Its been a while since my last rant.
So here's what I'm thinking on the night before Super Tuesday.
I really hope my income taxes don't go up tomorrow. I think the $250,000 ceiling is about to get a lot lower in Obama's tax cut. As it stands now, the top 40% of the tax brackets generate 95% of the income tax revenue. Isn't that enough? Can't the other 60% of the U.S. bring in the remaining 5% of the revenue?
I hope we don't get to see the Obama/Biden response to a terrorist attack on the U.S. When Joe Biden warns us that the response from the White House would shock most Americans we should get ready to start learning how to speak other languages. I don't want the White House to be associated with white flags.
McCain's age and his "poor" health concern many. He's been healthy enough to campaign for 2 years and still be a contender despite all of the biased reporting against him. I have complete confidence in Sarah Palin to get the job done. A woman who can raise 5 kids and still find time to run a State government has her act together. I think her lack of experience in DC is a benefit and not a hindrance. Albert Einstein is famous for saying, "you can't fix a problem the same mind that created it." Sarah isn't burdened with a mind stuck in the "DC Paradigm."
Obama doesn't talk about winning the war in Iraq, he talks about ending it. That's pretty defeatist to me. Hey, didn't we hand over a big portion of the security situation in Iraq to the Iraqi government? I don't remember hearing about a big implosion in the Middle East. Sure smells like we're closing on a victory to me.
Obama already has the billions of dollars that we spend in Iraq promised to the American taxpayers for projects in this country. Don't forget that he's going to lower your tax rate and spend A LOT MORE OF YOUR MONEY. Sounds like some funny accounting practices there.
I work for the government and know firsthand how cumbersome the government can be when they get involved. The government always does things slowly, expensively and never well because they can't always get the best and brightest workers (I work for the government remember?). I don't want more government in my life.
Where has Joe Biden been in the last few weeks? Oh, he's been banished into obscurity because his famous mouth ran away with the real truth about the Obama platform. Kind of scary when they sideline the guy who got Obama this far because he gave us a candid look behind the curtain.
Tomorrow is a big day America. Don't blow it.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Defining Moment
October 1 will be a defining moment for the Iraqi government. Oct 1 marks the day when control of the Sunni Awakening Councils pass from United States control to the government of Iraq. The Awakening Councils, former Sunni insurgents who decided to cooperate with the U.S. and fight Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQIM), have been a valuable member in the fight to save Iraq from chaos. After the sectarian fighting erupted, the Sunni's were getting soundly drubbed by the Shiite militias. Realizing that their survival was at stake, the Sunni's decided to become part of the solution and seek sanction with the U.S. The U.S. recognized the importance of this Sunni gesture and put the Awakening Councils onthe U.S. payroll.
So why is Oct 1 such a big deal? If the Iraqi government, which is dominated by Shiites, disbands the Sunni councils then the Sunnis may not have any other choice other than to become insurgents again. One of the most important steps in a counterinsurgency is reconciliation, bringing together opposing sides of the fighting and peacefully resolving the differences. If the Iraqi government maintains the Awakening Councils and absorbs them as part of the Iraqi forces then there is an enormous chance that Iraq can defeat AQIM and survive as a country. The wild card is whether the Iraqi government will make a decision to give their country a chance at peace and prosperity or descend into more sectarian violence. I can't honestly say what will happen. We'll just have to watch it happen this fall. I've got my fingers crossed, how about you?
So why is Oct 1 such a big deal? If the Iraqi government, which is dominated by Shiites, disbands the Sunni councils then the Sunnis may not have any other choice other than to become insurgents again. One of the most important steps in a counterinsurgency is reconciliation, bringing together opposing sides of the fighting and peacefully resolving the differences. If the Iraqi government maintains the Awakening Councils and absorbs them as part of the Iraqi forces then there is an enormous chance that Iraq can defeat AQIM and survive as a country. The wild card is whether the Iraqi government will make a decision to give their country a chance at peace and prosperity or descend into more sectarian violence. I can't honestly say what will happen. We'll just have to watch it happen this fall. I've got my fingers crossed, how about you?
Life is Hard When You Are Stupid
John Wayne was once quoted as saying "Life is hard. Life is even harder when you are stupid." Those words ring true for the people of Galveston Island, TX who made a concious decision to stay home during hurricane Ike despite a very bold warning by the National Weather Service and a mandatory evacuation order.
The National Weather Service made headlines by warning residents that to stay on the Texas coast was to court death. Ike was no joke and was bringing the power of Mother Nature was bringing a Texas-sized hurricane. Despite the warnings, thousands, even tens of thousands of people chose to stay in the barrier island communities to ride out the hurricane.
Barrier islands are made of sand. Sand does not stand fast in the face of water. Just ask the Israelis what water did to their big sand berm in the 1973 war. Wood frame buildings don't stand a chance against 10-20 foot waves. If you've ever been to the beach and played in the surf think back to the power that a 4-5 foot wave brings as it crashes on the beach. Those are 'gentle' waves. Waves that come ashore during a hurricane, driven by over 100 mph winds is one of the most powerful forces on the planet. By one account, a house on 16 ft pilings (yes, 16 ft above the ground) was lifted from its pilings by the waves of hurricane Ike.
Today we are seeing the 'survival' stories of the stupid who chose to stay behind despite all of the warnings. These people are being rescued at considerable expense (you are paying for their stupidity) and they are putting rescuers at risk to the hazards of Galveston Island. You'll also see stories of the hazardous slurry of chemicals and waste that are polluting GI. Rescuers have to repeatedly brave these dangerous conditions to bring out the 'victims.'
There really is no excuse not to evacuate. The State of Texas provided transportation out of the danger area and shelters for those who had no other place to go.
So when you read those stories about the horrors faced by the ass clowns who stayed behind remember that you are paying for their stupidity and the rescuers are putting their lives on the line for their stupidity. In hindsight, staying to ride out the storm is a selfish decision.
The National Weather Service made headlines by warning residents that to stay on the Texas coast was to court death. Ike was no joke and was bringing the power of Mother Nature was bringing a Texas-sized hurricane. Despite the warnings, thousands, even tens of thousands of people chose to stay in the barrier island communities to ride out the hurricane.
Barrier islands are made of sand. Sand does not stand fast in the face of water. Just ask the Israelis what water did to their big sand berm in the 1973 war. Wood frame buildings don't stand a chance against 10-20 foot waves. If you've ever been to the beach and played in the surf think back to the power that a 4-5 foot wave brings as it crashes on the beach. Those are 'gentle' waves. Waves that come ashore during a hurricane, driven by over 100 mph winds is one of the most powerful forces on the planet. By one account, a house on 16 ft pilings (yes, 16 ft above the ground) was lifted from its pilings by the waves of hurricane Ike.
Today we are seeing the 'survival' stories of the stupid who chose to stay behind despite all of the warnings. These people are being rescued at considerable expense (you are paying for their stupidity) and they are putting rescuers at risk to the hazards of Galveston Island. You'll also see stories of the hazardous slurry of chemicals and waste that are polluting GI. Rescuers have to repeatedly brave these dangerous conditions to bring out the 'victims.'
There really is no excuse not to evacuate. The State of Texas provided transportation out of the danger area and shelters for those who had no other place to go.
So when you read those stories about the horrors faced by the ass clowns who stayed behind remember that you are paying for their stupidity and the rescuers are putting their lives on the line for their stupidity. In hindsight, staying to ride out the storm is a selfish decision.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
True Colors Shine Through
So Oprah refuses to have Gov Palin as a guest on her show. Oprah's reasoning is that she decided not to use her show to support political candidates since she declared her support for Obama. So if you have one of the largest daytime talk shows with an enormous viewing audience and you choose not to invite a political candidate on to discuss all sides of the issues, isn't that the same as using your show to support a candidate? Isn't a lie of ommision still a lie? I'd like to see Oprah invite Gov Palin on and discuss the issues. Maybe Oprah doesn't want her viewing audience to see her true colors. Is Oprah afraid that the public won't like what they hear and see? This may be the first crack in the 'O' empire. I find this position very interesting given that Oprah has quite a history of showcasing powerful women. Why, I wonder, would she not want to showcase 'this' powerful woman?
To me, the real statement is that Gov Palin represents a real and dangerous threat to the Democratic candidates. Opportunities for Gov Palin to speak in big venues with media coverage will only benefit the the McCain-Palin ticket. Her wholesome, down-home values rings true with most of America.
Its easy to forget that all of the country is not NY or LA. This is a hug country with most of the folks living in middle America. I think the thin veneer on Obama's message of change has rubbed off and the country is seeing a VP candidate who is is 14K solid gold . Stay tuned. This is going to be a good show.
To me, the real statement is that Gov Palin represents a real and dangerous threat to the Democratic candidates. Opportunities for Gov Palin to speak in big venues with media coverage will only benefit the the McCain-Palin ticket. Her wholesome, down-home values rings true with most of America.
Its easy to forget that all of the country is not NY or LA. This is a hug country with most of the folks living in middle America. I think the thin veneer on Obama's message of change has rubbed off and the country is seeing a VP candidate who is is 14K solid gold . Stay tuned. This is going to be a good show.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Predicting the future
As Hurricane Gustav roars ashore on the Gulf Coast, I ponder what the headlines will be in the near future. Does Louisiana manage the crisis effectively? Does Mayor Nagin get a do-over and did he really "learn" his lessons? Does the Bush administration get credit for 3 years of hard work with the States and Governors pushing a cajoling them to develop capacity to handle their own disasters? How does the media cast FEMA's performance?
First a refresher for this nation of lawyers...The Stafford Act (yes, a law) governs how the federal government responds to disasters. First and foremost, disaster response is a local responsibility. That means that counties, cities, and States are responsible to prepare for and handle domestic emergencies of all types. The Federal government can and will, assist the States upon the direct request of the Governor. Any expectation that George W and his boys will come galloping into town to save the day at a moments notice is foolhardy. First, its counter to the law, and second, the Federal government does nothing fast. If you want to sit on the roof of your flooded house and wait for the Federal government to save you, better pack a few lunches. Watch out for Obama and McCain telling you that they will provide the perfect government response every time. You can't afford that type of response.
Where was the huge Federal response in Iowa this summer? Oh, wait, the Iowans hitched up their drawers and handled it themselves. They shed some tears, but the shouldered the burden and rebuilt their lives in a matter of months. Where is the prolonged federal response? It wasn't needed because they got it done themselves.
So enough ranting. Hear are my predictions:
1. Bush will get none of the credit, only the blame. Its what comes with being the President. He can handle it.
2. The media, in all of its forms, will do its best to highlight the downside of Gustav. it will be all about portraying controversy, contradiction and conflict. Only when all of these stories have panned out will you see the puff pieces glossing over the successes. Remember, media is BIG business and if it bleeds it leads. Sorry George, sorry FEMA.
3. Mayor Nagin did learn his lesson and he will make the right calls and work effectively with Gov Jindal to deal with this crisis.
4. FEMA won't get any credit despite the hard work of the last three years. FEMA isn't the same organization it was pre-Katrina. The new organization is filled with the same patriots who shoulder a pack and carry a rifle in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are working hard in the most complex environment possible and they do a damn fine job.
Who wants to give me odds on these predictions? Only time will tell what really happens.
AJ
First a refresher for this nation of lawyers...The Stafford Act (yes, a law) governs how the federal government responds to disasters. First and foremost, disaster response is a local responsibility. That means that counties, cities, and States are responsible to prepare for and handle domestic emergencies of all types. The Federal government can and will, assist the States upon the direct request of the Governor. Any expectation that George W and his boys will come galloping into town to save the day at a moments notice is foolhardy. First, its counter to the law, and second, the Federal government does nothing fast. If you want to sit on the roof of your flooded house and wait for the Federal government to save you, better pack a few lunches. Watch out for Obama and McCain telling you that they will provide the perfect government response every time. You can't afford that type of response.
Where was the huge Federal response in Iowa this summer? Oh, wait, the Iowans hitched up their drawers and handled it themselves. They shed some tears, but the shouldered the burden and rebuilt their lives in a matter of months. Where is the prolonged federal response? It wasn't needed because they got it done themselves.
So enough ranting. Hear are my predictions:
1. Bush will get none of the credit, only the blame. Its what comes with being the President. He can handle it.
2. The media, in all of its forms, will do its best to highlight the downside of Gustav. it will be all about portraying controversy, contradiction and conflict. Only when all of these stories have panned out will you see the puff pieces glossing over the successes. Remember, media is BIG business and if it bleeds it leads. Sorry George, sorry FEMA.
3. Mayor Nagin did learn his lesson and he will make the right calls and work effectively with Gov Jindal to deal with this crisis.
4. FEMA won't get any credit despite the hard work of the last three years. FEMA isn't the same organization it was pre-Katrina. The new organization is filled with the same patriots who shoulder a pack and carry a rifle in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are working hard in the most complex environment possible and they do a damn fine job.
Who wants to give me odds on these predictions? Only time will tell what really happens.
AJ
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The Maverick
John McCain did it again. His well known reputation as a maverick came to the fore again when he chose Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. Top notch. The Democrats and the media have been critical of McCain's choice mostly citing Gov Palin's lack of experience. What I think really has the Democrats scared is that Gov Palin is a straight-talking 'doer' who believes in transparency.
What do I mean that she's a 'doer?' Well, Gov Palin served as an elected city councilwoman, mayor, lieutenant governor and governor in the state of Alaska. She's held four executive positions in government and in several of them she beat the 'good ole boys' convincingly.
So what's the big difference between being in the executive vice the legislative branch of government. In the legislature they develop and pass bills which, when signed as laws, are turned over to the executive branch for execution. The governor is responsible for running the state and taking care of the day-to-day business like fixing the roads, paying the bills, and making decisions.
So why is it harder to be a governor than a legislator? Legislators only have to come up with an idea and generate support for an idea to become a law. It doesn't have to be a good idea or one that will work best for the majority of the people. What do they care, they don't have to make their idea work, that's the governor's job. And if the governor fails to make a bad idea work, it wasn't the legislator's fault, the governor must've botched it right?
Now we get to the heart of what scares the Democrats. Gov Sarah Palin gets the job done and done right. It may not be pretty (it hardly ever is), but the everyday Joe wants someone to do the dirty jobs. This is where Obama and Biden (and even McCain) don't measure up.
In my book, Gov Palin beats the pants off Obama when it comes to having the right experience. I'll take a hockey mom with honest dirty under her finger nails over a smooth talker who's ideas are about an inch deep any day.
Stay tuned because this election is going to be interesting.
What do I mean that she's a 'doer?' Well, Gov Palin served as an elected city councilwoman, mayor, lieutenant governor and governor in the state of Alaska. She's held four executive positions in government and in several of them she beat the 'good ole boys' convincingly.
So what's the big difference between being in the executive vice the legislative branch of government. In the legislature they develop and pass bills which, when signed as laws, are turned over to the executive branch for execution. The governor is responsible for running the state and taking care of the day-to-day business like fixing the roads, paying the bills, and making decisions.
So why is it harder to be a governor than a legislator? Legislators only have to come up with an idea and generate support for an idea to become a law. It doesn't have to be a good idea or one that will work best for the majority of the people. What do they care, they don't have to make their idea work, that's the governor's job. And if the governor fails to make a bad idea work, it wasn't the legislator's fault, the governor must've botched it right?
Now we get to the heart of what scares the Democrats. Gov Sarah Palin gets the job done and done right. It may not be pretty (it hardly ever is), but the everyday Joe wants someone to do the dirty jobs. This is where Obama and Biden (and even McCain) don't measure up.
In my book, Gov Palin beats the pants off Obama when it comes to having the right experience. I'll take a hockey mom with honest dirty under her finger nails over a smooth talker who's ideas are about an inch deep any day.
Stay tuned because this election is going to be interesting.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
The candidate for change, really?
So Obama picks Biden to be his Veep running mate.
I thought Obama was about change? Change in the sense that he's a new man bringing new ideas to the table to change the country and make it a better place. he's going to fix global warming and solve the energy issue. And he chose an old white guy, part of the Democratic establishment having spent over 40 years in the Senate. Change, huh?
I thought Obama's campaign was pinging McCain for being an "old white guy." And now the Democrats lassoed an old white guy from the Democratic collar and put a Vice Presidential saddle on him.
I think this election is going to be won by the guy who can blow it the least. Did McCain forget to take his ginseng this week? What do you mean he doesn't know how many houses he owns? At least give a non-answer rather than admit senility. Any grizzled political veteran like McCain should be able to give a non-answer in his sleep.
By the way, did you get the text? Me neither. I guess the gimick fizzled. I think the candidate for change may fizzle, too. I guess the oldest trick in the book (the insider leak) beat the newest technology to the punch. The only way to keep a secret is to NOT tell anyone.
I thought Obama was about change? Change in the sense that he's a new man bringing new ideas to the table to change the country and make it a better place. he's going to fix global warming and solve the energy issue. And he chose an old white guy, part of the Democratic establishment having spent over 40 years in the Senate. Change, huh?
I thought Obama's campaign was pinging McCain for being an "old white guy." And now the Democrats lassoed an old white guy from the Democratic collar and put a Vice Presidential saddle on him.
I think this election is going to be won by the guy who can blow it the least. Did McCain forget to take his ginseng this week? What do you mean he doesn't know how many houses he owns? At least give a non-answer rather than admit senility. Any grizzled political veteran like McCain should be able to give a non-answer in his sleep.
By the way, did you get the text? Me neither. I guess the gimick fizzled. I think the candidate for change may fizzle, too. I guess the oldest trick in the book (the insider leak) beat the newest technology to the punch. The only way to keep a secret is to NOT tell anyone.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Does Obama really know how to send a text message?
The big question before the Democrat and Republican National Conventions is who will Senators McCain and Obama pick as their VP candidates. Yesterday Sen. Obama announced that he will declare his running mate in a text message to Obama supporters.
What's up with this? Is he trying to portray that he's hip and in touch? By using text messages, is he trying to show that McCain is old and not in touch with most of America? I wonder how many additional hits Obama's web page got today just from people signing up to receive text messages. Being registered to receive Obama's text messages are the the last thing I need. Its one more way for the fund raisers to reach out and bug me. I thought that political advertisements made by autonomous phone services to my house phone were rude enough. Why do I need to receive political solicitations over the phone. If I wanted to give, I'd give to your campaign.
The real question I want to know is "if I handed Obama my cell phone, would he really know how to send a text message or would one of his aides have to show him?"
AJ
What's up with this? Is he trying to portray that he's hip and in touch? By using text messages, is he trying to show that McCain is old and not in touch with most of America? I wonder how many additional hits Obama's web page got today just from people signing up to receive text messages. Being registered to receive Obama's text messages are the the last thing I need. Its one more way for the fund raisers to reach out and bug me. I thought that political advertisements made by autonomous phone services to my house phone were rude enough. Why do I need to receive political solicitations over the phone. If I wanted to give, I'd give to your campaign.
The real question I want to know is "if I handed Obama my cell phone, would he really know how to send a text message or would one of his aides have to show him?"
AJ
What does 'Beyond Seven Seconds' mean?
Everywhere we turn, we're bombarded by seven second sound bytes. More times than not, these sound bytes are intentionally inaccurate, shallow and intended to hook your emotions rather than your brain. Here, I want to have a discussion that goes beyond seven seconds and takes place between discerning individuals who pride themselves on not getting 'hooked' by mainstream media. Welcome to the place where smarter Americans can talk.
AJ
AJ
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