowing the government to take a financial stake directly in banks, is a huge leap forward on the trail to socialism, and that is exactly what Democrats like Mr. Robinson want; they just want to pin the inherent problems of that failed system on someone other than themselves.
Issue Four:
"The question isn't whether some kind of drastic, frankly socialistic measures are needed to save the American economy, but which ones.."
What utter hogwash. There has not been a single case of socialism working in the entire world and Mr. Robinson knows that. He, like so many of today's modern day Stalinists, believe that they are so smart, so all knowing, that it is not the model that is the problem but how the socialistic model is "implemented". There have been people far smarter than Mr. Robsinson try, and they have all failed.
You will never convince him of that though.
I could continue to pick apart the rest of Mr. Robinsons article, but doing so literaly is making me ill. I cannot believe that someone can honestly sit there and spew forth such utter nonsense and keep a straight face. Well now that I think of it, his picture is definitely not that of a straight face, more like a smirk an "aha got one over on ya didn't I?".
I will agree that the leaders of the Republican Party, including John McCain have made a mess of the party and for that I cannot forgive them; the President, while honorable and I believe honest has made far too many critical mistakes that have led me to look forward to the end of his term.
I was not, and am not a John McCain supporter, I am however a supporter of the free market, a supporter of supply side economics and a believer in the American spirit and dream. I believe in lower taxes, I believe in a slimmed down and efficient federal government that stays out of peoples homes, lives and businesses unless such intrusion is absolutely necessary to the safety and welfare of society at large. I believe in allowing businesses to operate in such a manner that they can be an effective member of society without all the red tape that the current system requires.
I have no doubt that Mr. Robinson loves his country, but he has a tendency to stretch the truth, refuse to acknowledge that the Democratic Party is as much at fault as the Republican Party, and he has, at times, flat out lied.
I cannot lend credence to someone who is so willing to obfuscate the truth for political expediencey.
Mr. Robinson is a typical liberal talking head that loves to opine about the failures of the Republican Party and Republican members of Congress, the President (provided, he is a Republican)and refuses to acknowledge any Democratic involvement in any thing.
This despite the factthat Congress has been controlled by the Democrats for the past two years.
So in order to be fair to Mr. Robinson, I will go through his article pointing out every single mistake he has made, and when I agree with him, I will.
Issue One:
Mr. Robinson starts out by stating that since the President was elected "...The Republican Party has presided over massive, out of control spending, converted a federal budget surplus into a half trillion deficit and looked the other way while Wall Street's greed and stupidity turned the hallowed free market into scorched earth."
Ok, I have to stop here and address the issues. First he incorrectly stats that "SinceGeorge W. Bush became President..." implies from that moment up to the current date and time. Mr. Robinson knows that is incorrect. The Democrats have controlled both the House and the Senate for the past two years. Knowingly writing something that is incorrect is a lie.
In addition, he falsely states that we had a budget surplus, which is in fact wrong and Mr. Robinson knows it. There never was a budget surplus, that so called surplus was a result of accounting trickery that has been used for quite some time. In all fairness though, both parties have played that game and they are both at fault for the misleading statements of asurplus.
This may be semantics here, but Mr. Robsinson states that the deficit is half a trillion dollars. That is also FALSE. According to the Wall Street Journal Market Watch dated October 14, 2008, the federal deficit is $455 billion. That is still $45 billion short of Mr. Robinson's statement. That is a 10% mistake, or should I call it something else?
Mr. Robinson further states that the Republicans in Congress looked the other way while Wall Street's greed ran unchecked. I seem to recall that Chris Dodd, Barney Frank opposed any additional oversight on the biggest fiasco of them all, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. I found it a convenient item left out of Mr. Robsinson's article. In reality the Republicans asked for additional regulation and oversight to no avail. However, I will concede they did not do enough; that does not excuse the fact that the Democrats who have been in control of Congress for the past two years have not done a damn thing.
Ok, let us move on.
Issue Two:
Mr. Robinson further states "Can any Republican candidate claim with a straight face to represent the party of small government? For that matter, can any Republican candidate plausibly explain what the party is supposed to stand for these days?"
Just because the President has made some stupid choices in bailing out failed banks that should be allowed to fail, just because the Democrats in Congress want to pass another round of social engineering masked as an economic bailout, just because we have some of the most inept economists running the Treasury department, does not represent the entire Republican Party and Mr. Robsinson damn well knows it.
Here he is talking out of one side of his mouth criticizing the President for taking this action and out the other complains it did not happen fast enough and does not go far enough.
Issue Three:
"It's pathetic to hear right-wing talk radio blowhards try to associate Barack Obama with "radical" or "socialist" views when a Republican administration is tossing aside "Atlas Shrugged" and speeding reading "Das Kapital".
No, I will tell you what is pathetic, it is the complaining from left wing socialist liberalslike Mr. Robinson who want their cake and eat it too. President Bush has made some of theworst decisions a President could make as it relates to this bailout; but the problem here is the Democratic machine wants to pass it, and bitch about it at the same time. Ala, step forward Mr. Robsinson.
By passing this legislation and allowing the government to take a financial stake directly in banks, is a huge leap forward on the trail to socialism, and that is exactly what Democrats like Mr. Robinson want; they just want to pin the inherent problems of that failed system on someone other than themselves.
Issue Four:
"The question isn't whether some kind of drastic, frankly socialistic measures are needed to save the American economy, but which ones.."
What utter hogwash. There has not been a single case of socialism working in the entire world and Mr. Robinson knows that. He, like so many of today's modern day Stalinists, believe that they are so smart, so all knowing, that it is not the model that is the problem but how the socialistic model is "implemented". There have been people far smarter than Mr. Robsinson try, and they have all failed.
You will never convince him of that though.
I could continue to pick apart the rest of Mr. Robinsons article, but doing so literaly is making me ill. I cannot believe that someone can honestly sit there and spew forth such utter nonsense and keep a straight face. Well now that I think of it, his picture is definitely not that of a straight face, more like a smirk an "aha got one over on ya didn't I?".
I will agree that the leaders of the Republican Party, including John McCain have made a mess of the party and for that I cannot forgive them; the President, while honorable and I believe honest has made far too many critical mistakes that have led me to look forward to the end of his term.
I was not, and am not a John McCain supporter, I am however a supporter of the free market, a supporter of supply side economics and a believer in the American spirit and dream. I believe in lower taxes, I believe in a slimmed down and efficient federal government that stays out of peoples homes, lives and businesses unless such intrusion is absolutely necessary to the safety and welfare of society at large. I believe in allowing businesses to operate in such a manner that they can be an effective member of society without all the red tape that the current system requires.
I have no doubt that Mr. Robinson loves his country, but he has a tendency to stretch the truth, refuse to acknowledge that the Democratic Party is as much at fault as the Republican Party, and he has, at times, flat out lied.
I cannot lend credence to someone who is so willing to obfuscate the truth for political expediencey.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Mr. Biden you have no clue
He opposes drilling in Alaska, yet he has never even made a trip to the "frozen tundra" and I am not talking about Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Can this guy actually tell the truth?
He calls wealth redistribution "fairness", I have to tell you Mr. Biden its not fairness, its not redistribution......I have a better term for it - THEFT!!!!!!!!
I earned that money, its MY money, its NOT YOURS; so do not tell me that it is patriotic for me to send YOU more of my money.
Can this guy actually tell the truth?
He calls wealth redistribution "fairness", I have to tell you Mr. Biden its not fairness, its not redistribution......I have a better term for it - THEFT!!!!!!!!
I earned that money, its MY money, its NOT YOURS; so do not tell me that it is patriotic for me to send YOU more of my money.
VP Debate - Home mortgages
One comment that struck me as be amazing was Biden's suggestion that we should allow bankruptcy judges to adust the PRINCIPAL amounts on home mortgages......
So people get into trouble, they bought more house than they can afford and they are supposed to get a break by not just adjusting the interest rate (which I might be persuaded to support) BUT TO BASICALLY ELIMINATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT!
I am sorry Mr. Biden but that is the quickest way to destroy this economy. If there is anything in this world that could be defined as redstribution of wealth more so than this I do not know what it is.......
So people get into trouble, they bought more house than they can afford and they are supposed to get a break by not just adjusting the interest rate (which I might be persuaded to support) BUT TO BASICALLY ELIMINATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT!
I am sorry Mr. Biden but that is the quickest way to destroy this economy. If there is anything in this world that could be defined as redstribution of wealth more so than this I do not know what it is.......
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Ike - Why risk it
I am amazed at the number of people, I would call them idiots but I am trying to be nice today.....I am amazed that anyone in their right mind would even risk staying behind. Its fool hardy and I have no sympathy for them.
Personally, if you stay behind, you are on your own - no services, no search and rescue, no food, no water, nothing.
Personally, if you stay behind, you are on your own - no services, no search and rescue, no food, no water, nothing.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Illinois just got screwed
Governor Rod Blagojevich and Speaker Michael Madigan have been hobnobbing in Denver when their asses should have been in Springfield working on maintaining our resources, namely the 11 state parks that were just ordered closed.
These two men are an absolute disgrace and should resign, although we all know they are either too stupid or ignorant to do either.
Once these parks are closed, you can rest assured they will never be reopened. Lowden State Park in Oregon Illinois boasts the Blackhawk statue which will most assuredly fall into disrepair now. Kettle Moraine View State Park which has provided a wealth of services and activities is now gone.
Once again the Governor and Madigan have found a way to screw the citizens of this state.
Instead of hobnobbing in Denver on the taxpayers dime Governor and Mr. Speaker, how about getting your ASSES back to Illinois and actually putting in a full weeks worth of work? Oh I am sorry, you are too busy....
Screwed again.....
These two men are an absolute disgrace and should resign, although we all know they are either too stupid or ignorant to do either.
Once these parks are closed, you can rest assured they will never be reopened. Lowden State Park in Oregon Illinois boasts the Blackhawk statue which will most assuredly fall into disrepair now. Kettle Moraine View State Park which has provided a wealth of services and activities is now gone.
Once again the Governor and Madigan have found a way to screw the citizens of this state.
Instead of hobnobbing in Denver on the taxpayers dime Governor and Mr. Speaker, how about getting your ASSES back to Illinois and actually putting in a full weeks worth of work? Oh I am sorry, you are too busy....
Screwed again.....
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Carter - As if anyone was really listening
Former President Jimmy Carter was spewing forth his venom again tonight, castigating McCain by saying he was "milking every possible drop of advantage" from his POW experience in Vietnam.
Well Mr. Carter, I am by no means a McCain lover, but I can tell you that you could not hold his jock strap let alone match his integrity and patriotism.
Its time for the old, bitter, washed up, former President to fade quietly into the background and resume his position as a nobody, just like he grew up.
Well Mr. Carter, I am by no means a McCain lover, but I can tell you that you could not hold his jock strap let alone match his integrity and patriotism.
Its time for the old, bitter, washed up, former President to fade quietly into the background and resume his position as a nobody, just like he grew up.
Democratic National Convention
I do not know if this event should be called a convention or not; it is beginning to appear more like a 60's lovefest, and now with the "hugfest" of the Illinois delegation, I have come to one conclusion......
The only way this gets worse is to have an all out orgy.
I shudder at the thought.
The only way this gets worse is to have an all out orgy.
I shudder at the thought.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Are you crapping me Mark?
Today, Mark Murphy, the CEO of the Green Bay Packers made this comment in regards to the split between Favre and Green Bay:
"..."It's like a marriage that ends," It happens. Neither party is at fault."
Are you crapping me Mark? Neither party is at fault? If you honestly believe that your management team is not at fault in this fiasco, then you need to be fired as well.
When you have individuals, purposely planting false stories in an attempt to sway public opinion; when you have a general manager that says one thing and does another; when you have a marquee player tell you that he no longer trusts the GM and you do nothing to investigate - YOU HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM. PROBLEM = A MISTAKE WAS MADE = SOMEONE MADE THAT MISTAKE = SOMEONE IS AT FAULT!
A marriage does not end Mark without someone making a mistake.
I honestly thought you were the intelligent one in this mess; your latest comments call that assumption into question.
"..."It's like a marriage that ends," It happens. Neither party is at fault."
Are you crapping me Mark? Neither party is at fault? If you honestly believe that your management team is not at fault in this fiasco, then you need to be fired as well.
When you have individuals, purposely planting false stories in an attempt to sway public opinion; when you have a general manager that says one thing and does another; when you have a marquee player tell you that he no longer trusts the GM and you do nothing to investigate - YOU HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM. PROBLEM = A MISTAKE WAS MADE = SOMEONE MADE THAT MISTAKE = SOMEONE IS AT FAULT!
A marriage does not end Mark without someone making a mistake.
I honestly thought you were the intelligent one in this mess; your latest comments call that assumption into question.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
All Aboard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mike McCarthy stated the "...train has left the station..." in his presss conference last night; well Mr. McCarthy there is one more train that is going to be leaving Green Bay; most assuredly that train will have Ted Thompson on it, the only question now is - will you be on it?
All Aboard!
All Aboard!
Mark Murphy still has one job left to do
IN Announcing the Packers had officially traded Brett Favre to the New York Jets, Mark Murphy, CEO and President of the Green Bay Packers, made the following statement:
..."Moving forward, we are dedicated to delivering a successful 2008 season for all Packers fans."
I have a simple suggestion for Mr. Murphy, if you truly want to have a successful 2008 season, your first order of business upon completion of this trade would be to terminate the employment of Mr. Ted Thompson. Were it not for his inept handling of this entire saga, you would not have had to deal with any of this.
To place this decision solely in the lap of Favre is a bit of a reach. Not that he does not share part of the blame, Ted Thompson made it clear from the start that he did not want Favre on the team and he would stop at nothing to ensure Favre did not return.
Mr. Murphy, you do seem like an honorable gentleman, and I trust that you have the Packers best interest at heart, however if you fail to take action on Thompsons' share in this mess, I will lose faith in your ability to maintain the high standards the Packers require.
..."Moving forward, we are dedicated to delivering a successful 2008 season for all Packers fans."
I have a simple suggestion for Mr. Murphy, if you truly want to have a successful 2008 season, your first order of business upon completion of this trade would be to terminate the employment of Mr. Ted Thompson. Were it not for his inept handling of this entire saga, you would not have had to deal with any of this.
To place this decision solely in the lap of Favre is a bit of a reach. Not that he does not share part of the blame, Ted Thompson made it clear from the start that he did not want Favre on the team and he would stop at nothing to ensure Favre did not return.
Mr. Murphy, you do seem like an honorable gentleman, and I trust that you have the Packers best interest at heart, however if you fail to take action on Thompsons' share in this mess, I will lose faith in your ability to maintain the high standards the Packers require.
Its over
Well the marriage between Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers is over; all we are waiting on now, is the signing of the divorce papers.
Favre left Green Bay at approximately 12 noon today flying back to Hattiesburg to await a trade decision. Word has it that the Jets and Bucs are now in a bidding war.
Thanks Teddy, you took the greatest player in Green Bay history and ran him out of town on a rail. I bet your proud.
Favre left Green Bay at approximately 12 noon today flying back to Hattiesburg to await a trade decision. Word has it that the Jets and Bucs are now in a bidding war.
Thanks Teddy, you took the greatest player in Green Bay history and ran him out of town on a rail. I bet your proud.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Mike McCarthy Press Conference a Waste
I listened to the Mike McCarthy press conference tonight on the status of Brett Favre and I have to say that it was a complete waste of time, and he provided no additional insight as to the mechanisms of what has transpired.
Mike did a great job imitating Ted Thompson, with his song and dance. When asked a direct question as to why number 4 was not the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, he dodged, he ducked, he spun to the left and juked to the right; McCarthy did everything but answer the question.
My question for him would have been, why did you and the Packer organization feel it necessary to play this out in public? The answer would have been the same - a dodge, a duck, a juke, a spin, you name it; everything but the truth.
I said it before and I will say it again, this never should have been about Favre, and the entire Packer organization has been badly damaged from this sad episode and if heads do not roll over it, the Packers will lose fans.
Mike did a great job imitating Ted Thompson, with his song and dance. When asked a direct question as to why number 4 was not the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, he dodged, he ducked, he spun to the left and juked to the right; McCarthy did everything but answer the question.
My question for him would have been, why did you and the Packer organization feel it necessary to play this out in public? The answer would have been the same - a dodge, a duck, a juke, a spin, you name it; everything but the truth.
I said it before and I will say it again, this never should have been about Favre, and the entire Packer organization has been badly damaged from this sad episode and if heads do not roll over it, the Packers will lose fans.
This should never have been about Favre
The situation in Green Bay has become such an embarrasment, that the club felt it was necessary to bring in an outside PR representative, Ari Fleischer.
Now, I happen to like Ari, and have a great deal of respect for him; however, his job right now is untenable. The relationship that the Packers have with their fans, has been tarnished and in some cases, downright broken. Good luck Ari, you are going to need it!
This whole drama from the start was supposed to be about what is best for the team, what is best for the organization. If Thompson and McCarthy no longer had confidence in Favre getting the job done, or if they did not believe that he would be 100% commited to the team, part ways. That should have happened a long time ago; but it did not and the reason it did not was Thompson allowed his ego to get in his way.
Granted, Favre is not larger than the game and he certainly is not better than the entire organization but let us look at what transpired here.
Favre in June contacts the Packers and indicates a possible desire to play again. At that point, the Packers only had one decision to make - is it in our best interest to entertain this? If not, they had two options: 1. trade Favre, or 2. give him his outright release. Thompson flat ruled the latter out. Keep in mind that at this point, Favre is still listed as retired; which means that the Packers have no marketing deal with him, are receiving absolutely no financial or good will benefit from him and frankly I doubt that Thompson really cared about that. Favre was gone, and that was all that mattered to him.
At this point, if the Packers had released Favre, they would be in no worse position than they are now; and frankly, the public would have given them a lot of credit for doing what was "honorable". You no longer want the player, so you allow him to go somewhere else. The PR would have been quite beneficial to the organization, an organization that has always stood up for what was honorable. The problem with this approach was it meant giving Favre what he wanted, and its been obvious for a long time that Thompson was not about to allow some snot nosed, 38 year old punk tell him how to run the operations.
What happened since has been a media nightmare, a disaster for the club, a tarnishing of a brilliant career, and a general manager stomping his feet like a two year old.
Football is a business, its not about egos, its not about whose right or wrong, its about winning PERIOD! I am sure that after seeing the season that Favre had last year, not that prior success can guarantee a Super Bowl win, Favre provided the Packers with the best opportunity for a winning season. Thompson keeps talking about what he is doing is the best thing for the club, well I have to tell ya, right now I do not believe a word from Thompson.
Thompson allowed his ego to get in the way of better judgement and for that he should be terminated. He made this fight and fiasco about Favre, and it should have been about business, and if Mark Murphy is not smart enough to see that, he needs to be fired as well.
Now, I happen to like Ari, and have a great deal of respect for him; however, his job right now is untenable. The relationship that the Packers have with their fans, has been tarnished and in some cases, downright broken. Good luck Ari, you are going to need it!
This whole drama from the start was supposed to be about what is best for the team, what is best for the organization. If Thompson and McCarthy no longer had confidence in Favre getting the job done, or if they did not believe that he would be 100% commited to the team, part ways. That should have happened a long time ago; but it did not and the reason it did not was Thompson allowed his ego to get in his way.
Granted, Favre is not larger than the game and he certainly is not better than the entire organization but let us look at what transpired here.
Favre in June contacts the Packers and indicates a possible desire to play again. At that point, the Packers only had one decision to make - is it in our best interest to entertain this? If not, they had two options: 1. trade Favre, or 2. give him his outright release. Thompson flat ruled the latter out. Keep in mind that at this point, Favre is still listed as retired; which means that the Packers have no marketing deal with him, are receiving absolutely no financial or good will benefit from him and frankly I doubt that Thompson really cared about that. Favre was gone, and that was all that mattered to him.
At this point, if the Packers had released Favre, they would be in no worse position than they are now; and frankly, the public would have given them a lot of credit for doing what was "honorable". You no longer want the player, so you allow him to go somewhere else. The PR would have been quite beneficial to the organization, an organization that has always stood up for what was honorable. The problem with this approach was it meant giving Favre what he wanted, and its been obvious for a long time that Thompson was not about to allow some snot nosed, 38 year old punk tell him how to run the operations.
What happened since has been a media nightmare, a disaster for the club, a tarnishing of a brilliant career, and a general manager stomping his feet like a two year old.
Football is a business, its not about egos, its not about whose right or wrong, its about winning PERIOD! I am sure that after seeing the season that Favre had last year, not that prior success can guarantee a Super Bowl win, Favre provided the Packers with the best opportunity for a winning season. Thompson keeps talking about what he is doing is the best thing for the club, well I have to tell ya, right now I do not believe a word from Thompson.
Thompson allowed his ego to get in the way of better judgement and for that he should be terminated. He made this fight and fiasco about Favre, and it should have been about business, and if Mark Murphy is not smart enough to see that, he needs to be fired as well.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
What in the hell? - 40 cents?
I am sorry, but on the heels of Exxon/Mobil showing the largest profit by an oil company in the history of the U.S., I find it offensive that they can justify a 40 cent a gallon increase in price when the price per barrel is still dropping.
40 cents a gallon? Come on, there is no way that Road Ranger or any of the other local suppliers can show any justification for this. I spoke with Road Ranger this morning to inquire how they could possibly justify such a large increase and of course I received the usual diatribe of "Well its a complicated formula, no one person sets the price..." blah blah blah
I will tell you what it is......its Bull spit pure and simple and its GREED.
I have no problem with companies making a profit and typically I want the government to stay out of private industry; however, oil is not a typical commodity in that our entire system is based on the use of oil and petro related products. This allows a very small number of companies to control a very large segment of society and that my friends is never a good thing.
If Road Ranger or any other company wants to explain this to me, I am all ears.
Oh, and so far today price per barrell is down over $2.00 a barrel.
40 cents a gallon? Come on, there is no way that Road Ranger or any of the other local suppliers can show any justification for this. I spoke with Road Ranger this morning to inquire how they could possibly justify such a large increase and of course I received the usual diatribe of "Well its a complicated formula, no one person sets the price..." blah blah blah
I will tell you what it is......its Bull spit pure and simple and its GREED.
I have no problem with companies making a profit and typically I want the government to stay out of private industry; however, oil is not a typical commodity in that our entire system is based on the use of oil and petro related products. This allows a very small number of companies to control a very large segment of society and that my friends is never a good thing.
If Road Ranger or any other company wants to explain this to me, I am all ears.
Oh, and so far today price per barrell is down over $2.00 a barrel.
So the blogging community should be ignored
On 1450 WFMB this morning, Anne with an "E" 's father made the comment that the blogging community should be ignored because we are too small to matter.
I have news for Anne with an "E" 's father, the blogging community, and I am not referring to the quips that are found on the online version of the State Journal Register, is far more knowledgeable on the issues than you are yourself. The difference between the blogging community Anne with an "E" 's father and you is simple - we do not spend every waking moment playing kiss ass with the politcians.
When they are right, we applaud them, when they are wrong - we point it out. Sometimes we get a bit obnoxious, but that just counter balances the sappy feel good pat everyone on the back crap that is heard on your radio program day in and day out.
By the way, is it not time for another one of your company paid junkets to Las Vegas?
Happy Trails Anne with an "E" 's father!
I have news for Anne with an "E" 's father, the blogging community, and I am not referring to the quips that are found on the online version of the State Journal Register, is far more knowledgeable on the issues than you are yourself. The difference between the blogging community Anne with an "E" 's father and you is simple - we do not spend every waking moment playing kiss ass with the politcians.
When they are right, we applaud them, when they are wrong - we point it out. Sometimes we get a bit obnoxious, but that just counter balances the sappy feel good pat everyone on the back crap that is heard on your radio program day in and day out.
By the way, is it not time for another one of your company paid junkets to Las Vegas?
Happy Trails Anne with an "E" 's father!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Green Bay Cannot Win
The boxing match of the Green Bay Packers versus their HOF quarterback, Brett Favre is a fight the team cannot win. No matter what Ted Thompson and Mark Murphy do it is a losing battle that only gets worse with each passing day.
If they release Favre, they get nothing in return for his value, which right now is considerable, although with every other NFL team knowing the Packers are in a lurch can afford to wait, thus drive down the price. In addition, if they release him, they run the risk of Favre signing with the Vikings which would immediately make them a Super Bowl contender. Thompson has ruled this out.
If the Packers bring him back as the starting quarterback or even allow him to compete for the position, they will have dissed the heir apparent, Aaron Rodgers. Thompson and McCarthy have made the huge mistake of promising the starting position to Rodgers without thinking of all the possibilities and have dug themselves into a hole here that all be rules this option out.
The Pack can offer him up for a trade, which they have apparently done, but that is a huge risk...one from the perspective of destroying completely the relationship that the Packers and Favre have spent 17 years developing. In addition, putting him up for a fire sale draws little money; not to mention that Favre has the right to refuse any trade.
If they decide to allow Favre to return but only as a backup they will be spending a fortune for a QB they have all but said they do not want. To relegate a HOF quarterback to the sidelines wearing a ball cap and carrying a clipboard will put a tremendous amount of pressure on Rodgers that would not be fair.
Thompson has created a mess. Favre has his share of blame in this, but the bottom line here is, Thompson is the General Manager and its his job to solve this issues. He first said Favre would have to compete for his job, then he can't. He is welcome back, then he isn't. We want you Brett, well actually we don't.
There is still plenty of juice left in Favres' tank and to relegate him to the sidelines is not good for the Packers and is not good for the NFL. Obviously if Favre stayed retired things would be easier for everyone, but that is not going to happen. Training camp is going to be a circus, moreso than it already is and the Packers are hanging a lot of future on a three year unproven QB while forcing their HOF QB to leave. That does not speak well of the management of the team.
Rodgers is deserving of a starting position, but it very well may be that he and the Packers are just not the right fit here. It is time to consider other options.....Favre is coming back. With the fax requesting reinstatement having been delivered to the NFL, that question is no longer a question......and thus other options.
I think the Packers would be better off trading Aaron Rodgers and allowing Favre to return. In addition, for creating this mess, Thompson deserves no less than his immediate termination.
The current circus will only get worse the longer it goes; no matter what, its a fight the Packers have already lost.
If they release Favre, they get nothing in return for his value, which right now is considerable, although with every other NFL team knowing the Packers are in a lurch can afford to wait, thus drive down the price. In addition, if they release him, they run the risk of Favre signing with the Vikings which would immediately make them a Super Bowl contender. Thompson has ruled this out.
If the Packers bring him back as the starting quarterback or even allow him to compete for the position, they will have dissed the heir apparent, Aaron Rodgers. Thompson and McCarthy have made the huge mistake of promising the starting position to Rodgers without thinking of all the possibilities and have dug themselves into a hole here that all be rules this option out.
The Pack can offer him up for a trade, which they have apparently done, but that is a huge risk...one from the perspective of destroying completely the relationship that the Packers and Favre have spent 17 years developing. In addition, putting him up for a fire sale draws little money; not to mention that Favre has the right to refuse any trade.
If they decide to allow Favre to return but only as a backup they will be spending a fortune for a QB they have all but said they do not want. To relegate a HOF quarterback to the sidelines wearing a ball cap and carrying a clipboard will put a tremendous amount of pressure on Rodgers that would not be fair.
Thompson has created a mess. Favre has his share of blame in this, but the bottom line here is, Thompson is the General Manager and its his job to solve this issues. He first said Favre would have to compete for his job, then he can't. He is welcome back, then he isn't. We want you Brett, well actually we don't.
There is still plenty of juice left in Favres' tank and to relegate him to the sidelines is not good for the Packers and is not good for the NFL. Obviously if Favre stayed retired things would be easier for everyone, but that is not going to happen. Training camp is going to be a circus, moreso than it already is and the Packers are hanging a lot of future on a three year unproven QB while forcing their HOF QB to leave. That does not speak well of the management of the team.
Rodgers is deserving of a starting position, but it very well may be that he and the Packers are just not the right fit here. It is time to consider other options.....Favre is coming back. With the fax requesting reinstatement having been delivered to the NFL, that question is no longer a question......and thus other options.
I think the Packers would be better off trading Aaron Rodgers and allowing Favre to return. In addition, for creating this mess, Thompson deserves no less than his immediate termination.
The current circus will only get worse the longer it goes; no matter what, its a fight the Packers have already lost.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Ted Thompson miscalculated
General Manager Ted Thompson of the Green Bay Packers has really dug himself a hole. A hole that right now appears to be a mile deep and dropping fast.
When Brett Favre started talking and thinking and talking and thinking about UN-retiring, Thompson gambled that he would stay retired, making it clear that the time had moved past the Favre era and was now entering the Rodgers era; albeit, an era that is unproven and inexperienced. Thompson figured that by refusing to give Favre his outright release and playing the "We are protecting your image by keeping you on the sidelines" intimidation, it would force Favre to stay put; at home, in Mississippi drinking cold tall ones.
What he did not expect was for the future hall of famer to call him out, which is exactly what Favre did on the Greta Van Susteren show on Fox News. Favre came very close to calling Thompson a outright liar. What a mess we have in Green Bay.
Let us step back to the end of last season for a moment, Favre was going to take his yearly sabbatical and weigh his options, all the while he wanted and needed the team to let him know if he was still wanted in Title Town USA; Thompson really did not want him and made sure Favre knew it by limiting his contact with him. A player of Favre's stature deserves to hear from the GM and Thompson considered it beneath him to ask Favre to stay, frankly he was counting on Favre retiring so he could move with Rodgers, his personal pick.
Favre retired, in a tearful farewell he was all nicey to Thompson, McCarthy and the Packers, all the while po'd to no end for getting what he considered to be the boot. After a few months, Favre toyed with the idea of returning and in early July decided he definitely wanted to play. Problem now is Thompson gambled on telling Favre to stay away, he would ruin his image if he attempted to return. Miscalculation.
Favre informed the team that he either wanted his helmet or his release. Keep in mind, he was not demanding a release, just that if you are not going to use me then let me go where I can be of use. Thompson refused.
So, here we are today. Favre can force Thompson's hand by petitioning the Commissioner for reinstatement, a formality, and show up at training camp. Talk about a bold move!
I would not put it past Favre to do exactly that, force the Packers to put him on the roster or trade him.
Either way, the public relations disaster on this is immeasurable for the team and Thompson is walking around with egg on his face. A complete miscalculation that has come back home to roost on Thompson's shoulder......now the fun begins!
When Brett Favre started talking and thinking and talking and thinking about UN-retiring, Thompson gambled that he would stay retired, making it clear that the time had moved past the Favre era and was now entering the Rodgers era; albeit, an era that is unproven and inexperienced. Thompson figured that by refusing to give Favre his outright release and playing the "We are protecting your image by keeping you on the sidelines" intimidation, it would force Favre to stay put; at home, in Mississippi drinking cold tall ones.
What he did not expect was for the future hall of famer to call him out, which is exactly what Favre did on the Greta Van Susteren show on Fox News. Favre came very close to calling Thompson a outright liar. What a mess we have in Green Bay.
Let us step back to the end of last season for a moment, Favre was going to take his yearly sabbatical and weigh his options, all the while he wanted and needed the team to let him know if he was still wanted in Title Town USA; Thompson really did not want him and made sure Favre knew it by limiting his contact with him. A player of Favre's stature deserves to hear from the GM and Thompson considered it beneath him to ask Favre to stay, frankly he was counting on Favre retiring so he could move with Rodgers, his personal pick.
Favre retired, in a tearful farewell he was all nicey to Thompson, McCarthy and the Packers, all the while po'd to no end for getting what he considered to be the boot. After a few months, Favre toyed with the idea of returning and in early July decided he definitely wanted to play. Problem now is Thompson gambled on telling Favre to stay away, he would ruin his image if he attempted to return. Miscalculation.
Favre informed the team that he either wanted his helmet or his release. Keep in mind, he was not demanding a release, just that if you are not going to use me then let me go where I can be of use. Thompson refused.
So, here we are today. Favre can force Thompson's hand by petitioning the Commissioner for reinstatement, a formality, and show up at training camp. Talk about a bold move!
I would not put it past Favre to do exactly that, force the Packers to put him on the roster or trade him.
Either way, the public relations disaster on this is immeasurable for the team and Thompson is walking around with egg on his face. A complete miscalculation that has come back home to roost on Thompson's shoulder......now the fun begins!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
600 only buys a pair of earrings?
Michele Obama was recently complaining that the $600.00 stimulus check was not enough to make a difference, in fact she complained that it barely was enough to buy a pair of earrings.
$600.00 for a pair of earrings? What are the made of? Platinum? It is apparent that Michele Obama suffers from the same disease as many other Democrats.....it is the Governments job to provide for us financially, and when they do, it is not enough.....
It is apparent that Michele Obama has not had to operate in th real world lately, if she had, she would have realized that the average American would not even think of spending $600.00 on a pair of earrings.
I do not know if I should laugh or cry at her stupidity.
$600.00 for a pair of earrings? What are the made of? Platinum? It is apparent that Michele Obama suffers from the same disease as many other Democrats.....it is the Governments job to provide for us financially, and when they do, it is not enough.....
It is apparent that Michele Obama has not had to operate in th real world lately, if she had, she would have realized that the average American would not even think of spending $600.00 on a pair of earrings.
I do not know if I should laugh or cry at her stupidity.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
What is it about seeing eye / Services dogs that people don't get
I have a difficult time understanding what it is about people that they honestly and truly believe that they can refuse service to someone because of a seeing eye / service dog if they want to.
The law is clear - you cannot prohibit either of these animals from going anywhere that the general public is allowed to go. That means if you allow people access to your restaurant, then you must allow the dogs. If you have a hotel, you MUST allow the dogs in the hotel; if you allow people access to your kitchen - YOU MUST allow the dogs access to your kitchen. Period, and no you cannot refuse.
Federal law as well as state law is clear - crystal clear but I'll be dammed if it does not happen on a daily basis; and not just here in Illinois.
These dogs provide a service to their owners, without which they would not be able to function. It is not unlike a cane or a walker. I wonder if some of these people would refuse to allow those individuals in their establishment as well?
It is time that everyone realize that you cannot refuse access or accomodation and doing so, you will run the risk of severe penalties.
The law is clear - you cannot prohibit either of these animals from going anywhere that the general public is allowed to go. That means if you allow people access to your restaurant, then you must allow the dogs. If you have a hotel, you MUST allow the dogs in the hotel; if you allow people access to your kitchen - YOU MUST allow the dogs access to your kitchen. Period, and no you cannot refuse.
Federal law as well as state law is clear - crystal clear but I'll be dammed if it does not happen on a daily basis; and not just here in Illinois.
These dogs provide a service to their owners, without which they would not be able to function. It is not unlike a cane or a walker. I wonder if some of these people would refuse to allow those individuals in their establishment as well?
It is time that everyone realize that you cannot refuse access or accomodation and doing so, you will run the risk of severe penalties.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Tony Snow
I know that everyone will be posting both positive and negative comments about Tony Snow, so I will refrain from joining in the fray; except to say that Tony exemplified the character qualities that are missing in politics today.
Rest in Peace Tony, you will be missed.
Rest in Peace Tony, you will be missed.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Angel Food Cake is a racist term?
Wow,
I am amazed at how idiotic some people can be. Having nothing better to do with their inept lives, they decide to find ways to make everyone else feel as inept and useless as they do.
Case in point is Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price. Apparently at a county commissioners meeting, Commissioner Kenneth Mayfield suggested that the Central Collections department was turning into a black hole......which was using an astronomical term that has been in use and existence for over fifty years.....and I have no doubt that is exactly what he meant; apparently Price got his shorts in a knot over it and started demanding an apology.
Late he suggested that the terms "Angel Food Cake" and "Devil's Food Cake" are racist terms as well and should not be used.
Really? I think Price needs to go to his bedroom and check the status of those shorts, they seems to be cutting off the blood flow to his brain.
So here's to John Wiley Price - I am going to bake a nice fluffy Angel Food Cake and take it to the office today. Oh, and I will have a sign next to it that says "In honor of John Wiley Price".
I am amazed at how idiotic some people can be. Having nothing better to do with their inept lives, they decide to find ways to make everyone else feel as inept and useless as they do.
Case in point is Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price. Apparently at a county commissioners meeting, Commissioner Kenneth Mayfield suggested that the Central Collections department was turning into a black hole......which was using an astronomical term that has been in use and existence for over fifty years.....and I have no doubt that is exactly what he meant; apparently Price got his shorts in a knot over it and started demanding an apology.
Late he suggested that the terms "Angel Food Cake" and "Devil's Food Cake" are racist terms as well and should not be used.
Really? I think Price needs to go to his bedroom and check the status of those shorts, they seems to be cutting off the blood flow to his brain.
So here's to John Wiley Price - I am going to bake a nice fluffy Angel Food Cake and take it to the office today. Oh, and I will have a sign next to it that says "In honor of John Wiley Price".
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Obama Moving to the center
Despite the fact that Obama is the most liberal member of the United States Senate, he knows that he will not win if he stays to the left. History will prove that point.
John F. Kennedy moved to the center in the 1960 general election.
James Carter moved to the centeer in the 1976 general election.
and let us not forget the biggest liar of them all, Bill Clinton moved to the center in the 1992 general election.
Obama knows that a majority of the voters are middle class white voters and they are suspect of his liberal leanings, and so we are starting to see him move ever so slightly. Keep in mind though, that movement is strictly for political purposes and should he win the election, they will go out the window faster than the Bush Playbook.
John F. Kennedy moved to the center in the 1960 general election.
James Carter moved to the centeer in the 1976 general election.
and let us not forget the biggest liar of them all, Bill Clinton moved to the center in the 1992 general election.
Obama knows that a majority of the voters are middle class white voters and they are suspect of his liberal leanings, and so we are starting to see him move ever so slightly. Keep in mind though, that movement is strictly for political purposes and should he win the election, they will go out the window faster than the Bush Playbook.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Pleasant Nursey - No customer service
A situation materialized recently with Pleasant Nursey in Springfield that actually shocked me. I know that customer service is really just given lip service at most businessses, but this is one that takes the cake.
A customer, someone who has shopped there no numerous occasions takes a sample of their lawn into the nursey, presumably to have it identified and irradicated from the lawn. The customer explains to the clerk that they are there with a sample and would like someone to identify it, and tell them how to get rid of it.
The clerk graciously calls one of the guys in the back, and explains the issue. What does this "expert" do? Tells the customer that they are eating their lunch and they will have to wait. Now, if that is not bad enough; when the customer calls one of the owners, they are told basically to take their business elsewhere since they were not willing to wait. The owner attempted to compare themselves to a Dr.'s office, which in my opinion is the lamest excuse I have ever seen a business owner use in justifying their laziness in taking care of a paying customer.
I am sorry if I happen to be the first person to explain it to Pleasant Nursery, but you are not on the same level with a Dr.'s office, and furthermore; when you are waiting on a Dr. it is not because they are stuffing their face.
Pleasant Nursery has made it clear to not only the customer, but with me in a phone call to verify the authenticity of the information, that they do not give a damn about customer service. I think it is time for Frank to retire.....because it is obvious that customer service is no longer important to him.
By the way Frank.....that customer you told to take their business elsewhere? They took that business to Chatham Road and gave them the business - to fix the lawn and to redo the landscaping in the front and back yards. I believe the estimate was somewhere in the range of $5,000.00.
I guess you really lost this one eh Frank?
A customer, someone who has shopped there no numerous occasions takes a sample of their lawn into the nursey, presumably to have it identified and irradicated from the lawn. The customer explains to the clerk that they are there with a sample and would like someone to identify it, and tell them how to get rid of it.
The clerk graciously calls one of the guys in the back, and explains the issue. What does this "expert" do? Tells the customer that they are eating their lunch and they will have to wait. Now, if that is not bad enough; when the customer calls one of the owners, they are told basically to take their business elsewhere since they were not willing to wait. The owner attempted to compare themselves to a Dr.'s office, which in my opinion is the lamest excuse I have ever seen a business owner use in justifying their laziness in taking care of a paying customer.
I am sorry if I happen to be the first person to explain it to Pleasant Nursery, but you are not on the same level with a Dr.'s office, and furthermore; when you are waiting on a Dr. it is not because they are stuffing their face.
Pleasant Nursery has made it clear to not only the customer, but with me in a phone call to verify the authenticity of the information, that they do not give a damn about customer service. I think it is time for Frank to retire.....because it is obvious that customer service is no longer important to him.
By the way Frank.....that customer you told to take their business elsewhere? They took that business to Chatham Road and gave them the business - to fix the lawn and to redo the landscaping in the front and back yards. I believe the estimate was somewhere in the range of $5,000.00.
I guess you really lost this one eh Frank?
Friday, June 06, 2008
Obama in trouble before general election starts
Obama is in trouble, serious trouble and the general election campaign has not even started. This trouble could be the start of the unraveling of his campaign, it could mark the end to his run from a nobody in Illinois to a potential President.
The trouble you ask? Hillary Clinton. Yes, I know; through the orchestrated mechinations of the DNC, he has moved beyond the number of delegates required to be the Democratic Party's Presidential Nominee. Yes, Hillary is conceding that he beat her. That is all true.
Hillary is still trouble. If Obama selects her as his running mate, HE WILL become second fiddle to the Clintons and their constant grab for power and attention. Do not think for one second that Bill Clinton will keep his mouth shut or that he will consider Obama as the President....Obama will be a distraction that Bill has to tolerate but nothing more.
If he does not select her, he loses a vast majority of Hillary's voters whom without, he cannot and will not beat John McCain.
Damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. Obama is egotistical though and considers himself the "smartest man" alive. He believes that he can win this election just by bashing Bush and touting change....without having to be specific. Actually I hope he tries that....because he will lose.....
The trouble you ask? Hillary Clinton. Yes, I know; through the orchestrated mechinations of the DNC, he has moved beyond the number of delegates required to be the Democratic Party's Presidential Nominee. Yes, Hillary is conceding that he beat her. That is all true.
Hillary is still trouble. If Obama selects her as his running mate, HE WILL become second fiddle to the Clintons and their constant grab for power and attention. Do not think for one second that Bill Clinton will keep his mouth shut or that he will consider Obama as the President....Obama will be a distraction that Bill has to tolerate but nothing more.
If he does not select her, he loses a vast majority of Hillary's voters whom without, he cannot and will not beat John McCain.
Damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. Obama is egotistical though and considers himself the "smartest man" alive. He believes that he can win this election just by bashing Bush and touting change....without having to be specific. Actually I hope he tries that....because he will lose.....
Friday, May 30, 2008
Obama - nobody should be suprised
I am amazed that everyone seems to be suprised with the latest episode of the Rev. Michael Pfleger and his hate speech at Obama's church. Obama has spent his career in politics at the far left edge of society.
He has never been an agent of change, in the Illinois Assembly he was one of the most liberal members and his hate towards those that do not agree with his politics has been evident for years; the problem is the PRESS HAS IGNORED THE RECORD.
I can only hope that more of this happens so the American people actually see him for what his is....an Agent of Hate, not change.
He has never been an agent of change, in the Illinois Assembly he was one of the most liberal members and his hate towards those that do not agree with his politics has been evident for years; the problem is the PRESS HAS IGNORED THE RECORD.
I can only hope that more of this happens so the American people actually see him for what his is....an Agent of Hate, not change.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Durbin staff blows it again
After receiving the inept email from Durbins office, I decided to call his Springfield office and express my disappointment that they responded to my letter without so much as reading it.
I was directed to call Washington, since they are the ones that respond to all legislative questions. Ok, no problem; I look up the number and call Washington.
After explaining the issue in great detail, the staffer (who for now shall remain nameless) had the audacity to actually say this and I quote "Sir, maybe next time you should word your subject line better". Excuse me!?
I responsed with "Excuse me? I should do what?" He repeated it again......I was absolutely in shock.....my response was "So this is my fault? It is my fault that your office failed to even read the message, you just ASSUMED from the subject line that you knew what I was talking about? How about the next time YOU ACTUALLY READ THE LETTER!!!!!"
All I got was they are busy and do not have time to argue about this matter.
Too busy to read my letter and believes I should be more careful in how I word the subject line......I have a suggestion for Mr. Durbin - HIRE SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY GIVES A DAMN ABOUT THE CONSTITUENCY.....
I was directed to call Washington, since they are the ones that respond to all legislative questions. Ok, no problem; I look up the number and call Washington.
After explaining the issue in great detail, the staffer (who for now shall remain nameless) had the audacity to actually say this and I quote "Sir, maybe next time you should word your subject line better". Excuse me!?
I responsed with "Excuse me? I should do what?" He repeated it again......I was absolutely in shock.....my response was "So this is my fault? It is my fault that your office failed to even read the message, you just ASSUMED from the subject line that you knew what I was talking about? How about the next time YOU ACTUALLY READ THE LETTER!!!!!"
All I got was they are busy and do not have time to argue about this matter.
Too busy to read my letter and believes I should be more careful in how I word the subject line......I have a suggestion for Mr. Durbin - HIRE SOMEONE WHO ACTUALLY GIVES A DAMN ABOUT THE CONSTITUENCY.....
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Durbin Staff member screws up
One of the staffers of Senator Richard Durbin blew it big time with an email they sent to me recently.
Let me set the stage for you. I wrote Durbin's office expressing concern about Senate Bill 2913 Orphan Works Act of 2008. They responsed and here is the meat of their response:
Thank you for contacting me concerning SB 2913. I appreciate hearing from you.
This issue is under the jurisdiction of state and local government. As a federal official, I do not have an official role in this matter and do not have the opportunity to introduce or vote on bills before the Illinois General Assembly. However, I appreciate knowing your concerns.
Now, I have seen some staffers really make some dumb mistakes, but not being aware of pending legislation is absoolutely unforgivable.......I actually was laughing so hard I was crying. Whoever CW is, since that is the initials used in the response, needs to pay more attention to the legislation that is before the Senate and take their time in responding to constituent correspondence.
Let me set the stage for you. I wrote Durbin's office expressing concern about Senate Bill 2913 Orphan Works Act of 2008. They responsed and here is the meat of their response:
Thank you for contacting me concerning SB 2913. I appreciate hearing from you.
This issue is under the jurisdiction of state and local government. As a federal official, I do not have an official role in this matter and do not have the opportunity to introduce or vote on bills before the Illinois General Assembly. However, I appreciate knowing your concerns.
Now, I have seen some staffers really make some dumb mistakes, but not being aware of pending legislation is absoolutely unforgivable.......I actually was laughing so hard I was crying. Whoever CW is, since that is the initials used in the response, needs to pay more attention to the legislation that is before the Senate and take their time in responding to constituent correspondence.
Between Doctors, Lawyers, and Politicians whose the smartest?
I have been pondering this question for months now. One would have to have been locked in a casket for the past twenty years to have missed the marvelous advances that medicine has seen and the people that have brought them to us. Indeed they are smart.
Lawyers, they have the skills to weave through thousands of pages of evidence and transcripts; disecting this information and presenting it to a panel of twelve ordinary people in a manner that they can understand. They have the ability to cite case after case off the top of their head and not miss a beat. Indeed they are smart.
Politicians - are they as smart? Smarter? Ten years ago I would have laughed at such a question and said that anyone stupid enough to ask that question is a certifiable idiot. I was wrong. We have all heard people like Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Hillary George W. Bush called stupid, idiots, dumb - and anyone that uses such a term is wrong.
These are some of the smartest people alive. I can hear the laughter so I will explain; and I will use George Bush as my example (and not for any particular reason).
So let us examine the record of why people call him stupid.
His speech leaves much to be desired.....true, but does poor speech patterns indicate a level of inferior aptitude ? Winston Churchill had a speech impediment but I seriously doubt that anyone would call him an idiot or stupid. Sir John Hicks, an enconomist also had serious problems with his speech, yet no one would remotely consider him stupid or an idiot. So speech certainly is not the problem.
Some will claim that his policies are the reason he is an idiot. Well, he was able to convince enough members of the U.S. House and Senate to implement them and that is not something that is easily done. Scratch that argument.
The first reason I would call him one of the smartest people alive is simply - HE GOT ELECTED. Now, you may call the American people stupid, and that is your choice, but again you would be wrong. If anybody could do it, we would have had a plumber as President or a stripper as Governor.
Some will say that it was not him that won the election but those in charge of his campaign.....well ok, if I concede that I have to ask the question - WHO HIRED THEM?
You cannot have your cake and eat it too, and if you are going to call him stupid, or Bill Clinton, or any other successful politician you must also call every single person they hired and who voted for them stupid as well and doing that makes you look like the idiot.
So whose the smartest? I will leave that for you to decide, but calling politicians stupid really only shows your own ignorance.
Lawyers, they have the skills to weave through thousands of pages of evidence and transcripts; disecting this information and presenting it to a panel of twelve ordinary people in a manner that they can understand. They have the ability to cite case after case off the top of their head and not miss a beat. Indeed they are smart.
Politicians - are they as smart? Smarter? Ten years ago I would have laughed at such a question and said that anyone stupid enough to ask that question is a certifiable idiot. I was wrong. We have all heard people like Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Hillary George W. Bush called stupid, idiots, dumb - and anyone that uses such a term is wrong.
These are some of the smartest people alive. I can hear the laughter so I will explain; and I will use George Bush as my example (and not for any particular reason).
So let us examine the record of why people call him stupid.
His speech leaves much to be desired.....true, but does poor speech patterns indicate a level of inferior aptitude ? Winston Churchill had a speech impediment but I seriously doubt that anyone would call him an idiot or stupid. Sir John Hicks, an enconomist also had serious problems with his speech, yet no one would remotely consider him stupid or an idiot. So speech certainly is not the problem.
Some will claim that his policies are the reason he is an idiot. Well, he was able to convince enough members of the U.S. House and Senate to implement them and that is not something that is easily done. Scratch that argument.
The first reason I would call him one of the smartest people alive is simply - HE GOT ELECTED. Now, you may call the American people stupid, and that is your choice, but again you would be wrong. If anybody could do it, we would have had a plumber as President or a stripper as Governor.
Some will say that it was not him that won the election but those in charge of his campaign.....well ok, if I concede that I have to ask the question - WHO HIRED THEM?
You cannot have your cake and eat it too, and if you are going to call him stupid, or Bill Clinton, or any other successful politician you must also call every single person they hired and who voted for them stupid as well and doing that makes you look like the idiot.
So whose the smartest? I will leave that for you to decide, but calling politicians stupid really only shows your own ignorance.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Obama - running on what?
Barack Obama's entire campaign has been about change. Every stop its preached as though it is a sermon. It is included in ever press release. Talking points ensure that "change" is used anytime the name Obama is used.
What we do not hear is what that change is. What exactly is he going to change? What was his record in the Illinois Senate? I do not hear him talking about what he has done since he was elected as U.S. Senator and is that because he has no record to run on?
Barack Obama for all his talk about change, is the least qualified candidat; George Ryan, a convicted criminal that got his just desserts, is far more qualified than Barack will ever be. If I had a choice (and I almost do not) between Barack and Hillary, I would vote for Hillary with no reservation, which is not to say that I am endorsing her, I personally believe that between the two, she poses the least danger to this country.
Then again, I am still a Fred Thompson fan....
What we do not hear is what that change is. What exactly is he going to change? What was his record in the Illinois Senate? I do not hear him talking about what he has done since he was elected as U.S. Senator and is that because he has no record to run on?
Barack Obama for all his talk about change, is the least qualified candidat; George Ryan, a convicted criminal that got his just desserts, is far more qualified than Barack will ever be. If I had a choice (and I almost do not) between Barack and Hillary, I would vote for Hillary with no reservation, which is not to say that I am endorsing her, I personally believe that between the two, she poses the least danger to this country.
Then again, I am still a Fred Thompson fan....
Saturday, May 17, 2008
I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I have been unable to post for quite a while. Some would say it has been pleasant without my presence :) Others would say I was never missed; regardless, I am back and fired up!
With the battle between B. Obama and H. Clinton still going on strong, despite Obama's desire for her to quit and his attempts to relegate her to the line of hasbeens, there will be plenty of ammo for those on the right, and with John McCain the presumptive nominee, we have the unique position of ripping the Dems apart and shooting ourselves in the foot at the same time.
It will be a fun summer!
With the battle between B. Obama and H. Clinton still going on strong, despite Obama's desire for her to quit and his attempts to relegate her to the line of hasbeens, there will be plenty of ammo for those on the right, and with John McCain the presumptive nominee, we have the unique position of ripping the Dems apart and shooting ourselves in the foot at the same time.
It will be a fun summer!
Friday, September 07, 2007
It saddens me to say this
but I believe the time has come for Illini coach, Bruce Weber to go. Make no mistake about it, Bruce Weber is an excellent coach, probably one of the top five coaches in the nation and if his only responsibility was in taking a young group of players and turning them into a championship team, Weber would be the Illini's coach for life.
However, we all know there is more to collegiate coaching than just "coaching". He is also responsible for recruiting top quality player to the university and on a scale of 1 to 10 Weber would score a -5. His recruiting has been dismal at best and I see no improvement long term.
It was no fluke that Illinois made it to the finals in 2005, he took a bunch of kids who were good players and molded them into a TEAM that was OUTSTANDING. Weber made that team what it was. Bill Self recruited the players, but Weber made those players a team. It seemed that with the success of 2005, Illinois had finally reached the pinacle of collegiate success yet since that time Weber has been unable to recruit a single top player in the country.
Weber recruited assistant coach Tracy Webster in hopes that he would be able to tap into the Chicago talent and in losing him to Kentucky on Friday, he has also lost Darius Miller, who committed to Kentucky on Friday.
I like Weber, I liked him when he was at Southern and will probably always like him but I am no different than the thousands of other Illini fans who after tasting success want more of it. I have no problem waiting a couple of years for success but when a coach has shown that he possesses no ability to recruit top flight talent, I am left with little choice but to call for his replacement.
The success we enjoyed in 2005 could not have been accomplished by any other coach and Weber is to be commended for that, however, one appearance in the finals is not enough to ensure a coach a life long position and with that I have finally, reluctantly I might add, joined the chorus of fans that are now calling for Weber to be replaced.
However, we all know there is more to collegiate coaching than just "coaching". He is also responsible for recruiting top quality player to the university and on a scale of 1 to 10 Weber would score a -5. His recruiting has been dismal at best and I see no improvement long term.
It was no fluke that Illinois made it to the finals in 2005, he took a bunch of kids who were good players and molded them into a TEAM that was OUTSTANDING. Weber made that team what it was. Bill Self recruited the players, but Weber made those players a team. It seemed that with the success of 2005, Illinois had finally reached the pinacle of collegiate success yet since that time Weber has been unable to recruit a single top player in the country.
Weber recruited assistant coach Tracy Webster in hopes that he would be able to tap into the Chicago talent and in losing him to Kentucky on Friday, he has also lost Darius Miller, who committed to Kentucky on Friday.
I like Weber, I liked him when he was at Southern and will probably always like him but I am no different than the thousands of other Illini fans who after tasting success want more of it. I have no problem waiting a couple of years for success but when a coach has shown that he possesses no ability to recruit top flight talent, I am left with little choice but to call for his replacement.
The success we enjoyed in 2005 could not have been accomplished by any other coach and Weber is to be commended for that, however, one appearance in the finals is not enough to ensure a coach a life long position and with that I have finally, reluctantly I might add, joined the chorus of fans that are now calling for Weber to be replaced.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
New links
I have added a few new links:
1. Jewish Republican Coalition.
2. Illinois Review (A good conservative website).
3. Fred Thompson Campaign website.
The links are in addition to the Backyard Conservative, and GOP Bloggers; both of which are excellent conservative blogs.
Enjoy,
D.W.
1. Jewish Republican Coalition.
2. Illinois Review (A good conservative website).
3. Fred Thompson Campaign website.
The links are in addition to the Backyard Conservative, and GOP Bloggers; both of which are excellent conservative blogs.
Enjoy,
D.W.
Interesting statistic
It has been 9, 553 days since Ken McElroy was murdered in downtown Skidmore, MO in front of 25+ people in broad daylight and nobody has been indicted, tried or convicted for the murder.
The American Justice system at its finest.
The American Justice system at its finest.
Sentences, Bond Amounts and disparity in the Justice System
I am sure that I am not the only one that has noticed the disparity in the justice system in Illinois.
If one is charged with a crime in Morgan County, the odds of you receiving a low bond amount are nill; yet the same crime in Chicago, Rockford, or Peoria will only cost you a few hours until the bond can be posted.
If you are convicted in Sangamon County you will on average receive a sentence that is 50% longer than if you were convicted in Cook or Winnebago County.
I do not advocate the lowering of bond amounts or sentences, what I do advocate for is a justice system that is fair and uniform throughout the entire state, instead of this huge difference between the various counties and cities. Allowing a hang 'em high judge to unduly punish a person is no more acceptable than a french bread judge that is afraid of ruining some kid for life.
If the State of Illinois adopted a uniform sentencing and bonding plan, there would be far less dissatisfaction with the general public.
If one is charged with a crime in Morgan County, the odds of you receiving a low bond amount are nill; yet the same crime in Chicago, Rockford, or Peoria will only cost you a few hours until the bond can be posted.
If you are convicted in Sangamon County you will on average receive a sentence that is 50% longer than if you were convicted in Cook or Winnebago County.
I do not advocate the lowering of bond amounts or sentences, what I do advocate for is a justice system that is fair and uniform throughout the entire state, instead of this huge difference between the various counties and cities. Allowing a hang 'em high judge to unduly punish a person is no more acceptable than a french bread judge that is afraid of ruining some kid for life.
If the State of Illinois adopted a uniform sentencing and bonding plan, there would be far less dissatisfaction with the general public.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Thompson - His Race to Lose
Senator Fred Dalton Thompson is a conservative, much to the chagrin of the Los Angeles and New York Times. It is important to note that when a newspaper attacks a candidate (which both of these have done with Thompson) it is for only two possible reasons: 1. they are attempting to sell more papers, or 2. they are scared of the candidate. It does not take a Nuclear Engineer to determine which is the case here.
Thompson has a down home likeability to him however more importantly he has a shoot-straight personna that many have compared to President Ronald Reagan and that voters have a tendency to migrate towards. He is well spoken and has a voice that is very easy to listen to.
Thompson has a down home likeability to him however more importantly he has a shoot-straight personna that many have compared to President Ronald Reagan and that voters have a tendency to migrate towards. He is well spoken and has a voice that is very easy to listen to.
The leading Republican candidates: Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, and John McCain all face the troubling prospect of losing support almost immediately.
Mitt Romney will lose the conservative voters who are not ready for a Mormom to be elected President and the social conservatives who do not believe Romney has a strong enough history to be trusted with the nations highest office.
Giuliani will lose the social conservatives that believe in a strong defense but are wary of Giuliani on the social front.
John McCain - He is one presss conference away from pulling out of this race. McCain wanted to be annointed the heir apparent, but the new breed of Republican voters are no longer willing to entrust the nations highest office to someone just for party loyalty....you need to stand for something, and John McCain has flipflopped one time to many for a lot of them.
This is Thompsons race to lose.....the real question is, will he?
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Planning a run for Mayor?
It has been brought to my attention recently that Ward 1 Alderman, Frank Edwards, is laying the groundwork now for a possible mayoral bid in 3 1/2 years. Despite having the ability to run for what would be a guaranteed reelection as alderman (Edwards could serve one more term beyond his current term), it appears that he has his sights set a little higher.
Could Frank be planning a jump to Mayor and then onto the Governors mansion?
Could Frank be planning a jump to Mayor and then onto the Governors mansion?
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Thoughts from the Deck
I was sitting on my deck late last night and was pondering about the state of politics today. Idaho Senator Larry Craig is in deep trouble; and maybe the Republicans in the Senate have returned to their roots. Despite the protestations to the contrary, Craig plead guilty to engaging in what I will call unsavory behaviour. If you believe him, and I do not, he was not smart enough to hire an attorney to handle the matter for him; instead, he plead guilty in hopes that it would just all go away.
I would consider Craig a man of reasonable intelligence and as any man with a reasonable amount of brain would tell you - YOU NEVER HANDLE A LEGAL MATTER WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH AN ATTORNEY - and you do not plead guilty to a crime you did not commit. Craig of all people should have realized that sooner or later the story was going to break and it would spin endlessly out of control.
The Senator has two-stepped this issue faster than a 20 year old couple on a Country & Western dance floor.
Of course that also brings us to the Republican leadership, who almost immediately asked the Ethics Committee to open an investigation into his actions and determine if any Senate Rules have been violated. They moved a few nano-seconds shy of the speed of light in doing so, which of course was the RIGHT thing to do. Now, there are distant calls from within the Republican Party for Craig to resign.
Now that I am thinking about it, Craig is not a man of reasonable intelligence, if he were he would have first not engaged in the behaviour, second he would have hired an attorney immediately, and third he would have already resigned.
Two hats off for the Republican Leadership and a pair of dirty trousers for the Senator.
-------
I find it amusing that when a Democratic fundraiser is accused of malfeasance, there is one excuse after another from the left (as has been the case with Norman Hsu - a fundraiser for the Clinton campaign) yet let even a moderate Republican be caught up in a mess like this and the Democrats pull out the rope and call for a 1880's hanging.
I am a Republican through and through, and make no apologies for that; but I also call 'em like I see 'em and when a Republican engages in behaviour that I believe is detrimental to the party or country I call for them to go; likewise when someone accepts contributions from a thief who is on the run, I call on them to return every dime immediately.
So, Senator Craig - I call upon you to resign your seat immediately and Hillary I call upon you to return every dime you have received from Hsu.
I will not bet the mortgage that either will listen to me.
I would consider Craig a man of reasonable intelligence and as any man with a reasonable amount of brain would tell you - YOU NEVER HANDLE A LEGAL MATTER WITHOUT CONSULTING WITH AN ATTORNEY - and you do not plead guilty to a crime you did not commit. Craig of all people should have realized that sooner or later the story was going to break and it would spin endlessly out of control.
The Senator has two-stepped this issue faster than a 20 year old couple on a Country & Western dance floor.
Of course that also brings us to the Republican leadership, who almost immediately asked the Ethics Committee to open an investigation into his actions and determine if any Senate Rules have been violated. They moved a few nano-seconds shy of the speed of light in doing so, which of course was the RIGHT thing to do. Now, there are distant calls from within the Republican Party for Craig to resign.
Now that I am thinking about it, Craig is not a man of reasonable intelligence, if he were he would have first not engaged in the behaviour, second he would have hired an attorney immediately, and third he would have already resigned.
Two hats off for the Republican Leadership and a pair of dirty trousers for the Senator.
-------
I find it amusing that when a Democratic fundraiser is accused of malfeasance, there is one excuse after another from the left (as has been the case with Norman Hsu - a fundraiser for the Clinton campaign) yet let even a moderate Republican be caught up in a mess like this and the Democrats pull out the rope and call for a 1880's hanging.
I am a Republican through and through, and make no apologies for that; but I also call 'em like I see 'em and when a Republican engages in behaviour that I believe is detrimental to the party or country I call for them to go; likewise when someone accepts contributions from a thief who is on the run, I call on them to return every dime immediately.
So, Senator Craig - I call upon you to resign your seat immediately and Hillary I call upon you to return every dime you have received from Hsu.
I will not bet the mortgage that either will listen to me.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Governor goes to Court
This almost feels like a nightmare. The Gov really does think he is G-d and has the right to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants and for whatever purpose he wants. Instead of actually sitting down and working with the House and Senate to craft a budget that all could agree to, he throws temper tantrums, calls people names, and basically acts like a three year old.
Hot Rod is hot under the collar, and for what? Because Mike Madigan ran the House as he saw fit, which by the way - as Speaker of the House he has the right to do, and without consulting the Governor on each step.
It is a well defined matter of law that the Speaker of the House sets the agenda and the time it is in session, not the Governor; however, that matters little to the Gov, he wants total control.
We are in for a fun summer as these two square off in court over who has the authority to actually set the times of the House sessions and whether or not the Governor has the authority to redistribute budgetary money for purposes not included in the budget.
Watch closely, the punches and body blocks are just beginning.
Hot Rod is hot under the collar, and for what? Because Mike Madigan ran the House as he saw fit, which by the way - as Speaker of the House he has the right to do, and without consulting the Governor on each step.
It is a well defined matter of law that the Speaker of the House sets the agenda and the time it is in session, not the Governor; however, that matters little to the Gov, he wants total control.
We are in for a fun summer as these two square off in court over who has the authority to actually set the times of the House sessions and whether or not the Governor has the authority to redistribute budgetary money for purposes not included in the budget.
Watch closely, the punches and body blocks are just beginning.
Correction on Gonzales
Apparently my facts were a bit off in the post about Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. He has officially resigned as Attorney General but will not be stepping down until September 17th.
I am not suprised by the news, Gonzales was being dogged by the Democrats at every turn, despite the fact that they have not uncovered any illegal activity on the part of the AG; what I am suprised with, is that he held out this long.
Congress has become like a part of my family, Packer fans who on Monday morning talk and act as though they could always do a better job than the current staff. Unfortunately we will have to endure another year and a half of partisan investigations that in the end will produce nothing; Gonzales though, will be able to sit back and smile knowing that he will no longer have to put up with the moronic diabtribes of 535 wannabes.
I am not suprised by the news, Gonzales was being dogged by the Democrats at every turn, despite the fact that they have not uncovered any illegal activity on the part of the AG; what I am suprised with, is that he held out this long.
Congress has become like a part of my family, Packer fans who on Monday morning talk and act as though they could always do a better job than the current staff. Unfortunately we will have to endure another year and a half of partisan investigations that in the end will produce nothing; Gonzales though, will be able to sit back and smile knowing that he will no longer have to put up with the moronic diabtribes of 535 wannabes.
Gonzales said to have resigned
The word out of Washington this morning is that Attorney General Gonzales has officially resigned as Attorney General.
His resignation is said to be effectively immediately.
More to follow I am sure.......
His resignation is said to be effectively immediately.
More to follow I am sure.......
Davlin a "MINI" Thompson?
Anne with an "E"'s father compared Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin to former Governor Jim Thompson this morning; going to far as to compare him to Jim Thompson.
I just about fell off my chair. Davlin may be charismatic, he may even be likeable, but this comparison borders on the insane.
I kow Jim Thompson, Jim Thompson is a friend of mine, and Tim, you are NO JIM THOMPSON.
Thompson knew how to work with the legislature, you have not been able to work with a single Republican on the city council.
Thompson knew how to get things done, you have not had a single one of your own initiatives pass.
Anne with an "E"'s father needs to pay more attention to the details before making such a laughable and completely ignorant comment.
I just about fell off my chair. Davlin may be charismatic, he may even be likeable, but this comparison borders on the insane.
I kow Jim Thompson, Jim Thompson is a friend of mine, and Tim, you are NO JIM THOMPSON.
Thompson knew how to work with the legislature, you have not been able to work with a single Republican on the city council.
Thompson knew how to get things done, you have not had a single one of your own initiatives pass.
Anne with an "E"'s father needs to pay more attention to the details before making such a laughable and completely ignorant comment.
A heartfelt thank you
To all of you that sent condolences to my family, I want to thank you very much....it was appreciated.
Thank you.....
D.W.
Thank you.....
D.W.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Anti-semitism is no trivial matter
I have refused to be dragged into this whole debate, and will only make this comment in response to a couple of emails I have received.
Anti-Semitism is no trivial matter, it is a serious issue and making jokes about it serves no useful purpose, and at worst is a disgrace to the entire debate.
I will not give the blog the satisfaction of mentioning their name, but their attempt to trivialize the issue is reason enough for any Jew or a supporter of Israel to boycott their site until such time as an apology is issued.
I can only suspect that since they have never been on the receiving end of this type of behaviour they have no clue how damaging it is.
"Consider the source" is appropriate in this case.
Anti-Semitism is no trivial matter, it is a serious issue and making jokes about it serves no useful purpose, and at worst is a disgrace to the entire debate.
I will not give the blog the satisfaction of mentioning their name, but their attempt to trivialize the issue is reason enough for any Jew or a supporter of Israel to boycott their site until such time as an apology is issued.
I can only suspect that since they have never been on the receiving end of this type of behaviour they have no clue how damaging it is.
"Consider the source" is appropriate in this case.
Boots a Farmer does not Make
Governor Rod Blagojevich did not attend last nights Governor's Sales of Champions; supposedly he was working on budget matters. Instead, he sent his wife in her brand, spanking new cowboy boots.
Now, if Patti Blagojevich wants to purchase cowboy boots, that is her business; but to make a point so say she did it to support state agriculture was the most laughable statement I have heard out of the Blagojevich's this year.
I have news for you Patti, a pair of cowboy boots does not a farmer make, nor does it show any support for the State of Illinois agriculture. It shows how contemptable you find this part of the state fair. I would venture to say those boots will be relegated to the back of the closet for a few months before they find their way into the used boot bin at the Salvation Army Thrift store.
If you really wanted to show your support, you would have donned a pair of WORK boots, a pair of ratty jeans, and a t-shirt and gone down to the cattle barn and actually helped some of those kids clean out stalls and fit their animals for the show. Now, that would be showing support.
How about spending a couple of days on a farm actually doing the work Patti? Oh, I am sorry such work is beneath someone of your elegance and grace.
Making an issue out the boots only made Patti Blagojevich look more like the idiot who is Governor, instead of Illinois' First Lady showing support for the kids and our great agriculture heritage.
Now, if Patti Blagojevich wants to purchase cowboy boots, that is her business; but to make a point so say she did it to support state agriculture was the most laughable statement I have heard out of the Blagojevich's this year.
I have news for you Patti, a pair of cowboy boots does not a farmer make, nor does it show any support for the State of Illinois agriculture. It shows how contemptable you find this part of the state fair. I would venture to say those boots will be relegated to the back of the closet for a few months before they find their way into the used boot bin at the Salvation Army Thrift store.
If you really wanted to show your support, you would have donned a pair of WORK boots, a pair of ratty jeans, and a t-shirt and gone down to the cattle barn and actually helped some of those kids clean out stalls and fit their animals for the show. Now, that would be showing support.
How about spending a couple of days on a farm actually doing the work Patti? Oh, I am sorry such work is beneath someone of your elegance and grace.
Making an issue out the boots only made Patti Blagojevich look more like the idiot who is Governor, instead of Illinois' First Lady showing support for the kids and our great agriculture heritage.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Father of Anne with an "E" Perfects Softball Interview Style
Ever since I was a little boy, I have been fascinated with interviews, especially those that ask a question, wait for a response and then ask follow up questions based upon the answers given.
It appears that is a dying art. Of the last four interviews I have heard Anne with an "E"'s father have, he has not asked a single follow up question to an answer given; regardless of how evasive or ridiculous the answer is. He simply allows those he is interviewing to spin their answer like a cotton gin would spin a ball of thread and then hit it out of the ball park like a Hank Aaron home run.
Slow pitch underhanded softball is for grade school kids, not a radio stations' interviews.
Anne with an "E", you seem to be the smart one in your family, maybe your dad would be willing to retire and allow you to conduct all future interviews.
I am no fan of Chris Matthews, and he is anything but hardball, but his interview style is far more informative than Anne with an "E"'s father ever thought of being.
It appears that is a dying art. Of the last four interviews I have heard Anne with an "E"'s father have, he has not asked a single follow up question to an answer given; regardless of how evasive or ridiculous the answer is. He simply allows those he is interviewing to spin their answer like a cotton gin would spin a ball of thread and then hit it out of the ball park like a Hank Aaron home run.
Slow pitch underhanded softball is for grade school kids, not a radio stations' interviews.
Anne with an "E", you seem to be the smart one in your family, maybe your dad would be willing to retire and allow you to conduct all future interviews.
I am no fan of Chris Matthews, and he is anything but hardball, but his interview style is far more informative than Anne with an "E"'s father ever thought of being.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Rove Departure Nothing New
The mainstream media is making political hay out of the resignation of Karl Rove, effective August 31, 2007, as though it is some major political event. The truth is, with only 526 days in office remaining Rove's departure was to be expected.
There will be more in the coming days. Since 1960, the only administration that did not lose a substantial number of the staff was Johnson's when he took over for Kennedy. High level staff members know the end is near and will be making career changes, aligning themselves with potential presidential candiates, and taking time off from the constant grind of governmental work.
Yes, Rove is a very close friend and advisor of the President, and yes not having him there on a daily basis will leave a void, but nobody is beyond replacement; especially in politics and we can be assured that despite Rove's departure, he will only be a phone call away. Nobody refuses a call from the President, regardless of party or positions.
There will be more in the coming days. Since 1960, the only administration that did not lose a substantial number of the staff was Johnson's when he took over for Kennedy. High level staff members know the end is near and will be making career changes, aligning themselves with potential presidential candiates, and taking time off from the constant grind of governmental work.
Yes, Rove is a very close friend and advisor of the President, and yes not having him there on a daily basis will leave a void, but nobody is beyond replacement; especially in politics and we can be assured that despite Rove's departure, he will only be a phone call away. Nobody refuses a call from the President, regardless of party or positions.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Iraqi Tet - Would the outcome be the same as '68
On January 30, 1968, the Viet Cong launched a series of offensives that were designed to shake American support for the Vietnam war. Speaking from a military standpoint, the tet offensive was a horrendeous loss for the Viet Cong, but from a political and press standpoint it turned the war on its head and ultimately led to the United States withdrawing from Vietnam.
There is a concern within the administration that Al Qaeda may be planning a series of offensives as were executed in 1968. The administration is worried, because such an offensive could have a tremendous influence on support for the war, regardless of the outcome militarily.
History sometimes repeats itself, and the likelihood of a "tet" in Iraq is probably better than 50%; the aftermath is where history could change course. The President for all of his faults, has refused to give up on this war and truly believes it is winnable, and is more than willing to stake his entire legacy on that belief. Such a move would be directly opposite of President Johnson, who after the Tet Offensive, began the slow withdrawal of American forces from Vietnam.
Al Qaeda may plan and execute such an offensive, but absent a huge loss militarily, I do not see this President changing course. Good, bad or otherwise - he will ride the Iraq war to its ultimate end.
There is a concern within the administration that Al Qaeda may be planning a series of offensives as were executed in 1968. The administration is worried, because such an offensive could have a tremendous influence on support for the war, regardless of the outcome militarily.
History sometimes repeats itself, and the likelihood of a "tet" in Iraq is probably better than 50%; the aftermath is where history could change course. The President for all of his faults, has refused to give up on this war and truly believes it is winnable, and is more than willing to stake his entire legacy on that belief. Such a move would be directly opposite of President Johnson, who after the Tet Offensive, began the slow withdrawal of American forces from Vietnam.
Al Qaeda may plan and execute such an offensive, but absent a huge loss militarily, I do not see this President changing course. Good, bad or otherwise - he will ride the Iraq war to its ultimate end.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Cindy vs. Nancy (War of the Century)
In the left corner is Cindy "I hate Bush" Sheehan, and in the right corner comes Nancy "I hate Bush" Pelosi.......this could shape up to be one of the most exciting House races we have seen in a century. You have two extremely liberal, far outside the mainstream, candidates who have built their political careers on the backs of others.
I cannot wait to see which of the two draws blood first!
As an amatuer oddsmakers, I am laying 4 to 3 for Pelosi.
I cannot wait to see which of the two draws blood first!
As an amatuer oddsmakers, I am laying 4 to 3 for Pelosi.
Comparing two of the same
Mark Erickson blasted Barry Bonds in his article today, comparing him to of all players Cal Ripken. Bonds is a jerk, he is an egotistical, pompous ass; whereas, Cal Ripken does come across as a very likable fella and there has not been as much as a sliver of a hint that he used steroids in any fashion.
However, this infatuation with Ripken over his 2,632 consecutive starts is dubious at best. Was he a durable player? Absolutely and he showed up for work, every single day. Let us be honest though, there were more than one occasion where the Orioles put him in the lineup long enough to get credit for a game and then pulled him; for no other reason than to push his consecutive streak along. At best, it was padded; at worst one could say the Orioles helped him cheat his to a record he did not deserve.
I still like Ripken and would call him one of if not the most durable baseball player in history; Bonds? He's still a jerk and should be stripped of the home run title. Comparing these two players is like the pot calling the kettle blac, neither of them deserve their respective titles.
However, this infatuation with Ripken over his 2,632 consecutive starts is dubious at best. Was he a durable player? Absolutely and he showed up for work, every single day. Let us be honest though, there were more than one occasion where the Orioles put him in the lineup long enough to get credit for a game and then pulled him; for no other reason than to push his consecutive streak along. At best, it was padded; at worst one could say the Orioles helped him cheat his to a record he did not deserve.
I still like Ripken and would call him one of if not the most durable baseball player in history; Bonds? He's still a jerk and should be stripped of the home run title. Comparing these two players is like the pot calling the kettle blac, neither of them deserve their respective titles.
Blame Game
In in the wake of the Minnesota bridge collapse, we have several pundits, and many bloggers blaming the Bush Adminsitration for this catastrophe; it seems that no matter what horrendous event occurs, its always something the Bush Administration and more precisely, the President Himself could have prevented.
The divide between the right and left is at its widest point in my recollection, there is no longer civility between the sides and it seems many want to make everything politics personal.
If you stand on principle and those principles are rooted in fact, I have no issue; if not, then your message is not worth listening to regardless of which side of the isle you stand.
The Minnesota tragedy is not the fault of the President or the Bush Administration; actually, at this point we have NO IDEA who or what is at fault and until we get the facts playing the blame game serves no valuable purpose.
The divide between the right and left is at its widest point in my recollection, there is no longer civility between the sides and it seems many want to make everything politics personal.
If you stand on principle and those principles are rooted in fact, I have no issue; if not, then your message is not worth listening to regardless of which side of the isle you stand.
The Minnesota tragedy is not the fault of the President or the Bush Administration; actually, at this point we have NO IDEA who or what is at fault and until we get the facts playing the blame game serves no valuable purpose.
Anne with an "E"
Anne Madonia appeared on her fathers radio show this morning and wanted to make sure that if any bloggers mentioned her name, they would spell it correctly.
There ya go Anne with an "E" Madonia, we got it right!
Anne with an "E" seems like a very likeable and charming lady and I wish her and her child the very best in the future.
There ya go Anne with an "E" Madonia, we got it right!
Anne with an "E" seems like a very likeable and charming lady and I wish her and her child the very best in the future.
Mayor Davlin Challenged
Tuesday evening the Springfield City Council approved an ordinance that would give alderman access to personnel records as it pertains to their jobs funding the various departments. This ordinance past over the objections of the Mayor and the two legal hacks from the CWLP and police unions.
With the new makup of the council, the Mayor no longer will be allowed to operate unchallenged and it appears that there is not a single alderman that is going to take their marching orders from the Mayor blindly; which is a far cry from the likes of Chuck Redpath.
Speaking of Redpath, he was on 1450 WFMB this morning blabbering away that the council needs to know their place. Well I have news for Chuck Redpath, the council apparently knows their place a lot better than you did; they so far refuse to stick their head in the sand and just take whatever the Mayor says as gospel.
Now we will see if the Mayor has the wherewithal to actuall veto the ordinance, I would give 3 to 1 odds he just signs the ordinance.
With the new makup of the council, the Mayor no longer will be allowed to operate unchallenged and it appears that there is not a single alderman that is going to take their marching orders from the Mayor blindly; which is a far cry from the likes of Chuck Redpath.
Speaking of Redpath, he was on 1450 WFMB this morning blabbering away that the council needs to know their place. Well I have news for Chuck Redpath, the council apparently knows their place a lot better than you did; they so far refuse to stick their head in the sand and just take whatever the Mayor says as gospel.
Now we will see if the Mayor has the wherewithal to actuall veto the ordinance, I would give 3 to 1 odds he just signs the ordinance.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
It is time
I have been waiting for months now with anticipation for Senator Fred Dalton Thompson to announce his decision on whether to seek the Republican nomination for President. So far, the Senator has only formed an exploratory committee and gave a few speeches.
Considering the field of Republicans who have already announced, Thompson would be the hands down choice for conservatives, and yet, we still wait.
Time is running out on the Senator, staffers will only wait so long for a candidate to make his/her decision and the available funds is also dwindling; a fact that I am sure the Democrats have not missed. Recently, the LA Times made an attempt to paint Thompson as an abortion flip flopper - the question is why? Are they scared that Thompson represents the best chance the Republicans have next fall? Are they afraid that Thompson has face recognition with his portrayal of District Attorney Arthur Branch on the NBC series Law and Order? Or are they just afraid that a fresh face will shake this race up and turn it on its head?
Only the LA Times knows, but this much I do know - it is time for the Senator to either get in or get out.
Considering the field of Republicans who have already announced, Thompson would be the hands down choice for conservatives, and yet, we still wait.
Time is running out on the Senator, staffers will only wait so long for a candidate to make his/her decision and the available funds is also dwindling; a fact that I am sure the Democrats have not missed. Recently, the LA Times made an attempt to paint Thompson as an abortion flip flopper - the question is why? Are they scared that Thompson represents the best chance the Republicans have next fall? Are they afraid that Thompson has face recognition with his portrayal of District Attorney Arthur Branch on the NBC series Law and Order? Or are they just afraid that a fresh face will shake this race up and turn it on its head?
Only the LA Times knows, but this much I do know - it is time for the Senator to either get in or get out.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Smelling like a rose in a barn.
It is now Monday night, and with the deadline of Wednesday (as per Dan Hynes) for a new budget looming large, its time for Mr. Madigan to call the Governors bluff.
The illustrious Governor of Illinois has threatened to shutdown the state government if he does not get his way with the budget, despite the fact that he has come up with nada ways of paying for his spending packages; unless of course you count the ill-fated GRT (Gross Receipts Tax) which has already been shot down by the legislature.
I could be proven wrong, but I just do not think this Governor has the cojones to actually receive a budget passed by the two chambers and just sit on it for 60 days and then veto it. Even if he did, I believe its time for Madigan to call him on it and force him to actually shut everything down.......the ball is in Madigans court at this point.
Hanging in the balance of course is the Illinois State Fair, which is scheduled to begin Wednesday with the 4H cattle and showmanship shows that evening. It would be a real shame if this hairdo Governor put his political showmanship above that of these kids who have worked their tails off all year to get this point.
Come on Madigan, if you handle this right you really could come out of the barn smelling like a rose.
The illustrious Governor of Illinois has threatened to shutdown the state government if he does not get his way with the budget, despite the fact that he has come up with nada ways of paying for his spending packages; unless of course you count the ill-fated GRT (Gross Receipts Tax) which has already been shot down by the legislature.
I could be proven wrong, but I just do not think this Governor has the cojones to actually receive a budget passed by the two chambers and just sit on it for 60 days and then veto it. Even if he did, I believe its time for Madigan to call him on it and force him to actually shut everything down.......the ball is in Madigans court at this point.
Hanging in the balance of course is the Illinois State Fair, which is scheduled to begin Wednesday with the 4H cattle and showmanship shows that evening. It would be a real shame if this hairdo Governor put his political showmanship above that of these kids who have worked their tails off all year to get this point.
Come on Madigan, if you handle this right you really could come out of the barn smelling like a rose.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Most Compelling video
From time to time I receive an email from a friend, business associate or family member with a link to a video or clip; most of the time they are humorous in nature. Seldom do I come across a video that pulls at my heart strings.......well here is one that did just that.
No politics involved, just a video that expresses a 15 year olds view......
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1
I hope that you will find it as moving as I did.
No politics involved, just a video that expresses a 15 year olds view......
http://www.youtube.com/v/ervaMPt4Ha0&autoplay=1
I hope that you will find it as moving as I did.
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