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Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The bailout bill failed. The House did not approve the financial bailout
bill. What is going to happen now? The House leadership will try again on
Thursday. With the downturn in Monday's stock market maybe the representatives
will have a change of heart and do the right thing - pass the bailout bill.
Yes, it seems unfair to bailout Wall Street to the tune of $750 billion, but
if this doesn't happen, then main street will soon feel the fallout. Yes,
banks and mortgage companies did extort the mortgage situation. They did make ill-advised
home loans. The nation's mortgage system failed because of human error and
greed. Many Americans added to this error by accepting loans that they could
not afford. In short, many Americans have been living on credit, beyond their
means, for years. Many business interests have been abusing their status for
unfair monetary gains. But many other Americans did nothing wrong. These
Americans have lived within their means. They have been financially
responsible. Why do these Americans have to bailout those who have violated
financial policies and human ethics? The reason: something must be done to
protect and defend the American economy. If the bailout fails and the
financial markets fail, then main street will fail. People will start losing
their jobs. Businesses will not be able to meet their financial
responsibility, including payroll. Even though this financial crisis was
caused by specific
financial, governmental and individual interests, the fallout from it's crash
will affect all Americans and must be dealt with by all Americans now. Unfair?
Yes, but we must all share the burden and fix our economy. Strict financial regulatory
oversight must be maintained by the government in the future to avoid another
crisis. The benefits package available to CEO's of failing businesses must be
curtailed and amended to reflect that CEO's part in the crisis - this must be
a major part of the bailout. The financial interests of all Americans must be
maintained and guaranteed in the bailout. We have no other choice. The
financial health and well being of America is at stake.
The
best night in TV viewing, Monday on CBS, is a wash. Yes, the second week of
the CBS Monday comedies did not measure up to the premier night. The only show
that I really enjoyed was The Big Bang Theory. To me it is always
hilarious. The next three shows progressively failed to excite me. The worst
being, Worse Week. There was nothing funning this week. As far as
Tuesday, The Mentalist still has some hope in my book. I'll find out
tonight if it continues to inspire my attention.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
During today's worship service in several of the nation's churches,
pastors will be giving testimony not only about God, but about their choice
for president. !n the early 1950's congress passed a law that stated that
churches would keep their non-tax status if they remain neutral in political
affairs. Today that neutrality is being denounced by many congregations. I
wonder how the legal system will react, if this neutrality is breached? This
could be the start of a war between the churches and the state. If these
churches violate their political neutrality status, then will the legal system
follow suit and strip them of their non-tax status? Will churches and other
places of worship start paying taxes? A bigger and more pronounced question,
will the monetary contribution to these churches by members of the
congregations be no longer a tax deduction? Interesting. I do value the
separation of church and state, but pastors, priests, ministers, rabbis and
all members of the clergy are Americans, too. Members of other professions are
permitted to give witness to their political views, then why not the clergy? I
think views are one thing, but preaching salvation with those views is quite
another. I believe that all people, including clergy, should be free to
express their political views. I do not believe that these views should be
imposed on other people. Salvation or employment should not be a condition of
accepting any person's political views. In the secular world many professions,
careers or jobs dissuade and sometimes ban the discussion of subjects that
tend to disrupt the business or professional operations on the job. Maybe this
should be applied to church service, too. Personally, I thing we should do all
in our power to unite people, not divide them. There are many ways to show
commonality and goodwill towards all people. The differences that divide us
should be minimized for the sake of community and goodwill. Rights of the
individual should be honored, but the commonality of all people should be emphasized
and embraced.
The
American government has come to a decision about the financial crisis. Of
course some members of congress will oppose the decision, but I do believe
that in the end there will be bipartisan support and the bill will become law.
I just hope that the powers that be are being truthful with us. I pray that
they have not succumbed to a political maneuver of self-interest concerning
the financial crisis. I hope that the causes of this so-called financial
crisis will be explored and corrected. The next president will face the
ramifications of this financial crisis as well as the continuing problems with
the economy in general. I sure hope that next president is Barack Obama. If
John McCain is the next president, then in my opinion the financial crisis
will only intensify mainly due to McCain's dislike for regulation and
oversight of business. Obama will not forget about our devastating economy and
the plight of the middle class. McCain does not believe that our economy is
really in trouble. After the financial crisis bill is passed and enacted he
will think that the economy will improve on it's own. Of course for McCain and
the people of importance to McCain are and will be doing fine. After all they
are the wealthiest of the wealthy. To McCain there are no middle class
financial problems or inequities for that matter. If McCain becomes president,
the economy of the middle class and poor will continue to dwindle. McCain will
be too busy deciding which country he will invade first. Time will tell.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
In last night's first presidential debate Senator John
McCain showed America the kind of president that he would be, if elected in
November. McCain is and would be an angry, military mongrel as president of
the United States. It was apparent that McCain does not possess the temperament
or inclination to be president in this the 21st century. He lacks the
reasoning and diplomatic skills to successfully meet the presidential
challenges of these contemporary times. He is lost in a time warp, functioning
as if it were anytime in the last century from 1968 to 1988. He continues to
appear desperate to be president, grasping at straws, willing to try any ploy
or tactic to achieve his personal and selfish goal. Give it up John. Your time
has passed. Stay in the senate and represent the interests of the people of Arizona,
where you belong. I'm sorry, but that maverick spirit has dwindled to a
flicker, a faint, indistinguishable flicker of what was once a reality.
Senator Barack Obama is ready to be president. He is cool, calm, deliberate
and a realistic thinking person. In last night's debate he represented his
position on the issues brilliantly and at the same time showed respect and
understanding for Senator McCain's situation. Obama has the temperament and
personal qualities to successfully meet the challenges of the presidency of
the United States. He really is the candidate of change. He will be a
diplomatic president, diplomatic in world events and domestic events. He
strives for commonalities while standing firm on his beliefs which are rooted
in reality, compassion and a sense of right and wrong. Let me be clear, Obama
will defend the United States against any foe international or domestic, but
he will do so with the right temperament and strength. Do I feel secure with a
prospective "President" Obama? You better believe it.
Immediately
after the debate last night I was enraged with John McCain's attack on Barack
Obam. I was amazed with the arrogance and condescending attitude of a smug
John McCain. I was even more shocked at the calm and empathetic actions on the
part of Barack Obama. I felt that Obama should have attacked McCain for his
angry, smug and condescending comments.
I
pictured Obama saying something like,
"Yes, John, I do understand. But we have different ways of dealing
with the issues facing this country. You seem like an angry person. Your
answer to everything is extreme military action in every situation. With you
as president we would be at war with many different countries and all at the
same time. Domestically, you would be against the most modest of regulatory
actions of America's financial community. You would take a laze fare attitude
with a non-protective lack of oversight with respect to the financial
operations of business. With you as president the middle class would
evaporate. The result would be a country of the wealthy and the poor. I see
things differently. And I will be successful in dealing with our problems
because of that difference and the ability to be realistic, fair and firm in
all situations."
Instead,
Obama remained cool, calm and collected. He showed empathy for a misguided man
while remaining firm in his own beliefs. He did not attack and belittle McCain
in a reactive style, rather he showed true conviction and strength. In my
opinion, Obama will be elected president in November and will assume the
office with vigor, insight, empathy and strength of character.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
I know we are in the midst of a great financial crisis and the
presidential campaign is in full swing, but I must talk a little about
entertainment. After all entertainment is an area of discussion in this blog.
The 2009 TV season has started. I can only comment on the shows that I viewed
on Monday night. My Monday night staples haven't changed too much. On CBS The
Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother did not let me down,
again. Both are favorites of mine, especially The Big Bang Theory. I
did change the station at 9:00 to my standard CNN show Larry King Live,
but during commercials I changed back to CBS, Two And A Half Men. I do
like it, but sometimes in the past I would get bored with it and switch to
Larry King. Last night it was extraordinarily funny and appealing. The show
that really surprised me was the new one Worst Week at 9:30 on CBS.
That was the funniest show that I have seen in quite some time. Slap stick
style comedy with one zinger after another. I just wonder if it will be able
to keep up my interest on subsequent shows. Most shows don't. That was about
it for Monday. Tonight I'm looking forward to watching The Mentalist on
CBS. The only problem, it's on at 9:00 opposite Larry King Live. Oh
well, I will give it a try. I like Simon Baker, the star and the show seems
interesting. It's about a pseudo psychic who works for the police department.
He's not really a psychic, he is just a good observer. That's about it for the
new TV season, so far. I'm sure I will revert back to my favorite news shows
soon, especially for the campaign coverage.
By
the way, Big Brother 10 ended last Tuesday night. A great ending. I
believe the most talented house guest did win the prize. For me, this has been
the best Big Brother show ever and remains the only reality show that I
watch.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Another active week in the financial and political arenas. I just
don't know where to start first. I guess we will tackle the financial arena.
Actually the end of the week standing is not too bad. Yes, the market went
down, way down, then up, then down, then up and finally it netted a weekly
loss of some 40+ points. The United States government reluctantly promised in
a nonpartisan manner to work out a plan to assume the debt of the failed
financial institutions. The big question remains, "Will the congress act
responsibly and will the administration do the same?" This remains to be
seen, but it would be political suicide for any of the parties to renege. So, who
is to blame for this mess? In short, everyone. There is plenty of blame to go
around. The deregulatory attitude and lack of oversight on the part of the
Republicans essentially allowed this situation to develop and grow. The Bush
administration along with John McClain and his fellow conservatives have
repealed most of the regulatory precautions that were instituted by President
Roosevelt in order to avoid another Great Depression. Business must be under
regulatory measures and oversight to ensure legality, ethics and fair
practices. A major goal of a for-profit institution is by definition to make a
profit or simply to make money. Government must monitor financial institutions
just as it monitors society for social discriminatory practices. Now, as a
last resort the government is stepping in and underwriting the nations debt.
In my estimation, "Too little, Too late for credibility." The
Democrats must win the presidency and a majority in congress - house and
senate in November to return America to budgetary financial solvency and creditability.
How
is the average American affected by this financial crisis? There are already financial
safeguards for investors and/or depositors such as FDIC insured financial
institutions. However, investors and/or depositors must become more
responsible and knowledgeable concerning their financial situations. They must
become actively involved in researching the financial standing of the
institutions holding their money and investments. Before that, they must
become financially fit concerning their personal spending and saving habits.
We can not depend of the United States government to bail out financial
"mistakes" of so-called experts in the field. Government involvement
will not solve all these problems. The country's financial crisis as well as
our own financial situation will have dire affects on the standard of living
in the United States and in our own personal living. We as a country, we as a
society and we as individuals can not continue to live financially
irresponsible lives. The health of the economy, price structuring and job
availability are all the result of irresponsible financial living personally
and collectively. We are in this together. We will survive, but will we
survive at a comfortable, responsible level or in dire straights?
Now
for the political campaign, same thing - McCain up, then he's down. The week
ended with Obama on top. I believe there will be some fluctuation in the weeks
to come, but on Election Day Obama and the Democrats will prevail. John McCain
is looking like a grumpy, old man. He says one thing one day and the exact
opposite the next. Palin doesn't really say anything credible. She is like a
parrot responding to the misguided script provided her by the Republican
bosses. Don't get me wrong, Obama has not been a perfect candidate, but this
week he has shown extreme calm under pressure. He is a thinking man. He does
not react to, but acts in emergency situations. He is acting presidential.
Whatever that means. This election comes down to Barack Obama and John McCain.
These two men are running for the office of president of the United States.
Who will be the better president? Who will be the better president for all
Americans? Can we really trust John McCain to preside over the many problems
that his party's administration has caused and continues to nurture? Don't we
need a different option? Four more years of the same? I think not.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
So, how did Governor Palin do with her first national media interview?
In my opinion, piss poor. The interview was terrible. ABC's Charlie Gibson
seemed to be in disbelief of Palin's poor performance and evasive style. Palin
seemed to be reciting "the answers" that she was prompted to
memorize for the interview. I know that this was her first taste of the
national media, but come on now, she proved to be a real disappointment, even
to fellow Republicans. She is absolutely out of her league and comfort zone.
McCain must have been out of his mind to allow her selection. McCain is so
obsessed with being president that he does everything and anything the
Republican bosses dictate. Too bad. It's almost like, "Death of a
Salesman."
Now
for some health and fitness talk. I read an article in the newspaper the other
day that discussed the obesity problem in children as it relates to health
concerns. So what else is new? We all know that many of today's youth are
obese and out of shape fitness wise, but are we really cognizant of the health
implications of such conditions? Many of these young people are already
showing signs of medical problems. Many will need liver transplants as they
become adults and middle age. The solution must be undertaken by the family of
these young people. The parents of these children must assess the situation
with their children in a realistic, appropriate and solution based manner.
They should seek outside help by medical professionals if necessary. A family
fitness plan should be devised, followed and evaluated for success. Another
point to make, fitness and health related conditions should not be assumed by
the appearance of these young people or any individual. In other words, size
and appearance does not always matter in accessing fitness and healthy levels.
A skinny kid or adult is not always the picture of health. The fitness level
of the individual is not entirely dependent on size or weight. Proper diet,
physical activity, lifestyle and emotional well-being along with genetic
factors determine the fitness level and health of an individual. Another
point, parents, loved ones, spouses, partners, friends, etc., disrespectful,
hurtful, teasing and nagging tactics will only make the situation worse. A
realistic, educated, open-minded, unconditional support and love approach will
be most beneficial in dealing with the obesity problem. Such an environment of
concern and caring works well with many if not all of the problems concerning
the human condition.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
What a difference a woman candidate has made in the presidential campaign?
Mrs. Palin has certainly been causing a stir in the Republican Party as well
as the entire presidential campaign. I will say that McCain was advised
correctly concerning Palin's potential success in winning him the presidency.
McCain has stated that he would loose an election before he would stand by and
let his nation loose a war. Apparently, McCain does not feel the same about
his integrity, credibility and stature. It is obvious that he wants to win the
presidency at any cost. He seems to be obsessed about winning the election.
This is too bad. It is very sad. I can not believe a man of John McCain
acclaim is accepting the political advice of his unscrupulous political
advisors. This is more of the same. More of the same dubious, raunchy and
unprofessional campaign tactics of the extreme conservative political machine.
Whether McCain wins or loses this election, he will never be the same. For the
rest of his life, John McCain will lament over his acceptance of the same old,
same old, political maneuvers of the conservative right. The worse part of
this campaign strategy is the fact that McCain's Republican status quo
advisors are really his enemies. They care nothing about McCain or his
presidential bid. All eyes have been fixed on Sarah Palin and her potential
for future eminence in the Republican Party. McCain is an honorable man.
In months to come he will despise his run for the presidency. Palin is a pit bull
alright. She seems to have a very flawed conscience. Based on he past actions
in Alaskan politics and government, she is a ruthless person. It is evident
that she will do anything to get her political way. That's too bad my friends.
These types of people usually do not make good agents of change, defenders of
human rights or presidents, but in the Republican Party, they rule. The
American people habitually fall victims to these types of political schemes
and schemers. Barack Obama must continue to run a moral, positive campaign.
However, he must attack the words of his attackers. Take off the gloves. Point
blank, start attacking John McCain by pointing out McCain's hyperbole,
contradiction and misrepresentation of Obama's stand on the issues. And then
point out the irrationality of McCain's obsession to say and do anything to
win the election. As far as Palin, Obama should discount her and her evil
words. He should call her out on her misrepresentations and relate them to the
importance of falsehoods and arrogance in not only her campaign but her life.
He should point out that Palin and the extreme conservatives have the
constitutional right to their own beliefs, but they do not have the right to
mandate those beliefs for all people. And then drop it and go on to the
essence of his campaign of change. Palin is nothing more than a distraction.
She will exhaust herself on her own. She's a novelty right now. This kind of
novelty will dissolve and disappear. They always do. I have faith that the
American voters will see the true, real and authentic agent of change in this
presidential election.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Have you heard the buzz about Google's new browser Chrome. Many of the
components of Apple's WebKit and Mozilla's Firefox have been incorporated in
Chrome. It can be downloaded at www.google.com,
just click on the download link. You may want to research the pro's and con's
of this free BETA download. I downloaded and installed it a couple of days
ago. It worked fine. The highlights - security is tighter, browser is faster
and it provides many time saving features. But, and there is always a but,
there are some negatives. It doesn't support ad block, there are some privacy
concerns and some users have experienced compatibility issues with it. You can
get around the ad block deficiency by installing antivirus or Internet
Security software that supports the ad block capability. As for the privacy
issues, Google is using this browser to secure a record of the sites that are
downloaded and even ones that are entered in the address bar, but not
downloaded. Google is establishing a record pairing your IP address and the
sites that you download or express interest. This is the main reason that I
uninstalled Chrome. I realize that you are not alone on the Internet. I know
that your ISP or the source of your Internet connection monitors your every
action on the Internet, but does it establish a record and secures it,
possibly for further use, possible for government oversight? Yes, Chrome has
an incognito browse application, but the incognito browsing is still recorded
by Google. The incognito part - there is no record of your browsing on your
history or anywhere else on the computer that you are using. Google says (and
I paraphrase), "there is no record or history on your computer for other
users to see, if you are birthday shopping for someone or planning a trip,
etc. ". Big deal. You may have nothing to hide, as I, but do you
really want Goggle to actively secure a browsing record for you and your
computer? Sounds like Google is preparing for the eventuality of a government
request for records. Big Brother is already watching. Technology is making
such personal surveillance a reality, but I refuse to make the task easier for
them. As I have said earlier, I have nothing to hide, but personal privacy is
sacred to me and paramount to being a free American. As for the
incompatibility issues, many users had to uninstall Chrome because it
"messed up" their computers. Some had to do the uninstall with Safe
Mode. Chrome is a BETA evaluation download. As with all BETA software, user
beware. As for my browser, I usually use Mozilla Firefox. I have found that it
is faster and free of certain incompatibility issues. Internet Explorer may be
the most widely used browser, but most viruses and malware applications are
designed for Internet Explorer. We do have choices.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Campaign on. The presidential candidates are off and running. The first
presidential debate is scheduled for September 26. The vice presidential
debate, which is scheduled for October 2, is the one that I am waiting to see.
How will Senator Biden and Governor Palin approach the debate?
The vice presidential nominees should approach the debate as a political forum
between candidates of opposing political parties. Standards of fair play
should be the rule and may the best candidate win. Gender should play no issue
in this campaign. That said, I do have a monumental concern about the
Republican vice presidential nominee. Regardless of Palin's inexperience
and naivety in the national political scene, I have a major concern with her
candidacy. She represents the ultra conservative, evangelical extreme wing of
the Republican Party. If the Republican candidates win the election in
November, then Palin will be positioned to either assume the office of
president or make a bid for the office in 2012. This would be a step back in
time. Her antiquated extreme evangelical right views on Choice, Gay Rights,
People with Disabilities, Separation of Church and State, as well as others,
paired with her "pit bull" style of governing would set our country
back 20 years. A Palin administration would be the George W. Bush
administration incarnate. Palin is a ruthless, power mongrel who will do
anything to get her way. The majority of Americans are not right wing
conservative evangelicals. The majority of Americans are centrists with a
desire of nonpartisan, fair and equal treatment of all people. We must keep
Sarah Palin out of the White House and out of the lives of Americans,
especially those Americans who are most at risk of losing their civil rights.
I feel sorry for John McCain. He is the leader of the 2008 Republican Party in
name only, a figure head. His candidacy is not of major importance to the
powers that be in the party. The party leaders are positioning Sarah Palin to
be the real leader of the Republican Party. In November send the Republicans a
message that says that we the people will not be intimidated and fall victim
to the unscrupulous political tactics of the evangelical extreme right wing of
the Republican Party. We must elect the Democratic candidates. We must return
to the form of government prescribed by our founding fathers, a country where
there exists a complete separation of Church and State and where the value of
every American is recognized, protected and cherished.
Monday September 1, 2008
Three named tropical systems and two other potential disturbances, what a
hurricane season. First, Gustav is currently attacking Louisiana and the Gulf
Coast. Hurricane Hanna is approaching the Bahamas and the Southeastern coast
of the United States, possibly Florida, Georgia and/or the Carolinas.
Hurricane Ike is pressing west from the eastern Atlantic Ocean, too early to predict
where it will hit, the whole southern United States is vulnerable. And then
there are two other unnamed areas of interest in the far eastern Atlantic.
Being located in South Florida, these storms have me a little bewildered. It
seems like it is 2004 - 2005 all over again. Wow! What a weatherman's dream or
nightmare. I think it's more of a nightmare to all responsible Americans. In
the last several years we have seen too much death and destruction by these
types of tropical weather systems. All we can do is relax, prepare and pray.
We must be proactive and prepare for these and other weather related
eventualities. Personally, I have been and continue to be relatively secure in my
hurricane preparedness. Water, nonperishable food, batteries, flashlights,
radio and other essential hurricane supplies should be secured at the
beginning of the season and replenished throughout the season to insure a
degree of security in battling the storm and surviving in the aftermath. If
you are prepared for these eventualities, then you will be better able to cope
with the roller coaster type activities that take place during the months of
the hurricane season.
What
about hurricane Palin? I mean what was John McCain thinking when he selected
Governor Sara Palin as his choice for vice president? It appears that the 17
year old unmarried daughter of Governor Palin is five months pregnant. First, I salute
the Governor and her husband for their unconditional support of their
daughter. I applaud the daughter's decision to have the baby, keep it and
eventually marry the father. These are family matters that should be held in
the privacy of the family. Running for the office of vice president now makes
this private matter a national, public matter. John McCain apparently was
aware of all of this before he selected Palin as his running mate. I do think
that this was an imprudent decision, especially for a person seeking the
office of president. Once again John McCain is totally abandoning his
personal, political and best judgment to the Republican extreme right
evangelical conservatives in order to be elected president. This unwise and
damaging decision on the part of John McCain shows his lack of respect for the
office of president as well as his lack of respect for family values and
privacy of the family.
I
offer my empathy and best wishes to Governor Palin and her family. However, a
basic lesson in family values has presented itself in this situation. That
lesson: abstinence does not work. Young people must be given proper human
sexuality education. They must be aware of their own sexuality and how it
relates to their lives. An open, inclusive and realistic discussion of
sexuality must be part of the life education of every young person. Yes, this
should take place in the home, but if this is not possible, then school,
church and community resources must apply. Also, every woman at any age should
have the freedom of Choice. She should be given viable options to cope with an
unplanned and unwanted pregnancy. Many conservative evangelical Republicans
are opposed to sex education and Choice. Thus the result - look at the Palin
family. The conservative evangelical Republicans must see the error of their
ways. They must provide proper education and options to young people
regardless of any other factors. Life must be free, real and option oriented.
The one size fits all notion does not apply. Hypocrisy, arrogance and false self-righteousness
must be replaced with love, concern, equality and empathy.
Is
God trying to tell the Republicans something this year? The hurricane is
playing havoc with their convention. Circumstances seem to be going against
the success of the Republican Party. What does this mean? Absolutely nothing.
These are nature's circumstances. God is not punishing the Republicans. Nature
is not punishing the conservatives. This is the way it is. And that is it. I
mention these things because many extreme right evangelicals have in the past
blamed God for mishaps of the Democrats and liberals. The now deceased evangelical
pastor once said that September 11 was God's wrath on Gays, Abortion Advocates
and people of other liberal leaning views. Another said that Hurricane Katrina
hit New Orleans to punish the evil liberals who make up the French Quarter and
other Louisiana areas. Hypocrisy is hypocrisy. The politics of hate is the
politics of hate. God does not let bad things happen in order to punish bad
people. Things just happen. These misguided people must get over their
self-righteous, holier than thou mentality. Truth, reality, love and respect
should replace these people's religion of hate. Life is life, for all equally.
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