Sunday, December 28, 2008

Caroline Kennedy

It does amaze me that people who thought Palin was unqualified to be a Senator are now saying nothing about Caroline's qualifications for U. S. Senator. And as you know I am pretty liberal. What say you all

Sunday, December 21, 2008

MTP

For those who watched MTP today, Ms. Rice clearly articulated the Bush doctrine as related to Iraq. History will judge this action favorably.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Blago

Mark - Does this guy stand a chance? I wish I had his balls - this guy doesn't blink.

Watching the Talking Heads

It has become apparent to me that the GOP is about  to change it's tune. With the responsibility of governing, they have "bailed out" banking and just today gave autos a life line. The Treasury has been very accommodating with respect to the money supply. I have supported all of that, as has the White House.

Soon, the torch will be passed and the GOP will have no responsibility for anything (which is about all they can handle). At that moment, they will begin to rail against all "bail outs" and any fiscal policies other than tax cuts. This will please the Limbaugh/Palin/Ganem base, but it will completely surrender the center to the Democrats. 

Bill Clinton handed George W Bush a nation at peace with a significant surplus. Dubya is now handing Obama a nation at war with a near trillion dollar deficit. Lets see what happens.  

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Infrastructure, yep, that is what will save us.

Cool hand Luke is going to find it much harder to govern than complain.

Oh, and gitmo, not closing.

Oh, and war, lets just finish what we started, so says the new administration.

Oh, and taxes, let's just keep things as they are.

Oh, and...

Barack Obama-san - WSJ.com

Today in Investor's Business Daily stock analysis and business news

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Here we go again

Mark, a question for you as a conservative voice of reason. Any opinion on how long it will take for corruption and government mismanagement (of course with associated improper economic distortion) to mess up the "new" green economy?

What a joke. They just won't learn. If we want it, we would buy it. Autos, Health Care, Education, Infrastructure; government touches it, it balloons and grows inefficient, then they start blaming the lack of resources, try and make it bigger and mess it up even more. Then there is a crisis. And don't forget the corruption and improper union influence.

Green Is the New Color of Lobbying - WSJ.com

Friday, December 12, 2008

FWIW - Auto Bridge Loan

I liked Corker's plan. UAW being too smart by half.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

The Blago scandel continues

If you Obama fans out there believe that there is not anything here that can touch the exalted one than you better be praying.

Rahm Emanuel took over Blago's congressional seat when he became Governor. Obama, Emmanuel and two other machine Dems were key players in Blago's first run for the Governor's seat. This circle is fairly tight and there is a lot of wheeling and dealing including family members in the graft taking place.

Blago's wife was the real estate agent on the Tony Rezko, Obama real estate scandel. Blago, Emmanuel and Obama all have ties to Tony Rezko. This is the initial problem that Blago has been under investigation for since 2004.

It should be interesting when Blago starts to negotiate his plea agreement and what information he is going to reveal about his fellow Chicago machine mates.

Allegedly Rezko is also starting to sing like a canary. Prison tends to make some tongues loosen up.

It looks like Jesse Jr. might have some serious problems according to the tapes. He is not a target yet but soon could be.

Remember we have had a Daly as mayor for 42 out of the past 53 years in Chicago. Richie is about to surpass his Dad's 21 years in office. Fitzgerald is after Daly as well. They also have Luis Guttierez caught in a big real estate scandel.

The real betting will now be on whether Obama commits the Clintonian act of firing Fitzgerald like Clinton fired the Arkansas AG that was investigating Slick Willie and Hillary.

I am waiting to see the radical left start attacking their hero in the Scooter Libby affair Patrick Fitzgerald in the ultimate act of hypocrisy.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

The Constitutionality of the Filibuster?

Mark - now that you are back - do you care to opine on the constitutionality of the (longstanding) Filibuster rule? As I previously mentioned, I've never supported it as it is undemocratic and adds a level of complexity to an already difficult  process.

No, Hags, I'm not just piping up now that my team is in power. It just happens to be topical.
As I also previously mentioned, I don't think 60 is a "filibuster proof" number with respect to the composition of the body. Depending on the legislation, you can't count on the Democrats sticking together nor can you assume that no Republicans will be peeled off. I recently heard an analyst describe the Senate as a group of roaming tribes that often gathered regarding specific issues rather than party.  

Chicago Tribune goes bankrupt!

What a great day for the conservative McCormick family. They squeezed more money out of Sam Zell when they sold the properties to him than what they were worth. Then they see the left leaning Zell change the Tribune from a somewhat conservative newspaper to a left wing rag like the LA Times. So now Zell is seeing a lot of the old line Tribune subscribers drop their subscriptions and wondering why. The ghost of Colonel McCormick is now smiling. We already have a rag in Chicago named the Sun Times any idiot could figure out that when you change the Trib to be like the Sun Times you have created a recipe for economic disaster. My only wish is that Sam Zell had more of his personal net worth tied to the price of Tribune stock.

Some interesting facts about the last election

Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul , Minnesota , points out some interesting facts concerning the 2008 Presidential election:

Number of States won by: Democrats: 20; Republicans: 30

Square miles of land won by: Democrats: 580,000; Republicans: 2,427,000

Population of counties won by: Democrats: 127 million; Republicans: 143 million

Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by: Democrats: 13.2; Republicans: 2.1

Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory Republican won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens.

Democrat territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in rented or government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare..."
Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase.

And now we have already seen Obama back off of his campaign pledge to tax the rich and give more to the poor. Obama ran the most disengenuous campaign in recent history. His use of "class warfare" which is backed up by the statistics was shameful, especially because it now appears that it was all smoke.

Chicago Machine Politics and the Coming Admistration of Thieves

I have been sitting back for the past few weeks reading some of the posts with amusement and now I can already say that I told you so! Obama is crooked just like Blago, Ryan, Hastert, Daly, Rostenkowski, etc. The media did the American public a major disservice by running interference for our future President and shielding us from his past. We have already seen that Obama's and Axelrod's stories about Blago are different. I doubt we will ever learn the whole truth since the press is so far in the bag. What we do positively know that has been underplayed is the relationships between the convicted felon Tony Rezco and Obama and Blago. I tried to tell everyone how crooked and arrogant Chicago Machine Politicians are and now we are already being entertained by them and Obama has not even taken the oath of office.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Blagojevich

If even 10% of the allegations are true, this guy needs to go to the pokey for a very long time.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Reality check.

The government has no idea how to make a car.

The government has not idea how to build infrastructure, or run health care.

I supported this stupid bail out as a means to untie the system, not to take over private enterprise. I take it back!

Let them go bankrupt, they are anyway. They will be replaced by something better.

If we wanted Eco-cars we would be buying them. We won't at $1.50 gas.

Free enterprise is no longer part of the discussion and it should be (in fact it should be the only discussion)

Friday, December 5, 2008

Auto Workers Real Wages

The average GM assembly-line worker makes about $28 per hour in wages, and I can assure you that GM is not paying $42 an hour in health insurance and pension plan contributions. Rather, the $70 per hour figure (or $73 an hour, or whatever) is a ridiculous number obtained by adding up GM's total labor, health, and pension costs, and then dividing by the total number of hours worked. In other words, it includes all the healthcare and retirement costs of retired workers.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

BIG THREE BAILOUT

Well, finally the truth comes out in the hearing, from Sen. Bob Casey. The Auto workers do not make 73.00 or 75.00 an hour with benefits. A lie spoken enough is taken for truth.
Number two the costs of wages and benefits of the workers amount to 10% of the the car's costs.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Gitmo

We used to have some nice Libertarians on this blog who opined about "rights"

Well it turns out the "O" may not close Gitmo and retained the Sec of Defense.

The war? About the same.

I'm just saying...

You Heard it Here First!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/01/clinton.replacement/index.html

New Visitor Center

Rest easy boys the government is watching over your bail out money...did you see/read where the new visitor center in Washington is only 4 years behind, and only 100% over budget in opening today...that would be from a bid of 310 million to a final cost of $620 million...not to worry these are the clowns that are watching out for you...give me a break
Riegels Rants

Monday, December 1, 2008

The Nobel Laureate Answers

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/01/opinion/01krugman.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

California

Get ready boys the next bailout after those stupid dips in the auto industry will be California...they will be running out of cash in the next couple of weeks and will get on the list, so they can run out again and then get back on the list...is it ever going to stop...if you want to invest in anything invest in INK, as the Government is going to be using a lot of it
Riegels Rants

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thomas Friedman ALL FALL DOWN

By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
Published: November 25, 2008
I spent Sunday afternoon brooding over a great piece of Times reporting by Eric Dash and Julie Creswell about Citigroup. Maybe brooding isn’t the right word. The front-page article, entitled “Citigroup Pays for a Rush to Risk,” actually left me totally disgusted.

Why? Because in searing detail it exposed — using Citigroup as Exhibit A — how some of our country’s best-paid bankers were overrated dopes who had no idea what they were selling, or greedy cynics who did know and turned a blind eye. But it wasn’t only the bankers. This financial meltdown involved a broad national breakdown in personal responsibility, government regulation and financial ethics.

worth taking the time to read

The Libertarian Moment: Despite all leading indicators to the contrary, America is poised to enter a new age of freedom. - Re.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

GWB Presidential Library

A "solicitation" I received today...

Does anyone else detect a tad bit of bias in the title of this article?

Uneasiness grows over how Brewer might cut budget

Gosh, she may cut the budget! How terrible! And she may even cut taxes! Hide the children!

Monday, November 24, 2008

GM DROPS TIGER

It finally dawned on the genius's behind GM that Tiger was not selling Buick's that well. And since we are hat in hand at Washington asking for welfare it might dawn on them don't drive the private G-5 jets to pick up the welfare check. Oh I forgot it was the worker's fault.

A very interesting quiz: more on getting the government we deserve

American elected officials showed a shocking lack of knowledge about government, history, and basic constitutional principles in a national survey. They scored a failing grade of just 44 percent on a basic test of knowledge of our nation in a quiz by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI). Average citizens scored 49 percent. Note: many of these people scored less than a random or blind selection of answers — quite an achievement.

Here is the quiz. Please take it without cheating. I scored a 31 out of 33 and the ones I got wrong I though I had right so I must have guessed well on a couple. http://www.americancivicliteracy.org/resources/quiz.aspx

Here is a link to the article. http://jonathanturley.org/2008/11/23/elected-officials-score-lower-on-civics-tests-than-average-citizens-who-score-lower-than-basic-condiments/

The government we deserve

Alexis de Tocqueville stated in the early 1800's that "in a Democracy we get the government we deserve".

THE RICH ARE DIFFERENT

As they jet into Washington on their private jets to ask for help, I am reminded of the great quote "Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me. They possess and enjoy early, and it does something to them, makes them soft where we are hard, and cynical where we are trustful, in a way that, unless you were born rich, it is very difficult to understand. They think, deep in their hearts, that they are better than we are because we had to discover the compensations and refuges of life for ourselves. Even when they enter deep into our world or sink below us, they still think that they are better than we are. They are different.
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Rich Boy, All the Sad Young Men

Friday, November 21, 2008

Global Trends

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/21/world/21intel.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=global%20trends&st=cse

A Prediction

The stock market is going to bottom next week (or so), oil is down and the economy is going to take off very soon. The "O" will get credit.

We, the U.S., are just looking for some good news. Some event will right the ship.

Also

Our friend Terry has much to say about compassionate economics, most of it malarkey when in circumstances such as these, the rubber meets to road.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Must view

http://www.howobamagotelected.com/

Fascinating look at the average American voter.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Detroit 3 and BK

There seems to me to be a lot that most people don't know about bankruptcy.  I don't know it all, by any means, but I have managed a company through bankruptcy and sold it to a competitor, thereby SAVING 90% OF THE JOBS.  BK does not necessarily mean things stop.  Hardly.  The airlines have been going in and out of BK, and the ones that have a viable strategy re-emerge.

A fundamental part of the process for the success of capitalism is that failed companies go away.  Keeping brain-dead management and benefit-saturated unions on life support is not a good use of anyone's money.  If there is no private capital that will to come forward then we should take as a hint that there has yet to emerge a viable plan.

Terry thought it was harsh to say, "Life is hard, get a helmet."  I spent a career in manufacturing.  I have laid off many, many people and created profitable businesses out of bankrupt situations.  In one case we went from 2,100 people to 1,100 people and went from losing $2 million a month to profitability in just 9 months time.  Small potatoes compared to Detroit, but enough of an experience to learn a few lessons.  I have negotiated wage and benefits cuts with unions after having first taken a larger cut in my compensation than I was asking of the troops.  I have faced tears and screams, and, later, heart-felt handshakes when we became profitable and SAVED THE JOBS WE COULD.  

Manufacturing in America has been a bitch for about 40 years, but the folks at the Big 3 have barely participated in the pain.  $70+ per hour  AVERAGE pay (that's well over $140,00 per year) to put a car together is simply dumb.  It cannot compete.  Job banks (approximately 9,500 persons?) where "laid off" workers collect 95% of their pay is non-competitive and dumb.  These workers are not victims.  They have lived off the fat of the land because they could and because management struck an unholy alliance with the unions.  

Management lacked the courage to call bullshit.   They spent 30 years to get to leadership positions, and then they struck deals to keep the game going until they got their bonuses and retirement packages.  They suck and they must be replaced.

Americans will stand in line to buy a competitive American-designed and American-built car.  There will be an American auto industry.  Do not fear the change necessary to create a viable industry, and, in my view, the best path to follow is BK.

Hags

In fact, one can bet Richie is tingling with excitement.

'No Excuses' for Liberals - WSJ.com

I know the "O" us so smart that he will save us but the devil is in the details.

Today in Investor's Business Daily stock analysis and business news

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

One More for the Good Guys!

The AP says Begich beat Stevens in Alaska. We now have 56 + 2 = 58. I predict Franken takes MN, Chambliss wins in GA.

Monday, November 17, 2008

RIGHT WING B.S.

Right wing Republican think tanks have been working on trying to reverse affirmative action for over 30 years. Affirmative action has been fundamental to the progress that we have seen recently. From Justice Clarence Thomas to Barack Obama, affirmative action has begun to equalize the playing field. Thomas came from a small town in Georgia. Why would Holy Cross take him in 1967? He wasn’t a great student from a small Georgia town. In college, he did well then went on to Yale. Remember before affirmative action, colleges would simply pass over Blacks and other minorities. Whether they were qualified or not. No matter how some folks try to spin affirmative action, it is an excellent program that has benefitted Blacks, Whites, Latinos … Americans.

Financial Clowns

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Bailing out the rich

Let me undersatnd this in plain simple language. We need to bailout Wall Street, Buy Bank stock, so money will flow again. They the Banks and Wall Street made up a product and sold it around the world and now the product is almost worthless. Then they made up a product called Credit Defaults that insured the product that was worthless and those people made Billions. Let's try that again with small town America. A small factory worker who gives his blood and sweat for over 40 years which is "his product" Then the owner of the Factory (Wall Street) introduces (or makes up) a new product which is worthless and now he needs money because he made a bad decision and if He doesn't get the bailout the factory will close and the worker will lose his job even tho he did nothing wrong. So let's give them more money and trust them this time. Do I have it right Jim G?

Friday, November 14, 2008

Hillary to Foggy Bottom?

I love the idea of Hill running the State Dept provided that there is never a question as to who is ultimately in charge. 

Who would Governor Paterson appoint to fill her seat? Could it be Bill Clinton!? One can only hope...

  

Senate Rules Changes?

So - now that the Democrats have a near-Filibuster proof majority in the Senate, isn't it a good time for the majority to change the rules? I think that now is an excellent time for the change as it will not appear cynical. One side won't be gaining much on the other, if at all. Depending on the legislation, rounding up 60 votes will be easier than it has been since the '70s.

I'd like to see an end to the Filibuster. It is not being used as it was originally intended. Both parties have used the very undemocratic tool whenever it was convenient. I think a presidential signature and majority vote in two separate bodies, subject to judicial review, is all the check and balance we need. Effectively placing the minority in control of the Senate is no way to govern.

In the recent past the Republicans have threatened the "constitutional option" (aka "nuclear option") when Democrats threatened to Filibuster SC appointments. Tell me please, why should a president need to get 60 votes to approve an appointment when the constitution makes no mention of such a super majority?    

Until the early 1980's, senators had to continuously speak from the Senate floor in order to maintain the Filibuster. Consequently, they were rare and usually ony applied to matters in which members held deep philosophical convictions. Then, the rules were changed such that  one need only prove it had 41+/= votes to prevent a vote. I don't think going back to this policy is the best approach. Thanks to C-Span, politicians from both sides would be dying to have hours on the floor to themselves. 

I also think the ability of individual senators to put a "hold" on legislation (short term) or an appointment (potentially long term) is unconscionable. Apparently, it takes over a year to fill all of the administration's appointed positions (3,000 +/-) as various senators will hold up the show in an effort to gain concessions on pet legislation and/or personnel. Really, it is just as corrupt as the earmark system.

Perhaps this question will pull our M Law grad out of his undisclosed location: Would a constitutional challenge to the "hold" and Filibuster systems prevail? The consititution calls for each body to make it own rules, but is this discretion unlimited? Shouldn't a constitutional amendment be required for anything that would require a super majority vote?  


    

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Oh, and when they close Gitmo, I think they should send them all to Richie, Rich and Terry's house.

It will be interesting to see what happens when the reality of governing and securing our nation hits the "O" right in the smacker. Where O' where are they going to stick these terrorists?

BS part II

Another pompous rant from this arrogant journalist.

Hey Nancy, Hey Tom, Hey "O", Hey Richie: You don't know how to make or market cars!

Explaining away the legacy costs (read Union) by faulting the industry for not supporting "universal health care", is outrageous.

I think what the government needs to to is to "help" the real estate industry and golf industry. They should take over and decide how much golf pros and agents make and pretty much run their business. They are much better at it than "you know who's".

Nobody makes better cars than the "car industry", who will make up the car industry is TBD.

This is not raising marginal tax rates, this is full fledged socialism.

LET THEM FAIL

Op-Ed Columnist - How to Fix a Flat - NYTimes.com

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

EXTORTION

Why don't we call the potential bailout of the Auto Industry just what it is...EXTORTION. They are saying in reality "If you don't give us the money we will have to shut down our plants and put 3+ million people connected with our industry out of work" You can call it a threat...I call it EXTORTION. Bigger is not better...Bigger is dangerous. OH by the way...seeing the Governor of Michigan on Obama's Economic advisory panel should make everyone sick...she is in the pockets of the Unions. Speaking of the Unions in this potential bailout...what are they going to sacrifice in the deal..commitment to lower wages, better unit per man our production, better quality..lets hear their plan.
Riegels Rants

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

I call BS

Anyone else noticing how now the press notes that we need to treat our President with respect and give him a chance with all the problems our ongoing problems?

Just precious.

BAILING OUT G.M. AND FORD HA HA

General Motors and Ford burned through a stunning $14.6 billion in cash last quarter. G.M.'s stock has sunk so low that you could buy the entire company for $2 billion. Bankruptcy seems all but inevitable. Why are "we the people" bailing these blunder heads out? I thought the bailout was for BANKS so they could loan money to business's they thought might be able to repay. That's called BANKING. When Billy Ford and the CEO's at GM are willing to take a pay cut and show they CARE then will talk. And don't tell me the worker's benefits and health care are part of the problem, the Problem is you chose to make the the wrong SIZE cars. I doubt Bubba on the line made the decision to make Gas Guzzlers. How did Toyota figure it out.

Great, they like us better!

Could we discuss whether or not a country "likes" us means anything.

I say not much.
The Republican approach is bankrupt and has led us to where we are today. And you will not acknowledge the Democratic involvement in the mortgage crisis. Yes - Bush sucked and EVERYBODY knows it - except Jim Ganem. In fact, he compared him to Churchill I did, I compared his steadfastness in face of evil. Yep, I did. Time will tell. I too am a well paid capitalist and I look forward to paying higher taxes. See I said you were a dope, and even you will do a better job with your money than the "O". when Obama rebuilds international relationships and alliances that had been torn asunder over the past seven years. That is what the world needs, is love. I love watching the righties go apoplectic over card check. Perhaps that is why their real wages have dropped considerably over the past 30 years. In the past 30 years there are plasma TVs, computers and enough food for all (in fact too much). So what you are arguing against is too much success. Hey let's check with GM, boy that card check. what a deal. You are right, Hags. That was fun! And you are still a dope.November 11, 2008 9:15 AM
Baxter said...
Wow, Hags! That was a rant! And you Richie are a dope.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Valerie Jarrett on MTP

If one watched MTP this morning they had to come away very impressed with Valerie Jarrett, co-chair of the transition. Man, we she refreshing! If  Blagojevich can't practically appoint Michelle as Obama's successor in the Senate, I hope he chooses Jarrett. She is on the short list.

Emanuel a great pick

Republicans don't get it do you, He didn't pick Emanuel to deal with Republicans, he picked him to be a pit bull(if you will) so he can deal with his own party more effectively.
He is going to be pressured to do move far left and when he doesn't, he is going to need a tough chief of staff to back up his decisions to stay centered.
Emanuel has been the guy trying to recruit moderate liberals to run congressional and senate positions.
You all complaining about the guy hired to help Obama govern from the center.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Opinion?

Today's dust up about Palin. I think it is mostly not true and shows Johnny Mac in a bad light no matter how it is played. Either he chose her and can be faulted or is being petty now and looks bad.

This is yet another example of how Johnny Mac is a disorganized fool.

By the way, administrations that are organized are inevitably labeled as secretive. I think "O" s will be labeled as such by the right.

Richie, this is just for discussion. Try and not go all Olberman on us.

A memo

Our friend Tom seems to announce something in the "A memo" post below.

Candidate?

I Hate Being Right- Market Down 10% in 2 Days

http://us.rd.yahoo.com/finance/finhome/topstories/apf;_ylt=Ag9Q8ms9bBZpeaJoqFf90jK7YWsA/*http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081106/wall_street.html

Obama's Cabinet

Populating the Cabinet and Cabinet level positions is one of the most important things our new president will do. I have put my recommendatoions (not predictions) in the first comment. 

Why is it that the Left always resorts to the courts when they lose elections

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-general/20081106/Gay.Marriage/

It is so typical of the radical left Elitists. Whenever they lose on something they sue and hope to find a leftist judge to change the will of "The People". When they win everyone is all of a sudden so smart and the Earth is back in it's proper revolution around the Sun. They shouldn't be called Democrats because they are not truly for Democracy witness the unbeliveable amount of fraud perpetuated by ACORN and in the Obama fund raising mechanism. I believe the new name of this party that has now moved to the far left of the political spectrum as the "Hypocrites Party".

Those "Principled" Republicans!

I think it is instructive that one of our most conservative states - the people that give Sarah Palin an 80% approval rating - just reelected a convicted felon to the Senate. He was convicted of seven felonies concerning public corruption less than a week before the election. Nonetheless, those "principled" Republicans returned him to office! 

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Gary you may be right.

9139.27 -486.01

Plus -$100 to R Miller for a bottle of wine.

Yep II

The Treatment of Bush Has Been a Disgrace - WSJ.com

Just like Churchill

Yep

Jeff Flake - A Way Out of the Wilderness - washingtonpost.com

Sent by our friend Rich

A Memo to the Left

Be careful what you wish for. Obama is a smart and genuinely caring person. I think he truly believes he can help people in this country, but historically more government is a scary concept. Make no mistake, your taxes will go up. And to everyone who wishes for the government to take care of them as Obama promises, good luck with that. More government invites more scrutiny into our personal lives and documentation why we need help in the first place. Fill out these forms and wait in line. Your wish has come true.

A true Conservative

I believe strongly that true conservatives are less likely to identify with a political party than a liberal. I also believe that a true conservative, like me, truly loves his country and would never wish that bad things happen to it even though bad things happening to the country would be good politically. A true conservative's love for his country and pride in being an American overrides the political.

I have spent the last 8 years watching liberals hope and pray that Americans would die in Iraq, that there would be national disasters that they could blame on republicans, that the Vice President would get killed while visiting Iraq and on and on. It has been shameful to me to see the radical left wish bad things to occur to the nation that they live in and breath the free air that has been provided to them by the shedding of American blood in the defense of this freedom.

I, as a conservative wish that President Obama will not make the kind of decisions that will bring the country that I love farther into economic disarray and possibly depression. I also hope and pray that he will make wise dicisions beyond his experience level so that my children will be able to grow up in the kind of country that has made me proud to be an American my entire life.

Losing with Honor

Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud.—Sophocles

John McCain lost this election and a big reason he lost is due to his sense of Honor. He has exemplified the warrior code of "bushido" by refusing to bring the Reverend Wright controversy into the mix. He refused to take political contributions unless they were verified as coming from American citizens unlike the Obama campaign which raised untold millions from contributions with individuals with fictitious names by removing all of the security features on the Obama website.

Many have complained that he is not a true Conservative but I argue today that he displayed the conservative principle of honor right to the end. Honor is a quality that is quickly disappearing from the make up of this nation and true Conservatives believe you are nothing without honor.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

I have never been more proud

I have never been more proud. America said tonight race does not matter. Ideas matter.

Well that takes care of everything

We have arrived. Did you notice...the air is cleaner? The Homeless, they went home. Bigotry is a thing of the past. Other nations now love us and we are no longer under threat. If we need to mine data now, its OK. Obama will know what to do to save us.

I know these things because the last time the Democrats held power, those things somehow just mysteriously faded away. No one in the MSM was interested in the homeless anymore. I am not sure where they keep them during Democratic periods of rule. The Democratic President always faces tough decisions and when mistakes happen, they will have done their best; not making stupid mistakes like the Republican President's. When the Congress analyze the national security evidence, well Obama will have looked at it also, so it must be true.

Until the various crisis start, you know the ones, the health care crisis, the Union crisis, the Fairness doctrine crisis. Then things will start to look bad, you know, because the Republicans will stand in the way of progress and something must be done. The MSM will stand by their President and his agenda.

But you also know, the MSM will get bored...

The coming Facist tide

http://online.worldmag.com/2008/11/04/schumer-compares-conservative-talk-radio-to-porn/

The first sign of facism, communism, socialism is silencing those who oppose your views. What would the left say if republicans had proposed regulating the main stream media both print and television plus movies to make sure that all of them gave equal time to conservative beliefs?

Socialism and Facism

Terry's post got me thinking about something concerning the political spectrum that most of us think about. It is usually thought of as being linear with Communist on the left and Facist on the right. This article argues that it is not a line but some other type of geometric shape. You will love this one Jim!
http://www.lawrence.edu/sorg/OBJECTIVISM/socfasc.html

Here is an interesting political party

http://www.ustaxpayerspartyofmichigan.com/

I think the libertarians of this group will be somewhat impressed.

Monday, November 3, 2008

OBAMA A SOCIALIST?

Calling Obama a “socialist” simply isn’t logical. He doesn’t share the belief that industries should be nationalized by the government or even taken over by the workers as many American Marxists espouse. He may not be as wedded to the free market as a conservative but he doesn’t want to get rid of it. He wants to regulate it. He wants “capitalism with a human face.” He wants to mitigate some of the effects of the market when people lose. This is boilerplate Democratic party liberalism not radical socialism.
To Know Her Is To Respect Her
Sarah Palin's Future

Fun

ETHICAL PHILOSOPHY SELECTOR QUIZ SelectSmart.com philosophers: Aquinas Aristotle Ayn Rand Cynics David Hume Epicureans Jean-P.

How one can read this and not recognize a person of substance is beyond me.

The Weekend Interview - WSJ.com

Wow... 8 minutes.

http://uk.youtube.com/user/machosauceproduction

Sunday, November 2, 2008

It is Rush Limbaugh's fault.

comments

And

I guess Paul wants us to lose gracefully and then just go away.

Op-Ed Columnist - The Republican Rump - NYTimes.com

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Prediction for November 5th

I precict the day after Obama wins the election Tuesday (Jimmy G's B-day) the stock market will tumble. Even after all the selling that's already occured, anyone with investments who wanted to sell within the next 3 or 4 years will be crazy not to get out now and avoid paying another 13% capital gains tax that Obama promises to enforce. You want a recession, you haven't seen anything yet.

Have we forgotten Bin Laden?

What kind of tone-deaf panderer claims with a straight face that he knows how to win wars, knows how to capture Bin Laden and knows how to fix the economy, yet steadfastly refuses to offer any specifics of how he would do these things? The man actually claimed he know how to get Bin Laden in the debate. I guess he did not want to tell Bush at this time and you wonder why he is behind in the polls? This is doesn't even pass the laugh test. McCain is running the worst campaign since Muskie. And now the mantra is from the McCain campaign seems to be the Chicken little nursery ryme " the sky is falling, the sky is falling"

A great conversation is going on below with our newest blogger, Jimb at "the proof" below.

Friday, October 31, 2008

An illustration of my point.

Good Riddance, GOP Moderates

and just because it is who it is, does not mean the words are not correct if they are true.

The Economist supports Obama for President

http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displayStory.cfm?story_id=12516666&source=features_box_main

The dishonesty of Barry's internet based donations

http://www.nypost.com/seven/10272008/postopinion/opedcolumnists/dubious_donations_135428.htm?page=0

The most fraudulent political money raising scheme in US history.

The Proof is in the US already has the MOST Progressive Tax System

http://www.taxfoundation.org/blog/show/23856.html

A new report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) shows how extreme the progressivity of our tax system has become. The U.S. "has the most progressive tax system and collects the largest share of taxes from the richest 10% of the population." That's right: our tax system is more progressive than Sweden's.

Currently, the top ten percent of American income earners pay 71 percent of all income taxes.

Our excessively progressive tax system has created a dangerous situation in which anyone can vote for politicians who promise to deliver goodies by "spreading the wealth," but only a handful are responsible for paying the bills. Whether a democracy can survive indefinitely under these circumstances is an open question. If Barry wins we probably are going to get the chance to find out since he wants to make the industrialized world's most progressive tax system even more progressive.

We lost one

Sitting in my bastion of Conservatism yesterday (my country club), one of my good friends, normally a tried and true Republican stated he would vote for the "O". He is voting against Palin and for the smart of "O". After 8 years, he wants us to try something else.

Another friend, our Jeff, noted to me that Johnny Mac is running an historically bad campaign. Apparently he spent yesterday railing against the obscene profit of the oil companies. Fits in great with the anti-socialism theme John.

Richie and the lefties, in 2004, your side said, "let's be ourselves, let's be liberal". We laughed as the legislative branch was lost.

I am not going to have a happy B-day. From the ashes of Conservatism I pray a Phoenix will rise. Hopefully her name will be Sarah.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

long but worth the read

IBDeditorials.com: Editorials, Political Cartoons, and Polls from Investor's Business Daily -- Why The Mortgage Crisis Happene

I WANT SMART

I want smart this this time. I've had enough of stupid. Obama graduated from Harvard. The other guy finished 4th from the bottom in his class, and laughs about it.(MCCAIN) The guy who had the job before went to Yale on a legacy deal, and got C's. (BUSH) The guy before him was a Rhodes scholar.( CLINTON) What more do I need to know? And let's not even get into Vice Presidents and their education??

So much for Rich's statements about media bias

http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=310159282684376

"Pundits talk about the "steep uphill climb" the Republicans have faced in this election cycle. But that hill was built with a landslide of media mud."

A link and excerpt from an article that Rich needs to justify.

Democrats Vie to Shape an Obama Legislative Agenda - WSJ.com

Rep. Rangel argues that a President Obama would face a narrow window after the election to move on those big items, as well as his tax plan. That would raise the top two income-tax rates, raise capital-gains and dividend tax rates on upper-income families, and cut taxes on the middle class. Democrats need to have faith that a strong showing in the election indicates broad political backing, Rep. Rangel said. They should be emboldened by the $700 billion Wall Street bailout that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson secured. And he doesn't want to hear talk of containing the deficit.
"For God's sake," he said, "don't ask me where the money will come from. I'm going to the same place Paulson went."

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Our Friend Tom returns

He is having some "issues" with access. The following comment is his and an interesting point of discussion.

The Obama Philosophy gets more clear

It is very clear now that If Barry wins we will have elected the most radical President in the history of this country. If he puts is hand on the bible and swears to uphold the US Constitution he will be lying through his teeth. Yesterday I pointed out the 2001 interview Barry gave on WBEZ radio where he stated that one of the "tragedies of the civil rights movement" was that the courts did not go far enough in addressing economic redistribution. Is he stating that it is a tragedy that wealth from whites was not transferred to minorities via a court order? On further examination the tape reveals even more.
http://www.noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/10/28/obamas-world-view-sees-us-comparable-to-hitlers-germany/
On to the comments

Democratic Hypocrisy I

Can someone help me to reconcile how the Democratic party states that they are going to lower the cost of health insurance but also kow-tow to one of their biggest special interest groups the Trial Lawyers or Tort Lawyers aka "ambulance chasers". Isn't this going to have a major impact on how successful the socialized medicine proposal being put forth by Barry is?

Philosophical Dominance

If the polls hold, the Democrats will have won the popular vote in four of the past five presidential elections. 

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Monday, October 27, 2008

Let the Finger Pointing Begin!

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14929.html

Ted Stevens

What an idiot! The most important battle in this election is a 60 seat majority in the senate. This arrogant or senile moron will not get out of the way to let a viable Republican make a legitimate run for this Senate seat. I sometimes am ashamed to be a conservative.

I wonder what might have happened had questions like this been asked before now.

KFYI - "The Valley's Talk Station"

Sunday, October 26, 2008

The Religiosity of the Republican Base

See Comments

From the NYT, of course when discussing Bush's lack of leaks, it is because he is "secretive"

Like all other campaigns, Mr. Obama’s is imbued with its leader’s personality: it is a tight, centralized structure, run by a tiny group that permits no leaks. On the trail, Mr. Obama has struggled with the unpredictable questions and irritating time limits of presidential debates. He does not always react swiftly to unexpected shifts. This summer, Mr. Obama had just finished a perfectly planned tour of Europe when Russia blitzed into neighboring Georgia; he took several days to settle on a position. After Mr. McCain’s surprise selection of Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate, the Obama campaign seemed to struggle to react.

The only time Mr. Obama slips from “his normal cool self,” said Marty Nesbitt, a close friend, is “when something surprises him.”

Election Special Issue - Barack Obama, Forever Sizing Up - Candidate Profile - Biography - NYTimes.com

Saturday, October 25, 2008

My response Part II

Comments.

My respnse, part I

Comments section please.

This is one of the best articles I have read.

IBDeditorials.com: Editorials, Political Cartoons, and Polls from Investor's Business Daily -- Aging Boomers Leaving Young Ho.

For those who take time to actually read the articles, if this link does not work, go to investors.com and look under Samuelson under editorials.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Now he shows up!

First of all let me remind our kind bloggers to respond to a specific post in the comment section rather than a new post or if you cannot resist, please use a short teaser and then place the bulk in the comments section. See the recent post by our good boy Mark as an example.

The good doctor (not doctor-doctor but kind of:)) finally joins in rather than serving as a ghost writer. Sane indeed!

I shall respond, off to the comments section.

Right Wing

A conservative is okay, a right winger is someone who expects all the benefits of the Goverment, and does not want to pay for them.

A conservative

I will tell you what a conservative is, it is a person that gets all the benefits of government, uses them, and then pulls up the drawbridge behind them..Since one of our bloggers is an esteemed physician, he might tell us who subsidized his medical school education...It was state and federal taxes that did that..and who provided money to the residency program that paid him a salary and paid for his training throughout his this program..It was partly state tax payers, but mostly federal tax payers that footed that bill..Now he does not like to pay taxes, he wants to cut even more taxes, and run up an even bigger deficit..Does he favor cutting all support to medical education, that is several billion dollars a year..One persons support is another persons welfare!!!!!!!!

Preemptive Racism

http://www.hoover.org/publications/digest/4510821.html

We have already seen Barry claim that they will not vote for me because I do not look like the men on the money. We have seen Bill Clinton attacked as a racist based on comments he made in North Carolina. We have seen Congressman Lewis from Georgia compare John McCain to George Wallace. We have seen Congressman Murtha call western Pennsylvania racist. There have already been numerous columns in the MSM stating that if Barry loses it is racist.

For more see the comments section

What exactly is a right winger?

Seriously.

A Liberal is another name for a socialist who wants to redistribute income.

A Conservative is one who believes in minimal government intervention in the economy.

The term Right winger has been used on this blog. OK, Terry and Rich, in as cognitive a manner as possible, please give a definition (or do you intend it as an insulting description of a Conservative)?

Quiet today

I post an Obamanomic article and ZIP.

Rich must be tired.

I forgot, he only reads the pictures.

S. Palin

Wonder Land - WSJ.com

Capital Journal - WSJ.com

Thursday, October 23, 2008

AFTER WORK

Sometimes it's necessary to take a step back in time. To fully assess someone and see as the young generation says if they truly "Walk the Walk".

Election/Tax's

If the man who was "born in a manger" trys to raise tax's on the wealthy population who already pay more than their fair share...like 57 percent of all the tax's collected there will probably be a revolt amoung the mass...it would also distroy the incentive of people to become or try to become successful in a society that just wants to continue to take your hard earned money and give it to people who do not share the same values...when sitting around doing very little or having responsibility is rewarded at the same rate as people busting their hump...we have a problem...Election...it will be closer than people think.

For everyone's reading pleasure but Rich who does not read anything which might get in the way of his opinions.

RealClearPolitics - Articles - Both Parties Should Lose in this Election

And this next one is great! It makes the exact point that Mark, Gary and I have been supporting. The article discusses how spending for everything is up and in hyper drive since the Dem's took over. This is exactly what Rich is saying should be done except we just need to tax more. Seems the economy has not exactly outperformed. Rather than addressing the issue, I am sure the left, ours included, will attack the author for non payment of taxes. Terry, remember, government is the engine of our economy! How it is, I'm not sure, but Rich says so. Ask Dr. Bob about how all this social spending and new government programs have brought peace and prosperity. Oh, I get it, "O" is so smart he will know how to take the taxes and place them exactly where they are needed better than the free market. Like in affordable housing and in heath care for all, since it is now a right. Last achiever out (just after the last reporter) please turn out the lights.

An Obamanomics Preview - WSJ.com

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

privatizing social security

privatizing social security? How come I don't hear that plan anymore?

Mark you are right, Barney is kind of low.

I sure am glad the Democrats are not for class warfare.

Please take a moment to review this video-the pertinent part starts at 4:30

Video - CNBC.com

and for balance.

RealClearPolitics - Articles - Party Like It's 1964

Bailout idea

Why not let people with current 401K plans to withdraw their money, no penalty to purchase a second home if they wish or any home they think might go up in value and allow future contributions which previosly went to their 401K to go to monthly mortage payments if they wish.
I have a 401K plan that has not done well for the past 4 years really and I would love to buy a second home that someday I might retire to and pay for it now rather than put more money in my 401K and have the WALL STREET crooks skim off the top and make bad choices with it.

. People like me that have a job and would pay a second mortage but are trapped because we can't draw out of the 401K which is down 26% this year already. It seems to me a good plan qualified buyers buying the glut of homes rather than Govt. I submit for your thoughts

Our honest Democratic Speaker of the House

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's home district includes San Francisco. Star-Kist Tuna's headquarters are in San Francisco, Pelosi's home district. Star-Kist is owned by Del Monte Foods and is a major contributor to Pelosi. Star-Kist is the major employer in American Samoa employing 75% of the Samoan workforce. Paul Pelosi, Nancy 's husband, owns $17 million dollars of Star-Kist stock. In January, 2007 when the minimum wage was increased from $5.15 to $7.25, Pelosi had American Samoa exempted from the increase so Del Monte would not have to pay the higher wage. This would make Del Monte products less expensive than their competition's. Last week when the huge bailout bill was passed, Pelosi added an earmark to the final bill adding $33 million dollars for an "economic development credit in American Samoa ". Pelosi has called the Bush Administration "corrupt". What would she call this if a Republican had done this? The Star-Kist matter was big news at the beginning of 2007, and the $33 million earmark was news last week. Here are some links:http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2007/jan/12/20070112-120720-2734r/ http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/10/03/MNR813AHDN.DTL
Think the Left Wing MSM is going to run with this story? Oh I forgot all their reporters are busy surfing facebook about McCain's kids or looking for more stuff on Joe.

MTP II

RealClearPolitics - Articles - Powell's Lame Case For Obama

Monday, October 20, 2008

Rush the drug addict

If anyone still listens to this drug taking, pill popping, should be in jail radio airhead, you have got to be nuts. Colin Powell endorsed Obama because he is black says Rush. You can't get lower than that.

Dear Bloggers and Blogette's

When posting a longer piece, could we please write a short intro on the blog and place the longer portion in the comments section. Thank you and thanks to Joe the plumber for exposing the left for the hypocritical jerks that they truly are and "O" as a Socialist. Did not want to miss taking a little shot

We want to fight about...I mean discuss as many topics as possible

As you have undoubtedly noticed, you cannot post hyperlinks on the comments section, so they will need to remain on the Post section.



The Sheriff.

Blue State Secession (an oldie but a goodie)

Dear Red States:

The Obama Protectionist Agenda and the coming Depression

Barack Obama's promise to unilaterally rewrite the North American Free Trade Agreement if Canada and Mexico won't go along with his ideas on labor and the environment has not gone unnoticed in Ottawa. If Canadians are going to have a tougher time selling their goods and services south of the border, who can blame them for looking east -- across the Atlantic to Europe. From an excellent article http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122445840565148489.html

One of the things that led to the Depression was increased US protectionism which damaged free trade severly. Good thing Barry wants to kow-tow to the Labor Unions at the cost of the economy. I know this type of unilateral anti-NAFTA talk which Jim pointed out in his post about the Liberal Super Majority will really help our standing with Canada and Mexico. This is real Change that we can count on! 1930's here we come!

Oh Canada, Glorious and Free, soon to be the new Financial Power

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Conservative Party coasted to an easy victory in national elections on Tuesday, winning 38% of the vote and 143 seats in parliament. Mr. Harper's closest competitor, Liberal Party leader Stéphane Dion, managed only 26% of the popular vote for 76 seats.

Though he did not win the 155 seats he needed to secure a majority, Mr. Harper did pick up 16 new members of parliament, while the Liberals lost 19 seats. In other words, in a time of great economic uncertainty, Canadians by a large margin went with the tax cutter over the tax raiser.
Leading another minority government is not what Mr. Harper had in mind when he called this election in September. But it's nonetheless striking that the global financial panic and his response to it -- which critics called too casual -- didn't take a bigger toll on his party. One reason may be the fact that Mr. Harper has restored Canada's important role in NATO and revived Canadian pride in playing a role on the world stage. Since first taking the Conservatives to a national victory in 2006, he has reversed a pattern of parliamentary neglect of Canada's armed forces and made proper funding for the troops a priority. Rather than flee Afghanistan as Mr. Dion wanted to do, Mr. Harper's Canada is playing a crucial role in the international effort to defeat al Qaeda and the Taliban.
Mr. Harper's first government also cut the national sales tax, personal taxes and corporate taxes. His domestic platform in this race promised to cut corporate taxes further to attract capital and grow the economy. Mr. Dion promised to levy a new carbon tax on business. Mr. Harper was able to explain to voters that a carbon tax is a tax on them. John McCain, take note.
Source of article http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122411774995338861.html

Absolute power corrupts absolutely

A Liberal Supermajority - WSJ.com

For example it makes a blogger pretty much lie. Richie, the AIP does not sound too bad to my little conservative self. Mr. Palin was no long a member when the weak initiative was offered.

Alaskan Independence Party - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Oh, and Rich and T....the stimulus which you two will dutifully support, is that not just like a tax cut? Kind of like supply side economics. You know, money left in the economy instead of taken as taxes will stimulate the economy and promote economic growth?

Sunday, October 19, 2008

MTP and other BS

"O" premised his campaign on opposition to the war. One might use the term antiwar. An association with an antiwar radical by a candidate with no military experience is of concern and a legitimate source of debate.

Gen Powell answered questions about his continued support, even in retrospect, for the war and finishing the war. I think Powell talks to "O" about Iraq like, Bush I did to Billy about China.

And Ms. Palin. I read the interview, posted below. How many myths must she debunk before you admit a bias. Praying against Homosexuality, no. Evolution, yes. She clearly did not say she did not read a newspaper, she did not want to be locked into one and took umbrage at the obvious implied insult regarding Alaska as a backward state.

The left, don't get on their wrong side Joe. Oh, and if you owe taxes, does that preclude you from asking a very poignant question?

Transcript: Palin And McCain Interview, More In-Depth Answers To Questions Katie Couric Asked McCain And Palin On The Broadca.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Climate change.

A hoax?

A hoax being used to dismantle the country's economy?

A theory worth considering? Which is being used to dismantle the country's economy?

A fact?

Before you start, no one likes a dirty environment. In fact, conservative that I am, wish that gas prices would stay up (with an acknowledgement to the pain they are causing in the current economic environment, which is going to get worse) and continue to change behavior.

I do maintain that Capitalism, with regulation, is the best for our environment.

I also note that carbon exchanges are just like MBS...FOS.

And it may not be true!

IBDeditorials.com: Editorials, Political Cartoons, and Polls from Investor's Business Daily -- Cold Reality

Yes, the Left and the other Left (media) sure know how to take care of someone they are against.

IBDeditorials.com: Editorials, Political Cartoons, and Polls from Investor's Business Daily -- The Left Declares War On Joe T.

What exactly did Joe do to deserve this kind of treatment.

Actually, yea, he may yet win the election for us.

SARA PALLIN THE CONSERVATIVE

Sarah campaigned in Wasilla as a "fiscal conservative". During her 6 years as Mayor, she increased general government expenditures by over 33%. During those same 6 years the amount of taxes collected by the City increased by 38%. This was during a period of low inflation (1996-2002). She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a regressive sales tax which taxed even food. The tax cuts that she promoted benefited large corporate property owners way more than they benefited residents.

The huge increases in tax revenues during her mayoral administration weren't enough to fund everything on her wish list though, borrowed money was needed, too. She inherited a city with zero debt, but left it with indebtedness of over $22 million. What did Mayor Palin encourage the voters to borrow money for? Was it the infrastructure that she said she supported? The sewage treatment plant that the city lacked? or a new library? No. $1m for a park. $15m-plus for construction of a multi-use sports complex which she rushed through to build on a piece of property that the City didn't even have clear title to, that was still in litigation 7 yrs later--to the delight of the lawyers involved! The sports complex itself is a nice addition to the community but a huge money pit, not the profit-generator she claimed it would be. She also supported bonds for $5.5m for road projects that could have been done in 5-7 yrs without any borrowing. THIS IS FROM ONE WHO ACTAULLY LIVES IN WASILLA

For our reading pleasure, two articles.

Today in Investor's Business Daily stock analysis and business news

Today in Investor's Business Daily stock analysis and business news

Hey Gary, we are getting the kids out!

The surge worked, we can leave in victory, leaving a democracy. I repeat Bush=Lincoln. The "O" has proposed leaving in 18 months, pretty close to the same time frame, right? Liberal contortions ensue.

WASHINGTON — A sweeping accord between Iraq and the United States would set the end of 2011 as a concrete date for American withdrawal from Iraq, based on the performance and increasing capacity of the Iraqi security forces, according to a draft of the agreement. From the NYT no less!


U.S. in Firmer Commitment to Iraq Pullout Date - NYTimes.com

Friday, October 17, 2008

A new simple idea

OK folks, we have talked taxes, class warfare, deficits and the horse is almost dead.
I reread all the posts and posit this question.

How about we raise the tax rate 2% for everybody? All fair and square.

Seems fair to me. What say we? 2% 5k, 2% 500K same deal.

I mean if the goal is to eliminate the deficit, let's all participate.

Comments?

Let's All Be Fair About This

Okay, I say that Jim Ganem is too smart--Let's take some of his IQ and give it to some poor uneducated person so they can be better off. I mean Jim can afford to be a little less smart, right? Anybody see the problem with that?

Here we arrive at the crux, please reply to comments

Our friend Rich asks questions. They are complex and deserve to be addressed. It may take some time and Mark and I will tag team.

Here is a DIRECT QUESTION:

How come Clinton's tax increase was such a success? How did it raise the Treasury receipts to 20%+ of GDP? Wouldn't the disincentive have prevented this overwhelming success?

One more DIRECT QUESTION:

When Dubya cut taxes, what happened to Treasury receipts? What percentage of GDP came in? How did Dubya's receipts compare to Clintons?
Let's be real the wealthy have put in so many loopholes and tax dodges etc. As I have stated earlier Warren Buffett's secretary pays more taxes than he.

The rich stop making money and sit on the beach when they have made enough, is that really your argument, are you kidding. You really want to make that argument for lowering taxes.

McCain has 13 cars, 9 houses. People are making generational wealth so their grandkids would never have to work. How much is enough is really a moral question, I believe.

If you need to make billions I think your prioritys are wrong, but I am not for stopping you just pay the proper percentage of the progressive tax rate that has always been in force in this country.

It's silly on another point the corporate tax is high in this country is because none of them pay it, with floors of accountants working daily to figure how not to pay.

How about a consumption tax? I assume the wealthy buy more? exempt food, and medicine?

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Clinton

Eek, there I said it.

Hey Richie, didn't your boy state, the era of big government is over while creating thoses surpluses were created? Didn't he sign welfare reform? Didn't he trangulate? Didn't he support free trade?

Your current candidate (note political correctness, see above), plans to renegotiate free trade, restart welfare and promote a biggger government?

Being that you are all about the deficit and somehow think that-as you stated-fiscal reality will temper his plans. Shouldn't you be voting for Shadegg?

You my friend are FOS. There I said it and it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

Joe the Plumber Epitomizes GOP + This Election

It turns out Joe isn't a licensed plumber, he merely works for one. He's not trying to buy his bosses business - it's not for sale. He only made $40K last year and still hasn't paid all his taxes. His bosses business only makes about $100K a year, not $250K. So - Joe is a fraud. His questions to Obama were all based on lies.  He doesn't represent working people - just Republican politics.

I also noticed he was wearing some Buckeye apparel. Typical!

OK, OK the sheriff is here.

So I come home from playing 18 to find 30 E-mails (I get notified whenever someone replies). Things have gone into overdrive and...Bless you and your opinionated hearts.

I have dismissed the first post! No Big Blue football, none of the time! :), The sheriff

Terry, on an economic point, say what you wish, but you are missing or refuse to admit my point. The money is the same (well not, see below), either the "rich" will spend it on their planes, boats or cars or the government will take it and give it to the "middle class". It is going to get their either way via boat and plane makers or as a handout. Except, the economic activity of the former will benefit more. And I defy you to show me how government can do better. Post by Mark and I forthcoming.

So I still maintain...The poor truly depend on the successful, who are net givers not takers. Did I just read that! How many planes, houses, are needed for the givers to start giving again, yes master, thank you master. OK, so T, I start my practice and give all the profits to charity and live a pauper. Better I say, I grow my practice (now employing 33) and use my profits (investments, home, car whatever). My friend, if you cannot accept that economic argument then...you must be a damn liberal Democrat.

Lastly, you chooses the very rich to make your point. And even though I do not agree that you get to decide how much is too much, your points very much miss Joe the famous plumber.

Compassionate Conservatives

The class warfare that Barry has been using which has been aided and abetted by the main stream media is one of the many untruths that he has effectively used.
The first point is that Conservatives give much more to charity than liberals do. "-- Although liberal families' incomes average 6 percent higher than those of conservative families, conservative-headed households give, on average, 30 percent more to charity than the average liberal-headed household ($1,600 per year vs. $1,227). " From a great piece by George Will http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/conservatives_more_liberal_giv.html

Also Liberal politicians are notoriously stingy when it comes to charitable giving,to read about the Vice Presidential nominee Joe Biden's lack of personal generosity review this story. http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=OTZiY2EyNjllZmI3MjBiODdiM2ViNjc5ZmYxNjI1Zjg=

Kerry's returns from 1995 and earlier, before his marriage to Heinz, have sometimes attracted criticism over the issue of charitable giving. In 1995, according to published reports, Kerry reported a taxable income of $126,179, and charitable contributions of $0. In 1994, he reported income of $127,884, and charitable donations of $2,039. In 1993, he reported income of $130,345, and contributions of $175. In 1992, he reported income of $127,646, and contributions of $820. In 1991, he reported income of $113,857, and contributions of $0.

It is well known that President Bush has always been generous in his charitable giving and has tried to get legislation passed consistent with this belief.

However Barack Hussein Obama is a far different story. "What is surprising, given the recent controversy over Obama's membership in the Trinity United Church of Christ, is how little the Obamas apparently gave to charity -- well short of the biblical 10% tithe for all seven years. In two of the years, the Obamas gave far less than 1% of their income to charity; in three of the years, they gave around 1% of their income to charity. During all these years they never had AGI less than $207,000. During this five year period in question their AGI averaged $243,726.40. " From the linked story below. The reason that Barry gave for this is that they couldn’t afford anymore. $243,726.40 in AGI and they couldn’t afford to give to charity more than the .8838% that they gave? I wonder if this is how he arrived at the $250,000 amount. http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2008/03/obama-releases.html

On the other hand for the tax years 2006 & 2007 John McCain donated 22.28% of his AGI to charity. Mr. McCain’s campaign said he donates his royalties from his books to charities and that “this sum has totaled over $1,800,000 since 1998 when he signed his first book deal.” The campaign said his book income added up to $256,898 for 2006 and 2007.

The senator’s campaign also said that Mr. McCain has donated to charity a total of $450,000 since 1991— money he received from increases in his Senate salary — “because he opposed the Congressional pay increase at that time and pledged not to accept the pay raises.”

Why is it that liberal always want to take our money and give it to those who are deemed to be needy but won't give any of their own money away?

The Maverick

McCain wants an apology from John Lewis, a acknowledgement the surge is working from Obama. How small can this guy be. He should stamp his feet, jump up and down, and frown some more.
I have never seen such a phony laugh in my life trying to hide his anger. He did much better in this debate, but it's just the same nonsense. I am right why won't you say it PLEASE.

What I don't admire about John McCain is when Bush low balled him in I believe South Carolina, he did not stand up to King George and call him out and then he gave in to the right wing, Bob Jones University crowd, made nice with King George the 2nd and now we are to believe he is Maverick???

Should Michelle Take Barack's Senate Seat?

Should Illinois Governor Blagojevich appoint Michelle Obama to fill Barack Obama's senate seat in the event he is elected president?

I think it's a great idea. She'd be up for election in 2010 during the mid-term of her husband's first presidential term. Illinois would likely elect her and she'd then have 8 years of senatorial experience when Obama will have finished serving his second term in the White House.

What say you?  

Obama on Righteous Mission

Obama is searching the country for people making over 250K a year. These people are persona non grata in a country like ours and I hope he gets them. Those bastards. How dare they. Go get them Barack. We're all rooting for you. Then when we succeed in our own field and move onto the American dream, we'll make sure we cap out our income at 249K. After all, even dreams need a ceiling, right?

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

The Debate

I hate to get in the way of Mark's posts but just a moment to draw the blogs attention to tonight's debate and Mr. "O"s comment about "we need to get the auto makers to make the right cars" and "we can save the average American $2500 on their health care costs". Rich and Terry, God love ya stand up, if this is not Socialism, what is? Terry, the 90% stuff..its their damn money. Who are you to say how they should spend it and who they should name in their will. Also, please pay attention (sorry for the placating tone, but darn), the money will get to those people more efficiently via the economy rather than the government. Your tone makes evil those who are successful. The poor truly depend on the successful, who are net givers not takers. Argh!


Rich, if "spreading the wealth" is not Marxism then what is? (from those according to ability to those according to need). Marxism should truly be defined as, from those with, to us, to those we wish to sedate and control to keep us powerful. How is "O" proposals, and your two writings for that matter, not keeping with a "Marxist' philosophy.

Words do have meaning

Remember when Barry uttered that line. Funny coming from someone whose use of the language is on par with "it depends on what the meaning of is, is".

Now we have Barry making the claim that 95% of working families will have their taxes cut. Websters says cut means reduce the size, extent as in cut the labor force. We have been talking about this in the past but I want to know how Barry can cut taxes from people who already do not pay them.

Under current tax laws, IRS statistics for 2006 show that 45.6 million tax filers, essentially one-third of all filers, have no tax liability after taking their credits and deductions. “For good or ill,” notes the Tax Foundation, “this is a dramatic 57 percent increase since 2000 in the number of Americans who pay no personal income taxes.” But I thought that President Bush's tax cuts only went to the rich. Isn't that what the media has been chanting like the mantra of a buddhist monk during prolonged meditation? They did say 57%. This must be a mistake, the main stream media would never slant the truth would they?

"For the Obama Democrats, a tax cut is no longer letting you keep more of what you earn. In their lexicon, a tax cut includes tens of billions of dollars in government handouts that are disguised by the phrase "tax credit." From the excellent WSJ column that even has a wonderful chart which shows the phase out levels of tax credits. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122385651698727257.html

The chart is very interesting because it shows the unbelievable spikes in marginal tax rates at the phase out levels of Barry's proposed "tax cuts". People are going to have to keep a close watch on their taxable income or they might find themselves taking home substantially less after taxes by just earning a little more.

Here's the political catch. Almost all of Barry's proposed tax credits are "refundable," which means that you can receive these checks even if you have no income-tax liability. In other words, they are an income transfer from taxpayers to nontaxpayers. Once upon a time we called this "welfare,". Barry calls this a tax cut.

The Tax Foundation estimates that under the Obama plan 63 million Americans, or 44% of all tax filers, would have no income tax liability and most of those would get a check from the IRS each year. The Heritage Foundation's Center for Data Analysis estimates that by 2011, under the Obama plan, an additional 10 million filers would pay zero taxes while cashing checks from the IRS.

The total annual expenditures on refundable "tax credits" would rise over the next 10 years by $647 billion to $1.054 trillion, according to the Tax Policy Center. This means that the tax-credit welfare state would soon cost four times actual cash welfare. By redefining such income payments as "tax credits," the Obama campaign also redefines them away as a tax share of GDP. Presto, the federal tax burden looks much smaller than it really is.

It is disingenuous to claim that he will give 95 percent of all American workers a "tax cut," because he does not mention that it will mean sending checks to millions of tax filers who pay no personal income taxes.

It certainly looks "suspiciously like welfare" or income redistribution from wealthier taxpayers to lower-income Americans to me. But it also raises the question, How can he call it a "tax cut" when its recipients pay no income taxes?

Under his "Making Work Pay" income tax cut for low- to middle-income people, he will give a "refundable" $500 tax credit to low- to middle-income workers or $1,000 to couples. It would begin to phase out at $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for a couple.

But because he makes it "refundable," he will pay the equivalent amount to those who have no income-tax liability after taking the usual tax credits and deductions in the tax code. Those checks would come from taxes to be paid by higher-income Americans.

"What he's really talking about doing is mailing a check and, to me, that looks more like a welfare program than the kind of real tax relief that would encourage work, savings and investments," said Phil Kerpen, policy director at Americans for Prosperity, a free-market advocacy group.

Obama claims that almost all workers (95 percent) will benefit from his "tax cuts." But Investor's Business Daily points out that Obama's "'working families' does not include all households. Throw in singles, retirees, students and the unemployed, and the share getting some tax-related benefit is a good deal less."

The Tax Policy Center, a nonpartisan tax-analysis group established by the liberal Urban Institute and the Brookings Institution, dismisses his 95 percent figure, saying that about 80 percent of households would receive a tax cut. Throw in the tens of millions of tax filers who owe no taxes, and the percentage of taxpayers getting real tax cuts falls a lot lower.

The Obama campaign's chief economist Jason Furman told me in an e-mail that "the tens of millions of families working hard and paying payroll taxes do not think that tax cuts are a form of 'welfare' or 'redistribution' -- they think it is only fair to reward work."

Roberton Williams of the Tax Policy Center said "one can argue" that workers who don't pay income taxes "are paying Social Security payroll taxes, and this is a tax cut against that."

But is this just another clever way for Barry to redistribute the nation's income, taking from high-income taxpayers who pay the lion's share of all income taxes and giving it to lower-income workers who pay none?

Williams doesn't dispute this. "You could view it that way because both (tax) proposals are in the same tax plan," he said. "There's no question that's one way to perceive the tax plan." Exactly.

So this is what's at the core of Obama's economic policies -- taking more money from one group of taxpayers and directly transferring it to those in the lower- to middle-income tax brackets who pay little or no income taxes to begin with.

Instead of cutting everyone's taxes to encourage work, investment and savings by enlarging the economic pie, Obama would redivide the pie into smaller slices and redistribute it through the tax system.

Please someone show me a real world example where this type of policy has actually worked in bringing an economy out of a recession. I have heard a lot of people make the claim that there is no way that Obama can be worse than Bush. Wanna bet? With socialist policies like these that have never worked we will be on the fast track to third world status. Of course than we will have the rest of the world finally loving us like so many liberals crave. We will be sort of like the crazy old uncle in the corner who everyone remembers from his more vigorous days. As the rest of the western economies continue to cut income taxes and become more business friendly like Ireland, Poland, Germany, Canada, Czech Republic, etc. we will raise taxes on the portion of the economy that we should be relying on to get us back on our feet. Too much social reengineering got us into this mess and now the American public is falling for this "class warfare" garbage economic proposal that is eerily similar to giving mortgages to those who can't afford them. How does Barry propose that the recipients of this new form of welfare are going to use this payment to help create economic prosperity. Does he think buying a bunch of large screen HDTVs will magically fix things? Too bad that a lot of these people will be the first ones laid off when their employer has to cut back due to the recession that continues to deepen. But then lets look at the bright side they will still be getting their "tax cut" every year. Try feeding a family of four on it!

Barry's political affiliations

Besides having the reknown America hater, Reverend Wright, as a spiritual mentor and sitting through 20 years of his anti American sermons we now know something else that has yet to make it to the MSM, what a surprise. But we have to look at this in conjunction with Barry's relationship to the unrepentant terrorists William Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn plus his wife's statement about how she has never been proud to be an American until Barry was nominated. There is a very troubling pattern of anti-American influence associated with Barry plus his relationship with ACORN that seems to get more and more involved every day. Remember all three of these connections have been lied about by Barry himself on numerous occasions and the stories about his connections are continuing to evolve.

The big kicker though is his membership in the socialist, some say marxist group, the New Party. Barry has already denied this affiliation but unfortunately like all of his other denials this turns out to be just another lie on top of all of the other ones concerning his other affiliations.


The New Party was a Marxist political coalition whose objective was to endorse and elect leftist public officials -- most often Democrats. The New Party's short-term objective was to move the Democratic Party leftward, thereby setting the stage for the eventual rise of a new Marxist third party.
Most New Party members hailed from the Democratic Socialists of America and the militant organization ACORN. The party's Chicago chapter also included a large contingent from the Committees of Correspondence, a Marxist coalition of former Maoists, Trotskyists, and Communist Party USA members.
http://www.discoverthenetworks.org/groupProfile.asp?grpid=7434

Did I see ACORN above? The same ACORN that Barry gave over $800,000 to out of his campaign funds. The plot thickens.

As we may have noted above, Barry has denied ever being a member of the New Party. But wait "Chicago is sending the first New Party member to Congress, as Danny Davis, who ran as a Democrat, won an overwhelming 85% victory. New Party member Barack Obama was uncontested for a State Senate seat from Chicago." From http://www.populist.com/11.96.Edit.html certainly not a right wing website.

http://newzeal.blogspot.com/2008/10/obama-file-36-how-socialist-was-obamas.html Check out the picture of Barry on this link with his fellow members of the New Party.

From their own website http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Political/NewParty_Principles.html very interesting principles. They read somewhat like another book written by a German in 1847.

Is the main stream media going to ask Barry about his membership in this group? Could be a bombshell.

John Malkovich hits it on the head.

In my frustration over the two meager choices we have for president, I read the following quote from actor John Malkovich in the latest edition of Esquire which expresses the exact sentiment I feel over this process:

THIS IS WHAT POLITICS IS TO ME: Somebody tells you all the trees on your street have a disease. One side says give them food and water and everything will be fine. One side says chop them down and burn them so they don't infect another street. That's politics. And I'm going, Who says they're diseased? And how does this sickness manifest itself? And is this outside of a natural cycle? And who said this again? And when were they on the street? But we just have people who shout, "Chop it down and burn it" or "Give it food and water," and there's your two choices. Sorry, I'm not a believer.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Definition of Surge

Let me give you the definition of surge. "To increase suddenly" Know what word is missing Victory.
If you SURGE your hand into a bucket of water, you displace the water, when you pull your hand out the water returns. Just a thought

Is "O" qualified to be President?

No I do not think he is the devil. I do think he is mostly an empty slate, as Hags has previously noted. The only way to define him is by his associations and actions. What we know is that he has not run anything, he associates with a terrorist (and no, that is not a proper association for any mainstream candidate starting his career), he did not wear a flag on his lapel. He did attend a Muslim school, he attended a anti-American church. He has a very liberal voting record, he is proposing a new welfare. He wants to pull out of Iraq in defeat on the verge of victory. And he has no legislative record! I find it LOL amazing that Rich thinks his involvement in the Harvard Law Review makes for presidential timer. What he seems to be good at, is wrapping a liberal agenda in a palatable cover and I rue that McCain is such a poor candidate that he cannot expose him and his clearly socialist policies.

I remain amazed that Ms. Palin, 3 years younger than the "O", is assailed as unqualified because, I guess, she did not write a book. She has managed, governed, and walked the walk.

I swear if I hear one more "he is so smart, he will save us" I may bust an aneurysm and no Rich, that would not be good, you would have to talk to your MIL at Christmas.

Fairness

Everyone keeps using "redistribution of wealth" as some code for take from the rich to give the poor. It is " This is what it is going to cost to run the goverment" Then the real question is Who has it and how can we get it? And how can we can be fair about it. The poor woman at the bottom end should give what percentage of her income and what percentage of a top earner should he give? It is really just called FAIRNESS.
October 14, 2008 12:15 PM

President of new club

I am now the President of a new club. The "I am working till 90" thanks to something?
Why can't people believe a rising tide raises all boats?
We have plenty of time to look back and assess blame, lets look forward Republicans and Democrats together and bring in some sharp people and yes discuss solutions.