Socialism in the Americas

Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela welcomed a Russian fleet, the first of its kind in the Caribbean since the end of the Cold War. Russia's president, Dmitry Medvedev is going to visit not only Venezuela, but also Peru, Brazil, and Cuba. Apparently he is going to attempt to reintroduce Russian influence into the Western Hemisphere. Chavez has agreed to buy a load of weapons, and wants Russia's aid in developing a nuclear power plant. It will be interesting to see if Russia has the funds during the current financial crisis to assist anyone.

Of course we all know Chavez is a socialist of sorts. He wants the government to own and control everything and he wants to stay in power permanently. If that's socialism, then it appears that Venezuela is headed in that direction. We will have to wait and see if Chavez allows a national election when his term is up.

With its new discovery of oil fields, I see Brazil continuing on the capitalist road, not a lot of interest in socialism with the rapidly rising middle class.

However, Peru and Bolivia could be other stories, especially with their current governments and the amount of poverty both countries suffer from. Government taking over the industries that produce a profit is very likely to happen.

Which leads us to North America and our own country. We Americans are now big stock holders in Citigroup. Next week we could be hearing that we own controlling interest of the Big 3. As the Fed makes more money available, putting the deficit in a ridiculous position, instead pf loaning money and expecting interest, the government is taking stock options instead. At this rate the government could end up principal stockholder of several banks. Who knows what could follow.

I realize this is supposedly a short term measure to stimulate the economy, but it looks like the beginning of socialism to me. How far will Pelosi and Reid push this idea? Just what are Obama's plans to stimulate the economy and re-stabilize the country.

Before our very eyes we could be watching a change in the way this country has been governed for over 220 years. In an effort to "save" the country, the folks in Washington just might decide that overall national ownership and control is the way to go. We could end up replacing Cuba as principal socialist state in the western Hemisphere.

Contact your representatives. Ask just how much stock and control does the government need of banks and businesses? With the Patriot Act we allowed some of our rights and liberties to go to the side, so we would be protected from terrorist. Now we are allowing the government to throw our money all over the place, redefining plans when something fails, assuring us they know what they are doing, when in reality it appears they are clueless and have decided to take control themselves.

Socialist governments don't work - please feel free to contradict me if you provide an example of a productive socialist state - we have to make sure the boys and girls in DC don't get carried away with themselves.

Speak up before its too later and we find we have sacrificed even more of our freedoms and liberties.

Its Common Sense!

The Transition continues

The Obama team has over nine million dollars for the transition and inauguration, yet fear it will not be enough. They are out soliciting for more funds. Maybe during this economic crisis their first act of leadership would be to stay within the budget that has been allocated. The rest of us certainly are trying to stay within our means.

Tom Daschel appears set to be Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare. Eric Holder for Attorney General. I still read Hillary Clinton leading the pack for Secretary of State and I still think its a bad idea, not with standing Bill's pledge to change his fund raising tactics if she gets the office. After all, their is nothing definite about a cabinet position, the president can ask you to resign at any time, and if he does, you can't just go back to the Senate.

Interesting that Robert Gates could stay on as Secretary of Defense, at least for a while. A little continuity for the troops in this troubled time is probably a smart move.

We'll have to see who the other nominations are as Obama fills out his cabinet and submits their names to Congress for confirmation.

One interesting note: I read that Beau Biden, Joe's son in the Delaware National Guard, has stated that he is not interested in his father's Senate seat, but plans to put in his full tour in Iraq.
Good for you Beau, maybe I misjudged you.

The economy is still falling with little sign of hope. If the big three don't get their loan, I guess its foreign cars, or maybe we can return to the horse and buggy to support American industry.

Should the taxpayers and private citizens fork up more money for the transition? How big an Inaugural do we as a country need? How much money spent on this "change" will make us feel good?

Voice your opinion. Freedom of speech is the best freedom we have.

Its Common sense!