The Post Progressive presidencies defined themselves visa-vie their progressive predecessors. Their domestic policies ranged from laissez faire to massive governmental action. Their foreign policies had to contend with an isolationist populace. The first of the group was elected to return America to normalcy. Voters had enough of foreign adventures and enough government involvement in the economy and the country. The second group had to deal with the Great Depression.
Like Barack Obama, Warren Harding went from little known senator without any accomplishments straight to the White House. Like Obama, he was charismatic, good looking, and was surrounded by corrupt party hacks. Unlike Obama, Harding knew he was not very competent. He hoped to be a well-liked president as opposed to a great president.
The Harding Administration is best known for scandal. His attorney general resigned after taking bribes, he fathered a child out of wedlock, and smuggled another mistress out of the country before the 1920 election. It was a lot like the Clinton years some 70 years later. The biggest scandal broke after Harding died. The Teapot Dome scandal was one of the worst in U.S. history. The Secretary of the Interior took bribes from an oil company. In return, the company could drill oil land set aside for the Navy. Luckily for Harding, he died before the scandal broke. His historical reputation did not survive. Like Bill Clinton, Warren Harding will be remembered for scandal and womanizing.
Harding’s vice-president, Calvin Coolidge, restored public confidence in government. He cleaned up Harding’s mess. He then moved to fix the economy which was in a funk since World War I. Coolidge cut taxes and created an environment amiable to growth. Coolidge’s legacy was the Roaring 20s. During his tenure, the economy grew at a breath taking pace. People’s lives became easier, money flowed, and culture flourished. This was the Jazz Age. A spirit of modernity prevailed. Coolidge decided not to run for re-election in 1928. The country was in seemingly good shape.
Showing posts with label Barak Obama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barak Obama. Show all posts
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Obama Doomsday Prophesy
The Mayan Calendar ends on December 22, 2012. That corresponds with the end of the Obama Presidency. Some think that the Mayans predicted an apocalypse at the end of 2012. With the way the Obama Administration spends money, it could very well be a financial apocalypse.
With spending out of control, tax increases are next. Cap and Trade is nothing more than a tax bill. It will raise taxes on utilities while passing the blame onto utility companies. The cost could be $3000 a year for the average family. So much for the promise to not raise taxes on those making less than $200,000.
The other big ticket item is health care. The administration has already stated it is open to taxing health benefits. Unions would be exempt because they gave Obama a lot of money. So much for changing Washington.
With spending out of control, an economic slump, and tax increases on the horizon, the Mayan Doomsday Prophesy is beginning to look like reality. Of course, what did we expect? The country elected a man without the resume, gravitas, or ability to do the job. Instead, the country elected a celebrity wannabe that has the ability to make pretty speeches on a teleprompter. Take away that prompter and there is nothing left unlike the Mayans who survived their own apocalypse through their artifacts and their descendants.
With spending out of control, tax increases are next. Cap and Trade is nothing more than a tax bill. It will raise taxes on utilities while passing the blame onto utility companies. The cost could be $3000 a year for the average family. So much for the promise to not raise taxes on those making less than $200,000.
The other big ticket item is health care. The administration has already stated it is open to taxing health benefits. Unions would be exempt because they gave Obama a lot of money. So much for changing Washington.
With spending out of control, an economic slump, and tax increases on the horizon, the Mayan Doomsday Prophesy is beginning to look like reality. Of course, what did we expect? The country elected a man without the resume, gravitas, or ability to do the job. Instead, the country elected a celebrity wannabe that has the ability to make pretty speeches on a teleprompter. Take away that prompter and there is nothing left unlike the Mayans who survived their own apocalypse through their artifacts and their descendants.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
#39 Aretha Franklin
If this was a popular music list, Aretha would be in the top 10 and maybe the top 5. However, the Queen of Soul is relegated to #39 on the rock list. Aretha’s versatility led her to branch from soul to rock to gospel to R&B to pop to jazz. She was voted greatest singer of all time and is the first woman in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. In 2009, she created a fashion fad with the hat she wore at Barack Obama’s inauguration.
Rock n Roll Moment: Aretha got into a tiff with Beyonce recently. Beyonce called Tina Turner “queen.” Aretha took it as an insult because Aretha is the Queen of Soul.
Essential Aretha:
I Never Loved A Man the Way I Love You (1967)
Lady Soul (1968)
Amazing Grace (1972)
Who’s Zoomin’ Who (1985)
Aretha’s Top 10:
I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)
Respect
Baby I Love You
Natural Woman
Chain of Fools
Think
Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)
Spanish Harlem
Rock Steady
Freeway of Love
Rock n Roll Moment: Aretha got into a tiff with Beyonce recently. Beyonce called Tina Turner “queen.” Aretha took it as an insult because Aretha is the Queen of Soul.
Essential Aretha:
I Never Loved A Man the Way I Love You (1967)
Lady Soul (1968)
Amazing Grace (1972)
Who’s Zoomin’ Who (1985)
Aretha’s Top 10:
I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)
Respect
Baby I Love You
Natural Woman
Chain of Fools
Think
Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)
Spanish Harlem
Rock Steady
Freeway of Love
Monday, June 29, 2009
Obama Learns From Others
Barack Obama learns from history. He obviously looked at the last two Democratic Administrations and was determined not to follow their mistakes. Carter and Clinton can both be described as failed administrations for different reasons. Carter refused to play nice with his own party. Clinton made several tactical errors in 1993 and 1994 which negated much of his legislative program and led to the Republican Revolution. Obama is determined to avoid such errors.
Carter came to Washington as the white knight aboard his high horse. He treated Congressional Democrats with contempt as they were the establishment. Carter was anti-establishment and would not play the game. He ended up angering his own party and Ted Kennedy challenged him in 1980 for the presidential nomination. Barack Obama plays nice with his party has a good relationship with congress. If they balk at his program, Rahm Emmanuel is there to mail dead fish to dissenters. Things may be moving too slow for Obama, but that is Washington and he understands that.
Unlike Carter, Clinton had good relations with the Democratic Congress. However, he decided to tackle social issues like gays in the military upon taking office. He ended up off message and reaffirming the belief that he was another out of touch liberal. Unlike Clinton, Obama has avoided social issues much to the chagrin of gay marriage advocates.
Clinton struggled to stay on message in the early days, but eventually put forth his legislative program. However, people did not like that program and revolted. The best example is Hillarycare. Clinton gave his opponents time to read the bill and it frightened people. Opposition formed and it was defeated. Obama is determined to avoid a Hillarycare rerun. The Democrats have changed their strategy and now ram through potentially controversial legislation before anyone can read it. Obama won't even post bills online as he promised.
Obama has learned from history. That means his legislative program has a good chance of passing. Success may end up Obama's Achilles heel. Ridiculous deficits and policies formulated in the 19th century will be Obama's undoing.
Carter came to Washington as the white knight aboard his high horse. He treated Congressional Democrats with contempt as they were the establishment. Carter was anti-establishment and would not play the game. He ended up angering his own party and Ted Kennedy challenged him in 1980 for the presidential nomination. Barack Obama plays nice with his party has a good relationship with congress. If they balk at his program, Rahm Emmanuel is there to mail dead fish to dissenters. Things may be moving too slow for Obama, but that is Washington and he understands that.
Unlike Carter, Clinton had good relations with the Democratic Congress. However, he decided to tackle social issues like gays in the military upon taking office. He ended up off message and reaffirming the belief that he was another out of touch liberal. Unlike Clinton, Obama has avoided social issues much to the chagrin of gay marriage advocates.
Clinton struggled to stay on message in the early days, but eventually put forth his legislative program. However, people did not like that program and revolted. The best example is Hillarycare. Clinton gave his opponents time to read the bill and it frightened people. Opposition formed and it was defeated. Obama is determined to avoid a Hillarycare rerun. The Democrats have changed their strategy and now ram through potentially controversial legislation before anyone can read it. Obama won't even post bills online as he promised.
Obama has learned from history. That means his legislative program has a good chance of passing. Success may end up Obama's Achilles heel. Ridiculous deficits and policies formulated in the 19th century will be Obama's undoing.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Government Motors
The government takes over General Motors. General Motors goes bankrupt. Any coincidence? Government policy caused the economic collapse. Government stimulus costs two jobs for every job created or "saved." The government must now raise taxes or print more money. Next stop: Weimar Germany.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Assorted Ramblings
Item: Protesters meet Barack Obama at Notre Dame
Thoughts: First, the Tea Parties and now this? Conservative protesters strike twice in one year? These are two different groups of conservatives. The Tea Protesters were concerned about ridiculous spending and high taxation. Notre Dame was a social conservative event. Either way, something might be afoot and it's at the grass roots level. This is not a top down movement right now. If Conservatives are protesting, are the 60s not far behind?
Item: Nancy Pelosi has been lying about the CIA.
Thoughts: She is in deep trouble. First, she has po'd the bureaucrats, and they protect their own. Second, her speakership is in danger. Third, this could distract the congress for months. Last, her resignation would be the best thing for the country. She's too loony to be speaker.
Item: Dick Cheney won't go away.
Thoughts: If the GOP was able to get a message out, he could retire!
Item: My house has lost $100,000 in value.
Thoughts: ouch!
Item: Star Trek made lots of money at the box office.
Thoughts: Amazing what hype can do. In one weekend, this film doubled the entire take for the last film. That one did not have the ad campaign and was up against Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.
Thoughts: First, the Tea Parties and now this? Conservative protesters strike twice in one year? These are two different groups of conservatives. The Tea Protesters were concerned about ridiculous spending and high taxation. Notre Dame was a social conservative event. Either way, something might be afoot and it's at the grass roots level. This is not a top down movement right now. If Conservatives are protesting, are the 60s not far behind?
Item: Nancy Pelosi has been lying about the CIA.
Thoughts: She is in deep trouble. First, she has po'd the bureaucrats, and they protect their own. Second, her speakership is in danger. Third, this could distract the congress for months. Last, her resignation would be the best thing for the country. She's too loony to be speaker.
Item: Dick Cheney won't go away.
Thoughts: If the GOP was able to get a message out, he could retire!
Item: My house has lost $100,000 in value.
Thoughts: ouch!
Item: Star Trek made lots of money at the box office.
Thoughts: Amazing what hype can do. In one weekend, this film doubled the entire take for the last film. That one did not have the ad campaign and was up against Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
The Spanish Flu 1918-1920
The world experienced a major pandemic that killed between 20-100 million people from 1918-1920. The Spanish Flu struck even the most remote areas including the arctic. The outbreak may have begun in Kansas. Some soldiers incinerated horse manure. The burning poop let off a bizarre yellow tinge. People soon got sick. Seemingly healthy soldiers shipped to Europe and the trenches. The unsanitary conditions in the trenches created the perfect conditions for the flu to spread.
The Spanish Influenza was especially virulent and contagious. People walking the streets of Boston fell over dead. 5000 Philadelphians died in one week. People in out of the way places caught it and died. Mt. Pleasant, Michigan was hit hard despite being in the middle of nowhere. It even spread to the Pacific Isles and the Arctic. Some areas of Africa saw 20% of the population die.
The dead tended to be younger, stronger, and healthier. People in their 20s and 30s were especially susceptible. The older generation had some sort of immunity as a result of another epidemic from the 1890s. Also, young children seemed to be able to fight off the flu.
How does this apply to today's flu panic? First, the virus today is the same as 1918. Second, the virus operates the same way. Third, the first wave has been mild and there are fears a second wave could devastate come the fall.
How is it different? First, soldiers are not fighting in trenches. Second, modern health practices are superior to 1918. Third, the media reaches almost everywhere as opposed to 1918. Also, governments issued media blackouts during 1918. It is called the Spanish Flu because the Spanish media did not have such restrictions and reported events.
The Spanish Flu is largely forgotten except to historians and health professionals. People have short memories. Perhaps the hysteria over the current flu epidemic is less the fault of the media and more the fault of the population which chooses to forget or refuses to learn.
The Spanish Influenza was especially virulent and contagious. People walking the streets of Boston fell over dead. 5000 Philadelphians died in one week. People in out of the way places caught it and died. Mt. Pleasant, Michigan was hit hard despite being in the middle of nowhere. It even spread to the Pacific Isles and the Arctic. Some areas of Africa saw 20% of the population die.
The dead tended to be younger, stronger, and healthier. People in their 20s and 30s were especially susceptible. The older generation had some sort of immunity as a result of another epidemic from the 1890s. Also, young children seemed to be able to fight off the flu.
How does this apply to today's flu panic? First, the virus today is the same as 1918. Second, the virus operates the same way. Third, the first wave has been mild and there are fears a second wave could devastate come the fall.
How is it different? First, soldiers are not fighting in trenches. Second, modern health practices are superior to 1918. Third, the media reaches almost everywhere as opposed to 1918. Also, governments issued media blackouts during 1918. It is called the Spanish Flu because the Spanish media did not have such restrictions and reported events.
The Spanish Flu is largely forgotten except to historians and health professionals. People have short memories. Perhaps the hysteria over the current flu epidemic is less the fault of the media and more the fault of the population which chooses to forget or refuses to learn.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
The Kitchen Debate: 50 Years Later
On July 24, 1959, Vice President Richard Nixon visited the American National Exhibition in Moscow. The American government sponsored the event and had a real American home built with all the modern appliances and conveniences. It demonstrated to the Russians the value and benefits of capitalism and freedom.
While visiting the exhibit with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, an impromptu debate began. Khrushchev did not believe average Americans lived in such luxury. Nixon loved debating and accepted the challenge. The two sides argued over the benefits of each system. The Soviet leader stressed "things that mattered" and benefited the most people. Nixon boasted about America's high standard of living and ability to innovate. Nixon clearly won the debate. He was correct when he predicted the Soviet people would be freed one day. Perhaps the most poignant example of Socialist backwardness occurred inadvertently. Khrushchev kept playing with a disposable pen. He clicked it over and over in amazement.
Fifty years later, another foreign leader challenged another American president. At the Summit of the Americas, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega went into a diatribe over American foreign policy dating back two centuries. American President Barack Obama remained silent. Ortega succeeded with Obama where Khrushchev failed with Nixon. In fact, Ortega praised Obama and claimed he was someone they could deal with. Why wouldn't he feel that way? Silence means acceptance. What a difference half a century makes...
While visiting the exhibit with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, an impromptu debate began. Khrushchev did not believe average Americans lived in such luxury. Nixon loved debating and accepted the challenge. The two sides argued over the benefits of each system. The Soviet leader stressed "things that mattered" and benefited the most people. Nixon boasted about America's high standard of living and ability to innovate. Nixon clearly won the debate. He was correct when he predicted the Soviet people would be freed one day. Perhaps the most poignant example of Socialist backwardness occurred inadvertently. Khrushchev kept playing with a disposable pen. He clicked it over and over in amazement.
Fifty years later, another foreign leader challenged another American president. At the Summit of the Americas, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega went into a diatribe over American foreign policy dating back two centuries. American President Barack Obama remained silent. Ortega succeeded with Obama where Khrushchev failed with Nixon. In fact, Ortega praised Obama and claimed he was someone they could deal with. Why wouldn't he feel that way? Silence means acceptance. What a difference half a century makes...
Thursday, March 26, 2009
What Does Obama Do??
He's been in office for 60 days or so and all he has accomplished is tripling the debt and play celebrity. Is he President or is he Lindsey Lohan?
So far, Obama is not like any Crisis President in history. However, he is a bit like the Roman Emperor Nero. Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Historians will say Obama twittered while Rome burned.
Here's the recap:
-He attacked Rush Limbaugh
-He appeared on Jay Leno
-He approved the AIG bonuses and then decided it was a bad idea
-He spent a day with Sportscenter explaining his NCAA Brackets
-He piped in on Jessica Simpson's weight
-He finalized a book deal
-He laughed at us all on 60 Minutes
What's left for Obama to do?
-Appear on Dancing With The Stars
-Serve as a lifeline on Millionaire
-Become a contestant on American Idol
-Learn how to speak without a teleprompter (Obama without a teleprompter makes Bush look like Einstein).
So far, Obama is not like any Crisis President in history. However, he is a bit like the Roman Emperor Nero. Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Historians will say Obama twittered while Rome burned.
Here's the recap:
-He attacked Rush Limbaugh
-He appeared on Jay Leno
-He approved the AIG bonuses and then decided it was a bad idea
-He spent a day with Sportscenter explaining his NCAA Brackets
-He piped in on Jessica Simpson's weight
-He finalized a book deal
-He laughed at us all on 60 Minutes
What's left for Obama to do?
-Appear on Dancing With The Stars
-Serve as a lifeline on Millionaire
-Become a contestant on American Idol
-Learn how to speak without a teleprompter (Obama without a teleprompter makes Bush look like Einstein).
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
US Economic Downturns 1929-2009
Event: Great Depression (1929-1941)
Cause: Worldwide collapse, US Banking Collapse, Over extension of Credit, Overproduction of consumer goods
Government Response: The Hoover Administration attempted to pump money into businesses, raised taxes (income tax hit 63%), and raised tariffs. FDR launched the New Deal which included massive government spending, income tax rates up to 89% and new excise taxes on things ranging from gas to movie tickets.
Results: Hoover made the depression worse. FDR’s programs saved the banks, but the New Deal may have prolonged the depression. People began using a barter economy to escape taxation.
How it ended: Japan bombed Pearl Harbor
Event: Recession of 1937-1939
Cause: A series of labor strikes crippled the economy.
Government Response: More spending & a rhetorical campaign by FDR
Results: The stimulus failed.
How it ended: The economy began to recover with the increase in military expenditures and an end of the labor strikes.
Event: Recession of 1953-1954
Cause: End of the Korean War led to a cut in industrial production & fed policy
Government Response: None
Results: Economy recovered on its own
How it ended: Economy recovered and began to boom.
Event: Recession of 1957-1958
Cause: Worldwide downturn; Fed policy
Government Response: None
Results: Economy recovered on its own
How it ended: Economy recovered on its own
Event: Recession of 1960-1961
Cause: Fed Policy
Government Response: V.P. Nixon pushed for a looser fed policy to increase credit; Ike refused. JFK cut taxes.
Results: Long period of growth
How it ended: Tax cuts and later military spending led to a boom.
Event: Recession of 1973-74
Cause: Arab oil embargo, end of military expenditures with end of Vietnam War, stagnated wages as a result of the Great Society
Government Response: Wage and Price Controls
Results: Led to stagflation
How it ended: The economy came around, but remained sketchy for the remainder of the decade as a result of a number of factors including the energy crisis, government action under Ford and Carter, and The Great Society.
Event: Recession of 1979-1982
Cause: Iranian Revolution led to an energy crisis, fed monetary policy, the cost of Great Society programs, and general government mismanagement.
Government Response: Carter attacked the American people in the malaise speech, deregulation, tight fed policy, increased social spending. Reagan cut taxes and increased military spending.
Results: Carter’s policies led to hyperinflation and the misery index. Reagan’s led to an economic boom.
How it ended: Deregulation under both Carter and Reagan worked. Both deserve credit for saving Chrysler Corp. Reagan’s tax and military policies led to a boom. The energy crisis ended as the Middle East stabilized following the Iranian Revolution.
Event: Recession of 1990-1991
Cause: Cuts in military spending, a tax increase, spike in oil prices due to Gulf War, and S&L Crisis.
Government Response: Bush raised taxes and put the country on the course for a balanced budget. The private sector adapted.
Results: The recession was over relatively quickly, but the general public did not realize it until mid-1993.
How it ended: The private sector adapted. Tech boom.
Event: Recession of 2000-2001
Cause: Tech bubble burst, a series of business scandals, and 911
Government Response: Clinton did nothing. Bush cut taxes.
Results: The economy survived and boomed for a short time.
How it ended: Tax cuts kept the economy afloat.
Event: The current downturn (2007-present)
Cause: Collapse of housing market, bank failures, over extension of credit due to government interference, high energy prices, and a worldwide downturn.
Government Response: Under Bush, Fed loosened monetary policy, bailouts, and stimulus plans. Under Obama, increased government spending and tax increases.
Results: Thus far, the recession has deepened and since Obama’s election, the stock market has lost 20% of its value.
How it ended: ????
Cause: Worldwide collapse, US Banking Collapse, Over extension of Credit, Overproduction of consumer goods
Government Response: The Hoover Administration attempted to pump money into businesses, raised taxes (income tax hit 63%), and raised tariffs. FDR launched the New Deal which included massive government spending, income tax rates up to 89% and new excise taxes on things ranging from gas to movie tickets.
Results: Hoover made the depression worse. FDR’s programs saved the banks, but the New Deal may have prolonged the depression. People began using a barter economy to escape taxation.
How it ended: Japan bombed Pearl Harbor
Event: Recession of 1937-1939
Cause: A series of labor strikes crippled the economy.
Government Response: More spending & a rhetorical campaign by FDR
Results: The stimulus failed.
How it ended: The economy began to recover with the increase in military expenditures and an end of the labor strikes.
Event: Recession of 1953-1954
Cause: End of the Korean War led to a cut in industrial production & fed policy
Government Response: None
Results: Economy recovered on its own
How it ended: Economy recovered and began to boom.
Event: Recession of 1957-1958
Cause: Worldwide downturn; Fed policy
Government Response: None
Results: Economy recovered on its own
How it ended: Economy recovered on its own
Event: Recession of 1960-1961
Cause: Fed Policy
Government Response: V.P. Nixon pushed for a looser fed policy to increase credit; Ike refused. JFK cut taxes.
Results: Long period of growth
How it ended: Tax cuts and later military spending led to a boom.
Event: Recession of 1973-74
Cause: Arab oil embargo, end of military expenditures with end of Vietnam War, stagnated wages as a result of the Great Society
Government Response: Wage and Price Controls
Results: Led to stagflation
How it ended: The economy came around, but remained sketchy for the remainder of the decade as a result of a number of factors including the energy crisis, government action under Ford and Carter, and The Great Society.
Event: Recession of 1979-1982
Cause: Iranian Revolution led to an energy crisis, fed monetary policy, the cost of Great Society programs, and general government mismanagement.
Government Response: Carter attacked the American people in the malaise speech, deregulation, tight fed policy, increased social spending. Reagan cut taxes and increased military spending.
Results: Carter’s policies led to hyperinflation and the misery index. Reagan’s led to an economic boom.
How it ended: Deregulation under both Carter and Reagan worked. Both deserve credit for saving Chrysler Corp. Reagan’s tax and military policies led to a boom. The energy crisis ended as the Middle East stabilized following the Iranian Revolution.
Event: Recession of 1990-1991
Cause: Cuts in military spending, a tax increase, spike in oil prices due to Gulf War, and S&L Crisis.
Government Response: Bush raised taxes and put the country on the course for a balanced budget. The private sector adapted.
Results: The recession was over relatively quickly, but the general public did not realize it until mid-1993.
How it ended: The private sector adapted. Tech boom.
Event: Recession of 2000-2001
Cause: Tech bubble burst, a series of business scandals, and 911
Government Response: Clinton did nothing. Bush cut taxes.
Results: The economy survived and boomed for a short time.
How it ended: Tax cuts kept the economy afloat.
Event: The current downturn (2007-present)
Cause: Collapse of housing market, bank failures, over extension of credit due to government interference, high energy prices, and a worldwide downturn.
Government Response: Under Bush, Fed loosened monetary policy, bailouts, and stimulus plans. Under Obama, increased government spending and tax increases.
Results: Thus far, the recession has deepened and since Obama’s election, the stock market has lost 20% of its value.
How it ended: ????
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Why Rush?
Why is Obama attacking Rush Limbaugh? There is more than one answer. There is a long term and a short term strategy working here.
In the long term, the Dems lack a boogie man now that Bush is gone. Rush is not going anywhere, so it gives them someone to attack for years on end. Second, they need someone to demonize and tie to the GOP. So, Limbaugh becomes "The Leader." It's false. If the GOP listened to Limbaugh then they would not have acted like Democrats for a decade. Third, they hope to marginalize the Republicans and make them look extreme. Over the past decade, the GOP has been like Democrats of old. However, by attaching them to Limbaugh, they hope to drive a wedge between the Republicans and Independents.
The short term strategy is obfuscation. Their policies cutting tax deductions on housing and charitable donations and the out of control spending has many worried that Obama is a classic liberal. Democrats are calling his policies extreme and several senate Dems are in revolt. Attacking Rush Limbaugh is a distraction. Instead of talking about national bankruptcy and the destruction of the middle class and poor which will happen with many of these policies, they are talking about a talk show host.
There is one major drawback to this strategy. By attacking Limbaugh, Obama admits his policies are not working. So, as the economy continues to tank, Limbaugh may gain listeners and Obama could lose support as he tackles irrelevancies such as Limbaugh while ignoring the important issues.
In the long term, the Dems lack a boogie man now that Bush is gone. Rush is not going anywhere, so it gives them someone to attack for years on end. Second, they need someone to demonize and tie to the GOP. So, Limbaugh becomes "The Leader." It's false. If the GOP listened to Limbaugh then they would not have acted like Democrats for a decade. Third, they hope to marginalize the Republicans and make them look extreme. Over the past decade, the GOP has been like Democrats of old. However, by attaching them to Limbaugh, they hope to drive a wedge between the Republicans and Independents.
The short term strategy is obfuscation. Their policies cutting tax deductions on housing and charitable donations and the out of control spending has many worried that Obama is a classic liberal. Democrats are calling his policies extreme and several senate Dems are in revolt. Attacking Rush Limbaugh is a distraction. Instead of talking about national bankruptcy and the destruction of the middle class and poor which will happen with many of these policies, they are talking about a talk show host.
There is one major drawback to this strategy. By attacking Limbaugh, Obama admits his policies are not working. So, as the economy continues to tank, Limbaugh may gain listeners and Obama could lose support as he tackles irrelevancies such as Limbaugh while ignoring the important issues.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Media Bias: 1992-2008
By the 1980s, the press dropped the mantle of objectivity and openly aided the Democratic Party. Up until this point, they tended to side with East Coast Elites such as the Roosevelts, Rockefellers, and Kennedys. The Right got tired of being attacked and being muffled, so they fought back using alternative media.
The press began to be challenged by right wing talk radio during the 1990s. They did not like it. The alternative press began to set the agenda. For example, 60 Minutes investigated the Vince Foster suicide in part because of Rush Limbaugh. Right Wing talk also helped elect a Republican Congress in 1994. (This is not to be taken to mean they elected the congress; Clinton blunders and GOP strategy had more to do with it).
While right wing radio concentrated on Clinton and his scandals, the mainstream press downplayed and ignored many Clinton scandals. They’d mention them and then excuse them. Dan Rather actually apologized to Clinton when asking a question on Whitewater. The press love affair with the Clintons would end however after Bill was safely re-elected.
After safely re-elected, the press began to take on Clinton. They were embarrassed and felt they did not need to be in the tank any longer. The Lewinsky Scandal put them over the edge. When pushed about a certain intern, he shook his finger at the press. They did not like that and they went into a feeding frenzy.
Once the press realized Clinton was heading toward impeachment for obstruction of justice, they began to rally to him. Democrats on the hill were very close to marching to the White House and demanding Clinton fall on his sword, and the president was impeached for obstruction of justice, but the press and the Dems managed to frame the debate and deflect the real issue of obstruction of justice. They claimed it was “just sex.” It was not. The cover up led to obstruction. Obstruction of justice was same thing that forced Nixon’s resignation. However, Clinton did not have Nixon’s decency and stayed on. (Had Clinton resigned, Gore would have become president and would have been unbeatable in 2000. In the end, supporting Clinton in 1999 essentially meant supporting Bush in 2000).
Instead, George W. Bush became president. During the 2000 campaign, the press parroted Democratic talking points and openly backed Gore’s demand for multiple recounts. (Gore lost several recounts and still managed to claim he won, but that is another story). Bush became the center of resentment in the press and in the leftbot blogosphere. The press spent eight years misrepresenting much of Bush’s War on Terror and some even openly supported the Arab terrorists. Meanwhile the left discovered blogs. This became a counter to right wing radio and became influential.
By 2008, the press was completely in the tank for the Democrats. First, they supported Hillary, but turned on her when they felt it was safe. They turned to Barack Obama. Obama is a dynamic speaker, but lacked the resume needed for the presidency. That did not matter. They went after their favorite Republican, John McCain, with impunity. The New York Times even published a false story about McCain (and Giuliani as well). The press became a wing of the Democratic Party themselves. Obama was perfect. He was liberal, biracial, and has Eastern credentials. It will be difficult for the GOP to beat Obama in 2012 as he is the incumbent and the media is will campaign for him regardless of his record. (Interestingly, Pew Research reported that Fox News was the only outlet with balanced coverage during the 2008 campaign).
So there we are. The media went from elitists to liberal elites. They originally supported those they felt worthy (i.e. East Coast credentials). During the Vietnam Era, they began going after the GOP and threw objectivity out the window in 1980. By 2008, they dropped the appearance of objectivity altogether and now are as reliable as Pravda was during the Cold War.
The press began to be challenged by right wing talk radio during the 1990s. They did not like it. The alternative press began to set the agenda. For example, 60 Minutes investigated the Vince Foster suicide in part because of Rush Limbaugh. Right Wing talk also helped elect a Republican Congress in 1994. (This is not to be taken to mean they elected the congress; Clinton blunders and GOP strategy had more to do with it).
While right wing radio concentrated on Clinton and his scandals, the mainstream press downplayed and ignored many Clinton scandals. They’d mention them and then excuse them. Dan Rather actually apologized to Clinton when asking a question on Whitewater. The press love affair with the Clintons would end however after Bill was safely re-elected.
After safely re-elected, the press began to take on Clinton. They were embarrassed and felt they did not need to be in the tank any longer. The Lewinsky Scandal put them over the edge. When pushed about a certain intern, he shook his finger at the press. They did not like that and they went into a feeding frenzy.
Once the press realized Clinton was heading toward impeachment for obstruction of justice, they began to rally to him. Democrats on the hill were very close to marching to the White House and demanding Clinton fall on his sword, and the president was impeached for obstruction of justice, but the press and the Dems managed to frame the debate and deflect the real issue of obstruction of justice. They claimed it was “just sex.” It was not. The cover up led to obstruction. Obstruction of justice was same thing that forced Nixon’s resignation. However, Clinton did not have Nixon’s decency and stayed on. (Had Clinton resigned, Gore would have become president and would have been unbeatable in 2000. In the end, supporting Clinton in 1999 essentially meant supporting Bush in 2000).
Instead, George W. Bush became president. During the 2000 campaign, the press parroted Democratic talking points and openly backed Gore’s demand for multiple recounts. (Gore lost several recounts and still managed to claim he won, but that is another story). Bush became the center of resentment in the press and in the leftbot blogosphere. The press spent eight years misrepresenting much of Bush’s War on Terror and some even openly supported the Arab terrorists. Meanwhile the left discovered blogs. This became a counter to right wing radio and became influential.
By 2008, the press was completely in the tank for the Democrats. First, they supported Hillary, but turned on her when they felt it was safe. They turned to Barack Obama. Obama is a dynamic speaker, but lacked the resume needed for the presidency. That did not matter. They went after their favorite Republican, John McCain, with impunity. The New York Times even published a false story about McCain (and Giuliani as well). The press became a wing of the Democratic Party themselves. Obama was perfect. He was liberal, biracial, and has Eastern credentials. It will be difficult for the GOP to beat Obama in 2012 as he is the incumbent and the media is will campaign for him regardless of his record. (Interestingly, Pew Research reported that Fox News was the only outlet with balanced coverage during the 2008 campaign).
So there we are. The media went from elitists to liberal elites. They originally supported those they felt worthy (i.e. East Coast credentials). During the Vietnam Era, they began going after the GOP and threw objectivity out the window in 1980. By 2008, they dropped the appearance of objectivity altogether and now are as reliable as Pravda was during the Cold War.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Assorted Ramblings
Item: President Obama warns that if we don't pass the stimulus, a Great Depression will happen.
Reaction: Why is it ok for Obama to scare people with stories about a coming economic apocalypse, yet when the Bush Administration warned about a nuclear armed Saddam, that was fear mongering??
Item: Retail sales were up.
Reaction: Perhaps the recession is not as bad as they say. Maybe we don't need the stimulus plan.
Item: Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are spatting over the stimulus plan.
Reaction: Like that is a surprise. Reid is a wimpy self important liberal while Pelosi is a nutty self important out of touch limousine liberal.
Item: The stimulus plan has a provision whereby health care and doctor's decisions will have to be run past a government bureaucrat.
Reaction: Having a mid-level HMO employee decide what medical care a patient can have is bad while having a bureaucrat do the same thing is good.
Item: The Census has been taken over by the White House.
Reaction: Yeah, having Rahm Emmanuel involved in the census is going to result in a legitimate count. If Emmanuel was not in politics, he'd be in the mob.
Item: Bret Favre Retires (we think)
Reaction: Favre created the man crush. He was tough on the field, but a prima donna off. He was not the best QB ever and not the best of his generation. However, his signature games were as good as anyone that ever played. (See: Favre to Sharpe, The Superbowl win, and the game after his dad died).
Item: Baseball players gone wild. A-Rod admits to steroids, Bonds is charged with perjury, Miguel Tejada pleads guilty to lying before congress, and Roberto Alomar is accused of trying to spread the AIDS virus.
Reaction: It can't get much worse...well maybe if a star got caught with an underage...oh wait...
Item: Michael Phelps is caught on film tapping a bong.
Reaction: I was a bit surprised anyone cared. After all, President Obama admitted to being a crackhead at one point. We've had several politicians and celebrities admit to drug use. What's the deal? Well, Phelps is on film...maybe that is the barrier celebs can't cross now.
Reaction: Why is it ok for Obama to scare people with stories about a coming economic apocalypse, yet when the Bush Administration warned about a nuclear armed Saddam, that was fear mongering??
Item: Retail sales were up.
Reaction: Perhaps the recession is not as bad as they say. Maybe we don't need the stimulus plan.
Item: Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi are spatting over the stimulus plan.
Reaction: Like that is a surprise. Reid is a wimpy self important liberal while Pelosi is a nutty self important out of touch limousine liberal.
Item: The stimulus plan has a provision whereby health care and doctor's decisions will have to be run past a government bureaucrat.
Reaction: Having a mid-level HMO employee decide what medical care a patient can have is bad while having a bureaucrat do the same thing is good.
Item: The Census has been taken over by the White House.
Reaction: Yeah, having Rahm Emmanuel involved in the census is going to result in a legitimate count. If Emmanuel was not in politics, he'd be in the mob.
Item: Bret Favre Retires (we think)
Reaction: Favre created the man crush. He was tough on the field, but a prima donna off. He was not the best QB ever and not the best of his generation. However, his signature games were as good as anyone that ever played. (See: Favre to Sharpe, The Superbowl win, and the game after his dad died).
Item: Baseball players gone wild. A-Rod admits to steroids, Bonds is charged with perjury, Miguel Tejada pleads guilty to lying before congress, and Roberto Alomar is accused of trying to spread the AIDS virus.
Reaction: It can't get much worse...well maybe if a star got caught with an underage...oh wait...
Item: Michael Phelps is caught on film tapping a bong.
Reaction: I was a bit surprised anyone cared. After all, President Obama admitted to being a crackhead at one point. We've had several politicians and celebrities admit to drug use. What's the deal? Well, Phelps is on film...maybe that is the barrier celebs can't cross now.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Bush: Worst President Ever
Well, some folks without historical knowledge would have you think so. In reality, there are a slew of presidents worse than W. Of course, this can change based on information that comes out through the years and sometimes what seems unimportant today is viewed as important in the future. So, this list is fluid based on what comes out.
As we know, there have been 44 presidents. Grover Cleveland counts twice since he served two non-consecutive terms. We shall count him once. Also not included: William Henry Harrison (served one month), James Garfield (served 6 months), and Barack Obama (less than a week).
Presidents are arranged chronologically:
John Quincy Adams (1825-1829): Completely ineffective as a result of himself as well as congress.
Martin Van Buren (1837-1841): Martin Van Ruin: Southern Lapdog
John Tyler (1841-1845): Became a man without a party; helped the South to secession; did have some accomplishments
Millard Fillmore (1850-1853): Who?
Franklin Pierce (1853-1857): Kansas-Nebraska
James Buchanan (1857-1861): Complicit with secession
Andrew Johnson (1865-1869): Impeached, blocked Reconstruction, his actions helped set up a century of racial strife
U.S. Grant (1869-1877): Different scandal every week...and there were some doozies
Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893): Economic policies (protectionism and inflationary monetary policy) created a depression.
William H. Taft (1909-1913): The Era of Bungled Diplomacy; TR ended up coming back to challenge him
Warren Harding (1921-1923): Teapot Dome, Nan Britton, and other assorted scandals
Herbert Hoover (1929-1933): The Bonus March, Hoovervilles, and his own version of the New Deal...
Jimmy Carter (1977-1981): Hostages in Iran, gas lines, Misery Index, the Carter years are a model of incompetence
Bill Clinton (1993-2001): Warren Harding on steroids. Impeached, turns down a deal for Bin Laden, regulatory policies that led to the crash of 2008, bureaucratic rules that helped lead to 911...the Clinton Years sell themselves!
As we know, there have been 44 presidents. Grover Cleveland counts twice since he served two non-consecutive terms. We shall count him once. Also not included: William Henry Harrison (served one month), James Garfield (served 6 months), and Barack Obama (less than a week).
Presidents are arranged chronologically:
John Quincy Adams (1825-1829): Completely ineffective as a result of himself as well as congress.
Martin Van Buren (1837-1841): Martin Van Ruin: Southern Lapdog
John Tyler (1841-1845): Became a man without a party; helped the South to secession; did have some accomplishments
Millard Fillmore (1850-1853): Who?
Franklin Pierce (1853-1857): Kansas-Nebraska
James Buchanan (1857-1861): Complicit with secession
Andrew Johnson (1865-1869): Impeached, blocked Reconstruction, his actions helped set up a century of racial strife
U.S. Grant (1869-1877): Different scandal every week...and there were some doozies
Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893): Economic policies (protectionism and inflationary monetary policy) created a depression.
William H. Taft (1909-1913): The Era of Bungled Diplomacy; TR ended up coming back to challenge him
Warren Harding (1921-1923): Teapot Dome, Nan Britton, and other assorted scandals
Herbert Hoover (1929-1933): The Bonus March, Hoovervilles, and his own version of the New Deal...
Jimmy Carter (1977-1981): Hostages in Iran, gas lines, Misery Index, the Carter years are a model of incompetence
Bill Clinton (1993-2001): Warren Harding on steroids. Impeached, turns down a deal for Bin Laden, regulatory policies that led to the crash of 2008, bureaucratic rules that helped lead to 911...the Clinton Years sell themselves!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The Greatest Inaugural Addresses
I have read every Presidential Inaugural Address from Washington to W. I have seen every Inaugural Address from Kennedy to W (Thank you C-Span). So, here is my list of the five greatest addresses and four honorable mentions...They are arranged chronologically.
1. Thomas Jefferson (1801): Jefferson tried to heal wounds caused by a decade of intense partisanship. People think today's politics are hyper-partisan. However, the 1790s were worse. As Obama has been doing, Jefferson attempted to reach across the aisle and proclaimed one American nation with the refrain, "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists."
2. Abraham Lincoln (1865): The partisanship of Jefferson's time was intense, but not as intense as the 1850s. By 1860, compromise was not possible and war broke out after Lincoln's inaugural in 1861. Speeches do not have to be long to be good. Lincoln's second address was short and to the point. He wanted to heal the nation, "With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
3. Franklin Roosevelt (1933): FDR reassured a nation deep in despair by promising "that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Compared to the dour Herbert Hoover, this was a breath of fresh air. Additionally, with improvements in technology, we can see and hear FDR's speech today.
4. John F. Kennedy (1961): JFK's inaugural was a call to arms for a new generation. It was a message of hope. Mankind can eliminate poverty and other social problems. Liberty will spread. America's good words would be transformed into good deeds. Kennedy also challenged Americans to "ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."
5. Ronald Reagan (1981): Reagan always performed for his audience. After four years of the Carter Malaise, and almost 20 years of bad luck, divisions, and disasters, Reagan had come on his white horse to set things right. Reagan promised a new beginning. As a result of leftist policies, the economy was shattered and America's prestige abroad at an all time low. Like today, solutions to problems does not come from government. Instead, America's problem was government.
Honorable Mentions:
1. Andrew Jackson (1829): Jackson's election marked the beginning of a new age. (It also led to the greatest party in American History as the White House got trashed). Jackson's address was similar to Reagan's. Liberty is more important than government expansion.
2. Abraham Lincoln (1861): The South left the Union. How would Lincoln respond? He attempted to alleviate Southern worries, but he also let it be known that states can not leave the Union. He asks Southerners to be patriots and appeals to their "better angels."
3. Benjamin Harrison (1889): Harrison was known to be "icy." He was not very likable, but he managed to get elected. Despite his inability to be warm and fuzzy, he gave a pretty good address. It was a celebratory unity speech.
4. Richard Nixon (1969): Nixon came back from the abyss to win the presidency in 1968. During his exile, he became an expert in foreign affairs. Like Kennedy, he appealed to something bigger than himself. It was a "Summons to Greatness." Nixon pushed for a peaceful world. He asked Americans to seize the opportunity for greatness. It was time to end war, "The greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker."
1. Thomas Jefferson (1801): Jefferson tried to heal wounds caused by a decade of intense partisanship. People think today's politics are hyper-partisan. However, the 1790s were worse. As Obama has been doing, Jefferson attempted to reach across the aisle and proclaimed one American nation with the refrain, "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists."
2. Abraham Lincoln (1865): The partisanship of Jefferson's time was intense, but not as intense as the 1850s. By 1860, compromise was not possible and war broke out after Lincoln's inaugural in 1861. Speeches do not have to be long to be good. Lincoln's second address was short and to the point. He wanted to heal the nation, "With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations."
3. Franklin Roosevelt (1933): FDR reassured a nation deep in despair by promising "that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Compared to the dour Herbert Hoover, this was a breath of fresh air. Additionally, with improvements in technology, we can see and hear FDR's speech today.
4. John F. Kennedy (1961): JFK's inaugural was a call to arms for a new generation. It was a message of hope. Mankind can eliminate poverty and other social problems. Liberty will spread. America's good words would be transformed into good deeds. Kennedy also challenged Americans to "ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."
5. Ronald Reagan (1981): Reagan always performed for his audience. After four years of the Carter Malaise, and almost 20 years of bad luck, divisions, and disasters, Reagan had come on his white horse to set things right. Reagan promised a new beginning. As a result of leftist policies, the economy was shattered and America's prestige abroad at an all time low. Like today, solutions to problems does not come from government. Instead, America's problem was government.
Honorable Mentions:
1. Andrew Jackson (1829): Jackson's election marked the beginning of a new age. (It also led to the greatest party in American History as the White House got trashed). Jackson's address was similar to Reagan's. Liberty is more important than government expansion.
2. Abraham Lincoln (1861): The South left the Union. How would Lincoln respond? He attempted to alleviate Southern worries, but he also let it be known that states can not leave the Union. He asks Southerners to be patriots and appeals to their "better angels."
3. Benjamin Harrison (1889): Harrison was known to be "icy." He was not very likable, but he managed to get elected. Despite his inability to be warm and fuzzy, he gave a pretty good address. It was a celebratory unity speech.
4. Richard Nixon (1969): Nixon came back from the abyss to win the presidency in 1968. During his exile, he became an expert in foreign affairs. Like Kennedy, he appealed to something bigger than himself. It was a "Summons to Greatness." Nixon pushed for a peaceful world. He asked Americans to seize the opportunity for greatness. It was time to end war, "The greatest honor history can bestow is the title of peacemaker."
The Worst Inaugural Addresses
Here is a list of the five worst Presidential Inaugural Addresses. They are arranged chronologically.
1. Thomas Jefferson (1805): Jefferson breaks into a tirade during his inaugural. He attempts to justify his policies and accomplishments and then attacks his critics and calls them ignorant. And people thought Nixon's 1962 farewell speech was bitter.
2. John Quincy Adams (1825): Adams was slow to recognize the revolutionary changes overtaking American politics in the 1820s. However, he did recognize his precarious situation after the contested Election of 1824. His address was long, rambling, and boring. He felt the need to mention the aqueducts of Rome. At the end, he admits he is a handicapped president and might not be able to get much done.
3. William Henry Harrison (1841): Harrison's address was so long, he caught a cold, which turned to pneumonia. He died a month into office. His speech was so bad, it killed him.
4. James Buchanan (1857): The word clueless comes to mind with Buchanan. The country was on the eve of Civil War, but Buchanan did not seem to understand this. The Kansas situation had created a war within the territory. Buchanan claimed sectional differences were of no importance. He then rambles on and on and on...
5. Warren Harding (1921): Another long and rambling speech. The first Bill Clinton gave one of the worst addresses ever. Reading the speech is something akin to watching paint dry. No, that is unfair to paint.
1. Thomas Jefferson (1805): Jefferson breaks into a tirade during his inaugural. He attempts to justify his policies and accomplishments and then attacks his critics and calls them ignorant. And people thought Nixon's 1962 farewell speech was bitter.
2. John Quincy Adams (1825): Adams was slow to recognize the revolutionary changes overtaking American politics in the 1820s. However, he did recognize his precarious situation after the contested Election of 1824. His address was long, rambling, and boring. He felt the need to mention the aqueducts of Rome. At the end, he admits he is a handicapped president and might not be able to get much done.
3. William Henry Harrison (1841): Harrison's address was so long, he caught a cold, which turned to pneumonia. He died a month into office. His speech was so bad, it killed him.
4. James Buchanan (1857): The word clueless comes to mind with Buchanan. The country was on the eve of Civil War, but Buchanan did not seem to understand this. The Kansas situation had created a war within the territory. Buchanan claimed sectional differences were of no importance. He then rambles on and on and on...
5. Warren Harding (1921): Another long and rambling speech. The first Bill Clinton gave one of the worst addresses ever. Reading the speech is something akin to watching paint dry. No, that is unfair to paint.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Bush 2008
Struggles continued between Bush and Congress over the War on Terror, Iraqi War, and presidential power. The Congress rightfully outlawed torture. Bush vetoed the bill because it banned water boarding. One definite stain on the Bush Administration is the use of such tactics, euphemistically called “aggressive interrogations.” Information obtained from such tactics is unreliable. Therefore, the use of such is unnecessary.
Bush did win a couple of victories. The wiretap bill passed. This angered the left which complained that it monitored Americans. However, it is a strong tool that can be used to nail bad guys. The left may have helped the terrorists in this battle. Their initial complaints about the monitoring of people in Afghanistan that happened to call America tipped off the terrorists.
In addition to the wiretap bill and water boarding veto, Bush also won the battle on war funding. Democrats threatened to defund the Iraq War. Many on the left begged and pleaded for it. The Democrats were caught in an interesting quandary. They could take money away from American troops in the field or they could anger their base. The troops got their funds thereby ensuring the continuation of the Iraq War. At present, the war is won. So, those that voted for the funding did the right thing.
While Bush was winning his final political victories against the Democrats, the Supreme Court handed him a defeat. The court cancelled Bush Administration guidelines at Gitmo. The detainees could appeal their detentions. Legally, this is probably the correct decision. Practically, it is moot. Obama has promised to close the detention facility.
On the foreign policy front, Russia invaded Georgia. The Russians were looking to flex their muscles and regain super power status. So, they picked a fight with their smaller, weaker neighbor. They used the same logic that Hitler used to invade Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. (For some absurd reason, many on the left argued Georgia was as responsible for the conflict as Russia.) Bush handled the situation as well as could be. American troops began to appear in the region which forced Moscow to back down after their initial war aims were met.
The other major issue in 2008 was the economy. Early in the year, gas prices spiked to over $4 a gallon as a result of speculators. Prices eventually collapsed as a result of the worldwide economic crisis. OPEC has vowed to cut production to raise prices. In the US, there was a lot of talk, but no action by the administration and congress. Bush appeared helpless, Republicans and some Democrats talked about a gas tax break, while the left opined that the timing was wrong for a massive gas price hike.
Obama was one of those in favor of price spikes. He wants to eliminate fossil fuels and move to alternative energies. That is fine, but price spikes hurt people. Despite his support for high gas prices, Obama won the presidency with 52% of the vote. The vote was anti-Bush, but more importantly, John McCain ran a terrible campaign, and the economy collapsed.
As the year ended, Israel launched air strikes on the Palestinians. The Hamas Government had been lobbing rockets into Israel which is an act of war. Israel responded with devastating effect. The Israelis probably felt pressure to retaliate before the new pro-Palestinian American Administration took power. All out war may have begun.
Moving into 2009, Bush is trying to punt where possible to give Obama some latitude in action upon assuming the presidency. Obama will be handling the worst economic situation since Jimmy Carter’s Administration. The situation has the potential of being as bad as the 1930s. Also, Obama will have to deal with Afghanistan and wind down the Iraq War.
Bush did win a couple of victories. The wiretap bill passed. This angered the left which complained that it monitored Americans. However, it is a strong tool that can be used to nail bad guys. The left may have helped the terrorists in this battle. Their initial complaints about the monitoring of people in Afghanistan that happened to call America tipped off the terrorists.
In addition to the wiretap bill and water boarding veto, Bush also won the battle on war funding. Democrats threatened to defund the Iraq War. Many on the left begged and pleaded for it. The Democrats were caught in an interesting quandary. They could take money away from American troops in the field or they could anger their base. The troops got their funds thereby ensuring the continuation of the Iraq War. At present, the war is won. So, those that voted for the funding did the right thing.
While Bush was winning his final political victories against the Democrats, the Supreme Court handed him a defeat. The court cancelled Bush Administration guidelines at Gitmo. The detainees could appeal their detentions. Legally, this is probably the correct decision. Practically, it is moot. Obama has promised to close the detention facility.
On the foreign policy front, Russia invaded Georgia. The Russians were looking to flex their muscles and regain super power status. So, they picked a fight with their smaller, weaker neighbor. They used the same logic that Hitler used to invade Austria, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. (For some absurd reason, many on the left argued Georgia was as responsible for the conflict as Russia.) Bush handled the situation as well as could be. American troops began to appear in the region which forced Moscow to back down after their initial war aims were met.
The other major issue in 2008 was the economy. Early in the year, gas prices spiked to over $4 a gallon as a result of speculators. Prices eventually collapsed as a result of the worldwide economic crisis. OPEC has vowed to cut production to raise prices. In the US, there was a lot of talk, but no action by the administration and congress. Bush appeared helpless, Republicans and some Democrats talked about a gas tax break, while the left opined that the timing was wrong for a massive gas price hike.
Obama was one of those in favor of price spikes. He wants to eliminate fossil fuels and move to alternative energies. That is fine, but price spikes hurt people. Despite his support for high gas prices, Obama won the presidency with 52% of the vote. The vote was anti-Bush, but more importantly, John McCain ran a terrible campaign, and the economy collapsed.
As the year ended, Israel launched air strikes on the Palestinians. The Hamas Government had been lobbing rockets into Israel which is an act of war. Israel responded with devastating effect. The Israelis probably felt pressure to retaliate before the new pro-Palestinian American Administration took power. All out war may have begun.
Moving into 2009, Bush is trying to punt where possible to give Obama some latitude in action upon assuming the presidency. Obama will be handling the worst economic situation since Jimmy Carter’s Administration. The situation has the potential of being as bad as the 1930s. Also, Obama will have to deal with Afghanistan and wind down the Iraq War.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Bush: 2007
Domestically, 2007 was a near failure. The Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act, but the Immigration Bill Failed. Conservatives attacked the “amnesty bill” and alienated the Hispanic Vote. This helped sow the seeds of defeat in 2008.
Bush fired several US attorneys. Democrats complained. A phony Washington scandal was born.
Overseas, the Surge in Iraq began. The Democrats declared defeat. However, the surge turned the war around and it is basically won. It is Obama’s to wind down or screw up.
Lastly, there was an Agreement with North Korea over nuclear program. We’ll see about where this one leads….
Bush fired several US attorneys. Democrats complained. A phony Washington scandal was born.
Overseas, the Surge in Iraq began. The Democrats declared defeat. However, the surge turned the war around and it is basically won. It is Obama’s to wind down or screw up.
Lastly, there was an Agreement with North Korea over nuclear program. We’ll see about where this one leads….
Monday, December 22, 2008
Caroline Kennedy
A lot of people are questioning Caroline Kennedy's qualifications to be a US Senator. However, if Barack Obama can be president, the Caroline Kennedy can be senator.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
2008 Year End Awards
Here are the 2008 Year End Awards...
Person of the Year: Barack Obama (Easiest pick of all time)
Story of the Year: Black Man Wins White House
Record of the Year: Black Ice - AC/DC (their best since Back in Black)
Song of the Year: Girls in their Summer Clothes - Bruce Springsteen (A middle aged twist on an old theme)
Worst Record of the Year: Chinese Democracy - Axl Rose (14 years for this??)
Worst Song of the Year: Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis (Get a damned tampon)
Best Movie - Dark Knight (No other film comes close)
Worst Movie - X-Files: I Want To Believe (This movie never really started)
Best TV Show - Life on Mars (Very clever show contrasts 2008 with 1973)
Worst TV Show - Any MTV show...(for the brain dead)
Team of the Year: Detroit Red Wings (I am biased)
Worst Team of the Year: Detroit Lions (No Contest)
Athlete of the Year: Michael Phelps (Another easy call)
Moron of the Year: Casey Anthony
Runner ups: Plaxico Burress, OJ Simpson, the Media, Chicago Politicians, and Keith Olberfuehrer.
Person of the Year: Barack Obama (Easiest pick of all time)
Story of the Year: Black Man Wins White House
Record of the Year: Black Ice - AC/DC (their best since Back in Black)
Song of the Year: Girls in their Summer Clothes - Bruce Springsteen (A middle aged twist on an old theme)
Worst Record of the Year: Chinese Democracy - Axl Rose (14 years for this??)
Worst Song of the Year: Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis (Get a damned tampon)
Best Movie - Dark Knight (No other film comes close)
Worst Movie - X-Files: I Want To Believe (This movie never really started)
Best TV Show - Life on Mars (Very clever show contrasts 2008 with 1973)
Worst TV Show - Any MTV show...(for the brain dead)
Team of the Year: Detroit Red Wings (I am biased)
Worst Team of the Year: Detroit Lions (No Contest)
Athlete of the Year: Michael Phelps (Another easy call)
Moron of the Year: Casey Anthony
Runner ups: Plaxico Burress, OJ Simpson, the Media, Chicago Politicians, and Keith Olberfuehrer.
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