When I first heard about JP Morgan Chasing the Bear, I immediately got goose bumps and had a sense of vertigo. I didn’t feel good at all. The implications have yet to be fully realized and I fear the worst is yet to come.
The United States and The New World Order may find America of lesser influence in globalization than anyone could have imagined. We don't have oil, we don't have the funds and we don't have jobs.
Americans are debt-ridden, as is the Federal Government, and neither has a means to overcome the mismanagement of funds. The world community is unlikely to have the means, nor the notion, to resolve what has occurred. Bush’s War watered down the dollar bill and political scandals and financial crooks during the Bush years won’t bring us much sympathy.
Most of the planet has anticipated the end of the Bush Regime but neither John McCain nor the Clinton/Obama outcome suggests strong economic policies. Each of these candidates has shown that they put their own self-interest and ego above considerate direction that America must take for the future. Of course, in the weeks and months to come, they’ll all be touting how their personal expertise will bring sunshine and rainbows back into everyone’s life.
Perhaps American politics could take another course whereby the candidates are actually candid about their means of achieving their intended goals. With whom will they entrust their legacy? Who will be the vice presidential choice? Who will be given the all-important post of Secretary of State? Why should it be a voter’s guessing game as to who might be given positions in the President’s Cabinet? Why not bring forward the intended Secretary of the Treasury and A Plan?
It’s impossible to foresee which Presidential candidate is best for America when promises aren't meant to be honored or when professed experience belies the resume of a career. Who of us wouldn’t feel a sense of security with a future leader if names and faces were placed on the game board of a new administration? As unlikely the prospect would be, a coalition of minds and philosophies could remove much of the guesswork of a doubtful voter.
The current economic turmoil with America’s financial institutions is highly unlikely to be resolved prior to Election Day. No one can predict with any certainty how Wall Street will react to the New Year and a new President. The best of hope will see the choice as decisive, not divisive. The Fed can print as much money as it will but there’s still going to be a debt to pay and the payees are we, the people. We have been grossly disrespected by the very institutions that have relied on our generosity to support their well-being by overextending our limits of economic credibility.
The Greening of America, as expressed by author Charles Reich in the early 70s, has brought about a monster whereby corporations have consistently prompted consumers to acquire all the materialistic rewards that “funny money” could buy. Big business has taken too many pieces of the pie, feeling secure that global employment wouldn’t leave us without a means to maintain ever-increasing credit limits.
The piggy bank is broken. Goodtime Charlie’s got the blues but you can’t put the full blame on the poor chump; he was taught reading, writing and arithmetic but, when it came to responsible financial planning, the teacher was daydreaming about a new pair of shoes, an electronic device or a road toy.
Employers aren’t especially effective in promoting healthy savings plans for its employees either. The truth is, it’s not their responsibility nor should it be but it’s a catch-22 when the hardworking schmuck must seek a financial adviser. His stubborn self-righteousness convinces him that it’s a waste of money because if it were an important facet of life, then it would have been taught in school.
This economic meltdown puts Social Security’s future further in doubt. Also, corporations will likely limit their coverage to employee healthcare. Hillary’s health plan is a mindset that will most likely speed that process along. The most basic of life’s needs are in jeopardy: security in personal health and finance.
So, Russia and China are the future’s major global players of influence and economic stability. Neither Barack, Hillary nor John can turn the wheel of fortune back in America’s favor within whoever’s Presidency lays before him/her.
The Fed’s printing press is busy but invisible ink won’t put the bucks back into American’s pockets.
The bad news? It’s not just the banks that are in trouble, it’s you and me and we.
The embarrassing news? If the goal of the terrorists is to bring the United States to economic ruin then we have become our own enemy and accomplished what they haven’t done themselves.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
A Dum-Dum
"If Florida Democrats have no input in who our nominee is, whoever it turns out to be, Clinton or Obama, should just stay out of our state before November because they have no chance to win."
Florida State Senate Minority Leader Steve Geller, D-Cooper City
I suppose he feels comfortable being a Dum-Dum by making such a statement: his term limit is up this year. He's already secured another job with Fort Lauderdale-based lawfirm Greenspoon Marder so what does he care about Party loyalty? The guy plans to run for Broward County Commissioner in 2010.
Hey, Dum-Dum, why don't you just stay away from the polling booth in November.
There's not a single Democrat that needs your disloyalty.
Florida State Senate Minority Leader Steve Geller, D-Cooper City
I suppose he feels comfortable being a Dum-Dum by making such a statement: his term limit is up this year. He's already secured another job with Fort Lauderdale-based lawfirm Greenspoon Marder so what does he care about Party loyalty? The guy plans to run for Broward County Commissioner in 2010.
Hey, Dum-Dum, why don't you just stay away from the polling booth in November.
There's not a single Democrat that needs your disloyalty.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Hillary and Obama
Election Day is just a few months away. Much has been said about Democratic contenders Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and even more has been said about the tensions and contentions within the Party because of Hillary’s insistence that she continue her campaign.
In the name of Democracy, Hillary has no intention of giving up and some fear that, unless she concedes to Obama, the ensuing fray will divide the Party. There is concern that, regardless of who is chosen as the nominee at the Democratic National Convention in August, too much damage will have been done and that he/she will be faced with an insurmountable task of winning on the of the General Election on November 4th.
Contrary to that belief, there are reasons to take another viewpoint.
Democrats ardently believe that McCain can be easily defeated and, when push comes to shove, it will be wounds of the nomination process that will bind the Party together. When the process is completed on August 28, one or the other will give full support to the winner. The goals of each candidate are similar to the other. The disagreement centers on whom can best implement those objectives.
The idea of a Dream Team puts the senior Senator at the top of the ticket; she can’t envision it otherwise. The probability of Obama stepping down from his own pedestal is in doubt. In the end,
Hillary’s attitude could label her a Bitch.
Obama’s umbrage might tag him as a Bastard.
There’s a lot to happen between now and June 3rd, when Montana and South Dakota bring an end to the primary elections. The ongoing problem of giving credence to seating Florida and Michigan representative delegates is a variable that may not be resolved any time soon. Blame it on the two states or put it on the back of the DNC or, better yet, place the burden on Howard Dean. Without an acceptable solution, their inability to come to a compromise, American voters will question either of their abilities to lead the Government with bipartisan support.
In the end, respectful consideration of their voters deserves a definitive resolution. Finger pointing serves no purpose and crossing their fingers gives so hope. There will be no satisfaction whatever the outcome, whether it is by mail-in votes or super-delegates. It all comes back to concession.
Rather than center their rhetoric on each other, Hillary and Obama would be wise to limit further debate on each other and make McCain and the Republican Party the main focus of attention.
McCain is more of a politician than he was a soldier.
The McCain campaign ended 2007 with deficit spending. It appears he will carry on the Bush economic policy as an irresponsible spendthrift.
McCain favors reducing corporate tax breaks yet maintaining tax breaks for the 1% of wealthy investors. How do lower class and middleclass citizens feel toward that?
McCain is insistent on maintaining troop levels in Iraq, willing to commit the United States to A Hundred Years War.
McCain touts the effectiveness of the United States’ military surge. And yet, our surge has resulted in another surge: an increase in the number of deaths of Iraqi citizens.
The current figure (as of this writing) of American soldiers killed in action is at 3,986. Sometime soon – much too soon – the number will exceed 4,000 lives. Some believe there are many more that have not been included in the tally. If one or the other of the two Democratic contenders fails to bring this to attention in their campaigns, they will have missed a golden opportunity to further sway voters from giving support to their Republican counterpart.
Between now and the Democratic National Convention from August 25-28, voters may choose to tune out politics altogether, turning their attention to the Olympics and taking pride in America’s athletic elite. The Opening Ceremony is August 3rd, the Closing Ceremony on August 24th. You can expect three weeks of glorious competition followed by three days of in-fighting. If Hillary or Obama can’t put on a happy face and a congratulatory handshake when the party’s over, it will no doubt have a negative impact on the anticipated success of every other Democrat seeking office.
Perhaps Hillary can expand on Bill’s theme twelve years ago:
It’s the economy, stupid.
It’s the war, stupid.
It’s health care, stupid.
It’s a recession, stupid.
And
It’s the Republicans, stupid.
Perhaps Obama could break out in song:
A Change is Gonna Come.
I’m the One That You Want.
Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag.
Good Vibrations.
And
Come Together.
Better yet, it would so cool if they were to gaze in each other’s eyes, singing My Guy / My Girl!!!
In the name of Democracy, Hillary has no intention of giving up and some fear that, unless she concedes to Obama, the ensuing fray will divide the Party. There is concern that, regardless of who is chosen as the nominee at the Democratic National Convention in August, too much damage will have been done and that he/she will be faced with an insurmountable task of winning on the of the General Election on November 4th.
Contrary to that belief, there are reasons to take another viewpoint.
Democrats ardently believe that McCain can be easily defeated and, when push comes to shove, it will be wounds of the nomination process that will bind the Party together. When the process is completed on August 28, one or the other will give full support to the winner. The goals of each candidate are similar to the other. The disagreement centers on whom can best implement those objectives.
The idea of a Dream Team puts the senior Senator at the top of the ticket; she can’t envision it otherwise. The probability of Obama stepping down from his own pedestal is in doubt. In the end,
Hillary’s attitude could label her a Bitch.
Obama’s umbrage might tag him as a Bastard.
There’s a lot to happen between now and June 3rd, when Montana and South Dakota bring an end to the primary elections. The ongoing problem of giving credence to seating Florida and Michigan representative delegates is a variable that may not be resolved any time soon. Blame it on the two states or put it on the back of the DNC or, better yet, place the burden on Howard Dean. Without an acceptable solution, their inability to come to a compromise, American voters will question either of their abilities to lead the Government with bipartisan support.
In the end, respectful consideration of their voters deserves a definitive resolution. Finger pointing serves no purpose and crossing their fingers gives so hope. There will be no satisfaction whatever the outcome, whether it is by mail-in votes or super-delegates. It all comes back to concession.
Rather than center their rhetoric on each other, Hillary and Obama would be wise to limit further debate on each other and make McCain and the Republican Party the main focus of attention.
McCain is more of a politician than he was a soldier.
The McCain campaign ended 2007 with deficit spending. It appears he will carry on the Bush economic policy as an irresponsible spendthrift.
McCain favors reducing corporate tax breaks yet maintaining tax breaks for the 1% of wealthy investors. How do lower class and middleclass citizens feel toward that?
McCain is insistent on maintaining troop levels in Iraq, willing to commit the United States to A Hundred Years War.
McCain touts the effectiveness of the United States’ military surge. And yet, our surge has resulted in another surge: an increase in the number of deaths of Iraqi citizens.
The current figure (as of this writing) of American soldiers killed in action is at 3,986. Sometime soon – much too soon – the number will exceed 4,000 lives. Some believe there are many more that have not been included in the tally. If one or the other of the two Democratic contenders fails to bring this to attention in their campaigns, they will have missed a golden opportunity to further sway voters from giving support to their Republican counterpart.
Between now and the Democratic National Convention from August 25-28, voters may choose to tune out politics altogether, turning their attention to the Olympics and taking pride in America’s athletic elite. The Opening Ceremony is August 3rd, the Closing Ceremony on August 24th. You can expect three weeks of glorious competition followed by three days of in-fighting. If Hillary or Obama can’t put on a happy face and a congratulatory handshake when the party’s over, it will no doubt have a negative impact on the anticipated success of every other Democrat seeking office.
Perhaps Hillary can expand on Bill’s theme twelve years ago:
It’s the economy, stupid.
It’s the war, stupid.
It’s health care, stupid.
It’s a recession, stupid.
And
It’s the Republicans, stupid.
Perhaps Obama could break out in song:
A Change is Gonna Come.
I’m the One That You Want.
Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag.
Good Vibrations.
And
Come Together.
Better yet, it would so cool if they were to gaze in each other’s eyes, singing My Guy / My Girl!!!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
"... there are many ways for him to serve the country."
“I know one thing about Governor Crist,” he said. “And that is that he is a great governor. He does a great job. I think that… there are many ways for him to serve the country.”
That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout!
[Check out Florida Menagerie ’08 under BLOG TIDES and click on “Giving Charlie a Secretarial Position”]
Senator John McCain made the quote when questioned whether Florida Governor Charlie Crist is being considered as a running mate for his Presidential bid on the November General Election ballot.
I particularly like the words there are many ways for him to serve the country.
I have a strong, sincere belief that Charlie Crist would an exceptional Secretary of State. Personality, charisma and a positive, rational demeanor put him a perfect choice to represent the interests of the United States through diplomatic environs.
I believe Crist’s talents would be wasted as Second Commander in Chief. He’s a people’s person, not a soldier’s officer in charge. With steadfast conviction, I would entrust Charlie to soften the international contention of the majority of countries toward the United States of George Bush.
The world community has for years been in anticipation of a new leader of American just as the overwhelming segment of its citizenry. Governments of other nations are well primed for Washington to reclaim its intended leadership capabilities. Regardless who wins the November Election, something just shy of a new world order is expected of the New Administration.
I understand the political logistics of enhancing the Republican ticket with Crist as the chosen running mate.
The recent camaraderie of Senator McCain and Governor Crist strongly suggests the direction the campaign is headed toward. I should hope there might be other choices to be considered but the face and name recognition of Charlie are all too evident at this point. I feel it would be a copout if Crist should leave his elected post to secure a second rate position in the Federal Government.
Governor Crist has held office as an elected official for less than two years. He has put too much faith in the Rubio-Pruitt Florida Legislature to address the issues he promised to resolve. There has been too much of nothing. Crist may be high on the electorate’s popularity list but it certainly appears he is lacking in delegating responsibilities and is much too willing to accept mediocrity from his underlings.
I dare say that a Republican Ticket bearing the names McCain-Crist is not the best for the country. McCain-Huckabee. McCain-Romney. McCain-Keyes. Or even McCain-Paul. Or McCain-Rice.
But for the grace of the land of the free and the home of the brave, sake that one Cabinet position for Charlie Crist – Secretary of State.
He not only deserves that consideration of the Republican candidate, but the same should be given by whichever Democrat wins the nomination. Charlie Crist can rise above the typical politics of Government and do his duty under any Administration.
As Barak Obama claims, America needs a change. He understands the importance of bi-partinship. Charlie offers that opportunity.
That’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout!
[Check out Florida Menagerie ’08 under BLOG TIDES and click on “Giving Charlie a Secretarial Position”]
Senator John McCain made the quote when questioned whether Florida Governor Charlie Crist is being considered as a running mate for his Presidential bid on the November General Election ballot.
I particularly like the words there are many ways for him to serve the country.
I have a strong, sincere belief that Charlie Crist would an exceptional Secretary of State. Personality, charisma and a positive, rational demeanor put him a perfect choice to represent the interests of the United States through diplomatic environs.
I believe Crist’s talents would be wasted as Second Commander in Chief. He’s a people’s person, not a soldier’s officer in charge. With steadfast conviction, I would entrust Charlie to soften the international contention of the majority of countries toward the United States of George Bush.
The world community has for years been in anticipation of a new leader of American just as the overwhelming segment of its citizenry. Governments of other nations are well primed for Washington to reclaim its intended leadership capabilities. Regardless who wins the November Election, something just shy of a new world order is expected of the New Administration.
I understand the political logistics of enhancing the Republican ticket with Crist as the chosen running mate.
The recent camaraderie of Senator McCain and Governor Crist strongly suggests the direction the campaign is headed toward. I should hope there might be other choices to be considered but the face and name recognition of Charlie are all too evident at this point. I feel it would be a copout if Crist should leave his elected post to secure a second rate position in the Federal Government.
Governor Crist has held office as an elected official for less than two years. He has put too much faith in the Rubio-Pruitt Florida Legislature to address the issues he promised to resolve. There has been too much of nothing. Crist may be high on the electorate’s popularity list but it certainly appears he is lacking in delegating responsibilities and is much too willing to accept mediocrity from his underlings.
I dare say that a Republican Ticket bearing the names McCain-Crist is not the best for the country. McCain-Huckabee. McCain-Romney. McCain-Keyes. Or even McCain-Paul. Or McCain-Rice.
But for the grace of the land of the free and the home of the brave, sake that one Cabinet position for Charlie Crist – Secretary of State.
He not only deserves that consideration of the Republican candidate, but the same should be given by whichever Democrat wins the nomination. Charlie Crist can rise above the typical politics of Government and do his duty under any Administration.
As Barak Obama claims, America needs a change. He understands the importance of bi-partinship. Charlie offers that opportunity.
Let's not take too long of a recess
Stocks have fallen to their worst levels since October 2006.
Consumer debt is heading toward 3 trillion dollars.
Job losses are at their worst in five years.
The housing industry has burst.
Lending institutions are broke.
To top it off, inflation in China is nearly out of control and expected to worsen, which means much higher prices on all those comfort goodies American consumers just gotta have.
It’s really bad when consumer confidence is as low as their savings account balances because the earnings on those accounts aren’t worth the interest. It’s a poor philosophy, but “spend it while you got it” can keep you going until you end up in financial ruin. In time, it may be the reality of many Americans.
And yet The Bush Boy has expectations that he can stimulate American buying power with a few bucks down the road when, in reality, he may suspect the middle class will use their credit cards now and then. It’s that typical mentality that says “I’ll get the check in time to pay off what I just charged.” The problem with that reasoning: it probably will become a truth in spending.
When a society is conditioned to spend now and spend later with the notion that being in debt is an acceptable behavior then, guess what?, they’re gonna do just that. This time around a family has little choice but to follow in those same habits just to make ends meet.
Time and time again economists and smart fellows are adamant that a recession is avoidable, as if it hasn’t already arrived to those homeowners who have received foreclosure notices. Careful, economic prophets, don’t let those stalagmites of financial discontent creep up your pantaloons – they are growing upward at a pace representative of the increase in consumer indebtedness.
Careful now, if the populous finds its buying power takes a recess for too long a period of time, consumers may become upset and, eventually, economically depressed.
Consumer debt is heading toward 3 trillion dollars.
Job losses are at their worst in five years.
The housing industry has burst.
Lending institutions are broke.
To top it off, inflation in China is nearly out of control and expected to worsen, which means much higher prices on all those comfort goodies American consumers just gotta have.
It’s really bad when consumer confidence is as low as their savings account balances because the earnings on those accounts aren’t worth the interest. It’s a poor philosophy, but “spend it while you got it” can keep you going until you end up in financial ruin. In time, it may be the reality of many Americans.
And yet The Bush Boy has expectations that he can stimulate American buying power with a few bucks down the road when, in reality, he may suspect the middle class will use their credit cards now and then. It’s that typical mentality that says “I’ll get the check in time to pay off what I just charged.” The problem with that reasoning: it probably will become a truth in spending.
When a society is conditioned to spend now and spend later with the notion that being in debt is an acceptable behavior then, guess what?, they’re gonna do just that. This time around a family has little choice but to follow in those same habits just to make ends meet.
Time and time again economists and smart fellows are adamant that a recession is avoidable, as if it hasn’t already arrived to those homeowners who have received foreclosure notices. Careful, economic prophets, don’t let those stalagmites of financial discontent creep up your pantaloons – they are growing upward at a pace representative of the increase in consumer indebtedness.
Careful now, if the populous finds its buying power takes a recess for too long a period of time, consumers may become upset and, eventually, economically depressed.
Time travelling
I suppose we should all be grateful for this one act of thoughtfulness that Bush has given to America, although his motive for doing so may center on the hopes that consumers will take advantage of one more hour of the day to shop during that extra hour of daylight shopping.
Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend.
The one bright spot, other than the sun setting at a later time, is that this is an hour lost that benefits each and every one of us.
Just think, 60 minutes of winter will cease to be! Spring will be so much sooner than any year before.
Sure, come this fall time will catch up and deliver us back toward the next winter but that won't occur until November 2nd. Then again, he-whom-no-one-really-can-stand-to-be-our-President is shortchanging voters by no extending just another week to give us a little more daylight to cast votes in the General Election.
Of course, his name isn't on the ballot (thank goodness!) so what the heck does he care?
The last bit of gratitude for speeding up time this fall is that it brings us one more hour of the colors of autumn.
So, enjoy the benefits of an earlier DST. The first day of Spring, March 20, is closer than you think.
Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend.
The one bright spot, other than the sun setting at a later time, is that this is an hour lost that benefits each and every one of us.
Just think, 60 minutes of winter will cease to be! Spring will be so much sooner than any year before.
Sure, come this fall time will catch up and deliver us back toward the next winter but that won't occur until November 2nd. Then again, he-whom-no-one-really-can-stand-to-be-our-President is shortchanging voters by no extending just another week to give us a little more daylight to cast votes in the General Election.
Of course, his name isn't on the ballot (thank goodness!) so what the heck does he care?
The last bit of gratitude for speeding up time this fall is that it brings us one more hour of the colors of autumn.
So, enjoy the benefits of an earlier DST. The first day of Spring, March 20, is closer than you think.
A No Vote
On a recent visit to the family Doctor there was a bit of conversation that took on a route that brought up the presidential candidates and the eventual Election Day in November.
John McCain is the given Republican candidate; there’s not much doubt in that one, even though Democrats are seeking verification that his birth on an American military base in Panama validates his eligibility to become President of the United States. It would be a shame, and a sham, if this progresses to the level of the Supreme Court to get a ruling on the matter. Of course, the current inquiry is just to make sure there would be no conflict with the wording of the Constitution.
Like it or not, Senator McCain is a full-blooded American.
The discussion with the doctor centered on the two Democratic candidates. It had nothing to do with the narrow gap of delegates that each have garnered up to this point from the primary elections. The man was very pointed about how his preference is decidedly on Barack Obama.
There was no heated argument from either of us. As a matter of fact, I was fairly neutral on the matter. It isn’t that I’m disinterested about politics; I was engulfed with listening and getting further input from the doctor. He has an extremely friendly manner about him. His intelligence is unquestionable. His accent is a reminder that foreign-born naturalized citizens have a very important place in American culture.
What took me off guard was his adamant decision not to vote for Hillary Clinton if she should become the Democratic candidate. There was a very stern attitude about his judgment on the lady. It centered on and included both Clintons. Although my mind wandered to the past, I dared not question his voting history during the 1992 and 1996 elections.
The most shocking of the Doctor’s statements was that, even though he is a longtime Republican, he has decided not to vote for either presidential candidate if the final choices are McCain vs Clinton.
It’s a sign of the times… and not a good one.
John McCain is the given Republican candidate; there’s not much doubt in that one, even though Democrats are seeking verification that his birth on an American military base in Panama validates his eligibility to become President of the United States. It would be a shame, and a sham, if this progresses to the level of the Supreme Court to get a ruling on the matter. Of course, the current inquiry is just to make sure there would be no conflict with the wording of the Constitution.
Like it or not, Senator McCain is a full-blooded American.
The discussion with the doctor centered on the two Democratic candidates. It had nothing to do with the narrow gap of delegates that each have garnered up to this point from the primary elections. The man was very pointed about how his preference is decidedly on Barack Obama.
There was no heated argument from either of us. As a matter of fact, I was fairly neutral on the matter. It isn’t that I’m disinterested about politics; I was engulfed with listening and getting further input from the doctor. He has an extremely friendly manner about him. His intelligence is unquestionable. His accent is a reminder that foreign-born naturalized citizens have a very important place in American culture.
What took me off guard was his adamant decision not to vote for Hillary Clinton if she should become the Democratic candidate. There was a very stern attitude about his judgment on the lady. It centered on and included both Clintons. Although my mind wandered to the past, I dared not question his voting history during the 1992 and 1996 elections.
The most shocking of the Doctor’s statements was that, even though he is a longtime Republican, he has decided not to vote for either presidential candidate if the final choices are McCain vs Clinton.
It’s a sign of the times… and not a good one.
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