1/30/2008

McCain As Commander-In-Chief

McCain claimed during the debate tonight that he would be a better Commander In Chief than Romney. He cited support from 4 Secretaries of State and many retired and active generals as his reasoning to believe that. That only tells me he's in the hip pocket of the military establishment. It is certainly no proof he would be a good Commander In Chief.

Actually most of the people he said supported him depend on war to secure faster promotions. If they're the ones supporting him, and as he previously stated that he believes the U.S. could be in Iraq and the Middle East
up to 100 years, it tells me he's more of a war-monger than someone that could and would lead us to victory.

My Thoughts On Tax Rebates

What should Congress do about the perceived recession? First, stop promoting a recession. It's a hoax the Repubs have perpetrated by the Federal Reserve to push the Democratic Congress into accepting a drastic action. The Democratic leadership, also wanting a easy way out and knowing little about the American economy, have believed it.

Together they fed it to the press, who now perpetuates it almost daily. What a person believes in their heart they will become. So too a nation. When people believe there's a recession then, in fact, a recession will be the result.

Times are tough, but not desperate, except for a few. My wife and I could certainly use the money, even though we're both still employed. However, I don't believe rebates is the answer to improving our economy.

I would instead recommend as a first measure to use the proposed rebates to extend unemployment benefits and support retraining programs for those who have lost their jobs from shut-downs and out-sourcing, and are actively seeking employment.

Then, if it's rebates Congress wants, let them give rebates to people who are implementing low-cost and capital improvements in their dwellings to conserve energy. Such programs were implemented by Carter and working quite well. However, Reagan all but abolished them, publicly claiming it was for "government cost cutting". I suspect in reality it was because large energy corporations were losing too much of their precious god - money.

An imbecile could have seen six years ago that these issues would eventually take center stage in our economy. However, Congressional and Executive branch officials and their friends were getting filthy rich, so why should they care? More money gives them even more power over others.

Had Congress focused as much on countering our job outsourcing problem and developing viable energy policies and programs as they have focused on playing "politics as usual" families would be much better off financially than they will be even if they receive the maximum $1200 rebate. That would require Congressional leadership that was more concerned about America than they were about their own pocketbooks and political futures.

We didn't have such leadership six years ago, and we certainly don't have it from either party today.

1/28/2008

Bush A Caring President?

Bush sounded almost like a caring President in his State of the Union message. What bull! Along with the full support of the Republican Congress, he's the idiot that got us into all the mess we're in now. I'm too frustrated and angry over all his lies and insincerities to say more right now. Gotta calm down first.

1/16/2008

Wanted: Truth, Integrity and Objectivity

Objectivity, integrity and truth must be standards in all deliberations and discussions if we are to progress toward fair and viable solutions of our problems. The false-hoods and subjectivity of self-absorbed political zealots accomplishes nothing but to divide and destroy. Many evidences of that can be read on posts in newsgroups, blogs, editorial pages, and, unfortunately, in the statements and actions of our political leaders.

I often think how much better it would be, and how much more we could achieve, if we would all seek and share untainted, factual information in a positive way, instead of slithering along the low road and slandering others because they disagree with our personal desires or "gut feelings". Such self-centered subjectivity should never be the foundation for discussions or decisions, and cannot be included as even a single paving stone if we are to build paths toward solutions that will benefit all.

The season is again upon us when much of such rubbish will come spewing forth. Don't accept it until you've checked out the facts. By all means, if you learn it is false send a nasty response to those who released the venom letting them know emphatically that you're sick of all but the whole truth. That especially includes the news media who often serves more as gossip-mongers than unbiased informers.

Become familiar with web sites like FactCheck or Snopes. Use them often to get to the truth of statements by or about national political candidates. For all candidates conduct simple research into a candidate's past, including public statements they've made, legislation they've supported, and what experience they've had. In other words, they're asking you for a job, so check out their resumes. How can we expect political leaders to take us seriously as concerned, intelligent voters if we simply act or react like stupefied buffoons trusting their every word?

1/03/2008

Iowa: Almost Meaningless

My daughter had never watched a caucus in action before. I told her that, theoretically, it's similar to the national conventions, except they don't always pare the slate of candidates to only one victorious soul in each party. With a beverage at one hand, snacks at the other, and a remote at the ready, we commenced with her education thanks to CNN and the agrarian, Bible belt state of Iowa.

She soon became intrigued with the idea that neighbors could actually assemble, intelligently and respectfully discuss issues, and make decisions for something as important as the U.S. Presidency. However, she also learned how meaningless results can pour from the political arena when competing non-profit organizations are allowed to dictate incongruous rules for decision making.

In the end two front runners did emerge, but no absolute victors were crowned by anyone but the media, the camp followers, and the spin masters. Being such a small, unrepresentative sampling of the American populace the Iowa caucuses were not significant enough to warrant an "all-nighter" by the national news media. Iowans did prove, though, that objective and morally well-founded people concerned for the well-being of the whole can not be bought. Nor will they succumb to superficial prejudices.