Tuesday, September 30, 2008

I hate to admit this: I was wrong. I'm a flip-flopper. Good thing I'm not a politician

There were seven different versions of this economic bailout House Bill. It sounded attractive at first. The more I'm learning about it, the more I understand why it was defeated. One of Georgia's Democrat Reps. in an interview said, "The Bush administration would veto this bill if 'golden parachutes' weren't included in it." Obviously, he's referring to compensating those executives who got us in this mess. I think we all can agree when this is all said and done, this bill should be devised to bail out those who suffered from unscrupulous or incompetent actions by these big whigs.

Let me be as forthcoming as I can. I panicked after yesterday's market crash. I went against everything that I believed about Naomi Klein and her idealogies about what happens during a crisis. I supported something that went completely against my own interests. Here's Michael Moore's reaction to the Bill's defeat yesterday: http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=236

Monday, September 29, 2008

Congress bails out on Americana and another parody of Keith Olbermann's 'Worst Persons in the World'

Rep. John Boehner, House Republican leader, let it be known today that his feelings were hurt after Nancy Pelosi provided a passionate speech, accusing Republicans for getting us into this economic disaster. Further, he added her speech could've changed the minds of at least 12 of his Republican colleagues who were ready to approve the bill. What a complete bitch. Pelosi told the truth. Republicans have controlled Congress 12 out of 14 years and the White House for eight. We wouldn't have gotten to this point if regulators did their jobs. When this is all said and done, these bastards need to be investigated and indicted for their outrageous, reckless behavior.

For one of the very few times, I agree with Pres. Bush, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, and many Democrats on this bill. I continue hearing how this is bad for bailing out irresponsible creditors. This is bad for everyone, and there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. Here are some of the provisions this bill provides: 1.) A bipartisan commission will be created to oversee the actions these failed lenders take in all future endeavors. 2.) No bonuses will be provided to top paid executives and/or CEOs. 3.) Government will buy back these rotten assets and possibly, obtain a profit when selling them back and when these businesses get back on their feet. This means what we pay into this system, we could possibly receive more in return after this is all said and done. 4.) Currently, small businesses are finding it damn near impossible to obtain lines of credit. We now see how more and more are having to close their doors. I despise this Reganomic (voodoo economic, trickle down system we have right now), but every now and then, we have to say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. This bill has been devised to help small businesses as trickle down as it is.

Worst Persons in the World

The bronze goes to Conservative cook Michelle Malkin. Has she looked at herself in the mirror lately? It reminds me of a Dave Chappelle comic skit when he played a blind, white supremacist. Here's a brief transcript from the crooksandliars blog:

"It’s no coincidence that most of the areas hardest hit by the foreclosure wave - Loudoun County, Va., California’s Inland Empire, Stockton and San Joaquin Valley, and Las Vegas and Phoenix, for starters - also happen to be some of the nation’s largest illegal-alien sanctuaries. Half of the mortgages to Hispanics are subprime (the accursed species of loan to borrowers with the shadiest credit histories). A quarter of all those subprime loans are in default and foreclosure.

Regional reports across the country have decried the subprime meltdown’s impact on illegal-immigrant “victims.” A July report showed that in seven of the ten metro areas with the highest foreclosure rates, Hispanics represented at least one third of the population; in two of those areas - Merced and Salinas-Monterey, Calif.

Hispanics comprised half the population. The amnesty-promoting National Council of La Raza and its Development Fund have received millions in federal funds to “counsel” their constituents on obtaining mortgages with little to no money down; the group almost succeeded in attaching a $10-million earmark for itself in one of the housing bills past this spring..."

Malkin drifts into another universe when all rationalization fails. Illegal immigrants can't purchase homes when they don't show identification and employment verification. Nice try.

The silver goes to the aforementioned Rep. John Boehner. Using more political posturing, he said John McCain helped shape their opinions. McCain? This past Tuesday McCain said in an interview he hadn't read Paulson's two-and-a-half page summary of this proposed bill. Oh, well. We can always learn to pretend just like President Bush and McCain pretend to be leaders.

The gold goes to racist and bigot Conservative talk radio hack Austin Rhodes. Albeit his continuing ad nauseum rant that we have too many irresponsible Americans to blame for the mortgage crisis, he switched gears at one point. "Do you ever see a missing black person on the side of a chocolate milk carton? I'm joking." Perhaps, your anti-civil rights audience are the only ones who are laughing. It might also explain that Rhodes would make a good assistant to Michael Richards if another appearance is made at The Comedy Club. Limbaugh lapdog Austin Rhodes, TODAY's WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD.





Friday, September 26, 2008

What did you think of the debate? Shame, shame if you didn't watch it

I thought both candidates held serve on their rhetoric. With no fettered anaylsis or skewed views by pundits, here's my take. What the hell is McCain talking about when he says we should "freeze spending?" That's just a ridiculous, absurd rationale. Government taxes and spends. It always has and always will. The fundamental question is who benefits: Republicans support big business and Democrats support the lower and middle class. McCain spent the entire first half over our economic crisis with no tangible examples raised. Instead, he spent this time ad nauseum whining that spending is "out of control."

Once again, Barack raised concrete proposals he's addressed all along. He will cut taxes for those earning less than $250,000 per year. This will greatly generate revenue back into our coffers. These guys earning this money can afford it and still have plenty left over for vacations and buying neat toys. Barack also addressed another huge issue that can't be emphasized enough: HEALTH CARE. Talking head Conservatives and some Republicans want to point their fingers at the consumers. Oh, it's your fault. You were irresponsible and in over your heads when you purchased your homes. Yes, there are some cases where that's true. Let's not forget there are many other circumstances and inabilities to pay outrageous medical costs are also reasons people are selling their homes.

Our foreign policy over the past eight years is a joke. Predictably, McCain wanted to spend the majority of time on Iraq. Here's one question I want Obama to ask McCain: What is your definition of victory in Iraq and is it purely military based? It sounds condescending but McCain doesn't seem to get it when it comes to political reconciliation. I was also disappointed Obama didn't mention the Iraqi government has also laid the groundwork for an American troop withdrawal.

This is merely my two cents from your average schmo. Go watch and listen to the experts. I know there's much more I've left out, but this is what resonated with me.

Have a good weekend.
Kick McCain's ass Barack and intriguing weekend sports matchups

Well, John McCain has set aside his crusader armor and has decided to debate Barack Obama tonight at the University of Mississippi. Tonight Jim Lehrer will be moderating and it's expected to be focused on foreign policy. Both candidates' past experiences in debates reveal some weaknesses -- McCain has been known to lose his temper or simply exchange pleasantries with his opponent without showing any distinction. When running for the U.S. House the first time in Illinois, Obama was criticized for "being too professorial." I really haven't seen that from him thus far.

Obama should slam McCain for supporting the surge in Iraq when Afghanistan continues to lose its control to the Taliban and not focusing on getting bin Laden. Also, I'm hoping he mentions domestic security and our lack of funding and attention to our sea ports and airports. The FAA has still found weapons getting passed screeners at some of our major airports, and this administration has continued to deny some contractors their lastest, most up-to-date technology to be used.

Intriguing Sports Matchups

No more sports picks. On a previous post, I'm now batting 0.00. Rafael Nadal lost in the semifinal at the U.S. Open, Arizona Diamondbacks didn't make the postseason, and Ohio State looked silly against USC (great upset by Oregon State last night). So, I'll just list games that interest me.

I'm hoping the Minnesota Twins will continue their winning ways when they close the season at home against the Kansas City Royals. I can't stand Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, so a small market team like the Twins would be great to see in the postseason. The Tampa Bay Rays hopefully will lose every game against Detroit. It's unlikely the Red Sox will win the AL East, but ya' never know.

On the football side, my Nebraska Cornhuskers face their first tough test of the season when they host Virginia Tech. This should be an interesting one, and Tech should be tough, particularly on defense. Nebraska needs to bring their A game on offense.

I have a few friends who obviously are diehard Georgia fans. They face a very solid Alabama team. If Georgia is able to stop Alabama's running game, the Bulldogs should be in good shape.

Two interesting pro football games this weekend. I like the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings matchup. This pits two teams with great defenses and should be a low scoring affair. Also, the upstart Atlanta Falcons travel to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers. This is another game that can easily go either way.

With tonight's debate and good games this weekend, I think I'll be a curmudgeon. There are a few movies I need to watch before the games begin tomorrow night.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Scatterbrain McCain rushes to Washington, stays behind for a Katie Couric interview, then he rushes to Washington. David Letterman -- 'Put in your second string quarterback'

How many homes do you own? O.k. I'm sure you could give me a straight answer. When someone who wants to run our country is asked this simple question and responds by telling the reporter to ask his staff, how can you trust this Straight Talkin' from the hip guy? Forget the hip part. He might need that replaced too. Most importantly, McCain demonstrates he can't tackle two tasks at once.

I don't want Congress to just rush to a decision on this one and say, here you go people, now just leave us alone. It's like the economic stimulus package. Here's $300. It should last you a few weeks. Barack Obama understands the complexities of this overwhelming challenge and laid out four main points. Mainly, rescue Americans who lost their homes to foreclosures and as just about everyone agrees, don't use this bill to reward the CEOs who got us in this mess.

There are a few sides to this issue. Were some homeowners in over their heads? Sure. Were some mortgage loan officers deceptive? Absolutely. Most important, was there oversight involved? Nope. This is what happens when you not only have a completely free market system, but one that says big whig executives are responsible and should be trusted. One bumper sticker I had spells this out: "Since when did unquestioning obedience to corporate interests become patriotic?" This is a life lesson. We need to have a fine balance. Sure, companies shouldn't be told how to run their businesses, but they should be punished when their CEOs take the money and run while thousands lose their jobs as a result. That's not democracy; it's totalitarianism. The blame should also be spread to those who demonstrated gross negligence and didn't step in to solve these companies' actions. I don't think Chris Cox, SEC chairman should take all the blame, just like these CEOs. Another question is whether the CEOs knew about their subordinates deceptive practices. A few whistle-blowers have already spoken out on how they duped prospective buyers.

David Letterman was expecting John McCain to appear on his show. One of my favorites filled in, Keith Olbermann. I'm waiting for the McCain camp's press release on how David Letterman can no longer be considered a serious comedian. Surely, I can't be serious you ask. I am and don't call me Shirley. The McCain list so far: NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, The New York Times, and Newsweek. I'm sure I've left a few out. Here's Letterman's reaction to McCain's campaign suspension and cancellation from his show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYy4VFyymPg

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Monotany or Insanity?

I wake up every morning with the radio blaring. Laughter can be heard by two morning radio shock jocks, Lex and Terry. I'm a terrible morning person, so I prepare a fresh pot of coffee. While it's brewing, I shower and put on a fresh outfit to begin the day. I pour a cup of coffee, walk outside, and smoke my day's first cigarette. I walk back inside and make sure the thermostat is set at a reasonably warm temperature to avoid a high power bill. Finally, I pick up my keys and begin my short drive to work.

I turn on the Lex and Terry show in my car while driving. There are some hysterical moments that have me laughing out loud. For example, the two DJs send one of their phone screeners out to play what they call "The Paging Game." A name is given and this person must have the name called out over an intercom at some store location -- i.e. Wal Mart. The name usually has a genitalia-based pronounciation in it like "Mia Cochran." Their screener is on a bluetooth and has the names called out to him. It's well played out, since he says he's there to pick up some seniors and return them to their nursing home.

Once I arrive at work, I have the liberty to continue listening to the show; something I couldn't do in an office environment. My tasks each day are mindless and only requires physical exertion. Throughout my day, my introspective nature comes out. I begin pondering over what's going on in the world, interpreting a lucid dream I had the night before, and humming along to a catchy tune I recently heard.

Our two delivery drivers arrive an hour later. This is the hectic portion of my day. I walk around our warehouse, climbing a ladder to reach from time to time heavy boxes filled with large bolts, and gathering all these boxes to pour in our bins. After approximately one hour, I can expect to hear Lynn's (receiving manager) squeaky, high-pitched voice fill the air. "Ron (warehouse manager), do you have that order ready for Gill?" He approaches her and assures her he does.

When I'm feeling a little giddy and goofy, I might impersonate someone's voice. This is my regressive child-like self coming out. "Kennedy," I yell with a gruff inflection. "Kennedy," I repeat with the tone lowered a few decibels. This impersonation is one of Mr. Kennedy, a wrestler for the WWE when I used to watch it (about six months ago). Shorty, my diminutive colleague and Ron, get some laughs from it. Also, while we pour the fasteners into the bins, we talk about what's going on in the news or latest sports results.

After my break is over at 10 a.m., I walk back to my work station. By this time, I'm usually worn out hearing people call The Lex and Terry show for relationship advice. So, I pop a CD into my CD player and watch the short-circuiting boom box with suspenseful ire. Nothing. Damn it. I have to resort to listening to the only thing that's halfway decent even though it's ad nauseum when they don't do any bits.

Lunch is short, since I spend time reading some of my favorite blogs, latest news from CNN, etc. I return to work, and everything basically plays out the same. This pattern occurs each and every day. I find that I'm not the only one who wakes up each day and experiences routineness. Once you're in a job for awhile, tasks become repetitious. Sure, there might be something new that pops up: new account, software applications, different operating procedures, etc. Luckily, I'm not one of those Americans who dislikes his job. I'm grateful that I receive decent pay and great benefits. There are too many out there right now who yearn for another shot to have these blessings.

This is why I often mock our society. We're drones who work to consume what our pleasures desire. One of my favorite films is Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray. I feel like him most days and literally will interject someone who is talking to finish their thoughts. It's like I'm participating in the same script over and over. I know the plot and how it concludes.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Sundance Channel's 'Blog Wars'

I just finished watching another compelling Sundance Channel documentary, Blog Wars. Naturally, the big whig bloggers were interviewed along with some authors -- Andrew Sullivan (Conservative and harsh critic of George W. Bush for why he isn't a true Conservative), DailyKos founder Markos Moulitsas, staunch Iraq war supporter, journalist, author, and one of today's foremost intellects, Christopher Hitchens, and Jane Hamsher (Natural Born Killers producer and blogger for firedoglake.blogspot.com). This feature focused on the Connecticutt Democratic primary between Joe Lieberman and Ned Lamont.

Moulitsas and Hamsher dedicated their time and attention to this election, vehemently criticizing Joe Lieberman's support of the Iraq War. Bloggers shaped this primary. Lamont had no name recognition, demonstrated some stiff tension at some of his campaign stops, and appeared to be someone who had no chance when the primary began. Through the course of the race, Moulitsas and Hamsher convinced Connecticutt voters to support Lamont. And it worked. A multi-term, former Vice Presidential candidate was ousted by his own Party in the primary. Unbelievable.

As we all know, Lieberman won the general election when he ran as an Independent. Who could've predicted Ned Lamont came as close as he did? The bloggers helped pull him through, whether you agree with their approaches or not. I highly suggest if you carry the Sundance Channel to watch this documentary.

Here were some notable statements:

Andrew Sullivan believed in the power of blogging. He said if people know where you stand, your message becomes more believable to your readers. "The BBC is a left-leaning news service, but they don't tell you they are."

Christopher Hitchens said bloggers are self-centered and publish on this forum, since they can't get their works published anywhere else.

Personally, Moulitsas had some of the most compelling reasons for blogging. He said it's "people powered." Your credibility can be stripped away tomorrow. He further added bloggers don't have the formal training journalists have. The big difference: Moulitsas says he doesn't take himself seriously. As someone who worked as a journalist and does this as a hobby, a journalist's formal training is highly overrated. You learn how to write using the inverted pyramid, building a story in media res (human-interest story as an example), and AP style. When someone like Moulitsas receives more than 200,000 visitors per day, I'd say he has a much more profound impact than just about any cable news outlet, newspaper, and magazine.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Fiscal Conservative doesn't apply for your average Republican

We've all seen how Republicans create a myth claiming they are "fiscal conservatives." You hear the same rhetoric, "We'll cut taxes and eliminate wasteful spending." Today, this rhetoric can be seen as a boldface lie. Take our good ole' Georgia Gov. Sonny "Daze" Perdue as an example. When he entered office during his first term, he inherited more than a $500 million budget surplus. Today, our state is facing a $1.6 billion budget deficit. Fiscal conservativism?

There was one published story I recall writing when working as a full-time journalist. This was back in 2005 when people were panicking about gas prices topping out over $2 per gallon. Can you imagine if prices dropped to that right now? I called some local, small independent distributors to determine how it affected their businesses. Their responses were extremely dour. "I've had to cut some of our employees' pay." Another said he couldn't afford to pay his employees health insurance. This was extremely depressing to hear over the phone. It turned from depressing to anger when I spoke with a gentleman who works for an institution in Washington, D.C. who solely monitors and analyzes the oil and petroleum markets. There was really one question I was dying to ask and knew the answer before he gave it to me.

"Who isn't keeping up their production levels to meet our domestic demands?"

There was a long pause and I knew he was hesitant to tell me. Finally, he said, "Saudi Arabia." Yes, if you've seen Michael Moore's blockbuster documentary Fahrenheit 9/11, he documents the Bush family's long standing ties with the Saudi royal family.

Gas prices are one piece of this economic puzzle. Another story I wrote provided more red flags about where our country was headed. This one never was printed, but it was intrinsically rewarding. The following excerpts were written back in Sept. 2006:

The Center for American Progress (CAP reported: “In 2005, the typical CEO received $11.6 million in total direct compensation -- salaries, bonuses, restricted stock grants, gains from stock option exercises and other long-term incentive payouts. In this same year, “the average CEO made 279 times the average pay of a production non-supervisory worker, the vast majority of America’s private sector’s work force. This is up from 185 times in 2003 and 229 times in 2004.”

It should come as no surprise the biggest bread winners are CEOs in the oil and gas industry after gas prices recently peaked over $3 per gallon on average nationwide. The report said these individuals earned an average of $30.5 million.

The Economic Policy Institute said, “Since 1997, the purchasing power of the minimum wage has deteriorated by 20%. After adjusting for inflation, the value of the minimum wage is at its lowest level since 1955.”

Do you think conditions have improved? Democrats worked to stop this mess, but their efforts have been thwarted by the divide in Congress. Also, Bush continues to use the veto pen any time legislation attempts to stop tax cuts for the wealthy and regulation of industries. Since 2007, legislation was passed for raising the minimum wage but not before another provision was added to provide more tax cuts to corporations. So, the purchasing power for the poor and middle class has continued to decline.

Working as a journalist, you earn poverty wages. Naturally, there are some exceptions if you end up working as an editor or for a major cable news outlet. Staff writers at Time earn what I earned. As much as I enjoyed the freshness and investigative work journalism requires, I'm glad I have more financial security where I'm at now. Those past experiences also instilled me to have a keen sense on who is telling the truth and who is full of shit.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Those evil 'Hollywood elitists'



How dare an actor or actress voice an opinion on this year's Presidential Election? They're not Americans. They don't pay taxes. I wonder why the Conservative base continues demonizing those who have a differing opinion that's a household name. Matt Damon. Oh, what does he know? Despite spending countless hours working in Africa for AIDS awareness and raising money for medical care, he shouldn't talk. He's ignorant. He wants our government turned into a socialistic and coummunistic one.



I haven't seen such disdain for our media and so-called Hollywood community. By the way, many of these actors and actresses live outside of California. This isn't as terroristic as the McCarthy-led era in the 1950s when one bold, courageous journalist, Edward R. Murrow, stood up to the evils this Senator and his followers committed, but it does show just another ingredient of Conservative fascism.



What about those who support the Republicans? Let's see: Dwayne Johnson a.k.a. The Rock, Jon Voigt, Wilford Brimley, Arnold Schwarznaeger, Bruce Willis, and my personal favorite, Mr. Missing In Action, Chuck Norris.

It's really absurd the McCain camp follows lock-in-step with the Conservative commentators. McCain won't do interviews, unless it's a reporter who cozies up to him. Yet, he and his surrogates turn around and say how unfair the media is for spending too much time on Barack Obama. He should thank the media. They've been far too lenient on his gaffes and continue dissecting every little nuance Barack makes.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Tell me what you think of this band and its video

When I first moved to Augusta, I befriended a guy who lived in a neighboring subdivision. He and I became best friends. Before that, he was childhood best friends and continued his friendship with the lead guitarist of the band, Dead Confederate. Well, this former best friend is now a successful lawyer. Nothing like that money and glory. We went to see Walker (lead guitarist) play his accoustic or electric guitar. It seems that's all we did every time we paid him a visit. At the time, he really liked classic rock -- Hendrix and Pink Floyd. He also played some very difficult riffs by Eric Johnson. Like probably most people, I was immersed in the grunge sound at the time.

I only hung out I think once or twice with the lead vocalist, Hardy. One sun-soaked afternoon, we decided to jump off the tressels at Clark's Hill Lake. I'm still afraid of heights to this day. So, I was the puss and jumped from probably no more than 50 feet up. He and my friend Jarrod decided to jump off from the top. All and all it was a fun hike and great adrenaline release.

Recently, they were featured in one of our local publications, one I probably need to do some more freelance work for again. They're scheduled to be on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on Oct. 10. Here's a video from one of their new album's tracks:

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=38403525&blogID=431899791

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Keith Olbermann's 'Special Comment' tells you all you need to know about the Republican Playbook: '9/11 TM'

I vividly remember what I was doing on Sept. 11, 2001. Ironically, it's in the same location I work at now. My negative experiences working around narcissistic and uber-authoritarian office colleagues brought me back home. I did obtain my degree, and I'm constantly reminded how I'm literally wasting my time where I'm at. However, I trade working with a family-like atmosphere over intolerant people any day. Sept. 11, 2001 was a nightmare.

While diligently working on a project, my diminutive colleague called out to me. "P.J." "What," I asked with my silly, gruff tone. "Come here." He had his radio blaring that day. I walked over to his work station.

"A plane just hit the World Trade Center."

"Do you know how it happened?"

"No. They just said a plane crashed into it."

At this point, I thought that it might be just an accident. Perhaps, it was one of those small engine planes that lost control and crashed into the building. Back to work. It didn't take long before he yelled my name again.

This time, I knew something was terribly wrong. He said a second plane hit the second World Trade Center tower. Now, this isn't an accident. My heart uncontrollably raced. "Wake up. Wake up," I told myself. Nothing. This nightmare was too surreal to absorb at once. Immediately, I envisioned more damage and destruction that might ensue. Reports later came in about more planes that were flying off course with one believed to be heading toward the White House.

My body was numb while watching the images shown on NBC. Our branch manager walked into the break room and said, "Gentlemen, we're at war." His prognostication proved to be correct.

By day's end, four planes caused massive destruction and claimed more than 4,000 lives. Many surviving family members' wounds are still healing from that day. Some wounds are more open than others due to New York City and our national government's blatant avoidance of their needs. Volunteer workers who worked extremely long hours and days still can't get the health care they deserve simply because they weren't on the government's payroll.

The ensuing months followed, and we set our sights on catching the terror network responsible, Al-Qaeda. We knew who led this sickening plan, bin-Laden. I wanted retribution for what happened. We attacked the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, and I fully supported President Bush's decision. Our military achieved its initial objectives by overthrowing the Taliban and helping the Afghan people move toward a democracy.

Our success was short lived. Suddenly, our leader began telling us that Saddam Hussein was a supporter of terrorism and had weapons of mass destruction at his disposal. No. He's planning on avenging what happened when his father led the U.S. efforts in the first Gulf War. He wants to finish what his father advised for us not to do -- invade Baghdad and kill Sadaam and his regime. Unfortunately, my ignorance of the facts at the time proved to be correct. We dropped the ball on Afghanistan and invaded a country that had no proven ties to bin-Laden or al-Qaeda. No weapons of mass destruction were found. What's worse? We're still in Iraq today while Afghanistan has become increasingly unstable.

In 2004, our Presidential election played the fear card. You're safe with Republicans. If John Kerry is elected, the terrorists will follow us home. What we now know is the Bush Administration and New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani were grossly incompetent and negligible leading up to 9/11. Giulianni had the emergency response center inside one of the World Trade Center towers. Condolezza Rice received a memo on Aug. 9, 2001 headlined, bin-Laden determined to strike U.S. Communications at ground zero in NYC were severely hampered as a result of Giuliani's disastrous blunder even after the 1993 attack on the WTC. Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress allocated funds for emergency response equipment to small communities opposed to those who need it like NYC.

Today, Republicans still insist they know what's best for our security. "We haven't been attacked again. Bush should be praised." Tell that to all the veterans returning home who aren't receiving benefits and can't get jobs. Tell that to the Iraqi people who still live in fear or were forced to leave their country. Tell this to the American people who have turned to depressed, raging alcoholics after their jobs have been shipped overseas. We still see record profits rolling in for Exxon-Mobil and more contracts awarded to unscrupulous defense contractors like Dick Cheney's old ties to Haliburton and religious zealot, Eric Prince's Blackwater. Most important, history shows wars don't defeat terrorism.

Keith Olbermann summed up the disgraceful actions by these Republicans and their supporters last night. This comes down to an election about hope and promise against one driven by fear. Any person with half a brain should know this by now. For Republicans, it's not country first, it's me first. Here's Olbermann's rivoting Special Comment he delivered on his show last night:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PERKBFgg_I

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

More Dr. Paul Broun shenanigans and what Dems need to do about Palin's string of lies as a reformer for Americans

Congress was back in session last night. Well, only a few Republicans who exchanged frequent pleasantries were shown on C-Span. My district's representative, ultra-conservative Paul Broun, continued his fake whining tirade over passing a comprehensive energy bill (sorry, offshore drilling). More than a dozen were already presented to you Mr. Broun and your colleagues. You've yet to compromise on any of them before Congress took five weeks off. Initially, he blasted the Democrats for taking a five-week vacation while he and his colleagues were hard at work in D.C.

Yes, Senate Leader Harry Reid and Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi did take a five-week vacation, and it probably wasn't all play time for them. Broun demanded Democrats stand up to these two and demand a debate. He implicitly made them out to be two public officials who do nothing. But, wait. On that same day the lights and cameras were turned off, House Republican Leader John Boehner was photographed out on the golf course. I highly doubt Broun and his oil-loving colleagues were constructively working. In fact, they probably were doing what they do best: listening to right-wing think tank advisors and oil executives about how they can continue duping the Americans.

Broun made a terrible generalization when he held up a poster board with a diminutive, box-style car on it. He said this is the Democrats' plan to solve the energy crisis and further added they (Dems) want you to drive these cars and depend on wind energy which we can't do right now. Oh, boy.

It gets better. Broun said he recently visited ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge). "They have pipelines out there, and I've seen the caribou population grow." That's until an oil spill occurs or a member of Sarah Palin's family is out there (Miss Delta Force). Some institutions have looked into ANWR and here's the result I've seen from their research -- It would take 50 years to equal a one year supply that America receives. And how long would it take before the first drop of oil comes from offshore drilling? Seven years. If the oil companies were serious about this problem, don't you think they'd drill on the 68 million acres of land here that has already been approved? It's pathetic Broun and others are still trying to spread this boldface lie about offshore drilling.

Biden needs to go on the offensive on Palin

Let Joe Biden attack Palin's pathetic record as someone who claims she is a reformer. Barack doesn't need to do it. Right now, people are euphoric about this seemingly down-to-earth hockey mom who loves her family. First, Biden needs to mention the following: "She said she fired her chef to save the Alaskan taxpayers money. Why is she still working for you as a consultant and chef then?" Second, look into how she spent that $230 million that she initially wanted to have go toward the "Bridge to Nowhere." Reports say she is now interested in building a "Road to Nowhere." Finally, the media's perception is McCain picked her to get the women vote. That's part of it. The crazy, fanatical social Conservatives are now re-energized. Biden should clearly distinguish his voting record in support of women's rights opposed to Palin.

It also wouldn't hurt for the DNC to run another ad or two on Palin's hypocricies. She is new on the scene, but this silly arousal shouldn't last much longer. Her idealogies and voting record are extreme to say the least. Considering McCain's age and past health problems, this is the last person we need leading this country.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Can a weekend be any worse

Saturday night was the first time I went to a club in ages. My now ex-girlfriend and I broke up over Labor Day weekend. Let's just call it irreconcilable differences. Yes, like everyone else, we have had our flaws. They just couldn't be accepted. So, I wait for a friend of mine to arrive.

The previous night, I had withdrawn cash from my bank branch's ATM machine. Unbeknownst to me, I left the card in the machine. So, I called and placed a freeze on it. Today, the branch told me their contractor shreds all the cards. So, it will be 7-10 days before it arrives. Cash is the only option and now I have the joy of guessing how much money my gas tank will take to fill up when I prepay (required) at a gas station.

Back to Saturday night. My friend had to loan me a 20. While waiting for him, a woman stormed out of the club followed by two police officers. "You're just acting a little too rowdy to be in here," said one of them. "My husband is in there with another woman. I don't know how else you would take it," she screamed. This set the foreshadowing for the transpiring events.

My friend arrives and we walk in. After downing a few beers, I loosened up. I saw one woman at a table flash a smile at me. She was quite attractive. However, I wanted to wait to approach her after she finished dancing with this balding older dude. She rolled her eyes while dancing with him. I guess she wasn't enjoying it. After they finished, she walked back to the table where her friend was. Good. Time to move in. Just as I'm about to approach the table, my ex walks in with a group of her friends. Pee-Pee block. As she walked by, I acknowledged her by saying, "Hey."

My night was ruined from that point forward. She dragged me on the dance floor. I danced with her, since the last thing I wanted to do was show her up by clinging to another woman. After we finished, she went back to a table with her friends. I had to end the night there. My friend stayed for the last remaining hour and ended up getting a phone number from another woman I also received some smiles from.

If this wasn't bad enough, Rafael Nadal lost to Andy Murray in a hard fought match yesterday. Tom Brady took a nasty hit from a Kansas City Chief player and preliminary reports say he tore his ACL. Well, it appears the Patriots won't be heading back to the promise land now. There's always next weekend.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Barack Obama provides the 'Fair and Balanced' assessment to BillO's silly hypotheticals and his cluelessness over Pakistan and clips of my favorite commercial series of all-time

No surprise that Bill O'Reilly spent an entire interview segment trying to prod Barack Obama into admitting he was wrong about the "success of the surge," Iran, and Pakistan. Just like John McCain, the Con-Servative failed to address issue #1 -- the economy. O.k. McCain delivered a broad stroke last night during his acceptance speech that we will be better off by the typical Republican line, "Lowering taxes." That's it. Who will receive those tax cuts? It won't be 95 percent of us. There wasn't one time when McCain addressed the "poor and middle class." What he was really saying was, Go Corporate USA.

BillO has spread out these interviews into segments that will be aired on his program next week. Having problems again competing with Olbermann, BillO? Here's a clip of a poised and tempered Obama who like all of BillO's guests had to endure several interruptions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJH2n4aFEhA

Here are my favorite clips from a company's commercial series. It's all in the spirit of the football season that is now underway.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdUr5hF0yGc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqJu4rEKsEw&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IzbWUJxDZw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moxG0XIgjys&feature=related

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Sarah Palin's Piss Poor Record and Sports Picks

Any rational, independent should say John McCain committed political suicide by choosing Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential Candidate. Yes, I'm a self-proclaimed liberal, but this pick went against McCain's entire theme that experience counts. Palin doesn't deserve much attention, so let me make this brief. In a recent Washington Post story, Palin personally crossed off funding for teen mothers needing a place to live on an appropriations bill. Her 17-year-old pregnant daughter is fine though. She said our Founding Fathers had it right when they used "Under God" in the pledge of allegiance. Wrong. It was 1954 when Dwight Eisenhower added the phrase "Under God." Just like McCain, she's a stubborn authoritarian known for her uncompromising positions. As mayor of her 6,000 populated metropolis, she complained about literature at the local library that was too "offensive." Coincidentally, the librarian was fired. While her sister fought a messy divorce, Palin had her ex-brother-in-law fired as a state trooper. There's plenty more to this rap sheet.

McCain continues boasting about his experience and is beginning to use the Giuliani playbook. To paraphrase Joe Biden about Giuliani, his supporters continue using sentences beginning with a noun, verb, and followed with POW. This country deserves more than two clowns who spend their time and energy on anti-abortion, drill here, drill now (offshore drilling), and just let the economy continue tanking. McCain is officially a full-fledged hypocrite. This pick obviously was done in vain to attract women (although Palin might be a transexual just like Ann Coulter) and gather all those disillusioned Hillary supporters who are acting like a bunch of damn fools by pledging to vote for McCain.

Last night's Republican National Convention was a laugh. First, I didn't see any diversity in the audience. Everyone was white. Second, some redneck could be heard anytime there was applause by yelling, "Yeeeeaaaah." Third, the event was as dry and stale as bread left out on a counter too long. Finally, surrogates said McCain has worked acroos the aisle unlike his opponent, Barack Obama. Wrong again. Obama has worked with Republicans as a community organizer, Illinois State Senator, and several bills he has co-sponsored in the U.S. Senate.

Sports Picks

I was right so far on picking Kansas and the Boston Celtics to win championships in basketball. So, I feel like putting on my prognostication hat and providing the following picks now that football season has rolled around.

Tennis (U.S. Open) -- Although the fast hard courts don't favor Rafael Nadal's game, I still think he will surprise us all again. No, I don't have a blazing serve like these guys. My groundstrokes and footwork is what I worked on through my high school and a little in college days. Nadal's serve is one of the best. It's not clocked at 140 mph like an Andy Roddick, but it's consistent and has a lot of slicing action on it. There are some long, rangy players who can upset him like his opponent tonight, Mardy Fish. Despite a lack of topspin on this hard surface, Nadal will find a way to win his third Grand Slam this year.

College Football -- I really like Ohio State this year and emphasize this year. They're returning many of their starters from last year and star running back Wells will be huge for them. They're big and physical with lots of speed all over the field. This year, they won't have to worry about getting beat by another SEC school. They should be able to handle anyone. The game at USC in a couple of weeks should be a good one. I'd love to say it's my Nebraska Cornhuskers again this year, but that's far from a realistic approach. Nebraska has a shot at playing in the Big 12 title game and a BCS Bowl, but don't expect much more.

Pro Football -- The New England Patriots have become the team America seemingly loves to hate. After Spygate last year and allegations they taped practices including their first Super Bowl win over the St. Louis Rams, the Pats were one play away from perfection last year. It took a fluky pass from Eli Manning to David Tyree on a 3rd & 20 to propel the New York Giants to one of pro sports' biggest upsets, 17-14. I don't foresee an undefeated season, but the Pats are still the team to beat. Don't sleep on some upstarts like Jacksonville and Tennessee.

Pro Baseball -- The Boston Red Sox are surging at the right time. Dustin Pedroia is certainly one to be considered for AL MVP. They have a great race with the Tampa Bay Rays. How can a team like the Rays who have dramatically turned things around this year and one of the best stories in sports only draw a mere 12 to 13 thousand fans a night? I'm still going with my original preseason pick with the Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks in the World Series. This series won't be a sweep this year. Look for ace pitchers Dan Haren and Brandon Webb to wreak havoc for any opponent. Sorry Chicago Cubs. I loved ya' for all those years in the 80s and will never forget seeing in person Pete Rose tie Ty Cobb's record for most career hits. You're having a great season, but I just don't see the Cubs prevailing over exceptional pitching. Go Red Sox and REPEAT!!!