Bin Quick

Worth a thousand words

2012-01-26T09:08:00.000-08:00

It's been said a picture is worth a thousand words. Never has that been more prophetic. A weak President that believes in nothing and stand for nothing is being dressed down by an incompetent AZ governor. I know the "Left" Wing Corporate media is going to make this all about Jan Brewer but it's not. This is commentary on what every Republican and Democrat thinks of Barack Obama. And frankly, he deserves it. Obama has done nothing to other than get elected to deserve any one's respect. Obama sold the Presidency to Wall Street, refused to prosecute war crimes, and stabbed(stabbing) his supporters in the back. I don't know exactly what Jan Brewer is saying to Obama at this moment but I wish I had an opportunity to tell this worthless Stealth Republican how I feel.

Odds are Obama will be elected. Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney are fundamentally flawed men not to mention candidates. But we deserve the "leaders" we elect. With half the country motivated by racism, hate, and stupidity and the other half to dumb to challenge the corporate whores and poverty pimps in their own party, Gingrich, Romney, and Obama are just about perfect. Last year the Middle East exploded with the Arab Spring, hopefully we'll have an American Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter. For now, all we have is a picture. I wonder how this is playing around the world? I bet the Iranians, North Koreans, and Chinese are shaking in their boots...

SOTU: Translated and Decoded

2012-01-25T06:56:00.000-08:00

I've been a life long black Democrat but the Obama presidency has led me to leave the Democratic Party. I didn't watch the State of the Union speech for the first time in 22 years but I read it. I just can't listen to Obama anymore. All my criticisms of Obama over the last 2 years were confirmed last night. Progressives must be willing to do anything to defeat this worthless Stealth Republican. We must be willing to accept the election of Newt Gingrich or Mitt Romney to protect core Progressive principles because Obama will negotiate and compromise away all progressive policies. We can rebuild a Progressive political party but not with Barack Obama, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi at its head. We should abandon the Democratic Party in 2012, vote Progressive party in 2014. Here are some phrases from the SOTU that caught my eye:

Death, cremation, burial of the Public Option:

But I believe what Republican Abraham Lincoln believed: That Government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves, and no more. That’s why my education reform offers more competition, and more control for schools and States. That's why we’re getting rid of regulations that don’t work. That's why our health care law relies on a reformed private market, not a Government program.

More Compromise and Capitulation:

Finally, none of these reforms can happen unless we also lower the temperature in this town. We need to end the notion that the two parties must be locked in a perpetual campaign of mutual destruction; that politics is about clinging to rigid ideologies instead of building consensus around common sense ideas.

Obama to continue to protect his Wall Street benefactors by delaying prosecution with new committee:

We will also establish a Financial Crimes Unit of highly trained investigators to crack down on large-scale fraud and protect people's investments. Some financial firms violate major anti-fraud laws because there’s no real penalty for being a repeat offender. That’s bad for consumers, and it’s bad for the vast majority of bankers and financial service professionals who do the right thing. So pass legislation that makes the penalties for fraud count.

No Wall Street bankers will ever go to jail:

And tonight, I am asking my Attorney General to create a special unit of federal prosecutors and leading state attorneys general to expand our investigations into the abusive lending and packaging of risky mortgages that led to the housing crisis. This new unit will hold accountable those who broke the law, speed assistance to homeowners, and help turn the page on an era of recklessness that hurt so many Americans.

Obama offers to cut taxes on the rich (current law - 35%, 1/1/2013 - 39%):

But in return, we need to change our tax code so that people like me, and an awful lot of Members of Congress, pay our fair share of taxes. Tax reform should follow the Buffett rule: If you make more than $1 million a year, you should not pay less than 30 percent in taxes. And my Republican friend Tom Coburn is right: Washington should stop subsidizing millionaires. In fact, if you’re earning a million dollars a year, you shouldn’t get special tax subsidies or deductions. On the other hand, if you make under $250,000 a year, like 98 percent of American families, your taxes shouldn’t go up. You’re the ones struggling with rising costs and stagnant wages. You’re the ones who need relief.

Obama plans to cut SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid:

The American people know what the right choice is. So do I. As I told the Speaker this summer, I’m prepared to make more reforms that rein in the long term costs of Medicare and Medicaid, and strengthen Social Security, so long as those programs remain a guarantee of security for seniors.

After 3 years in the White House, Obama is going to investigate unfair trade:

Tonight, I'm announcing the creation of a Trade Enforcement Unit that will be charged with investigating unfair trade practices in countries like China. There will be more inspections to prevent counterfeit or unsafe goods from crossing our borders. And this Congress should make sure that no foreign company has an advantage over American manufacturing when it comes to accessing finance or new markets like Russia. Our workers are the most productive on Earth, and if the playing field is level, I promise you -- America will always win.

Jokes:

I'm a Democrat.

Words or phrases not mentioned:

Free Trade, Capital Gains, NAFTA, World Trade Organization, Stimulus, Foreclosure, Guantanamo, Civil Liberities

Brian Williams: Thumb on the GOP Debate Scale

2012-01-24T12:26:00.000-08:00

Let me be clear, as a former Democrat I don't care who wins the GOP nomination. After Obama capitulated on the public option and extended the GWB tax cuts, I vowed that I would vote for what ever turd the GOP crapped into the American presidential toilet bowl. I even said that includes Sarah Palin(she required special recognition). That being said, I prefer that neither the Right Wing nor "Left" Wing corporate media favor one candidate over another. The media seemed fair when Mitt Romney was cake walking to the GOP nomination. But since Newt Gingrich won the S.C. primary, the "Left" Wing and Right Wing corporate media has lost their freaking minds.

There has been approximately 200 Republican debates(joke), and until Newt had a legitimate chance of winning, no one cared about the debate rules. Brian Williams either decided that he couldn't defend his idiotic questions like Juan Williams and John King, or Brian Williams decided to give Mitt Romney an advantage. Either Brian Williams is a stupid cowardly "journalist" or he put his thumb on the debate scale. I don't believe Williams is a coward or he couldn't handle Newt in verbal combat. If I'm correct, then there is only one conclusion. Williams wanted to take the crowd out of the debate because Newt had been better at playing the crowd. And by my standards, Brian Williams and Mitt Romney ganged up on Newt Gingrich. I'm sure like Mitt's Super PAC, Williams and Romney didn't coordinate this attack but none the less it was an unfair attack.

Mitt Romney is a seasoned politician who has been running for president for at least 4 years. He has given hundreds of speeches to audiences of every size. If he can't deliver an applause line to Red Meat Republican crowd, than does anyone believe he deserves the Republican nomination. For the last 6 months the Republican electorate has bounced around from Michele Bachmann to Herman Cain to Rick Santorum because they inherently know that Mitt Romney is a flawed candidate. Now that the voting has started, it's absolutely clear that Republicans don't want Mitt Romney. But Brian Williams, Wall Street, and the New York media refuse to let the 99% choose their leaders. Brian Williams owes Newt Gingrich, the Republican Party, and the American people an apology.

Citizens United Revisited

2012-01-23T11:42:00.000-08:00

draft

The Framers of the Constitution didn't solve all our problems(slavery, etc) and they even made several mistakes (election of vice president & appointment of senators) but they got most of the other big issues right. They quickly realized their mistake in the election of the President/Vice President, and it was correct in 1804. It took another 100 years to correct the way we choose Senators. The Framers compromised on slavery only to set the stage for the Civil War but if they hadn't compromised, it's doubtful if America would exist. Please don't call me racist, I'm black.

Since the 17th Amendment (election of Senators, 1912), seven of the last ten amendments directly effect the election or terms of federal constitutional officers. From allowing women to vote, 18 years old to vote, prohibiting poll taxes, modifying the lane duck period, defining Presidential succession, limiting presidential terms, and providing for Washington D.C. electoral representation, all but presidential terms were enacted to enfranchise more Americans, prevent the disenfranchisement of Americans, or clarify the Framers' constitutional principles. The 22nd Amendment(limiting presidential terms) was a political reaction to FDR. There was no constitutional justification or problem. Washington politicians didn't want another President to become as powerful as FDR.

By limiting presidents to two terms, we defined in some regards a successful presidency. Before FDR, there were many one term presidents, several that promised to only run for one term. Now a president is by definition is a failure if he isn't re-elected. We elect politicians that will do anything, sell-out anyone, and sell their office to anybody. The Framers had it right and there should be any limits to how many terms a president can serve. By limiting presidents to two terms, we have created a base line for determining a successful president that has nothing to do with the best interest of the country. Bill Clinton is considered by some to have been a success. In Clinton's second term, he had oral sex scandal, lowered capital gains rates, and deregulated Wall Street. Many Conservatives believe GWB was a successful president but to get re-elected, GWB passed a Medicare prescription drug bill that may bankrupt the country. Yet, the Republicans pretend to care about deficits.

In addition to constitutional amendments, Congress has been busy changing the rules for Federal elections. Campaign finance and private political speech have been limited since the 1970's. The idea is to limited the power of big money in politics. But every time they create a new law, it seems to work until the politicians and rich political donors figure out a work around. I'm starting to think the founders were correct. There shouldn't be any limits to political speech, and yes, I believe giving money to a politician is speech. Please don't call me a Republican, it's worse than being called a racist.

Two years ago, a Right Wing Supreme Court set back 40 years of campaign finance rules. At first I took a purely partisan view of Citizens United, and I agreed with Obama that it was a Right Wing power grab. We may disagree about Citizens United but I doubt anyone disagrees that if the purpose of campaign finance laws were to limit the political power of the rich and powerful, they have failed. In the last 20 years, both Republican and Democrats have sold public policy to the highest bidder. From Clinton's NAFTA, WTO, Free Trade, Cap Gains tax cuts, carried interest loop hole, and Wall Street deregulation to GWB's tax cuts, prescription drug plan, military spending to Obama's capitulations on the public option, individual mandate, HCR prescription drug "compromise", Wall Street financial reform, and free trade policies, Washington D.C. is for sale. Perhaps the Framers were correct:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

The question is did the Supreme Court fundamentally change American politics for the worse? Or did they change American political rules back to the fundamental principles of the Framers and the Constitution?

The GOP Primary battle between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney is starting to changed my opinion of Citizens United. The traditional political donor class chose their champions. I like to call them White and Black Mitt Romney or White and Black Barack Obama. It doesn't really matter, they sold their political soul to the same people. The 1% who win regardless of who is elected in 2012. If Romney win they (the 1%) win, if Obama wins we (the 99%) lose. They (the 1%) made sure no one seriously challenged Black Romney but their plans were a little tougher in the Republican Party. The little people (99%) actual get to vote. Damn! They (1%) have done everything financially possible to insure White Obama's nomination. Their (1%) comrades in the corporate media have played their role trying to convince Republican voters that only White Romney could defeat Black Romney.

However, when Gingrich and Romney stood toe to toe in GOP debates, Gingrich clearly and decisively demonstrated greater leadership, passion, believability, and connection with average Republicans( I know, you can't make this shit up). But Romney has more money and the corporate media. Newt Gingrich was salvaged in the Iowa primary by Romney's (White Obama) "independent and separate" Super PAC. Then Sheldon Adelson, a Las Vegas casino owner and longtime Gingrich friend gave Newt's "independent and separate" Super PAC $5 million dollars. Without Citizens United, free political speech, Gingrich would have been destroyed. The common wisdom is if Gingrich wins the GOP nomination, then Obama wins re-election. The irony is unimaginable, especially after Obama chastised the Supreme Court for Citizens United.

No one has a crystal ball, and no one can predict the unintended consequences of any law especially campaign finance laws. I'm still unsure how I feel about Citizens United but given recent events, I'll put my money of the brilliant Framers who lived 200 years ago. If some patriotic billionaire decides to give Rocky Anderson's "independent and separate" Super PAC (assuming it exist) $5, $10, or $50 million, then I'll have say Citizens United was absolutely the right decision.

#RockyAnderson2012

What song should blacks sing back to Obama?

2012-01-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, President Obama attended three fundraisers in New York city. A $15,000 per ticket with Jewish leaders at the Upper East Side restaurant Daniel on 65th Street. Next, the President attended a dinner at director Spike Lee's apartment on 63rd Street. About 40 people were expected at that event, and tickets cost over $35,000. And finally, $100.00 per ticket fundraiser at the historic Apollo theater on 125th Street. So last night when I heard that President Obama song a little Al Green I wasn't surprised. Like many black men my age, 45, I grew up in a house that was alive with the music of Al Green, Marvin Gaye, BB King, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and many others of the era. Just like any unfaithful man who has betrayed his lover, the first thing they say is "I'm so in love with you". But I wondered what song would the 20% - 25% of unemployed blacks sing back to Mr. Obama. Maybe a little Al Green also. Enjoy.

Or my favorite for the Stealth Republican in the White House:

Rocky Anderson 2012

2012-01-18T08:02:00.001-08:00

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Can someone remove Andrew Sullivan's head from his ass?

2012-01-17T09:29:00.000-08:00

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"

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I'm not going to attack Andrew Sullivan for supporting a moderate Republican president that's friendly gay rights - Barack Obama. After all, Sullivan is or was a gay Republican. And I'm not going to do a point by point of Obama's economic policy failures. If you want to read one, click here. I've said for months that Obama is a moderate Republican, and basically Andrew Sullivan agrees. Sullivan's criticisms of the crazy Right Wing is correct. If I were a Republican, I'd view an election between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney as a win win - heads Republicans win, tails Democrats lose. BUT I'm not a Republican or a "Democrat" (actually I don't think the Democratic Party actually exist anymore, there are just two Conservative corporate whore parties, one just a little left of the other). If a political party elects a moderate member of an opposing party, does that party actually exist?

I'm a progressive and there is absolutely nothing progressive about Barack Obama on core Progressive issues - trade, health care, Wall Street, war, or civil liberties. In fact, Sullivan criticizes Republicans for not accepting Obama's conservative policies and liberal for projecting "Democratic" principles on Obama. On Hardball, Sullivan was asked, "what a (Obama) second term would look like?"

I see it as a picture in which the Americans side in certainly of sun setting the Bush the tax cuts and having some sort of rise in the tax rates for the rich will be an attempt to tackle the debt. That's a huge problem. I think he offers the possibility of a fair and balanced way of cutting the debt than the Republicans approach, which is to do it on the backs of the middle class and the poor. Having some sacrifice from the wealthy is important. I also think immigration reform is possible, necessary, and important. And I think he has a chance to do that. If the Republicans are prepared to be reasonable and come back to the negotiating table in a way that isn't completely determined be fantasy about who this guy is. he's not a big old lefty. As for the left, he's a compromise in the middle.

Now Sullivan is engaging in fantasy, if Republicans stop being Republicans and just play nice with Obama, they can cut the debt and give amnesty to illegal immigrants. It's time for Sullivan to pull his head out of his ass. The best reason that Sullivan could make for Progressives to support the re-election of Barack Obama is that he is slightly left of Mitt Romney or a moderate Republican. Well Mr. Sullivan, that's mighty Republican of you.

According to Sullivan, immigration reform and equitable debt reduction are the best policies the Left should hope for in a Obama second term. Since I oppose amnesty for illegal immigrants because I believe illegal immigration is one of the factors that have stagnated middle class wages. The possibility of immigration reform is not a reason to support Obama. To me, it's a benefit of electing a Republican. But if you support immigration reform, re-electing Barack Obama means nothing. If he is re-elected, immigration reform will become another GITMO promise. Worthless! I care about debt reduction about as much as most Republican, not at all. But if I were concerned about debt reduction, I wouldn't support a president that extended the Bush/Obama tax cuts while cutting Medicare and home heating oil assistance. If I cared about debt reduction, the health care reform back room deals that have Americans spending 17% of GDP on health care while not covering everyone is another reason I'm voting for Mitt Romney or whatever turd the Republicans crap out. The fact that the great Obama health care reform has Obama offering Medicare cuts is illuminating. Perhaps the public option was important not just a "sliver". Mitt Romney's promise to repeal Obamacare is enough for me.

On the most important issue, the economy, there is no reason to vote for Obama. We lost 13 million jobs during the Bush Depression. By the end of 2012, we will be lucky if the economy creates 3 to 4 million jobs. We are on a pace to return to 2008 employment levels around 2020 or 2024. If current work place participation was at 2007 levels, the current unemployment rate would be 10.5%. Real unemployment is 16%, and Black unemployment (the canary in the coal mine) is near 20%. Clinton/Bush/Obama free trade continues to savage the American middle class, and Wall Street/Corporate America owns Washington D.C. Obama refuses to use the power of his office to protect the middle class from unfair trade while corporate profits skyrockets. But according to Sullivan, as a Progressive, I should be happy to re-elect the moderate Republican Barack Obama. Can someone pull Andrew Sullivan's head out of his ass? Let me be clear, HELL will freeze over before I vote for Barack Obama again.

CONTROL

2012-01-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

Neo (Obama):Why am I here?

The Architect:Your life is the sum of a remainder of an unbalanced equation inherent to the programming of the matrix (vulture capitalism). You are the eventuality of an anomaly(American people's demands), which despite my sincerest efforts I have been unable to eliminate from what is otherwise a harmony of mathematical precision. While it remains a burden assiduously avoided, it is not unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of control. Which has led you, inexorably, here.

Last week the Republicans were irate that Obama made a recess appointment while the Congress wasn't technically in recess. The Republicans claimed Obama committed an unconstitutional act, made an end run around the constitution, and was acting as a dictator. A week early, Obama signed into law a bill authorizing unlimited detention of American citizens. Need I say more...

In 1991, George H. W. Bush failed to convince the Democratic controlled congress to pass NAFTA. In 1993, Bill Clinton, POTUS from Wal-Mart, convinced enough Democrats, Big Labor, and the general public that NAFTA was in America's best interest.

I saw a statistic that if the work place participation rate in 2011 (64%) was at the level of 2007 (67%), then the current unemployment rate would be 10.5% compared to 8.5%. Yesterday, Obama asked Corporate America to bring jobs back to America. He must have forgotten that he has the power to withdraw from NAFTA.

My biggest political fear isn't the election of Mitt Romney or the worthless policies coming from the Obama administration. My biggest fear is that Obama will convince enough "Democrats" that a declining middle class, unlimited wars, and gutting entitlements is normal. Obama's task now is to convinced "Democrats" and Independents that he is better for American than Romney. Just as Bill Clinton convinced Obama that supporting free trade, NAFTA, and the WTO is in Obama political interest over good American jobs.

The American people, their jobs, and their way of life remain a burden assiduously avoided, but not unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of CONTROL by worthless corporate politicians like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.When the American people demand change (1992, 2008), the masters of the universe vomit up another puppet selling Hope and Change. The puppet(the One) is just another measure of CONTROL. They give the peasants the illusion of democracy, but after the crisis, vulture capitalist (GWB, Romney) return. Our best Hope for real Change is to let the vultures eat each other. Vote Mitt Romney 2012.

Blacks are doomed to the status quo

2011-12-14T15:34:00.000-08:00

draft

Yesterday, I listened to Mark Thompson(Sirius Radio host - Make it Plain). He sat in for Rev. Al Sharpton on terrestrial radio. I stopped listening to Mark several years ago because Liberal talk radio is useless Left Wing crap just as Conservative talk radio is useless Right Wing crap. At the time I stopped listening to Mark, I thought he was extraordinarily dumb but I was wrong. And I owe Mark an apology, for my first ever blog "Liberals vs. Guns: "Mark Thompson, The Dumbest Man on the Radio"". Now that I can barely listen to Maddow, Shultz, or O'Donnell, I realize that Mark is just average dumb. All their shows (radio or TV) have the same pattern. Liberal host attacks Right Wing Nut Job of the day. If that fails to energize calls(ratings), they fall back to Birther, racist GOP, or the evil 1%. Then sometime before the hour (3 hours) ends, they finally get around to the number one issue concerning their audience, JOBS! But it's usually to repeat how the GOP is preventing lord and savior Obama from implementing his ~~Right Wing~~ ~~Free Trade~~ ~~Corporate~~ Democratic jobs agenda. LOL!

But Mark Thompson did finally get around to something useful yesterday. The idea that we Progressives must make Obama support our progressive agenda. There are many ways to influence politicians but they all boil down to money and votes(political support). I say there is no amount of money that Progressives can give Obama to persuade him to change his conservative policies. There is no amount of marching or protesting that Occupy________ (whoever) could ever do to change Obama's conservative Wall Street agenda.

Since Mark made that statement on the Rev. Al show directed at the Black community. Let me be clear, there is absolutely nothing Black America can do to influence the Obama administration. Black America is in an economic depression. The official Black unemployment rate is 15%, the actual rate is above 25%. The Clinton/Bush/Obama Depression has annihilated Black net worth. Obama continues policies that exports middle class blue collar jobs that created the black middle class. Now we're starting to see the second wave. Those urban blue collar jobs financed teachers, firemen, urban professionals, and other municipal jobs. Parts of Detroit and other cities are boarded up ghost-towns. The cycle of black poverty has reset to zero with a half Black ~~Republican~~ in the White House. How many Blacks qualified for conventional loans but got tricked into adjustable liar loans and eventually lost their homes? How many have lost their jobs to Free Trade? But according to Obama, the banks broke no laws and free trade is wonderful.

Obama has a 90% + approval rating from the black community, and he can't possibly get re-elected without a strong black turnout in 2012. But politically, Blacks have no power. Every political operative knows Blacks will support Obama and Democrats; therefore, they can be ignored. Blacks can't donate enough money, mainly because they don't have enough, to change Obama's policies. Blacks can join the NAACP and Urban League but it means almost nothing. Blacks can elect and re-elect all the worthless Black Democratic poverty pimps they want but it wont change anything. Nothing Blacks do will change Obama's policies. From Obama's point of view, the smart move is to placate Blacks while attracting independents and moderates. If necessary, a Clinton style Sister Souljah moment might help. Short of Obama going Herman Cain and screwing several white women, Obama can't lose Black votes. By the way going Herman Cain may give Obama some "street cred" among some Black men. Not me.

Blacks can't influence the Obama administration, but they can influence Democrats and future Democratic presidents. The only tool Blacks have is their vote. If Blacks want Washington politicians to support/pass policies that favor the Black community, they must be willing to leverage their votes. It means withholding support from ineffective Democratic politicians that say all the right things, take corporate donations, and stab Blacks and middle class Americans in the back. Although my advice is for Blacks, it applies to Union members, Environmentalists, Liberals, and all Progressives. Until Progressives take back the Democratic Party, we are doomed to the status quo.

Can someone remove Joe Scarborough's head from his ASS!

2011-11-08T05:58:00.000-08:00

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I try to watch Morning Joe as much as possible. I can't help it, I'm a political junky, and I like Morning Joe's guests (Zbigniew Brzezinski et al) and Mika's "liberal" comments. If you watch Morning Joe regularly, this interview was so predictable. Lately, Joe has been developing another "new" economic theory. Over the years, Joe's theories have evolved from bad "big government" to deregulation to tax cuts to "certainty" and now it's TECHNOLOGY is the blame. Apparently Joe went to a bank and there wasn't a teller. Or Joe went to a store and used the self check-out. Whatever occurred we may never know but the new reason why 14 million people suddenly lost their jobs in 2008 is TECHNOLOGY. If you are a rich New York media elite, your personal experiences are all that is relevant and they provides all the answers to the universe as long as they conform to Conservative dogma.

This interview is the worst of Conservatism, and it's the "Palinizing" of economic theory. Joe takes a extremely complex issue, pulls out one tiny piece that fits his ideology, then generalizes in direct contradiction to all of human history. TECHNOLOGY, EFFICIENCY, and PRODUCTIVITY GAINS have been positive forces for economic development. Technology and productivity increases undoubtedly cause job disruption but until the 1990's, the unemployed found new jobs. New technologies created new jobs. The money saved from productivity increases was eventually re-invested in other existing companies or helped fund new businesses. At least that was the pattern of the post WWII period. America had the 90% - 70% top marginal tax rates, strong labor unions, and terrific economic growth throughout the 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, and 1970's. Then we elected 5 consecutive "Republican" Presidents. Between Reagan's (R) tax cuts and unions busting, Clinton's (R) free trade and Wall Street deregulation, GWB's (R) war's, deficits, and general stupidity, and Obama's (R) free trade, bailouts, and Wall Street cover ups, how could America not be in a recession or jobless recovery? Since 1980, the bottom 80% of American have lost ground economically, and most of the real growth has gone to the top 5%. Today we have a Republican economy and Conservative politics. We have very low effective tax rates, free trade, Wall Street "unregulated", endless wars, and wild defense spending. We also have a "Democratic" President willing to cut Medicare and Social Security while signing more bad free trade deals and extending tax cuts for the rich. Is it a surprise that some Conservatives prefer Obama to Romney? As a liberal, I prefer Romney to Obama.

But maybe I'm wrong and Joe is right. All these trends, statistic, and data mean nothing compared to Joe's experience at a teller-less bank or at a Home Depot self-check out machine. Or maybe Joe is just another Conservative that will accept any economic theory that doesn't conflict with Republican stupidity. Did Americans stop buying or using consumer electronics, cars, motorcycles, textiles, and industrial products(steel, etc) that was once "Made in America" but are now manufactured in South America and Asia? Today I'm going to drive my Ford truck to work, but tomorrow I'll use my brand new Star Trek transporter or my new high tech solar powered flying-car that put all auto tire manufactures out of business. But so what, the Dunlop Tire plant in my home town closed and moved to Mexico. Oh wait, those things don't exist yet. Before we blindly accept Joe's economic theory (TECHNOLOGY is the blame), perhaps NBC should have someone remove his head from his ASS!

Why I fear OWS will fail.

2011-10-18T05:02:00.000-07:00

OWS has slowly built a nice little protest against Wall Street. They have successfully avoided political pitfalls and traps like electing leaders and creating a list of demands. And they have cleverly kept the political Vultures away. I still fear OWS will fail because they haven't engaged in effective civil disobedience and they are intellectually dishonest.

I'm too young to have personally attended any of the Civil Rights protest but the visuals I have from that era is of the violent racist response to the Civil Rights marches. Without Bull Connor, Church bombings, and murders, I'm not sure the Civil Rights protest would have been as effective. OWS hasn't prompted a shocking visual response that would rally most Americans to their cause. We must remember the Montgomery Bus Boycott started in 1955 but Bloody Sunday didn't happen until 1965 and Johnson signed the his last Civil Rights Act in 1968 (seven days after Dr. King was murdered). Maybe OWS is just 13 years away from effecting real change.

As I watch OWS grow, I keep asking the question, how can anyone honestly protest Wall Street and vote for a Democrat or a Republican? Specifically, how can anyone vote for Obama or Romney? The answer is they can't. Obama's and Clinton's hands are as filthy as Jamie Dimon's. The dirty money Dimon earns is funneled directly into the White House then back to Wall Street though tax cuts, deregulation, and zero interest loans. When all else fails (Wall Street implodes due to greed and corruption), Washington bails-out Wall Street and Too Big To Fail just gets bigger. Protesting Wall Street and not the White House is like Code Pink protesting GWB's wars and not Obama's wars. If OWS doesn't protest all of the Vultures and their political whores, then OWS will soon be just another Code Fuchsia Pink. I hope I'm wrong.

Herman Cain is right, Blacks are brain-washed

2011-10-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

...by the truth. As a black man, I never considered voting for a Republican. Even 2000 Maverick, John McCain, was too Right Wing. Republicans are the party of the rich, and most blacks aren't rich. Republicans are the party of racists. I'm not saying all Republicans are racists, I'm saying all racists are Republicans. Do the math. Republicans opposed policies that were important to blacks like Affirmative Action, the MLK holiday, and economic/criminal justice. So Herman Cain is correct, blacks are brain-washed by facts, truth, and reality.

The problem isn't that blacks are brain-washed against Republicans, the problem is blacks are brain-washed for "Democrats". Since the early 1970's, blacks like most average Americans have lost ground economically. The data about black poverty, black unemployment, black net worth should scare all Americans. The canary in the coal mine is dying. The first black president, Bill Clinton, used blacks (Sista Souljah, welfare reform) to garner southern white support. Clinton's NAFTA, WTO, and Financial Deregulation have done more to hurt blacks than any Republicans policies. Blacks survived GWB, then helped elect Barack Obama as the first black President only to suffer the worst economic crisis since slavery. Obama continued GWB's endless wars and tax cuts, Clinton's unfair free trade while extending unemployment benefits and supporting worthless job programs. Thanks Mr. Obama, that's mighty white liberal of you. America had a recession, black America is having a depression. And Obama runs away from inner cities to Iowa farms to talk about unemployment. Blacks like the rest of America need good jobs not job training programs, jobs bills, or jobs politics.

At some point, blacks must objectively measure what has our "Democratic" Party loyalty gotten us. Half of black men are in the criminal justice system, black unemployment is at depression levels, and Rick Perry talks more about black unemployment than Barack Obama. Bourgeois Negros like Obama love to tell poor blacks that education is the path out of poverty, well so the Hell was a good manufacturing job. But Obama and his global masters of the universe have exported those paths.

By no means am I suggesting that Republicans are better for blacks than "Democrats". In my opinion they are equally bad for blacks, whites, and Americans. But it has become obvious that "Democrats" like Obama and Clinton are far worse than Republicans. This black man will vote for the 2012 Republican (Perry, Palin, or Bachmann included) not because I support their policies, I believe we must do everything and anything to defeat the current Manchurian "Democratic" president. I won't support another "Democratic" poverty pimp or corporate whore regardless of their race. Honestly, I don't know if black America can survive another black president, Herman Cain included.

Third Wave - Occupy Wall Street

2011-10-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

Dylan Ratigan said that Occupy Wall Street was the third wave in trying to restore the American Dream since the 2008 collapse. In his opinion, the First Wave was the Tea Party's reaction to TARP, the Second Wave was the election of Barack Obama(lol), and now we are watching the Third Wave. I agree that the Tea Party is the other side of the Occupy Wall Street coin. They protested TARP and bailout corruption but they were co-opted and used by the very corruption they thought they were fighting. Likewise, the 2008 election of Obama and Democrats is the other side of the same corrupt Republican coin, different players, same game, same rules - pay to play.

Last week our new "tough" President said Wall Street's greed and corruption was legal. Someone needs to tell the brilliant Harvard educated lawyer that fraud, deceit, and theft is illegal. But then there wouldn't be a need for Occupy Wall Street if the Obama administration prosecuted illegal corrupt unconstitutional acts. Don't get me started on GWB, Dick Cheney, Wars, or GITMO. I'd settle for firing, impeaching and/or prosecuting Tim Geithner, Ben Bernanke, and Hank Paulson.

My advice to Occupy Wall Street (as if they need it) is to keep the vultures at arms length. I'm not talking about Rush Limbaugh, FOX News, and Republicans. They aren't vultures, they are the predators. Republicans "honestly" hunt and kill their prey(the American middle class). Remember vultures are scavengers that feed on dead rotting carcasses and remains of kills. The vultures I'm talking about is the Democratic Party, Barack Obama, and the "Left" Wing Media.

Additionally, I advise Occupy Wall Street to occupy the right place. Generally, it's counter productive to go to a criminals place of business and ask, beg, and/or demand they stop. Especially if the criminals own the government and earn billions every year. The proper place for these protest is Washington D.C., State capitals, and congressional offices. The quest to become a more perfect union has always started with peaceful protest against the current government. Through the ballot, the government changes policies or the people elect a new government. But America was created by the violent overthrow of a corrupt empire for the connected. I hope Occupy Wall Street is successful. Maybe the Fourth Wave will be peaceful but I doubt the Fifth Wave will be. Good luck Occupy Wall Street.

Stop complainin’ CBC - Buck up part 2

2011-09-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

President Obama scolded the Congressional Black Caucus(CBC) with quotes like:

“It gets folks discouraged. I know. I listen to some of y’all,”

“Take off your bedroom slippers. Put on your marching shoes,” he said, his voice rising as applause and cheers mounted. “Shake it off. Stop complainin’. Stop grumblin’. Stop cryin’. We are going to press on. We have work to do.”

“I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on.”

I agree with President Obama. The CBC should just ignore their constituents. The CBC should just ignore 16% black unemployment. They should ignore that the black president elected with overwhelming black support can't utter the words "black unemployment". Yes the CBC, should just ignore blacks like our wonderful black president. Perhaps the unemployed should "Stop complainin’. Stop grumblin’. Stop cryin’." Lets not be to tough on President Obama, he has had a tough 2 years. Those mean Republicans won't pass previously support Republican policies, and those mean Republicans won't let Obama create jobs, end GWB wars, or raise taxes on the rich.

Of all the black people in America, President Obama has had it the worst. Yea Obama has a good job with a great salary and the political power to shoot people in the face but he may lose it all to "whitey". I feel so sorry for Obama. Obama has all my prayers except for those few prayers I save for the unemployed. I know, how dare I consider the plight of the poor, we all need to "march" for President Obama's jobs bill that will reduce unemployment from 14 million to 13 million. President Obama said, “I need your help”, and Obama is the only black man in America that needs help.

Our new tough President

2011-09-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

After being rolled on White House personnel (Van Jones, etc), health care reform (public option), GITMO, Wars, Financial Reform, Wall Street Bailouts, 2009 Stimulus, GWB tax cuts, 2010 budget deal, and the debt limit increase, 2008 Barack Obama is back and on the attack (lol). All those bad Compromises, Capitulations, Sellouts, "Back Stabbings",and Republican policies were by "necessity" or not. But Obama is still operating within Republican limits, on Republican terms, and on Republican issues. The Obama 2012 campaign issue jobs plan has $200B+ in worthless payroll tax breaks that will not create jobs . Obama is still pushing for more bad free trade deals. Obama refuses to use his power to withdraw from NAFTA and the WTO. Obama refuses to challenge Chinese currency manipulations. Obama refuses to prosecute Wall Street Bankers, GWB "tortures", and war criminals - Dick Cheney. Obama refuses to withdraw from Iraq and Afghanistan. New "tough" Obama scorecard:

$200B+ in worthless payroll tax cuts and $200B+ in Medicare cuts

Lower tax rates on the rich

Increase Medicare copays

Cut Deficit

Jobs issue for 2012 Election

Tax issue for 2012 Election

9% unemployment

16% Black unemployment

14,000,0000 people unemployed

20 - 25 million people underemployed

46% in poverty

22% of children in poverty

And we are supposed to believe we have a new "tough" President. Today, Obama and his worthless underlings are pressuring the rest of the world to oppose the UN Palestinian "state" vote. After two Wars, over a $1T spent, and the "Arab Spring", our new "tough" President refuses to stand up to Israel and a few NY and FL Jewish voters that "may" vote Republican. We have an opportunity to act as a "true friend" to Israel and a "honest broker" for over a Billion Arabs but Republican presidential candidates may benefit if Obama agrees with the rest of the world so Obama capitulates as usual. Yes, we have a new "tough" Presidential candidate - Barack Obama. Nothing else has changed. Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt (That One).

Response to Obama's "tough" speech

2011-09-20T17:21:00.001-07:00

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Liberal Blogger Vindication Coming

2011-09-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

I've been called every imaginable name by "Democrats" for opposing Obama's Right Wing policies. Forget about the Right Wing media, the Left Wing media has marginalized Progressive ideology and vilified Left Wing Bloggers. Only Republicans and corporate "Democrats" are considered Very Serious People (VSP) in politics, economics, and international affairs. Upon taking office, Obama abandoned the Left. Every policy position and signed legislation was engineered to attract Independents. The Left has been ignored and discarded. Now the Left is ignoring Obama. The chickens are coming home to roost.

The polls are starting to reflect the anger and discontent in the "Democratic" Party. And surprisingly, the media is starting to report Democratic anger and discontent as a serious political problem for Obama. Perhaps soon Obama and Democrats will start addressing Progressive issues, but I bet they are months away from understanding the magnitude of the problem. It's likely Obama won't until after Perry or Romney is in the White House. Someone in the White House should ask, "Why would Progressives like Bin Quick vote for any Republican over Barack Obama?" Why would someone like Bin Quick believe Progressive issues are safer with a Republican President and congressional "Democrats" in opposition? But I'm sure the VSP in the White House know exactly what they are doing. After all, their previous projections were correct - unemployment didn't rise above 8%, 2010 Democratic congressional victories, the 2011 Spring economic recovery, and millions of new jobs.

Now Barack Obama is running from swing state to swing state repeatedly saying the word "Jobs" as if saying the word creates jobs. The idiot should stay in the White House and look in the mirror. I doubt the FOOL even understands that he will be held accountable for his failure to revive the economy, create jobs, and end GWB's wars, tax cuts, and abuses. Although, I bet Obama cuts Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid to appease Independents.

Soon the media vultures that ignored Liberals will be asking the White House why did they ignore Liberals. Soon those media vultures will ask Obama why didn't he push for a larger 2009 Stimulus, end the GWB tax cuts, get out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and close GITMO. Then those media vultures are going to ask, "Why is health care inflation (Medicare and Medicaid) driving the long term national debt after he passed Health Care Reform? Soon Progressive and Liberal bloggers will be invited on MSNBC programs they were previously banned from to explain the lack of Liberal enthusiasm. Get ready Liberal Bloggers, your vindication is coming, and the Republican in the White House is leaving.

Krugman and the Free Traders

2011-09-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I'm a huge fan and admirer of Paul Krugman. I often refer to him as my staff economist via the Conscience of a Liberal Blog. Generally, I agree with most of his economic policy opinions but I disagree with Krugman on free trade. In The Moral Hazard of Underwater Zombies, Krugman wrote the following:

On a happier topic, I think Brad DeLong has come up with a brilliant hypothesis here. Regarding European policy makers,
They now have a choice.
They can admit that they were wrong. Then they will probably have to resign, and then be snubbed worldwide. Nobody likes a loser.
Alternatively, they can double down. Their reputations right now are underwater. What do they have to lose reputationwise by saying more absurd nonsense? And there is a chance that tomorrow the confidence fairy will appear, wave her magic wand, and the V-shaped recovery will start.

I couldn't help applying this "double down" philosophy to Krugman and the Free Traders. I live in a high tech area that receives Billions in military and NASA spending annually. Unemployment is high here but not as bad in many other areas. Federal spending attracted a core of well educated high tech engineers and scientist which created an environment that spun several high tech successful private businesses and corporations.

In the 1970's and 1980's there were many other low tech manufacturing companies in this area. My uncles, cousins, and friends that didn't go to college or the military got good middle class manufacturing jobs, bought houses, raised families, and escaped poverty. There were companies that manufactured textiles, tires, electronics, and plumbing products. We also had Chrysler and GM UAW plants, amazingly we currently have a Toyota manufacturing facility. Now I ride my bike by those old empty plants because of the nice wide four lane roads and no traffic. Most of those manufacturing operations moved to Mexico with NAFTA, then China with Most Favored Trading status and the WTO. Now all my friends that once earned a living wage are unemployed or underemployed. After being unemployed for months, a good friend of mine is working for $20,000 less than he earned 10 -15 years ago. I’ve personally prototyped high tech manufacturing processes to send to Mexico, then I created the manufacturing processes to repair the CRM’s returned due to poor Mexican quality. So the Free Trade reality I see and hear about isn't an academic debate, I see the cold hard reality.

I get the feeling that there are many Free Trade economist that can't admit they were wrong. They couldn't have forecast Chinese currency manipulations, the internet, Indian call centers, and Corporate America economic treason and refusal to repatriate profits. Remember, we were supposed to lose low tech labor intensive jobs and get better paying technical jobs but Apple(largest US corp.) manufactures its best selling high tech products in China. It's impossible to buy a car or TV made 100% in America. NAFTA was supposed to create a Mexican middle class, but I wonder if the 30,000 Mexicans murdered in drug wars feel middle class. China has a growing middle class based on warehousing rural Chinese workers(12hr days, $0.50 per hour) in conditions so bad companies have to install trapeze safety-nets to prevent the workers from jumping to their deaths. However, the Chinese middle class loves their Chinese made Buicks (Tiger Woods affect) while the US taxpayer bails-out GM. We've been told that Globalism and free trade are just realities we must accept but Japan & German have trade surpluses, socialized health care, high taxes, and strong economies. I guess they live in a different Global reality.

So when will Krugman and the Free Traders admit their error? The answer is probably never (maybe the free trade fairy will appear, wave her magic wand...). After 30 years of Reaganomics, 20 years of Clinton's Free Trade, 8 years of Bush's wars and tax cuts, and 3 years of Obama's leading from behind, maybe it's time for some new economic theories. One would think the disappearing middle class, the Home credit card, and a record number of bankruptcies would lead to different conclusions. Perhaps the American wealth distribution and permanent 20% real unemployment will change some economic opinions. We have a hole in our economy that sucks out $400 - $500 billion per year in good and bad times which equals 2 - 2.5 million jobs not to mention the lost tax dollars that fund Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Maybe Krugman is correct, "What do they (free traders) have to lose reputationwise by saying more absurd nonsense?"

Obama's Jobs Plan - 8% Unemployment and Re-election.

2011-09-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I own a small business. I've been fortunate in good times and resourceful and imaginative in bad times. As most small businesses, my business feels economic dips immediately and severely. Before I started my business, I estimated my potential profit based on sales, fixed cost, and variable cost. If I efficiently and effectively manage my business, I can achieve projected profit levels in good times and survive bad times.

I would love to hire 10 or 20 new employees, actually, I would love it if I had demand for my goods and services that forced me to hire 10 - 20 new employees. I only hire new employees if I have orders (tasks, demand) for those new employees. Otherwise, I wouldn't hire my Mother if she needed a job. If local, state, or federal governments decreases business variable cost (taxes, regulations, insurance requirements, etc), it would be wonderful. However, my hiring decisions will not change. I only hire new employees if I have orders (demand) for my products and services that require new employees.

As a business owner, personal tax cuts and business payroll tax cuts generally mean absolutely nothing. I'm saving every extra dollar (personal, business), and I'll only hire if I have additional demand. If my business is profitable, efficient, and effective with less employees, I'll reduce (fire, layoff) unnecessary labor. If I'm able to legally and responsibly reduce my labor cost by off-shoring, outsourcing, etc, I will. Regardless of my political opinions, as a business owner, I must compete with other businesses or I will go out of business. The goal of my business is to earn as much profit with the lowest variable and fixed cost while minimizing my tax, regulatory, and insurance expenses.

While the goal of business is to earn money, the goal of government is to create an environment that promotes US economic growth, full employment, and social equity. Of President Obama's $447 billion jobs plan, there are $250 billion in small business and payroll tax cuts to be paid for "later" by entitlement cuts (social security, medicare, medicaid) long after he is re-elected and/or out of office. Thanks Mr. President, but with respect to my company, more tax cuts are completely worthless in creating jobs. Businesses (small and large) don't hire people to create jobs, businesses hire people to do jobs. Nothing creates economic "certainty" and "confidence" like a full order book, robust sales, and low inventory.

Businesses small and large only act in their best interest. Collectively, corporate America has more than $2 trillion dollars in retained earnings, but they behave just like my small business. Every time a idiot politician or journalist ask, "Why aren't flush profitable corporations hiring?" Just remember, they aren't hiring because they are meeting demand for their products and services with their current employment level at a profit. Again, only demand (orders) matters. Other than initial projections (profit, sales, and earnings), tax rates (personal, business, payroll) do not matter or encourage businesses to hire anyone.

Personally, I'm saving every dollar possible and/or paying off debts (business and personal). I listen to Suze Orman, and she suggest people should reduce debts, live within their means, and save for retirement, rainy day, etc. Unfortunately, if every American followed Suze's wise advice, US demand for most goods and services will take decades to return to 2007 levels. According to my staff economist via Conscience of a Liberal, Paul Krugman, only the federal government has the resources to spend and replace the demand lost since the 2008 ~~depression~~ recession. If elected/appointed officials choose not to stimulate the US economy by monetary, fiscal, or trade measures, they are by default choosing high unemployment, slow growth, and economic pain for millions of Americans. Economisst forecast that if all of Obama's jobs plan was enacted, unemployment would decease from 9.1% to 8%. they forecast Obama's plan would create 1 million jobs but we have 14 million people out of work and 5 to 10 million more people underemployed. Thanks for the bold plan Mr. President.

The goal of tax cuts is to put more money in American pockets but if they behave prudently (Suze Orman) or like me, tax cuts offer little Stimulus. Long term entitlement funding adjustments, cutting deficits, and borrowing to fund foreign wars in the middle of a ~~depression~~ recession is a mistake. And cutting taxes will only provide minimal economic growth. The Republicans are correct, the measures taken by Obama to date have not worked. The modest 2009 bipartisan Stimulus and business tax cuts have not bridged the economic gap caused by the 2008 ~~depression~~ recession. If this economic gap isn't bridged by trade, fiscal, or monetary policies, it will take decades for America to recover, and America will lose two generations - those trying to start careers and lives and those trying to retire and live in dignity.

Jobs speech idea, don't hold your breath

2011-09-07T03:04:00.000-07:00

The Washington debate drags on. Will Obama propose a big Progressive jobs plan or will Obama propose a vanilla bipartisan jobs plan? However, most political talking-heads are agreed that both plans are basically dead on arrival in Congress. So what's the point? 2012 politics. The latest reports are Obama will go with a $300 Billion vanilla plan. He understands nothing will pass Congress but he doesn't want to advance a bold unpopular plan. The inevitable result is no new jobs, politics as usual, and a shrinking middle class.

What if there is another way? A method that could encourage businesses to hire American workers that doesn't require congressional approval. A method that doesn't cost the tax payers (government expenditures) one red cent. A jobs plan that could reduce corporate profits trapped offshore. A jobs plan that would take effect in 6 months but it's benefits (encouragement) would start immediately after the President's signature. President Obama should withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

NAFTA
(a) Withdrawal of Approval- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the approval of the NAFTA by the Congress provided for in section 101(a) of the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act shall cease to be effective beginning on the date that is six months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Notification of Withdrawal- On the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall provide to the Governments of Canada and Mexico written notice of withdrawal of the United States from the NAFTA in accordance with Article 2205 of the NAFTA.

WTO
Article XV: Withdrawal
1. Any Member may withdraw from this Agreement. Such withdrawal shall apply both to this Agreement and the Multilateral Trade Agreements and shall take effect upon the expiration of six months from the date on which written notice of withdrawal is received by the Director-General of the WTO.

Both trade agreements have provisions that allow the President of the United States to withdraw without congressional approval. BTW, the current American Trade Deficit is $320,000,000,000. Each billion dollars in trade deficit represent approximately 5000 - 6000 American jobs. Conservatively, the 2011 trade deficit has cost America 1.6 million jobs, but the long term benefits would be enormous. Withdrawing from NAFTA would "encourage" American companies to invest in America. There aren't any products manufactured abroad that can't be manufactured in America. All American workers need is a Progressive pro-Labor president willing to act, and we can begin to reverse the loss of the American middle class. But we elected Barack Obama in 2008, don't hold your breath.

Speech Politics, No Jobs

2011-09-01T02:18:00.001-07:00

Yesterday President Obama asked for a Sept 7th Joint Session of Congress to address the nation about his Jobs proposals and Speaker Boehner responded:

With the significant amount of time – typically more than three hours – that is required to allow for a security sweep of the House Chamber before receiving a President, it is my recommendation that your address be held on the following evening, when we can ensure there will be no parliamentary or logistical impediments that might detract from your remarks. As such, on behalf of the bipartisan leadership and membership of both the House and Senate, I respectfully invite you to address a Joint Session of Congress on Thursday, September 8, 2011 in the House Chamber, at a time that works best for your schedule.

Meanwhile ADP reported “the pace of U.S. private sector job growth slowed in August for the second month in a row with employers adding 91,000 positions”, and forecast that the economy created a net 75,000 jobs in August. After adjusting for population growth, we lost 25K to 50K jobs in August. The past week has been dominated by speculation whether Obama would propose a small ineffectual jobs plan that “may” pass Congress or a big jobs plan that would be dead on arrival. Now Liberals are supposed to be insulted by Boehner’s refusal to grant Obama’s request or get sucked into the small useless jobs plan versus the big DOA jobs plan. Sorry, I’m not playing this idiotic Washington game again. Let me be clear, I expect nothing newsworthy from Obama, and the Sept. 7th GOP debate is much more important and more likely to influence the 2012 election. BTW, Obama can keep the speech and just give us the Jobs plan. It’s clear, this country desperately needs leadership. All I’ll say about Rick Perry v. Barack Obama is at least Perry was once a Democrat. We are screwed!

Update: Zero, zip, zilch jobs created in August 2011.

Contradiction, fire Jim Hoffa now!

2011-08-26T04:59:00.000-07:00

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Disappointed Democrats that complain about Obama's compromises and conservative policies and then claim they still support the President are destined for more disappointments. Most of these people will vote for Obama and Democrats in 2012. They are politically irrelevant. The political class basically ignores their complaints or gives them lip service while they continue to triangulate Independents. The same for Labor leaders that complain about Obama's performance on one hand, then pledge Obama support on the other hand. They are irrelevant to the political debate.

Labor leaders are pretending to fight for there union members while they secretly sign-off on Free Trade Treaties that have gutted and are gutting union membership. It's an absolute disgrace. Hoffa wants Obama to fight harder for Democratic Party and Labor values, I challenge Hoffa and other Labor leaders to fight the Democratic Party harder or abandon the it. Could you imagine the White House's response if the Teamsters threatened to support a Democratic challenger or a third party candidate? I'll bet Obama would find that comfortable pair of walking shoes damned quick.

Obama translates these complaints into the Democratic base is in his back pocket. He can cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. He can continue useless wars and extend the Patriot Act. He can cut taxes for rich campaign donors while ignoring the long term unemployed. As long as they support Obama personally, he can continue to compromise, cut, and undermine Democratic programs and core values to attract Independent voters, corporate campaign donors, and Moderates.

The only voting group Obama cares about are Independents and those that may vote Republican. They will decide the 2012 election. Obama only needs to convince Labor, Progressives, and Democrats to come to the polls in sufficient numbers. He will spend the next 15 months railing against the Mitt Romney, Rick Perry et al. By November 2012, the Republican nominee will be Bull Connor, George Bush, and Joseph Stalin incarnate, and Obama will be the second coming of Franklin Roosevelt to some and Ronald Reagan to others.

There is the contradiction, the people that support Obama the most will be ignored because they can't/won't vote for his opponent while the people that may vote Republican are catered to. The fact that Democrats can't/won't vote Republican is the reason their policy goal will never be addressed. Combine that phenomenon with most campaign donations come from wealthy corporate motivated donors, the average blue collar middle class American shouldn't expect anything different. Americans should prepare for more unemployment, more Wall Street bailouts, and more government-corporate corruption. As long as Progressives accept political incompetence and limit our political choices, we get and deserve the government Corporate America and the wealthy buys.

BTW, fire Richard Trumka also.

"No VietCong Ever Called Me Nigger" — Muhammad Ali, 1966

2011-08-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

"No VietCong Ever Called Me Nigger" — Muhammad Ali, 1966

With all the hysteria about Rick Perry's gaffs, stupid statements, and ignorance, I have to remind myself that Rick Perry has never called me the N-word nor did he create our $14 Trillion debt. He didn't cause 9% unemployment nor 16% black unemployment. He didn't pass Free Trade Treaties that exported the American middle class. He isn't compromising away Medicare or Medicaid nor cause America's credit downgrade. He didn't pass useless health care reform, and he did start or continue dumb wars. But if one were to watch or read the liberal news, one might think Rick Perry is the reincarnation of George W. Bush or worse - Barack Obama. The truth is Rick Perry is just another idiot Republican selling the same crazy Republicans have been selling for 30 years - tax cuts, deregulation, entitlement cuts... I would love to jump on the Rick Perry "hate bus" but Barack Obama is selling just a little less of the same crazy - tax cuts, deregulation, entitlement cuts... I know Obama is a "Democrat" but his policies mirror those of Rick Perry. Yes, Barack Obama wants to cut defense spending but he can't seem to end his $2 Billion a week Afghan war. Yes, Obama wants to "save" SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid by cutting them. And Obama wants to raise revenue by cutting tax rates for the rich. Why does my spider sense tell me something is wrong?

Democrats and Liberals from Texas may have some valid complaints, but Rick Perry didn't call them the N-word either. Before we spend the next 15 months decrying Rick Perry, why don't we demand the current elected President and Congress do their jobs. If Obama can't persuade the country and/or make a strong case that persuades Republicans to act in the country's best interest, do we really want to re-elect him? And we shouldn't re-elect Democrats and/or Republicans in Congress either. If I remember correctly, it was Democrats and Republicans that created a our $14 Trillion debt, started dumb wars, passed useless health care reform, and exported American jobs. For now, the Carnival Barker/Court Jester, Rick Perry, gets a pass. I'll save my criticism for the serious people with political power that are destroying the American dream. I can't wait for Obama's new jobs plan. If the Republicans had any political savvy, they would pass all of his "detailed plan" (LOL) - infrastructure bank, patent reform, Free Trade treaties, payroll tax cuts, tax reform, and deficit reduction. In the last 2012 Presidential debate after unemployment decreases from 9.1% to 9.0%, the Court Jester should simply ask the brilliant Republican Harvard lawyer, where are the jobs?

Obama's "Pawlenty" problem

2011-08-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

Tim Pawlenty ended his campaign within 24 hours of his third place finish in the Iowa Straw Poll but most of us knew his campaign ended at the CNN debate with one word - 'Obamneycare'. Pawlenty refused to attack Romney's health care reform, but more importantly, Pawlenty looked weak and afraid. The Iowa voters looked into Pawlenty's eyes, and they saw a weak compromising moderate Republican that would sell them out. They made a judgement about Pawlenty the man, and he came up short. Regardless of policies, Americans demand that their leaders to lead, not cower in the face of an opponent or allow himself to be blackmailed by Right Wing loons.

It's the same judgement I made about Obama during health care reform. And every political fight since health care reform has only confirmed my opinion of Obama. From the GWB tax cuts extension to the 2010 budget deal to the debt ceiling blackmail deal, Obama has failed to lead or fight for core Democratic principles. Obama is at best a closet Republican or at worst a weak incompetent moderate Democrat but it really makes no difference, the result is the same - conservative policies. The American people are starting to understand what I saw 2 years ago, Obama believes in nothing, stands for nothing, and fights for nothing but his own political future. Also, the media herd is starting to turn, they openly discuss Obama's lack or leadership now. Soon the media will remember that their credibility is more important than access to a President that won't be there in 2 years. By November 2012, the media herd will trample the Obama campaign with questions about leadership, jobs, unemployment, and wars.

I'm sure the Obama team has private polls that suggest compromise and moderation will attract "Independents" in 2012. And with Rick Perry's emergence, they may be correct. Obama's best chance for re-election is Republicans nominating an Ultra Right Wing TeaBag nut-job, but Carter thought Reagan was a easy win. If I were Obama, I wouldn't depend on Republicans self-destructing. And with 9% unemployment, I wouldn't bet on an enthusiastic Democratic base. I'm sure the Obama campaign will come up with another catchy slogan like:

Audacity of Compromise.

Audacity of Moderation.

Compromise before competence.

I'll fight for...

Change later.

Hope, Change, and please call your Congressman

Four more years, stay the course.

The economy could be worse.

Labor unions aren't people.

I'll put on a comfortable pair of shoes and walk over the Democratic base.

It's the long term debt and deficit stupid!

Just rent.

I'll cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Unions, screw labor unions - shared sacrifice.

Recovery, morning in America

Buck up Blacks, 16% unemployment is a great trade for a Black President

Free Trade, create jobs over there...

Breaking News: MSNBC fires Dylan Ratigan

2011-08-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

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...for telling the truth. LOL!

Phil Donahue, Keith Olbermann, Cenk Uygur vindicated. Jeffery Immelt appointed Tzar by Obama, not jobs Tzar, not Commerce Tzar, not Cabinet Tzar, just plain Tzar. Every executive branch official reports to Tzar Immelt except for Obama. Obama just begs Immelt for campaign donations. Rev. Al Sharpton remains on air and still refuses to criticize Obama... no connection.

Tax Reform, Governing within the limits of Republican dogma

2011-08-09T01:07:00.000-07:00

Republicans believe increasing taxes is wrong. Wrong for their constituents, wrong for their donors, and wrong for the economy. Also, they "believe" that the deficit and national debt is the biggest problem, except for higher taxes, holding back the economy and preventing job growth. How many times have you heard, we don't have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem? Technically that incorrect but so what? Math, charts, and truth have nothing to do with Republicans slogans, policy, or dogma.

So, what can Obama do faced with Republican intransigence? A smart "politician" like Obama can fine a compromise that allows the Republicans to seemingly maintain their "principles" while achieving his goals of increasing revenue and reducing the deficits while ignoring unemployment. Obama cleverly offered the Republicans the opportunity to lower tax rates and eliminate deductions while increasing government revenue. This seems reasonable but the Republicans and the Tea Party have Grover Norquist that defines a tax increases as any change to the current tax code that increases government revenue. Ah, rock v. hard place.

This negotiating style is classic Obama. He picks a negotiating starting point that doesn't violate his opponents "values" then coerces his supporters to ignore their values for the greater good - COMPROMISE. Compromise can be defined as health care reform that leaves Medicare, Medicaid, and health care inflation as the largest percentage of future debt and deficits. Or financial reform that institutionalizes "Too Big To Fail". Every Obama policy decision neatly fits into the acceptable values of Republicans with a hint of Liberalism. The Stimulus was a third tax cuts, a third state aid, and a third "shovel ready" projects. Health care reform was modeled on a 1990's Heritage Foundation Republican plan. Afghanistan and Iraqi war policies are praised by Republican warmongers. GITMO remains open despite most Democrats hate its existence. The Patriot Act was extended without any Democratic opposition. US trade policy was written by corporate America (Walmart via Bill Clinton). Wall Street reform was a disgrace. The GWB tax cuts were extended, and instead of allowing them to expire in 2013, Obama suggest tax reform. The Obama presidency can be defined as Democratic governing within the limits of Republican dogma regardless of the result.

The problem is the problems are real, huge, and immediate. And Republican policies have failed. During an average recession, compromised tinkering at the edges is enough but we are in a Great Recession. And we need Great Recession level policies. If past is prologue, Obama is incapable of leading Great Recession level policies. It's impossible for him to even suggest any Progressive policies that aren't within Republican limits. Why suggest a policy that is politically impossible given the Republican's majorities in the House and Senate (Republicans have an effective 47 - 53 majority in the Senate)? Whether Obama is a weak Liberal or a Manchurian Republicans, the Democratic Party must nominate a Progressive that advocates Progressive policies and fights for them. Barack Obama doesn't have the necessary leadership tools to handle our current problems.

Monday's presidential address about the Standard & Poors downgrade was a prime example. S&P downgraded America's credit rating because the American political system is incapable of making big changes to solve our long term deficits. Rather than announcing bold new policies to revive the economy, spur job growth, and solve our long term structural problems, Obama suggested reducing our long term deficits by tinkering around the edges with modest tax reform and entitlement cuts. Whether S&P got the math right or not, they were proven right by Obama's failure of leadership and Democratic/Republican finger pointing. Would America be in its current state of decline if we had German anti-competitive anti-growth trade and labor policies, British socialist health care, French nuclear energy policy, or Japanese anti-interventionist foreign policy? Have no fear, there isn't a chance Obama will ever purpose any of those policies, they are outside the Republican dogma limits.

All we really wanted from Obama was Competence

2011-08-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

Assuming Standard & Poors has the credibility to rate any one's credit, the downgrading of US Credit Rating by Standard & Poors is Obama's Katrina. As Katrina exposed George W. Bush's incompetence, his incompetent subordinates, and incompetent White House leadership, the debt ceiling crisis and S&P's credit downgrade exposes Obama's incompetence, incompetent subordinates, and incompetent White House leadership. The reason S&P downgraded US credit was political not fiscal. America has the ability to meet its obligations but it may refuse to at some point in the future. Katrina was also a failure of government, not government's ability to help but its political leaders' unwillingness to act during a crisis. The crisis isn't cutting deficit $1T, $2T, or $4T, the crisis is we were/are actually debating long term deficits during a what will later be called the "Great Depression II". The crisis is 14 million people out of work.

Barack Obama is President because GWB was incompetent. John McCain was a Republican placeholder and Sarah Palin was comic relief but it was almost impossible for Obama to have lost in 2008. We thought we elected a smart principled (2003 Iraq speech) moderate Liberal Democrat instead we elected a core-less "irreversible neutered" incompetent 1990's Republican lawyer without courage to challenge his political opponents. We long ago lost the ability to implement the opium government policies but now our political system has devolved to the point that politicians can't, won't, or refuse to tell the truth to the citizens. Obama extended the GWB tax cuts that are 1/3 of our current deficit and continues to spend Billions per week prosecuting useless wars for 2012 political cover. Obama spent 18 months trying to pass Health Care Reform yet Medicare cost and health care inflation are the biggest driver of long-term deficits.

All we really wanted from Obama was competence. We wanted competent military and foreign policy leadership. We asked for competent health care reform, competent tax policy, and competent political leadership. And we desperately needed competent trade and labor policies. Sadly, we've only received a repeat of Katrina, a gigantic political and governmental failure due to politics, bad policy, and an incompetent President.

What happened to the tingle up Chis Matthews' leg?

2011-08-05T04:03:00.000-07:00

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What happened to the tingle up Chis Matthews' leg? Is the love gone?

Game Theory

2011-08-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Somewhere between the end of health care reform and the GWB tax cuts extension, I completely gave up on Obama. A few months later, I completely gave up on the "Democratic" Party. I don't think it actually exist anymore.

A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions. Parties often espouse an expressed ideology or vision bolstered by a written platform with specific goals, forming a coalition among disparate interests. - Wikipedia

Please, can anyone state the Democratic Party's expressed ideology or vision in less than 100 words? Or, Obama's expressed ideology or vision in less than a 1000 words?

I decided to focus on a few policy goals because most of the Liberal policies I support are politically impossible - Single payer, limited Defense spending, closing GITMO, repealing the Patriot Act, ending the GWB tax cuts, etc. However, several policies only need the right President to make major changes. The right President can change our Free Trade policies. Both NAFTA and WTO treaties give the President extraordinary powers to force modifications and/or new treaties. Based on trade policies alone, I supported Donald Trump's "candidacy". The right President can also end our endless useless Wars.

If you oppose American Colonialism, Ron Paul might appeal to you, but whatever policy goals you value most, I suggest you vote for whoever will advance those goals regardless of Party. If your policy goal is a general Liberal agenda, you have to ask yourself, are President Obama's compromises furthering your goals? I've concluded that Obama's compromises coupled with Congressional Democratic acquiescence is worse than a Republican President with a Congressional Democratic opposition.

Moreover, if your policy goals extend beyond the next election, then supporting Obama's moderate conservative agenda will only encourage more Democrats to repeat his strategy. Governor Mario Jr's pro-growth anti-Labor agenda is discouraging. Sen. Mark Warner's disgusting corporate agenda also turns my stomach. As Progressives, we need to draw a hard line that these quasi Republican policies will not be tolerated. It may be necessary to sacrifice a "good" Democratic politician to prove we are serious. Christine O'Donnell's Republican primary victory and eventual defeat was more valuable to the Tea Party than another moderate Republican Senator from Delaware. Personally I'll never vote for another worthless Faux Republican Democrat regardless of his or her opponent, Palin included.

Progressives need to take the long term view and look past the next election cycle. In the last 30 years, 10+ years with "Democratic" Presidents, both parties have destroyed Organized Labor, the American middle class, exported American jobs, surrendered to Corporate America, and damaged the reputation of the United Stated. And if we continue to support Barack "Hoover" Obama, things will only get worse. Therefore, I suggest we abandon Obama and all worthless Democrats. First, we lose nothing more than we will lose anyway. Second, we will discourage more Moderate Conservative Democratic politicians. It may cost us an election cycle but eventually a fire breathing Progressive will slither to the top of the political dung pile. He or she may lose but long before the Republicans got a Ronald Reagan, they had a Barry Goldwater. And Progressives really need a Barry Goldwater if not a Progressive "Ronald Reagan".

Additionally, Democratic politicians take Progressive groups for granted. Blacks, LGBT groups, Organized Labor, and Latinos have no political leverage because Democratic Politicians know these groups have no political options. AIPAC is very successful because it is willing to support both Republicans and Democrats. As long as Progressive groups hitch their political wagons to one party, they wont ever reach their goals. Ask blacks? 16% unemployment and more American black men in prison than in all of Africa, and half of the Black Caucus voted to cut social programs that are the life blood to many black communities. MSNBC hired Rev. Al Sharpton who openly advocates that blacks shouldn't criticize or expect anything from Barack Obama. I'll bet AIPAC expects Obama's support and obedience. Progressives must persuade Democratic politicians that their vote isn't to be taken for granted, and the only way to do that is to vote Republican just once. If you can't or refuse to leverage your vote, then you shouldn't expect anything different from Democrats.

Imagine if a Republican candidate supported Organized Labor or at least opposed Free Trade(Trump), and Organized Labor switched their support to that Republican. From that point forward, Democrats would jump every time a Labor leader walked into the room, called on the phone, or had a loud fart. It's time Progressives used their power instead of allowing powerful politicians to use Progressives. If Progressive groups work together and do what's best for their group and each other, not mindlessly support politicians or Political Parties, we can revive a Progressive political party in America, and let the "Democratic" Party be damned.

"Irreversibly Neutered"

2011-08-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

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See BOSTON CORBETT.

Obamabot Excuses

2011-08-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

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The Republicans were duplicitous...

The TeaBags are terrorist...

The President had no choice...

The President wasn't served well...

In many countries, after a political defeat that damages the Leader's credibility and exposes his incompetence, some of his advisors are fired. Hell, in some countries, the Leader commits suicide. Oh it would be nice to be Japanese today, but I digress. Hopefully Obama learned something about Republicans, Teabags, and himself during the debt ceiling debate. Hopefully Obama learned that he is completely incompetent, weak, and vacuous. Hopefully he realizes that he wasn't served well by his advisors. The only indication of Presidential maturation will be the resignation of key advisors. Absent resignations, expect more hostage crisis and capitulations.

I called Obama a "Presidential eunuch" in "BOSTON CORBETT", and clearly I've been proven correct. Now the national media, the Republicans, and the Democrats realize Obama is a pushover. Hopefully, Democrats realize the terrible mistake we made by electing Barack Obama. A mistake Democrats must correct by Primarying Barack Obama. If this episode doesn't encourage a Democratic challenger, the Democratic Party should disband if it hasn't already. As much as some Eva Braun Syndrome (EBS) Democrats defend Obama, no one is inspired to campaign, support, and vote for a weak politician. The American people may not follow the details of public policy as much as I, but they have learned something about Obama that will be reinforced by critics, supporters, and comics. Obama is a weak "Leader".

Finally, the President diminished himself and his office during the Debt Ceiling debate. Today, world leaders have less respect for the Office of President generally and Barack Obama specifically. I expect Obama will face tougher negotiations on all levels, and I expect Russia, China, North Korea, or Iran to flex their muscles over the next few months. Nikita Kruschev started the Cuban Missile Crisis because he believed JFK was weak based on their first meeting. Kruschev literally brought the world to the edge of annihilation based on his misguided personal opinion of JFK. And it's obvious Barack Obama is no JFK. I suspect some young American will lose his or her life because of Barack Obama's weakness. As an American, I don't want to see any President fail the way Obama has failed; moreover, I don't want to see any young American lose his or her life due to Presidential weakness but sadly somewhere someone will.

This is why MSNBC fired Keith Olbermann II

2011-08-01T19:58:00.001-07:00

Comments?

White Mitt Romney or Black Mitt Romney

2011-08-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

It would be easy for me to write a scathing profane blog about Obama, Democrats, and TeaBags but I'm past that today. At some point those of us who are disgusted with Obama's cowardice or true Conservative beliefs have to put our money behind our words. I'm sure I'll be moved to rant about Obama and worthless Democrats again but not now.

I was a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) in the Army, and there is a old saying about soldiers. As long as soldiers are bitching everything is fine, when they stop bitching, then you better look for trouble. It's the same in the civilian world. I always tell my wife whenever she complains about her job, you aren't going to do anything, you are still bitching. She hates it because she knows I'm right, and she just wants to vent. Well, I'm not bitching now.

Today, I read a comment to the blog Harry Belafonte: “Such a void in moral truth” that reduced the 2012 election to its lowest common denominator:

It’s your choice:
White Mitt Romney with Congressional Dems in opposition

OR

Black Mitt Romney with Congressional Dems in submission

If you've read any of my previous post, you know I've already chose AnybodyButObama2012, and I urge all disgusted Progressives to choose AnybodyButObama2012 or White Mitt Romney. Today, I Googled Mitt Romney. I calmly removed a credit card from my wallet, then checked to $100 button, entered the relevant personal data, and clicked contribute. I'll donate to Romney every month in increasing amounts as long as he is the front-runner for the Republican nomination, but I'll support any candidate that has a realistic chance of defeating Barack Obama.

After Sunday's political massacre, the cremation of the "Democratic" Party and the death of Progressive political policies for the next 2 to 6 years, I choose White Mitt Romney. I'll use every ounce of political speech I have to oppose every Democrat in Washington, and give every spare dime I have to defeating every elected Democratic Poverty Pimp and Corporate Whore. Sorry, that wasn't bitching, just stating facts.

Peggy Noonan: "Obama is a Loser"

2011-07-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

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I wrote "So much Promise, No Leadership" on August 18, 2009. It's has taken the national media and Congressional Democrats over 23 months to catch up to Bin Quick (a Cheetos eating bum living is his mom's Alabama basement (inside joke)). As I write this blog, the Loser-in-Chief is begging Americans to call their congressmen again. WTF? If Barack Obama had some political power, he would be dangerous.

So much Promise, No Leadership

How can someone so smart with so much promise behave so weak? Every liberal in American knew months ago that Republicans would not support President Obama's Health Care Reform(HCR). Democrats knew we would lose several Conservative Democratic Senators, but we hoped President Obama could hold the Senate with 2 or 3 Republicans. Unfortunately, I believe the same traits (hope, calm, smart, flexible, reasonable) that got Obama elected are preventing Obama from behaving rationally. Hoping for a new bipartisan tone in Washington is admirable but irrational hope is borderline psychotic. Excessive flexibility is spinelessness, over analyzing can paralyze, and emotional detachment is unhealthy. We don't want a rigid, stupid, volatile leader that talks to God; although, George W. Bush (dumb, rigid, stupid, corrupt) was able to pass tax cuts for the rich, start an unnecessary war, delivery prescription drugs to the elderly, double the national debt, and destroy the economy. For all his faults, Bush was a leader albeit in the wrong direction. For the first time, I am worried President Obama doesn't have the necessary personal leadership characteristics: loyalty, vision, determination, and strength. Obama's intellectual logical strategic leadership style is undermining his presidency. He refuses to use his considerable power to coerce, he refuses to state a clear vision, he isn't loyal to his supporters, and he refuses to except reality. President Obama, the country, the congress, and the Democrats need your leadership.

Checks and Balances

2011-07-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

To all the media talking heads that are complaining about the TeaBags hijacking our government, please stop lying. Our democracy is working just as the Framers designed it. Both Houses of Congress must pass the same bill, and then and only then does the President sign a bill into law. The President may sign or veto a bill, and Congress can choose to override his veto. The Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison established the right of Judicial Review, the authority to determine the constitutionality of laws passed by the Congress and/or signed by the President.

Just because some of us disagree with certain laws or the inability of Congress to act doesn't mean American democracy is in jeopardy. The debt ceiling debate is American democracy at its best. If the Congress can't agree to increase the debt ceiling, then it shouldn't be increased. In this case, Congress needs to raise the debt ceiling because Congress passed a law requiring periodic increases but that law may violate the Constitution. Perhaps the President should challenge that law before America defaults if its not too politically tough.

The 87 Freshmen TeaBags aren't preventing anything, it's the 173 Republicans and the 193 Democrats that are preventing the debt ceiling's increase. Unlike the Senate, the House of Representatives is governed by a simple majority just as the Framers designed it. The 87 TeaBags are voting their conscience, and they are putting policy before politics. The other 173 Republicans are putting politics before policy because they are terrified of a TeaBag primary challenger. Also, the man third in line to the Presidency, Speaker Boehner, is terrified of losing his gavel and nice Office.

The President has some responsibility in the three ring circus also. President Obama can order the Treasury Secretary to ignore the Debt Ceiling limit based on the 14th Amendment. But President Obama is also putting politics before policy and the country. Obama is more worried about his re-election schedule than the nation's first default.

As I watch President Obama beg Congress to let him gut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security to save Wall Street Banks and foreign markets while he ignores 14 million unemployed Americans, I'm not mad at the Freshmen TeaBags. The 87 Freshmen didn't create $14 Trillion of debt. The 87 Freshmen didn't start 3 wars, pass un-financed social programs, or pass and/or extend GWB tax cuts for the rich. The 87 Freshmen didn't rob the social security trust fund and leave a worthless IOU. The 87 Freshmen didn't pass unfair trade deals that have exported millions of American jobs. So as the media talking heads blame all our problems on the 87 TeaBags, just remember they just got to Washington.

Maybe Progressives should take notes. It's incredible what a small group of determined principled Congressmen can accomplish if their primary concern isn't re-election and personal wealth accumulation. An occasional Primary challenger can be an amazing Party disciplinary tool. I wonder if Obama would be so willing to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security if he had a serious Democratic primary opponent.

Debt Ceiling Breakdown?

2011-07-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

Apparently the Debt Ceiling talks have collapsed but I don't believe it. I don't believe a DAMN word from either Obama or Boehner. Obama and Boehner are just raising the stakes so they can blame each other for capitulating on budget cuts and tax increases respectively. This is all a cheap off Broadway performance. I don't believe a DAMN word because Obama has the 14th Amendment, and he refuses to use it. Obama is still prioritizing "Compromise" over "Results" and politics over policy. Obama wants to look "Moderate" by forging a bipartisan compromise instead of protecting SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid. It's interesting that the Debt Ceiling talks broke down just in time to brief the media and still have a Presidential press conference during the prime-time news hour. Call me cynical but this isn't my first rodeo.

Obama has no one to blame but himself. He has refused to lead. He hasn't given the country or Congress a debt ceiling plan. All the serious talks have been backroom "negotiations" without any public input. Moreover, Obama has bent over backwards so far the Republicans don't believe he has a spine, and there isn't any reason to honestly negotiate with a spineless opponent. If I were a Republican, I would take this fight to the last second before default because Obama will cave. Obama caved on the Stimulus, Health care reform, GITMO, Wars, GWB tax cuts, and budget negotiations. It's only a matter of time before Obama completely surrenders to Boehner. The only reason the Republicans would turn down a good deal is because they have looked into Obama's eyes, and they know they will get a better deal. And the Republicans will.

I have a crazy idea, just raise the damn debt ceiling.

2011-07-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

With all the talk about a Grand Bargain, budget cuts, and tax increases, how about ending the political maneuvering and just raising the debt ceiling? Wall Street has put the fear of money into the US Senate. Mitch McConnell is so terrified, he is willing to anger the Tea Party. Now, the only two people preventing a clean debt ceiling increase is John Boehner and Barack Obama. At any moment, Boehner can bring a clean debt ceiling bill to the House floor, and a combination of Republican and Democrats will pass the it. Barack Obama is just wasting time and muddying the debt ceiling issue with his idiotic Grand Bargain. If these two men would set aside politics for the best interest of the country, this faux crisis would end.

John Boehner is the weak Speaker of the House that has wedged himself between the Speaker's Office, his Party, and the country. He is desperate and looking for a way out of his self-imposed Hell. The problem is there is only two ways out, Obama and Democrats must completely capitulate(possible), or Boehner must back-door the Tea Party and risk losing his Speaker's office. Since the Tea Party regard any tax increase as a betrayal and a capitulation, and as long as option one is viable, then Boehner wont take option two. But the closer we get to Aug. 2nd, Boehner will have to raise the debt ceiling, and Obama should know it.

Obama has three options, Compromise, Capitulation, or Fight. Sorry, any other President would have three options but it's Obama, therefore, he has one option, Capitulation. If Obama had demanded a clean debt ceiling increase from the start and used all his political power to further that goal, this crisis would be over. Or, Obama could simply use the 14th Amendment and order the Treasury Secretary to continue borrowing. Obama's version of Compromise (6:1, budget cuts to tax increases) is Capitulation. The closer we get to Aug. 2nd, the more likely Obama and Corporate Whore/Poverty Pimp Democrats will agree to anything, and Boehner knows it.

The fact that both Obama and Boehner know the other will capitulate and their respective Party's have small minorities of "Principled" Politicians(oxymoron) prevents them from doing what is necessary to end this faux crisis. The problem is Boehner is trying to protect his Speaker's job, and Obama is trying his version of Punching a Hippie or Sista Souljah.

Ultimately, I lay the blame for this faux crisis at the feet of Barack Obama, his weakness and refusal to lead emboldened the Tea Party Republicans to the point of lunacy. There is no substitute for Presidential Leadership, and it seems that the poor, the elderly, and the sick will pay the cost for Obama's character flaws. If the Obama capitulation succeeds(re-elected), future Democratic President will use the least among us to bolster their re-election potential by stepping on and over the elderly, the poor, and the sick.

Last week, Obama compared his compromises to President Abraham Lincoln's statements to win the Civil War, hold the Union together, and free the Slaves. Like Nixon could go to China, only Lincoln could compromise on the pace of Abolition. After Lincoln's necessary political compromises, the slaves were free, the Union was preserved, and the North won. The country was better off. With regard to foreign policy, after Nixon's compromises, America and China had a better relationship. After Obama's compromises, Medicare, Medicaid, and SSI will be cut. The Rich will enjoy lower tax rates while the middle class continues to suffer. 14 million people will still be out of work while Obama continues to export American jobs. Outrageous Defense spending and 3 Wars will continue while we cut student aid and home heating oil assistance. I have studied Nixon and Lincoln, and Mr Obama is no Nixon(foreign policy) or Lincoln.

Twisted World - Grand Bargain

2011-07-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

Regardless of how we got to this point, if you oppose Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security cuts to raise the Debt Ceiling, who should you support? Boehner, Pelosi, Reid, McConnell, Obama? Republicans or Democrats?

From all "reports", Speaker Boehner is ready to cut a deal. He's ready to accept a 6:1 ratio in cuts to tax increases. Philosophically, Boehner opposes Social programs and Tax increases but he is more concerned with retaining his Speakers Office; therefore, Boehner can't accept any tax increases. By prioritizing tax increases over budget cuts, Boehner isn't a threat to Social Programs, and he opposes the current Grand Bargain.

Nancy Pelosi generally opposes cuts to social program but she is willing to make cuts if they don't directly impact beneficiaries. She has repeatedly said she would support Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security cuts if they strengthen those programs. I have no ideal what that means since Obama refuses to publicly discuss his budget cuts. I believe she will cave (Democrat = cave) to Obama's demands and sign off on the any deal or the Grand Bargain.

Harry Reid opposes cuts to social programs, and he is willing to entertain McConnell's "clean" multi-vote Debt Ceiling increase. But Harry will compromise and split the difference with anyone. Although Reid "opposes" social program cuts, he is willing to support the current Debt Ceiling deal.

Mitch McConnell is a southern corporate Republican. He would probably accept Obama's 6:1 budget cuts to tax increases after he pushed Obama to the brink of economic collapse. However, McConnell has to cover his ass with regard to Tea Party. McConnell proved his true agenda this week by offering Obama a "clean" Debt Ceiling increase with some GOP political cover. Therefore, McConnell opposes the Grand Bargain Debt Ceiling deal.

Barack Obama wants a Debt Ceiling deal that raises taxes and cut social programs. He is willing to give Republicans 6 dollars in cuts to every 1 dollar in tax increases. By the way, Obama's hero, Ronald Reagan, gave Democrats 3 dollars of tax increases to 1 dollar of budget cuts. Even after McConnell's offer, Obama still won't accept a "clean" Debt Ceiling increase. It's all political to Obama, he believes in nothing, stands for nothing, and fights for nothing. He wants a Grand Bargain to provide political cover for his Reagan Trickle Down Voo Doo economic philosophy and to counter future Romney attacks. He supports anything and nothing simultaneously.

The deal on the table is 6 : 1 budget cuts (Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, etc) to tax increases. Pelosi, Reid, and Obama "support" the current deal. McConnell and Boehner oppose the current deal. As a Progressive, I oppose the current deal because the ratio of budget cuts to tax increases isn't balanced enough. The Grand Bargain Obama wanted would have cut $4 Trillion over 10 years, but if Obama had not extended any of the GWB tax cuts, we would have cut $4 Trillion over 10 years. I oppose cutting Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, etc while millionaires and billionaires enjoy their GWB/Obama tax cuts. Logic demands I support McConnell and Boehner with respect to the current deal. Thank God for corrupt Republicans because their adherence to warped principles is the only thing preventing Obama, Reid, and Pelosi from cutting social programs. What a Twisted World!

Leverage II, A Progressive Opportunity

2011-07-13T14:42:00.000-07:00

The House Progressive Caucus and Liberal Democrats rarely get the opportunity to dictate public policy and legislation but they have a opportunity now. They have all the Leverage in the Debt Ceiling increase debate. The Tea Party Wing has locked themselves out of the debate with their 60 – 70 guaranteed no votes on any Debt Ceiling deal. Speaker Boehner has trapped himself between Eric Cantor, Wall Street, and the American people. Eventually, he will choose Wall Street. The Senate is as corrupt as Bernie Madoff, both Democrats and Republicans will do anything to protect Wall Street and Corporate America. If the Senate even allows a vote. it’s a complete Republican/Democratic capitulation to the Gods of Wall Street. President Obama is irrelevant. He wanted to triangulate Independents but he is so desperate now, he will sign anything the closer it gets to Aug 2. That leaves the House Democrats, and since Nov. 2010, a “supposedly” liberal House Progressive Caucus to pass the Debt Limit increase.

The conventional wisdom is Boehner won’t bring a bill to House floor unless he has a consensus in his caucus. That’s crap, Boehner has to answer to Wall Street. If it was up to Boehner, he would have cut a deal long ago. He’s just trying to hold on to the Speakers office. Eventually, Boehner will bring a bill to the House Floor, and it will need overwhelming Democratic support to pass. At that point, the Progressive Democrats have all the leverage. They should back-door Pelosi and Obama, and vote down the 1st Eleventh hour bill. Then present their demands to Obama, McConnell, Reid and Boehner.

The Progressive Caucus can demand anything and everything, and they will get it. There is no other option than the Progressive option. Obama, McConnell, Boehner, and Reid have to “save the economy”, in other words, protect Wall Street and Corporate America. Obama has the added responsibility to not let the American economy collapse on his watch (2012 election). Pelosi has cover. She can blame everything on Crazy Left Wing Nuts. If she was smart, she would secretly organize this little coup d’ etat. Politically, a short term default won’t hurt Progressive constituencies as much as it will hurt Obama/Republican constituencies. Obama is a liar, there is enough money to pay all social security recipients on Aug 3.

Progressives should demand SSI COLA’s for the last two years (political cover), repeal the GWB tax cuts, reduce the Medicare age to 50, and a $100 Billion direct hire government jobs program to reduce unemployment. I’m sure the Progressive Caucus has a long wish list, they should dust it off. The list should include enough items for them to give back half (look reasonable) but retain their core demands.

To the casual observer, this sounds unbelievable but if you understand the pressure points of the competing interest groups, it’s perfectly reasonable. Wall Street and Corporate America can’t take even an one hour default, neither can Obama, Reid, McConnell, or Boehner. If the Democrats are bold enough to challenge Obama, they will seem crazy enough to bring down the economy. If Wall Street is faced with complete financial collapse or Clinton era taxes, they will choose higher taxes. If McConnell and Boehner are faced with Medicare at age 50 or Wall Street collapse, they will accept Medicare at 50. If Obama, Reid, McConnell, and Boehner has to choose between a new jobs program and Wall Street collapse, … If Obama, Reid, McConnell, and Boehner has to choose between Wall Street and SSI COLA’s, …

If the Progressive Caucus has the guts to pull off this maneuver, they can dictate the terms of any deal. They have more leverage now than they will ever have again. It’s up to the Progressive Caucus to represent their constituents or continue being the Poverty Pimps I’ve come to despise

Can Someone Remove Lawrence O'Donnell's Head From His Ass?

2011-07-12T17:27:00.000-07:00

For the last two days, I've watched the first segment of the Lawrence O'Donnell show - 'The Last Ass', and I'm still amazed someone can ram their own head that far up their own ass. Both shows began with O'Donnell stroking Obama for his brilliant negotiating. Unbelievably, 'The Last Ass' got worse. I'll try to analyze O'Donnell's argument:

Obama knew the Republicans would never agree to tax increases so all his offers, meeting at the White House, Biden Talks, and capitulations on Medicare and Social Security were a brilliant strategy to make Obama look reasonable for next years election. And the brilliant Obama has force the Republicans to pass a clean Debt Ceiling increase.

First, everyone with Palin's brain cell count knew the Republicans would increase the Debt Ceiling because their corporate masters and Wall Street Banksters would not allow default. I've said for months, the Republicans were blackmailing Obama with a gun to their own head. See Blazing Democratic Idiots. So if O'Donnell is correct, Obama used the Debt Ceiling debate for pure political purposes.

Obama went on CBS News and scared Senior Citizens that their Social Security checks were in doubt for pure political purposes. With 14 million people unemployed, Obama held White House meeting to increase the Debt ceiling without holding one Jobs meeting for pure political purposes. Either Pelosi and Reid were fooled or willing partners in the pure political game to get the Republicans to do what even Palin knew they were going to do eventually. Pelosi, Reid et al wasted months pretending to negotiate for Obama's pure political purposes. Lets assume Lawrence is correct, with unemployment increasing from 8.9% to 9.2%, Obama was playing 2012 election politics.

I hope you get the point, can someone pull Lawrence's head out of his ass now. I liked Crazy Larry but Lawrence O'Donnell should be fired. This is the worst political analysis and job of Obama ass kissing I've ever seen in my life. Even Chris Matthews' leg is laughing at this idiocy. MSNBC has a talent vacuum since Olbermann's departure. I'm watching Karl Rove on O'Reilly, and he's intelligently explaining the consequences of a default. I wish 'The Last Ass' would do the same for a change.

The problem with today's media is they are all partisans. O'Donnell is a 100% hard core Liberal but 'The Last Ass' isn't about Liberalism versus Conservatism. 'The Last Ass' is about electing and re-electing Democrats. It's O'Donnell the Liberal versus O'Donnell the Washington insider Democrat. O'Donnell doesn't care what Democrats do, what policies they proposes, what promises they break, who they hurt, or who they screw. O'Donnell doesn't care whether the Democrat is a good leader or not. O'Donnell doesn't care if the Democrat governs as a Republican. All that matters is if the Democrat wins, fuck the country, the people, and the Party.

I've named this behavior, Eva Braun Syndrome (EBS). Partisans, Right or Left, who will support their President to the very end regardless of his actions, policies, or results. These Partisans will go into the Bunker and marry the "Great Leader" hours before they commit suicide together. We saw this with the GWB and the Republicans. Now, you can't walk past a Republicans that won't criticize GWB about his spending, economic performance, etc. Mitt Romney, "Obama did create this recession, but..." If Obama isn't responsible, it must be GWB. I'll guarantee after Obama leaves office, these EBS Democrats will curse his very name but they have their heads up their ass now to the detriment of the people they are hired to serve. And the EBS media "talking heads" should all be waterboarded into speaking the truth on air.

This is why MSNBC fired Keith Olbermann

2011-07-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Obama needed to silence his most powerful critic. He appointed GE CEO Jeffery Immelt to Jobs Avoidance Tsar in a deal to fire Keith Olbermann. I have no proof but that’s my conspiracy theory and I’m sticking to it. LOL!

Democrats, you've lost, you just don't know it.

2011-07-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, Pat Buchanan said the Debt Ceiling debate was over but I didn’t believe him. Now I do. The Democrats have walked into the most obvious trap imaginable, and I can guarantee the Republicans won’t offer the Democrats a draw. The trap is so brilliant that it probably happened by mistake, but nevertheless it’s there. Obama and the Democrats have repeatedly said the Debt Ceiling increase is critical. It must be increased. Republicans have gotten Democrats to “agree” to $1.5 Trillion in budget cuts publicly. Then the brilliant tactician and negotiator Obama played his trump card, he increased cuts to $3 Trillion while throwing the Democratic base under the bus. Obama wants a “big” triangulation deal. Now all the Republicans need to do is play out the game. It goes like this:

Republicans continue the White House Debt talks and string out the Democrats as long as possible – public relations BS.

Pass a Debt Ceiling increase with only budget cuts previously agreed to by Obama/Biden in the House. Odds are 20 -30 Blue Dog Democrats will vote for the Debt Ceiling increase . I’ll bet the margin of victory will be such that Boehner will be able to release 40 – 50 hardcore Tea Party members to vote against the Debt Ceiling increase.

Then McConnell and Boehner slowly increase the pressure on Democratic Senators to pass the House Debt Ceiling bill. Again it will pass with Democratic help. I’ll bet it gets 55+ votes.

Obama is irrelevant, he’ll be so desperate, he will sign anything at any amount for any time period.

Checkmate.

The disgusting fact is Obama and Democrats have a checkmate move also. All Obama has to do is declare he will no longer be blackmailed and refuse to continue negotiations. The markets will go crazy for a day, and the true bosses, Wall Street and Corporate America, will yank Boehner’s chain. This strategy is simple but almost impossible. First Obama must display courage, and Democrats must be unified. OK, I’m sorry. This strategy is obvious impossible. My hope is Obama’s Debt Ceiling capitulation will disgust some Democrat so much he or she will challenge Obama for the 2012 Presidential nomination. Otherwise, Democrats will suffer budget cuts without any upside.

Thank God For Republicans, Obama may be done soon.

2011-07-10T08:08:00.000-07:00

Thank God for Republicans, at least one Party in Washington believes in the principles and rhetoric that got them elected. The Republicans are there to protect the rich and the stupid. To every one’s surprise, they are sticking to there corrupt principles.

Conversely, the “Democrats” and their Manchurian Republican Leader(Obama) has capitulated, compromised, and surrendered every principle that got them elected. Now these Poverty Pimps and Corporate Whores have been exposed as worthless politicians. Thanks God for the Republicans, their ignorance and Right Wing insanity is doing the country a favor. The polls favor “Democrats”, 80% – 20% favor increasing taxes over cutting Medicare and Social Security, but the sleazy “Democrats” and Obama have offered the Republicans a deal with 83% cuts and 17% tax increases. Yet the corrupt principled Republicans rejected the deal.

President Obama came to the surrender on one knee with sword and principles in hand but there isn’t a Republican willing to accept his surrender. The Republicans want his sword, principles, and first born. If the Republicans continue to play hardball, Obama will give them anything and everything because this surrender has now become about Obama’s political survival. Obama offered “Democratic” core values to the Republicans in exchange for pitiful tax inceases to triangulate Centrist Independents. Now Obama has to get a deal or all he has left is an angry “Democratic” base.

The really sick part is the President that uses any argument (“Killer Robot War” isn’t a “hostile action”) to protect his Libyan insanity but he won’t use the 14th Amendment argument to end this artificial debt ceiling crisis. Clearly, Obama values his “Triangulation Strategy” above Medicare, Social Security, and “Democratic” Party core values. Above all else, Obama wants to cover his political right from Mitt Romney’s national debt argument. Now Obama has his left flank exposed, and Mitt Romney still has the national debt argument.

Watch out America, the real fun starts now. We have a desperate President, a principled corrupt Republican opposition, and a sleazy worthless “Democratic” Party. Internal Republican politics almost guarantees no tax increases or reasonable debt ceiling deal. Either the President uses his Constitutional authority or the “Democrats” completely capitulate. Either result is great for Progressives, we either get passed this artificial crisis without cuts to Medicare and Social Security or Obama and “Democrats” commit political suicide and totally throw the American middle class under the bus.

I predict the Poverty Pimps and Corporate Whores will throw the middle class under the bus. And if we are lucky, the “Democratic” Party outside of Washington will start the process to primary every worthless Washington whore starting with Barack Obama. If the Republicans hold their ground, we may get a “Democrat” presidential challenger soon. Even the “Democratic” Party doesn’t want to see their President crawling down Pennsylvania Ave on his hands and knees begging Republicans to save his worthless political ass. Thank God for the Republicans.

"Democratic" Poverty Pimps and Corporate Whores to the rescue

2011-07-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

Last night, the White House dropped a bomb on the "Democratic" Party. Obama offered Social Security and Medicare cuts to the Republicans in exchange for "basically nothing". The "Democrats" reacted as expected but I wouldn't declare this bomb defused just yet. The "Democratic" Poverty Pimps and Corporate Whores have a history of reacting negatively to policies they eventually support. They are poverty pimps and corporate whores for a reason.

With that backdrop, President Obama may find that there is only one course left to avoid a global economic calamity: Invoke Section 4 of the Fourteenth Amendment, which says that “the validity of the public debt of the United States … shall not be questioned.” This constitutional option is one that the president alone may exercise.
Katrina vanden Heuvel

If the President has the power to avoid this artificial crisis created by the Republicans, and he doesn't use his power to protect his core constituents, then the "Democratic" Party must oppose his 2012 nomination for President. Obama lost my support with the GWB tax cuts extension, and I know Obama isn't a Progressive. Thankfully, the Republicans are exposing this political coward to the rest of the "Democratic" Party. But most "Democrats" are like Eva Braun, ready to marry the lunatic Fuhrer just before they commit suicide. "Democrats" and Progressives should let him commit political suicide but not destroy the American middle class in the process.

I expected Obama to cave (see Translating Obama), so I'm not surprised at his cowardice, but I also expect the worthless "Democrats" to cave. Obama will modify his capitulation just enough to peel off a few Poverty Pimps and Corporate Whores to pass his "compromise". Current public statement notwithstanding, the stealth Republican, Obama, will continue this pattern of compromise, capitulation, and surrender. Mr "I know how to negotiate" is a worthless stinking turd that needs to be flushed out of the "Democratic" Party by a primary challenger. And the Poverty Pimp and Corporate Whores that follow this worthless turd need to be flushed the same way.

... then America is over.

2011-07-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

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The Republican Pat Buchanan argues against Free Trade while the Democrat Donny Deutsch argues for corporate profits. One "journalist" writes an article about executive salaries but doesn't care about the cause and the other airhead "journalist" complains about a non-existent corporate moral responsibility. WTF?

The problem in our political discourse is some have confused capitalism with democracy, Deutsch said, "If I were a capitalist...", then justified corporate behavior. If Deutsch was commenting on CNBC, his analysis would be appropriate but he's on Morning Joe as a "Democrat". Deutsch never said, "if I were an America..." It's easy to justify corporate behavior but it's harder to justify 30 years of Reaganomics and 20 years of Free Trade political policies with 9% unemployment and a flat-lined middle class. We elected a "Democrat" from Walmart (Arkansas) and a faux "Democrat" that believes in nothing so there hasn't been a real debate about Free Trade's consequences. Republicans, Pat Buchanan and Donald Trump, argue against Free Trade while most "Democrats" say nothing.

FYI, corporations don't hire new employees because they are profitable, because they have cash reserves, or because they have morals. Corporations only add labor if demand for their products or services exceeds their ability to delivery additional products or services at a profit. If you believe otherwise or ask why profitable companies aren't hiring new employees, then you are a Supply Side Voo Doo Reaganomics airhead but you're in good company - Mika Brzezinski, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, DLC "Democrats", and Republicans.

Our government, elected representatives, are supposed to govern in the best interest of the American people but if they are owned by corporate America... If Democrats support corporations over Americans and journalist are too stupid to ask the right questions, then America is over.

Truth to Power

2011-07-03T06:28:00.001-07:00

“He was a little testy with the Waxman question. Essentially, Mr. Waxman was urging him to fight more,” one legislator said. “The president reminded folks that he’s the president sitting in that chair and he knows how to negotiate.”

Apparently there isn’t a “Democrat” with the gravatas to tell Barack Obama that he is the problem, and that his negotiating technique/style undermines his “stated” policy goals. Only Obama can end these reoccuring political crisises by leading. The Republicans KNOW, as do I, that Obama will cave to their demands. So their seemingly undefensible irrational unpopular policy demands are completely logical because Obama will legitimize their insanity by capitulating. This insanity only ends if Obama demostrates character and fights back but there lies the problem. Obama has no character beyound his own re-election, campaign donors, and Reagan Trickle-Down economic philosophy. The fact that we are debating budget cuts during “The Great Recession” is Hoovarian.

Translating Obama

2011-06-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Debt Limit Negotiations:

I have pre-negotiated deep budget cuts to middle class social programs. I'm now ready to negotiate away the core issues that define the Democratic Party (if such a thing still exist).

Gay Marriage:

I support gay marriage, and I don't support gay marriage.

Libya:

The War Powers act may or may not be constitutional but since I haven't violated the War Powers Act, I'm not concerned with its constitutionality or the Constitution. "Congress shall have Power . . . to Declare War" or I do until I say otherwise.

Economy:

We must cut middle class programs to give Millionaires and Billionaires confidence so the benefits will "Trickle Down" to middle class voters.

Jobs:

We need more American jobs, and I support Free Trade deals that export American jobs.

Trade:

I want to pass the Korean Free Trade agreement so American companies can manufacture more American cars in China and ship them to South Korea, and South Korea can continue to export millions of cars to America. See Jobs.

Immigration:

I need Latino votes next year so I'll continue to "fight" for the Dream Act that has no chance of passing. Dream Act - Yes We Can! Yes We Can!

Wars:

What wars?

No Dream Act Until...

2011-06-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Almost everyone agrees that America or any country has the right, duty, and responsibility to establish, enforce, and protect its borders. If YOU agree, then America's immigration "policy" is reasonable but its enforcement is reprehensible. In addition to the thousands of annual legal immigrants, we allow temporary seasonal workers, critical technology workers, and students to immigrate. America has one of the most liberal immigration system in the world but it's broken. The politics of both the Left and Right refuse to protect and enforce our borders. The Right wants cheap labor and the Left wants cheaper votes. Both political parties use illegal immigrants as political and economic pons.

I oppose the Dream Act but I sympathize with young illegal immigrants that were brought to America by their parents. They have been raised as Americans with little ties to their native county but they are illegal immigrants just as the 30 year old person with a toddler that illegally crossed the border last night. These sympathetic illegal immigrants want America to change its laws and allow them a path to citizenship that bypasses our current immigration policies.

If you agree America must enforce its borders and we aren't currently, then Reagan's immigration amnesty, Obama's comprehensive immigration policy/path to citizenship, and the Dream Act are immigration legal moral hazard. Every sympathetic exception encourages more illegal behavior that leads to another round of sympathetic people demanding exceptions. America has 10 - 30 million illegal immigrants, and the social problems and cost from illegal immigration.

I say no Dream Act until the legal moral hazard issue is settled. What should happen with the toddler that was illegally brought to America last night? Last week? Last year? What happens in 15 - 20 years when he or she becomes a sympathetic illegal immigrant? Do we pass Dream Act II? How about a Dream Act every 5 years? The very people that want to become American citizens and pledge to support and defend the constitution and our laws don't support the law they are violating. I'll bet Wall Street Banksters don't like banking laws that limit their ability to rob their customers either. I'll also bet most Dream Act supporters didn't support the moral hazard created by the Wall Street bailout or the new "Too Big To Fail" faux laws.

If the Dream Act or other "paths to citizenship" are passed, then the defacto American immigration policy becomes illegally immigrate, stay as long as possible, then beg politicians to make an exception for illegal behavior. In other words, America's doesn't have immigration laws except if a politician wants to look tough. If Democrats want Latino votes, they purpose another round of exceptions and round-up a few illegals to look tough, or when Republicans need to gen-up the racist base, they round-up a few illegals and send them home.

I suggest those who favor the Dream Act avoid the pitfalls African Americans have suffered. We vote 95%+ Democratic. Yet the black Democratic president is ignoring 15% black unemployment, exporting the jobs that created the black middle class, and has moved on to using Latino issues for votes. I suggest Latinos and Dream Act supporters make themselves relevant to both political parties. We are a country of immigrants and our strength is our diversity but we have laws. Or should.

Leverage

2011-06-24T04:33:00.000-07:00

Progressive Caucus leaders and working Americans joined together June 14 to announce a summer-long, multi-city tour to talk about job creation and shift the debate in Washington.

89 Members of Congress, including Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Keith Ellison and Raúl M. Grijalva, letter to President Obama urging him to appoint Elizabeth Warren, as a recess appointment if necessary, to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

When the Senate voted recently on the Republican scheme to end Medicare, House Democrats stood up to protect health care for our seniors.

Instead of attacking the poor and middle class, the Progressive Caucus has an alternative that balances the budget by putting America back to work.

The Congressional “Progressive” Caucus website is replete with headlines and policy statements they have failed to enact into law or start a national debate. The 87 members of the Congressional “Progressive” Caucus represent poor and middle class urban Americans. If they were to vote as a block, they could push the Democratic Party as far Left as the Tea Party has pushed the Republicans Right.

It’s clear that Republicans wont vote for any tax increases to raise the debt ceiling. There will be a “deal” but I’ll bet the Tea Party and most Republicans refuse to vote for the “deal” they negotiate. Then Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi will demand that Democrats hold their nose and provide the necessary votes to pass the deal(ransom). By agreeing to have a vote and/or not filibustering a vote, the Republicans will have acknowledged the debt limit consequences and acquiesced to Wall Street pressure. At that point, the Congressional “Progressive” Caucus will have the leverage to demand anything they want. But I’ll bet the “Poverty Pimps” that have been hustling poor and middle class urban Blacks and Latinos will ignore their opportunity to effectively represent their constituents again.

It's Structural Stupid

2011-06-15T03:32:00.000-07:00

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First it was stabilizing the Financial markets, then it was extending the GWB tax cuts, then cumbersome government regulations, then it was “Uncertainty”. Now the problem with job creation is automation (“kiosk and ATM’s” – Obama), productivity, and unqualified workers that are preventing the economy from growing. Next it will be foreign profits trapped offshore. And if we capitulate to those Conservative demands, it will be the debt or deficits that are holding back the economy. Oh, I forgot about Al Qaeda and the radical Islamic terrorist’s strangle hold on jobs. At some point, those excuses must end. Right? No. Then we start all over again with taxes…

Maybe it’s 30 years of wealth redistribution, 20 years of exporting middles class jobs, and 25 years of cheap illegal labor depressing middle class wages. Regardless of political opinions, economic activity depends on the law of Supply and Demand, everything else is explaining, understanding, and manipulating Supply and Demand. Demand depends on people’s ability to buy goods and services. 90% of America’s wealth is controlled by 10% of the population, and the top 10% can’t sustain the American economy, support the social safety-net, and finance Right Wing Wars. Moreover, if we’ve crossed the Tipping Point where the economy can’t self sustain and the political elites (top 10%) refuse to make the necessary changes to revive the economy, we aren’t Greece or Ireland, we are Rome 476 AD, and the problem is structural not cyclical. Obama’s Trickle Down stimuli have been focused on a cyclical recession, but we are in a structural “recession”.

Now the top 10% is attacking the social safety-net created during the last Liberal Enlightenment Period (1933-1968). Until government policies (trade, labor laws, taxes) encourage businesses to pay decent wages to middle class Americans, Demand will continue to decline. Business don’t create jobs because of tax cuts, cash reserves, or profits. Even profitable businesses strive for the highest profits at lowest cost (equipment, labor, overhead). Businesses invest in equipment and labor only if Demand for their products and services exceed their current capacity.

Sadly, it has become obvious that the Democratic-Republican divide is fake. Democrats are as beholding to the top 10% as Republicans. Democrats usually have ties to the middle class but once in power, they are enemies to the middle class until they need votes. I urge Liberals, Progressives, and “Democrats” to listen to Barack Obama. Every word, every thought, and every policy is Republican Supply Side VooDoo Reaganomics. Obama is a trickle down REPUBLICAN! Economically, there is no difference between Obama and Romney, Obama and GWB, Obama and GHWB, or Obama and Reagan. I expect Obama’s 2012 campaign theme to be either “Morning in America” or “Stay the Course”. Obama’s tax cuts, trade deals, and Wall Street bailouts are worthless in an economy without good middle class jobs. And good middle class jobs can’t exist with Free Trade, illegal immigration, and 0% effective tax rate on Capital.

As much as I disagree with Republican and Tea Party reasons for not raising the debt ceiling, maybe its our best hope for change. Until the top 10% are threatened by either masses in the streets or economic disaster, the elites will continue to bleed the middle class dry. The cure for cancer will more likely come from a biologist studying the reproduction cycles of the dung beetle or something equally unrelated to cancer. We shouldn’t scorn or ridicule the Tea Party, we should just be amazed at how easy they roll, eat, and live in Republican BS. But just maybe they have stumbled upon the cure for our structural economic “cancer” and a method to scare the Republican-Democratic elites shit-less. Until Americans break the strangle hold Corporatist Elites have on Washington or bankrupt the Corporatist Elites, nothing will change. If the Progressive Caucus was smart, they would join the Tea Party with a blackmail threat of their own, no debt limit increase without ending Free Trade and creating new middle class jobs. But the Progressive Caucus members are Democrats; therefore, no testicles, just dung.

Support Little Weiner - 2

2011-06-13T04:38:00.001-07:00

Now that Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Steve Israel, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi have asked Anthony Weiner to resign, it’s time for Weiner to demand their resignation. After Pelosi’s and Reid’s political incompetence, they didn’t deserve to be re-elected much less retain their “Party” leadership positions. Wasserman Schultz and Israel are nothing more than “Party” hacks mouthing the scandal party line(see Support Little Weiner). The “Party” power center is at the White House, and the White House stands for nothing and no one.

Little Weiner is being pushed out by Obama, Pelosi, and Reid. Maybe it’s just my male testosterone or competitive spirit (ABC’s This Week) talking but I think Weiner should ignore them and come out fighting. Weiner has some personal issues but he hasn’t broken any laws. He should hold another press conference and settle the issue. Weiner should announce that he will not resign and his Democratic colleagues should “FUCK OFF”. Or Weiner should resign and a immediately run for his seat again. He should let the people of his district decide not the political whores in Washington.

Barack Obama has been silent publicly, but we know he has the long knives out. If Weiner really wants to fight, he should threaten a Democratic Presidential campaign. Weiner should run as a Progressive and remind everyone that there are a few left.

But seriously, Weiner is important because his voice is needed. I believe that the Democratic Party is dead, true or false, it represents Progressive politics in America. With Clinton’s and Obama’s leadership, “Liberal” became a four letter word, and now “Progressive” is endanger. While Obama was caving on the Public Option, Weiner was championing Medicare For All (see “It’s the Health Care Costs, Stupid” ). Now Obama is about to cave on Medicare, and he doesn’t want anyone on the Left fighting back. First Obama and Immelt engineered Keith Olbermann’s firing, and now Obama is trying to silence the entire Left. We must fight back.

By the way, did anyone see Romney’s new Bump in the Road Ad? I thought the ad was good politically, but it failed to mention with Reagan-Clinton-Bush Jr-Obama-Romney, the American middle class is road kill. Jobs? War?

Support Little Weiner

2011-06-07T00:33:00.000-07:00

I expect "Democrats" will run and hide like the political cowards and traitors we've come to know. There is a great line in the "The Godfather":

Don Corleone: [to Michael] So, Barzini will move against you first. He'll set up a meeting with someone that you absolutely trust, guaranteeing your safety. And at that meeting, you'll be assassinated.

Don Corleone: [to Michael] Listen, whoever comes to you with this Barzini meeting, he's the traitor. Don't forget that.

The next Democrat that calls for Rep. Weiner's resignation is the traitor. It wouldn't surprise me if it's Barack Obama. I suggest Weiner avoid dinners at Italian restaurants, the House cafeteria, or the White House(w/o hiding a gun in the bathroom). Democrats and Obama(R) threw Rep. Charlie Rangel under the bus, and we should expect nothing less now.

Weiner has a serious problem with his WIFE and his COMPUTER, but he hasn't broken any laws or stuck little weiner into anyone other than... (I reserve the right to revise and extend my remarks).

Compared to the paragon of moral courage, Nancy Pelosi, that allowed a vote on the GWB tax cuts extension (Dec 2010) or the great military leader Barack Obama who is about to capitulate on Medicare, Social Security, and middle class tax increases (broadening the tax base), at least Weiner has a penis and balls. Not that Hillary Clinton doesn't have balls(including Bill's in her MZ Wallace Bea handbag). I'll take Rep. Anthony Weiner over 98% of the worthless corporate political whores that currently call themselves Democrats.

Does anyone remember the two most important issues concerning America - unemployment and war? By the way, Austan Goolsbee was "fired" today, I bet Obama replaces Goolsbee with Indiana Governor and former GWB OMB director, Mitch Daniels or another Conservative.

Something Funny

2011-06-06T03:18:00.000-07:00

Something funny is happening on the way to the next Corporate Presidential Inauguration, the American people demand competence. The corporate Lord acting as president must actually improve the lives of the surfs or the surfs may choose a different corporate Lord. It would be funny but both the leading corporate Lords are identical copies of each other. Neither stands for anything, both will flip-flop on a dime, and both are worthless corporate whores that will sell their respective parties out for any political advantage. Since neither has any redeeming qualities, I choose Mitt Romney over Barack Obama. I rather have Romney disappointing Republican for the next 4 years than Barack Obama capitulating to Right Wing Nuts. As a bonus, Romney promises to repeal Obama's Faux HCR.

As a Liberal Democrat, I've come to the conclusion that the issues I care about most are safer with a Democratic Congress and a Republican President. Since the arc of history favors Liberalism, eventually the issues I support will become universally popular and law. If Barack Obama is re-elected, he may be "blackmailed" into ending Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.

Obama had every opportunity to be a great President but he didn't have the character to disobey his corporate masters and put the American people first. Every Obama appointment, policy decision, and negotiation favored corporate America. Or Obama made the safe Democratic/Republican centrist CYA compromise that neither solved the problem nor provided political CYA.

When the country needed a bold Stimulus, Obama passed a weak insufficient Stimulus. When Wall Street needed tough new laws and regulations, Obama re-inflated the bubble and institutionalized "To Big To Fail". When America needed tough trade negotiators and a new trade policy, Obama continued Clinton/Bush free trade that is savaging our jobs. When America needed a new immigration policy, Obama prioritized Hispanic votes over national sovereignty. When America needed health care reform, Obama capitulated to big insurance and big pharma and surrendered every American to an unconstitutional mandate. When America needed more economic stimulus and jobs, Obama debated long term budget cuts. When America needed Civil Liberties protection, a return to constitutional law, and congressional authorized wars, Obama gave us GITMO, GWB's Patriot Act, and Libya. When America needed a return to fair tax rates, fiscal saneness, Obama extended the GWB tax cuts and passed budget cuts to home heating oil assistance. Now Obama needs Americans for re-election, but since Americans don't have tax fairness, universal healthcare, civil liberties, an end to Wall Street corruption, good jobs, peace, a fair trade policy, or presidential leadership, we don't need another 4 years of Barack Obama.

Obama (R): Tax Cuts, Deregulation, and Free Trade

2011-06-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

On ‘This Week’, Austan Goolsbee, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers gave the Obama Administration’s response to a weak jobs report. The Obama Administration believes the way to create jobs is to cut taxes, deregulate business, and increase free trade. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush killed the US economy by deregulating Wall Street, exporting American jobs, and cutting taxes on businesses and the rich. Now the brilliant great military leader Barack Obama wants to repair the economy by cutting taxes, deregulating business, and increasing Free Trade. Can anyone imagine a Republican giving a different answer?

Question: Mitt Romney, What is your plan to create jobs?

Answer: End Obamacare, Deregulation, Free Trade, and Tax Cuts.

Question: Tim Pawlenty, What is your plan to create jobs?

Answer: End Romneycare, Tax Cuts, Deregulation, and Free Trade.

Question: Herman Cain, What is your plan to create jobs?

Answer: Buy Pizza, Tax Cuts, Deregulation, and Free Trade.

Question: Sarah Palin, What is your plan to create jobs?

Answer: End Abortion, Tax Cuts, Deregulation, and Free Trade.

Question: Newt Gingrich, What is your plan to create jobs?

Answer: Right Wing Social Engineering, Tax Cuts, Deregulation, and Free Trade.

Question: Michelle Bachmann, What is your plan to create jobs?

Answer: Investigate Congressional Democrats, Tax Cuts, Deregulation, and Free Trade.

Question: Barack Obama, What is your plan to create jobs?

Answer: Tax Cuts, Deregulation, and Free Trade.

Question: Donald Trump, What is your plan to create jobs?

Answer: Tax Cuts, Deregulation, and End Free Trade and Get Tough on OPEC.

Trump Calls Out Ryan But...

2011-06-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

Breaking News: Donald Trump criticized the Ryan Medicare pain redistribution plan on FOX. I’ll try to ignore the “man bites dog” obvious. As much as I like Trump’s anti-Free Trade/anti-OPEC agenda, from the GOP perspective, Trump is wrong to criticize Ryan. The Ryan plans is Right Wing Social Engineering at it’s worst, it transfers all the Medicare inefficiencies and cost escalations to future seniors while cutting taxes on the rich. But the Republicans to their credit have a political party, ideology, strategy, and leadership unlike the helpless Democrats. They were successful at blackmailing a weak President in Dec 2010, and nothing has changed. The GOP has bet the 2012 election on Barack Obama capitulating, and they will win. Biden has already surrendered $1 Billion in cuts. When Obama capitulates and agrees to ANY Medicare cuts following his GWB tax cuts extension, the Republicans will claim victory and minimize any political damage. And the idiot Democratic Senators will surrender their “values” and acquiesce. Bennie Sanders will threaten another useless filibuster but the deal will be done, Obama surrenders for political triangulation, Republicans win, and 54 and under lose Medicare. It is ironic that the President elected to deliver Health Care Reform with a public option will dismantle the most effective public health care system loved by Conservatives and Liberals alike. As I said many times before, Democrats are not safe with the weakest President in modern American history and the worst since James Buchanan. By the way, where are the jobs? ADP reported 38,000 private sector jobs created in May, and we need 350,000 new jobs just to keep pace with population growth. Anybody But Obama 2012!

Blazing Democratic Idiots

2011-05-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

I know what you are thinking, Barack Obama is the new sheriff in town, but in this analogy, John Boehner is the new sheriff threatening to shoot himself in the head. The “Democrats” and Obama are the idiot townspeople refusing to call his bluff.

Let me be clear, the personification of corporations and Wall Street, the Republicans will increase the debt ceiling or their political donors will hang them by their balls. Wall Street has already made it clear that any threat to America’s credit rating is completely unacceptable. Like Blazing Saddles, they will not commit political and economic suicide.

Given the obvious, why are the Democrats “negotiating”? The congressional Democrats are negotiating because they are weak stupid worthless political whores that have sold the votes for campaign donations. Obama is at best a weak worthless Democrat or a Republican. If Obama allows himself to be blackmailed by these idiots holding a gun to their own heads, then he doesn’t deserve to be President.

Notwithstanding Obama recent great military leadership(joke), Obama is the weakest President since James Buchanan. Obama’s great military decision was either to drop a 2000 lbs bomb on terrorist or send the best trained military unit in the world to kill 5 terrorists. Wow! That ranks just below George Washington crossing the Delaware or Andrew Jackson’s victory at New Orleans. Politically, Jimmy Carter’s Desert One failure was much more courageous than Obama’s Osama bin Laden success.

Barack Obama is the greatest threat to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid since their inception. No Republican President would ever seriously try to dismantle Medicare but Obama will negotiate Medicare away because he is too weak or too Republican to call Boehner’s worthless bluff. Even Newt Gingrich understands that Paul Ryan’s radical Medicare changes are wrong. When will “Democrats” defend their beliefs if they have any left?

Trump Must Call, Fold, or Bet

2011-04-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

All the great poker players say you play the man not the cards. They mean you play the man's tendencies, patterns, and habits. It's time for Donald Trump to make a play - call, fold, or bet. Donald has lost control of his message, and the Birther issue is hurting Trump's "presidential campaign". Even with all the negative press (MSNBC 24/7), Trump's America first argument has him in first place among GOP presidential candidates. I know the Birther issue is getting all the attention but his America first argument is resonating. As a Liberal/Progressive, I'm willing to ignore all other issues because I believe free trade, globalism, and economic treason are destroying the America middle class. Health care reform doesn't work without a middle class. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid will bankrupt us without good middle class jobs. America as we know it won't survive without a strong middle class. We need someone to focus America's attention not distract us with Birtherism, kinetic military actions, and death panels.

If Trump wants to call, he has to show his hand and produce evidence that Obama wasn't "natural born" or produce evidence that creates legitimate doubt that he wasn't born in Hawaii. Obama's birth certificate must contain a forged signature, inaccurate information, or some religious reference for a successful call. In politics, if Trump can prove Obama has been hiding something may be enough for a successful call, or if Trump's investigators can produce a complete absences of evidence, it may help, but they must produce something.

The safe play is to fold. Trump can give the standard answer, "I take him (Obama) at his word now" and move on to other issues. It may seem like a defeat but Trump could turn this play into a positive. The Birther crowd will get the code language, and others will think Donald is finally taking his politics serious. Trump has that Teflon Don quality most successful politicians use to wiggle out of sleazy situations. In 6 months, no one will care about this Birther crap, does anyone remember Rev. Wright?

After watching Obama fold, fold, and fold for 2 years, I would bet heavy. Trump should make Obama call or fold. Trump should challenge Obama to produce his original birth certificate by offering a reward. Trump should offer to donate $1 million to Obama's favorite charity if Obama produces his "original birth certificate" by August 1st, 2011. Naturally, Obama will reject his offer and do nothing. Then Trump should increase the pressure by raising his offer to $2 million, $4 million, or $8 million. This maybe his best play, it buys time and shifts the action to Obama. The press will resist questioning Obama, but eventually their journalistic integrity(LOL) will force them to get Obama on the record. Whatever play Obama makes helps Trump. If Obama folds, Trump can ask, "Why did Obama played politics with his birth certificate?" If Obama holds out, Trump wins by asking, "What is Obama hiding?" Most importantly, it shifts the pressure and action to Obama and the press. Trump can maintain his brash unforgiving style and move on to economic patriotism, but Trump must be prepared and willing to give millions to charity regardless.

I support Trump because someone needs to discuss the New Normal and the Middle Class Reset. Obama, Washington Democrats, and Republicans have sold-out the middle class to corporate America, China, and India. After 2 years in the White House, Obama appointed a "Jobs Czar" that runs an outsourcing propaganda corporation that pays zero federal taxes. Trump is the only "serious" person talking about free trade, off-shoring, and OPEC. If Trump plays his cards right, he can split the Democratic Party-Big Labor coalition and win the 2012 election. First, Trump must play out this hand without losing all his chips before he can take home the World Series of Politics bracelet.

Just Rent

2011-04-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

During Obama's Facebook town hall, Obama was asked about helping Americans struggling to pay their mortgages. Obama said, "...some people should just rent." Actually, I agree. Some people should rent because they don't earn enough to buy a house.

After 2 years of Obama's promises and capitulations, I listen to his answers, responses, and speeches differently now. I'm more interested in what isn't said than his actual words. The words Obama uses to answer questions are worthless, they mean nothing to him other than they solved an immediate problem. You may think he answered the question but did he? And if he answered, will he defend his answer or agree to the exact opposite during the next round of negotiations (preemptive surrender).

Back to just rent. People are losing their homes because of unemployment and bank fraud. Our unemployment is caused by Free Trade, crony capitalism, and political corruption. Bank fraud is just criminal behavior but if they own our politicians...

Recently, I heard the question, "Are you middle class because of income or equity(wealth)?" Middle class people sometimes struggle with the answer but if I asked a rich person, are you rich because of income or equity, the answer is easy. Kobe Bryant isn't rich because he earns $20 million a year, he is rich because his assets(equity) enable Kobe to live lavishly indefinitely without an income. After Kobe stops playing, he won't need a job to pay the mortgage, there won't be a mortgage if he has half a brain although there are some tax considerations, estate issues, etc.

In the last 100 years, the best method middle class people used to create equity and generational wealth is home ownership. "Just rent" represents the surrender of the middle class to the rich. The top 10% own 90% of America's wealth, and 100% of our politicians. They are benefiting from free trade, illegal immigration, continuous war, reduced wages, and Wall Street fraud. So when Obama says some people shouldn't own a home, they should just rent, who do you think he is working for? You? The middle class?

This is just another example of the American middle class reset. Middle class jobs are being exported, middle class wages are decreasing, middle class social programs are being eliminated, middle class health care is being cut, and middle class retirements (years, benefits) are being stolen. And our "Democratic" President wants the middle class to become urban sharecroppers or worse, why vote for a Democrat ever again? ***Trump2012***

Trump on China

2011-04-20T03:58:00.000-07:00

Comments?

Hold Me Accountable

2011-04-20T01:52:00.000-07:00

Obama asked us to hold him accountable, and I will. I will hold Obama accountable for heath care reform, for GITMO, for stupid wars, for unfair free trade. I will hold Obama accountable for choosing corporate America over people, for bailing-out Wall Street, and for refusing to prosecute Wall Street "banksters". I will hold Obama accountable for his cowardice, his appeasement, and his capitulations. I will hold Obama accountable for lack of core values, his blurring of issues, his blurring of facts, and his deficiency of leadership.

I will hold Obama accountable for extending the GWB tax cuts and cutting student loans, for extending the GWB tax cuts and gutting home heating oil assistance, for extending the GWB tax cuts and freezing federal salaries, and for extending the GWB tax cuts and cutting child health care programs.

I will hold Obama accountable for legitimizing Reagan's trickle down economics, for legitimizing Grover Norquist's no tax increase idiocy, and for legitimizing GWB's international intervention strategy. I will hold Obama accountable for focusing on deficits with 14 million people unemployed and millions more underemployed. I will hold Obama accountable for his free trade deals. I will hold Obama accountable for not "putting on a comfortable pair of shoes" and joining labor protest. I will hold Obama accountable for exporting American jobs.

I will hold Washington Democrats accountable for being traditional corporate Republicans. I will hold them accountable for their silence. I will hold them accountable for their political prostitution. I will hold them accountable for their legal bribery. I will hold Obama accountable if he guts Social Security, if he guts Medicare, and if he guts Medicaid. Most of all, I will hold Obama and Democrats accountable for their acceptance of the Right Wing ideology dressed in center-left rhetoric.

I will hold them accountable by not rewarding their betrayals. I will hold Obama accountable by treating him like the Republican he has governed as. I will hold Obama and Democrats accountable by casting my first national office vote for a non-Democrat. I will hold them accountable by donating, supporting, and working for a non-Democrat. As a life long Democrat, Progressive, or Liberal I will hold Obama and Democrats accountable by never voting for any current Washington Democrat ever again.

First Signs of the Obvious

2011-04-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

First Signs of the Obvious, Free Trade is Killing the American Middle Class.

Nobel Laureate Michael Spence and Sandile Hlatshwayo wrote an completely obvious paper about the effects of Globalization on the American economy since 1990. The data concluded the following:

Globalization and the technology revolution are increasing productivity and prosperity. But those rewards are unevenly shared – they are going to the people at the top in the United States, and enriching emerging economies over all. But the American middle class is losing out. -Capitalism is failing the middle class" by Chrystia Freeland

The actions of the free market have made goods less expensive for Americans, but the free flow of labor and capital has also diminished the employment opportunities available in the United States and will, the authors warn, continue to do so at all levels of society. - "The Evolving Structure of the American Economy and the Employment Challenge" by A. Michael Spence & Sandile Hlatshwayo

Any American factory worker or amateur economist could have written this conclusion without doing any research. If this is what passes for economic intellectual theory in 2011, we should ignore all economist from now on. This paper is the equivalent of saying that dogs lick their balls. But the fact that a Nobel Laureate is writing the obvious is evidence that the Free Trade Good lie is disintegrating before our eyes. First we were told that free trade would lead to more jobs, then we were told that free trade would lead to better jobs, but the truth is that free trade leads to the loss of American jobs and the concentration of wealth at the top.

The existence of this paper is promising but some of the conclusions and headlines derived from it are more troubling that the effects of free trade. In an Washington Post article titled "Key to job growth, equality is boosting tradable sector of economy" by Steven Pearlstein. Pearlstein wrote:

In short, what ails the U.S. economy is primarily a structural problem, not a cyclical one that can be effectively dealt with through the magic of short-term Keynesian stimulus. Unless we find a way to dramatically increase the size and scope of the tradable sector, Spence says, we’re in for an extended period of slow job growth and rising inequality. And make no mistake: at the heart of this problem is globalization.

Obama's approach has been to increase exports by entering into more Free Trade agreements. The problem with this approach is that one American workers can't compete with five Chinese workers collectively earning less than the one American worker performing the same task on identical equipment. Several years ago I watched a documentary about Robert Moses, the man responsible for the departure of the Brooklyn Dodgers and NY Giants from New York City among other things. He was the driving force behind many of New York's expressways, bridges, and tunnels. To alleviate NYC traffic congestion, Moses built an expressway into the city. The new expressway allowed more people to live farther out and still travel into the city which created more traffic congestion. So Moses build another expressway into the city to alleviate congestion, which allowed people to live farther out and still travel into the city. So Moses built another expressway...

Right Wing economist believe that in the long run American and Chinese labor cost will equalize, and America will benefit from a thriving Chinese middle class. The evidence points to long term decreasing American wages and wealth concentration at the top. The Free Market ideologues believe that the free market will correct all problems in the long run even as they complain about Chinese currency manipulations and illegal trade practices. I always remember John Maynard Keynes quote, " In the long run we are all dead."

Pearlstein also wrote:

Spence argues that what’s needed is a new policy trade-off that strikes a better balance between the efficiency and overall economic growth that globalization delivers and the inequality of incomes and job opportunities that it creates.

This is the first anti-free trade policy suggestion that I've seen since 1992 from a conservative economist. Trade is either "free" or not, if its not free, then we are discussing tariff levels not free trade. Spence states that American employment is just as important as growth and productivity and must be factored into trade policy. The theory that more free trade is always in America's best interest is false. Lets hope before Obama and Congress agrees to the next bad free trade deal, they actually listen to an "expert" and not their Multinational Corporate masters.

America has three options in the Globalization high stakes poker game, keep playing the long run strategy(we're all dead), double down by increasing the stakes(more trade deals), or just leave the table(tariffs). The answer to America's trade future is obvious, both Democratic and Republican politicians will increase free trade because the political donor class is reaping the free trade benefits. Politicians can't raise enough money to challenge a senator or run for President if they oppose free trade. Labor leaders, like useless Democrats, scream and shout but eventually sign-off on every free trade deals, and the American people are too stupid to realize their incomes are being reset downward. The American middle class is getting squeezed from every direction. Every job that can be exported is being exported, and domestic jobs have flat wages due to competition from illegal immigration and unemployment. Our politicians are owned by corporate America, and the media has devolved into ratings wars and/or government leased public relations firms. In short, the American middle class is fucked for a long time to come. Trump2012! Trump2012! Trump2012!

Trump Card

2011-04-17T05:21:00.000-07:00

Public Policy Polling

Trump: 26 percent
Huckabee: 17 percent
Romney: 15 percent
Newt Gingrich: 11 percent
Sarah Palin: 8 percent
Ron Paul: 5 percent
Michele Bachmann: 4 percent
Tim Pawlenty: 4 percent

In the Marist poll, only 36% of respondents indicate that they would “definitely vote for him” in the general election, whereas 48% state they will “definitely vote against him.”

A McClatchy-Marist survey finds 41% of Democrats are in favor of a challenge for the Democratic presidential nomination. When Democratic-leaning independents are included, 45% support a primary challenge, 46% don’t, and 9% aren’t sure.

Watching worthless Washington media whores trying to understand Donald Trump’s rise in the polls is like watching George W. Bush simultaneously do calculus and read Shakespeare. They have no reference point. They can’t understand dynamic public opinion as Donald Trump’s anti-China Birtherism attracts both Tea Party Republicans and Democrats. The media thinks the Tea Party racists are solely responsible but they have a huge surprise coming. Today Trump spoke to the Tea Party but if Trump was threatening to run as a Democrat, he would leading Democratic polls. If nothing else, the two polls above prove that both Parties are desperately looking for somebody, anybody else. For now, a billionaire reality TV star with a combover will suffice.

I’ve been waiting for the Tea Party Republican-Liberal Democratic Party alliance. Other than music, race, and culture, rural Americans and urban American suffer the same plight in life. They both have poor public schools, drug ravished communities, and a lack good jobs. And they both vote for worthless politicians that go to Washington and vote against their best interest. Whether we elect George W. Bush or Barack H. Obama, the lives of working class urban and rural America remain the same.

Both Bush and Obama supported Free Trade, tax cuts for the rich, and supply side economics, so Donald Trump’s “America can be great again”, “Obama is the worst President ever”, “We aren’t respected”, and “China is stealing our jobs” routine sells in both rural and urban America. I don’t think Trump even realizes how easily he could split the middle and win the White House. Given a choice between Obama and jobs, many of “The Blacks” will choose jobs especially after Obama cut home heating oil assistance, raised taxes on the working poor, and exported US jobs to S. Korea, Colombia, etc.

Obama: Believe Me This Time...

2011-04-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

Why should Progressives, Liberals, or Democrats believe anything Barack Obama says?

"The Bush tax cuts offend my conscience"

"I'll close GITMO within a year"

"the Public Option is an essential part of health care reform"

"I oppose the individual mandate"

"I support drug re-importation"

"I'll fight..."

"I oppose unfair Free Trade"

"I'm a Democrat."

I listened carefully to Obama budget speech, and I'm not convinced that Obama opposes the Ryan budget cuts. As usual I have no idea what Obama will fight to defend or will negotiate away. Apparently, Obama says he opposes the tax cuts he signed into law 4 months ago, but he he had no choice. I'm just worried about what Obama will do the next time he has no choice. Will Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security will become a "sliver" of the Obama's American vision?

Bait And Switch

2011-04-12T05:17:00.000-07:00

Last week, Republicans successfully played the Bait and Switch game. The Republicans suckered Barack Obama into doubling his proposed budget cuts only to complain that the cuts weren’t deep enough. The Republicans played the stupid DemocRATs like a drum again. Barack “The Weak” Obama who thinks he is playing both sides against the middle (2012 re-election) looks like helpless Jimmy Carter without Carter’s morals or a moral core. The Bait was Republican demanding DemocRATs accept their budget cuts or they will shut down the government. The Switch is Republicans refusing to vote for the cuts they demanded, Speaker Boehner will ask DemocRATs to help pass budget cuts they fought against. Then, Barack “The Weak” Obama will browbeat DemocRATs into voting against their constituents to keep the government open and to save his sorry worthless political ass.

Actually this is a brilliant strategy, the Republicans demand and get partisan budget cut without voting for the cuts. Republicans get to have their cake and eat it too. They get credit for cutting the budget, and they get to claim that the cuts weren’t deep enough to the Tea Party base. If the political winds change, they can honestly say they didn’t vote for the cuts because they weren’t the right budget cuts.

DemocRATs, the fools in this bad Off Broadway performance, vote for policies they oppose, demoralized their base, and legitimize Republican dogma. In 2012, Republican challengers can simultaneously hammer DemocRATs for outrageous spending and Draconian budget cuts. It’s a lose lose for DemocRATs and a win win for Republicans. Yet the DemocRATs keep repeating the same tired old performance. The first act was the GWB tax extensions, then the 2010 budget, next is the Debt Limit. Obama’s final act before his 2012 defeat and the complete DemocRATic Party collapse is to gut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. I’d like to thank Barack Obama for pulling the covers off the the DemocRATic Party and revealing them as corporate whores that I’ll never vote for again. Thanks again.

American Indemnity - Obama Is Our Jean-Pierre Boyer

2011-04-09T04:22:00.000-07:00

The history of the Island of Hispaniola is fascinating and troubling, Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492 and claimed the island for Spain. Hispaniola was robbed of its natural resources, and its native population was killed by disease and war then replaced with African slaves. Through international treaties, war, and brutality, by 1790, Haiti was the most profitable French colony. Between 1791 and 1804, Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Toussaint Louverture led former slaves to freedom and independence from France. By 1821, Jean-Pierre Boyer ascended to power, he was a member of the gens de couleur (mulatto). The gens de couleur constituted a third caste between the whites and enslaved Africans. Boyer was a wealthy French educated mulatto who rose to power after the slave revolution but govern by favoring the wealthy mulattoes over the former black slaves.

In July 1825, King Charles X of France sent a fleet of 14 vessels and thousands of troops to reconquer Haiti. Under pressure, President Jean-Pierre Boyer agreed to a treaty by which France formally recognized the independence of the nation in exchange for a payment of 150 million francs – an indemnity for profits lost from the slave trade. French abolitionist Victor Schoelcher wrote, "Imposing an indemnity on the victorious slaves was equivalent to making them pay with money that which they had already paid with their blood."

Boyer was anxious to remove the threat of France and opened negotiations. While this sum was later reduced to 90 million francs (1838), it was a crushing economic blow to Haiti. Boyer's rule lasted until 1843, when the poor economic situation worsened and the disadvantaged rural population rose up. Boyer fled Haiti to Jamaica before settling in France.

Boyer's weak leadership and negotiating under threat plunged Haiti into a poverty cycle that has lasted until today. Like Boyer, Obama has imposed an American indemnity. The American indemnity is forcing the American middle class to pay for the Bush tax cuts and war cost with the loss of social programs and higher taxes for that which they have already paid in blood, foreclosed of homes, and exported jobs. Like Boyer, Obama (a well educated mulatto) who rose to power on the shoulders of a populism but governs by favoring the wealthy. And like Boyer, Obama refuses to confront his opponents, Obama chooses to negotiated and compromise under political pressure. And like Boyer, Obama is plunging the American middle class into a never ending poverty cycle by protecting Wall Street criminals, supporting Corporate interest over people, and by favoring the wealthy over the middle class (for example Obama passed the Bush tax cut extension followed by the cuts to middle class social programs or Obama's health care reform that surrendered Americans to corporate controlled medicine). Obama's debt commission advocated lower tax rates on the rich while cutting social programs for the middle class. And Obama's latest capitulation that agrees to cutting home heating oil and student loans while providing tax cuts to billion dollar energy corporations.

Obama admires Ronald Reagan and wants to be a transitional President but he most resembles Jean-Pierre Boyer, a weak over-educated mulatto without the courage to govern in the best interest of his country. If Obama surrenders so easy to political pressure, I often wonder who/what would Obama sacrifice if faced with the threat of 14 French vessels, but I know the answer, anything and everyone. Boyer was eventually forced out by Haitians, and the Democratic base should rise up and force out our gens de couleur Republican whore. Vote anybody but Obama in 2012.

Morning Idiots

2011-04-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

Morning Idiots

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Today on Morning Joe, Joe Scarborough couldn't understand why his friends in Florida and South Carolina are worried about their economic futures. Then Morning Joe talking head, Steven Rattner, states that the last decade was the first decade in American history that American workers didn't received an increase in wages absent inflation. From 2001 to 2010, our cumulative trade deficit was over $5.5 trillion. That's $5,500 billion. We have learned that each billion dollars equal 5000 American jobs. Sorry math time, 5,500 * 5000 = 27,500,000 exported American jobs. The GWB tax cuts redistributed American wealth from the poor and middle class to the rich, and the un-financed GWB wars wasted another $1.5 trillion. Just for fun, lets add Wall Street financial fraud onto the gigantic pile of dog shit that is the American economy.

The Morning Idiots can't understand why Americans are worried about their economic futures, homes, and jobs. In 2008, we elected a "Democrat" to replace the idiot GWB, Obama continued the same Free Trade policies, the same war policies, the same tax policies, and bailed out his Wall Street campaign donors. America doesn't have a President or a leader, we have a group of bribed politicians doing the work of their masters. Wall Street has insulated it's profits from Main Street and socialized it's losses to Main Street. The only economic or governing philosophy coming from Washington is the same philosophy that created the current economic environment. The Republican Party has bought into their own ideology, and the Democratic Party is too weak and leaderless to oppose the Republicans. Just listen to the idiot Democrat in the video clip use the language of Wall Street, "uncertainty is the problem". As long as Donald Trump opposes Free Trade, he has my vote. I don't care if Trump screams Obama's birth certificate wearing a KKK sheet and hood, he has this Black man's vote. I don't think Trump even realizes how close he is to being President. I guarantee Trump will win the Rust Belt (PA, OH, MI) and the general election if he survives the Republican primaries. Maybe then he can begin to turn America around.

TeaBags, Shut It Down Please

2011-04-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Apparently, Paul Ryan’s GOP budget will demand $4 trillion in cuts over the next 10 years. This tells me that he really wants $3 trillion. By now Ryan must know Obama and Democrats will immediately surrender half of any amount and just bitch about the remainder before they concede half of the remainder. So a $4 trillion demand results in $3 trillion final “negotiated” agreement. Or they could just end the GWB tax cuts and save $4 trillion but that’s off the table.

The Progressive Liberal former Democrat in me keeps hoping the TeaBags will push Obama and Democrats to the point that they stiffen their spines and start to fight. But I’m just fooling myself, Obama and Democrats don’t have spines. So I hope the TeaBags show the Democratic Party exactly what Barack Obama will fight to defend, NOTHING. I’m with the TeaBags, shut down the government and don’t raise the debt ceiling. We have an economy of and for the rich, the connected, and the privileged. If the TeaBags shut down the government and refuse to raise the debt ceiling, it may hurt the poor and middle class but it will bankrupt the rich. Who am I kidding, if there was a chance of the rich feeling real pain, the Democrats and Republicans(redundant) minus the TeaBags would conspire to keep our house of cards vertical. The middle class and the poor are just screwed. Hey, did anyone here McDonald’s is hiring? Obama jobs?

Without Freedom of Speech, Democracy is Impossible - Support Terry Jones' Right

2011-04-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

Without Freedom of Speech, Democracy is Impossible

After Freedom of Speech is established, Freedom of Religion is redundant but it’s necessary for the unwashed masses. The UN massacre in Afghanistan over the burning of the Koran in Florida is absolute proof that Afghanistan isn’t ready for democracy. Democracy is a system of government that requires continuous debate, reflection, and adjustments around a set of core principles.

If people aren’t allowed to publically debate or disagree about public policy, then a democracy can’t exist. Assuming a fledgling government accept some disagreement about public policy but religion is sacrosanct, then the democracy is at the mercy of the religious leaders. If the word of God cannot be questioned, then the interpreters of the word of God are the defacto rulers. We have too many examples of theocracies – Iran, Saudi Arabia, Utah, and Texas. Fortunately, Utah and Texas must occasionally follow the US Constitution.

I wrote this post because of a response I received to a comment I made about Massacre at UN Outpost in Afghanistan Responded to US Pastor Burning Koran.

VMT April 1st, 2011 at 12:46 pm1

Wow. This is a disturbing development. How many people must die before the American, evangelical right stops inciting people to violence?

Bin Quick April 1st, 2011 at 2:58 pm28

In response to VMT @ 1 (show text)

It’s disgusting to burn a Koran, Bible, etc but at some point, Muslims have to grow-up. Burning a Koran is bad but I’m sure murdering 12 people is against the teachings of the Koran.

onitgoes April 1st, 2011 at 3:02 pm29

In response to Bin Quick @ 28 (show text)

You’re correct that murdering people in response to a Koran-burning is wrong and undoubtedly against the teachings of the Koran.

Still doesn’t excuse Terry Jones’ actions, though. Two wrongs certainly never make a “right,” but Jones should’ve never indulged himself in that stupidity.

Bin Quick April 1st, 2011 at 3:13 pm35

In response to onitgoes @ 29 (show text)

I agree but burning a book does not equate to murder. Muslims need to check themselves.

tjbs April 1st, 2011 at 3:25 pm38

In response to Bin Quick @ 35 (show text)

How many have we Murdered so far, How many damn it .

How righteous of us to play God with our random bombs.

So how many and how many more? Till they’re all dead?

Bin Quick April 1st, 2011 at 3:31 pm43

In response to tjbs @ 38 (show text)

I thought we were discussing the Koran and the UN workers killed today. But I’ll play along, they are allowed to murder enough to even the score. Is that better? Will it ever end?

tjbs April 1st, 2011 at 3:37 pm45

In response to Bin Quick @ 43 (show text)

It’s not a sterile setting but the brutality we have visited upon them that may have drove human beings off the deep end.

Bin Quick April 1st, 2011 at 3:44 pm47

In response to tjbs @ 45 (show text)

Of course it’s not, that’s why I said Muslims need to grow up. They can’t murder innocent people half way around the world because some asshole in Florida burns a Koran. If that’s acceptable behavior, it will never end.

In response to Bin Quick @ 47 (show text)

Right. Just as we can’t drone-kill innocent people halfway around the world because some assholes blow up some buildings to incite the public.

tjbs April 1st, 2011 at 3:56 pm53

In response to Bin Quick @ 47 (show text)

Maybe we could lead by example and grow the fuck up,

Over a hundred cruise missiles lobed at a country because barry decided.

Won’t be any animosity there.

Sow the wind reap the whorlwind and it doesn’t sound like we juveniles like the sound of the hurricane a coming. Ain’t stopping it now, the wind picking up, can’t you hear it ???

catch22oy April 1st, 2011 at 4:19 pm54

In response to Bin Quick @ 47 (show text)

I completely defend “Pastor Jones’” first amendment right to burn Korans, Bibles, or flags (insert Voltaire quote here.) But if it was a cartoon of Mohammed however…

The blame for the violence is solely on those who committed it.

I’ll keep my first amendment rights, thank you, even my doing do offends someone else.

I agree with all those who blame the U.S. and NATO and the Taliban for the unconscionable death and destruction we’ve caused, but that’s another story.

I didn’t respond after catch22oy because I agree, and it’s useless to continue the “who started it” debate. Until the Arab world can accept insults to the Koran and Islamic institutions just as the Christian world accepts insults to the Bible and Christian institutions, the Arab world isn’t ready for Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, or democracy. And if there version of democracy isn’t the same as ours, then we are talking about apples and oranges, not democracy. Terry Jones is a disgusting little religious tyrant but he hasn’t violate any American laws; moreover, Jones has exercised his right to our most fundamental core value. Was it insensitive? Yes. Will it get people killed? Yes. Will it create long term foreign policy problems? Yes. But if I didn’t defend Terry Jones right to be idiotic, then I’m sure some Government agency that is currently data-mining our every keystroke would eventually show up at my door. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Dick. Dick Cheney or Barack Obama’s secret police.

***AnyBodyButObama2012***

Obama2012 Four More Years (Video)

2011-04-01T13:16:00.001-07:00

Our Next President If He Wants the Job

2011-04-01T05:11:00.000-07:00

______________________________________________________________________

Donald Trump cuts straight to the core issues concerning Americans today - JOBS and gas prices. If the corporate media doesn't think this is a winning presidential platform, then they better start taking better polls. If Donald Trump survives the Republican primaries, he will destroy the 'Weak Political Poll' masquerading as President of the United States.

Crossroads: Green Tea Party

2011-03-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

I’ve come to the crossroads, do I remain in the Democratic Party or not? Better yet, should I fight the Democratic leadership or join a different Party? Regardless, I will oppose Barack Obama and all Corporate Democrats forever. Some of the FireDogLake Diaries I most enjoy reading are from former Democrats, Green Party, and Independents. I rarely find a Democrat on FireDogLake. Although we must distinguish between Party affiliation and one’s vote, they aren’t necessarily the same.

We have two examples of unsatisfied Party “extremes” and the methods they used to achieve their stated policy goals. The Democratic Left and the Republican Right have engaged two very different strategies. The Democratic Left either acquiesces or leaves. The Republican Right fights their Party leadership. The Right has nominated candidates without a prayer of winning but they are closer to their policy goals than the Left. The Left marches and votes against Republicans like GWB and Scott Walker, but ignores the exact same policies by Barack Obama. MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough wrote:

President Barack Obama bowed to his generals’ demands by tripling troops in an unending war. CODEPINK did nothing.

Obama backed down on Guantanamo Bay. Anti-war protesters stayed at home.

America invaded its third Muslim country in a decade. The American left meekly went along.

I agree with Scarborough about the Left but as usual he ignores GWB’s lies about WMD and mushroom clouds over American cites. Yet his point is correct, if an action is wrong under a Republican president, it’s wrong under a Democratic president. We can have long conversation about motives, politics, and lies another time. Don’t get me wrong, Republicans are full of hypocrisy too.

But is it more effective to stay within a Party and fight your Party leadership or form/join a new Party with little if any chance of influencing policy. I’ve heard that the biggest fear of Washington politicians isn’t the other Party. There biggest fear is a strong primary challenger because a challenger forces a candidate to take partisan positions that maybe problematic in the general election, and a challenger drains valuable campaign resources – money. The Tea Party has proven that Tea Party terror is very effective at enforcing Republican Party discipline. In contrast, Obama isn’t scared of the Left, Democrats, or Greens, and his policies reflect his lack of fear. Scarborough also wrote:

Katrina vanden Heuvel, one of the few liberals to take a principled stand against what America is doing in Libya, has written in The Nation that the anti-war left has been silent since Obama took office because they don’t want to hurt the president’s reelection chances.

Until we are less concerned with winning worthless elections than enforcing policy discipline, whatever Party you belong to is doomed.

I’m not asking anyone to join any Party or leave any Party. I respect those that have left the Democratic Party, I often wished I’d left prior to 1992 and definitely prior to 2008. Regardless of my Party affiliation, my vote will be anti-Democrat in 2012. I’m asking the question, ” Is it more effective to fight Party Leadership than to leave the Party?” The Tea Party Republicans seem to be winning with the Party discipline approach. Maybe, the Green Party could learn a few things from the Tea Party.

Trump or Obama

2011-03-29T04:59:00.000-07:00

My favorite new anti - Free Trade warrior, Donald Trump has been criticized for questioning Obama's birth certificate. While I've been very critical of "Birthers" in the pass, this time I'm going to take a pass. I firmly believe Obama could end this "Birther" nonsense in 2 seconds for 95% of the Republicans. The other 5% will never accept reality.

Donald Trump is either stupid or smart like a future POTUS. As a Republican, his only chance to appeal to Redneck Republicans is this "Birther" route. Others have cornered the religious, family values, Mama Bear wing of the GOP. Trump needs a grassroots foothold. And if the "Birther" avenue is his only road, he must take it if he wants to be President. Trumps "Birther" act may be the first indication that he is seriously running for president. I hope so.

If the 2012 election is between Trump and Obama, "Anti Free Trade Birther" versus "Stealth Republican", it's a no brainer. I'll vote for Trump. Since Obama continued GWB's wars, kept GITMO open, blown health care reform, and capitulated on GWB tax cuts, the only important issue remaining is JOBS - Free Trade. And I clearly support Trump's Free Trade policies over Obama's export American jobs policies. My staff economist, Paul Krugman via Conscience of a Liberal, estimates it may take 10 years to recover the jobs lost since 2007. Obama has moved on to political posturing for Independents with his American middle class austerity program after bailing out his Wall Street benefactors. In comparison, Trump's political outreach to "Birthers" is just politics. He has my permission to do what ever is necessary.

I remember asking my Black mother in 1982, "how could she vote for George Wallace?" Remember Gov. George Wallace, "segregation forever...", KKK racist, etc? My mother said, "I had to choose between Wallace and the Republican, I didn't have a choice." If Trump wins the nomination, my choice will be between a "Birther" and a Republican. A choice between an Anti-Free Trade Republican and a more conservative corporate Stealth Republican. Would I really have a choice?

***AnyBodyButObama2012***

Preview: Obama's Kinetic Military Action Speech - BS Distraction

2011-03-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

I've been told that most Whores are skilled in the various techniques of their trade, I expect no less from America's Top Political Whore. Obama will deliver an excellent speech tonight. Chris Matthews' leg may tingle again. After the speech, most of us will still wonder why we're bombing Libya and not ______. No one will know exactly what conditions will end our Libyan kinetic military action. No one will know why Obama didn't get Congressional approval prior to attacking Libya. But we will all feel warm and cozy until we actually think about what Obama didn't say.

I'm sure Obama will hit the trifecta, Saddam err Gaddafi has WMDs(mustard gas), Gaddafi would destabilize the Middle East, Gaddafi would have killed his own people. If those are reasons for "war", when do we start bombing Tel Aviv, but Jews with WMD, killing Arabs, and maintaining ghetto/concentration camps is different. Sorry, I digress. I meant Sudan err Yemen. Sorry, it's easy to get confused when hypocrisy is America's foreign policy doctrine.

I could continue but it's just too damn easy to write Obama's BS speech. I'm waiting for the President that is willing to just say, "We are at war because we need Libya's fucking oil" and "Do you want to pay $10 per gallon?" Of course that future president can't be black.

While we are focused on Libya, Obama's agents (3 Democratic Senators, 3 Republican Senators) are negotiating to cut Social Security and Medicare. The current technique involves delaying Social Security retirement for those under 50. As a 45 year old black man with a life expectancy of 80, delaying my retirement by 3 years is a about 25% of my golden years. I hope full Social Security retirement won't determine my retirement date but I have to be realistic. Wall Street may not exist in 22 years or my money on Wall Street may not exist.

If my SSI check is $1000 per month, I'm estimated to receive $1000 X 12(months) X 13 (80-67) = $156,000. If Obama's agents delay my retirement until 70, they would be taxing me $36,000 plus 3 additional Social Security contribution years. $36,000 / $156,000 = 23% of my retirement income.

I guess that "No New Middle Class Taxes" promise went the way of closing GITMO, etc. So tonight while we are distracted, just think about what's not being said. And what is happening behind Obama's closed doors. Democrat?

***AnyBodyButObama2012***

Update: 5AM CST 3/29/2011

What he didn’t do, though, was explain exactly how “what’s right” differs from what isn’t. He didn’t explain how factors such as politics or oil should figure in decisions on whether to intervene. He didn’t explain which conflicts are worthy of ground troops and which are not. The Obama Doctrine’s outlines are clear, but the details are hard to make out.

By Eugene Robinson | 08:53 PM ET, 03/28/2011

60 Minutes' Leslie Stahl, Corporate Whore

2011-03-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

So I got sucked into Leslie Stahl's 60 Minutes segment about American Corporations moving offshore to avoid taxes. I knew it was going to disappoint me but I gave it a try.

It starts as most 60 Minutes segments, Stahl trying to expose the evil corporate tax dodge. She goes to some tiny Switzerland town where US corporations have moved to dodge the outrageous 35% American corporate tax rate. Then Leslie Stahl interviews a well intention Texas Congressmen fighting the evil corporations on behalf of the good hard working people of Texas. Unfortunately, the corporations have too many lawyers to stop them from gaming the system.

Next, Stahl interviews a "Corporate Suit" that wants to repatriate billions of US profits trapped offshore because of the evil 35% corporate tax rates. Among other things, "Corporate Suit" wants to create American jobs if only the IRS would let him bring home his profits untaxed. And the Obama Administration hasn't capitulated to the foreign registered corporation yet, just give Obama time. Shahl concluded the segment with the Corporate Suit's argument that America's only choice is to eliminate or reduce US corporate tax rates to 20% or less.

There was no discussion about why corporations suddenly started moving offshore. There was no discussion about economic patriotism. There was no discussion about Free Trade treaties or the World Trade Organization. There was no discussion about the ethics of American Corporations not paying taxes while America has a $14 Trillion national debt.

Let me help Leslie Stahl, Corporate Whore do her job in one word - TARIFFS! And for my TeaBag friends, it's in the Constitution. But there is the rub, we can't tax foreign corporation because it would violate free trade treaties. Ross Perot's gigantic sucking sound just keeps getting louder and louder every day. First labor intensive low wage jobs, now corporate headquarters are leaving America.

I don't blame the corporations, they are just reacting to market and tax environmental conditions. It's Congress' and the President's responsibility to protect the tax code's integrity, see American Oligarchs and Their Puppets.

Update: 8:10AM 3/28/2011

MSNBC’s Dylan Ratigan, Corporate Whore, also supports cutting taxes so American Corporations can repatriate there foreign profits. Here is my ideal on encouraging corporation to bring home their profits and pay taxes. Pass date specific foreign profit tax increases, July 1, 2011 foreign profits taxes increase from 35% to 40%, Jan 1, 2012 foreign profits taxes increase from 40% to 50%, July 1, 2012 foreign profit taxes increase from 50% to 65%%, Jan 1, 2013 foreign profit taxes increase from 65% to 85%, and July 1, 2013, the foreign profit tax rate will be permanently increased to 95%. If corporations repatriate their profits before July 1, 2011 they pay the current tax rates – 35%. All we need to do is pass the law and watch the money flow into the treasury. Corporations are money machines, if they forecast future losses, the decision makers will react to the new tax environment and pay the current tax rates.

American Oligarchs and Their Puppets

2011-03-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

As cynical as I am, I know we’ve been here before (1890s-1930s). That period had wars, pandemics, recessions, depressions, yellow journalism, and corporate democracy. And that was for white people, blacks, like me, had it worse. Every time in our history, America eventually elected a president that changed the political/economic status quo but past performance is no indication of future behavior. The social, political, and economic conditions had to decline to the degree to threatened our democracy before Teddy Roosevelt was forced onto the presidential ticket or Jackson, Lincoln, or FDR were elected.

I don’t recall a period in our history when all the institutions of government and the political system turned against the middle class. Our representatives, the courts, and the president are all agents of American oligarchs. The oligarchs, the financial system and the American elites, have abandoned the the country and the middle class. Wall Street is reaping record level profits and paying little or no taxes while the middle class is experiencing 20% real unemployment and austerity. Obama’s response is tax cuts for the rich, free trade, oil wars, and social security and medicare cuts. Democrat?

The middle class fights “wars” (Libya, Iraq) to secure Wall Street profits while Wall Street invest in China, India, and Brazil. The optics of Obama in South America negotiating away American jobs as he starts another illegal oil war to protect Wall Street speculators was astonishing. It even disgusted a few political whores before they could be bribed again. Maybe Rep. Kucinich needs another Air Force One ride before he shuts up ($5 political whore). By the way, where is Code Pink, Move On, or the Progressive Change jokes?

There is no reason for Wall Street to change it’s behavior, invest in America, or care about anything but money. Wall Street losses are socialized and profits are untaxed private income. They may re-inflate the bubble temporarily or not, it doesn’t really matter. They have all the air (money), but eventually the bubble will explode or the American people will.

Our politicians are corporate whores or worse, ambitious arrogant confidence men that owe their political careers to Wall Street and corporate America. Gov. Scott Walkers’ fake Koch telephone call is standard operating behavior in Washington. GE, America’s largest Corporation paid no taxes in 2010 but the GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt is Obama’s jobs point man. I’d like to know who reports to whom? A picture is worth a 1000 words.

By Law, Obama must call Immelt on the White House phone to demand GE create, invest, and support American middle class jobs. Then Obama hangs up, picks up his campaign Blackberry, and calls Immelt to beg for campaign donations. Repeat scenario with CEO _______ ( fill in the blank). What else needs to be said?

The presidents from Reagan to Obama and probably a few more will be historically regarded as nothing more than political confidence men. Obama is the worst of all. At least the Republicans campaign on a pro-corporate agenda, Obama was elected to counter the corporatist but after his election, he immediately capitulated. Obama’s betrayals have delayed our recovery by 10 – 20 years and/or sealed our faith. We have a long way to go before we even start to change directions. That’s why I’m so passionate about removing Obama at any political cost, even Palin. One party, even in defeat, has to stand with the middle class. As of today, we only have one political party.

Sorry but I don’t think the Wall Street Bankster, Political Whores, or American oligarchs care if the American Republic exist or not. They’ve stolen, bribed, outsourced themselves into billions. When the trouble starts, they will either leave the country or hide behind their walls until it’s over. They’ve already successfully isolated their Wall Street wealth from the American economy. All they need now is a private army – hello Blackwater or Xe Services LLC.

Unfortunately, the battle won’t be between Capital and Labor, it will be between ignorant rural racists fundamentalist and urban labor secularist. Since no other country can manage our regime change, we are just as likely to end up with a Hitler as a Washington. Obama could have been another FDR but he clearly didn’t have the necessary tools or character for the challenge. We needed FDR but instead we elect Herbert Hoover/James Buchanan( a caretaker that did nothing in the face of a crisis or imminent disaster).

I don’t have all the answers but I see the path we are on and it’s not going to be pretty. Our First step must be to remove the current useless President. The second step is to create Progressive/Liberal political party or take back the Democratic Party. Then we may have a chance to elect representatives that will forcefully fight for the middle class. There is no hope for the current Democratic Party or the TeaBags. Or we can “Hope” the political whores wake up before the tipping point if we haven’t already sealed our faith.

Impeach Obama Now

2011-03-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

Law

Article Two, Section One of the U.S. Constitution:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States"

Article One, Section Eight of the Constitution:

"Congress shall have power to ... declare War"

Article Two, Section Four of the United States Constitution:

"The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other High crimes and Misdemeanors"

Evidence

Barack Obama sent US military personnel into combat without prior authorization from Congress or an imminent attack on the United States.

Politics

Regardless of the US Constitution, Impeachment is a political act. Since the facts are absolutely clear, this case will depend of the definition of "High crimes and Misdemeanors" ergo politics. High crimes and Misdemeanors are whatever Congress impeaches a official for violating. The Impeaching party must evaluate the political consequences, congressional schedule, and likely chances of conviction. Barack Obama's political support among Democrats is a kilometer wide and a nanometer deep. Democrats are disgusted by Obama continuing George Bush wars, wire-tapping, and illegal acts. Politically, it won't take much to separate Obama and Senate Democrats. The odds are against conviction but the Senate may want to make a statement and/or reassert it's Constitutional Rights. And Joe Biden would make a terrific President, at least a better President then Barack Obama, Mediator of the Free World. Politically, there is little downside for Speaker Boehner and enormous upside.

Conclusion

Impeach Obama now!

Say It Aint So, Joe Biden

2011-03-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

I usually give my man, Joe Biden, a break because he is just a Constitutional hired-hand, but I have my limits. Joe Biden disgraced himself this week by lying during a AFL-CIO virtual town. I'm sure everything Joe said is factual except that President Obama doesn't support unions, Labor, or the American middle-class. In other words, everything of substance. Since Obama-Biden only support unions virtually, next year I'll cast a virtual vote for Obama/Biden and an actual vote for AnybodyButObama2012.

Joe Biden once had enormous credibility and integrity. He lost some credibility during his 1987 plagiarism scandal, but he successfully restored his reputation. Now, Biden is sacrificing his integrity to cover Obama's weak sorry worthless Republican ass. Joe sounded like a fool expressing his firm labor support while Obama hides in the White House taking polls and ignoring labor unions.

"You guys built the middle class," said Biden in a virtual town hall conversation hosted by the AFL-CIO. "I would just emphasize what Hilda [Solis] said and say it slightly different: We don't see the value of collective bargaining, we see the absolute positive necessity of collective bargaining. Let's get something straight: The only people who have the capacity -- organizational capacity and muscle -- to keep, as they say, the barbarians from the gate, is organized labor. And make no mistake about it, the guys on the other team get it. They know if they cripple labor, the gate is open, man. The gate is wide open. And we know that too."

Biden is correct, unions built the American middle class, and Free Trade is destroying unions and the American middle class. While the Obama Administration is professing it support for unions, Obama is finalizing another middle-class job exporting trade deal. With union friends like Clinton/Obama/Biden, unions are FUCKED. The American middle class is FUCKED, and America is FUCKED!

Obama, You're A Goddamned Quarterback

2011-03-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

In the style we've become accustomed, "Barack Obama Wades Into Gun Control Debate, Two Months After Tucson, Arizona Shootings" (Sam Stein). It's like Obama wants to check the box on every issue without sacrificing any political capital. The record is clear - Great speech(check), solid policy statement (check), no political capital expended (check). Likewise with the Wisconsin protest, if we were to check the record, Obama made statements supporting the Unions (check), no political capital expended (check). The following quote is quintessential Obama:

“I know that every time we try to talk about guns, it can reinforce stark divides. People shout at one another, which makes it impossible to listen. We mire ourselves in stalemate, which makes it impossible to get to where we need to go as a country,” Obama wrote. “However, I believe that if common sense prevails, we can get beyond wedge issues and stale political debates to find a sensible, intelligent way to make the United States of America a safer, stronger place.”(check)

This is the most obviously poll test policy statement ever released from any White House. All Presidents play politics but good Presidents rely on a set of core values. Obama's core has a picture of Nevil Chamberlain. Obama's response to Libya, Wisconsin, and Arizona isn't nearly good enough. The President is America's Quarterback, he doesn't get to quietly check a box. He has to lead, sacrifice political capital, and take the heat even if a natural disaster causes the wide receiver to fumble on the one yard line.

As I thought about the Obama presidency and Obama apologist (MSNBC's Chuck Todd) that defend Obama as a mediator, I remembered this incredible scene from 'Any Given Sunday'. Like "Willie Beamen", Obama doesn't understand why he has lost his team nor will Obama change because it's gotten him fame and fortune. I thought by now someone in the White House would speak truth to power and tell Obama he's not the President of the Harvard Law Review, US Senator, or a Community Organizer; he's the President of the United States, the Quarterback. Obama should watch this video, and I hope he learns why he needs to sacrifice political capital for the Democratic Party, American middle class, and the Progressive team.

With headlines like "Obama is AWOL on Religious Liberty" by Ken Blackwell, "Obama's 'Where's Waldo' Presidency" by Ruth Marcus, "Rubio: Obama MIA on Budget Debate" by Dan Weil. It's surprising that there aren't more headlines like "Obama Team Look For New Ways To Fire Up President's Base" by Charles Babington.

Obama acknowledged the challenge last week in Boston. "Somebody asked me, how do we reinvigorate the population, the voter, after two very tough years?" he told Democratic donors. "How do we recapture that magic that got so many young people involved for the very first time in 2008?" One answer, the president said, is to persuade hardcore liberals to swallow their anger over political compromises the administration reached with Republicans, even when Democrats controlled both chambers of Congress.

I love this answer, Obama plans to convince hardcore Democrats to abandon their principles to re-elect his sorry Corporate Ass so he can abandon hardcore Democrats. I have an idea, try "buck up", it worked so well for the 2010 midterms. If Obama wants to energize hardcore Liberals, Progressives, and Democrats, all he needs to do is repeat this, "I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president." Otherwise, my answer to Mr. Obama is FUCK YOU!

Obama's Democratic Party support is a mile wide and nanometer deep, and the White House knows it. If Russ Feingold announces his candidacy for the nomination, and gives the slightest hint he's willing to get tough on Free Trade, Obama's chances are cooked. Donald Trump could be described as "A noun, a verb, and China" but he polls within 2 points of Barack Obama. Any smart Republican could run away with the Electoral College just by pretending to care about Free Trade and/or Organized Labor.

Obama doesn't understand that he lost hardcore liberals with his compromises. Liberals and Progressives won't support Obama2012 because we are terrified of his next round of capitulations. I'm sure some "Democrats" will surrender their principles for a perceived "victory" but I believe a second Obama term would be worse than a Palin presidency. I will donate, work for, and do everything legally possible to send this sorry "Corporate Whore" back to Chicago as soon as possible. Here is another video Barack Obama should watch:

"You lead Nigga, but did anybody follow?"
Any Given Sunday

Like Obama, I have a checklist also, Contribute to AnybodyButObama (check), Campaign for AnybodyButObama(check), Vote for AnybodyButObama(check), Send Obama back to Chicago, Hawaii, Indonesia, or Kenya(check), Restore the Democratic Party or build a new political Party ( ? ).

Who's Winning? Republicans or Democrats

2011-03-10T03:55:00.000-08:00

Leadership: Republicans versus Democrats

Republican Leadership:

Conservative, Strong, Dumb, Actor, Idiot, Fascist, Tax Cuts, Ultra Right Wing, Anti-Union, Pro-Business, Pro-Military.

Democratic Leadership:

"Liberal", Moderate, Intelligent, Compromise, Negotiate, "Support" Social Programs, Support Free Trade, "Support" Labor Unions.

Result:

Economic Data	1980	2010
National Debt	$900 Billion	$14 Trillion
Budget Deficit	$74 Billion	$1.342 Trillion
Trade Deficit	> $20 Billion	$497 Billion
Labor Unions Jobs %	24%	13%
Unemployment Rate	7.50%	9%
Median Income	$9,494	$39,138
CEO Pay per Average Worker Pay	42 X	500+ X
Minimum Wage	$3.10	$7.25
Minimum Wage in (1996 dollars)	$5.90	$4.41 (2007)
Top 5 US Employers	AT&T	Walmart
	GM	Target
	FORD	UPS
	GE	KROGER
	Sears	SEARS HLDGS

Income Growth since 1980
Top 1% of Households	300%
Top 20% of Households	80%
Middle 20% of Households	20%
Bottom 20% Households	6%

Percentage of Top 1% Income

1929	18.40%
1950	11.40%
1970	7.80%
1990	13.00%
2007	18.30%

Trump's Road Map to the White House

2011-03-09T02:31:00.000-08:00

A recent Newsweek/Daily Beast Poll has President Obama with a double-digit lead over Sarah Palin (51-40), a narrow lead over Mitt Romney (49-47) and Donald Trump (43-41), and a tie with Mike Huckabee (46-46). Although the Huckabee results are surprising, neither Mike Huckabee nor Sarah Palin can get elected, maybe. Mitt Romney shouldn't be surprised since he's the next Bob Dole or John McCain, sacrificial Republican loser that earned the Republican nomination by process of elimination and past performance.

Joe Biden described Rudy Giuliani as a noun, a verb, and 9/11. Donald Trump could be described as a noun, a verb, and China but with 14 million unemployed Americans, nearly 20% real unemployment, and $3-$6 gas, "a noun, a verb, and China" with a bad comb-over could stroll into the White House. Most early presidential polls are national polls but we all know elections are won state by state. The 2012 election will be won in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Virginia, Florida, and Iowa. Obama has no path to victory without the Rust Belt states, and Donald Trump would win them easily ranting about unfair Chinese trade practices.

With only an anti-China, anti-free trade, and anti-OPEC "stump speech", Donald Trump polls within 2 points of Barack Obama. Trump has given the Republican Party a road map to the White House. Obama is a Republican in all but name, and the Democratic Party is so useless that Obama could extend the GWB tax cuts, ignore Wisconsin Labor Unions, and gut Medicare before any national Democrat complains. Donald Trump would be second only to Barack Obama as the most unqualified person to ever win the presidency but he has Leadership experience. Barack Obama can't lead himself out of a paper bag. Trump exposes Obama's disillusioned Left Flank. There are millions of angry Democrats ready to vote for anyone, Palin included, that will stand up to China, Wall Street, and Corporations. Any Republican or Independent with sufficient finances could use this opening to defeat Obama. If Sarah Palin found her inner Pat Buchanan, she would be elected President in 2012. Fortunately, Palin is too stupid, Romney to corrupt, and Huckabee to dumb to use this strategy.

Donald Trump has the "Economic Patriotism" argument all to himself, but the person this poll scares the most, other than Barack Obama, is Donald Trump. We've seen Billionaire businessmen surge to the top of the polls only to self destruct faster than Charlie Sheen. Trump is genuine in his desire to restore America's international prestige, stand up to China, and fight OPEC but he is probably shocked that he may actually have a legitimate chance. I bet Trump is more terrified that the media may start investigating his personal finances and business dealings. If Trump were serious, he would leave his idiotic reality show and announce his Presidential exploratory committee. As the Republican nominee, Trump would win in a landslide. He already has my vote.

Jobs: ABC's Made in America Debate

2011-03-06T14:22:00.001-08:00

I love this debate, it's so obvious why we've lost 7 million jobs and there are 14 million unemployed Americans. This clip starts with 'Mr Win The Future' repeating more Right Wing BS that he thinks passes for an answer. Innovation and automation doesn't destroy jobs, they energizes job growth. Innovation and automation create the jobs of the future, at least that was the case until Clinton's NAFTA. The Chinese aren't taking American jobs because the have better automated manufacturing processes, they are stealing American jobs with cheap labor, bribed politicians(Obama), and currency manipulations.

Chrystia Freeland (finance Whore err journalist) wants to setup an all or nothing debate or focus on the world economy. "If all Chinese people... all German people... it wouldn't be good for the world economy and American companies doing business around the world" But then Chrystia goes further, she loves that Americans manufactured the Viking kitchen appliances, but all the other products are beneath American workers. I bet the American workers that made the furniture, etc appreciate their jobs, likewise for the local restaurants, stores, and businesses that those workers support.

Mort Zuckerman (Billionaire Asshole) wants to talk about corporate tax rates. Surprise! If we just cut corporate taxes, all will be right with the world. I've never heard anything like that before. Is it similar to trickle down economics Mort? Zuckerman said, "We can't compete with China on labor cost..." Mort is correct, better yet, why should we try to compete with $0.25 per hour labor cost? I wonder has Mort ever heard of tariffs? And for my Tea Bag friends, "tariffs" are in the US Constitution. "We have health care cost that make people want to ship jobs overseas..." But if anyone suggest to Mort Zuckerman that we should move to a cheaper lower cost single payer system, he will call it socialism. I love these assholes. It's un-American to create a manufacturing policy, and socialism if we create a single payer system, the only answer that remains is tax cuts for the rich and corporations. It's amazing how these Fascist Assholes use every situation to cut taxes. I'm surprised Mort didn't drop in a plug for gutting the estate tax. No one can create middle class jobs better than trust fund babies.

Leo Gerard (Union leader) is the only person on this panel that talks about jobs directly, not cut corporate taxes and hope for jobs, but how to create jobs now. The problem with Leo is that he has sold-out his workers. He supported Clinton and Obama as they pass Free Trade agreements, supported NAFTA, and kissed Chinese ass. Obama could piss on Wisconsin teachers 24/7 and Gerard wouldn't complain. The Unions have tethered their political lives to a Democratic Party of the past while not realizing that today's Washington Democrats are Republicans. Obama is no more Progressive than Bob Dole, Jack Kemp, or Ronald Reagan. Wake the FUCK UP Leo Gerard. You are supporting your enemy - Barack Obama. If American Labor had half the testicles of the the Tea Party, America wouldn't have a jobs problem.

FYI, there aren't any bad legal American jobs, NONE! Just ask anyone looking for work or ask the unemployed engineers, accountants, and managers that previously worked in exported American factories. I know some people think Americans are above certain jobs but low paying labor intensive jobs create engineering, management, and software jobs. And doctors, lawyers, and financial advisers serve clients/patients that work in, sell to, or support low paying labor intensive jobs. Zuckerman understands the problem (we create new technologies then export the manufacturing jobs), but Mort can't connect the dots because Wall Street owes it's lifeblood to cheap Chinese trinkets. Our political leaders have sold their soul to Fascists corporate leaders whom regard American workers as pork bellies err commodities. Until the hard working American people(Democratic Party) recovers, America will continue this death spiral - export jobs, cut taxes, deficits (trade, budget), cut social services, export jobs, cut taxes, deficits, cut social services...

Obama, Mediator of the Free World

2011-03-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Where's Waldo? Good question.

"They(Obama Administration) would argue ... our job is to be the mediator ... our job is to bring both sides together. And this is their operating principle whether it's Egypt, whether it's Libya, whether it's dealing overseas, or whether it's with the Senate Democrats and House Republicans." - Chuck Todd

I just have one question, are you joking? The operating principle of the White House is to mediate between various parties. The leader of the free world, the US Commander-in-chief believes his role in setting policy, defending America's interest, and restoring the economy is to "mediate". If that's Obama's belief, then it explains health care reform, Iraq, Afghanistan, GITMO, and GWB tax cut extension.

A mediator is defined as a neutral party who assists in negotiations and conflict resolution. Does Obama believe he is a neutral party? President Obama is a "Democrat" or at least he is the leader of the Democratic Party but he believes his job is to mediate between Democrats and Republicans not advance a Democratic vision. We have elected a President that believes in nothing. Or if he has any beliefs, they are secondary to the principle of compromise. Whatever the Republicans want, he will give them at least half regardless whether or not it's in America's best interest. So if the Republicans want to cut Social Security, Medicare, and education while cutting taxes for the rich and corporate America. Obama doesn't care or if he does, it's not his job to defend Democratic principles, just to mediate between Democrats and Republicans.

The problem with this "operating principle" is that as President of the United States, Obama is the leader of the Democratic Party. His policies sets the agenda for the Party. If Obama believes he is just a mediator, then the Republicans are negotiating with the mediator or themselves. Practically, no Democrat will defend any policy if a Democratic President and the Republicans reached an agreement. If the leader of the Party stands for nothing, then the Party stands for nothing. Barack Obama has proven he stands for nothing better known as compromise at all cost. Now his administration is telling the media that they believe their role is to mediate.

America has survived for 230 years because the forces of Capital and the forces of Labor have fought over America's future. Parties aren't mentioned in the Constitution, but in the Federalist Papers, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton debated the effects of "faction".

James Madison wrote, "a number of citizens, whether amounting to a minority or majority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community." and "the most common and durable source of factions has been the various and unequal distribution of property. Those who hold and those who are without property have ever formed distinct interests in society."

The political competition between these "factions" produced the worlds greatest economic force, the American middle class. After 28 years of ultra Right wing and moderate Conservative administrations, and the train wreck that was the George W. Bush administration, we elected a Democrat to restore balance. But this President doesn't believe it's his responsibility to restore balance by pushing a Progressive agenda. He operates under the idea that he is a mediator. In other words, he has surrendered the American middle class to the faction of "those who hold property".

If the Wisconsin and Ohio Governors wants to eliminate collective bargaining, Obama says almost nothing. If the Generals want 60,000 more troops to chase 50 Al Queda in Afghanistan, Obama splits the difference and gives them 30,000. If Republicans want to permanently extend the GWB tax cuts, Obama gives them 2 more years. If those same Republicans want to cut social programs for the poor that may cause 700,000 lost jobs, Obama mediates. If the Republicans want to cut Social Security and Medicare, Obama mediates. If the Republicans want to continue $36 Billion oil and gas subsidies, Obama mediates. The American middle class and the Democratic Party is defenseless with Barack Obama. If this is "Change", can we re-elect George W. Bush? Maybe Bush will mediate between Democrats and Republicans.

If we apply the Mediator-in-Chief philosophy to past Presidents, Lincoln would have let half the South secede. FDR would have let Hitler have half of Europe and murder 3 million Jews without a response. Kennedy would have let the Russians set-up several nuclear launchers in Cuba. Just mediating between "factions" isn't leadership or change, it's vacuousness. Obama's form of leadership produces a Health Care Reform that doesn't reform health care. It produces a Financial Reform Bill that neither addresses the causes of the last financial crash nor prevents the next crash.

We have a President that leads by the least common denominator. Choose any subject that can get the necessary votes to pass congress regardless how watered down, how useless, or how misleading, and Obama will claim he has passed significant "Reform". Where's Waldo? It's a trick, there isn't a Waldo in the picture, and there isn't a Commander-in-Chief in the White House, just a mediator.

#AnyOtherDemocrat2012

Liar, Damn Liar, Politician!

2011-02-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

Liar

Damn Liar

Politician!

#AnybodyButObama2012

Egypt, Libya, or Wisconsin – Barack Obama MIA As Ususal

2011-02-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

Mr “Audacity of Hope” or Mr “Change You Can Believe In” is missing in action (MIA) as usual during a huge debate that will determine the future of millions of middle class workers. Oh, if Jamie Dimon need an extra billion or two, Barack Obama would be kissing Wall Street ASS up and down Pennsylvania Ave. The Wisconsin debate is about middle class workers that will vote Democratic regardless of the Union negotiating ability.

I know it’s hard for poor Barack Obama to condemn Gov. Walker when Obama plans to do the exact same FUCKING thing. Gov. Walker cut taxes and then proposed cutting salaries and other middle class benefits. Barack Obama extended the GWB tax cuts, created numerous business tax cuts, bailed out Wall Street and then proposed cutting home heating oil for the poor and freezing government employee salaries. Now Obama is in backroom negotiations with the Tea Party GOP to force poor and middle class workers to surrender 20% to 25% of their retirement so he can finance stupid wars, tax cuts, and free trade deals.

As 45 year old black man, statistically I’ll be lucky to live to 80. If I retire at 67, I’ll get 13 years of full social security benefits of $24000 per year. That equals $312,000. Barack Obama plans to change my Social Security retirement date from 67 to 70. That’s $72,000 and almost 25% of my retirement years. Tax cuts, social security withdrawal limits, capital gains taxes, and free trade are off the table. If you wonder why I include free trade, every American job lost for Chinese jobs represent less money contributed to social security. As free trade increases, American wages decrease and social security and medicare loses contributions. And Barack Obama is surrendering my benefits while exporting my income. Maybe he’s not MIA, maybe he has gone over to the other side assuming he was once on our side.

After Wisconsin solves this budget crisis and Labor Unions return to funding Barack Obama and other free trade deficit hawk Democratic campaigns, I hope Democrats realize the enemy is not just Gov. Scott Walker, it‘s Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and Harold Ford Jr. I’m sure after Wisconsin concludes it’s budget debate, the state and national unions will return to opposing Republicans and supporting Democrats. Why? I understand why unions will oppose Republican but why should they support national Democrats like Barack Obama. Between Bill Clinton’s and Barack Obama’s free trade deals, acquiescence on existing trade deals, and refusal to address Chinese currency manipulations, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are responsible for more lost union jobs than Gov. Scott Walker could ever destroy.

Where have you gone Chuck Todd?

2011-02-21T14:05:00.000-08:00

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Chuck Todd conducted a 10+ minute interview with Gov. Scott Walker and didn't ask one question about the origin of Wisconsin budget problems. Chuck didn't ask one question about Walker's "Special Session" tax cuts, business tax cuts, projected surplus or deficit before Walker's tax cuts. This isn't MATH, it's politics, choices.

“Walker’s proposed bills are fiscally irresponsible,” said Mike Thomas, SEIU Wisconsin State Council President. “He called the special session specifically to address the jobs crisis, yet none of the bills he introduced will create jobs. Wisconsin workers and their families are suffering. We cannot waste time introducing legislation that won’t create jobs in a responsible and intelligent manner.”

"Gov. Scott Walker and the Republicans have already hiked spending $140 million in their first two weeks," said Scot Ross, One Wisconsin Now Executive Director. "Not only have Gov. Walker and the Republicans hiked the deficit by $140 million, they have no way to show us the jobs our money is going to create."

Gov. Walker's "Special Interest Session" has included three spending bills which top $140 million over the biennium and are primarily geared toward paying back the corporate special interests which backed Walker's campaign, including:

Walker is spending $25 million for an economic development fund for job creation that still has $73 million due to a lack of job creation. Walker is creating a $25 million hole which will not create or retain jobs. If it had created any jobs, they would already have applied for and received the tax credits, because there's plenty of money already in the program. [Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau, 1/7/11]
Walker is spending $48 million for private health savings accounts, which primarily benefit the wealthy. A study from the federal Governmental Accountability Office showed the average adjusted gross income of HSA participants was $139,000 and nearly half of HSA participants reported withdrawing nothing from their HSA, evidence that it is serving as a tax shelter for wealthy participants. [Government Accountability Office, 4/1/08; Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau, 1/11/11]
Walker is spending $67 million for a tax shift plan, so ill-conceived that at-best the benefit provided to job creators would be less than a dollar a day per new job, and may be as little as 30 cents a day. This is hardly an incentive that will lead to new family-supporting jobs being created in Wisconsin. [Associated Press, 1/28/01] *

It took me less than 5 minutes and Google to do some basic research about Gov. Scott Walker's special session. Chuck Todd's interview reminded me of FOX News' Shawn Hannity interviewing Sarah Palin or CNN's John King interviewing Dick Cheney. Just sit there like a bump on a log and ask dumb-shit questions without getting to the real truth. Thanks for nothing Chuck Todd. I guess Comcast has enforced new journalism standards at MSNBC - NONE!

Reference:

* http://www.onewisconsinnow.org/press/walkers-special-interest-session-tab-140-million-and-counting.html

What's The Difference Between Obama and Wisconsin Gov. Walker?

2011-02-18T15:52:00.000-08:00

In Madison, Wisconsin, Democrats are protesting but in the rest of America, Democrats are rolling-over. President Obama plans to cut Social Security and Medicare to “balance” our long term budget deficits, and Gov. Scott Walker plans to cut state worker’s retirement and medical benefits to balance Wisconsin’s “budget”. What is the difference? Other than Walker is a Republican and Obama is a Republican is all but name.

There are several reports that Wisconsin’s budget shortfall doesn’t exist. Estimates vary from $120 million surplus to $130 million deficit. Some experts believe that Wisconsin’s deficit was caused by Special Interest Tax Cuts and Business Tax Cuts. Does that sound familiar? Apparently, Gov. Walker wants to “create” jobs by cutting business taxes, etc. Does that sound familiar?

"To govern is to choose, and the choices are never easy. But when you see someone make those choices, you then understand what their philosophy of government is, and what they think should be protected, and what they think the government’s job is." - MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell

After 2 years, we understand Obama’s philosophy of government, and we understand Walker’s philosophy of government. I say, what’s the fucking difference? Obama bailed out his Wall Street friends, cut taxes for the rich, exported middle class jobs, and cut business taxes. Walker plans to do the same thing, what’s the difference? Just because Obama “says” he is for this and against that, does it really fucking matter if he governs, “chooses”, just like Scott Walker? Where are the Egyptian style protest on the National Mall? Where are the protesters calling for Obama to resign or just leave? Some in Wisconsin are chanting, “Russ Feingold for Governor”, I say hell no, “Russ Feingold for President!”

Feingold2012! Feingold2012! Feingold2012!

Obama latest budget plan is to cut college educational benefits and home heating oil. In other words, balance the budget on the backs of college students and the poor, at least Walker has the decency to go after the middle class. Obama has no conscience, he started his budget negotiations by attacking the poorest among us so he can claim shared sacrifice. Fuck You Barack Obama! And Fuck You to Scott Walker!

I applaud the teachers union and other state employee unions in Wisconsin that are fighting to maintain their ability to negotiate but I’m disgusted at Liberals and Progressives for rolling-over as Obama does the exact same. Wisconsin deserves the government they elected and so does the rest of America. As long as the Liberals, Progressives, and Democrats let the “corporate whores” from the Democratic-Republican Party gut social benefits while exporting jobs, expect more of the same. Don’t vote Democratic or Republican(redundant) in 2012 regardless of the candidate (Obama) or the opponent(Palin).

I'm Not GWB, Love Me

2011-02-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Neall Ferguson shouldn't limit his criticism to foreign policy, "No Grand Strategy" defines the Obama presidency. I could play the same clip and it would accurately describe Financial Reform, Stimulus, Health Care Reform, Wars, GITMO, and Trade Policy. Obama is a "Empty Suit" flip-flopping from poll to poll. Ferguson might be a Right Wing idiot but even a stopped clock...

I broke with Obama during health care reform, the abandoning of the Public Option told me that Obama didn't have a Progressive "Core". After Obama extended the GWB tax cuts, it told me that Obama wasn't a Progressive, Liberal, or Democrat. After the Democrats passed Obama's tax cut deal, I have no use, respect, or need for Washington D.C. Democrats.

If the Democratic Party sits quietly as Obama capitulates on every Democratic policy or principle since FDR, then the Democratic Party doesn't deserve to exist. Just in the last 60 days, Obama has agreed to cut taxes for the ultra-rich and proposed cutting home heating oil for the poor. Does anyone need anymore evidence that Obama must be defeat in 2012? No Republican could do worse, reak Democrats in Congress wouldn't allow it. In 2012, don't vote Democratic regardless of the candidate (Obama) or the opponent (Palin). I stand by "My Pledge To The Democratic Party".

Egyptians, Get Busy Dying or Get Off My TV!

2011-02-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

I’m sorry but yesterday’s Egyptian events were my last straw. Well, probably not, but I hope you get the point. As I remember historic revolutions and revolts, they either end “Bloody” or “Blood-less”. The “Blood-less” usually end quickly with the leader fleeing the country. The “Bloody” revolutions tend to overwhelm the King, Dictator, or General before they can manage events.

Unfortunately, Egyptian protesters neither scared Mubarak into fleeing nor overwhelmed him with force. The longer Mubarak retains power, the more likely he will retain power. After almost 3 weeks, the Egyptian protesters have only managed to scare Obama, Israel, and Jordan, the Mubarak regime is as strong today as it was 5 years ago, notwithstanding Mubarak's faux power transfer or empty American threats.

If the Egyptian protesters think they have a friend in the White House, they are mistaken. Mr “Win the Future” is only concerned with winning Florida and New york in 2012. Mr “Win the Future” wont do anything that can be perceived to endanger Israel. Mr “Win the Future” or more precisely, Mr “Maintain the Status Quo” has only one goal, re-election even at the expense of the Democratic Party, US workers, Medicare, or Social Security. The Egyptian problem is just another distraction before Obama Incorporated capitulates to the Republicans on budget cuts, tax cuts, or free trade.

The Egyptian protesters need to get busy dying or get busy living in tyranny, the endless yelling and rock throwing is starting to bore. Simply not enough Egyptians have surrendered their lives for Freedom. If Egyptians want Freedom, they must take it, Freedom wont be given to them. Dictators with modern military power never give up power to screaming mobs. Like the doomed Green uprising in Iran, a screaming mob is just a minor annoyance. After the mob disperses, the leaders will be imprisoned and executed. By the way, does anyone remember Neda?

Delusional Obama Begs For Jobs

2011-02-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

Today President Obama crawled across the street on his stomach to the Chamber of Commerce to report that he has capitulated to their every demand, ask for further instructions, and beg the Chamber for jobs. Obama hopes that Chamber will create enough jobs in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan to save his political career. I'm sure the Chamber of Commerce is planning to donate heavily Democratic in 2012, or that's what they will lead Obama to believe until they don't.

In another example of complete stupidity and utter naivety, Obama tried to brow-beat Corporate America into investing in America. These are the same corporations that owe their existence to cheap Chinese and Indian labor. Obama still doesn't understand American corporations. Corporate America's only concern is the next quarterly report and their stock price. Nothing else matters, not National Security, not patriotism, and definitely not morality. These corporate titans live behind gated walls, travel among themselves, and have more in common with Russian oligarchs than the average Americans. American workers are just pork-bellies to be leveraged against Chinese, Indian, or Bangladesh pork-bellies.

Maybe Obama will realize that his political future depends on Mid-West Rust-Belt jobs. That is the only thing that gives me hope that Obama is working on behalf of Americans and not his corporate masters. It's ironic that "the corporation acting as president" re-election depends on blue-collar hourly jobs. Every policy, every trade deal, and every capitulation was for nothing, and now Obama gets to reap the benefits of his surrenders and lies. I can't wait to vote this Republican-Democrat out of office. Maybe Obama should ask Tom Donohue, how did Ronald Reagan get re-elected?

P.S. A reader just reminded me that Obama's speech today wasn't stupidity or naivety, it was part of Obama's act to keep idiot Democrats on the team. I must say, it is a valid argument. Obama is just that dishonest. Any man that can run as a Democrat and govern as George W. Bush can't be under-estimated.

Obama: So who are you going to believe me or your lying eyes?

2011-02-01T10:14:00.000-08:00

As predicted the Heath Care Reform Bill was declared unconstitutional by a Florida Federal Judge. I suspect there are some Liberals, Progressives, and Democrats that are disappointed. I’m not one of them. I’m glad that this disgusting perversion of health care reform has hit a wall. I hope the Supreme Court declares the individual mandate unconstitutional and throws out the entire bill.

There are two basic arguments for the individual mandate. The media always talks about the Commerce Clause but the Obama Administration is fighting the legal battle based of the federal government’s authority to tax. If the commerce clause is a valid argument, why not replace “health care insurance” with a “gun”, specifically an “AK-47″. Well two smart Republicans are doing it. South Dakota State Rep. Hal Wick and several others have introduced a bill that would require all citizens 21 and over to buy a gun.

“Do I or the other cosponsors believe that the State of South Dakota can require citizens to buy firearms? Of course not. But at the same time, we do not believe the federal government can order every citizen to buy health insurance,” Wick told the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

So all that’s left is the tax argument. Here is Barack Obama discussing whether or not the individual mandate is a tax. If any Liberal Supreme Court Justice accepts Obama’s legal argument, they should be impeached immediately.

So who are you going to believe me or your lying eyes?

I beg all Progressives and Liberals to demand a Democratic Primary challenger. If Obama is the nominee, don’t vote Democratic regardless of the opponent. We have to let these corporate whores lose. It’s the only possible way to save the Democratic Party if there is anything left after Obama-Clinton DLC Corporate Republicans.

Cut to the chase, is it time to cut Israel loose?

2011-01-30T10:21:00.000-08:00

The American response to Tunisia was as expected. The American President supporting the forces of Liberty, Democracy, and Freedom. Egypt is a different story, President Obama says the words in support of Liberty, Democracy, and Freedom but … We all know the elephant under the table is Israel. Egypt for all it’s human right’s abuses and anti-democratic forces supports Israel’s existence, US anti-terror efforts, and US foreign policy(Israel).

I blog constantly about free trade, globalism, and corporate fascism but we are watching the intersection between global economic forces, democracy, and US-Israeli policy/politics. Like most Americans, I side with the people fighting for democracy over tyrants even if it’s uncomfortable for US allies, US corporations, or US politicians. I always place US national interest first but I don’t necessarily buy the standard corporate/political line use to control American public opinion.

I can trace the genesis of every Arab attack on American interest to our blind support for Israel. We’ve fought 3 wars for Israel, oil, and stupidity. For all our wasted blood and treasury, Israel insulted VP Biden by announcing new Jewish settlements during his last visit. Israel is basically running two WWII style Ghettos. Whenever the Arabs react to Israeli violence, oppression, and poverty, the Israeli forces move in and kill Arabs at a 10:1 ratio. Usually the weapons used have “Made in USA” stamped on them. If not, the Arabs know that they were made in the USA or paid for by US foreign aide. Mr. Obama et al would have an easier job if they just supported Democracy, Liberty, and Freedom and stopped their disgusting verbal dance. Israel is a “Big Boy” now, nuclear weapons, etc. Israel has the means and ability to defend it’s interest. It’s time they start acting as a regional nuclear power and not an US satellite working against our US-Arab interest.

As I look around my house, it’s hard to find something made in the USA – not the Sony or RCA televisions, not the Denon stereo equipment, not the furniture, not the pool-table, and not the appliances. But if you are watching the Egyptian coverage, I bet you’ve seen “Made in the USA” teargas canisters. I guess I should be happy we still make things in America, but shit, can’t we make weapons that explode in manner that doesn’t leave US DNA. We’ll know where they came from but the pictures create embarrassing optics.

P.S. Before you call me antisemitic … well WTF, you’re going to do it anyway, have at it.

The History Of America's Sputnik Response

2011-01-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

I live and grew up in the Huntsville, AL area, home to Redstone Arsenal and Marshall Space Flight Center, so all the talk about a “Sputnik Moment” is a little close to home. The true Sputnik story is rarely told. It’s about the fight between President Eisenhower and Gen. Medaris and Dr. Wernher von Braun. Throughout 1956 & 1957, Gen. Medaris and Dr. von Bruan begged the Army and the White House for permission to launch a rocket capable of Earth orbit. President Eisenhower refused because he didn’t wanted the first US man-made Satellite to be a Army ballistic missile. Eisenhower demanded that it have a scientific purpose, and he gave the project to the Navy. Gen. Medaris and Dr. von Braun even toyed with the ideal of building a rocket and launching without Army or White House permission. The United States had the technology and capability before the USSR but President Eisenhower held the Redstone team back.

As President Obama talks about a “Sputnik Moment”, I honestly wonder if he’s pulling a Sarah Palin, talking out of his ass (BTW, I can see the “Rocket” from my deck, inside joke). It’s clear that the American economy is being held hostage by multi-national corporations and the politicians they own/rent. The political choice to sign more Free Trade Treaties after the damage done to American workers is beyond reason. We need a “Sputnik Moment” to scare the politicians and corporate leaders into an American first economic strategy. I wish the Egyptian political crisis was happening in China, maybe a strong Chinese democracy movement followed by Chinese labor unions will be Corporate America’s next “Sputnik Moment”. I wonder which side would Obama and his corporate masters secretly support?

Please read the Legacy of Explorer I and watch the video.

The Legacy of Explorer I

The story of Explorer I, the free world’s first artificial satellite, goes beyond the traditional story of the Army team at Redstone Arsenal responding to the Soviet Union’s launch of the Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957. To truly understand the remarkable accomplishment made by the men and women of the greater Huntsville/Madison County community, we need to step back in time a bit further than 1957.

On September 15, 1954, the Army Ordnance Missile Laboratories at Redstone Arsenal published the first true engineered thesis for a minimum satellite vehicle utilizing existing Army Ordnance Corps hardware. Written by Dr. Wernher von Braun, the thesis proposed using the REDSTONE missile as the main booster of a four-stage rocket for launching artificial satellites. The plan was later expanded into a joint Army-Navy proposal called Project Orbiter and submitted to the Assistant Secretary of Defense on January 20, 1955. However, 5 days later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially sanctioned another artificial earth satellite undertaking, the U.S. Navy’s Project Vanguard, for the United States’ contribution to the International Geophysical Year.

As early as April 1956, the Army advised the Department of Defense that its JUPITER- C missile could orbit a satellite by the end of the calendar year as an alternate to Vanguard. In May 1956, however, the Defense Department informed the Army that it was not to initiate any plans or preparations for using any part of the JUPITER or REDSTONE programs as the basis for an orbital launch vehicle.

As part of its reentry test vehicle program, the Army at Redstone flight tested a staged REDSTONE missile on September 20, 1956, that could have orbited the world’s first satellite if permission had been granted to do so. Having proved that it had the necessary capability, the Army continued to offer its potential to launch a satellite as a backup to the Vanguard program, but again it was ordered to refrain from any efforts in this area.

Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger, an original member of Von Braun’s Team, revealed in a speech in July 1957 at the Army Science Symposium at the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York, that practically all components necessary for a successful satellite launch were available at Redstone Arsenal’s Army Ballistic Missile Agency. These components, he said, were left from Project Orbiter. Instead, the Defense Department reaffirmed its close cooperation with Project Vanguard and denied that any of its research programs interfered with the intended tactical uses of the REDSTONE missile.

As noted earlier, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the world’s first satellite, on October 4, 1957. A month later, they orbited a second, larger satellite, Sputnik II, on November 3, 1957. Five days later, on November 8, 1957, the Secretary of Defense, Neil McElory, directed the Department of the Army (and specifically the Army at Redstone Arsenal) to modify two JUPITER-C missiles and to attempt to place an artificial earth satellite in orbit by March 1958. The Navy made a last-ditch effort to launch their Vanguard. Project Vanguard faltered when it exploded on the launch pad on December 6, 1957.

On January 31, 1958, just 84 days after receiving the mission, the Army Ballistic Missile Agency launched the first U.S. satellite—Explorer I—into orbit. With the successful launch of Explorer I, the Army embarked on an ambitious program which rapidly advanced U.S. interests and goals in the space arena. For example, the Army Ballistic Missile Agency placed additional Explorer satellites into orbit on 26 March 1958, 26 July 1958, and 13 October 1959. Also, on March 3,1959, Pioneer IV, a joint Army Ballistic Missile Agency/Jet Propulsion Laboratory project under the direction of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), achieved a velocity in excess of 24,560 miles per hour; passed within approximately 36,000 miles of the Moon; and traveled on to become the first U.S. satellite in permanent orbit around the Sun. And, the flight of monkeys Able and Baker on May 28, 1959, marked the first successful recovery of living beings after their return to earth from outer space. Their survival of speeds over 10,000 miles per hour was the first step toward putting a man into space.

On July 1, 1960, the Army at Redstone formally lost all of its space-related missions, along with about 4,700 civilian employees (including the Von Braun team) and $100 million worth of buildings and equipment at Redstone Arsenal and Cape Canaveral to NASA’s George C. Marshall Space Flight Center. At the activation ceremonies, Dr. von Braun, the new Director of the Center, remarked that “without the bountiful and courageous backing and support of the Army…the free world would not jumped off into space nearly so soon.”

This article was taken from multiple sources contained in the Office of the Command Historian, US Army Aviation and Missile Command.

Sputnik Moment or FDR Moment?

2011-01-27T09:58:00.000-08:00

Sputnik Moment

In 2009, Barack Obama had a Sputnik moment or a FDR moment, and Obama chose Wall Street over Main Street, Obama chose bankers over homeowners, and Obama chose Chinese workers over American workers. Obama ignored every effective policy or regulation change that would have given justice to Americans, he decided to look forward as Wall Street paid themselves billions with tax payer dollars. Obama dismissed every opportunity to put America back to work. Now the fascist bastard wants us to choose Free Trade, Wall Street bailout debt, GWB’s Wars, and Billionaire tax cuts over our Medicare and Social Security.

If Obama and his GOP allies do absolutely nothing to Social Security, it will pay 100% benefits until 2037, then 75% benefits. As a 45 year old, I’ll take 75%. I don’t want that sorry bastard to “save” Social Security, and I end up with 50%. I may or may not “need” my SSI to survive but I earned it, and I want every fucking penny.

As for Medicare, of course it’s going broke. We have a Health Care Finance System that has an unsustainable business model. It doesn’t cover the elderly, it doesn’t cover the unemployed, and it doesn’t cover the poor. It took corrupt unconstitutional HCR to cover the previously sick. In Obama’s health care Sputnik moment, he chose insurance companies over the American people. Obama took single payer off the table before there was a table. Now, he wants America to suffer due to his political cowardice. Americans pay twice as much per capita then most industrialized countries for health care. By choosing insurance companies over Americans, Obama locked America into an endless health care death spiral – death or health care or lost jobs or death or health care or lost jobs… Next the corporations will say, “we must send jobs to China because of rising health care cost or we need lower corporate taxes to compete.” Actually, the corporation acting as President said it for Corporate America in the SOTU speech. The cycle of economic destruction never ends with Corporations and their Washington Whores.

Between TARP and the Federal Reserve, Wall Street Banks were given $3 Trillion for fucking up and fucking over Americans. Now Obama is blaming average Americans for not competing and not innovating. In my most civil tone, FUCK YOU BARACK OBAMA!

Don’t vote Democratic regardless of the candidate or the opponent. Vote Green, Blue, or Yellow but don’t vote for these corporate bastards. We must take back the Democratic Party if there’s anything left. If not, the Progressive Party of America sounds great, Obamacrats not welcomed.

SOTU: Wah Wah Wah ... God Bless America.

2011-01-26T07:05:00.000-08:00

The President talked for over an hour, and I can sum up his speech up in 6 words, ” wah wah wah ... God bless America”. If you missed the SOTU, don’t worry. Obama didn’t say anything that you didn’t know or suspect. Obama plans to govern as a Republican for the next 2 years and dare the Democratic Party, Liberals, or Progressives to do anything about it.

Obama has completely accepted Right Wing fiscal policy and economic theory. He plans to cut corporate taxes, cut regulations, cut the budget, cut the deficit, reduce the debt, cut Social Security, and cut Medicare. Obama plan to sign more free trade agreements and continue exporting American jobs. After 10 years of George W. Bush, Obama plans to do everything GWB couldn’t to destroy the American middle class. The Corporation acting as President has been taken over by Wall Street, the Chamber of Commerce, and political donations. The State of the Union is FUCKED!

Words (phrases) not used in the State of the Union speech:

Foreclosure, Wall Street, Currency Manipulation, Bankruptcy, Unemployment, Gun Control, War Crimes, Guantanamo, Public Option.

Words overuse to deflect, mislead, or officiate:

Job(~31), Work (~35), Future (~15), Business(~15), Deficit(~11), Tax (~14), Innovation(~9).

Substantively, there were no details. There were no guarantees to protect anything and no promises to do anything. The SOTU speech was quintessential Barack Obama, he said absolutely nothing. America has no ideal what he plans to do next. America has no ideal what programs Obama plans to reduce, cut, slash, or gut. America has no ideal what this core-less President believes in or will fight for. In other words, America has no President. America has no Leadership. We have a politician willing to do anything to get re-elected including destroying what’s left of the Democratic Party.

I apologize to my family, my community, and my country for voting for this worthless Republican. Never again. Never again! My 2012 Democratic Campaign motto: Don’t vote Democratic regardless of the candidate (Obama) or the opponent (Palin)! Please don’t stay home, go vote for anyone other than the Democrats. We have to purge the Democratic Party for the good of the country. I stand by My Pledge to the Democratic Party.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, Strike 2 ... Strike 3!

2011-01-22T14:21:00.000-08:00

First President Obama hired an academic economic team, Christina Romer - University of California-Berkley, Larry Summers - Harvard, and Austan Goolsbee - University of Chicago. They are some of the most brilliant economic minds in the country, and they are incredible at analyzing charts, statistics, and data. They forecasted unemployment no higher than 8%. They were wrong. They made the classic mistake of using bad data. The 2008 US economy was much worse than they knew. As the facts became clear, Obama was locked into George W. Bush mode, too stupid to admit his mistake or change course. By the Summer of 2009, Obama had moved on to capitulating on the Public Option and flip-flopping on the heath care mandate. My staff economist, Paul Krugman via Conscience of a Liberal Blog, predicted that the Stimulus Bill was too small. Apparently the New York Times has access to economic data the White House doesn't. Strike 1.

After two years of senseless Right Wing criticism, President Obama eased the academic economic advisers out and hired a Wall Street Republican economic team. Before Obama extended the George W. Bush tax cuts, the business community screamed, "uncertainty prevented job growth." While Obama was bailing-out Wall Street, propping up GM and Chrysler, and ignoring home foreclosures, the Right was crying socialism, Nazi, communist. Obama is so socialist that the Too Big To Fail banks that caused the economic crash are BIGGER than they were before the crash. Obama cow-tied to Wall Street and signed a faux Wall Street Reform that neither re-instates Glass-Steagall nor prevents the next Wall Street crash. Every Obama economic policy since the Stimulus Bill has been Supply Side Reagan Voo-Doo economics. The Stimulus was a third business tax cuts, a third individual tax cuts, and a third Democratic Party pay-offs, bribes, and pork. In other words, two thirds Supply Side economics. Obama extended the George W. Bush tax cuts, refuses to prosecute Wall Street crimes, and continues Clinton-Bush Free Trade. Does anyone remember those windmills and solar panels we were supposed to manufacture? FYI, China is leading the world in solar panels. Strike 2.

My staff economist assures me that the unemployment rate will remain above 8% by the 2012 elections. As Obama moves Right to preempt Republican criticism, his political actions may undermine confidence and create uncertainty. Republicans, including Obama, want to slashes Medicare and Social Security spending to balance the budget. Governors and Mayors are threatening to cut state and local jobs and benefits. Wall Street has "certainty", American workers have "uncertainty". The race to the bottom continues. Fortunately, the 2012 elections depend on the unemployment rates in PA, OH, IA, MI, and WI. I'm sure President Obama will appear to do everything possible to create jobs but end unfair Free Trade, stand up to Chinese currency manipulations, or anger his Wall Street campaign donors. Strike 3!

In 1985, Ronald Reagan forced the Japanese to stop manipulating their currency. Reagan was protecting American business. Obama will not stop Chinese currency manipulation for the same reason, protecting American business operations in China. Corporate America, Republicans, and DLC Democrats have engaged in economic treason for 18 years, and American workers are feeling the effects. Wall Street and Main Street have completely opposite business models. Corporate America has one goal, profits. They generate those profits by cutting cost (materials & labor), increasing efficiency, and expanding market share. The easiest method is to off-shore production and market to the growing Chinese middle class. I wouldn't care how Corporate America legally earned profits if they weren't buying American politicians to help out-source Main Street jobs. Americans need a Federal Government that understands it's duty to protect America from all enemies, domestic and foreign, including Republicans and Corporations.

Labor, Progressive, and Liberals have an opportunity to teach Barack Obama and DLC Democrats a lesson in 2012. We need to primary every Corporate Democrat up for re-election, and if they survive, we should let them lose. My motto is "Don't vote Corporate Democrat regardless of the candidate or opponent." And, yes that includes candidate Obama and opponent Sarah Palin. Labor, Liberals, and Progressives need to take back the Democrat Party from Clinton-Obama traditional Republicans. The only way is to drive them out of the Democratic Party. If not, Labor, Progressives, and Liberals need to support or start a different Political Party. America is doomed with one party government. The Democratic-Republican Party has abandoned America, and America needs to abandon them. The Right Wing is too stupid to fight back although the Tea Party may stumble into reality. Historically, Progressives and Liberals have saved America in times of crisis. Progressives and Liberals preserved our Union, ended Bank fraud, sheltered the homeless, employed to unemployed, and healed the sick. Yes, it's unfair but we must do it again.

I know that means 4 years with Tea Party Republicans in charge but Bush-Obama has taught me 2 lessons. First, no one can under-estimate the incompetence, evil, and depravity of the Republican-Democratic Party. Second, America can survive almost anything, including a War Criminal and Core-less Nothing. America needs two competing Political Parties and two competing economic philosophies. We can't bounce back from an extreme Right Wing Republican if we elect a Republican mascarading as a Democrat. Fool me once...