Congressional Timeout

That’s It! You Sit Here! You Sit There! My Goodness You’re acting like some children! All of You! I don’t care about the He said she said right now. One of you messed it up, but both of you have to fix it.

I quote the House Minority Leader John Boehner (R, OH) comments yesterday (09/28/08) as reported by the Wall Street Journal regarding the Republicans reason for not supporting the bi-partisan bill.

“I do believe that we could have gotten there today, had it not been for the partisan speech that the Speaker gave on the floor of the House” Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)

So Barney Frank is correct when he said that the House Republicans feelings were hurt. Now Speaker Pelosi should have held what she had to say for another time, but if you look at what she said it’s difficult to excuse the Bush Administration, the Republican ideology and some Democrats who didn’t put up a loud or strong fight against it while it was happening.

You can get upset with Speaker Pelosi all you want, but that doesn’t erase the fact that the House Republicans failed to do what the Republican leadership said that it could do, get enough votes to pass this bill. It wasn’t a Democratic bill, but a bi-partisan bill.

Now emotions are high, Economic and Political Armageddon is looming so let’s act like the grown ups you are and not a bunch of 3rd graders, no offense to 3rd graders who find this ridiculous.

Now as for as John McCain blaming Barack Obama is just another attempt to score a political point, but John McCain’s words and actions isn’t matching up to what he’s actually doing. The Maverick is on vacation. My suggestion to Democrats and Republicans is to please put the partisan childish bickering and finger pointing aside for now. We elected you to represent us and to work together. Some of Republicans & Democrats are, but that’s not enough it takes more than a few.

The blame will be fairly distributed after this is resolved. So if you do not want a political spanking, please take heed to this political timeout. November 4th is approaching soon and the rod will not be spared when we enter the voting booth.

Reference:

WSJ – 09/29/08 “House Republicans Blame Pelosi’s Speech”

C-Span – 09/30/08 “Final Vote Results for Roll call 674”

Boston Globe – 09/29/08 “Frank Mocks GOP Complaint on Bailout”

Market Watch – 09/25/08 “No Deal Reached at White House”

Clark Community Network – 09/26/08 “GOP Strategist Ed Rollins explains the selfishness…”

The Biggest Financial Loser

It’s not a new reality show about who can lose the most money, but it is a reality show that many wish they did not have to play or pay.

I’m not sure where to start since this list seems to get longer as each day goes by. I’m afraid to see who’s going to be next. I will try to compile a list of the recent failed financial institutions, but please forgive me if I don’t mention them all or there’s more to add to the list by the time you are reading this.

Years ago I worked for a financial institution and the advice they gave me when I started regarding loans was that if the person can not realistically repay the loan for which they are applying for then you can anticipate that we will not grant the loan. This made sense to me, but I’m just a run-of-the-mill taxpayer.

Now if I wanted to get a loan in order to consolidate all of my debts it still wouldn’t be anywhere in the neighborhood of $700 Billion dollars, but lets say that I needed $70,000 and I go to my friendly neighborhood financial institution to apply for a loan to bail me out of this financial crisis I find myself in. The bank will look at my credit history, debts and income to determine if I would be a risk for a loan of this size ($70,000). After they reviewed my finances and how I got into this situation I’m sure that I would be able to confidently walk out without a dime in my pocket. But the same financial institutions want you (the taxpayer) to give them a loan for $700 Billion to help them out of their financial crisis.

I see that this is a risky loan, but let’s have some compassion. Although you’ve told many of us no and yes to some who clearly was a risk let’s review your financial history.

After reviewing your application I see that you have made some unwise decisions and are associated with some unsavory characters.

What is your relationship with the following individuals…?

• Mr. Countrywide
• Mr. IndyMac Bank
• Mrs. Fannie Mae
• Mr. Freddie Mac
• The Lehman Brothers
• Ms. Merrill Lynch
• Mr. Wachovia
• Mr. Washington Mutual

It appears that you’ve been very busy. We have to follow strict rules and regulations in our financial dealings. We try to observe a basic philosophy of if you can’t afford it then don’t buy it. But judging by your track record here you have made some very bad and blatantly risky decisions.

Well we’ll review your application further and take it under consideration with our Loan Review Board (i.e. The American Taxpayer) to determine if you should qualify for this loan under the conditions presented.

Are you sure you don’t have any collateral?

Well Mr. & Mrs. Wall Street we are backed up with request all the way to November 4^th, but we’ll see what we can do. We are changing management soon.

$700,000,000,000.00 is a lot of money. When it’s all said and done the American taxpayer is the biggest loser.

The Blame Game 1.1 “Phoning It In”

This is amazing. At least tell your staffers to not say things that disputes your own lies.

I almost can’t keep up with all the “untruths” coming from the campaign. Please slow down. Since John McCain was accusing Barack Obama of not being involved or essentially being more effective than he is. When asked why John was not in the meeting with the rest of his GOP friends his campaign adviser Mark Salter told the New York Times on 09/27/08 “he can effectively do what he needs to do by phone”

You suspends your campaign to “go to Washington to solve the financial crisis” and then sends his surrogates out to say the passing of the bill was all his doing. The problem is the bill was being praised before the vote, and didn’t it pass. With the campaign suspension seeming like a big risk, what can McCain do now?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26949994#26949994

No GOP Leader?

Sept. 29, 2008 Rachel Maddow takes a look at the Republican party and who the real leader of the GOP is, if there really is one. I love this one.

Check this one out — http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26950033#26950033

The Blame Game 1.0

ABC NEWS POLL
Who’s responsible for Congress rejecting plan?

Republicans 44%
Democrats 21%

Overall blame for the financial situation?

President Bush 25%
Wall Street 18%
Congress 8%

This is not from me. I will have my comments in a later post.

VA Veterans for Obama

The Quiet Storms

September 27, 2008 in Washington DC Barack Obama accepts The Harold Washington Award.

Some who may view this video may not understand the significance of the Congressional Black Caucus, but it just may not be for you to understand. You don’t have to be Black to understand it, because there are many Blacks who just don’t get it either. I don’t want or need to take up space documenting its history or role in congress, because you can just visit their website to learn that.

In fact it doesn’t matter you race or gender if there isn’t true economic justice. It doesn’t matter what the color or gender of the candidate if you don’t have a home to live in, sufficient healthcare coverage, a job that provides the means for that home, gasoline to put in the car to get to that job or even a bank to put the two dollars you have left in after you filled up your gas tank. But let me not get started just yet.

I will say this, although John McCain clings to the belief that the fundamentals of the economy are strong, but fail to acknowledge that the fundamentals of this financial crisis are from the failed economic policies of the Bush Administration and the deregulations that he has endorsed and praised for by Mitt Romney as recent as the RNC Convention.

Now McCain wants everyone to believe that he’s for change. Dude, change is not a catchy political slogan. Change is action. Change is how you will hear Barack Obama explain “in your heart”. Change comes from the efforts of organizations like the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and the Congressional Caucus for Women Issues, it’s not just Democrats, but Republicans too who truly understand what has to change. In this election the change we need is clear, but the question is will we all have the courage to stand for change or be lead to by fear once again.

See I wasn’t even trying to go there. I just wanted to say listen to this speech and save this for tomorrow. Oh Well, check this speech out and register someone to vote today. (1.866.MyVote1 I will make it easier for you 1.866.698.6831)

If you can not see the video, please click here.

Dollars & Sense

I guess you can multiply this video by $700 Billion, but it’s too back we can do that with common sense.

If the video doesn’t play, please click here.

Out of Her League

Now before the Right-Wing Extremist, Ultra Conservatives and any other Republican get their panties & underwear all in a bunch please not that I did not say this, one of your own has made these statements. I’m just sharing her statements to those who would not have the opportunity to read them. You can’t get upset with me this time.

Kathleen Parker is a nationally syndicated columnist and a noted conservative. As McCain has accused Newsweek, New York Times, Washington Post, NBC and any other organization that disagrees with them as being “in the tank for Obama” or tries to use the tried and true Republican “liberal media” talking points I guess we can say that Kathleen Parker is “in the tank” for McCain and the “right-wing media”.

Anyway, Ms. Parker has called on Sarah Palin to step down as the Republican Vice-Presidential Nominee for the good of the country in her article published on the National Review Online. Here’s an excerpt…

“When Couric pointed to polls showing that the financial crisis had boosted Obama’s numbers, Palin blustered wordily: “I’m not looking at poll numbers. What I think Americans at the end of the day are going to be able to go back and look at track records and see who’s more apt to be talking about solutions and wishing for and hoping for solutions for some opportunity to change, and who’s actually done it?”

If Palin were a man, we’d all be guffawing, just as we do every time Joe Biden tickles the back of his throat with his toes. But because she’s a woman — and the first ever on a Republican presidential ticket — we are reluctant to say what is painfully true.

What to do?

McCain can’t repudiate his choice for running mate. He not only risks the wrath of the GOP’s unforgiving base, but he invites others to second-guess his executive decision-making ability. Barack Obama faces the same problem with Biden.

Only Palin can save McCain, her party, and the country she loves. She can bow out for personal reasons, perhaps because she wants to spend more time with her newborn. No one would criticize a mother who puts her family first.

Do it for your country.”

So that’s the strategy, say that she’s putting her family first. Isn’t this an argument we heard before whenever a woman runs for a political office she’s accused of putting career ahead of her family first, but no one questions or accused men of not putting their family first ahead of politics.

This is who John McCain picked, so let be a man or woman and stand with her since she’s so qualified. Isn’t this what you were talking about a few weeks ago? She has executive experience, she’s energized the party. Now that we see the “From the Gut” VP vetting process strategy of John McCain doesn’t work, just like his economic policies.

My only question is didn’t you see this coming? I’m just shocked a Republican publicly admitted to it.

Well it’s too late to bow out now, because the big game is coming up for her this Thursday. Suit up.

Now you can get angry with me if you like. Go ahead throw your “stones at me, but I’m not the giant that you have to knock down. I’m saving my one smooth stone to throw at you on November 4^th.

Reference:

National Review Online – 09/26/08 “Palin Problem”

Women Against Sarah Palin – 09/27/08 “Conservative columnist calls for Palin to step down”

Veterans First

I believe the Next Generation Veterans may know a little something about the country and our veterans. I wonder what they have to say about Senator Obama.

Don’t worry, I’m going to put one up for McCain too.

Background into The Keating Five

Just some background into the last financial crisis that involved John McCain and what part he had in it. Interesting history lesson.

What Does $700 Billion Do To The National Debt?

Ahmadinejad

At the first Presidential debate we saw this exchange between McCain & Obama regarding Iran and the statements of McCain adviser Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Since John McCain has known Henry Kissinger for 35 years and Henry Kissinger himself has changed his previous report to backup John McCain’s assertions why did Dr. Kissinger say this to the Washington Post Monday, July 31, 2008 on Page A-15? (Link)

Also I wanted to be fair and wanted to see what the non-partisan group FactCheck.org had to say in their investigation on this subject.

Fact Checking Debate No. 1:
“Obama said McCain adviser Henry Kissinger backs talks with Iran “without preconditions,” but McCain disputed that. In fact, Kissinger did recently call for “high level” talks with Iran starting at the secretary of state level and said, “I do not believe that we can make conditions.” After the debate the McCain campaign issued a statement quoting Kissinger as saying he didn’t favor presidential talks with Iran.”

I already know the answer I’m going to get. Whenever anyone disagrees with McCain or the Republican establishment they’re accused of being “in the tank” of the Obama Campaign. So what about FOX News? Obviously they’re in the tank of the GOP.

You see I’m fair enough to admit when my candidate is wrong or even skewed the facts, why can’t McCain supporters do the same instead of spouting off ridiculous and often incorrect assertions. Whatever, it’s all a game. We’re in the forth quarter anyway and we’re up by one touchdown now. Let’s see how well the defense holds while the star quarterback steps up his game on the next drive. We’re going to see the backup Quarterback (Joe Biden) put some big numbers on the board come Thursday.

Are you ready for some football? Go Titans! (Hold up, I’m sorry I got caught up there for a moment.)

Reference:
Washington Post – 07/31/08 “The Next Steps With Iran”
Miami Herald – 09/27/08 “McCain misstates some facts in debate on foreign policy”

Where Does All The Money Go?

I want to offer this little video to George W. Bush on behalf of the American people. We want to know where the $700 Billion is going?

If the video doesn’t play, please click here.

Symbolism or Substance (Part 1)

At Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi Jim Lehrer of PBS “News Hour” commentator of the First Presidential Debate. This is just some of my notes/analysis of the debate. You may disagree or agree and that’s fine. That’s why I say that it is MY notes and analysis. I’m sure those who support McCain think he done well, and those like myself believe that Obama did well. It appears that the poll results from CNN & CBS of undecided voters rate Obama for wining the debate, but I would call it 51% Obama to 49% McCain, but you can call me partisan like yourself.

Economics – Jim Lehrer asked John McCain directly if there fundamental differences between your approach and Sen. Obama’s approach to what you would do as president to lead this country out of this financial crisis?

John McCain says, “The first thing we have to do is get spending under control in Washington, it’s completely out of control. We have now presided over the largest increase in the size of government since the Great Society.”

He continued to talk about cutting spending, but refuses to give a real answer to Jim’s question. Hasn’t it been George W. Bush, a President that John McCain has agreed with 90% of the time that presided over this spending and increase deficit. How are you going to lead on spending when you have agreed with President Bush?

What’s up with the constant references to not being voted congenial in the senate? We don’t care about that. Doesn’t that mean you don’t work well with others.

Veterans – It’s amazing how John McCain still want to use the POW experience as a “Get Out Of Jail Free Card” when it comes to veterans issues. But when we hear from veteran organizations such as the New Generation Veterans, Disabled American Veterans and the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a D and Obama a B on his legislative record on veteran related issues. The Disabled American Vets gave McCain 20% and Obama 80% on veteran issues.

If you know veterans and know then well then why is it that you was the opposition on the recent GI Bill and didn’t bother to vote for it?

The chairman of votevets.org Jon Soltz called your response a joke. You voted twice against a $1 Billion procreations bill for National Guard units for body armor in 2003, then again in 2003. In 2006 the Dwell Time issue you opposed, if you spend a year away at war you get a year at home, but John McCain lead the opposition to that. In 2003 McCain oppose increasing the size of the military. When it was time to vote for it you was at a political fundraiser in CA.

So how do you love them or care for them?

National Security – What is John McCain’s policy on Afghanistan? It is a secondary issue to him. It appears that he believes that victory in Iraq must occur before we deal with Afghanistan. But has said that he would stay in Iraq for 50 to 100 years.

What is Barack Obama’s policy on Afghanistan? It’s the primary issue in the war on terror. He believes the war in Iraq should have never been waged and Afghanistan is the war we cannot lose. Afghanistan is where the real threat is and that’s where he wants to take the fight.

Since John McCain is believed to be an expert why did you bring up Sarah Palin that one time and why didn’t you blow Obama out the water?

Overall Analysis — I think Barack Obama & John McCain did well. To now surprise to most of you reading this I would tip the balance to Obama, but would suggest that he not let McCain off the hook on a couple of openings he left you to hit him on next time. (To the crazy conservatives who are looking for something to criticize me on this is the part where I say, “see I can criticize Obama and still support him”)

I personally believe that McCain is on the ropes and although I understand and generally will be the gentleman and give people a chance, this is the time that I would throw that out and stomp his conservative wrinkled ass into the mat and apologize later for my aggression. But I have a strong mistrust for the Republican lies and crap.

McCain served his Republican Talking Points by repeating the phrase, “Senator Obama doesn’t understand” it give his base something to use against people like me who are not afraid of them and will hit them back. That’s fair and I anticipate it.

Side Note — Just a side thought on a comparison with this debate in Presidential Debate history and would like to know what you think from those who know who may remember the Nixon / Kennedy Debate. John McCain couldn’t look Barack Obama in the eye, appeared and acted very uncomfortable and generally agitated.

Obviously others thought that too if you look at the results from the multiple polls of the “uncommitted” voters. It appeared to me that John McCain acted as he always do, “agitate, uncomfortable and grumpy” but it just reminded me of that Nixon/Kennedy Debate. I wasn’t living at that time, but I’m a bit of a history enthusiasts.

By the way where was McCain’s lapel Flag pin? Obama had his on. That’s for those who made a big fuss about Obama not wearing one. What’s your answer on that? I guess it doesn’t matter when it comes to McCain.

Quick Fact Check:

1. Business Taxes – John McCain said that American business has the 2nd highest corporate tax rate in the world. But the Bush Administration’s Treasury Department has said that as a percentage of our GDP American has the lowest corp. tax rate in the world and the GAO said that most corporations pay no tax at all. If John McCain wants to say that we’re not doing enough for corporations with the $700 Billion Wall Street Bailout that’s fine keep saying it, because it’s easily proven to be wrong.
2. Government Spending & Economic Crisis – John the government non-defense discretionary spending has nothing to do with this economic crisis. If you’re concerned about excessive Defense cost, but when asked about the budget you say you want to freeze all spending except for defense. Can’t have it both ways dude. Non-defense spending is at its lowest levels now since the 1960’s.
3. Healthcare Scare Tactic – McCain spouts off the old Republican standard scare tactic that Obama and the Democrats want to turn over your healthcare to the government so you and your doctor will not be allowed to make decisions anymore only the government. That’s right, Medicare is so unpopular. I wonder why after repeated polls they consistently show that both Democrats & Republicans have supported so sort of government sponsored healthcare program.

I have more to say about this, but this is enough for now. Now we get to see what Sarah Palin & Joe Biden has to say on Thursday, October 2nd in St. Louis, MO. I’ll have some more info on that very soon. I’m quite sure this will be very interesting.

I’m quite sure I will receive the typical hate email from Republicans supporting John McCain so let it begin. The bottom line is that John McCain had a lot to say about Barack Obama, but had nothing to say about you. John McCain can argue about the past, but doesn’t have much to say about the future except more of the past.