Last week, a few days after the debacle that was Washington Mutual, I opened the mailbox and what did I see? A preapproved credit card offer from WaMu! Oh boy, oh boy! Easy credit from a defunct bank! Then watching MSNBC's "Countdown with Keith Olberman" last night, they were talking about the takeover of troubled Wachovia Bank by Citigroup. Then the commercials came on, and there was a beautifully-produced spot trying to convince me to get a credit card from Wachovia, asking "Are you with Wachovia?".
Maybe someone will try to sell me a Plymouth today. Or perhaps I will get a solicitation from MCI. Looks like media campaigns are hard to stop once they get going! The thing with WaMu, they were spending a fortune. Both I and the Lovely Spouse got offers from them at least once a week, and we don't, and never have had, any business dealings with them. Maybe they should have saved the cost of all that postage and printing!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Failed Oilman Officially Nation's Worst President!
Sometimes the end can come swiftly. I am hoping we are not on the precipice of the end of the United States as we have known it. This abject and total failure of a President who has occasionally sat in the Oval Office over the past eight years has driven the nation into massive debt when he attacked and occupied the wrong nation; gutted civil liberties of American citizens; and now has misled us to the verge of our entire economic system going down and taking us all with it.
Now while I know Bush didn't do it all by his ignorant little self, it has been said when the team is losing, the coach takes the blame. And Bush has been much more than a coach, but more of an active participant, instigator, and cheerleader for the failed policies of his administration.
Now I am no economist, so perhaps the greedy investment bankers have gotten us to the point where without government (us) bailing them out, the economy could sink into the abyss. Or perhaps it is more of Bush's scare tactics, the same tactics he used to convince Congress that we should invade Iraq. The same scare tactics used to spy on innocent Americans. The same scare tactics used to kill habeas corpus and to put people in prison with no charges, no legal representation, and no date for a hearing or release. Maybe the Bush who cried wolf is partially right this time, but who knows?
The Republican drive to deregulate everything in sight, including these investment banks, has led us to this point. When the history of these times is written, I believe it will make an interesting case study as to how quickly a powerful nation like the United States imploded. I also believe history will record that the Bush administration was not only worse than that of Herbert Hoover, but will rank at the bottom with that of James Buchannan who saw the republic disintegrate as states began to secede from the union, and civil war broke out.
It was largely deficit spending in an arms race that led to the demise of the Soviet Union. I don't think these United States are far from a similar fate themselves.
Sadly, despite Bush's claim that Al Qaeda hates us for our freedom, that is not the problem. Do you think Osama bin Laden was sitting around Tora Bora one day and happened to read the Bill of Rights and think, "Man I hate these people for this. Let's attack them!"? The 9/11 attacks on America were targeted at our economy as much as anything else. The Bush war deficits and the greed of these capitalists have handed the victory to bin Laden. Game over. Please insert $700-Billion to continue playing.
As for today's vote in the House of Representatives to deny the passage of the bailout bill, I believe it to be one of those instances of even some of those members voting against it were hoping someone else would vote for it. They are too concerned with their own jobs to worry about yours and mine. When it gets down to it, if we enter another Great Depression, it is those of us who did nothing wrong who will pay the price. It will be our children and grandchildren who will pay the price; and who will be left to figure out how to fix the mess we are leaving behind.
Regardless of the outcome we have seen that a purely socialist economy doesn't work, and now we see the same thing about an unregulated capitalist economy. As I have often said, some things work better as collectively-provided services (e.g. police, fire protection, air traffic control, national health care, etc.) The unfettered capitalist model eventually destroys the nation by taking from the middle class and redistributing it to the top, until the entire top heavy mess collapses upon itself. If the economy collapses, that will make twice in a mere 79 years. Greed is its own undoing. Though I am an ardent critic of religion, there are some nuggets of wisdom in the various sacred texts. The New Testament book of I Timothy says that "the love of money is the root of all evil." I think we see some of that playing out right before our astonished eyes.
Now while I know Bush didn't do it all by his ignorant little self, it has been said when the team is losing, the coach takes the blame. And Bush has been much more than a coach, but more of an active participant, instigator, and cheerleader for the failed policies of his administration.
Now I am no economist, so perhaps the greedy investment bankers have gotten us to the point where without government (us) bailing them out, the economy could sink into the abyss. Or perhaps it is more of Bush's scare tactics, the same tactics he used to convince Congress that we should invade Iraq. The same scare tactics used to spy on innocent Americans. The same scare tactics used to kill habeas corpus and to put people in prison with no charges, no legal representation, and no date for a hearing or release. Maybe the Bush who cried wolf is partially right this time, but who knows?
The Republican drive to deregulate everything in sight, including these investment banks, has led us to this point. When the history of these times is written, I believe it will make an interesting case study as to how quickly a powerful nation like the United States imploded. I also believe history will record that the Bush administration was not only worse than that of Herbert Hoover, but will rank at the bottom with that of James Buchannan who saw the republic disintegrate as states began to secede from the union, and civil war broke out.
It was largely deficit spending in an arms race that led to the demise of the Soviet Union. I don't think these United States are far from a similar fate themselves.
Sadly, despite Bush's claim that Al Qaeda hates us for our freedom, that is not the problem. Do you think Osama bin Laden was sitting around Tora Bora one day and happened to read the Bill of Rights and think, "Man I hate these people for this. Let's attack them!"? The 9/11 attacks on America were targeted at our economy as much as anything else. The Bush war deficits and the greed of these capitalists have handed the victory to bin Laden. Game over. Please insert $700-Billion to continue playing.
As for today's vote in the House of Representatives to deny the passage of the bailout bill, I believe it to be one of those instances of even some of those members voting against it were hoping someone else would vote for it. They are too concerned with their own jobs to worry about yours and mine. When it gets down to it, if we enter another Great Depression, it is those of us who did nothing wrong who will pay the price. It will be our children and grandchildren who will pay the price; and who will be left to figure out how to fix the mess we are leaving behind.
Regardless of the outcome we have seen that a purely socialist economy doesn't work, and now we see the same thing about an unregulated capitalist economy. As I have often said, some things work better as collectively-provided services (e.g. police, fire protection, air traffic control, national health care, etc.) The unfettered capitalist model eventually destroys the nation by taking from the middle class and redistributing it to the top, until the entire top heavy mess collapses upon itself. If the economy collapses, that will make twice in a mere 79 years. Greed is its own undoing. Though I am an ardent critic of religion, there are some nuggets of wisdom in the various sacred texts. The New Testament book of I Timothy says that "the love of money is the root of all evil." I think we see some of that playing out right before our astonished eyes.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wall Street Bailout, Defiant Pastors, & The VP Debate
Today's commentary touches on the following topics:
Links for the NeoCon pastor comments:
- The Congressional consensus on the bailout of Wall Street investment banks
- A group incites some NeoConservative pastors to defy the IRS
- The upcoming Biden/Palen debate
Links for the NeoCon pastor comments:
Story from the Associated Press & MSNBC
The IRS rules about political action by Section 501(c)(3) non-profits
Alliance Defense Fund web site (The NeoCon group instigating the action)
Old Flames & New Names
Mark Chesnutt had a country song out about how all his old flames had new names. While he was singing about old girlfriends getting married, here in Colorado politics, our old flames also have new names. Our current failure of a U.S. Senator, Wayne Allard, is retiring. His seat in the Senate is being contested for by former Republican Congressman, Bob Shaffer; and Democratic Congressman Mark Udall. These two candidates have been given new names that are being used as if they are part of their official names. Yes, we now have "Big Oil Bob" and "Boulder Liberal Mark Udall" running for the Senate.
It is hilarious how these monikers are being used. Shaffer's campaign manager even uses the term "Boulder Liberal Mark Udall" when talking to the media. It is so funny that today when the pair were on NBC's Meet the Press, I felt something was amiss when Tom Brokaw didn't introduce them by the names their opposition has bestowed upon them.
As for me, sorry "Big Oil Bob", I am supporting "Boulder Liberal Mark Udall". To quote another political add from this campaign..."That's the fun part!".
It is hilarious how these monikers are being used. Shaffer's campaign manager even uses the term "Boulder Liberal Mark Udall" when talking to the media. It is so funny that today when the pair were on NBC's Meet the Press, I felt something was amiss when Tom Brokaw didn't introduce them by the names their opposition has bestowed upon them.
As for me, sorry "Big Oil Bob", I am supporting "Boulder Liberal Mark Udall". To quote another political add from this campaign..."That's the fun part!".
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Thoughts on the First Debate
As I always do, I watched the Presidential Debate last night between John McCain and Barack Obama. This is the debate that almost wasn't, as McCain tried to use the financial discussions in Washington as an excuse to avoid the debate. However, a President can't pick and choose one crisis at a time, so I am glad that Obama held McCain's feet to the fire and that McCain did show up.
As to the debate itself, Moderator Jim Lehrer made repeated attempts to get the candidates to talk to one another. Eventually, Obama did start directly talking to McCain, but McCain refused to look at him, instead keeping his eyes staring out at the audience. My dad raised me to know that it is rude to not look a man in the eye when he is talking to you. This did not come across well for McCain. Still, while I disagree on most points with McCain, he did make his case better than I thought he would.
Being as objective as I can, I still give Obama the win on this debate, but it was not a knock out. Next up...Joe Biden versus Sarah Palin. Maybe she will do like she did with Katie Couric, tell Biden she'll have to get the answers and "bring 'em to ya!".
As to the debate itself, Moderator Jim Lehrer made repeated attempts to get the candidates to talk to one another. Eventually, Obama did start directly talking to McCain, but McCain refused to look at him, instead keeping his eyes staring out at the audience. My dad raised me to know that it is rude to not look a man in the eye when he is talking to you. This did not come across well for McCain. Still, while I disagree on most points with McCain, he did make his case better than I thought he would.
Being as objective as I can, I still give Obama the win on this debate, but it was not a knock out. Next up...Joe Biden versus Sarah Palin. Maybe she will do like she did with Katie Couric, tell Biden she'll have to get the answers and "bring 'em to ya!".
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sarah Palin is a Boob
Yes, a boob, and not in a good way. Although I expect hits on this blog may skyrocket, as people search on Palin and boob! :)
Anyway, the more she opens her mouth, the more she makes Bush look like a Rhodes scholar. Maybe George H.W. had an affair, and she is another of his idiot offspring? She proved at the GOP National Convention that she can read from a teleprompter, but actually think and talk at the same time? We'll let her speak for herself on that.
and this one . . .
Kinda reminds you of another "beauty queen" doesn't it?
Anyway, the more she opens her mouth, the more she makes Bush look like a Rhodes scholar. Maybe George H.W. had an affair, and she is another of his idiot offspring? She proved at the GOP National Convention that she can read from a teleprompter, but actually think and talk at the same time? We'll let her speak for herself on that.
and this one . . .
Kinda reminds you of another "beauty queen" doesn't it?
Monday, September 22, 2008
Dobbs & Randy - In Agreement
Lou Dobbs just did a commentary on CNN that repeats what I said earlier...that Treasury Secretary and Bush appointee Henry Paulson is an "empty suit" and "incompetent". Sometimes I agree with Dobbs, other times not, but tonight, he agrees with me. Paulson's latest is that he is against limiting executive pay at these firms where CEOs get hundreds of millions of dollars for destroying their companies. They should get not one thin dime of taxpayer funds, despite Paulson's desire otherwise.
Paulson...do the honorable thing for once in your life and resign immediately. If you don't, President Bush should fire you.
Paulson...do the honorable thing for once in your life and resign immediately. If you don't, President Bush should fire you.
The Difference is Clear
As an update to the previous post, Senator McCain is now supporting oversight to go along with the Wall Street bailout. He is saying that "trust me" from the bankers isn't good enough. Of course not, and I am pleased to see him take this stand, even if he is saying it for political reasons. However, he is only looking at the short term.
Senator Obama is proposing not only oversight, but reforms to insure this doesn't happen again. These include bans on people coming from an industry being able to be in charge of regulating that industry; bans on anyone who leaves his administration from ever lobbying the administration; creating more transparent government by allowing people to read bills and comment on them via the Internet prior to his signature; and to reform the entire government contract process. This is a leader with ideas. This is a refreshing change . . . a change we need now.
And yet, the DJIA dropped over 370 points today, and oil has its highest ever one-day price increase.
Senator Obama is proposing not only oversight, but reforms to insure this doesn't happen again. These include bans on people coming from an industry being able to be in charge of regulating that industry; bans on anyone who leaves his administration from ever lobbying the administration; creating more transparent government by allowing people to read bills and comment on them via the Internet prior to his signature; and to reform the entire government contract process. This is a leader with ideas. This is a refreshing change . . . a change we need now.
And yet, the DJIA dropped over 370 points today, and oil has its highest ever one-day price increase.
Political Thoughts on This Equinox
Today is the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, and the vernal equinox in the Southern. In the United States, we are coming up on the first of the Presidential Debates on Friday, and the General Election in about six weeks. So let's make a few more political observations on this day of equal sunlight and darkness.
First, it is good to see the Democrats in Congress sticking to their guns, at least at this point, to put some conditions and terms on the $700,000,000,000.00 bailout of Wall Street. The Democrats have tried to play nice with the President, but it has been hard to make any progress with a razor thin majority in Congress and no way to override the veto pen of the Decider-in-Chief. In my opinion, they need to be as resolute as Bush has been. It will take years, maybe even decades, to undo the damage wrought by this band of corporate yes-men and yes-women who have occupied the White House. While I am glad that there is some action being taken to protect the greater economy, it should not be yet another blank check to the people who caused the financial mess. I also believe we should push back hard to not have foreign banks be bailed out by the American taxpayer.
Secondly, aren't you glad that Congress didn't let Bush divert our social security funds into Wall Street? The program isn't perfect, but it beats gambling our futures on the bunch who gave us this financial disaster! And while we are on social security, don't believe for a minute any scare tactics about Social Security going under. If they can bail out the financial geniuses at AIG, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, there is no way in hell Congress will ever allow Social Security to go under.
Thirdly, isn't it amazing to watch the McCain campaign resorting to repeatedly lying in a desperate attempt by their corporate power brokers, to retain power. The ads go from blaming Senator Obama for the cost of gasoline, to blatantly stating he was for sex education for kindergarteners. All of these fabrications are meant to put fear in the hearts of the voters.
It is also interesting to watch how hard they are running from the Republican record; talking about how they have fought against the other Republicans and the President. The fact remains that McSame has voted with Bush over 90% of the time. Maverick? Hardly! If the GOP could have solved our problems, they have had eight years to do it. But what do we have? To repeat the old question, ask yourself if we are better off than we were eight years ago. And then there's his clueless pick for running mate, whose balloon is already starting to wilt. The more people learn about Governor Palin, the less they like her.
If we elect another President whose campaign is bought and paid for by corporate lobbyists, does anyone really expect the people to have an ear at the White House? It speaks volumes that Senator Obama has not taken one dime for his campaign from the lobbyists. His campaign is funded by small donations from the people who want to take back the government from the special corporate interests.
We are at a crossroads in American History. Does self-government have a limited life span? We shall see. However, it is time for people to think through the issues; to challenge their own beliefs; and to examine with fresh eyes, the issues at hand. Forget about the campaign lies and rhetoric. Look at all the substantive issues that are threatening our nation today. I have done this myself. Over the years, I have changed as I re-examined the issues. This one time supporter of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan has grown and expanded, as the GOP has contracted and left its conservative roots.
The government has exploded in size under "small government" Bush. Yet the GOP continues to denigrate government, even as they expand its size and power. I am for smaller government, but for more effective government. Depending on free markets without regulation is foolhardy, as human nature will always have its selfish side come out. Total deregulation can lead to anarchy and a massive migration of national wealth to the very top tier of Americans. However, the government that serves ALL Americans best is one that works for all of us.
Now is the time to stop rewarding corporations for exporting our jobs to Communist China. Now is the time to start the withdrawal from Iraq. Now is the time to insure that every American can get the health care they need, rather than letting corporate bean counters dictate what procedures our doctors can provide us. Now is the time to take major steps to rid ourselves of dependency on oil from countries that hate us. Now is the time to take back our nation from the corporations and put the government back in our hands.
First, it is good to see the Democrats in Congress sticking to their guns, at least at this point, to put some conditions and terms on the $700,000,000,000.00 bailout of Wall Street. The Democrats have tried to play nice with the President, but it has been hard to make any progress with a razor thin majority in Congress and no way to override the veto pen of the Decider-in-Chief. In my opinion, they need to be as resolute as Bush has been. It will take years, maybe even decades, to undo the damage wrought by this band of corporate yes-men and yes-women who have occupied the White House. While I am glad that there is some action being taken to protect the greater economy, it should not be yet another blank check to the people who caused the financial mess. I also believe we should push back hard to not have foreign banks be bailed out by the American taxpayer.
Secondly, aren't you glad that Congress didn't let Bush divert our social security funds into Wall Street? The program isn't perfect, but it beats gambling our futures on the bunch who gave us this financial disaster! And while we are on social security, don't believe for a minute any scare tactics about Social Security going under. If they can bail out the financial geniuses at AIG, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, there is no way in hell Congress will ever allow Social Security to go under.
Thirdly, isn't it amazing to watch the McCain campaign resorting to repeatedly lying in a desperate attempt by their corporate power brokers, to retain power. The ads go from blaming Senator Obama for the cost of gasoline, to blatantly stating he was for sex education for kindergarteners. All of these fabrications are meant to put fear in the hearts of the voters.
It is also interesting to watch how hard they are running from the Republican record; talking about how they have fought against the other Republicans and the President. The fact remains that McSame has voted with Bush over 90% of the time. Maverick? Hardly! If the GOP could have solved our problems, they have had eight years to do it. But what do we have? To repeat the old question, ask yourself if we are better off than we were eight years ago. And then there's his clueless pick for running mate, whose balloon is already starting to wilt. The more people learn about Governor Palin, the less they like her.
If we elect another President whose campaign is bought and paid for by corporate lobbyists, does anyone really expect the people to have an ear at the White House? It speaks volumes that Senator Obama has not taken one dime for his campaign from the lobbyists. His campaign is funded by small donations from the people who want to take back the government from the special corporate interests.
We are at a crossroads in American History. Does self-government have a limited life span? We shall see. However, it is time for people to think through the issues; to challenge their own beliefs; and to examine with fresh eyes, the issues at hand. Forget about the campaign lies and rhetoric. Look at all the substantive issues that are threatening our nation today. I have done this myself. Over the years, I have changed as I re-examined the issues. This one time supporter of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan has grown and expanded, as the GOP has contracted and left its conservative roots.
The government has exploded in size under "small government" Bush. Yet the GOP continues to denigrate government, even as they expand its size and power. I am for smaller government, but for more effective government. Depending on free markets without regulation is foolhardy, as human nature will always have its selfish side come out. Total deregulation can lead to anarchy and a massive migration of national wealth to the very top tier of Americans. However, the government that serves ALL Americans best is one that works for all of us.
Now is the time to stop rewarding corporations for exporting our jobs to Communist China. Now is the time to start the withdrawal from Iraq. Now is the time to insure that every American can get the health care they need, rather than letting corporate bean counters dictate what procedures our doctors can provide us. Now is the time to take major steps to rid ourselves of dependency on oil from countries that hate us. Now is the time to take back our nation from the corporations and put the government back in our hands.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Private Debt, Public Bailout
Bush’s Treasury Secretary Paulson, wants a quick, no strings attached Congressional bailout of the mismanaged Wall Street firms, decrying Democrats calls for conditions and accountability. I thought Bush told us it isn’t the government’s money, but “the peoples’ money”. Why then, don’t the people get to apply conditions to this record bailout plan?
Listen using the player below, or download the audio by clicking on the title of this post.
Listen using the player below, or download the audio by clicking on the title of this post.
A Parker MFFY - Busted!
Just before noon, the LS and I decided to stop in at Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers in Parker to pick up a couple of items after our visit to the farmer's market. There I saw what my fellow online roadgeek, Ryan, calls a MFFY. That is short for "Me First, F-You". There are many such creatures on the road, and it always is amazing how many of these are young women with children in tow. Sometimes their antics are just downright dangerous. This one on the other hand, is just selfish and rude.As I have a mother and a father-in-law with serious mobility problems, and a friend with severe mobility problems from his Cerebral Palsy, I have a high sensitivity to such MFFYs when it comes to people illegally hogging handicapped parking spaces.
The woman getting out of this Tahoe pulled right into the closest handicapped spot to the door of the store. She then got out and unstrapped a toddler from a car seat, and carried the child into the store. She was fully able bodied, and was just being selfish. Having a child is not a handicap last time I looked.
Not only was she not visibly handicapped in any way, but there was not a handicapped permit in her car either. She didn't have proper stickers or placement on her rear license plate either, and in defiance of another Colorado law, she doesn't have a front plate on her truck.
Hanging from her rear view mirror was a student id card from the University of Colorado Health Science Center with her name on it. I will only use her first name here, but Petra, you are busted! Shame on you! You are the MFFY of the day!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
World's Best Squash Casserole
Last weekend, we went to the farmer's market in Parker to get some fresh, locally-grown vegetables. Among the things the lovely spouse and I bought, were some beautiful summer squash, some Colorado onions, some green beans, some tomatoes that were so deep red and sweet inside, some Yukon Gold potatoes, and some wonderful sweet corn. Some of these items went into our beef stew we had earlier this week, but last night was the best thing ever.
I don't know exactly how she did it, but the LS made up a recipe as she went along, making the best squash casserole I have ever had in my life. She really outdid herself on that one. I know she cubed and boiled the squash, then mashed it before preparing it to go into the casserole dish. I also know she used a couple of handfuls of cheese and some cubes of bread from a day-old baguette from the little French bakery we buy from. I guess the rest of the ingredients must have been love and magic, because this was the best thing I have ever eaten! Cracker Barrel and Black Eyed Pea squash have been not just beaten, but kicked to the curb. I told her that she should enter this into the county fair.
The casserole was browned just right to have a little crispness around the edges, and just enough cheese to add a flavor that matched perfectly with the squash and whatever else she put in. I was going to take a picture of it, but that will have to wait until the next one, because it was consumed very quickly! We had fresh green beans cooked with a dab of bacon grease for flavor, and some nicely seasoned herb chicken. It was all delicious, but that squash casserole was unbelieveable! I told her that if I ever get put on death row and have a last meal request, that squash will be on my menu. The farmer's market happens again tomorrow, so you can be sure that squash will be on my list!
I don't know exactly how she did it, but the LS made up a recipe as she went along, making the best squash casserole I have ever had in my life. She really outdid herself on that one. I know she cubed and boiled the squash, then mashed it before preparing it to go into the casserole dish. I also know she used a couple of handfuls of cheese and some cubes of bread from a day-old baguette from the little French bakery we buy from. I guess the rest of the ingredients must have been love and magic, because this was the best thing I have ever eaten! Cracker Barrel and Black Eyed Pea squash have been not just beaten, but kicked to the curb. I told her that she should enter this into the county fair.
The casserole was browned just right to have a little crispness around the edges, and just enough cheese to add a flavor that matched perfectly with the squash and whatever else she put in. I was going to take a picture of it, but that will have to wait until the next one, because it was consumed very quickly! We had fresh green beans cooked with a dab of bacon grease for flavor, and some nicely seasoned herb chicken. It was all delicious, but that squash casserole was unbelieveable! I told her that if I ever get put on death row and have a last meal request, that squash will be on my menu. The farmer's market happens again tomorrow, so you can be sure that squash will be on my list!
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