Does Iran Really Want To Play This Game?

historyguy.com

I am amazed every time I turn on the news or read a magazine or a USA Today and find one more story or featured article on Iran's saber rattling.  They act like a little kid who talks a good game but when push comes to shove, they're the first one to run away.  One of these times when they act all big and bad, Israel is going to knock them down a peg or two.  Why they do not understand that is beyond me?  Do they really want a confrontation with the nations of the world?  Do you they really want to completely alienate themselves from the rest of us?

fiveaa.com.au

Apparently so!  Don't you find it amazing how all these lesser nations in wealth, power and might, like to push the big boys around?  Iran is the ultimate example of that and continues to play games when they ought to be working with other nations in their region growing their nation and providing opportunity for their people.  Castro's Cuba played the game well but their nation suffered as a result just as Iran's people will.  Gaddafi played the game for years until he crossed the line and gave us no choice but to attack him.  He changed his tune with the United States after that attack.  His people finally woke up and did the same just weeks ago. 

I really think it is almost humorous that Iran wants to build a nuclear bomb.  It's like what planet are these people living on.  What makes them think for a minute that any nation in the world would allow them to do that?  Certainly not Israel and the United States and for that matter, not the Soviet Union, China or any European nation.  Why risk annihilation when you could have a seat at the table of nations.

huffingtonpost.com

They scored a large victory years ago against the United States when we were unable to negotiate the freedom of our American citizens and diplomats.  The failed rescue mission emboldened them even more so.  Many of us remember all those evenings of watching Ted Koppel's Nightline program-Day 50, Day 100 and so on.  It was a painful experience not only for the captives and their families but for every American who watched night after night utterly frustrated by our inability to free these fellow citizens. 

Never again.  The Iran Hostage Crisis did teach us that lesson and our nation has changed its policies and thinking regarding such acts of cowardice against our nation.  If the leaders of Iran think that we are the same nation in 2012, they are making a grave miscalculation.  This President will not hesitate to quash any attempt of serious nuclear aspirations that Iran might choose to pursue.  The friendlier and non-military options of sanctions are all well and good but Iran needs to understand that President Obama would take serious and deadly action should evidence point to serious nuclear development.  I think he has already demonstrated quite effectively that he is not fearful of using the military to take out an enemy.

I keep hoping that the Iranian people will wake-up and understand that they do not need to live in a world alone and isolated.  I fear however that this will not be the case.  The world is a different place from the 1970's and America is hardened by that dreadful day in September some ten years ago.  We have been at war every year since and never again will we allow a nation like Iran to hold us captive.            

Sarah Who?

What has happened to Sarah Palin?  Where is she?  Not sure anyone has noticed but Sarah Palin has disappeared from our television screens, newspapers and magazines.  What's up with that?  It is campaign season and there are candidates running for office, where could she be? 

I have been trying to remember when a whole week, maybe two weeks now, has gone by when Sarah Palin hasn't been in the news doing something or speaking somewhere about her own brand of politics.  Maybe she took a powder for the holiday season.   It is unlike her not to be out and about doing what she can for her "brand". 

Maybe she's resting up with plans to resurface this next week in Iowa just prior to the primary season that is closely approaching.  She could be putting the finishing touches on her efforts to re-emerge as a player within the Republican party primary season.  It's actually been pretty quiet of late not hearing what campaign she is competing with as she traveled about the country. 

Maybe Sarah and Donald are working together planning to make a splash after the first of the year.  Maybe she's thinking that if Mitt Romney doesn't break free as Newt Gingrich begins to lose his numbers, the Republican Party will be looking for a breakout candidate to step forward and save the day. 

It just seems strange to go a few weeks without hearing news of Sarah out and about speaking her nonsense.  For the last three years, she has been everywhere.  The news has been full of Sarah Palin forever now.  Where did she go?  Maybe she's earned enough money now to relax and enjoy her family in Alaska.  Don't think so.  She likes the spotlight and for that very reason, she must be plotting some type of splash sometime soon. 

Which Republican candidate will she select to share the stage with showing up conveniently at the same place and time.  Sarah has a knack of timing, that's for sure.  That's the Sarah Palin we love to talk about.  It is Tea Party time and Sarah is their darling so I suspect we will hear news of her again very soon.   Do you wonder as I do, which Republican candidate worries the most that they will receive Sarah Palin's endorsement for the Republican nomination?

Which candidate is wooing her I wonder for her endorsement.  Not sure any of them are right now.  I suspect that Romney's camp wouldn't even answer her calls if she placed one to them.  Can't imagine Mitt Romney wanting that endorsement.  Somebody will receive it whether they want it or not, guaranteed.  Sarah has been out of the news cycle for a while now and it is unlikely that much more time will pass before she is back in fashion front and center. 

Maybe she's biding her time until the other crazy lady drops out of the race, Michele Bachman.  Why is it that the Republican party can't elevate one of their real capable, competent and reasonable conservative women to this highest tier of leadership?  Until then, it's all Sarah.  Hurry back Sarah, everyone misses you.         

Congress Gives Gift - Lump of Coal?

kaboodle.com

Do you really think that your payroll taxes are going to go up come January 1, 2012.  Admittedly, I think not.  At the eleventh hour, Congress will find a way to save face and get a deal done.  If they do not find their way to a compromise, 160 million Americans will be angry going into an election year.  Not generally something a politician wants hanging over their head.  One thing is for sure, Americans will not be angry with President Obama.  The President has worked this issue for months now and is clearly seen as the protector of the American middle class.  Congress, on the other hand, is destined to become the Christmas Grinch. 

This annual last minute bickering by Congress is getting old.  Do not forget that just one year ago, they were squabbling over the debt ceiling.  They settled that mess at the last possible moment too.  Congress is starting to remind me of the up and coming celebrity or failing Hollywood icon who believes that any publicity is better than no publicity.  I call this the Donald Trump syndrome or Trumpitis. 

A year ago, this very Congress failed to act in a mature and prudent fashion causing the marketplace a bad case of the jitters.  A credit downgrade followed.  International credibility was harmed.  Obviously, this Congress could care less of these concerns.  Here we are again, facing a deadline which will have a direct impact on millions of Americans and Congress is taking its sweet time to find compromise.  Just suck it up and get it done already.  The payroll tax credit is deemed critical by every economist for an improving economy.  Same goes for the extension of unemployment benefits. 

sincerelyanubis.com

Just five days till Christmas and all these wonderful, middle-class Americans have no idea whether they will be seeing less money in their first paycheck of the New Year or if unemployed, any check at all.  Maybe Congress likes the old television gimmick of cliffhangers. " Tune in tomorrow and see if John Boehner will succumb to the Senate's two-month extension". 

Last year, Congress gambled with our credit.  This year they are gambling with our hard earned cash money.   Does Congress really want to place a lump of coal in our stockings this year?  If they do not get a deal done, that's exactly what they will be doing.  If that turns out to be the case, this time around I do believe that all Americans might take notice and not forget such a gift.  Maybe the phrase, "throw the bums out" will not just echo briefly but indeed be the rallying cry for both Republican and Democrat.  Would that not shake up our nation's capital?  That truly would be breaking news.  Could you imagine not having one incumbent returned to office in 2012? 

It will never happen.  Congress will cut a deal.  The American people will forget and forgive their foolishness.  I'm almost hoping for the lump of coal.  A new body politic might be the best Christmas gift I could hope for.

Iraq - Finally Over!

number-a.com

The war for the United States is over in Iraq.  What a blessing for our nation.  Thank God.  The past nine years has been one argument after another for me with those that believed we belonged in Iraq.  I will just say that I am delighted that our time in conflict in Iraq is over. 

The men and women, their leadership and our nation performed admirably for the most part in executing the war.  No question about that.  The wonderful men and women of our armed services and their families deserve our upmost thanks and appreciation for their unparalleled level of service.  My most significant hope is that we as a nation do not abandon these courageous men and women in the years ahead as they make their way back into the mainstream of America. 

oregon.live.com

The task for our nation in helping, supporting and providing resource for these men and women must not falter.   Resources must be allocated for training, education and medical assistance for these soldiers and not just when they return.  Resources must be made available throughout their lives as they will face unimaginable issues, concerns and difficulties resulting from their months and years in battle.  Serious, sustained efforts must be made in the specific area of mental health.  Thousands of trained mental health providers must be allocated to serve these men and women who served our nation. 

Our President, Barack Obama, achieved what many did not feel could or would happen.  He ended this war and is bringing home our troops as promised.  President Obama has not been able to deliver on all his promises but on this very important promise he made, he has delivered.  My hearty congratulations to him for fending off those who believe we need to be there forever.  Only time will tell if Iraq can truly function on their own in the world.  We have made every effort to help them be successful.  They have to do it on their own now.

What lessons have we learned.  None.  We never, ever learn from our mistakes of war.  This was a deliberate, preemptive attack on the part of the United States of America.  I hope that our nation never again chooses to attack another nation without being attacked first.  I know that not everyone agrees with me but I remain steadfast in my belief that America only needs to respond when America is attacked.  We should never be the aggressor.  It goes against our nation's character, history and moral values. 

Who truly knows what history will say about the Iraq war.  I am confident that it will be a black eye for our nation.  Much will depend upon the next five  years and how Iraq functions or does not function.  I am just so happy that we are done and that our brave men and women will be coming home to their families.  I now hope and pray that our efforts in Afghanistan will soon draw to a close as well.  Let peace be our strong suit going forward.  God Bless America.    

You Wanna Bet $10,000?

Mitt Romney

I really believe most Americans must have been surprised last evening when Mitt Romney offered Rick Perry a $10,000 bet.  Just when you were thinking you had seen everything with the American political process, a new wrinkle is added.  Last evening during the Republican Presidential Debate on ABC, Mitt Romney actually put forth a $10,000 bet to Rick Perry on the inclusion of information in Romney's book.   These debates just keep getting better and better.  I haven't seen the television ratings but I suspect they spiked up when word of Romney's bet surfaced.

Who bets $10,000?  Perry didn't take the bite but Romney sure did offer it.  Are we to believe that Mitt Romney is the Michael Jordan of political debates.  Jordan was well-known for his outlandish betting.  So was Pete Rose.  Jordan did it in his leisure time; Rose did it in his profession.  I keep wondering how many Americans can relate to someone who throws out such an amount for a bet.

How many Americans were surprised by this gesture?  It sounded almost like two little kids arguing over some silly baseball statistic.  "You wanna bet?" was always the favorite line of my friends who were so assured that their proclamation was correct.  It was just funny hearing it at a Presidential Debate.  You also have to wonder how many Americans can relate to a bet of $10,000. 

I don't hang with too many people who throw out such sums of money when placing a bet.  Generally, a dollar here and there, maybe a five dollar bill on something of greater importance.  Where did that come from?  Is Romney so out of touch with the American people to use such a sum of money?  What was he thinking?  I keep thinking about the millions of Americans out of work.  What were they thinking when they heard $10,000.  What about all the folks with jobs that hardly make that amount of money for a year's work. 

Those Americans faced with incredible hardship due to the poor economic conditions can only wonder what it is like to have $10,000.  Was Romney just being insensitive or was he just being that boy on the playground wanting to out-do his friends.  My guess is that it was a little bit of both.  Clearly it was a gesture on Romney's part that his handlers will want to walk away from.  You can count on the democrats to have that piece of film ready to go today, tomorrow and next year when it's time to put forth the anti-Romney commercials. 

That, you can take to the bank.  You wanna bet?         

Trump & The Big Tent

CBS NEWS.COM

It is disappointing that the politics in our nation has reached such a low level that Donald Trump is now moderating his own Republican Debate scheduled for December 27.  In conjunction with NewsMax, The Donald will be host and moderator of this event.  Thankfully, Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman dismissed it out of hand.  Mitt Romney indicated that he could not attend due to scheduling commitments.  In other words, thanks but no thanks.

Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum have both said yes.  If Herman Cain was still in the race, he would most certainly be in attendance. It seems clear that this is one more attempt on Trump’s part to stay relevant in his public’s eye.  No more than his less than-serious, all-about-me approach to his brand.  Why any candidate would want to participate in what surely will be The Donald Trump Show is beyond me.  No question Trump knows what he’s doing but I question what is going on in the Republican Party.  I can’t imagine a serious candidate saying yes to such a circus. 

I really believe the Republicans are shooting themselves in the foot with “silliness”.  You do have some candidates who are serious about wanting to lead this nation.  It’s hard to take them serious when they are contending with candidates who are just in it for their 15 minutes of fame and the fortune that will follow.  Then you have had the likes of Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachman who have done such a disservice to serious, well-educated and informed women everywhere.

If this circus continues, there won’t be a serious debate between the two parties for the Presidency.  Our nation continues to face significant challenges.   These challenges require serious people.  Even in disagreement and partisan politics, serious people understand the basic issues and are well-informed of a whole range of solutions.  These fringe events and candidates bring little substance to the table and seriously harm the ones who really want to make a difference.  Donald Trump is just one more Flim-Flam Man who is serious about building his brand but in the process he harms the brand of the Republican Party.

It is shameful when you think of the millions of Americans without work; the hundreds of thousands of families who have lost their homes; the millions without health care.  What about all our service men and women overseas in combat zones.  What are these fine folks to think when they see all our political leaders under the “Big Tent” rather than in serious debate and discussion over the issues that remain unresolved?     

Goodbye Herman Cain

Like others before him, Herman Cain bowed out today or in his words, “suspended” his campaign for the Republican nomination for President.   Not sure I have ever heard a candidate use the word,” suspend”, when he was informing his supporters that he was quitting the race.  Suspend isn’t quite as concrete as dropping out or quitting.  It’s clear that he is quitting but he used the word suspended.  If it was someone just a little more political I would think they chose that word very carefully.  With Herman Cain, one can’t be sure.

Clearly, the folks out to get Herman got Herman.  Who those folks are, we’ll never know.  I suspect he will blame it on the leftist media types who obviously wanted to submarine his campaign.  Like Donald Trump, he would have been a gift for Barack Obama and the Democrats.  Why is it that candidates always seem to blame the press for their own personal failing.  I guess the appropriate thing for the media to do when they find out a story and report it like they did in Cain’s case, is wait for the candidate to give his side of the story and go with that every time. 

Evidently, for Herman Cain, it should have been enough for him to just say that he didn’t do any of those things.  That is of course unless he chooses to stay in the spotlight.  He did say that he plans to speak out and make his opinions known.  Should that be the case, the press will continue to follow the story of his alleged marital infidelity and boorish behavior of sexually harassing women.  Herman may just want to lay low for the time being.  However, my guess is that he will propel his brand much like Sarah Palin did hers and Donald Trump did his.  It’s the newest path to fame and riches.

Herman’s speaking price will increase now by at least another 25,000 grand just based on his brief run for the Presidency.  Look at Palin and it’s obvious that the money is there for the taking.  Herman can be another Sarah and Donald.  I know that puts forth a cynical view but seriously, did anyone really believe that Sarah Palin, Donald Trump or Herman Cain could end up as our nation’s Chief Executive.  I really don’t think so.  The mere thought of anyone of them sends shivers down my left-leaning back. 

They have made good television and great fun for the political talking heads to weigh in on.  It’s a shame that our nation gives such credibility to these folks who are ill-equipped, uninformed and generally without any serious moral compass.  That’s not a judgment, it’s the reality of these individuals who are pretenders and choose not to the hard work of learning about our nation, its laws, our neighbors and our relationship with them. 

That’s why I take seriously the candidacy of Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman.  You may not agree with their politics or their conservative base but each one of them has served this nation in one fashion or another.  They deserve to be listened to.  To be heard.  At least they are serious about serving our nation and not in it for self-serving purposes.  Good bye Herman.  It’s been fun…999 and all.       

Here Come The Jobs

HERE COME THE JOBS

The economists, pundits, media-types and every Republican lawmaker can say what they want but in the end, the President will receive the credit if the good news of JOBS keeping posting similar results in the months ahead.  Today’s job report was indeed good news not only for President Obama but for every American worker.  Nine percent unemployment has been like Groundhog Day for months and seeing it drop with November’s announcement is great news.  We all know that the official unemployment number is never truly an accurate one but nevertheless, we have finally broken free of the 9% level.

8.6% unemployment isn’t anything to write home about, as my father would say, but it’s a movement in the right direction.  The additional good news also was that September and October’s job growth was better than what was announced at the beginning of November.   Although these numbers are not significant when you consider the millions of Americans still out of work and the additional millions who have stopped looking for work, they are just one more sign that some of the current economic pressures are softening. 

Not out of the woods by any means but certainly a good step in the right direction.  Couple these numbers with the surprising Black Friday shopping spree that Americans went on, the sudden shift in the position of Republicans regarding the payroll tax cut and all of a sudden things look just a little brighter on the horizon for our economy.  If the jobs number continues to decrease incrementally over the course of the next eleven months, President Obama will easily win re-election.  Unemployment was at 7.8% when President Obama took office and the closer he gets to that number, the likelihood of his re-election becomes stronger. 

What was also appealing about the November jobs report was that most of the new jobs came from the private sector.   More have to be created going forward as state and local governments continue to cut back and eliminate workers from their payrolls.  Look for the President to take full advantage of this small decline in the unemployment rate to continue his rhetoric for parts of his Jobs bill, unemployment compensation and the payroll tax cut.  His message seems to be breaking through on some level as the Republicans are conceding that the payroll tax cut would make a difference for the economy and the American worker.       

With the Christmas season upon us, more good news ahead would be about the best present we all could receive. 

"Reasonable" - "Adult Conversation" How Stupid Do They Think We Are?

Reasonable.  That's the favorite new word shared by our legislators to describe their party's efforts for debt reduction.  If I've heard it once, I've heard it a hundred times by Debt Reduction Committee members and other lawmakers describing  their efforts.  Reasonable.  The word's simplest definition is moderate or fair.  Unreasonable seems to be more descriptive of their efforts.  Extreme and excessive are two words that are used in the dictionary to inform you of what reasonable isn't. 

Months ago, in the midst of the debt ceiling debate, these same legislators were talking about needing to have an "adult conversation".  At that time, there was nothing adult about their conversation.  Like today, there is nothing reasonable about their efforts.  Reasonable and adult conversation do indeed go together but they do not describe what our lawmakers are doing in Washington, D.C.  How stupid do these people think we are? 

My guess is that they think we are pretty stupid.  These meaningless phrases and words are so condescending.  They talk about the millions of Americans who are jobless.  They talk about the thousands and thousands of American families who have lost their homes.  They talk about our national debt and how we must make changes.   All empty words.  If any of these lawmakers were working side by side with you or me, accountable to the companies we work for, they would all lose their jobs for not performing.  When was the last time you told your boss that you were being "reasonable" but unfortunately your co-worker wasn't and as a result the job you were working on together isn't done.  How long would you have your job?

I describe our lawmakers as inept, incompetent, extreme, child-like and absolutely pathetic.  If they worked for you or me, we would fire them.  Let them file for unemployment.  Let them lose their health insurance.  Let them watch their homes be foreclosed.  Let them experience the hopelessness that so many of our American families are experiencing today.  Maybe then they would understand what reasonable really is.  Maybe then, they would understand what an adult conversation really is.  This Congress has accomplished very little.  They have passed very few acts of legislation.  They have failed us at a time when we have needed them to be reasonable and adult-like. 

The ironic thing is, these lawmakers do work for you and me.  We are the ones that put them in their positions of responsibility.  We can fire them.  Maybe not right away but we do have the power to fire them come election time.  Somehow we need to send them the message that doing nothing about job creation, reestablishing home values and paying down our national debt is not negotiable.  They need to get reasonable.  They need to start acting like adults.  They need to get something done.  If not, we need to fire them.

             

Grover Norquist & His Protection Racket

Like so many Americans, I watch 60 Minutes on CBS every Sunday Night.  I find the program to be interesting, informative and generally without bias.  Last Sunday Night's report featuring Steve Kroft's interview with Grover Norquist was indeed interesting, informative and without bias.  I have been aware of Mr. Norquist's Americans For Tax Reform organization for years as well as his anti-tax pledge program.  The pledge reads, "a promise that they will never, under any circumstances, vote to raise taxes on anyone". 

Watching the program and listening to Steve Kroft's questioning was all fine and good until the very end of the program when the look on Grover Norquist's face told the whole story.  He smiled directly at the camera and smiled the smile that only cats smile after eating the canary.  At this point I became angry and decided that this one man has indeed created the very protection racket that Steve Kroft asked him about during the interview.  CBS reported that there have been 279 signatories to the anti-tax pledge, all republicans.  The six republican members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction had all signed the anti-tax pledge. 

Mr. Norquist, who has not been elected to any office today or at any time, clearly has significant control over the representatives that sit in elected office.  He made it crystal clear throughout his interview that his organization would make a point to let the people of a representative's district know that their elected official had voted yes to a raise, any raise, in taxes.  Classic protection racket stuff.  Later in the 60 Minutes piece, Steve Kroft spoke with former United States Senator Alan Simpson .  Simpson, always outspoken and incredibly candid, made it clear that many republicans have "buyer's remorse" about signing the anti-tax pledge. 

Grover Norquist is the "keeper of the pledge" and is the one man holding all of the signatories accountable and frequently reminds them of their anti-tax pledge.  For the record, there has been not one republican vote for an increase in income taxes since 1990.  In fact, the only effort on taxes by the republican party has been to provide tax cuts, specifically during the Bush years.  The greater concern of this anti-tax pledge is that each republican candidate for the Presidency has signed this pledge with the exception of John Huntsman. 

Simply put, each of the republican candidates seeking our nation's highest office are beholding to one man and his organization's wishes.  No taxes ever.  For any reason.  My question is how can one of these men or women running for office have their hands tied in such a fashion.  It is incredibly unacceptable for our President to have any option, including taxes, off the table when they are managing our nation. 

Like everyone else, I am not in favor of any additional taxes.  I find the ones we have to be onerous and difficult on a personal level to manage.  However, I am unable to fathom why I would not want my President to have the capability to request Congress for a tax hike should we absolutely need one.  What about a national emergency?  What about war?  What about where we're at right now where we are spending money that we do not have.  To me, this is beyond reason and frankly, if I was President Obama's team, I would hammer away on this very issue throughout the campaign.  Not that I want to raise taxes but under no circumstances would my opponent be allowed to because of this silly pledge. 

The Republican Party had better wake up.  They had better have a anti-tax pledge burning party on the Capitol steps and renounce Grover Norquist and his protection racket.  If I was one of the republican candidates running for the Presidency, I would renounce it at the next debate and make it clear that I am not beholding to anyone.  If I was John Huntsman I would pronounce it loud and clear that I didn't sign such a pledge and no one seeking our nation's highest office should have.   

A PATHETIC EFFORT...NOTHING SUPER ABOUT THE JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON DEFICIT REDUCTION

Is anyone surprised that the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction would fail in their mandate of tax cuts for deficit reduction.  I certainly am not.  This supercommittee as it has become known was doomed to failure from the moment the 112th Congress enacted the Budget Control Act of 2011.  Remember, this Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction was charged with issuing a recommendation by November 23, 2011 for at least 1.5 trillion in additional deficit reduction steps to be undertaken over a ten-year period.  It was a non-starter from the beginning.

"Everything is on the table" were the words spoken by White House Economics advisor, Gene Sperling.  What he should have said is that "nothing new is on the table".  The democrats refused to budge on entitlement programs and the republicans refused to consider any new revenue resulting in tax increases.  This committee has failed in such an egregious fashion just like Congress has failed and yes, even the President. 

I am fed up with our political leadership in this nation.  We do indeed need to throw them all out.  Once again, we appear the laughing stock of the world.  Our leaders can't agree on anything.  No willingness on anyone's part to compromise.  The fact that we let them get away with it is what is most discouraging.  The Republican Party loves to talk about the exceptionalism of America.  There is nothing exceptional about what our political leadership is doing right now and has been doing for the last three years. 

Maybe we all should take the lead of our political leaders and perform in a similar fashion within our workplaces, our families, our churches and the organizations we belong to.  I'm sure you remember as I do all those early classroom conversations when our teachers taught us to look up to, admire, to emulate the practices of our political leaders.  What a joke that is today. 

What if each of us chose not to find compromise within our families or relationships.  We disagree on what bills to pay, so we just don't pay them.  At work, the collaborative project you are working on with your co-workers, forget it, we can't agree or find compromise.  Don't worry about it.  All of us each day, day in and day out, find compromise in every piece of our life because we have to.  It is the only way that anything gets accomplished.  We learn to accept that we can't get everything we want but we get some of it because we work through the problem and find agreement. 

Our national debt is mounting at record pace.  Our people are without work.  People have lost their homes.  People are living in motel rooms, with family or in their cars.  Our nation's infrastructure is crumbling.  Choose the problem or issue and it is failing in this nation.  The failing all lands on the doorstep of our political leaders.  Choosing not to work together is totally unacceptable.  This stalemate and willingness of our political leaders to watch America fail is UN-AMERICAN.  If you can't get along with your spouse, you divorce.  If you can't find agreement with your friend, you find a new friend.  If you fail to work appropriately with your co-workers, you get fired.  It's time that we, the American people, the 99%, divorce these leaders, fire them if you will.  Just think of it, we were encouraged to be like these leaders as youngsters. 

They should be like us, real Americans, who day in and day out find compromise so that we can accomplish our work, live in harmony and get things done.  Some time ago, it was pointed out to me that I was not being proactive about my life and my work.  There was a consequence for me.  I got the message loud and clear.  I started making decisions, started taking control of my life and not leaving things to chance.  It's made a difference for me in my life.  Congress and the president need to take a similar stance and start being proactive about making our nation work again.  If this path continues, the only thing exceptional about America will be how exceptionally stupid and pathetic our leaders have been to allow our nation to fail.       

Choose to compromise or we will eventually find folks who will. 

"Shame On You"

The students were chanting, "shame on you", "shame on you", "shame on you".  They were shouting it to the police at UC Davis Friday afternoon when police dressed in riot gear opened up with pepper spray on a group of peaceful student protestors.  The students were seated on the ground with arms linked.  They did not appear to be blocking anyone or creating any type of disturbance but the police determined that it was a "volatile situation" and acted accordingly.  I haven't seen this type of response by the police with any demonstrators in this nation since 1968.  It was not a pretty scene.     

I've watched the video clip at least ten times now and have no earthly idea why the police chose to take the action they did by spraying these young people (protestors) with pepper spray.  I just don't understand it.  What was their point in trying to move these folks.  It made me think once again about how authority does not care for those who choose not to be compliant.  I've never really understood that.  I recognized the same non-compliance in my children from time to time when they were growing up and it was always frustrating for me as the parent.  However, I chose not to break out the pepper spray.  Truthfully, each of them ended over my knee a few times for such non-compliance. 

There is a difference though.  Watching the police officer aim the pepper spray as he did directly at the protestors was very disturbing.  Almost as if he was enjoying it.  When other officers tried to remove the protestors self-protection methods so that the pepper spray-wielding fellow officer could shoot directly into their face including in one instance a protestor's mouth, it just seemed way beyond necessary.  At the end of the day, there is going to have to be a fair amount of explaining on the part of the police, the university and whoever gave the officers permission to take such an action. 

The Occupy Wall Street movement has for the most part been non-violent.  There have been a few clashes of consequence and as each day passes, additional arrests are being made.  The movement suffers significantly from a lack of a coherent message and the leadership structure to deliver it.  Times past, there was real leadership leading such protest movements in this country.  One has to wonder who will take center stage for the Occupy Wall Street movement. Hopefully, someone soon will take up the mantle of leadership, define and clarify their issues and begin a significantly more organized effort at affecting the types of change they envision. 

Otherwise, these scenes of recent days including the use of pepper spray by the police will escalate.  Too many of us remember how terribly wrong things went back in Ohio on the campus of Kent State University. That truly was a dark day for our nation.  It can happen again if a serious dialogue does not begin with these protestors soon.  In this case, it was a police officer being just a little exuberant in his use of pepper spray.  What will happen when the police really do feel threatened by a protest group?  Will they only resort to pepper spray.  It started out that way in the sixties too.  Escalated to tear gas, rubber bullets and then students were killed. 

Occupy needs to find its collective voice and our political leadership across the country needs to listen.  Failure on the part of either side  should not be an option.  What our political leadership, local, state and federal seem to fail to realize is that incidents like the one we just witnessed only emboldens those involved in protest to march on. 

Cain and Perry - Who Departs First

It was a much more civil debate last night in Detroit when the Republic Party's candidates for the Presidency met to discuss a wide range of issues on CNBC.   Friendlier to each other and not nearly as combative, they reserved most of their criticism and rhetoric for President Obama.  It seems likely that this will be the story going forward with the candidates as they close in on the primaries.  However, Herman Cain managed to convince many viewers that the veracity of accusations against him regarding inappropriate sexual harassment are likely true.  For Rick Perry, he was having difficulty remembering the third cabinet level agency that he would choose to eliminate. 
 

For Herman Cain, his "Princess Nancy" comment pretty much said it all.  This is a man who treats women in that fashion and it was clear for anyone willing to hear it.  Cain was referring to Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi.  His actual words were, "you didn't hear about it in the previous Congress because Princess Nancy sent it to committee and it stayed there".  Cain was criticizing Pelosi for not taking action on a healthcare bill when she served in the role of Speaker of the House. 

Not only was comment condescending but it was definitely chauvinistic as well.  It goes without saying that Pelosi is fair game  to be chastised, criticized and even vilified within the political arena.  What's not fair is to do a disservice to the Speaker of the House position she held and the respect she should be afforded by virtue of holding it.  It is important to note that Herman Cain has never served constituents in an elected position.

Cain has repeatedly denied the allegations of inappropriate sexual harassment by four different women.  In fairness, Cain did later apologize for the "Princess Nancy" comment.  For Rick Perry, he forgot the third cabinet level agency that he would disband if he became President.  He was able to note Education and Commerce, two of the more popular agencies that always are on the Republican Party's hit list but he failed to remember the Energy Department. 

The late-night comedians had a field day at Perry's expense.  It is clear that Perry is not a debater by his own admission.  He does not like the format and it clearly shows in his uncomfortable stance, demeanor and overall body language.  One would think that he would remember the agencies that he believes are unnecessary and be able to recite them and why he feels they should be eliminated. 

Rick Perry did have fun with the gaffe himself the next day on a number of television shows and even his performance on David Letterman's Late Night Show doing the Top Ten List.  You have to give him credit for being able to poke fun at himself.  Nevertheless, both Cain and Perry are running out of steam as we approach the first set of primaries.  In the end you wonder if that will benefit the frontrunner, Mitt Romney or the up and coming Newt Gingrich. 

A Win For The American Worker

Yesterday, The State of Ohio and its citizens, made a choice.  The choice was in favor of the American worker.  Sixty-two percent of voters chose to repeal State Senate Bill 5 which restricted and limited the collective bargaining rights of public workers including teachers, police officers and firefighters in the State of Ohio.  The bill centered around salaries, work conditions and hours worked as well as prohibiting strikes, promotions based exclusively on seniority and contributions of public workers to their pensions and health care premiums. 

Similar laws have been passed in Wisconsin and Michigan where the citizens only have the opportunity to recall their elected officials as opposed to offering a referendum like the one Ohio voters overturned yesterday.  The tide in Ohio seemed to turn on the issue of collective bargaining, not so much the unwillingness of the Ohio voter to support public workers having to contribute to their own pensions and cover a portion of their health care premiums.  Most Ohio voters would support greater participation in these benefit programs by public workers.  What they were unwilling to do is to see the public worker denied their opportunity to collective bargain. 

This is an important victory for the American worker on a number of different levels.  It strikes back at the very issue that Occupy Wall Street protesters have voiced.  Although this is state government and public employees, It does speak to the divide between corporate greed and the rights of the American worker.  The opportunity for compromise should now be able to come into play where workers are asked to provide some level of relief to state government with regard to pensions and health care premiums.  There has been a willingness on the part of the worker to make concessions in these areas.  It was more about collective bargaining for them.

Unions and the collective bargaining process have long been controversial and contentious in the industrial marketplace in the United States.  Many Americans have disagreed with union tactics and negotiating over the years.  Many Americans have not viewed the union movement in a positive light.  At the same time, unions have made significant contributions to the plight of the American worker.

Work hours, work conditions, worker safety, minimum wage requirements, benefits and a host of other work-related issues have all been championed by the unions.  All workers, not just Union workers, have benefitted from the gains made by our Unions.  The work week , wages and worker safety are the most significant of these. 

At the same time, some of the gains earned by workers over the years have led to some of the financial issues that state and local governments are having in meeting their budgetary needs.  There will need to be compromise moving forward on the part of both parties.  Not one side getting everything they want.  A fairness for all involved.  The voters of Ohio have sent a loud and clear message that compromise and fairness is the better approach.  Expect to see more of the same in Wisconsin and Michigan moving forward.        

Europe Loves Our President, Why Can't We?

Europe loves our President, Why can't we?

President Obama's recent trip to Cannes, France brings to question why so many Europeans love our President and yet why so many in our own nation do not.  For years now, ever since his speech in Berlin back in 2008 before 200,000 people, Obama has been heavily supported in the European nations.  Over 75% of the people polled in that part of the world approve of his handling of international affairs.  Even the standing of the United States in Europe has improved dramatically during his Administration with nearly a 70% approval rating today. 

I believe it really is the whole "hope and change" message that President Obama trumpeted back in 2008 when seeking the democratic party's nomination and the Presidency.   Europeans are quick to point out the success that the President has had on the world stage.  The President killed Bin laden and a handful of other terrorists; he's pulling out of Iraq as promised;  he's managing the Afghanistan war better than expected; the successful and limited military action in Libya and his restrained efforts with the Arab Spring.  For Europe, President Obama has delivered on what they perceived his promises to be.   For some, even better than expected. 

Europeans also see President Obama as trying to rectify the economic problems not only of the United States but of the European Union as well.  They are frustrated for him that his "Jobs Plan" in the States is being met with heavy resistance.  The President was clearly the one leader in Cannes that everybody was listening to.  His "Action Plan for Growth and Jobs" was well received by the people.   European leaders were less than enthusiastic as evidenced by their lack of leadership in governmental spending and financial regulation.  Clearly, the G-20 has serious work in front of them trying to stabilize Greece and monitor Italy.  Questions abound as well if China will indeed follow through on boosting domestic demand helping the European nations rebound. 

However, the G-20 did take some serious strides forward in their efforts to rescue the European economies.  An aggressive, rapid pace rescue plan was put in place with $1.4 trillion designated to fight the sovereign debt crisis, bank capitalization and additional bailout for Greece.   Still, President Obama is seen as the key leader and his popularity is only increasing among the European nations. 

Back home, the President is not as popular.  The unemployment rate, the housing and foreclosure problems, the growing debt and the inability to have Congress enact even one provision of his Jobs Act threatens his Presidency.  Most Americans like the President according to all the polls.  However, the unemployment rate and the do-nothing nature of the partisan politics in Washington, D.C. are taking their toll. 

It's not for lack of trying on the President's part.  Although characterized as campaigning, the President is out and about across the country trying to sell his Jobs program encouraging Americans to voice their support of his plan with their Congressional leaders.  There are some signs that his message is beginning to have some play among the American people resulting in some softening among a limited number of House republicans.  Just maybe, our President will begin to see his popularity rise here at home as well.     

WORK BONDS

How many of you remember the newsreels of Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart and Ava Gardner barnstorming the country selling United States Savings Bonds.  How about Ted Williams, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig going into union houses throughout the nation encouraging workers to buy bonds.  Henry Morgenthau, Jr., then Secretary of Treasury, introduced the U.S. Saving Bond in 1935 encouraging Americans to invest in this non-marketable security.  He believed it was a way for small investors to guarantee a return on their investment as well as a way to finance the debt of the U.S. Government's  day to day financial obligations. 

From 1935-1941, his creation was the Baby Bond with denominations of $25 to $1,000.  The American public bought 4 billion dollars worth of these Baby Bonds.  In today's market, that equates to $60 billion dollars.  From Baby Bonds came the Defense Bond in 1941 and then the War Bond from 1942-1945.  Bonds were purchased in record numbers during the 1940's and even today they remain popular with many small and large investors.  They continue to be popular gifts for birthdays, graduations, weddings and the birth of a new baby.     

Today, our nation is faced with an ever-increasing public debt, failure of local and state governments to meet budget requirements, an astonishing nine percent unemployment rate, the implosion of the housing market, the Occupy Wall Street movement, the growing divide between the rich and everyone else,  and the inability of our nation's leaders to work toward compromise in finding solutions to these growing but solvable problems.  Sure sounds like it might be time to pull out Henry's playbook for dealing with finances.        

Why not create a new series of U.S. Savings Bonds designed to put people back to work.  Create a bond that encourages small investors across the country to invest with the government taking that money and putting it to work creating infrastructure jobs, putting teachers back to work, cops back on the street and fireman ready to serve.  The savings bond program has been hugely successful over several generations and all we need to do now is create a new investment vehicle and watch the American people respond. 

There is no question that we need folks to be spending money in stores.  No one argues that point.  Spending is the only way we will work ourselves out of this mess.  However, we need both spending and saving as well as debt reduction and U.S. Savings Bonds just might be the right answer.  The bonds won't mature for 10 to 20 years but the government will have the money to fuel federal projects of building roads, repairing bridges and fixing our national parks.  In addition, monies could be sent to states to help keep teachers employed, cops on the street and fireman at the ready. 

I am confident that someone can find fault with such a program for sure.  It may not even make sense economically in the long run.  I just don't know for sure.  What I do know is that Americans like to be challenged and are willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.  I also am confident that a few simple phone calls to the likes of Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Harrison Ford and Johnny Depp enlisting their star power could sell a few billion bonds in a hurry.  How about Peyton Manning, Michael Jordan, LeBron James and Derek Jeter.  Even Bono, Clapton and Springsteen would happily jump on board. 

I still buy bonds every quarter.  I would happily invest $25, $50 or even $100 a month if I knew that my investment would lead to a fellow American getting a job.  I'm sure that you would too.     

Ron Paul on Student Loans

Republican candidate Ron Paul spoke out this weekend on phasing out government's role in student loans.  He stated that the federal government's role in student loans is a failed policy and should be phased out over a period of time.  Paul compared the student loan program with that of federal assistance with housing.   Paul is in favor of eliminating the entire Department of Education and now has included federal loan assistance as a program he would eliminate.

This should come as no surprise to anyone who follows candidate Paul's message of reducing government spending and involvement in the day to day life of the American people.  Paul's libertarian philosophy is that government just needs to get out of the way and let us live our own lives.  Paul indicated that anyone really wanting to go to college would be able to do so even if government supported student loans were eliminated.  Paul said that the high cost of a college education is largely due to the failed student loan program. 

Those of us who were fortunate enough to be able to graduate from college indeed know the high cost of getting a good education.  Those of us who have children in college or have children who recently graduated from college clearly know the high costs of getting a degree.  I find it interesting how he thinks that eliminating student loans and the government's support of the program will allow anyone wanting to earn a degree to be able to afford one.  Most parents know that it isn't all that easy to walk into your local bank and receive a loan.

Even those of us who saved money to help their children go to college have found our savings deficient in meeting the high costs.  Can't say that I feel that the government is necessarily at fault for that.  How does a family with two or three children making a modest income afford to be able to send their kids to college without assistance.  How does all that equate in wanting your kids to have a better education than the one you received or a better life because of the education they received.  I just don't get it. 

I recognize that Paul's position is positive with some Americans but clearly his limited role of government is unsustainable for the vast majority of middle and lower income Americans.  The other thing that doesn't necessarily make sense to me is that they are student loans.  Loans that are backed and propped up by government support.  Today, student loans must be paid back.  Just like taxes.  It's true that years ago, some graduates were walking away and defaulting on their student loans but this was fixed and no longer an option even for those who choose to file bankruptcy. 

I acknowledge and understand that we must find ways and means to reduce our national debt and curb our out-of-control spending.  I just beg to differ that we do not need to penalize our young people and our nation by making a college education an even more difficult proposition.  We already have given up our leading position as a nation out front on education.  If we have fewer young people going to college and earning their degrees, we will face an even greater deficiency in the global economy.  It seems to me that we need to be placing as much emphasis on education as possible and making it easier for our young people to get educated. 

I believe Ron Paul's philosophy of little to no government involvement in our lives is unrealistic and not particularly practical when it comes to student loans.