Like most regular Americans following the events that led up to the defeat of the Democratic-brokered Bush/Paulson/House Republican "Buy In" plan, I was not surprised by the outcome.
They say calls were coming in 10 – 1 against the bail-out plan - whoever they is. Yet the plan fails by a relatively close margin of 205 to 228.
But it was the spectacle put on by the Republicans after the voting session ended that was almost surreal. I’ve never thought I’d see a group of partisan cry-babies whine and belly-ache like they did when the House Republicans led by Rep. Eric Cantor blamed Nancy Pelosi for there own failure to gather support within their own party.
They were barely capable of rustling up 1/3 of their own party loyalists to support their own bail-out plan. It failed - so they blame the Democrats. Sure, Pelosi’s speech in the House was crisp and direct, but Republicans had to have heard it countless times before. Rep. Barney Frank responded best when he asked what honest civil servant would vote to punish the country simply because somebody hurt their tender feelings. Seriously folks, if it were possible, those supposed 10 to 20 tender-foots who changed their vote should be unceremoniously kicked out of the House. My advice to them is to take that secret to their grave.
The House Republicans hedged their partisan gamesmanship like they always do and bet the Democrats would pass the bill along a party-line majority vote......and lost.
This time around there was nothing partisan about the bill except for the excuses from the Republicans. There’s plenty of time to get back to the drawing board and draft a new plan, the free markets are not going to run away.
But who could blame the public for rallying against the plan after learning over the weekend that Washington Mutual's chief executive will be paid $18 million for three weeks work, while the institution declares bankruptcy. And who could blame the public for rallying against the plan after learning its chief architect, Henry Paulson, pocketed $500 million as the CEO of another one of the troubled Wall Street institutions, Goldman Sachs. And who could blame the public for rallying against the plan after it's number one supporter, George W. Bush, issued nearly an identical ultimatum of imminent threat with the financial markets as he did with the War On Iraq. Yes, taxpayers have been burned before.
The people have spoken.
Observation: Last week Thursday when the financial crisis reared its ugly head, Wall Street speculators spiked oil up to $25 a barrel before settling slightly lower. It sure did the trick - made everyone nervous. Yet, after the bail out failed, oil fell nearly $10 dollars. Why does this all seem staged?
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Congress Avoids Wall Street Meltdown?
It’s been very discouraging to know that congressional democrats never really came up with a distinguishable overhaul plan they could call their own for the perceived credit/mortgage crisis. All along, American taxpayers have heard only two choices in which to decide upon over the weekend – the Bush Plan and the House Republican Plan. That’s some choice, ain’t it?
Take for instance the three page Bush/Paulson plan that gives one person the authority to distribute $700 billion dollars to buy toxic debt, OR take the one-page Republican House Plan designed to force Wall Street to “work out” its own pain by offering Treasury-backed insurance, more tax cuts and deregulation. Either one stinks and they don’t smell any better putting them together. In the end, that’s what it all amounts to.
In some ways, Democrats were forced into the negotiator's role by house republicans who suddenly turned on their president of 7½ years. It’s an election year. After all the stagecraft, the final “bail out” plan is over a hundred pages long but now referred to as a “buy in” plan. The insurance plan pushed by house republicans will be under “consideration” and Pelosi says the party on Wall Street is over. Whatever that means. But the $700 billion is still there to buy junk assets, only spread out over time. In the end, I don’t see how this plan will fix our broken “debt-based” monetary system, but the money should make someone happy.
After Warren Buffet gambles $5 billion on Goldman Sachs that Congress will flood Wall Street with $700 billion, he warns Congress that if they don’t act it will be the “biggest financial meltdown in American history.”
What's in it for homeowners? Not much.
Take for instance the three page Bush/Paulson plan that gives one person the authority to distribute $700 billion dollars to buy toxic debt, OR take the one-page Republican House Plan designed to force Wall Street to “work out” its own pain by offering Treasury-backed insurance, more tax cuts and deregulation. Either one stinks and they don’t smell any better putting them together. In the end, that’s what it all amounts to.
In some ways, Democrats were forced into the negotiator's role by house republicans who suddenly turned on their president of 7½ years. It’s an election year. After all the stagecraft, the final “bail out” plan is over a hundred pages long but now referred to as a “buy in” plan. The insurance plan pushed by house republicans will be under “consideration” and Pelosi says the party on Wall Street is over. Whatever that means. But the $700 billion is still there to buy junk assets, only spread out over time. In the end, I don’t see how this plan will fix our broken “debt-based” monetary system, but the money should make someone happy.
After Warren Buffet gambles $5 billion on Goldman Sachs that Congress will flood Wall Street with $700 billion, he warns Congress that if they don’t act it will be the “biggest financial meltdown in American history.”
What's in it for homeowners? Not much.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
House Republican Plan A Political Stunt
House Republicans say they want Wall Street to pay for its mistakes by giving them a new capital gains tax cut, more deregulation and believe it or not.....they want to offer them a government-run insurance policy to guarantee their risky investments from losses.
This scheme to insure risky investments is at the heart of their “bail out” plan to restore the credit markets. Never mind that their plan for Wall Street adds insult to injury by including more deregulation and new tax cuts for capital gains. These are the very same economic stimulus policies that created this mess in the first place. They want to expand it.
The two congressmen at the core of the insurance plan stunt are Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia and Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Cantor has voted with a majority of his Republican colleagues 92.6% of the time during the current Congress. While Paul Ryan has voted 92% of the time.
The other thing is, our country has been in severe economic pain for a much longer period then just the last two weeks the administration would like to have us believe. The do-or-die consequences painted around the Bush/Paulson fix implies that the problem was hidden for many years, that there is a lot more here than what meets the eye. The plan offered by the House Republicans isn't even a plan to fix a crisis. It's corporate written legislation to keep the fuel tanks filled on their yachts, their cigar boxes loaded and wine cellars stocked.
The main problem I see with both plans is that neither one of them is designed to open up new jobs or savings plans. They both attempt to tinker around the edges of a broken monetary system built on debt. The Bush/Paulson Plan and the House Republican Insurance Plan are designed to keep the credit/debt markets open. That's all. One with $700 billion, the other one without. Both plans are meant to keep the American delusion alive, that our every want and need is just a loan away. Either plan just prolongs the agony for another day.
Read: Warren Buffet is willing to gamble $5 billion that Wall Street will be awash in $700 billion very, very soon.
Before country has a chance to pull out of financial crisis, Federal Reserve wasting no time laying foundation for the next one.
Excerpt:Rep. Paul Ryan and his Republican ideologues in the House are pushing a plan that amounts to government-sponsored social security for Wall Street capital market brokerage houses. They want to insure investment risk with the full support and backing of the U.S. Treasury – for a fee. Ironically however, Ryan has spent nearly half of his career trying to convince Main Street that a treasury-backed participant-funded retirement safety net isn't good enough, but suddenly it is just the ticket to prevent Wall Street from financial ruin.
Under the House Republican plan, the government would provide insurance for mortgage-backed securities for a fee. The plan also would aim to remove "regulatory and tax barriers" they say are "currently blocking private capital formation."
This scheme to insure risky investments is at the heart of their “bail out” plan to restore the credit markets. Never mind that their plan for Wall Street adds insult to injury by including more deregulation and new tax cuts for capital gains. These are the very same economic stimulus policies that created this mess in the first place. They want to expand it.
Excerpt:And I’d look over that list of renegade republicans in the house and would be willing to bet that most them are card-carrying Bush rubber stampers who suddenly want to distance themselves from the unpopular president. They know rebelling against the administration's plan would clearly help their re-election campaigns. They could say "who wants to hand Wall Street $700 billion dollars? The Democrats do. We want to charge Wall Street for the crisis." It's a bunch of malarkey.
The RSC's plan is set to include a two-year suspension of the capitol gains tax, provisions to transform mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into private entities...
The two congressmen at the core of the insurance plan stunt are Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia and Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. Cantor has voted with a majority of his Republican colleagues 92.6% of the time during the current Congress. While Paul Ryan has voted 92% of the time.
Excerpt:Exactly the opposite is probably true. While Wall Street firms will keep the "good" mortgage notes for the profits they provide, they will have an outlet in which to dump all the "toxic" notes. The treasury backed insurance plan will make good on their value, that's what insurance does. What they are trying to do is write a plan of deregulation and even more tax cuts for Wall street operatives under the false impression of saving the country $700 billion dollars.
This proposal would have the government provide insurance to companies that agree to hold frozen assets, rather than have the government purchase the assets. Rep Eric Cantor, R-Va., said the idea would be to remove the burden of the bailout from taxpayers and place it, over time, on Wall Street instead.
The other thing is, our country has been in severe economic pain for a much longer period then just the last two weeks the administration would like to have us believe. The do-or-die consequences painted around the Bush/Paulson fix implies that the problem was hidden for many years, that there is a lot more here than what meets the eye. The plan offered by the House Republicans isn't even a plan to fix a crisis. It's corporate written legislation to keep the fuel tanks filled on their yachts, their cigar boxes loaded and wine cellars stocked.
The main problem I see with both plans is that neither one of them is designed to open up new jobs or savings plans. They both attempt to tinker around the edges of a broken monetary system built on debt. The Bush/Paulson Plan and the House Republican Insurance Plan are designed to keep the credit/debt markets open. That's all. One with $700 billion, the other one without. Both plans are meant to keep the American delusion alive, that our every want and need is just a loan away. Either plan just prolongs the agony for another day.
Read: Warren Buffet is willing to gamble $5 billion that Wall Street will be awash in $700 billion very, very soon.
Before country has a chance to pull out of financial crisis, Federal Reserve wasting no time laying foundation for the next one.
McCain Never Saw His Debate Opponent
John McCain thought he could just waltz into DC on Thursday as the knight in shining armor and everyone would fawn over his presence while he hammered out a bail out plan over the latest economic crisis. Not only did that fail to transpire, the White House and Senate leaders picked up on his political gamesmanship and quickly kicked him out the door. That's my take on it anyways.
McCain then also failed to keep his own ultimatum to cancel his participation in Friday's debate unless congress passed a bill to lift the country out of crisis. McCain blinked.
Barack Obama not only held his own against John McCain on foreign policy issues that were supposed to be McCain's strong suit - he excelled. Obama made the observation that the Bush Administration along with McCain's old guard ideas placed the nation's focus, military and resources into the Iraq obsession while ignoring broader foreign policy issues. Both China and Russia have been making huge inroads into Latin and South America while we have been looking the other way, as Obama said "the conspicuous(ness) of their presence is only matched by our absence."
McCain also attempted to mock Obama's no pre-conditions policy to open up dialogue with leaders of indifferent nations. Obama laid it out quite well that it is precisely the "silent treatment" policy that has fueled only more animosity and confusion towards America. You can't tell a country to get rid of their indifference's before we can begin talking about them. It's a stupid policy. However, Obama is for opening up a dialogue with lower level officials first to lay a groundwork for a future no pre-conditions meeting. In some circles, it's known as diplomacy.
After the opening handshake, I can't think of one instance where McCain looked towards Obama much less look him in the eye. Obama rose above McCain's condescending undertones by showing warmth and respect for him, often looking his way and referring to the cold giggling Republican as "John."
While Obama was trying to engage McCain in a tug of open and equal dialogue, McCain had little to say in his own defense except to imply "he (Obama) doesn't understand" on numerous occasions. The attitude I've seen from McCain I've seen before mostly in bitter old men who think their shit don't stink. The generational gap was obvious. McCain is much older than his age.
Barack doesn't need much advice from me. But there's one thing that he needs to consider in the next debate and that is to get off his heels and go on the offensive - without being offensive.
As far as debating skills go, they were about equal. Perhaps giving Obama only a slight edge. But on the issues, grasp of facts, foreign policy and overall awareness, Obama excelled. I was surprised that McCain seemed able to keep a lid on his temper.
If anything the debate proved McCain's ideas are riddled with a disconnect from reality and the kind of provocative rhetoric that will only heighten alarms and create new enemies. McCain is a dangerous man - and not in a good way.
Did Kissinger Say No Conditions?
McCain then also failed to keep his own ultimatum to cancel his participation in Friday's debate unless congress passed a bill to lift the country out of crisis. McCain blinked.
Barack Obama not only held his own against John McCain on foreign policy issues that were supposed to be McCain's strong suit - he excelled. Obama made the observation that the Bush Administration along with McCain's old guard ideas placed the nation's focus, military and resources into the Iraq obsession while ignoring broader foreign policy issues. Both China and Russia have been making huge inroads into Latin and South America while we have been looking the other way, as Obama said "the conspicuous(ness) of their presence is only matched by our absence."
McCain also attempted to mock Obama's no pre-conditions policy to open up dialogue with leaders of indifferent nations. Obama laid it out quite well that it is precisely the "silent treatment" policy that has fueled only more animosity and confusion towards America. You can't tell a country to get rid of their indifference's before we can begin talking about them. It's a stupid policy. However, Obama is for opening up a dialogue with lower level officials first to lay a groundwork for a future no pre-conditions meeting. In some circles, it's known as diplomacy.
After the opening handshake, I can't think of one instance where McCain looked towards Obama much less look him in the eye. Obama rose above McCain's condescending undertones by showing warmth and respect for him, often looking his way and referring to the cold giggling Republican as "John."
While Obama was trying to engage McCain in a tug of open and equal dialogue, McCain had little to say in his own defense except to imply "he (Obama) doesn't understand" on numerous occasions. The attitude I've seen from McCain I've seen before mostly in bitter old men who think their shit don't stink. The generational gap was obvious. McCain is much older than his age.
Barack doesn't need much advice from me. But there's one thing that he needs to consider in the next debate and that is to get off his heels and go on the offensive - without being offensive.
As far as debating skills go, they were about equal. Perhaps giving Obama only a slight edge. But on the issues, grasp of facts, foreign policy and overall awareness, Obama excelled. I was surprised that McCain seemed able to keep a lid on his temper.
If anything the debate proved McCain's ideas are riddled with a disconnect from reality and the kind of provocative rhetoric that will only heighten alarms and create new enemies. McCain is a dangerous man - and not in a good way.
Did Kissinger Say No Conditions?
ABC News Excerpt: (Sept.15, 2008)
Former U.S.Secretary of State Henry Kissinger today told an audience in Washington, DC that the U.S. should negotiate with Iran "without conditions" and that the next President should begin such negotiations at a high level.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Pssst - Politics Still Important To Gazette
Sunday's Janesville Gazette ran a front page article about seniors and the elderly being swindled out of their savings by slick talking con artists titled "Working to keep seniors secured." The article was very good and bordered on a public service message containing various groups, law departments and hotline numbers for contact help.
But would anyone think that the Gazette could have tied in a related story about senior fraud from three days earlier to add support for this feature? I'm talking about a press release from Rep. Tammy Baldwin who helped introduce legislation to prevent mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud targeting seniors.
McCain Grandstanding Crisis
After McCain announced the suspension of his campaign and also wants to postpone the debate, experts are saying.....
McCain has now painted himself in a corner regarding the scheduled debate. If he doesn’t show up, it’ll prove he can’t chew gum and talk at the same time. And if McCain leaves his chair empty at the debate - people will remember on November 4th. If he shows up........he blinked. It's a win-win situation for Obama.
Wednesday's Gazette contained an op-ed written by State Rep. Judy Robson titled Why must politics pit corporations vs teachers.
Gazette titles story Michelle Obama targets women, young voters. Targets??
Sunday's Sound Off
But would anyone think that the Gazette could have tied in a related story about senior fraud from three days earlier to add support for this feature? I'm talking about a press release from Rep. Tammy Baldwin who helped introduce legislation to prevent mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud targeting seniors.
Baldwin combats fraud targeting seniorsHistory has shown, had this legislation involved Rep. Paul Ryan instead of Baldwin, they most likely would have linked the two stories together as a main feature. I'll admit, omissions like this are difficult to attribute but it is for that reason that makes the Baldwin snub so obviously political.
“I am constantly receiving word from senior constituents who are being preyed on by fraudulent marketing schemes, offers, and promotions. This is a serious problem and our bipartisan legislation offers some constructive solutions to protect senior citizens from fraud,” said Rep. Baldwin.
McCain Grandstanding Crisis
After McCain announced the suspension of his campaign and also wants to postpone the debate, experts are saying.....
JG Excerpt:Dramatic as in “drama queen.” McCain is desperate and playing the same politics of old. He is not only grandstanding a national crisis for the sake of his own political career, but he is also overstepping his bounds with the current president. GWB IS still president. And for someone who admitted knowing very little about the workings of the economy, having a deregulator like McCain participate in the financial fix is like having a gorilla with a hammer adjust the valve lash on a Lamborghini. He’s in way over his head.
McCain campaign move dramatic.......it's a highly dramatic move, but we have to realize these are highly unusual times during a presidential campaign. He says McCain is attempting to establish that he can act as a leader and reach across the aisle.
McCain has now painted himself in a corner regarding the scheduled debate. If he doesn’t show up, it’ll prove he can’t chew gum and talk at the same time. And if McCain leaves his chair empty at the debate - people will remember on November 4th. If he shows up........he blinked. It's a win-win situation for Obama.
Wednesday's Gazette contained an op-ed written by State Rep. Judy Robson titled Why must politics pit corporations vs teachers.
JG Excerpt:After reading Robson’s clear and concise perspective about the partisans who defend the actions of the WMC by pitting their motives against supporters of education as an equal and fair adversary, I can only disagree with the title. It should have read, “Why must corporations pit politics against education.”
But WMC’s tactics are more destructive than constructive. Instead of telling the world what a great place Wisconsin is to do business, they badmouth our state as a “tax hell.” This, despite the fact that numerous Wisconsin corporations pay zero corporate income taxes here, including 12 corporations whose executives sit on the WMC Board of Directors.
Gazette titles story Michelle Obama targets women, young voters. Targets??
Sunday's Sound Off
On democrats: Why are the Democrats complaining that Vice President Cheney had five military deferments? Now we find out that mouthy Joe Biden had five deferments, and Bill Clinton refused to serve in the military. Where are the left-handed media now talking about Biden's five deferments, including your Gazette? -- anonymousTwo words can explain the differences between these men and their deferments because only one of them has been quoted as saying he had "other priorities" than military service in the 1960s. Yet despite being the only "chicken hawk of the three, if Cheney can serve as vice-president - Biden should be able to wing-it easily. But clumping the Gazette in together with the "left-handed" media because of a seeming lack of discussion over Biden's deferments is absurd. Give the right-wing Gazette some time, the campaign is still young.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Taxpayers Held Captive By Free Markets
At Monday night’s Janesville city council meeting, the council not surprisingly rubber stamped all of the TIF agreements they had on the agenda. It was business as usual.
Even in a small-to-medium sized town like Janesville, city leaders have no problem handing a private firm a $315,000 gift masquerading as a forgivable loan predicated only on the borrowers ability to keep a certain number of employees. Never mind the thought that if the business is unable to move enough product or services, it will not only be unable to fulfill the employment contingency of the loan, it may also be financially unable to pay it back anyways.
It's difficult to understand public officials claim that they’ve created jobs by handing out tax payer dollars without any repayment and rubber stamp it just for the asking, when they would have quickly approved a new tax on established businesses to create a business improvement district(BID). It sets up a bad example for everyone down the line. $315,000 may not sound like a fortune in today’s shockless billion dollar deals, but it doesn’t just fall from the sky either.
Sure, they'll point to the obvious advantages of 21 jobs as the collateral and the potential of increased property values, but just try to pull that in the loan office of a commercial bank.
But by rubber stamping this deal, the city council identified the city's competitive market disadvantage and placed a value on it of $15,000 per employee. This also sends a bad signal in my opinion.
I find myself more and more in agreement with the idea that if government (tax payers) is the only entity that seems willing to take the risk whether it involves $300,000 or 700 billion dollars, the taxpayers should be given some vested ownership or lien rights in the enterprise. Private lenders and investors demand it when they “create jobs” – and so should the taxpayers.
Note: This posting is not a criticism of the business or individuals involved in the Janesville transactions. It's about the broken system and the wayward policies.
Masters of The Universe
A), is that before or after you fattened up over $500 million playing the financial markets?
or B), knowing now what you know, are you kicking yourself over the meager $500 million jackpot?
Malcontents like myself should be ashamed of criticizing the wealth successfully confiscated by those responsible for crashing the capital markets. Much better to bash the hardworking assembly-line workers over at the GM plant for their obscene wages.
Even in a small-to-medium sized town like Janesville, city leaders have no problem handing a private firm a $315,000 gift masquerading as a forgivable loan predicated only on the borrowers ability to keep a certain number of employees. Never mind the thought that if the business is unable to move enough product or services, it will not only be unable to fulfill the employment contingency of the loan, it may also be financially unable to pay it back anyways.
It's difficult to understand public officials claim that they’ve created jobs by handing out tax payer dollars without any repayment and rubber stamp it just for the asking, when they would have quickly approved a new tax on established businesses to create a business improvement district(BID). It sets up a bad example for everyone down the line. $315,000 may not sound like a fortune in today’s shockless billion dollar deals, but it doesn’t just fall from the sky either.
Sure, they'll point to the obvious advantages of 21 jobs as the collateral and the potential of increased property values, but just try to pull that in the loan office of a commercial bank.
But by rubber stamping this deal, the city council identified the city's competitive market disadvantage and placed a value on it of $15,000 per employee. This also sends a bad signal in my opinion.
I find myself more and more in agreement with the idea that if government (tax payers) is the only entity that seems willing to take the risk whether it involves $300,000 or 700 billion dollars, the taxpayers should be given some vested ownership or lien rights in the enterprise. Private lenders and investors demand it when they “create jobs” – and so should the taxpayers.
Note: This posting is not a criticism of the business or individuals involved in the Janesville transactions. It's about the broken system and the wayward policies.
Masters of The Universe
When Hank Paulson took over as Secretary of the Treasury he listed one of his priorities as to prevent "creeping regulatory expansion." During Tuesday's Senate hearings on the Wall Street bail-out, Paulson, who was also the former CEO of Goldman Sachs said "I was shocked at how inadequate current regulation was."
A), is that before or after you fattened up over $500 million playing the financial markets?
or B), knowing now what you know, are you kicking yourself over the meager $500 million jackpot?
Malcontents like myself should be ashamed of criticizing the wealth successfully confiscated by those responsible for crashing the capital markets. Much better to bash the hardworking assembly-line workers over at the GM plant for their obscene wages.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Wall Street Bail Out A Fraud?
Yahoo News Excerpt:It turns out that the CEO’s of the investment firms they helped drive into the ground will refuse to participate in the bail-out if their salaries and parachutes are repacked into smaller packages. So much for shared sacrifice.
Many executives whose firms have been hard-hit by the mortgage crisis have earned sizable pay. Richard Fuld, the chairman and chief executive of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc, which filed for bankruptcy protection last week, was awarded $22 million in fiscal 2007, for instance.
Goldman Sachs - for decades an independent investment banking firm - requested to change their status that will see them regulated by the Fed – in other words they “want in” on that 700 billion dollars.
Click here for the entire three-page text of the Wall Street legislative proposal sent by the White House overnight to congressional leaders.Oil posts biggest one day gain ever. No hurricanes, pipeline explosions or sudden increase in demand.
I've got a real bad feeling about this.
The editorial in Sunday's Janesville Messenger was titled "McCain right about surge."
Monday, September 22, 2008
AARP Candidate Forum In 1st CD
The Walworth County AARP is hosting a forum of candidates for State Assembly seats including First Congressional District Candidates on Tuesday (Sept. 23) morning.
Event location
PEOPLE'S BANK (Community Room)
837 N Wisconsin St.
Elkhorn, WI 53121
Start time 9:30 AM
End time 11:30 AM
The following list of candidates have been invited to appear.
1st Congressional District
Rep. Paul Ryan (R) incumbent
Marge Krupp (D)
Joseph Kexel (L)
31st Assembly District
Steve Nass (R) incumbent
Frank Urban (D)
32nd District Assembly
Thomas Lothian (R) incumbent
Doug Harrod (D)
John Finley (I)
43nd District Assembly
Kim Hixson (D) incumbent
Debi Towns (R)
45th District Assembly
Chuck Benedict (D) incumbent
Mike Hahn (R)
83rd District Assembly
Scott Gunderson (R) incumbent
Aaron Robertson (D)
Each candidate will be allowed a few minutes for introduction before taking questions.
Click image for Capital Times Editorial
Mortgage Meltdown - No One Knew?
I don't have all the answers but after 14 years of "Contract on America" topped off by the last six years of Bush-style trickle-down economics, wrong-headed trade agreements, outsourcing jobs, shipping in labor, deregulation, privatization for profits, socializing the losses, misguided tax cuts and massive foreclosures on Bush's ownership society, we know what clearly doesn't work.
IT'S TIME FOR NEW DIRECTION.
Event location
PEOPLE'S BANK (Community Room)
837 N Wisconsin St.
Elkhorn, WI 53121
Start time 9:30 AM
End time 11:30 AM
The following list of candidates have been invited to appear.
1st Congressional District
Rep. Paul Ryan (R) incumbent
Marge Krupp (D)
Joseph Kexel (L)
31st Assembly District
Steve Nass (R) incumbent
Frank Urban (D)
32nd District Assembly
Thomas Lothian (R) incumbent
Doug Harrod (D)
John Finley (I)
43nd District Assembly
Kim Hixson (D) incumbent
Debi Towns (R)
45th District Assembly
Chuck Benedict (D) incumbent
Mike Hahn (R)
83rd District Assembly
Scott Gunderson (R) incumbent
Aaron Robertson (D)
Each candidate will be allowed a few minutes for introduction before taking questions.
Click image for Capital Times EditorialMortgage Meltdown - No One Knew?
Chicago Tribune Excerpt:How many times have you heard the question, "Who can afford those homes?" when talking about real estate values, mostly over $350,000 with a relative or friend in Illinois, Arizona or in Florida.
Millions of people took out billions of dollars in unaffordable mortgages. No one quite knew it at the time, but they bet the future of the U.S. financial system as part of the deal.
I don't have all the answers but after 14 years of "Contract on America" topped off by the last six years of Bush-style trickle-down economics, wrong-headed trade agreements, outsourcing jobs, shipping in labor, deregulation, privatization for profits, socializing the losses, misguided tax cuts and massive foreclosures on Bush's ownership society, we know what clearly doesn't work.
IT'S TIME FOR NEW DIRECTION.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Time For A Downtown Chamber Of Commerce
More often lately, the petition action taken by business owners in downtown Janesville to control their own destiny is becoming a necessary ritual for city residents. Janesville does not have aldermanic representation, so neighborhoods including the downtown area are left to shift for themselves when confronted with things they don’t agree with.
The BID (Business Improvement District of all things) proposal made public in June to raise nearly $127,000 annually was defeated when a petition opposing the BID signed by at least 40% of the district’s assessed values was validated.
Also in Friday’s Gazette was an article about the area chamber of commerce landing a federal grant. The newspaper titles the grant announcement as Rock County Gets Federal Job Grant.
The grant could have served as the tipping point to create jobs and attract business entrepreneurs and customers to downtown Janesville, at a crucial time when incomes and profits are declining. Pumping $150,000 a year for the next three years would have gone a long way to keep the downtown vital, energetic and better looking. Just ask the BID sponsors.
And if taxing yourselves into a BID was such a great idea as the Janesville Downtown Development Alliance would have everyone believe, why haven’t all the business sponsors and individuals paying dues to Forward Janesville petitioned the state or county government to raise their own property taxes for the same purpose? Why? Well, why should they when they have lobbyists working to confiscate state and federal dollars.
That is exactly how it works. This recent episode demonstrates not only what Janesville neighborhoods must do to effect council action, but it should also encourage downtown business owners to pull together and create a foundation to lobby both State and Washington officials for their own behalf.
They can create a neighborhood (downtown) chamber of commerce, but not just to decorate downtown during Christmas, print signs or buy advertising in the local newspapers. No, no, no. What they need to do is build a pot to fund one or two of their own to write grant requests and compete for those tax dollars. Afterwards, they can lobby state legislators to change TIF District rules so older business districts outside of TIF Districts can compete for TIF cash surplus. Why not, we're an at-large system of representation and taxation in Janesville. In short, they'll need to become as politically inactive as Forward Janesville claims to be. And they’ll need to compete against all others for those federal dollars if they are serious.
Everyone seems to be against earmarks. Until they capture one.
Sometimes, you have to take things into your own hands. If anything, I applaud the business owners who have taken the radical step of refusing to let others run them over. That's what BID will do.
The BID (Business Improvement District of all things) proposal made public in June to raise nearly $127,000 annually was defeated when a petition opposing the BID signed by at least 40% of the district’s assessed values was validated.
Also in Friday’s Gazette was an article about the area chamber of commerce landing a federal grant. The newspaper titles the grant announcement as Rock County Gets Federal Job Grant.
JG Excerpt:While some business owners in downtown Janesville were pressured by others to increase their own taxes to form a government-run BID bureaucracy, the Janesville chamber of commerce captures $455,000 in federal money.
The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Agency awarded Rock County and Forward Janesville a three-year, $450,000 grant to help redevelopment initiatives proposed by local leaders.
JG Excerpt:Must be nice, huh? Luckily for this chamber of commerce, they have Janesville in name only and don't hold any obligations to something like the county's largest downtown district.
"For example, we may go to the international plastics show and instead of just walking the floor, we may have an impressive booth that showcases our area and our projects," Beckord said. "The program will pay for travel, pay for marketing materials and advertising if we decided to go that route."
The grant could have served as the tipping point to create jobs and attract business entrepreneurs and customers to downtown Janesville, at a crucial time when incomes and profits are declining. Pumping $150,000 a year for the next three years would have gone a long way to keep the downtown vital, energetic and better looking. Just ask the BID sponsors.
And if taxing yourselves into a BID was such a great idea as the Janesville Downtown Development Alliance would have everyone believe, why haven’t all the business sponsors and individuals paying dues to Forward Janesville petitioned the state or county government to raise their own property taxes for the same purpose? Why? Well, why should they when they have lobbyists working to confiscate state and federal dollars.
That is exactly how it works. This recent episode demonstrates not only what Janesville neighborhoods must do to effect council action, but it should also encourage downtown business owners to pull together and create a foundation to lobby both State and Washington officials for their own behalf.
They can create a neighborhood (downtown) chamber of commerce, but not just to decorate downtown during Christmas, print signs or buy advertising in the local newspapers. No, no, no. What they need to do is build a pot to fund one or two of their own to write grant requests and compete for those tax dollars. Afterwards, they can lobby state legislators to change TIF District rules so older business districts outside of TIF Districts can compete for TIF cash surplus. Why not, we're an at-large system of representation and taxation in Janesville. In short, they'll need to become as politically inactive as Forward Janesville claims to be. And they’ll need to compete against all others for those federal dollars if they are serious.
Everyone seems to be against earmarks. Until they capture one.
Sometimes, you have to take things into your own hands. If anything, I applaud the business owners who have taken the radical step of refusing to let others run them over. That's what BID will do.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Rip Rap
Bald-Faced Liars
Democrats – The Real Mavericks
When Republicans falsely claim they battle Republicans, they proudly call themselves "reformers" or “mavericks.” But when Democrats battle Republicans, they’re called vicious partisans who only want to divide the country for political gain.
Architect Of The Bush Economy
Obama: Economic Pain Trickling Up
And You Thought Our Tax Code Was Complex?
AT&T Buries Customer’s Rights in 2,500 Page Guidebook
Excerpt:
One of the biggest differences between the AT&T and Verizon agreements is that AT&T's includes a provision that says customers are "waiving the right to a trial by jury and to participate in a class action" and may resolve grievances only by arbitration.
Note: The guidebook was published for California residents, which usually means it's only a year away from Wisconsin.
Beloit Daily News Hinting At Obama Endorsement? Don't bet on it.
Quote: "This campaign is not about the issues." - Lobbyist Rick Davis, McCain Campaign Manager
Governor Legally Bilks State To Stay Home
McCain Wants To Punish Wall Street
Excerpt:Saying she was responsible for stopping the bridge to nowhere is like robbing a bank until everybody yelled “stop - thief!” And only then stopping, but not until getting away with a bag of loot.
Palin's most obvious lie is one that she has repeated over and over: "I told Congress, 'thanks but no thanks' about that Bridge to Nowhere." Now, however, anyone who has bothered to fact-check this claim knows that Palin supported the bridge until Congress removed the earmark and then she kept the money to use on other state projects.
Democrats – The Real Mavericks
When Republicans falsely claim they battle Republicans, they proudly call themselves "reformers" or “mavericks.” But when Democrats battle Republicans, they’re called vicious partisans who only want to divide the country for political gain.
Architect Of The Bush Economy
Excerpt:.....using reverse criticism double-speak to wash his hands clean of any responsibility for the worst economy I’ve ever seen.
“This is the worst economy I’ve ever seen” – Alan Greenspan
Obama: Economic Pain Trickling Up
And You Thought Our Tax Code Was Complex?
AT&T Buries Customer’s Rights in 2,500 Page Guidebook
Excerpt:
One of the biggest differences between the AT&T and Verizon agreements is that AT&T's includes a provision that says customers are "waiving the right to a trial by jury and to participate in a class action" and may resolve grievances only by arbitration.
Note: The guidebook was published for California residents, which usually means it's only a year away from Wisconsin.
Beloit Daily News Hinting At Obama Endorsement? Don't bet on it.
Special Interests Editorial:McCain’s campaign has 159 special interest lobbyists.
But here's a question for each voter to ponder: If 2008 is a year for change, how can that be accomplished by electing the same people who have held office for years, beholden to the same special interests term after term? From Washington to Madison, that's what happens, election after election after election. The faces seldom change.
Quote: "This campaign is not about the issues." - Lobbyist Rick Davis, McCain Campaign Manager
Governor Legally Bilks State To Stay Home
Tribune Excerpt: (Last week)We can expect to see a rebuttal from Palin claiming that over two years, she could have charged the state for 600 nights and $86,000 instead. As far as she's concerned, she cut the spending in half!
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has charged her state a daily allowance, normally used for official travel, for more than 300 nights spent at her home, The Washington Post reported Tuesday. An analysis of travel statements filed by the governor, now John McCain's Republican running mate, shows she claimed the per diem allowance on 312 occasions when she was home in Wasilla and that she billed taxpayers $43,490 for travel by her husband and children
McCain Wants To Punish Wall Street
Raw Story Excerpt:
"He's so angry he wants to punish them with 200 billion dollars in tax cuts. And if they're not careful, he'll give them even more tax cuts for shipping our jobs overseas." -- Barry Obama, finally talkin' my language.
Monday, September 15, 2008
City Moving Forward with Past Perceptions
In the past two weeks, several small scandals rose out from Janesville city government.
The first one stemmed from an accusation of nepotism when a city employee perceived that the former city manager abused his power to keep a relative employed. The second one grew out from that after some city employees perceived that they have little recourse to air their grievances. The third one was also connected to the first as it exposed a perceived problem in the chain of command between the city manager and the city attorney. Employees perceived they could not trust the city attorney for help or advice. But it didn’t end there.
After word came out that the city manager used a contract technicality to squeeze the taxpayers out of $9,400 in exchange to keep his own word on his announced retirement date, some council members perceived the smell of blackmail. This episode over the city’s contractual negotiations however proved to be connected to the third problem, the perceived relationship the city attorney’s office maintains with the city manager and the city council. In order to negotiate the city’s final contract in good faith with the city manager, the council had to hire an outside attorney.
Who does the city council turn to for legal advice when they negotiate property purchase contracts or service contracts? Who will the city turn to when they hire a new city manager? This is just the tip of the iceberg.
During last week's council meeting, council members carried on with a serious discussion on these realities excluding the manager’s contract, only to offer a verbal note of confidence for the status quo.
Yes, the acting city manager changed some of the wording in the HR handbook so the city will no longer give preferential treatment to children and relatives of city employees, AND they hired a consultant to review the HR department, but nothing beyond that.
In addition, the newspaper article took statements from the meeting out of context to help smooth things over. For instance, they wrote this next statement up as a councilman having "concerns about changing the charter ordinance."
Sure, employee grievances may not be reason enough to change Janesville's governmental structure, but the gaps in the structural command and trust between the city manager, attorney and council should be. They did nothing to change the reality of that broken trust......and that's the perception.
Note: Sub-title on Tuesday's, September 9th print edition headline of the Janesville Gazette read "City Council Votes Against Changing Governmental Structure." The Janesville city council discussed two issues simultaneously under the grievance/structure topic ending in a verbal agreement to leave things as they are. No official votes were cast.
End Of The Con Game?
The first one stemmed from an accusation of nepotism when a city employee perceived that the former city manager abused his power to keep a relative employed. The second one grew out from that after some city employees perceived that they have little recourse to air their grievances. The third one was also connected to the first as it exposed a perceived problem in the chain of command between the city manager and the city attorney. Employees perceived they could not trust the city attorney for help or advice. But it didn’t end there.
After word came out that the city manager used a contract technicality to squeeze the taxpayers out of $9,400 in exchange to keep his own word on his announced retirement date, some council members perceived the smell of blackmail. This episode over the city’s contractual negotiations however proved to be connected to the third problem, the perceived relationship the city attorney’s office maintains with the city manager and the city council. In order to negotiate the city’s final contract in good faith with the city manager, the council had to hire an outside attorney.
Who does the city council turn to for legal advice when they negotiate property purchase contracts or service contracts? Who will the city turn to when they hire a new city manager? This is just the tip of the iceberg.
During last week's council meeting, council members carried on with a serious discussion on these realities excluding the manager’s contract, only to offer a verbal note of confidence for the status quo.
Yes, the acting city manager changed some of the wording in the HR handbook so the city will no longer give preferential treatment to children and relatives of city employees, AND they hired a consultant to review the HR department, but nothing beyond that.
In addition, the newspaper article took statements from the meeting out of context to help smooth things over. For instance, they wrote this next statement up as a councilman having "concerns about changing the charter ordinance."
JG Excerpt:THAT should have raised an alarm. Sounds to me like the councilman only has some concerns if we DON'T change the charter ordinances.
"On the other side … it's a long time in coming, but many months ago I asked for some information on charter ordinances and ordinances that gave the city manager extraordinary powers. And I strongly feel this information was withheld from the council." -- Councilman George Brunner
Sure, employee grievances may not be reason enough to change Janesville's governmental structure, but the gaps in the structural command and trust between the city manager, attorney and council should be. They did nothing to change the reality of that broken trust......and that's the perception.
Note: Sub-title on Tuesday's, September 9th print edition headline of the Janesville Gazette read "City Council Votes Against Changing Governmental Structure." The Janesville city council discussed two issues simultaneously under the grievance/structure topic ending in a verbal agreement to leave things as they are. No official votes were cast.
End Of The Con Game?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
McCain’s State Campaign Co-chair Files Suit
John McCain’s state campaign co-chair sued the state Government Accountability Board Wednesday, saying it must crosscheck voter names with driver’s license records for some voters who registered to vote or changed their addresses since Jan. 1, 2006.
Critics accused McCain’s state co-chair — a Republican serving as Wisconsin's State Attorney General — of filing the suit for partisan gain.
Van Hollen Wisconsin’s Katherine Harris
Your Next Job
Critics accused McCain’s state co-chair — a Republican serving as Wisconsin's State Attorney General — of filing the suit for partisan gain.
Van Hollen Wisconsin’s Katherine Harris
Excerpt:
It is within this context and pattern of behavior that we now find J.B. Van Hollen filing what is yet another partisan politically motivated lawsuit. What makes this one so much worse is that he is doing it with taxpayer money while at the same time threatening many of those same taxpayer’s right to vote.
Your Next Job
Friday, September 12, 2008
Janesville Council Gets Taste Of Manager's Medicine
Now comes word former City Manager Steve Sheiffer held out his retirement in exchange for $9,424 in extra pay and benefits.
Janesville's form of government needs to be revamped.
JG Excerpt:Why does the city have a city attorney? The city council represents the top of the power pyramid under city manager/council style of government. In city matters, the city attorney must represent and advise the council against all others excluding the people.
Loasching said the council was unaware of the need to send Sheiffer a notice of intent to terminate. The council assumed it would simply buy out Sheiffer’s vacation and sick days and release him from his contract, she said.
JG Excerpt:The current city attorney and his assistant can no longer be trusted to protect the vital interests of the city and should be fired immediately for neglecting to inform the city council of their legal duties and requirements to fulfill any resolutions and negotiate in good faith.
The council hired its own attorney, and the two attorneys negotiated the eventual agreement.
Janesville's form of government needs to be revamped.
Marriage Gone Bad Ends In Hit Job Arrest
For a moment there, I thought we could have had a real political scandal here in Janesville.
Other than a somewhat misleading on-line title, “Police say man wanted councilman killed,” and sub-title in the printed version,”Police say man wanted councilman, girlfriend killed” the Gazette story presents a strong undercurrent of poor timing and questionable judgment by all the parties involved. The councilman Rashkin is a mortgage insurance broker.
"Police say man wanted mortgage broker killed." Now there's a story title most of us can relate to.
Today, the Janesville Gazette reinforces the same storyline with misleading title Councilman comes to grips with enormity of threat.
Other than a somewhat misleading on-line title, “Police say man wanted councilman killed,” and sub-title in the printed version,”Police say man wanted councilman, girlfriend killed” the Gazette story presents a strong undercurrent of poor timing and questionable judgment by all the parties involved. The councilman Rashkin is a mortgage insurance broker.
"Police say man wanted mortgage broker killed." Now there's a story title most of us can relate to.
JG Excerpt:No juicy political scandal to dissect. No partisanship to complain about. Thank goodness nobody was killed. Check out the comment section at the paper, there's enough to keep a rumor mill running for weeks.
According to the release, there is no information the intended murders were related to Rashkin's position on the city council.
Today, the Janesville Gazette reinforces the same storyline with misleading title Councilman comes to grips with enormity of threat.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Sexist McCain Courts Trouble
When John McCain heard his policies being described as nothing more than dressed up Bush policies similar to "putting lipstick on a pig." McCain immediately thought of what comes natural to him..........
Is this what John McCain and his campaign staffers think of his running mate? Is this what McCain thinks of women in general? There is a pattern here. He owes women an apology!
McCain: Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
Is this what John McCain and his campaign staffers think of his running mate? Is this what McCain thinks of women in general? There is a pattern here. He owes women an apology!McCain: Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Marge Krupp Wins
Congress Dist. 1 (Dem) REPORTING 100%
Marge Krupp 5,832
Paulette Garin 5,015
Mike Hebert 4,315
John Mogk 655
Marge Krupp 5,832
Paulette Garin 5,015
Mike Hebert 4,315
John Mogk 655
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Big Day For Three Democrats
Today is the big day for three capable candidates hoping to win the right to run as the Democratic Party nominee against Republican Paul Ryan. The candidates, Paulette Garin, Marge Krupp and Mike Hebert have all made the rounds and worked hard throughout the district to gain our confidence. All carry with them solid democratic principles and plans for a brighter future.
I'm also excited over the prospect that the winner of today's primary will have a much better chance to rescue the district from the accumulative Republican failures and partisanship of Paul Ryan, than in previous campaigns.
The real battle begins on Wednesday.
PLEASE VOTE!
Fox News Channel Thinks Americans Are Stupid
Monday afternoon, nearly all the cable news channels were running some version of anti-Obama propaganda during their 24/7 snoozcasts.
Fox News for example ran one segment showing Obama speaking to a crowd saying "They (McCain's campaign) think Americans are stupid" except Fox deleted "they think" and ran subsequent segments beginning with Barack saying "Americans are stupid." Fox ran this edited version at least three times.
On MSNBC, the back-stabbing Chris Matthews repeatedly painted the presidential election as a contest between McCain-Palin and Barack-Michelle Obama.
Bulldog without lipstick
Palin a Pinhead?
Hey Barry, stay off those "hate" shows.
A Fellow POW On John McCain
I'm also excited over the prospect that the winner of today's primary will have a much better chance to rescue the district from the accumulative Republican failures and partisanship of Paul Ryan, than in previous campaigns.
The real battle begins on Wednesday.
PLEASE VOTE!
Fox News Channel Thinks Americans Are Stupid
Monday afternoon, nearly all the cable news channels were running some version of anti-Obama propaganda during their 24/7 snoozcasts.
Fox News for example ran one segment showing Obama speaking to a crowd saying "They (McCain's campaign) think Americans are stupid" except Fox deleted "they think" and ran subsequent segments beginning with Barack saying "Americans are stupid." Fox ran this edited version at least three times.
On MSNBC, the back-stabbing Chris Matthews repeatedly painted the presidential election as a contest between McCain-Palin and Barack-Michelle Obama.
Bulldog without lipstickPalin a Pinhead?
Creative Excerpt:I have no idea why Barack Obama would allow himself to be interviewed by the likes of Bill O'Reilly. O'Reilly and Fox News in particular are a joke and can't be taken seriously.
When Jamie Lynn Spears (16) revealed she was pregnant, Bill O'Reilly said, "That's what happens when your parents are pinheads!"
Hey Barry, stay off those "hate" shows.
A Fellow POW On John McCain
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Sarah Palin: Ryan's Boondoggle Queen
Here's what Sarah Palin told the Anchorage Daily News on October 22, 2006,
The oil-rich State of Alaska is considered the Saudi Arabia of America, only less tolerant. This year Alaskan families can expect to receive around $29,000 in oil royalties plus an extra $1,200 from a windfall profits tax on Big Oil. A tax orchestrated by Sarah Palin. Despite the nationalized wealth, Palin found it necessary to request Federal funding for stuff the state could afford to build themselves.
But there is an additional catch here with Palin's connection to the bridge to nowhere and McCain's attempted hijacking of Obama's theme of "change." His name is Rep. Paul Ryan. It's no secret that Palin's bridge to nowhere is the same bridge that compelled Ryan to create his "Budget Boondoggle Award" for pork spenders.
In addition, Ryan has been trying to help the GOP uncover why they've lost the majority in the House.
Last year alone, Ryan worked hard bringing his district home about a billion dollars LESS in Federal Grants than the average district in Wisconsin. Only Sensenbrenner's district got gypped more. Yet, residents of the 1st CD receive no special tax breaks or oil revenue dividend for their unsolicited sacrifice.
Which leaves me with this. Who are the Republicans who lost their way? And which Republicans are the ones promising change?
She Was For Pork Excerpt:Here's what she told the nation at the RNC.
5. Would you continue state funding for the proposed Knik Arm and Gravina Island bridges?
Yes. I would like to see Alaska's infrastructure projects built sooner rather than later. The window is now--while our congressional delegation is in a strong position to assist. – Sarah Palin
Before she was against itIs that so? When she was Mayor of Wasilla, a town about the size of Edgerton, she captured $27 million dollars in earmarks. During her first two years as governor she requested 83 earmarks totaling over $453 million in Federal money.
“And I championed reform to end the abuses of earmark spending by Congress. In fact, I told Congress -- I told Congress, "Thanks, but no thanks," on that bridge to nowhere. (APPLAUSE) If our state wanted a bridge, I said we'd build it ourselves.” – Sarah Palin
The oil-rich State of Alaska is considered the Saudi Arabia of America, only less tolerant. This year Alaskan families can expect to receive around $29,000 in oil royalties plus an extra $1,200 from a windfall profits tax on Big Oil. A tax orchestrated by Sarah Palin. Despite the nationalized wealth, Palin found it necessary to request Federal funding for stuff the state could afford to build themselves.
Good ol' Girl Sarah:Can we assume Palin was the opposing force?
In her earlier career as Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska, Palin hired a lobbyist to help the tiny town secure at least 14 earmarks, worth $27 million between 2000-2003. McCain has touted Palin as a force in his long battle against earmarks.
But there is an additional catch here with Palin's connection to the bridge to nowhere and McCain's attempted hijacking of Obama's theme of "change." His name is Rep. Paul Ryan. It's no secret that Palin's bridge to nowhere is the same bridge that compelled Ryan to create his "Budget Boondoggle Award" for pork spenders.
In addition, Ryan has been trying to help the GOP uncover why they've lost the majority in the House.
GOP lost their way:Sarah Palin and Paul Ryan are at the opposite extremes of the earmark spectrum. Palin of course is addicted to pork. While Ryan continues to shortchange his district hundreds of millions of dollars in Federal appropriations.
"Was it that we'd lost our way on spending and the need for small government? The majority of hands went up ... The American people came to believe that we're the party of Big Government." -- Rep. Paul Ryan
Last year alone, Ryan worked hard bringing his district home about a billion dollars LESS in Federal Grants than the average district in Wisconsin. Only Sensenbrenner's district got gypped more. Yet, residents of the 1st CD receive no special tax breaks or oil revenue dividend for their unsolicited sacrifice.
Which leaves me with this. Who are the Republicans who lost their way? And which Republicans are the ones promising change?
Thursday, September 04, 2008
McCain willing to lose Bin Laden to win election
McCain Knows Excerpt:So McCain knows how to get Bin Laden, but he'll keep it to himself.
"President Clinton had opportunities to get Osama bin Laden. President Bush had opportunities to get Osama bin Laden. I know how to do it and I'll do it," he told ABC's "World News" in an interview.
Country first?!
Republicans Take Low Road To White House
I’ve made a mistake saying McCain’s calculation exemplifies the worst in America. I was being too kind.
At the RNC, Sarah Palin and Rudy Guiliani left no stone unturned attacking everything that makes America great. They attacked me as a person and they attacked the worker and degraded professionalism. They attacked our taxpayer responsibilities and mocked hope. They insulted the child who dreams of becoming a policeman, a fireman or even the president some day – only in America. By smearing Barack Obama and democrats with lie after lie they have brought down the dignity of America to levels George W. Bush never dreamed of.
At first I thought Sarah Palin was a far better candidate for the White House than John McCain ever could be. But Palin’s calculating comments and snarky narcissism eventually made Hillary Clinton sound like Mother Teresa. McCain and Palin are disgraceful - they both deserve each other.
I know this will seem crazy, but after listening to the full-of-herself beauty queen sycophant whining on at the podium, I couldn't stop SNL's Pat from floating around in my head. Maybe it's just me.
* RECOMMENDED READING *
There's Something About Sarah
A comprehensive analysis of Mayor Sarah Palin by Wasilla resident Anne Kilkenny.
At the RNC, Sarah Palin and Rudy Guiliani left no stone unturned attacking everything that makes America great. They attacked me as a person and they attacked the worker and degraded professionalism. They attacked our taxpayer responsibilities and mocked hope. They insulted the child who dreams of becoming a policeman, a fireman or even the president some day – only in America. By smearing Barack Obama and democrats with lie after lie they have brought down the dignity of America to levels George W. Bush never dreamed of.
At first I thought Sarah Palin was a far better candidate for the White House than John McCain ever could be. But Palin’s calculating comments and snarky narcissism eventually made Hillary Clinton sound like Mother Teresa. McCain and Palin are disgraceful - they both deserve each other.
I know this will seem crazy, but after listening to the full-of-herself beauty queen sycophant whining on at the podium, I couldn't stop SNL's Pat from floating around in my head. Maybe it's just me.
* RECOMMENDED READING *
There's Something About Sarah
A comprehensive analysis of Mayor Sarah Palin by Wasilla resident Anne Kilkenny.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Kexel, Ryan Unfit For People Duty
Racine Journal Times Discussion Excerpt:It says THAT in the Constitution? I never thought I would hear anyone sound more beholden to government of the corporation, for the corporation and by the corporation than Rep. Paul Ryan until now. Meet Joseph Kexel, Libertarian candidate for the 1st Congressional District of Wisconsin.
On the other hand, Kexel supported taking a step away from government and placing more power in the private market. "The constitution is the key. Go back to the Constitution, get limited government so businesses can excel and we can once again take over our place as the manufacturing capital of the world," Kexel said.
This leaves us with three viable candidates willing to restore the sovereignty of government to the people in the 1st CD. Marge Krupp, Paulette Garin and Mike Hebert.
Did you know?
That nearly four years before Ryan's touted "Roadmap for America's Future," Norm Aulabaugh, Independent candidate running against Rep. Paul Ryan in 2004, offered a 15-minute presentation he called "Saving America's Future."
Found this button at Democratic Stuff and thought it was very cool.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Palin’s Pride Poster Child For Abstinence?
Chicago Tribune Excerpt:Pro-Life is a Pro-Choice decision.
“We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support." The parents say their daughter will marry the young man.
Surprise Pregnancy Excerpt:The Bible-toting Palin’s are left with the burden to prove that pregnancy out of wedlock is not only acceptable, it is just as wanted as the baby is.
Republicans appointed committees, approved a platform—which supports abstinence education in schools—and watched video messages from Gulf state governors.
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