There has been much written about whether we need intelligence OR a leader!! Duh!!
Lemmings have leaders and where does it get them? Over a cliff and into the sea. Great!
It would be well to listen to our own voices and see how it sounds. Unless there is some intelligence behind our remarks it is just blather.
Stereotypical thinking, using charged words,such as "socialism", "leading us down the wrong track", "creating huge debt", "wrecking the economy" may be easy posturing but it is all wrong. None of the above applies to the current administration. Employing a little historical perspective will show that it took the last administration it's entire eight years to get us trillions of dollars in debt and precipitate the present economic ship wreck.
The past three years, every effort to correct the former abuses has been effectively blocked, not in an effort to improve the economy or rectify errors, but to insure the failure of the present administration. The country has foundered in the meantime. This isn't a made up charge, it is on the record. Mitch McConnell stated it in so many words. That is unvarnished fact.
Who's the big loser? We all are The conservative noise machine has been going full blast to create fear and confusion. It hopes to cover up the cause of our woes with false charges and misdirection. If we are misled by these tactics it is our own fault. It should be simple to find the facts of the matter. It is history.
The current candidates for the Republican nomination are very unconvincing. The only honest one is Ron Paul, and he is unelectable, mostly because of his age.
Our political system should not be a confrontational game of oneupsmanship. We need intelligent, effective, representation for problem solving, not problem creation
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Intimidation
To the Editor
The “Super Committee” was established by Congress to specifically deal with the question of the debt crisis. The idea, as I understand, it was to facilitate the resolution of differences between the two parties. Was this a credible act or a “Hail Mary pass“?
The art of politics is compromise. Differences of opinion are given due consideration and each side gives a little and they meet in the middle - theoretically.
How this process works depends on the good will of the participants and their rational instincts.
Right off the bat there was cynical apprehension as to the viability of the effort.
To begin with the whole political atmosphere was anything but collegial. It was downright toxic. This has happened before in history but in this instance there was an especially urgent need. The economy is in the tank and in dire circumstances affecting the well being of the entire country.
This was the perfect time for putting aside party squabbles and working in harness to ameliorate the problem. That has not happened so far and doesn’t look promising in the near future. How can this be solved?
My first suggestion is to put Grover Norquist in jail. He has devised a scheme that is one of pure intimidation of legislators. Playing on the fears of candidates and incumbents he has conned them into the idea that signing a “no taxes” pledge would appeal to voters and improve their chances of election or re-election.
This scheme was well exposed in a recent TV program, “60 Minutes”. In an interview Norquist gleefully bragged that his intent was to “smash government down to a size that could be drowned in a bathtub“. He showed his folder of pledges and said they were non-cancellable. A number of pledgees have indicated they never intended the pledge to be “forever“. They rightly explained that circumstances change.
This is where the intimidation comes in. If a pledge is broken the offender is guaranteed that his election, or re-election, would be opposed by formidable financial forces. Norquist would not divulge the sources of those finances claiming that as a “non-profit” organization he was not required to do so. On his office wall was a photograph of numerous, apparently defeated politicians, who defied his edict.
This type of intimidation is applied by the National Rifle Association as well. We have that group to thank for the Federal Law that allows the holder of a concealed weapon permit in any state to “carry” in any other state regardless of that state’s gun law prohibiting carrying. This demonstrates the evils of such intimidation.
Unfortunately other special interest groups apply the same tactics. Our legislators have been corrupted by the huge supply of money involved. This is the core complaint of the “OccupyMovement”. To date I have not seen or heard of one legislator or candidate recognizing the outcry for reform. Instead they offer the usual platitudes and promises of job growth and lower taxes, that they conveniently forget when elected. Disgusted!!!
The “Super Committee” was established by Congress to specifically deal with the question of the debt crisis. The idea, as I understand, it was to facilitate the resolution of differences between the two parties. Was this a credible act or a “Hail Mary pass“?
The art of politics is compromise. Differences of opinion are given due consideration and each side gives a little and they meet in the middle - theoretically.
How this process works depends on the good will of the participants and their rational instincts.
Right off the bat there was cynical apprehension as to the viability of the effort.
To begin with the whole political atmosphere was anything but collegial. It was downright toxic. This has happened before in history but in this instance there was an especially urgent need. The economy is in the tank and in dire circumstances affecting the well being of the entire country.
This was the perfect time for putting aside party squabbles and working in harness to ameliorate the problem. That has not happened so far and doesn’t look promising in the near future. How can this be solved?
My first suggestion is to put Grover Norquist in jail. He has devised a scheme that is one of pure intimidation of legislators. Playing on the fears of candidates and incumbents he has conned them into the idea that signing a “no taxes” pledge would appeal to voters and improve their chances of election or re-election.
This scheme was well exposed in a recent TV program, “60 Minutes”. In an interview Norquist gleefully bragged that his intent was to “smash government down to a size that could be drowned in a bathtub“. He showed his folder of pledges and said they were non-cancellable. A number of pledgees have indicated they never intended the pledge to be “forever“. They rightly explained that circumstances change.
This is where the intimidation comes in. If a pledge is broken the offender is guaranteed that his election, or re-election, would be opposed by formidable financial forces. Norquist would not divulge the sources of those finances claiming that as a “non-profit” organization he was not required to do so. On his office wall was a photograph of numerous, apparently defeated politicians, who defied his edict.
This type of intimidation is applied by the National Rifle Association as well. We have that group to thank for the Federal Law that allows the holder of a concealed weapon permit in any state to “carry” in any other state regardless of that state’s gun law prohibiting carrying. This demonstrates the evils of such intimidation.
Unfortunately other special interest groups apply the same tactics. Our legislators have been corrupted by the huge supply of money involved. This is the core complaint of the “OccupyMovement”. To date I have not seen or heard of one legislator or candidate recognizing the outcry for reform. Instead they offer the usual platitudes and promises of job growth and lower taxes, that they conveniently forget when elected. Disgusted!!!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Blame Game
As the pols like to say,"there is plenty of blame to go around". Is that meant to mitigate the awful performance that has been standard operating procedure for the past few decades?
The next often quoted remark is, "throw the bums out".
The long term incumbents get reelected because with seniority they get to bring home more bacon. So it is our own self interest that perpetuates the problem.
That leads to an intractable situation. We are not likely to change human nature.
If there were a general movement to throw the bums out how would we go about replacing them? What criterion would be used to evaluate the candidates? There is no way I know of to determine the qualities needed to be a true statesman. One who could withstand the blandishments of the corporate lobbyists or the ideological "one issue" groups.
In France recently, to deal with the financial crisis, they turned to an economist instead of a politician, to be foreign minister. If our "super committee" as comprised, were more acquainted with the economy instead of party ideology, in other words, non-politicians, perhaps a solution would have been achieved. Only perhaps.
The next often quoted remark is, "throw the bums out".
The long term incumbents get reelected because with seniority they get to bring home more bacon. So it is our own self interest that perpetuates the problem.
That leads to an intractable situation. We are not likely to change human nature.
If there were a general movement to throw the bums out how would we go about replacing them? What criterion would be used to evaluate the candidates? There is no way I know of to determine the qualities needed to be a true statesman. One who could withstand the blandishments of the corporate lobbyists or the ideological "one issue" groups.
In France recently, to deal with the financial crisis, they turned to an economist instead of a politician, to be foreign minister. If our "super committee" as comprised, were more acquainted with the economy instead of party ideology, in other words, non-politicians, perhaps a solution would have been achieved. Only perhaps.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
The Occupy phenomenon
I was completely surprised but elated to see the emergence of the "Occupy" movement. It is similar to the "Tea Party" but much more generalized. It also has a non-political stamp to it. Actually it is critical of both political parties for their abysmal mismanagement of the country in so many ways.
The Tea Party is focusing on the excessive debt that has accumulated over the past ten years. This movement has been captured by the ultra conservatives of the Republican party. It fits nicely with their determination to limit Obama to one term. As their program has been implemented it has also been disastrous for the country as it has stalled any and all attempt to deal with the unemployment problem.
It can be argued that most TPs in the House of Representatives were carried into office on the wave of voter frustration over the unemployment problem. As neophytes they don't share blame for what was done, or not done, prior to their appearance. It is the long termers who are responsible for letting things go to hell. Still the problem has been brewing for ten years, Squandered surplus, two wars not included in the budget, massive tax cuts benefiting the wealthy, and all that time there was never a peep out of the suddenly aghast newbys.
The totally dysfunctional Congress is the spark that ignited the Occupy movement. The critical level of disgust with this situation has been reached and "they are mad as hell and are not going to take it any longer". The corruption of the legislature that allowed the disastrous collapse of the economy that has lead to the massive unemployment and homeowner foreclosures and the consequent stalling of the economy, is the reason for the outcry.
The media in general has been counter productive in its coverage of the movement as it sweeps across the country. Instead of identifying the root causes it interviews the misfits that have latched on to the uprising. The core of the movement is a representation of solid citizens who are rightly aggrieved by the state of affairs.
What is especially apparent is the lack of recognition by the politicians, the ones who are the culprits in the scenario, that this vast outpouring of rage is of any concern of , or to, them. They appear virtually tone deaf.
Some of the reactions by mayors has smacked of police state tactics. These people deserve respect for their determination, not scorn. How else can their feelings be shown if not publicly and loudly? And they have a perfect right to do so. This is supposed to be a government "of the people", not of the "corporation (people)".
If it causes inconvenience so much the better to get attention.
If it causes people to think about the problem perhaps they will make better decisions at the voting booth. There has to be change
The Tea Party is focusing on the excessive debt that has accumulated over the past ten years. This movement has been captured by the ultra conservatives of the Republican party. It fits nicely with their determination to limit Obama to one term. As their program has been implemented it has also been disastrous for the country as it has stalled any and all attempt to deal with the unemployment problem.
It can be argued that most TPs in the House of Representatives were carried into office on the wave of voter frustration over the unemployment problem. As neophytes they don't share blame for what was done, or not done, prior to their appearance. It is the long termers who are responsible for letting things go to hell. Still the problem has been brewing for ten years, Squandered surplus, two wars not included in the budget, massive tax cuts benefiting the wealthy, and all that time there was never a peep out of the suddenly aghast newbys.
The totally dysfunctional Congress is the spark that ignited the Occupy movement. The critical level of disgust with this situation has been reached and "they are mad as hell and are not going to take it any longer". The corruption of the legislature that allowed the disastrous collapse of the economy that has lead to the massive unemployment and homeowner foreclosures and the consequent stalling of the economy, is the reason for the outcry.
The media in general has been counter productive in its coverage of the movement as it sweeps across the country. Instead of identifying the root causes it interviews the misfits that have latched on to the uprising. The core of the movement is a representation of solid citizens who are rightly aggrieved by the state of affairs.
What is especially apparent is the lack of recognition by the politicians, the ones who are the culprits in the scenario, that this vast outpouring of rage is of any concern of , or to, them. They appear virtually tone deaf.
Some of the reactions by mayors has smacked of police state tactics. These people deserve respect for their determination, not scorn. How else can their feelings be shown if not publicly and loudly? And they have a perfect right to do so. This is supposed to be a government "of the people", not of the "corporation (people)".
If it causes inconvenience so much the better to get attention.
If it causes people to think about the problem perhaps they will make better decisions at the voting booth. There has to be change
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Latest expose on Republicans
The Daily Beast commented on a book just released written by a former high rank Republican operative that blows the whistle on the inside strategies of the party. It details the obstructive moves that are designed to deprive the current administration any positive legislation that would be a credit to Obama.
The party is controlled completely by the corporate interests that seek favorable policy and reduced regulation as well as tax advantages
The grand strategy is to eliminate Medicare and Medicaid as well as privatize
Social Security , There is no consideration of the environment or safety regulations such as Clean Air or Clean Water.
The party is controlled completely by the corporate interests that seek favorable policy and reduced regulation as well as tax advantages
The grand strategy is to eliminate Medicare and Medicaid as well as privatize
Social Security , There is no consideration of the environment or safety regulations such as Clean Air or Clean Water.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
The answer is clear
The president has wasted two years trying to get the Reps to some semblance of civility. That obviously is not ever going to happen. Their obsession is exclusively to deny him a second term. If the country goes to hell in the process that is of little concern to them. Party ideology is the Tea Party imposed stance on taxes (their own definition)and reduction of expenditures. So far their efforts have been restricted to "discretionary" items. This has managed to impose pain on the least fortunate citizens. This is safe for them because studies show that group is the least apt to vote. They are leery of Medicare and Medicaid but still determined to reduce those programs. Like any fanatic element they claim they are not interested in reelection. They will happily fall on their swords to achieve cuts in the budget.
We all know, and knew it for a long time, that things were getting out of hand and needed correction. Both parties over the past number of decades have catered to the electorate by giving them more and more -- simply to get themselves reelected. The entire political process has been corrupted by this abdication of responsibility. Perhaps it is a flaw in the democratic system to rely on people to always "do the right thing". Flaw or not it is amazing that things have gone as well as they have.
Until now.
The economy and the county's well-being is at risk and this is not the time for intransigence. Legislators are duty bound to act in the best interests of the country. To put party interest before duty is treasonous
We all know, and knew it for a long time, that things were getting out of hand and needed correction. Both parties over the past number of decades have catered to the electorate by giving them more and more -- simply to get themselves reelected. The entire political process has been corrupted by this abdication of responsibility. Perhaps it is a flaw in the democratic system to rely on people to always "do the right thing". Flaw or not it is amazing that things have gone as well as they have.
Until now.
The economy and the county's well-being is at risk and this is not the time for intransigence. Legislators are duty bound to act in the best interests of the country. To put party interest before duty is treasonous
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Arab Spring is a tremendous phenomenon. Since my last blog so much has happened. At first things moved so rapidly but now it is difficult to watch the standoff both in Libya and Syria. Obama's speech yesterday was a good one, I thought. Naturally today many pundits are criticizing him for what he didn't say. He left out Saudi Arabia, which is a real conundrum because of the origin of the 9/11 attackers. Our "interests" of course are the oil and the bulwark against Iran. Additionally we just sold them $16 billion worth of F-16 fighters. Just play nice now!!!
I recently finished a book called Deadly Spin by Wendell Potter. He is a former PR exec for CIGNA, a very large insurance company. After many years he became disillusioned by the policies (no pun intended) of the company that verged on the fraudulent. To maintain and improve the bottom line the greatest effort was devoted to denying claims. From way back I sensed that was the scheme they pursued. I only carry the compulsory auto insurance and the necessary home owner fire and damage coverage.
The book explains the great investment insurance companies make in influencing Congress to not pass legislation that will lessen their profitability. It was a remarkable achievement for Obama to get the stripped down version of his health care bill passed. Many millions of dollars were spent in bribes and lobbying to oppose it.
Unfortunately the Republican party seems intent on allowing the corporations to unduly influence legislation. That may be true of both parties, but the Republicans maintain the tax cuts that could be better used for revenue instead of attempting to slice and dice all the welfare type entitlements, namely Medicare and Medicaid. Why they are after the Social Security program doesn't make sense. The government has been using it as a piggy bank for years. The Trust is full of IOUs already. In any event S.S. is self funded. It is not a tax in the full sense of the word.
To make debt reduction the primary focus at this time is also counterproductive. The immediate need is for jobs. Stimulating the economy is the critical aim right now. All the cuts asked for would only exacerbate the unemployment problem. It was a great wake up call for the conservatives to see the results of the special election in upstate NY's 26 Congressional district. The Tea Party candidate got the least votes and the Republican was trounced by Hochul who hit on the Ryan proposal.
Obama gets a lot of flack for what he doesn't do but very insufficient credit for what he does do. To me he may be frustrating in the way he holds back but in the end he makes progress. I think the Republicans are frantic and in the process making fools of themselves. The mess Obama inherited was very serious and would have been catastrophic if not handled the way it was. Tax cuts in the time of expensive wars is the height of stupidity. So there you have it. In the time of economic depression Republicans insist on more tax cuts. More stupidity. What is need now is increasing revenue through closing loopholes and unwarranted subsidies. Corporate welfare at it's worst. The welfare of the people is the country's business as Teddy Roosevelt said. At one time there were intelligent Republicans.
I recently finished a book called Deadly Spin by Wendell Potter. He is a former PR exec for CIGNA, a very large insurance company. After many years he became disillusioned by the policies (no pun intended) of the company that verged on the fraudulent. To maintain and improve the bottom line the greatest effort was devoted to denying claims. From way back I sensed that was the scheme they pursued. I only carry the compulsory auto insurance and the necessary home owner fire and damage coverage.
The book explains the great investment insurance companies make in influencing Congress to not pass legislation that will lessen their profitability. It was a remarkable achievement for Obama to get the stripped down version of his health care bill passed. Many millions of dollars were spent in bribes and lobbying to oppose it.
Unfortunately the Republican party seems intent on allowing the corporations to unduly influence legislation. That may be true of both parties, but the Republicans maintain the tax cuts that could be better used for revenue instead of attempting to slice and dice all the welfare type entitlements, namely Medicare and Medicaid. Why they are after the Social Security program doesn't make sense. The government has been using it as a piggy bank for years. The Trust is full of IOUs already. In any event S.S. is self funded. It is not a tax in the full sense of the word.
To make debt reduction the primary focus at this time is also counterproductive. The immediate need is for jobs. Stimulating the economy is the critical aim right now. All the cuts asked for would only exacerbate the unemployment problem. It was a great wake up call for the conservatives to see the results of the special election in upstate NY's 26 Congressional district. The Tea Party candidate got the least votes and the Republican was trounced by Hochul who hit on the Ryan proposal.
Obama gets a lot of flack for what he doesn't do but very insufficient credit for what he does do. To me he may be frustrating in the way he holds back but in the end he makes progress. I think the Republicans are frantic and in the process making fools of themselves. The mess Obama inherited was very serious and would have been catastrophic if not handled the way it was. Tax cuts in the time of expensive wars is the height of stupidity. So there you have it. In the time of economic depression Republicans insist on more tax cuts. More stupidity. What is need now is increasing revenue through closing loopholes and unwarranted subsidies. Corporate welfare at it's worst. The welfare of the people is the country's business as Teddy Roosevelt said. At one time there were intelligent Republicans.
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