Saturday Night Live opened their show this week with "President Obama" stating that after almost one year as president he had nothing to show. Prisoners still in Gitmo, troops in Iraq, things worse in Afghanistan, no health care, questionable stimulus, etc.
I thought it was pretty funny.
Monday I'm looking at CNN, the Focus Room with Wolf Blitzer. Not only had CNN had a Fact Check service investigate the truths of the Saturday Night Live skit, they had a panel of "experts" discuss what had occurred.
Give me a break. For thirty-five years SNL has been making fun of presidents, its a way of life. I don't remember anyone worrying about doing fact checks. Were fact checks made on what SNL's "Sarah Palin" said? I don't think so.
I find it sad that a supposed "impartial" news agency finds it necessary to try and put a positive spin on the actions of the president. We expect as much from FOX with the conservatives, and MSNBC with the liberals, but CNN is suppose - or at least I thought is was suppose - to be neutral ground. Guess I was wrong.
News shows should stick to the news and leave editorializing to others.
SNL is a comedy, let's enjoy it for what it is and not make it into something it is not.
Its Common Sense!
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Senator Edward Kennedy - Truth vs Legend
Since his death, people have been eulogizing Senator Ted Kennedy on very network.
At the conclusion of John Ford's "The Man who shot Liberty Valance" the editor of the local newspaper, after hearing the facts of the death of Valance, takes the notes and throws them in a stove saying, I don't have the exact quote but its almost - Sir, this is the west and here when the legend becomes fact we print the legend.
I feel that this has always been the case in regards to the Kennedys, especially the men, with the exception of Joe J. who did not live long enough to create a legend.
I think that when reviewing the lives of the bigger than life characters, one has to look at their entire lives, not just the happy moments. In his later life I do believe that Ted Kennedy did fight for the people, that he was sincere in his desire for health care and rights for the aged, poor and handicapped. I just wonder about his motivation.
We know he was a drunk, a womanizer, and if not a murderer then definitely guilty of negligent manslaughter. He got a free ride on all of these. Where was his punishment? How much of the responsibility of the addictions of his first wife Joan were attributable to Ted and the life style he was leading?
When we look at Ted, as well as his brothers Jack and Bobbie, I think its important that we look at the total man. The strengths and weaknesses, the good and the bad, the positive and the negative.
None of them were saints, but not many of us are.
What needs to be done is look at the total life and contribution they made to their families and society and then make our judgement of who they were.
Its Common Sense!!
At the conclusion of John Ford's "The Man who shot Liberty Valance" the editor of the local newspaper, after hearing the facts of the death of Valance, takes the notes and throws them in a stove saying, I don't have the exact quote but its almost - Sir, this is the west and here when the legend becomes fact we print the legend.
I feel that this has always been the case in regards to the Kennedys, especially the men, with the exception of Joe J. who did not live long enough to create a legend.
I think that when reviewing the lives of the bigger than life characters, one has to look at their entire lives, not just the happy moments. In his later life I do believe that Ted Kennedy did fight for the people, that he was sincere in his desire for health care and rights for the aged, poor and handicapped. I just wonder about his motivation.
We know he was a drunk, a womanizer, and if not a murderer then definitely guilty of negligent manslaughter. He got a free ride on all of these. Where was his punishment? How much of the responsibility of the addictions of his first wife Joan were attributable to Ted and the life style he was leading?
When we look at Ted, as well as his brothers Jack and Bobbie, I think its important that we look at the total man. The strengths and weaknesses, the good and the bad, the positive and the negative.
None of them were saints, but not many of us are.
What needs to be done is look at the total life and contribution they made to their families and society and then make our judgement of who they were.
Its Common Sense!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Obama's Cabinet
Before I make some comments on President-elect Obama's cabinet picks I just want to say farewell to Ricardo Monteblam. My generation will always remember the Chrysler Cordoba with "Corinthian Leather", not to mention Mr Rourke waiting for "Da plane, da plane, boss."
All reports are that he was a true gentleman. His kind were rare, and they are getting rarer.
Now about the cabinet. Richardson is out, Hillary does not want to disclose the names of the foreign contributors to Billy's charity, Senate Arlen Specter and a few others want more details of just what role Eric Holder had in the pardons Bill Clinton gave at the end of his second term, and Tim Geithner did not know he was suppose to pay taxes, Social Security and Medicare when he work for the International Money Fund. (IMF). Not to mention the legally of his hired help.
Please. Geithner is to be the Secretary of the Treasury, the man in charge of the IRS. If he does not know when to pay his taxes, how should I?
Of course we all know they will get confirmed, just like Roland Burris. This Congress talks tough but thus far has displayed very little backbone.
They are moaning and groaning about releasing the 2nd $350 billion because the first half has not been well monitored. They should have put the monitors in place initially. They can still do it, what is their problem?
Obama and change. Where is it? He's bringing members of the Washington gang back to DC in one form or another. Where are the fresh new faces? Where are the fresh ideas?
Thus far I am not impressed. His first Hundred Days better be dynamic or a lot of people are going to be disappointed and let down.
Its Common Sense!
All reports are that he was a true gentleman. His kind were rare, and they are getting rarer.
Now about the cabinet. Richardson is out, Hillary does not want to disclose the names of the foreign contributors to Billy's charity, Senate Arlen Specter and a few others want more details of just what role Eric Holder had in the pardons Bill Clinton gave at the end of his second term, and Tim Geithner did not know he was suppose to pay taxes, Social Security and Medicare when he work for the International Money Fund. (IMF). Not to mention the legally of his hired help.
Please. Geithner is to be the Secretary of the Treasury, the man in charge of the IRS. If he does not know when to pay his taxes, how should I?
Of course we all know they will get confirmed, just like Roland Burris. This Congress talks tough but thus far has displayed very little backbone.
They are moaning and groaning about releasing the 2nd $350 billion because the first half has not been well monitored. They should have put the monitors in place initially. They can still do it, what is their problem?
Obama and change. Where is it? He's bringing members of the Washington gang back to DC in one form or another. Where are the fresh new faces? Where are the fresh ideas?
Thus far I am not impressed. His first Hundred Days better be dynamic or a lot of people are going to be disappointed and let down.
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Honeymoon?
Will the Obama Administration have a honeymoon period? The way the week is shaping up that might turn out to a dream Obama will never see.
When Obama chose Leon Panetta to head the CIA he forgot to confer with Senator Diane Feinstein of California, the chairperson of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Talk about a slap in the face. You would think that Feinstein just might have had a few suggestions for the person to run US intelligence, other than a former president's chief of staff. (Where are the new faces and changes Obama promised? More and more it is looking like the same old story and same "old" faces.)
Evidently irked by being ignored, Senator Feinstein decided that she had no problem with Roland Burris being seated as the junior senator of Illinois, an act that irked her Democrat brethren. I guess this is her way of letting Obama know she is not someone to be played with.
As for Roland Burris, we will see how it plays out. Being from a small town outside the city of Baltimore Maryland I found it interesting that one of Burris' attorneys is Kurt Schmook (never could spell his last name correctly) a former Baltimore mayor. According to Kurt the law is on Burris' side. We'll just have to see if the law means anything.
Harry Reid asked Norm to concede the Minnesota election and let Al move to DC. Norm has filed a suit in court, so it will be some time before we know what will happen in the land of lakes.
If the Democrats want to sell Obama's economic package, they better get their act together and become unified or at least put on a united front and do their bickering behind close doors. This is a time when Americans need to see a strong government, not a bunch of cat fights.
We'll watch as the next couple of weeks progress. Is it possible the members of Congress can put aside their petty squabbles, their greed and their desire to be on camera to actually work for the good of the American public?
I saw an interesting comment this evening on one of the news shows. The 2008 Congress had one of the lowest approval ratings of all time, and still over 90% of the incumbents were reelected.
What does that say about us? Are we as afraid of change as the DC gang is?
Apathy has brought us here, continued apathy can only take us further down.
Is that what we want? Is that the legacy we want to give our children?
Get off your butts and be heard!!!
Its Common Sense!
When Obama chose Leon Panetta to head the CIA he forgot to confer with Senator Diane Feinstein of California, the chairperson of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Talk about a slap in the face. You would think that Feinstein just might have had a few suggestions for the person to run US intelligence, other than a former president's chief of staff. (Where are the new faces and changes Obama promised? More and more it is looking like the same old story and same "old" faces.)
Evidently irked by being ignored, Senator Feinstein decided that she had no problem with Roland Burris being seated as the junior senator of Illinois, an act that irked her Democrat brethren. I guess this is her way of letting Obama know she is not someone to be played with.
As for Roland Burris, we will see how it plays out. Being from a small town outside the city of Baltimore Maryland I found it interesting that one of Burris' attorneys is Kurt Schmook (never could spell his last name correctly) a former Baltimore mayor. According to Kurt the law is on Burris' side. We'll just have to see if the law means anything.
Harry Reid asked Norm to concede the Minnesota election and let Al move to DC. Norm has filed a suit in court, so it will be some time before we know what will happen in the land of lakes.
If the Democrats want to sell Obama's economic package, they better get their act together and become unified or at least put on a united front and do their bickering behind close doors. This is a time when Americans need to see a strong government, not a bunch of cat fights.
We'll watch as the next couple of weeks progress. Is it possible the members of Congress can put aside their petty squabbles, their greed and their desire to be on camera to actually work for the good of the American public?
I saw an interesting comment this evening on one of the news shows. The 2008 Congress had one of the lowest approval ratings of all time, and still over 90% of the incumbents were reelected.
What does that say about us? Are we as afraid of change as the DC gang is?
Apathy has brought us here, continued apathy can only take us further down.
Is that what we want? Is that the legacy we want to give our children?
Get off your butts and be heard!!!
Its Common Sense!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
New Year's Resolution
In approximately 12 1/2 hours we will say good bye to 2008 and begin our journey into 2009.
Some things apparently will not be changing.
Israel has refused to enter into a a cease fire against Hamas.
The governor of Illinois selected a former state comptroller and attorney general, who happens to be black, to fill the US Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama. Of course this is in defiance to the Illinois legislature and the US Senate. It will be interesting to see if this turns into a racial issue, rather than a power struggle issue between a governor accused of corruption and a legislature who wants to take control.
Iraq and Afghanistan show no signs of improvement.
Pakistan is facing internal problems with the Taliban and Pakistani insurgents, as well as problems along its border with India.
China is reaching out, heading to fight Somali pirates, and just maybe attempting to influence life on the African continent.
With all of this occurring its hard to feel there is much hope for the world. Yet, I think there is.
I believe that there are a lot of young people through out the world who have not been blinded by hate and corruption, who have positive attitudes, and who want to make a positive difference.
So my New Year's Resolution (in addition to trying to lose a few pounds) is to do what I can to assist the world youth, and our future, to achieve their goals. Whether it is contributing to some scholarship funds, mentoring or simply praying , I figure anything we can do to positively inspire our youth will be beneficial to all of us in the long run.
Let's enter this new year with a positive out look. Let's smile more and criticize less. Let's share more and hoard less. Let's listen more, compromise more, and be less demanding and obstinate.
Let's become the person we always wanted to be, the shining light for all to see.
When people see we are positive about ourselves, we inspire them to be positive about themselves.
Its Common Sense!
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!
Some things apparently will not be changing.
Israel has refused to enter into a a cease fire against Hamas.
The governor of Illinois selected a former state comptroller and attorney general, who happens to be black, to fill the US Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama. Of course this is in defiance to the Illinois legislature and the US Senate. It will be interesting to see if this turns into a racial issue, rather than a power struggle issue between a governor accused of corruption and a legislature who wants to take control.
Iraq and Afghanistan show no signs of improvement.
Pakistan is facing internal problems with the Taliban and Pakistani insurgents, as well as problems along its border with India.
China is reaching out, heading to fight Somali pirates, and just maybe attempting to influence life on the African continent.
With all of this occurring its hard to feel there is much hope for the world. Yet, I think there is.
I believe that there are a lot of young people through out the world who have not been blinded by hate and corruption, who have positive attitudes, and who want to make a positive difference.
So my New Year's Resolution (in addition to trying to lose a few pounds) is to do what I can to assist the world youth, and our future, to achieve their goals. Whether it is contributing to some scholarship funds, mentoring or simply praying , I figure anything we can do to positively inspire our youth will be beneficial to all of us in the long run.
Let's enter this new year with a positive out look. Let's smile more and criticize less. Let's share more and hoard less. Let's listen more, compromise more, and be less demanding and obstinate.
Let's become the person we always wanted to be, the shining light for all to see.
When people see we are positive about ourselves, we inspire them to be positive about themselves.
Its Common Sense!
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Prejudice 2008
As 2008 comes to an end things are not looking too good. The recession is moving along big time. Bail outs are continuing, two of the Big 3 got their first installment today. Hopefully it will save jobs for the short term, but unless the industry changes and the UAW works out a new contract, will the loans actually save the US auto industry?
Israel is bombing the Gaza Strip, in retaliation to rockets sent by Hamas.
Pakistan is moving troops from troubled Al Queda territory within Pakistan to its border with India. Could these two nuclear powers be heading to a war?
China has sent warships and marines to fight pirates in Africa - a humanitarian gesture on their part or is there a bigger plan at work here?
In the midst of all of these problems that are having global repercussions, as the USA prepares for a new presidential administration to take power, a candidate for the chairmanship of the Republican Party releases a disc regarding Barack the Magic Negro. How pathetic.
At a time when the USA should be showing support for man who will be contending with a very troubled world, we have people who think its important to remind the world that the so called " Number One Country" is still plagued by racism, prejudice, ignorance and stupidity.
Why should anyone listen to the opinion of the USA when they see we still are judging people by their skin color, rather than their abilities? Do these people really think the world is that stupid?
I personally believe that if anyone is to lead one of the major political parties in this country that they need to show they are a leader - in all of the meanings of that word. It might be fine to be a comedian (a poor one in this instance) and be appreciated by Rush Limbaugh but that certainly does not show the individual has any leadership capabilities.
Seeing things like this make me happy that I disassociated myself from the Republican Party many years ago. I feel sorry for the members of the Republican Party who are trying to bring it into the 21st century and have to contend with idiotic pranks like the current one.
As we head for 2009, let's judge people by what they say and do, not by color, or shape, or nationality.
Its Common Sense!
Israel is bombing the Gaza Strip, in retaliation to rockets sent by Hamas.
Pakistan is moving troops from troubled Al Queda territory within Pakistan to its border with India. Could these two nuclear powers be heading to a war?
China has sent warships and marines to fight pirates in Africa - a humanitarian gesture on their part or is there a bigger plan at work here?
In the midst of all of these problems that are having global repercussions, as the USA prepares for a new presidential administration to take power, a candidate for the chairmanship of the Republican Party releases a disc regarding Barack the Magic Negro. How pathetic.
At a time when the USA should be showing support for man who will be contending with a very troubled world, we have people who think its important to remind the world that the so called " Number One Country" is still plagued by racism, prejudice, ignorance and stupidity.
Why should anyone listen to the opinion of the USA when they see we still are judging people by their skin color, rather than their abilities? Do these people really think the world is that stupid?
I personally believe that if anyone is to lead one of the major political parties in this country that they need to show they are a leader - in all of the meanings of that word. It might be fine to be a comedian (a poor one in this instance) and be appreciated by Rush Limbaugh but that certainly does not show the individual has any leadership capabilities.
Seeing things like this make me happy that I disassociated myself from the Republican Party many years ago. I feel sorry for the members of the Republican Party who are trying to bring it into the 21st century and have to contend with idiotic pranks like the current one.
As we head for 2009, let's judge people by what they say and do, not by color, or shape, or nationality.
Its Common Sense!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Chaos in Illinois
This has been an exciting week for the folks in the state of Illinois. Their governor is accused of all kinds of shenanigans, has been arrested and is out on bail still running the state. His chief of staff, also accused, resigned today and is trying to disappear. The state's attorney general has gone to the state Supreme Court with a request that they remove the governor and allow the lieutenant governor to assume control.
This morning the governor had a prayer breakfast with a variety of clergymen before heading off to the office. Evidently he is of the opinion that God will see him through.
All very interesting. All creating talk once again of the corruption of politics in Illinois. Its sad that rather than enjoy the spotlight of choosing Obama's successor and placing someone interested in helping the state into the spot in DC, the governor was more interested in making a profit on the deal, which appears to be how he has run the government during his time in office.
More and more things keep coming up. Evidently there is a group demanding that Obama's vacancy be filled by another black man, I don't know if there is a group demanding that a white man replace Joe Biden and a white woman replace Hillary but if they aren't out there yet they probably will be.
At a time when the country should be celebrating, especially as we watch the economy crumble around us, we instead have to suffer through more greed of stupid, selfish politicians who think they are above the law. It didn't work in New York or Alaska, why did this idiot think it would work in Illinois.?
I feel sorry for the state of Illinois because whoever is finally selected to go to the Senate, they will be under a shadow the entire time they are there.
I find it fascinating that the Illinois governor can't simply be put in jail, with no bond and let the lieutenant governor take over. I'm amazed that the citizens haven't gone to the state house and run him out of town on a rail. That's how things got done in the good old days.
Oh well, we'll just have to keep watching and see what else develops between now and the inauguration.
Remember, don't take politicians too seriously, they have a tendency to lie a lot more than tell the truth. We might vote for them but they never become the servants we hope for.
Maybe if we run a couple out on the rail the others will get the message.
Its Common Sense.
This morning the governor had a prayer breakfast with a variety of clergymen before heading off to the office. Evidently he is of the opinion that God will see him through.
All very interesting. All creating talk once again of the corruption of politics in Illinois. Its sad that rather than enjoy the spotlight of choosing Obama's successor and placing someone interested in helping the state into the spot in DC, the governor was more interested in making a profit on the deal, which appears to be how he has run the government during his time in office.
More and more things keep coming up. Evidently there is a group demanding that Obama's vacancy be filled by another black man, I don't know if there is a group demanding that a white man replace Joe Biden and a white woman replace Hillary but if they aren't out there yet they probably will be.
At a time when the country should be celebrating, especially as we watch the economy crumble around us, we instead have to suffer through more greed of stupid, selfish politicians who think they are above the law. It didn't work in New York or Alaska, why did this idiot think it would work in Illinois.?
I feel sorry for the state of Illinois because whoever is finally selected to go to the Senate, they will be under a shadow the entire time they are there.
I find it fascinating that the Illinois governor can't simply be put in jail, with no bond and let the lieutenant governor take over. I'm amazed that the citizens haven't gone to the state house and run him out of town on a rail. That's how things got done in the good old days.
Oh well, we'll just have to keep watching and see what else develops between now and the inauguration.
Remember, don't take politicians too seriously, they have a tendency to lie a lot more than tell the truth. We might vote for them but they never become the servants we hope for.
Maybe if we run a couple out on the rail the others will get the message.
Its Common Sense.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Recession - DAH!!!!!!!!
Wall Street fell yet again with the official news that the country is in a recession. What the hell do they think has been going on? They need official word to know that things are screwed up?
Explain to me again why we want to bail these jokers out? (I know its the fancy banks but they are all linked to Wall Street.)
On a hopefully positive note Barrack Obama named his security team. No surprises and some people who at least on paper look pretty good. Time will tell.
Tomorrow Georgia is having their run off for Senate. Sarah Palin came to root for the Republican and the Clintons and Al Gore showed up for the Democrat. Even the Obamas sent recorded messages. Tomorrow we'll see if anyone really cares.
What's the word from Minnesota? Al Franken where are you?
In just 24 days we celebrate Christmas. With all of the craziness in the world - terror attacks in Mumbai, a worker trampled to death in a Wal Mart in New York, insurgencies continuing in Iraq and Afghanistan, civil war in the Congo and Nigeria, the president of Russia invading the Caribbean and visiting Fidel and making deals with Chavez - maybe we all need to sit back and reflex on where we fit into the scheme of things. Those of us who are Christian plan to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. Have we lived up to his example?
Who am I? What do I want? What kind of person am I? Do I care about the good of the many or am I only interested in myself?
This weekend I watched the HBO miniseries on the life of John Adams and although I do not agree with all he did or said, I do believe that even though he had a large ego, his overlying motivation was for the good of the people and the country.
Do our current leaders have that vision? Do they want to make this country and world better or are they only interested in the own ambitions? Time will tell.
Who do you care about? What do you care about?
To thine own self be true, then take care of your family, then your country and then the world.
Its Common Sense!
Explain to me again why we want to bail these jokers out? (I know its the fancy banks but they are all linked to Wall Street.)
On a hopefully positive note Barrack Obama named his security team. No surprises and some people who at least on paper look pretty good. Time will tell.
Tomorrow Georgia is having their run off for Senate. Sarah Palin came to root for the Republican and the Clintons and Al Gore showed up for the Democrat. Even the Obamas sent recorded messages. Tomorrow we'll see if anyone really cares.
What's the word from Minnesota? Al Franken where are you?
In just 24 days we celebrate Christmas. With all of the craziness in the world - terror attacks in Mumbai, a worker trampled to death in a Wal Mart in New York, insurgencies continuing in Iraq and Afghanistan, civil war in the Congo and Nigeria, the president of Russia invading the Caribbean and visiting Fidel and making deals with Chavez - maybe we all need to sit back and reflex on where we fit into the scheme of things. Those of us who are Christian plan to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. Have we lived up to his example?
Who am I? What do I want? What kind of person am I? Do I care about the good of the many or am I only interested in myself?
This weekend I watched the HBO miniseries on the life of John Adams and although I do not agree with all he did or said, I do believe that even though he had a large ego, his overlying motivation was for the good of the people and the country.
Do our current leaders have that vision? Do they want to make this country and world better or are they only interested in the own ambitions? Time will tell.
Who do you care about? What do you care about?
To thine own self be true, then take care of your family, then your country and then the world.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Colin Powell for Obama
This morning Colin Powell came out and endorsed Barrack Obama for president. John McCain's people are saying it was expected and not a surprise and that they have the support of five or six former Secretaries of State. (Kissinger, Baker, etc)
Powell apparently is not happy with McCain's negative campaigning, not so much here in the States but on the world scene, where he feels it gives the wrong impression that one party is implying one of the candidates is linked to terrorists.
After the news came out I went to the Fox News Network to get their spin and it was interesting. They were shocked that Powell, the Secretary of State who had pleaded before the United Nations to invaded Iraq based on all of the "evidence" that was available, could now endorse the man who did not support the surge. The impression I got was that although they will not come out and say it is a race issue, that is what they believe.
I agree that Powell's speech at the UN was convincing and I do believe he sold the Iraq War to a lot of people. However, as things developed and he realized that the CIA and other "intelligence" agencies had not been as forthright with information as he expected, he admitted making a mistake, took the blame and left the Bush Administration.
The fact that he still wants an American victory or at least for the Americans to withdrawal from Iraq with honor is natural, he knows what the troops are going through and he knows how important moral is for any future conflict the USA will enter into.
His endorsement of Obama is not a statement that he agrees with everything Obama stands for, it simply means that of the two candidates Obama is the one who is making more proposals Powell is in favor of than is McCain.
It will be interesting to see how it all plays. What, if any, influence Powell's endorsement will have on other voters.
The thing we all have to wait for is to see just how many people turn out on election day. Predictions are for incredibly large numbers - will the reality equal the predictions?
One thing you have to admit is that this campaign continues to provide new twists and turns everyday.
Stay up to date. Research the issues that concern you and see what the candidates are saying. Is Obama a socialist? Is McCain a war monger? Get the facts before you vote.
Its Common Sense!
Powell apparently is not happy with McCain's negative campaigning, not so much here in the States but on the world scene, where he feels it gives the wrong impression that one party is implying one of the candidates is linked to terrorists.
After the news came out I went to the Fox News Network to get their spin and it was interesting. They were shocked that Powell, the Secretary of State who had pleaded before the United Nations to invaded Iraq based on all of the "evidence" that was available, could now endorse the man who did not support the surge. The impression I got was that although they will not come out and say it is a race issue, that is what they believe.
I agree that Powell's speech at the UN was convincing and I do believe he sold the Iraq War to a lot of people. However, as things developed and he realized that the CIA and other "intelligence" agencies had not been as forthright with information as he expected, he admitted making a mistake, took the blame and left the Bush Administration.
The fact that he still wants an American victory or at least for the Americans to withdrawal from Iraq with honor is natural, he knows what the troops are going through and he knows how important moral is for any future conflict the USA will enter into.
His endorsement of Obama is not a statement that he agrees with everything Obama stands for, it simply means that of the two candidates Obama is the one who is making more proposals Powell is in favor of than is McCain.
It will be interesting to see how it all plays. What, if any, influence Powell's endorsement will have on other voters.
The thing we all have to wait for is to see just how many people turn out on election day. Predictions are for incredibly large numbers - will the reality equal the predictions?
One thing you have to admit is that this campaign continues to provide new twists and turns everyday.
Stay up to date. Research the issues that concern you and see what the candidates are saying. Is Obama a socialist? Is McCain a war monger? Get the facts before you vote.
Its Common Sense!
Monday, September 29, 2008
What now?
Evidently John McCain did not sell the Republican Congress on the need for the bailout. Apparently the Democrats did not do all that go a job with their own side.
I am amazed that anyone thought this would be easy. All of these men and women are up for reelection in five weeks. The majority have not had any time for campaigning. The are afraid, and rightly so, that many of their constituents are not going to understand why tax dollars are needed to save greedy banks. Maybe if we publicly executed a couple of these CEO's who's leadership caused the problem, and gave their "golden umbrellas" to the people, the populace might be more sympathetic.
A product is only going to sell if it is promoted properly. This bailout has been promoted like a joke. All we have heard is panic - it has to be done - markets will crash - loans will dry up- trust us, we know what we are doing. Give me a break, if the folks in Congress knew what they were doing we would have never been placed in this mess.
Bush, or better yet Paulson and a Democrat and Republican leader, need to come out and spell out for the people exactly what this bailout is all about, who gets the money, who over sees the money, and when will we get it back and at what interest. After all, this is suppose to be a loan, not a give away.
Producing a 100 page + document that the average American can not read does not help to alleviate fears. Congress needs to talk with us - not tell us - what is going on. It is our money, we need to have a voice.
This is another example of Congress treating us like children and expecting us to accept whatever they say. At least the leadership thought that. The reality is with an election looming the majority got scared. Now, rather than point fingers, they need to talk to us, explain the plan and show that they are doing this for the good of the whole country, not the fat cats on Wall Street.
Treat us as equals. Make us part of the process.
It's Common Sense.
I am amazed that anyone thought this would be easy. All of these men and women are up for reelection in five weeks. The majority have not had any time for campaigning. The are afraid, and rightly so, that many of their constituents are not going to understand why tax dollars are needed to save greedy banks. Maybe if we publicly executed a couple of these CEO's who's leadership caused the problem, and gave their "golden umbrellas" to the people, the populace might be more sympathetic.
A product is only going to sell if it is promoted properly. This bailout has been promoted like a joke. All we have heard is panic - it has to be done - markets will crash - loans will dry up- trust us, we know what we are doing. Give me a break, if the folks in Congress knew what they were doing we would have never been placed in this mess.
Bush, or better yet Paulson and a Democrat and Republican leader, need to come out and spell out for the people exactly what this bailout is all about, who gets the money, who over sees the money, and when will we get it back and at what interest. After all, this is suppose to be a loan, not a give away.
Producing a 100 page + document that the average American can not read does not help to alleviate fears. Congress needs to talk with us - not tell us - what is going on. It is our money, we need to have a voice.
This is another example of Congress treating us like children and expecting us to accept whatever they say. At least the leadership thought that. The reality is with an election looming the majority got scared. Now, rather than point fingers, they need to talk to us, explain the plan and show that they are doing this for the good of the whole country, not the fat cats on Wall Street.
Treat us as equals. Make us part of the process.
It's Common Sense.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Change in Washington D.C.
Unless you do not have a television set or radio, you know that the two principal candidates for the presidency of the United States, the Democrat and the Republican, are both stating they are the candidate to bring change to Washington D.C. They both list items they plan to reform - health care, earmarks, taxes, education, ., etc and the list goes on.
However, what neither of them have been able to do to my satisfaction is explain how these changes are going to come about. Let's face it, the president does not act alone, he or she needs to work with Congress to make any change viable. Is that likely to happen? I hate to be a pessimist, but I doubt it.
Remember back in the 90's and the Republicans charged into Congress with all kind of lofty ideals and goals? One of them was the idea of term limits. Now that is an idea I think we the people should really press for.
Let's limit congressmen/women to two four year terms (two years is ridiculous, they spend half their time campaigning for the next term), senators to two six year terms, and leave the president with two four year terms they currently are allowed.
This is the kind of change that could make a huge difference in how people voted. Maybe finally we could get our elected officials to vote with a conscience instead of worrying what donator they might offend prior to their next campaign. A steady turn over in Washington D.C. could just lead to truly fresh ideas and make public service a true option for the majority, rather than the few who dominate the Capital today.
One other change I would like to see is a viable third and even fourth political party. Multiple parties would liven things up, make the politicians more accountable and hopefully force the legislators to actually be concerned with the true needs of their constituents, not the "needs" they feel will best serve their electorate.
Of course, for the moment, all we can do is wait until next January and see if after the inauguration, whoever is elected lives up to the word.
If they don't, then let's talk term limits, multiple parties and real CHANGE.
However, what neither of them have been able to do to my satisfaction is explain how these changes are going to come about. Let's face it, the president does not act alone, he or she needs to work with Congress to make any change viable. Is that likely to happen? I hate to be a pessimist, but I doubt it.
Remember back in the 90's and the Republicans charged into Congress with all kind of lofty ideals and goals? One of them was the idea of term limits. Now that is an idea I think we the people should really press for.
Let's limit congressmen/women to two four year terms (two years is ridiculous, they spend half their time campaigning for the next term), senators to two six year terms, and leave the president with two four year terms they currently are allowed.
This is the kind of change that could make a huge difference in how people voted. Maybe finally we could get our elected officials to vote with a conscience instead of worrying what donator they might offend prior to their next campaign. A steady turn over in Washington D.C. could just lead to truly fresh ideas and make public service a true option for the majority, rather than the few who dominate the Capital today.
One other change I would like to see is a viable third and even fourth political party. Multiple parties would liven things up, make the politicians more accountable and hopefully force the legislators to actually be concerned with the true needs of their constituents, not the "needs" they feel will best serve their electorate.
Of course, for the moment, all we can do is wait until next January and see if after the inauguration, whoever is elected lives up to the word.
If they don't, then let's talk term limits, multiple parties and real CHANGE.
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