This has nothing to do with the craft of a magician, although a slight of hand plays a major role.
This has to do with the habits of many young adults born in the 80’s when the housing boom in Spring Hill, Florida, was in its early stages, the poorest played-out planned development era in Hernando County. The kids were raised under conditions that all but guaranteed them a life of distress with repeat offenses of one crime or another. Quite often it’s one crime and another.
This has to do with shoplifting.
I admit there was a time in my life when I did a bit of it myself. The smartest thing I did to arrest these activities was to discontinue the habit when I turned 18. It was wrong then as it is now but this was back in the late sixties when store detectives lacked the assistance of cameras to nab an offender. Security enhancements have made the activity much riskier. Apparently not enough.
I’m not a witness to these finger-pickin’ crimes but the spoils of their dishonesty have been brought to my attention by the perpetrators themselves. They’re not only brave in their activities, but they’re down right proud of their successes. It’s like show-and-tell time.
By whatever means they steal their choices of apparel, footwear, bath items and a variety of other human wants, including food, it works very well. There are days when some go on a free-for-me shopping spree. And yet, they haven’t gotten caught.
I express my distaste, pointing out what the eventual repercussions can bring to their lives. A first time offender will most likely be given a citation similar in effect of a traffic offense. A Notice to Appear letter sets a court date with a fine and community service to follow but no jail time.
A trespass warning would be issued, prohibiting the person from entering the store forever more. If broken, there’s a civic fine of $200. If unpaid, the place of business reserves the right to proceed with a lawsuit. Retail theft is indeed punishable by law.
A person with a rap sheet goes directly to jail with a $350 bond. That’s just the beginning for restitution. The lack of a sales receipt comes at every shopper’s expense.
Of the three people I’ve come to know who have committed these acts, two are on probation for one reason or another, one of whom is on house arrest. The third person has a family of three ranging from 1 to 4 years old. All have menial jobs, if in fact they have a job at any given time. They are lazy at living, even more so with employment, leaving one job before securing another. None have a driver license because of one or more traffic infractions. It creates a situation whereby keeping a job is in jeopardy.
When I think of those babies, I have concerns they could likely become wards of the state when DCF takes the on the responsibility of their safekeeping. I would sorely miss the times they demand a high-five; it’s cute regardless of the number of times they insist I take part. We giggle together. We eat apples together. If taken from their parents, their smiley faces would be contorted; confusion would accompany tear-falls.
It’s disgusting that some children are made accomplices in the crimes. Baby carriages are a poor means of keeping thievery hidden from view.
Since moving to Spring Hill, there have been many times I’ve felt like a shock absorber, trying to cushion myself from the rocky paths of many who have been raised in environments foreign to my upbringing. At times I feel worn. I have become thankful multi-fold for having been a farmer’s son.
Not all people are distressing. I’ve met a more unique mix of people than any other place I’ve called home. They range from those in their 20's to others who are, or could be, grandparents to these young adults. Some are acquaintances while others are neighbors, or people I have come to know as friends. The number of true friends is limited and a long time in coming. As a result, we especially appreciate our relationships.
The kids I have come to know are good kids, no different than my own childhood friends. I can’t envision them growing up to be as their parents are. Only time will tell whether or not they are led to paths of petty crime.
I pray that the sons and daughters of today’s young adults are taught lessons that will keep them outside the confines of a detention center, or somewhere worse. Otherwise, now and again you’ll see them, then you won’t.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Self Wrighteousness
The Reverend Jeremiah Wright is a bullfrog, his forked tongue lashing at the hopes and dreams of many Americans who have put their faith in the leadership of a fellow African-American. A man who so dearly wants to be the next President of the United States and who seeks to bring this country back to its greatness has been challenged by the misgivings of a man intent on making racism a dominant issue.
Barack Obama has been the darling among younger generations who are drawn to his political charisma that instills a sense of better days to come. The passionate speeches of Barack have incited scores of people to become voters for the first time in their lives. Their beliefs that a change is going to come has given them a cause for patriotism, an idea lost among the actions of a maverick president that have wrought upon America the distaste and disdain of the world community.
The relevance of the speeches of the Reverend has been allowed to overshadow those of the Senator. His words blatantly put the nomination of Obama in jeopardy. He puts self-interest before the needs of the very country that he so harshly criticizes. This is in contrast to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. forty years ago, widening the division between whites and blacks and damaging the integration among all minority groups. The Doctor would be appalled, his prescription for equality never fulfilled.
At a time when Obama must place his full attention to promote his causes for the America he envision, Jeremiah’s ranting gives pause to Obama’s effectiveness to draw the support he has easily perfected up to this point. A lot of political damage has already been done and the prospects of more of the same are likely.
The primary elections are coming to an end, the last of which foresees Obama with a disturbing handicap. Senator Hillary Clinton is on a roll with this controversy, giving party leaders reason to put into question Obama’s ability to draw voter support among whites and blue-collar workers. Hillary is making the most of his vulnerabilities, taking her cause to the Super Delegates who will most likely take on the responsibility to award the nomination to the candidate with the best chances to keep the presidency out of the hands of presumed-Republican nominee Senator John McCain. It is deemed an important step to avoid a veritable showdown at the Democratic National Convention.
An assumption that Barack would become the Democratic nominee has been diluted because of the words and actions of Rev. Wright. The media feeds on the controversy, especially by means of unrelenting talk show hosts and political commentators who take pride in their influence of public opinion. They leave free speech with a bad taste of journalism.
Barack was much to kind, missing the opportunity to quell the initial controversy. Jeremiah did not deserve that degree of respectful consideration. The limelight is now on the Reverend and again Barack has failed to show the degree of contempt for the man than what is demanded. Barak has shown no passion against the Reverend, as he has toward his goal to make a change in America’s future. A superpower can’t sustain its greatness by a president hopeful who is meek and mild in responding to what amounts to a personal crisis.
Of all adversaries, Reverend Wright may very well be the elephant of them all, more so than the Republican Party. He shows no shame, no blame and no sense of responsibility for the misgivings he has created for Senator Obama.
If by chance Obama can weather the demagoguery of a racist religious cleric to win the Democratic presidential nomination, he may not be able to have the same success in the General Election. History may show a failed attempt to show the world that America is truly a nation of equal employment opportunities.
It appears Wright is willing to be the spoiler in a political contest where he apparently puts more faith in a white man and a white woman than he does in someone of his own racial background.
Barack Obama has been the darling among younger generations who are drawn to his political charisma that instills a sense of better days to come. The passionate speeches of Barack have incited scores of people to become voters for the first time in their lives. Their beliefs that a change is going to come has given them a cause for patriotism, an idea lost among the actions of a maverick president that have wrought upon America the distaste and disdain of the world community.
The relevance of the speeches of the Reverend has been allowed to overshadow those of the Senator. His words blatantly put the nomination of Obama in jeopardy. He puts self-interest before the needs of the very country that he so harshly criticizes. This is in contrast to the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. forty years ago, widening the division between whites and blacks and damaging the integration among all minority groups. The Doctor would be appalled, his prescription for equality never fulfilled.
At a time when Obama must place his full attention to promote his causes for the America he envision, Jeremiah’s ranting gives pause to Obama’s effectiveness to draw the support he has easily perfected up to this point. A lot of political damage has already been done and the prospects of more of the same are likely.
The primary elections are coming to an end, the last of which foresees Obama with a disturbing handicap. Senator Hillary Clinton is on a roll with this controversy, giving party leaders reason to put into question Obama’s ability to draw voter support among whites and blue-collar workers. Hillary is making the most of his vulnerabilities, taking her cause to the Super Delegates who will most likely take on the responsibility to award the nomination to the candidate with the best chances to keep the presidency out of the hands of presumed-Republican nominee Senator John McCain. It is deemed an important step to avoid a veritable showdown at the Democratic National Convention.
An assumption that Barack would become the Democratic nominee has been diluted because of the words and actions of Rev. Wright. The media feeds on the controversy, especially by means of unrelenting talk show hosts and political commentators who take pride in their influence of public opinion. They leave free speech with a bad taste of journalism.
Barack was much to kind, missing the opportunity to quell the initial controversy. Jeremiah did not deserve that degree of respectful consideration. The limelight is now on the Reverend and again Barack has failed to show the degree of contempt for the man than what is demanded. Barak has shown no passion against the Reverend, as he has toward his goal to make a change in America’s future. A superpower can’t sustain its greatness by a president hopeful who is meek and mild in responding to what amounts to a personal crisis.
Of all adversaries, Reverend Wright may very well be the elephant of them all, more so than the Republican Party. He shows no shame, no blame and no sense of responsibility for the misgivings he has created for Senator Obama.
If by chance Obama can weather the demagoguery of a racist religious cleric to win the Democratic presidential nomination, he may not be able to have the same success in the General Election. History may show a failed attempt to show the world that America is truly a nation of equal employment opportunities.
It appears Wright is willing to be the spoiler in a political contest where he apparently puts more faith in a white man and a white woman than he does in someone of his own racial background.
Monday, March 17, 2008
The Buck Falls Right Here
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)