Today, Israeli ground troops invaded Gaza. After a week of bombing operations, several mosques destroyed and over 460 dead, the operation has been escalated. I believe this whole thing is a shame that will only make things tougher for the United States.
Although the Israelis say their target is Hamas and to prevent rocket fire, the rockets continue. That's because it's virtually impossible to prevent guerrilla attacks in traditional warfare. Therefore, we can look forward to a long operation with many additional casualties, few results and increased tensions.
The whole thing over there is a mess that cannot be solved through military force. Say a Hamas operative sends off a rocket and kills an innocent Israeli. Then Israel blows up an entire neighborhood looking for that operative, they may be successful in killing that operative. But, you've also gained more enemies.
It's a never-ending cycle that will continue until somebody changes their thinking. It's silly to believe that Israel can gain peace with Hamas while Hamas their militant arm seeks the destruction of Israel, intimidates their civilians through rocket fire, while not even recognizing their right to live in peace. That's not a true partner to peace.
It's naive for Israel to believe they can gain peace in the Palestinian territories by enforcing their own little version of apartheid. Banning foreign journalists and preventing humanitarian aid only works to their detriment.
Somebody needs to show true leadership in order to really establish peace.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The GOP Painting itself into a Corner
Rush Limbaugh's "Barack the Magic Negro" song apparently has made it's way to the RNC. Chip Saltsman, who is running for the Chairman position of the RNC, distributed Rush's parody CD.
Some members of the GOP have announced their displeasure of this CD. However, more and more Republicans are coming to ol' Chip's defense. This includes former Ohio Lt. Governor Ken Blackwell. Now, they are saying that distributing this material has actually helped Saltman's bid to become GOP Chair.
Honestly, this does not surprise me. Today's Republican Party has no clue. Not only does the CD poke fun at Obama and white/black race relations, but it also makes fun of Hispanics with their take on "Spanglish". The Republican Party is isolating themselves further and further but doesn't seem to know it. Instead of taking measures to unite conservatives and bring more people to the party that may share their beliefs, these guys have chosen to attempt to keep the party as "white-bread" as possible by shunning those who could possibly gravitate to a positive message.
The promoters of the CD say that it's only designed to poke fun at liberals. But, since when did being black or Hispanic make one a liberal? Do these guys not understand this? Why not make fun at liberal policy, instead of collectively making fun of blacks and Hispanics because you "think" all of them are liberals.
It's a shame. Of course, I used to be a Republican. The conservative principles that brought me to the party has apparently become less important to these folks than maintaining a WASP identity. In the meantime, our country just elected it's first black President and is becoming more and more diverse.
The GOP is painting itself into a corner and doesn't even know it.
Some members of the GOP have announced their displeasure of this CD. However, more and more Republicans are coming to ol' Chip's defense. This includes former Ohio Lt. Governor Ken Blackwell. Now, they are saying that distributing this material has actually helped Saltman's bid to become GOP Chair.
Honestly, this does not surprise me. Today's Republican Party has no clue. Not only does the CD poke fun at Obama and white/black race relations, but it also makes fun of Hispanics with their take on "Spanglish". The Republican Party is isolating themselves further and further but doesn't seem to know it. Instead of taking measures to unite conservatives and bring more people to the party that may share their beliefs, these guys have chosen to attempt to keep the party as "white-bread" as possible by shunning those who could possibly gravitate to a positive message.
The promoters of the CD say that it's only designed to poke fun at liberals. But, since when did being black or Hispanic make one a liberal? Do these guys not understand this? Why not make fun at liberal policy, instead of collectively making fun of blacks and Hispanics because you "think" all of them are liberals.
It's a shame. Of course, I used to be a Republican. The conservative principles that brought me to the party has apparently become less important to these folks than maintaining a WASP identity. In the meantime, our country just elected it's first black President and is becoming more and more diverse.
The GOP is painting itself into a corner and doesn't even know it.
Today's Tidbits
The Democrat's version of Sarah Palin is finding it tougher to be annointed Senator. Hey, at least Palin was elected to something. Later for this Kennedy/royalty BS. This is America. Let the monarchs stay in Europe.
The feds just gave GMAC $6 billion to revive the loaning arm of their business. I still don't understand how $6B will fix something that $700B didn't. Oh, I remember......they never loaned out any of the $700 billion! The banks just kept the money. Nevermind.
In the biggest case of the pot calling the kettle black, President Bush warns Obama not to overspend during his administration. This comes from the "supposedly" conservative President that raised spending and our country's deficit to levels almost unimaginable to most Americans only a few years ago.
Serving in the military and being deployed a negative in child custody battles? Wow.
The feds just gave GMAC $6 billion to revive the loaning arm of their business. I still don't understand how $6B will fix something that $700B didn't. Oh, I remember......they never loaned out any of the $700 billion! The banks just kept the money. Nevermind.
In the biggest case of the pot calling the kettle black, President Bush warns Obama not to overspend during his administration. This comes from the "supposedly" conservative President that raised spending and our country's deficit to levels almost unimaginable to most Americans only a few years ago.
Serving in the military and being deployed a negative in child custody battles? Wow.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Helping High School Athletes get to College
Check out this very important column that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago. It deals with football and how many coaches seem very reluctant to help their kids gain a college education after they have finished their playing careers.
Another contributing factor is the good ol' boy system in states like Indiana. They actively decide which athletes will and will not be promoted. Regardless of production on the field, they have their chosen few and they'll stick to them. They are basically "playing God" with these kids' futures.
Of course, their is only one real Creator, so these guys can and must be defeated by the interested folks with "right" on their side.
Be on the lookout for more related news to this in the very new future.
Another contributing factor is the good ol' boy system in states like Indiana. They actively decide which athletes will and will not be promoted. Regardless of production on the field, they have their chosen few and they'll stick to them. They are basically "playing God" with these kids' futures.
Of course, their is only one real Creator, so these guys can and must be defeated by the interested folks with "right" on their side.
Be on the lookout for more related news to this in the very new future.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Economic Madness and other News of the Day
Chrysler announces that it will temporarily shut down its production plants for a month. Those plants employ an estimated 46,000 Americans. Right in time for Christmas!
Obama names three financial regulators. As many of you know, I'm not a big government oversight guy. I think that free enterprise needs to be maintained in a free, capitalistic country. However, I also believe that in order for capitalism to work, both the buyer and the seller need to benefit. For the last few years, the sellers have disproportionately gained while the buyers have suffered.
Speaking of abuses in the oil/gas industry, the speculators are at it again. Of course, most Americans have been loving the lower gas prices. However, the prices are starting to inch their way up again. At the same time, oil is at its lowest point since 2004.
The Illinois Supreme Court denies attempts by the state Legislature to remove their tainted Governor.
The country is seeing high levels of snowfall. Of course, all of this proves global warming.....Hmmm, wait a minute. If the earth is warming like they say, wouldn't this be reflected on the actual thermometers? That's funny, all along I thought that global warming would make "the globe" warm.
136 people apply for 3 open jobs in a landfill that pay less than $10/hour. Some folks were even on their knees begging to be hired. Meanwhile Wilmington, OH will soon lay off more than half of its entire population. Yeah, this is still America.
Breaking news from 1964: NAACP finds networks lagging in diversity.
Obama names three financial regulators. As many of you know, I'm not a big government oversight guy. I think that free enterprise needs to be maintained in a free, capitalistic country. However, I also believe that in order for capitalism to work, both the buyer and the seller need to benefit. For the last few years, the sellers have disproportionately gained while the buyers have suffered.
Speaking of abuses in the oil/gas industry, the speculators are at it again. Of course, most Americans have been loving the lower gas prices. However, the prices are starting to inch their way up again. At the same time, oil is at its lowest point since 2004.
The Illinois Supreme Court denies attempts by the state Legislature to remove their tainted Governor.
The country is seeing high levels of snowfall. Of course, all of this proves global warming.....Hmmm, wait a minute. If the earth is warming like they say, wouldn't this be reflected on the actual thermometers? That's funny, all along I thought that global warming would make "the globe" warm.
136 people apply for 3 open jobs in a landfill that pay less than $10/hour. Some folks were even on their knees begging to be hired. Meanwhile Wilmington, OH will soon lay off more than half of its entire population. Yeah, this is still America.
Breaking news from 1964: NAACP finds networks lagging in diversity.
Atlanta Judge Serves Bigotry instead of Justice
An Atlanta woman accompanies a family member into a courtroom for a traffic ticket violation. However, she is the one that ends up in jail. Her crime? She failed to remove her Islamic headscarf known as a hijab. The judge sentenced her to 10 days in jail for contempt of court.
Yeah, sounds like a punishable offense to me. This judge also banned another Muslim woman and her 14 year-old daughter from his courtroom because they were wearing hijabs.
This guy needs to be removed from the bench. Obviously, he has a high level of prejudices against Muslims. I think that it would be highly difficult for those that share my faith to get a fair trial in this guy's courtroom.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Courthouse Killers, Russians on our Doorsteps and Global Warming Madness
Convicted courthouse killer Brian Nichols will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, he has been spared of the death penalty. The folks around Georgia are pissed. They wanted his head on a platter. They've discussed changing Georgia death penalty law to make it easier to execute criminals. Although I have no love for a killer such as Nichols, I'm happy he wasn't given the death penalty. I just don't believe that a man (or a group of men) should decide when another man leaves this earth. I firmly believe that's between him and The Creator.
Russian warships are on their way to Cuba. Latin America is having a summit; and the guest stars are China, Russia and Iran. Somebody please explain to me why nobody cares. We are quickly losing our influence on the world as we are losing our money. Again, please someone tell me why this isn't important.
Meanwhile, war widows are being denied benefits because of a "computer glitch".
President Bush goes to Iraq and some reporter throws a shoe at him. The President was a good sport and laughed it off. But, I'm pissed that this guy tried to assault our President. I hope that one of the Secret Service guys gave this guy the business afterwards. UPDATE: I missed the fact that shoe throwing is considered a tremendous act of disrepect in the Arab world. Apparently, this guy was also sending a political message against our presence.
In an act that is designed to empower the moderates, Israel frees over 200 Palestinian prisoners.
Obama's version of the New Deal looks like it will cost over $1 trillion over two years. This is exactly what I predicted. Since Republicans gave $700 billion to their cronies without question, the Dems will do the same thing, only bigger. It will take about twenty years and a lot of pain in our country before we have a "real" conservative administration.
If global warming is true, why has it been so cold outside? Well, that's because of global warming.
It's wild that whenever Muslims commit an act of terrorism, people question why Muslims have been silent. However, what's more wild is that these folks mainly ignore the Muslims that have condemned these actions.
It's funny how the "holier than thou" types are easily caught up in their own little controversies.Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday News and Notes
The Republicans have killed the $15B auto bailout. They say they are looking out for the taxpayers. Now, this would be consistent if they also opposed the $700B gift to the financial companies. Of course, they just dropped that money off with no questions asked. I don't understand why $15 billion is such a big deal when $700 billion created no waves. What makes it very weird is that they won't announce the companies who have taken the money.
As much as I am against government intervention into private companies, I can understand the need to help the automakers in order to save the jobs of 3 million autoworkers and another 9 million folks that work for periphial companies.
Now that the bill has been defeated in Congress, it looks like the White House will use some of the TARP money to finance this auto bailout. Hey, where have you heard that before???
Barack Obama's approval rating are sky high. Maybe because he hasn't taken office? Anyway, he isn't making too many friends in the South with his appointments. There have been no Southerners announced to Cabinet level positions. C'mon O-man, you can't find any qualified thumpers to join your administration?
Kinder, gentler manufactoring? Give me a break. They don't want companies that make military parts doing business in Woodstock. Hey, if I was Ametek, I'd pack my bags and move elsewhere. There are many cities in the midwest that would love those jobs.
Colin Powell says the Republican Party should not listen to Rush Limbaugh and those that appeal to our lesser instincts. Ouch!!
Virtual online Islam? Well it's here. Although I'm a bit of a techy. I'm not really a gamer. So, I'm not sure how this could be fun.
As much as I am against government intervention into private companies, I can understand the need to help the automakers in order to save the jobs of 3 million autoworkers and another 9 million folks that work for periphial companies.
Now that the bill has been defeated in Congress, it looks like the White House will use some of the TARP money to finance this auto bailout. Hey, where have you heard that before???
Barack Obama's approval rating are sky high. Maybe because he hasn't taken office? Anyway, he isn't making too many friends in the South with his appointments. There have been no Southerners announced to Cabinet level positions. C'mon O-man, you can't find any qualified thumpers to join your administration?
Kinder, gentler manufactoring? Give me a break. They don't want companies that make military parts doing business in Woodstock. Hey, if I was Ametek, I'd pack my bags and move elsewhere. There are many cities in the midwest that would love those jobs.
Colin Powell says the Republican Party should not listen to Rush Limbaugh and those that appeal to our lesser instincts. Ouch!!
Virtual online Islam? Well it's here. Although I'm a bit of a techy. I'm not really a gamer. So, I'm not sure how this could be fun.
Go Bears!!!!
My boys did it last night. We're still in this thing. We need some help from Arizona this weekend against the Vikes.
It's not over yet fellas!!!!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Czars in America, Corrupt Cops and Governors
Congress is close to a deal with automakers on a $15 billion loan. However, they had to appoint an "auto czar" to oversee the funds. What is it about czars in America that strikes me the wrong way?
The Illinois Governor scandel isn't helping Barack Obama too much. He's now being asked to resign or be face impeachment.
Al Gore is once again choking on his cheeseburgers. Over 650 International scientiest blast the whole man-made global warming theory. They say any warming of the earth is due to......THE SUN!!! Imagine that.
Joe the Plumber says he "felt dirty" after campaigning with John McCain. That's wild. It's John McCain that pulled him from under kitchen sinks to doing interviews with Glenn Beck.
Three New York cops charged with sodomy after an arrest at a subway station. What is it with these guys that they feel they have to abuse or sexually attack black men they arrest? You never hear about them sodomizing any white guys.
Now that Coretta has passed, the King family is becoming more and more embarrassing. Harry Belafonte is auctioning off papers given to him by Coretta. The King kids have successfully blocked the auction saying Harry "wrongly acquired them". The papers were set to go for somewhere between $800k and $1.3M. These folks are simply looking for their cut.
Woman goes into bathroom at Cracker Barrel and returns with $97,000 in cash. She turns it in to authorities. Either she's rich or she has the best heart in Tennessee.
The Illinois Governor scandel isn't helping Barack Obama too much. He's now being asked to resign or be face impeachment.
Al Gore is once again choking on his cheeseburgers. Over 650 International scientiest blast the whole man-made global warming theory. They say any warming of the earth is due to......THE SUN!!! Imagine that.
Joe the Plumber says he "felt dirty" after campaigning with John McCain. That's wild. It's John McCain that pulled him from under kitchen sinks to doing interviews with Glenn Beck.
Three New York cops charged with sodomy after an arrest at a subway station. What is it with these guys that they feel they have to abuse or sexually attack black men they arrest? You never hear about them sodomizing any white guys.
Now that Coretta has passed, the King family is becoming more and more embarrassing. Harry Belafonte is auctioning off papers given to him by Coretta. The King kids have successfully blocked the auction saying Harry "wrongly acquired them". The papers were set to go for somewhere between $800k and $1.3M. These folks are simply looking for their cut.
Woman goes into bathroom at Cracker Barrel and returns with $97,000 in cash. She turns it in to authorities. Either she's rich or she has the best heart in Tennessee.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Selling Senate Seats
Today, the Feds busted Illinois Governor Rob Blagojevich. Of course, Barack Obama had to resign from his seat in the U.S. Senate in order to assume the Presidency. The task of appointing his successor fell to the Governor.
It is a big deal to be appointed U.S. Senator so ol' Blago wanted to get paid for his services. He initially wasn't finding many takers. He said, "They're not willing to give me anything but appreciation. *Bleep* them!"
Little did the Governor know, the feds were on to him. It is obviously illegal to sell seats to the U.S. Senate. This guy is in major trouble. But hey, he can still make his appointment from his jail cell!!!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
War Drums, Paulson's Double-Talk and Pirate Hunters
Can somebody please tell Israel not to start WWIII. According to the Jerusalem Post, Israel is ready to attack Iranian nuclear facilities. They have plans to do it with or without the approval or assistance of the United States. I'm sure this is going to work out well for Americans. Will we have to sacrifice our sons for this horrendous mistake, even though we didn't sign off?
Hardline Israeli settlers walk into the Palestinian city of Hebron and move just into one of their homes. The Palestinians sue and the courts tell the settlers to leave. Israeli troops force them to leave. Now they have a battle on their hands.
The banks still aren't lending money as they were supposed to under the bailout. Henry Paulson now says we cannot force banks to loan money to people. I would agree with that. However, that wasn't his suggestion when he was giving them our money to the tune of $700 billion. I guess now that they have the cash, he can say whatever he wants.
In more economic news, ATT plans on laying off 12,000 employees, Viacom is laying off 850 and NBC will drop 500 employees. Looks like a mental recession to me.
Things aren't going so well for the Big 3 automakers in their pursuit of a bailout.
Defense Secretary Gates gets to keep his job. But, it looks like he'll have to introduce himself to almost everyone else at the Defense Dept.
An official timetable has been passed by the Iraqis. It gives us three years to pack up and leave.
BlackWater has been tasked to fight piracy on the high seas. The pirates better hope this former navy seals and special ops guys never catch up with them.
Hardline Israeli settlers walk into the Palestinian city of Hebron and move just into one of their homes. The Palestinians sue and the courts tell the settlers to leave. Israeli troops force them to leave. Now they have a battle on their hands.
The banks still aren't lending money as they were supposed to under the bailout. Henry Paulson now says we cannot force banks to loan money to people. I would agree with that. However, that wasn't his suggestion when he was giving them our money to the tune of $700 billion. I guess now that they have the cash, he can say whatever he wants.
In more economic news, ATT plans on laying off 12,000 employees, Viacom is laying off 850 and NBC will drop 500 employees. Looks like a mental recession to me.
Things aren't going so well for the Big 3 automakers in their pursuit of a bailout.
Defense Secretary Gates gets to keep his job. But, it looks like he'll have to introduce himself to almost everyone else at the Defense Dept.
An official timetable has been passed by the Iraqis. It gives us three years to pack up and leave.
BlackWater has been tasked to fight piracy on the high seas. The pirates better hope this former navy seals and special ops guys never catch up with them.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Marines on Main Street
Why doesn't this administration get it? What's with their crazy obsession with executive powers? Can they please find some level of conservatism? What will it take for them to understand that Americans do NOT like an intrusive style of government with police powers that mimic communist China?
The Pentagon just announced that they will use 20,000 troops for domestic purposes. Of course, that's unconstitutional. But, since when did that ever stop them? In the past, there has been a clear understanding, backed by official legislation, that our military was not to be used against our own. They are not to be used for domestic purposes. That's why we have local and state police forces. We also have the FBI for federal law enforcement. Each state also has a National Guard for emergencies.
However, we should never end up like China or some uncontrollable African nation with military troops walking around in our streets with AK-47s.
However, we should never end up like China or some uncontrollable African nation with military troops walking around in our streets with AK-47s.
Nixon, India and the Worst Pirates in World History
Fox News' Chris Wallace defends President Bush over Ron Howard's comparisons to Richard Nixon. Now, I would agree that the War in Iraq was probably done with good intentions. However, his firm commitment to excessive government powers, spy tactics, disregard for our Constitution as allowing companies to pillage our economy is worse than any Watergate. His crime was being the biggest liberal that ever even considered running for the Presidency.
After the attacks in Mubai, India demands that Pakistan hand over 20 suspected terrorists thought to be living in Pakistan. You have two very anxious nuclear powers with escalating tensions. This doesn't look like it's going to end well. Especially since five of the terrorists are still at-large.
California is in a financial state of emergency. I guess this is what being the most liberal state in the nation gets you. Now they have a bankrupt government to go along with their tradition of the highest gas prices, some of the highest tax rates and the most intrusive government in the nation.
President-elect Barack Obama names his National Security Team. He has a nice mix of Republicans and Democrats. It's funny that Dems almost always choose a Republican to be Secretary of Defense.
Some encouraging news from the CEO of Ford Motor Company.
Pirates attack an American cruise ship. But, the luxury yacht manages to escape by outrunning their boat. The pirates had a top speed of 27 mph. That's pretty pathetic. Well, unless we start using our military to escort these ships, we may have to get used to these 21st century buccaneers.
American kids lie, cheat and steal at alarming rates. It's worse for the private-school students.
After the attacks in Mubai, India demands that Pakistan hand over 20 suspected terrorists thought to be living in Pakistan. You have two very anxious nuclear powers with escalating tensions. This doesn't look like it's going to end well. Especially since five of the terrorists are still at-large.
California is in a financial state of emergency. I guess this is what being the most liberal state in the nation gets you. Now they have a bankrupt government to go along with their tradition of the highest gas prices, some of the highest tax rates and the most intrusive government in the nation.
President-elect Barack Obama names his National Security Team. He has a nice mix of Republicans and Democrats. It's funny that Dems almost always choose a Republican to be Secretary of Defense.
Some encouraging news from the CEO of Ford Motor Company.
Pirates attack an American cruise ship. But, the luxury yacht manages to escape by outrunning their boat. The pirates had a top speed of 27 mph. That's pretty pathetic. Well, unless we start using our military to escort these ships, we may have to get used to these 21st century buccaneers.
American kids lie, cheat and steal at alarming rates. It's worse for the private-school students.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Post Vacation Notes
Man, our country is beautiful!!! More people need to get out and experience what our country has to offer. I believe that Hoover Dam has to be among the Top 5 greatest engineering feats in American history. It is completely amazing what these men were able to accomplish.Anyway, it is great being back around. It's tough for a political junkie like me to stay out of the fray. The time off has been great. But, let's get back into the mix.
Regardless of the fact that American taxpayers just gave the financial industries 1.5 trillion dollars over the last few weeks, these companies are now trimming their credit lines by $2 trillion dollars. All of that BS talk that Henry Paulson gave us about the bailout helping American consumers access credit was all phony talk. At the end of the day, we're still screwed. It was just another money grab. For example, bailed-out CitiGroup just buys Spanish construction company for $10B.
BTW, our economy is officially in recession.
U.S. manufacturing falls to the lowest level in 26 years. Now, that can't be from all of the outsourcing that we've done, could it? We are quickly becoming a straight consumer nation that makes nothing but buys everything. This is completely unsustainable.
Barack Obama announces that Hillary Clinton will be the next Secretary of State. Dr. Susan Rice will also represent the U.S. at the United Nations.
The Palm Beach County Republicans have a new member of their executive committee. He's the son of the Grand Wizard of the KKK and has David Duke as a key ally. But, says he's "offended" that people would assume he's a white supremacist. Yeah, okay.
Michael Steele says it's too premature to start counting the GOP out. He articulates ways the GOP can regain its position in American politics. Most of these are great ideas. I wonder why he never argued for these when the Republican Congress and Presidency were doing the exact opposite.
Cool sites in the sky tonight! There's also some cool stuff in the skies over there in Greenland.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Playing Bait and Switch with our Economy
What part of the words “Troubled Asset Relief Program” does Henry Paulson not understand? The taxpayers of the United States just gave the most powerful financial companies in the country more than $700 billion in order to prevent the rest of our economy from slipping into a depression.
However, the Treasury Secretary said that he simply changed his mind and will not use those funds to purchase the troubled assets that lawmakers gave him permission and instructions to buy. Instead, he’ll use the money to purchase the precious “preferred stock”.
Therefore, the tangible relief that was sought won’t happen. The toxic assets are still on the books. They banks already got the money but they are not lending. Wall Street still recognizes the problem and continues to devalue these companies. There has been no tangible progress since the bail-out was announced. However, the taxpayers of the country are light in the wallet to the tune of $700billion.
In order to fix our economy, serious steps need to be made in order to turn this situation around. I believe our first action is to look at our energy policy and the way it has affected our country.
According to the Dept of Energy, in January 2000, the average price of gas was $1.35/ gallon. By June of 2008, the average price was up to $4.13 per gallon. Although our consumption increased by less than 2% during that period, the price went up by almost 400%. The projected usage of India and China 10-15 years from now was always their justification for raising the price. Existing consumption and supply patterns didn’t matter.
The first victims of this increase were the transportation companies. Operational expenses went through the roof as they tried to move people and products from point A to point B. To my understanding, for every penny that the price of gas increases, the airlines lose $25 million.
There was no way our economy could sustain such an increase outside of normal supply and demand tendencies. Many companies initially tried to simply handle doing business with lower profit margins; but, later had to pass on their own price increases to their customers. It became increasingly difficult for businesses to function under their existing pricing and payroll structures. Therefore, many businesses were faced with raising prices, employee layoffs, or both.
Obviously, it became much more expensive for Americans to fuel their vehicles and get back and forth to work. But during this period, the price for everything went up. The price of eggs, milk and cheese all doubled. General Mills and Kellogg were reducing the sizes of their packaging and still raising their prices. Customers were getting far less for much more.
The price to heat your home in the winter and cool it down in the summers also increased. Many regulated power companies lobbied their state PUCs for price increases to make up for their increased delivery costs.
The only thing that didn’t go up during this period was Americans’ salaries. The American consumer was now forced to attempt to operate their homes on the same income but with much higher expenses. The sales of luxury and other non-essential items declined substantially. The automobile manufactures started to announce significant decreases in sales figures. Retailers began to report 20, 25 and sometimes even 40% decreases in sales.
Americans were broke and were not spending their money on new fancy items that they could live without. Disposable income became non-existent.
As more companies went out of business, others continued their lay-offs. More victims were created out of this recession. An obvious victim was the housing market. Not only could Americans no longer afford any new gadgets and cars, they could no longer afford the homes that they worked their lives to purchase, maintain and leave to their children.
Although some Americans fell prey to some punitive loan structures and adjustable rate mortgages that always went up and never went down; many others could simply no longer afford the monthly payment that was no problem for them just a few months ago.
It’s easy to simply blame the foreclosure crisis on our country’s economic woes. However, until we diagnose what created the foreclosure crisis, we’ll be forced to repeat this cycle. We cannot allow any industry to manipulate the delicate balance of supply and demand that we have in this country.
American capitalism has been successful because of its win/win premise. In order to make business sustainable, it has to be good for both the buyer and the seller.
However, the Treasury Secretary said that he simply changed his mind and will not use those funds to purchase the troubled assets that lawmakers gave him permission and instructions to buy. Instead, he’ll use the money to purchase the precious “preferred stock”.
Therefore, the tangible relief that was sought won’t happen. The toxic assets are still on the books. They banks already got the money but they are not lending. Wall Street still recognizes the problem and continues to devalue these companies. There has been no tangible progress since the bail-out was announced. However, the taxpayers of the country are light in the wallet to the tune of $700billion.
In order to fix our economy, serious steps need to be made in order to turn this situation around. I believe our first action is to look at our energy policy and the way it has affected our country.
According to the Dept of Energy, in January 2000, the average price of gas was $1.35/ gallon. By June of 2008, the average price was up to $4.13 per gallon. Although our consumption increased by less than 2% during that period, the price went up by almost 400%. The projected usage of India and China 10-15 years from now was always their justification for raising the price. Existing consumption and supply patterns didn’t matter.
The first victims of this increase were the transportation companies. Operational expenses went through the roof as they tried to move people and products from point A to point B. To my understanding, for every penny that the price of gas increases, the airlines lose $25 million.
There was no way our economy could sustain such an increase outside of normal supply and demand tendencies. Many companies initially tried to simply handle doing business with lower profit margins; but, later had to pass on their own price increases to their customers. It became increasingly difficult for businesses to function under their existing pricing and payroll structures. Therefore, many businesses were faced with raising prices, employee layoffs, or both.
Obviously, it became much more expensive for Americans to fuel their vehicles and get back and forth to work. But during this period, the price for everything went up. The price of eggs, milk and cheese all doubled. General Mills and Kellogg were reducing the sizes of their packaging and still raising their prices. Customers were getting far less for much more.
The price to heat your home in the winter and cool it down in the summers also increased. Many regulated power companies lobbied their state PUCs for price increases to make up for their increased delivery costs.
The only thing that didn’t go up during this period was Americans’ salaries. The American consumer was now forced to attempt to operate their homes on the same income but with much higher expenses. The sales of luxury and other non-essential items declined substantially. The automobile manufactures started to announce significant decreases in sales figures. Retailers began to report 20, 25 and sometimes even 40% decreases in sales.
Americans were broke and were not spending their money on new fancy items that they could live without. Disposable income became non-existent.
As more companies went out of business, others continued their lay-offs. More victims were created out of this recession. An obvious victim was the housing market. Not only could Americans no longer afford any new gadgets and cars, they could no longer afford the homes that they worked their lives to purchase, maintain and leave to their children.
Although some Americans fell prey to some punitive loan structures and adjustable rate mortgages that always went up and never went down; many others could simply no longer afford the monthly payment that was no problem for them just a few months ago.
It’s easy to simply blame the foreclosure crisis on our country’s economic woes. However, until we diagnose what created the foreclosure crisis, we’ll be forced to repeat this cycle. We cannot allow any industry to manipulate the delicate balance of supply and demand that we have in this country.
American capitalism has been successful because of its win/win premise. In order to make business sustainable, it has to be good for both the buyer and the seller.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Iranian Nukes, Embarrassed Mayors and Pissed off Cops
Iran has been successful in it's pursuit of nuclear-grade uranium. However, they do not currently have the technology to enrich it to weapons-grade levels. How long do you think that would take? You can hear the Israeli bombers gearing up their planes now.
Henry Paulson says that the current economic mess only happens once a century. Coincedentally, it happened on his watch with all of his banking cronies receiving taxpayer bail-out funds.
Idaho mayor apologies for the behavior of his town students after the recent Presidential election. Apparently, he feels that their chants of "assassinate Obama" was inappropriate. You think???
A federal judge ordered the release of 5 men from Guantanamo Bay. Apparently, they were being held indefinitely only on the word of one unnamed source. In our country, that's usually not enough information to hold you for 7 minutes, let alone seven years.
Somali pirates demand $25M for their hijacked oil tanker.
Henry Paulson says that the current economic mess only happens once a century. Coincedentally, it happened on his watch with all of his banking cronies receiving taxpayer bail-out funds.
Idaho mayor apologies for the behavior of his town students after the recent Presidential election. Apparently, he feels that their chants of "assassinate Obama" was inappropriate. You think???
A federal judge ordered the release of 5 men from Guantanamo Bay. Apparently, they were being held indefinitely only on the word of one unnamed source. In our country, that's usually not enough information to hold you for 7 minutes, let alone seven years.
Some cops in Brooklyn were not that pleased that Obama won the election.
Interesting article on "Missing White-Girl Syndrome".Somali pirates demand $25M for their hijacked oil tanker.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Israeli Farming, Pilfering the Treasury and Destroying the Constitution
In their second invasion of Gaza in two weeks, Israeli tanks go into Gaza and wipe out those dangerous Palestinian crops and farmland. Gotta wipe out those threatening crops. Public safety hazard. Does anyone else find it peculiar that Israel has decided to escalate the violence since Barack Obama was elected?
Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke face Congressional panel about their complete mismanagement of taxpayer funds along with their trial and error approach to saving our economy while further enriching their Wall Street cronies. Meanwhile, in an attempt to be as contradictory as possible, they announce their disapproval of bailing out U.S. automakers. They just need to say "Screw you suckers! We've taken the money, gave it to our boys and there's nothing you can do about it!"
The U.S. government has been asking foreign countries to hold Americans indefinitely without charges because of their inability to do so here in the states (legally). The sooner this administration is gone the better. They have absolutely NO regard for our Constitution or the laws that have governed this land for centuries.
Mark Cuban fights back against the insider trading charges levied by the SEC.
What year is it? 1400? What's with this new emergence of pirates? Now, they're asking for a $10M ransom. Tell you what, if these guys continue to steal oil, Bush himself will come and get them.
Michael Steele gets some love for his desire to be RNC chair.
Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke face Congressional panel about their complete mismanagement of taxpayer funds along with their trial and error approach to saving our economy while further enriching their Wall Street cronies. Meanwhile, in an attempt to be as contradictory as possible, they announce their disapproval of bailing out U.S. automakers. They just need to say "Screw you suckers! We've taken the money, gave it to our boys and there's nothing you can do about it!"
The U.S. government has been asking foreign countries to hold Americans indefinitely without charges because of their inability to do so here in the states (legally). The sooner this administration is gone the better. They have absolutely NO regard for our Constitution or the laws that have governed this land for centuries.
Mark Cuban fights back against the insider trading charges levied by the SEC.
What year is it? 1400? What's with this new emergence of pirates? Now, they're asking for a $10M ransom. Tell you what, if these guys continue to steal oil, Bush himself will come and get them.
Michael Steele gets some love for his desire to be RNC chair.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Ignoring Pink Elephants
Talk about penny wise but dollar foolish!!!!!The SEC has charged Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban with insider trading. Apparently, Cuban withdrew his $750,000 investment after he became aware they were obtaining other private funding.
Now, I don't really care too much if/how Mr. Cuban sold that stock. However, I find it very peculiar that this is the case that the Feds seem to have to prosecute. After going after Martha Stewart for avoiding a loss of less than $50,000, Mark Cuban's $750k looks to be gigantic.
Meanwhile, Exxon Mobile has posted world-record quarterly profits once again. Over the last 6 years, the oil industry has consolidated more wealth than any other in American financial history. Regardless the cold, hard figures of supply and demand, they've strong-armed and "speculated" themselves to their profits, while leaving the rest of our economy in shambles.
They need to be ashamed of themselves. To blindly hurdle billions while targeting thousands speaks to their credibility.
They need to be ashamed of themselves. To blindly hurdle billions while targeting thousands speaks to their credibility.
Nothing there to see, I guess.
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