Political Liability

State of the Union

2012-01-24T09:44:00.003-05:00

Well, after a year plus off, we're back. I took the time off, mostly because I was tired of seeing the same thing, having the same argument over and over again. But, it appears, it's time for us to get back in gear.

During our absence, the Occupy Wall Street movement has popped up and taken over the national conversation. Whether you agree or disagree with them, what they are saying needs to be heard. Even in his attacks on Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich has used key phrases from the OWS dialogue. Expect to hear alot of it tonight from President Obama as he tries to reach out to this disenfranchised group of voters, because in the long run, that's what they are, is voters. And campaign Obama loves to try and show the youth he's the hip cool nominee, which isn't hard based on who the GOP is putting up as opposition. But can Obama practice what he preaches, or are we in for another four years of pulling the wool over the eyes of the American people.

For as much as Obama and even the GOP want to show that he's a "crazy liberal", signing into law the NDAA is very, very conservative. It's setting up the Republicans for the eventual power swing and a fear state in which the Democrats can seem like superheroes that come in and save us. However, they're really not. They are as much in the pocket of big investors as the Republicans are, the Democrats just pretend to care about the people a little bit more. Which makes the poor happy and think that they have a champion in their corner.

The State of the Union... it's a f--king mess. Unemployment is still as high as ever. Don't let the latest reports that unemployment filing is at a three year low fool you. It's the same as during the Spring when they say spending is up. It's all fabricated, inflated numbers to make those in power look more and more like they're doing right. The cold hard reality is, that those are, were, temporary jobs for the holiday season. Many of which will be back, unable to file for unemployment, within the next couple of weeks. And many people have or are running out of unemployment in general.

So what is the GOP's solution to the mess? Well, Newt Gingrich wants to flood the employment market with children. He wants to fire janitors, many of who are working the job to put food on the table of their families at an extreme medical risk to themselves, and put in place children who go to those schools. In a time when bullying is spreading through out the younger generations, he wants to submit the children of poor parents to the stigmatism of cleaning the halls after school. Meanwhile, attending today's State of the Union Address will be a young woman who is a science whiz, and homeless. And impressing the judges on American Idol, next to many other hopefuls... another homeless girl. But, if Newt gets what he wants, those children would have less time to chase their dreams and more time to clean the gutters and bathrooms. To say that the poor don't have the drive to make their life better is a complete disregard for not only the human spirit, but those whose backs and shoulders hold up his doughy posterior.

Meanwhile, the ever sliding Mitt Romney is showing how well he connects with what's left of the middle class by not only simply handing money out, or paying for votes as it could be construed, but he only pays 15% of the $46 million he brings in while hiding millions more in an off-shore bank account in the Caymans. Must be nice.

Our environment is still in just as much danger as it has been. While Obama escaped off some by saying "no" to the Keystone oil pipe, there is still the chance a smaller version of the dream will run a pipe from Oklahoma to the Gulf. This less then five years after the greatest oil disaster in American history, and the spilling of oil into Yellowstone River. So next time Oklahoma and Texas universities get together, they can call it the "Black Gold Rivalry". So what is the Republicans plan on this? Well, they want to do away with the EPA and the regulations that are holding back "progress". Maybe someone should talk to the people of Ohio about that as they suffered an earthquake a month ago caused by fracking.

The pure and simple fact is, it's not going to get any better any time soon. We are still going to struggle as a country. We will find ourselves in a war by the end of the year, it's just a matter of who with depends on who wins the election. Jobs are still going to be hard to come by as corporations cut jobs to keep those in power richer. The people will still suffer because it's easier to ask those without to do without more, than it is to ask those with to do without, or at least it's expected. After all, they already gave at the office.

The Mayans predicted 2012 not as the end of the world, but a time of major change. With the death of Kim Jung Il; the growing economic super power that is China; Iran's nuclear desire and the unrest all around the world, I'm fairly sure they got it right. And with the date being 12-21-12, just a little more than a month after the elections, and about a month before the next inauguration, we're all sitting on a powder keg and there is an extremist somewhere whether foreign or domestic, who has the match.

Stomping the Constitution

2010-08-06T14:17:00.009-04:00

Well, it seems that the GOP has their mind set on crushing the same document they like to use as a shield. In a ridiculous move to "take America back" and to "make America what it once was", you know, an empirical nation of whites, the Republicans have made it their mission to make changes to the Constitution. And on a personal note, it makes me sick to my stomach that someone who I once that was intelligent and wouldn't side with his parties crazy fanatical policies is leading the charge. But I guess once your as old as John McCain, and you are fighting for your career, because ALL politicians serve their own ego, not the people, you do what you have to.

But lets take a look at what Washington wants to do with the cornerstone of America:

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: Thanks to the overturn of Prop 8, gay and lesbian couples are allowed to marry. This should be a moment of celebration across the country as we show that America truly believes in equality no matter what your race, color, creed, religion or sexual orientation is. However, many Republicans are afraid this is going to have an effect on "traditional marriage".

A woman for an organization for concerned women, told MSNBC's Chris Matthews that they are now teaching about homosexuality in schools to kindergartners. And that this takes away from their punch line of "traditional marriages" because children should grow up with one mother and one father. Well, since 50% of our heterosexual, traditional marriages end in a divorce, where if that one mommy and one daddy get remarried you get step parents, which mean a possible nother set of mommy's and daddy's. So are those who oppose gay marriage saying that step-parents fall into that category of "traditional marriages? And if they are worried about them teaching about different family dynamics, where would they have been during the Scopes Monkey Trial?

Keith Olbermann made a very valid argument in his show earlier this week. As of the 1960's, only 50 years ago, some 17 states had a law against Blacks and Whites getting married. And in the 1800's it was illegal for Blacks to get married all together because they were still viewed as slaves, and property, unable to unite in the bonds of love. That is the America the GOP wants us to get back to, where real, living, breathing, loving people don't count as much as the majority. Democracy only works when ALL people have a voice to be heard, not just the majority.

First Amendment: Well, we've already seen what Sarah Palin and her tea party cronies fall on this belief. They believe that you should have the right to believe in God, but only the god that they worship. They want to stop the building of a mosque near Ground Zero in New York, because that's the way the founding fathers imagined Freedom of Religion.

I actually found myself agreeing with Mayor Patterson when he said that denying this group of Muslims their God given, Constitutionally protected right to building a house of worship on private property is doing the terrorist job for them. It's showing them that what they think of America is right. And that is not the America our soldiers fight for.

Second Amendment: I like that through out all the overhaul the GOP wants, this is the one that they believe shouldn't be touched. They are so concerned about the outdatedness of the First and Fourteenth Amendments that they fail to realize that at no time could our founding fathers imagine an assault rifle with the ability to take out a British Militia within a minute. I'm pretty sure that those weren't the arms they wanted to grant us the right to bare. But the GOP is doing a stellar job raising fears that at anytime now Obama is going to bust down the doors of citizens and steal their guns.

Miranda Rights: While this is not technically a Constitutional right, the Supreme Court has issued that the suspects Miranda rights aren't as important as they were six months ago. Yes, you have the right to an attorney, but they don't have to provide you with one in a timely manor, so break the law and stew. In actuality, you don't even have to break the law, you just have to fit the description of a criminal, which in Arizona means anyone darker than Conan O'Brian.

Twelfth Amendment: I do think, of all the amendments that Congress sits around and considers messing with, this almost 200 year old one needs to be redone. The electoral college doesn't allow us to be a true republic.

Fourteenth Amendment: I'm unsure whether it was Mitch McConnell, the moron from Kentucky, or Old Man McCain, but a major reason they are opposing this and wanting to change it is because, they believe its out of date and that the founding fathers never thought about "Brazilians flying to America and having children", because lately there has been such a large migration of pregnant Brazilians flying into America. This new argument is made up solely of racist propaganda. While we offer political asylum to Cubans trying to escape Communism, or pushing to make Puerto Rico the 51st state, we don't want Mexicans in this country stealing our jobs, women and goods and replacing them with drugs and violence.

If the GOP, or any party for that matter, want to get America back to some sort of mythical ideal they think they have of a country that has consistently committed atrocities against anyone who doesn't look like our "founders", then they need to open up their eyes. If they want America to get back to being the strongest, most powerful and influential country in the world, we need to adhere to those principles that got us there. Instead of arguing about "entitlement programs" and how they help the poor get what they want and how its a redistribution of wealth, consider this. The worst entitlement program we have is programmed into the citizens of this country at birth. It's the belief that we will get whatever we want without putting in the work because we were born here. We are the land of opportunity because we used to believe that if you worked hard, you actually earned your money.

Now we live in a society that worships socialites who make money partying and living in bathing suits, and the only time they are photographed outside that setting is in time to release their latest sex tape. Yet we want to condemn those who believe in this country so much they are willing to risk their lives for a dream. How many of you can honestly say that in your lifetime you ever felt that way about anything? Yes, times are tough right now, and unemployment is at a ridiculous high that President Obama had promised it wouldn't get to, but there are still jobs out there, its just a matter of swallowing your pride and getting one.

If we ever have any REAL dreams of making this country great again, we need to be all in, and together. We cannot, EVER, EVER deny anyone their freedoms or rights based on their race or sexual orientation, because then we are not a truly free country. America's greatest strength comes from its fundamental belief that everyone is created equal. And even if that very fundamental belief took hundred of years to finally include minorities, women and now homosexuals, it is still self-evident.

Mancow Mueller, a right leaning radio personality, consistently says on his show that "fear" is the four letter word that controls the masses, and he is very right. Whether its fear by one side of the isle or the other, we can't let fear dictate how we live our lives. If you fear allowing gays to marry or serve openly in the military may lead to turning your child gay, you need to consider that maybe your smothering him will, or maybe it will open his/hers eyes to the wonder that is diversity. If you're afraid that the scary Mexicans are going to take your job, maybe you should spend a day watching them work in 102 degree heat, working construction. Personal growth and intelligence only comes from your ability to go outside your comfort zones and learn from those who are willing to teach you something new. Take a chance, and live a little.

We are now on Facebook

2010-06-15T12:19:00.001-04:00

Sorry we've been away for so long, but we'll be back soon. In the meantime, why not "like" us on facebook?!

Kentucky Derby 136 Preview

2010-04-28T14:30:00.003-04:00

So last year, although mathematically Mine That Bird did well, we didn't pick him and he went on to win the Derby under Calvin Borel. This year's Derby is calling for the same type of weather as last year, so the inside of the track is where you want to be, which is good for defending Derby jockey Calvin Bo"rail" and his horse Super Saver. But we have a new mathematical system, again, no promises because the race is ran on dirt, not paper.

Sidney's Candy (5-1) Post: 20 Jockey: Joel Talamo
This sweet little dessert is the leader mathematically and is among the early favorites. Winner of all three graded races he entered in California this year, with Talamo aboard and he should be a shoe-in. The issue arises with his position in the far end gate. He's a fast horse, winning all three wire to wire and will need that speed to get ahead of a fast field. Even better, he's beaten 4 of the Derby contenders, including morning line favorite Lookin At Lucky. The other issue comes in the fact that he's never raced in a field this big, which may explain the outside post position. But, its hard to win a Derby from the 20 gate. All his wins have come from the inside gates.

Stately Victor (30-1) Post: 6 Jockey: Alan Garcia
The second best mathematical horse already through a monkey wrench in all reasoning. The only graded win for this long shot was at the Bluegrass Stakes in Keeneland earlier this month, and that too was as a long shot (40-1). But he did beat 3 Derby contenders under Garcia. Of course, the Bluegrass was less than 10 horses deep, and Stately Victor is a stalking horse and may have a problem keeping pace.

Line of David (30-1) Post: 5 Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Similar to Stately Victor, Line of David has only won one graded race this year, and that was the Arkansas Derby at a solid 17-1. The plus side maybe that Bejarano has ridden several of the other Derby contenders and may know their habits a bit, helping him pace his horse. He's got a solid gate for this fast horse who maybe among those pushing the pace.

Paddy O'Prado (20-1) Post: 10 Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
Now if there is anyone who want to get back on the winning side of the Derby, it's Kent Desormeaux. And if we were picking off based on jockeys, he may be our pick. His horse is an interesting dilemma, which shows that horse racing odds are like the stock market and you can't really trust them since Paddy O'Prado is at 20-1 while the horse that beat him at the Bluegrass is 30-1. But, Desormeaux's on a fast horse and if he gets a window, it maybe curtains for the rest of the field.

Lookin At Lucky (3-1) Post: 1 Jockey: Garrett Gomez
This horse is the morning line favorite but may run into some issues during the Derby. While the rail is where the dirt will be at its best if its raining or sloppy, the one gate is not where you want to be. 19 other horses are going to want to get to the rail. Lookin At Lucky has stalker speed for this field and could be dangerous, but he could also find himself caught up in traffic unable to make a move.

Super Saver (15-1) Post: 4 Jockey: Calvin Borel
The favorite son of Churchill Downs, Calvin Borel started this year off well winning 5 races on opening day at the Downs. He's got a fast horse that likes to stay up front, which will give Borel a shot at the rail when he needs it. This horse is one of our favorites to win it, and at 15-1, is a nice bet on any trifecta. Look for this horse to make an early move and cause some others to make different choices of where they want to go.

Jackson Bend (15-1) Post: 13 Jockey: Mike Smith
If you're looking for someone we haven't seen in the winners circle, this is your bet. Jackson Bend has been our favorite since Sunday when Eskendereya scratched. Jackson Bend finished behind the ex-favorite twice, so if Eskendereya was anything remotely close to the dominate horse everyone said he was, Jackson Bend should have a great shot at the roses. He'll should find himself in the upper half of the field for most of the race, and has perfect stalking speed to make a stretch run at the leaders. Look for this horse to stay in the top 4 or 5. But, be careful, this will be Smith's first graded race riding Jackson Bend.

Dublin (12-1) Post: 17 Jockey: Terry Thompson
Nothing about this horse really stands out and says winner. He's a slow horse who only really ran with the leaders in Arkansas and finished third there. He has seen a good majority these horses before, to varying degree of success. And the outside gate is not really his thing, but may help him with his slow start.

Discreetly Mine (30-1) Post: 15 Jockey: Javier Castellano
I think Discreetly Mine will be a good horse to watch, but in the long run will be a heart breaker. He's ran well, and likes the front of the pack, which is good, but he strikes me as the type that will get around the final turn and just not have it in him. He hasn't really beaten or seen too many of the contenders, which in normal, but the ones he seen were equally less impressive.

Noble's Promise (12-1) Post: 3 Jockey:TBA
Noble's Promise has faced his fare share of Derby contenders, especially Lookin At Lucky, unable to beat him in three attempts. In his defense, he's finished right behind him in all three, and all three have had a large group, but after a bad showing at the Arkansas Derby, Noble's Promise is going to have to have a really good day in the slop. The 3 post might be good for him though as he can keep an eye on both the leaders and Lookin At Lucky.

Mission Impazible (20-1) Post: 14 Jockey: TBA
Mission Impazible may be right for this horse. Winner of the Louisiana Derby, he did face one of the bigger fields of not only any horse in the race, but any winner. But last time he was on the outside, he finished 4th. His problem comes in the fact that this is going to be a fast field, and he doesn't have the speed to stay up with some of the quicker horses.

Make Music For Me (50-1) Post: 9 Jockey: TBA
And so starts some of the longer shots in the Derby. This one maybe the longest of them all when its all said and done. He hasn't raced a graded race since last year, and in that race he spent most of his time in seventh out of seven before making a run and finishing third. This is a much bigger field, with much faster horses.

Back Talk (50-1) Post: 18 Jockey: Miguel Mena
Thanks to some last minute scratches by Interactif and Endorsement, Back Talk was able to make the field of 20. That being said, this is a long shot of a horse who likes the middle of the pack but coming from the 18th post will make it especially hard on him to make any noise.

Conveyance (12-1) Post: 12 Jockey: TBA
This horse may be more a victim of a non-scientific mathematical system than a bad horse. He's fast and like to be up front which will be needed, because I've beaten the fact that this is going to be a fast Derby into the ground. His odds are good, he's a proven winner, finishing no worse than 2nd. Yeah, he hasn't beaten anyone impressive, and the fields have been small, and yeah, he's coming off the 12 gate, but that may not be bad. This horse should sneak in on a trifecta if you're looking for a third horse to add on.

American Lion (30-1) Post: 7 Jockey: TBA
Another horse where you can't really find a reason why he can't win the Derby, but in the same research you can't find why he should. He falls into the mold, a fast horse who like it up front, has a solid gate that may actually work against him since they'll all come crashing in on the 7-8-9 horses. He's ran in some nice size races and done well including a wire to wire win in Illinois. Could be worth the risk, especially at 30-1.

Homeboykris (50-1) Post: 19 Jockey: TBA
We'll ignore the fact that his trainer has skirted the rules before, although that stops me from putting $2 down if he ends up being the longest of long shots. He's finished fifth in both of his graded stakes this year and is just not impressive enough to win the Derby. The one thing that this horse does have is the possibility to be the pace horse early on. In both of his races, he's ran second coming down the stretch before being over taken by the field to fall into fifth.

Awesome Act (10-1) Post: 16 Jockey: Julien Leparoux
This horse does live up to its odds, and shows well in races, but they've all been smaller fields. The downside is that he hasn't beaten anyone really worth it. He's also a slower horse who may be hurt by the pace.

Ice Box (10-1) Post: 2 Jockey:TBA
Ice Box runs like one. He's a slow moving horse that stays in the back of the pack before he makes a move down the stretch. And while that may work even in 11 horse fields, he's going to have to get around 8 more horses if that's his m.o. for the Derby. Watch him make a move around the 3/4 pole to push the front, but it will depend on where everyone else is before that. He may have a late push, but if other horses have crossed the line before then, it's all for not. he may have an adverse affect on those around him right out of the gate.

Dean's Kitten (50-1) Post: 8 Jockey: TBA
This little cat is a long shot for a reason. Although he won the Lanes End, he hasn't really beaten anyone, and in fact has lost to two contenders in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf race last year. He's one of the slower horses in the field and doesn't have the speed necessary to make any waves in the Derby. But hey, its nice just to be nominated.

Devil May Care (10-1) Post: 11 Jockey: TBA
With the way the ladies dominated horse racing last year it makes some sense to enter this little filly in the Derby, but it really wasn't a bright idea. She hasn't dominated the female circuit like Rachael Alexandria or Zenyatta did last year. And I understand that if she blew them all away on Oaks, it would be a what-if, but they'll end up saying, why? The plus side for her, if there is one, is the 11 post will help her shape the race early on, and may be the closes she gets to the front all day.

Try this trifecta on for size: Jackson Bend, Super Saver and Conveyance. Good luck!

Obama Administration picks foreign policy over people

2010-03-12T11:00:00.004-05:00

Over the past few weeks, there has been a multi-national movement to recognize the 1915 Ottoman Empire's atrocities against the Armenian people a genocide. This is the same genocide that Hitler in 1939 referenced weeks before entering Poland and starting his own genocide. He concluded a meeting with his military officers by stating "Who still talks nowadays of the extermination of the Armenians?"

Well, the answer to that are the Swedes and the House Foriegn Committee, just not the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner, leader of the free world, mister "main street" before "wall street", the first black president of a country with a history of slavery Barack Oabama.

Now Michael Hughes of the Huffington Post does raise a very valid question, based on the United States own history of genocide and human rights issues, what makes us the judge and jury of the Armenian genocide? And in his article he makes very valid points that, if the House Foreign Committee should look at our own history as well. He also states that this is nothing more than a ploy by members of congress desperate to save their own jobs.

However, to answer Mr. Hughes question, we don't have to look any further than World War II Holocaust survivor, and 1986 Nobel Peace Prize winner, author Elie Wiesel. Being interviewed for the CNN special "Scream Bloody Murder" Wiesel said that countries look toward the United States for leadership in human rights. If the United States doesn't do anything, then no one else will, he claimed.

The facts are that, yes the United States has one of the worst Human Rights histories in the world, so does many other super powers throughout the world and history in general. The Romans salted Carthage so that nothing would grow. Religions have been trying to squash one another for thousands of years. The Russians on several occasions practiced scorched earth tactics. Most of Asia and Africa have a very recent history of genocide.

The issue is that if you are going to stand up in front of the entire world and except an award for being considered the leader of peace, then you need to understand all that comes along with it. Throughout the annals of history, Barack Obama will be lumped in with Elie Wiesel, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., so forth and so on. If you have the audacity to do that, then your administration, your Secretary of State, and the Congress that is controlled by your party need to follow your lead and push for peace and basic human rights.

To paraphrase a very famous Holocaust quote: "When they killed in Darfur, I did nothing, because I wasn't the president of Darfur. When they massacred in Niger, I did nothing because I wasn't president of Niger. When my country tortured Muslims, I voted in favor of the war, because I was American. When China was moving Muslims out, and punishing those who dared worship God, I did nothing, because they were our allies. When I was given the Nobel Peace Prize, I accepted it, because I felt I deserved it. But when the world came to me for help, I squashed legislation because it was not good foreign policy."

State of the Union

2010-01-29T13:54:00.002-05:00

My fellow Americans, it is with a great hope and awakening that I write to you today. As we step out of the trying time that was 2009 and look into the future of not just 2010, but a new decade that I am inspired by what we can achieve if we all drop our political reservations and work together in unity to make this country what it once was, what its struggling to remain, and what it can be yet again, a great nation that fosters individuality and freedom for all, not just some. A nation that will stand up to those wishing to create a world in its own chaotic conditions, but my fellow Americans, it is not something that I can do alone.

Over the past 12 months, the new administration has tried, much like the Republican regime before it, to use fear to pressure Americans into drinking its kool-aid. This administration, as well meaning as it may seem, does not understand the people it was sworn to protect and serve. But don't be fooled, the Republicans don't care about you either. No, my friends, no one party cares anything about the people of this country. They make promises for "hope" and "change in Washington" as punchlines, quick soundbites that work for newspaper, television and twitter, but not in the everyday world. Not in the world were over 10% of Americans are out of the job; not the everyday world where families are being forced out of their homes and onto the streets, and definitely not in a world where we, as Americans, have the given right, by our founding fathers to raise our own voices and tell them what we truly think of them.

My countrymen, and women, to quote the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "I have a dream". The dream for this nation is one built upon the sweat, tears and blood of generations that have come well before us, but also the blood, sweat and tears of this generation. We are still in an economic decline. Businesses are still leaving, corner stores that were once neighborhood conrnerstones are going the way of the dinosaur and may never be seen again. We need a government, Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches, to all come together to do what is best for its people.

While the economy is now something that the President has decided to take on, it should not have taken a year to figure that out. We need to find ways of not only keeping jobs but to reduce the over 10% unemployment rate, and holding town hall meetings, talking about it isn't going to fix the problem. I do agree that the tax break for businesses that are hiring new employees will help, hopefully. But we can't let ridiculously phrased common occurrences ruin our path. Yes, the unemployment rate went down in October, that's because stores are hiring for the holidays, so obviously unemployment will be inflated during January and February because those same people are being laid off. It's not a boom, it happens every year. You can't claim that Americans spending during the holidays and right after they receive their tax returns the economy is in the upswing, that is when Americans traditionally spend money.

One thing that has consistently been in the face of the government, a way to increase revenue in the nation that they refuse to look at is the legalization and taxation of marijuana. We are a nation based on tobacco, we have the factories and labor to do it. It would increase jobs, free up space in our overcrowded prisons and bring in large amounts of money through a vice-tax.

JFK once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Well, my fellow Americans, your country needs you. Your friends and neighbors need you. If we are to recover from this crisis, we need to do it as a whole, as a UNITED States of America, not as an individual confederation of states. In order to help those less fortunate, some sacrifices will need to be made. Those who have been blessed with an abundant amount of money may need to pull more than what they perceive as their fare share of weight. And although we ask, "What's in it for us?", I will answer you with the pride and joy of helping those less fortunate, with the wonderment of giving others the chance to achieve the dream that you already have reached. Our nation has been built on the back bones of the little man since the first Europeans landed here 400 years ago. Its time that those you have profited from that give back to their own "Main Streets".

I believe that education is the most important tool in achieving the American Dream. We need our schools to not only remain open, and for our students to remain in them, but for our schools to be safe. We need our teachers to want to be in the schools, and we need teachers who understand that it is their job to teach and lead these students and not to take advantage of the bonds they create.

Growing up we were told that a college education will open up doors to you. Today, I think that the Federal Government should open those doors wider. I think that the United States Government, in order to keep its pledge to its students should consider a scholarship fund that will benefit ALL American children. Any student who maintains a "B" average and misses no more than 5% of their total academic year will receive 5% off their college tuition. Those who maintain an "A" average for their entire academic career, and miss no more than 5% of their total academic time, has the possibility to receive a free ride to any public university and up to the possible 60% off their attendance to private schools.

I believe that America does need open health care reform, not back room, private alliances with prescription drugs. However, I believe that it will obviously take time to create and work out the kinks. When it comes to people's health its always too late for someone and we need to get it right the first time and not rush something through Congress just because you have the numbers to do so. Both parties, Republican and Democrat need to really understand that peoples lives are at stake here, its not just some political issue to hang your hat on and use as a rallying cry to get some votes. We need health care that is affordable for EVERYONE, and is available for everyone who wants it, but there shouldn't be punishment for anyone who doesn't want to pay for health care, sometimes you simply can't afford it, even if it is incredibly cheap.

I do believe that gays have the right to serve in our military. It's not like the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is stopping them from doing so, it is simply stopping them from serving out in the open. I believe that the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy should be repealed with the understanding that, just as race, religion and creed are not reasons to justify discrimination, neither is sexuality. A persons sexual orientation does not hinder their ability to learn drills, protect their fellow American or comrade in arms. If a gay American wants to serve his country, fight for the freedoms that our forefathers risked their lives to protect, then they have every right to do so. And, though this may be an unpopular decision, my fellow Americans, and our brave men and women, the Constitution, the document that you are sworn to protect, that our government is sworn to uphold, states in clear English, "All Men Are Created Equal", so let them equal serve as brothers and sisters in arms.

And to that extent, I believe there should be allowed, gay civil unions where the life partners are allowed the same privileges and rights as heterosexual partners are. I will not, nor can I endorse gay marriages because I do believe that there should be a separation between church and state and I believe that there should not be pressure on houses of worship to marry those that they do not wish to. However, I do believe that marriage is a union of love between two people that are dedicated to one another. And that bond transcends not only race, age and religion, but sexual orientations as well.

The "War on Terrorism" is a war that, like it or not, we are stuck in for the foreseeable future. The future of this war depends not just on our military but on the governments that we are trying to aid. If these governments truly want to end foreign troops being present, then they need to stand up on their own two feet and declare to their own people and the world that they will not stand for terrorism. That they will do everything to seek out these radicals who are disgracing their religion, their families and their homelands, and bring them to justice. The United States will come to the aid of those you need us, but we will not fight your battles for you. We will take the lead in the beginning, but you cannot be willing simply to follow, because once we leave, it will be yours to fight and keep the pressures on.

In closing, I believe that it is not the body of legislation, it is not the elected officials, it is not even our foundations that continue to make this country great, it is you the people. It is the spirit and drive that resides in every person, from the children breathing their first breathes as you read this, to those souls which have breathed their last. It is found in the parents working hard, making those hard decisions that may not improve their current condition, but will help their children grow, because they believe their child is the future. It is found in the inner cities where young men and women are fighting everyday for survival to get out of the projects through education and character building because they believe that a rose can grow out of the concrete. Its in our rural areas where generations have grown and kept our heartland pumping through good times and bad because that's just the way they were raised. Our country was founded on revolution, and while the path we have chosen to get here may not have been the right one all the times, here we stand, UNITED. So we need to STATE, in one common voice, to all those, foreign and domestic, who wish to take away our rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that we are AMERICA.

Being a good Sport

2010-01-13T14:29:00.005-05:00

Alright, alot has happened since I took the winter off. But the plus side of a new year is a chance to start over or just having a fresh start. That being said, we will try to continue to bring you our point of view on a wide range of topics. Of course all the contributors to "Political Liability" have outside gigs, families, and other endeavors to which they are committed.

So in an effort to not get burned out on the same ol' politics as usual, which I'm pretty sure President Obama promised to get rid of, but I'm sure he's working on that and not making back room agreements or pushing legislation through without careful reading done by Congress like previous presidents did, we will venture back into a realm I am familiar with, sports.

Prior to this experience, sure I talked politics and knew my way around conversations, but I was a focused blogger on ESPN, being featured 7 times on their homepage "Voice of the Fan" in 2007. And what better time to expand than this week with all the goodness that is going on in the sporting world.

A Hawk to the Hall: Andre "The Hawk" Dawson, a mainstay at Wrigley during the 90's, a beloved Cub has gotten his invite to join the immortals in Cooperstown. And while the Hall is currently unsure what hat his famed bust will wear, its the hopes of all those in the Windy City its a "C".

And while this is great news for the lovable losers, its does overshadow the hurt of one Mr. Ron Santo. Ron Santo, who has since his retirement loss his legs to diabetes, should be in the hall of fame. There is not a baseball fan who disagrees with that statement, except for those who, for whatever reason, refuse to acknowledge his greatness.

The biggest DUH! moment of 2010: Mark McGuire admitted he did steroids, called up Roger Maris' widow, apologized and then blubbered his sorry self all over sports television. Now he's hoping that those same voters who won't put in legit stars, will somehow find it in their hearts to forgive him and vote for him next year, while this year he collects a check from the St. Louis Cardinals for helping his dealer...um, coach, Tony LaRussa, as hitting coach for the team.

His first advice to Cardinal players, "Ok, Pujols, Holliday, first rule in hitting a baseball is that while HGH won't help hand-eye coordination, a little squirt may help push the ball over that fence they put out there."

Slinking Slimeball Slides into Sunny SoCal: I am ashamed to admit it now, but I once thought Lane Kiffin got a raw deal in Oakland, and thought his being hired at Tennessee was going to be good for him. It would give him the chance to show what he's really made of. And he didn't fail us in that regard. Joining college slimeballs like Bobby Patrino and Nick Saban, who actually slinked away from NFL jobs, Lane one upped them only the way Lane Kiffin could. As Notre Dame fans rejoiced, and maybe a silent tear spilled in Stanford, Pete Carroll left for his "third times a charm" shot at the NFL, no one would have guest who USC would bring in to replace him.

Never fear, Lane is here, and his staff from Tennessee has volunteered to move itself west like it was 1849 all over again. This time the "chosen one" will strike it rich, and is hoping not for gold, but for a crystal football.

Playoff Prediction Time: Okay, I meant to do this last week, but oh, well. Here's how I think the playoffs will play out for the remainder of the season:

Divisional:
Baltimore at Indianapolis: The Colts almost blew this one during the regular season as they needed a huge defensive play to help them overcome the Ravens D. The Ravens ended the season for the Pats last week, and started rumors this maybe the beginning of the end in Beantown, and are hoping to do the same in Naptown. Not going to happen. The Colts players are rested, well rested in fact, and are tired of people putting them down for not going undefeated. This is what they've been focused on. With Flaco's going to have to throw more than 10 times this weekend, and everyone knows that. COLTS WIN 28-10

Arizona at New Orleans: New Orleans has been on a slide since losing to the Boys. They've looked defeated and almost even loss home field advantage after losing their perfect season bid. But never fear, if anyone can jazz up this team, its home field, its the Superdome, and its Drew Brees. Arizona barely got by the Pack, and the Cards were at home. After the helps of a facemask, maybe some other botched calls and of course Aaron Rodgers first and last drives of the game, the Cards were able to get the overtime win. I don't think they get that chance this weekend. Brees is going exploit that weak secondary worst than Rodgers did, and the Saints secondary is far better than the swiss cheeseheads they played last week. SAINTS WIN 49-14

Dallas at Minnesota: Yeah, I know, the Boys got a huge monkey off their back by not only getting a playoff win, but embarrassing the Eagles twice in the process. And like some bad wild west, this game features two of the most carefree gunslingers in the NFL with Romo going against Favre, so get ready for plenty of turnovers. And yes, both teams have excellent backfields and d-line. But, the Cowboys don't have Adrian Peterson, and there will be the difference. This should be a great game the way they both match up, but, and it pains me to say because I hate both teams, the Vikes will win. And if they don't and the Boys end up in the Super Bowl, look for a conspiracy theory or two popping out. VIKES WIN 24-21

New York Jets at San Diego: Yes, Rex Ryan did pick the Jets to go to the Super Bowl. And, if anyone can pull of the Jet-lag it would be SoCal's own Mark Sanchez, who will have a sort of home coming playoff game. And yes, Revis, the Jets corner will play a role in shutting down Rivers and the Charger passing game, so this game has all the intangibles of being a great game, probably the best of the four. The only real reason the Jets won't win is that the Chargers just keep finding ways to pull games out. And if Rivers gets anywhere close to a ring, he'll be even more annoying, but he does deserve it after he helped resurrect a dead San Diego franchise. CHARGERS WIN 17-14

CONFERENCE:
San Diego at Indianapolis: Early in the last decade the Colts couldn't get over hump that was the New England Patriots, until Peyton and the rest of the team manned up and just did it. When they did, they got into the Super Bowl and won. This time the humps name is San Diego Chargers, who have eliminated the Colts each of the past 3 years, since said Super Bowl win. Well, this Colts team will get over that hump once again and march on into the Super Bowl behind a great Peyton Manning drive and some stout Colts D. COLTS WIN 31-17

Minnesota at New Orleans: This should be the better of the two conference games. This is, after all, the reason Brett Favre came out of retirement, both times. And if he really thinks gun slinging is the way to win this game, I'm going to be wrong in my prediction, but Darren Sharper is going to have a field day. I can definantly see Favre literally throw this one away a la NFC Conference Championship 2007 when he gave it up to the Giants who went on to win, but I think that, again, Adrian Petterson is a difference maker in this one. Brees and the explosive Saints offense will put up a good fight, but its not to be. VIKES WIN 38-35

Super Bowl:
Minnesota at Indianapolis: Hopefully this will be Brett Favre's going away party, but since I think they'll come up short, he'll probably come back again next year and fail horribly. The Colts offense will just be too much for the Vikings Defense. The Colts D, which has held steadfast all season will contain Petterson, and put pressure on Favre causing him to throw 3 picks, yeah, I'm going to even predict the amount of picks. Colts fans will rejoice and Peyton will be crowned the Greatest Quarterback ever getting his second Super Bowl ring and an early invite to Canton. COLTS WIN 38-14

A Breakdown of Health Care Reform Part 3

2009-08-20T08:53:00.003-04:00

First and foremost, I'd like to send out a congratulations to one of our contributors, my Secretary of State, "AM Donkey" on finding out him and his wife are going to have a baby girl. Secondly, thanks to the people at The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation for providing a side by side analysis of every Health Care reform legislation. And finally, thank you to Opencongress.org for using this website as a means of getting information about the Health Care reform legislation out there. If your new to Political Liability, and like what you read, feel free to view more of our post and tell us what you think. Ok, now down to business.

Part 3

A-Expansion of public programs: President Obama signed the reauthorization for CHIP which provides 11 million children with coverage. However, we will focus not only on the expansion of CHIP, but the other government run programs like Medicaid and Medicare and how each proposal plans to reach more Americans and to what effect this will have on those covered.

-Senate Finance Committee: Their proposal breaks the government run programs down like so, starting with Medicaid: They would expand medicaid to individuals within 115% the Federal Poverty Level, with the possibility of increasing it for eligible parents, pregnant women and children. Medicaid coverage could use its current structure or enroll children, pregnant women, parents and childless adults into the Health Insurance Exchange. Another option is to enroll everyone except childless adults into Medicaid. Childless adults would then be given a tax credit to purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Exchange or to buy into Medicaid.

CHIP: After Sept. 20, 2013, CHIP would be expand eligibility to within 275% of the Federal Poverty Level. Once the Health Insurance Exchange become operational, all those in CHIP would be covered under the exchange, while the states would be required to provide services such as Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment services and others not provided by plans within the exchange.

Medicare: Until the Health Insurance Exchange is operational, individuals between 55 and 64 years old who are without coverage would be allowed to buy into Medicare at full cost. Their plan would phase out or reduce the two year waiting period for individuals with disabilities who are Medicare eligible.

Public Health Insurance Option: Their plan has two options for public health insurance. Option A) would create a new public plan that would be offered through the Health Insurance Exchange that would be subject to the same ratings as private plans. This public plan could be ran either by the Federal government, multiple third parties or the states. Option B) is to not create a public plan.

-Senate HELP Committee: Their plan would expand Medicaid to children, pregnant women, parents, and adults without dependents whose incomes are within 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. These individuals would be covered through state Medicaid, and would not be eligible for credits to purchase health care within the American Health Benefit Gateways.

CHIP: Their plan would give those eligible the option to stay in CHIP or enroll in health care through the Gateways.

House Tri-Committee: Their plan would expand Medicaid to children, pregnant women, parents, and adults without dependents with incomes within 133% of the Federal Poverty Line. Those who are newly eligible for Medicaid have the option to enroll through the Health Insurance Exchange if they had qualified health care for six months before becoming eligible for Medicaid. The proposal would also provide coverage for all newborns lacking acceptable coverage as well as provide health care for low-income HIV infected individuals and family planning services for certain low-income women.

The Committee on Energy and Commerce amended their proposed increase of Medicaid payment for primary care of 100% the Medicaid rates to requiring states to submit a plan amendment detailing the payment rates under each states Medicaid program. The committee also amended the proposed expansion and provider payments that were going to be fully funded through Federal funds to be fully Federally funded until 2014, and then 90% Federally funded starting 2015.

That same committee amended the proposed requirement of enrollees to obtain health care through the Health Insurance Exchange if the Health Choices Commissioner determines the exchange has that capacity and the procedures are in place to integrate in a timely fashion without a lapse in coverage to state that those covered under CHIP could not join the exchange until the Secretary determines that they can be integrated into an exchange plan comparable to the average CHIP plan in 2011 and be done so in a timely fashion without lapse in coverage.

-Senators Tom Coburn and Richard Burr and Representatives Paul Ryan and Devin Nunes: Their plan would restructure Medicaid to provide care for low-income individuals with disabilities, foster children, low-income women with cervical or breast cancer, and certain TB-infected individuals. Their proposal would provide low income families with tax credits and financial support for private health care. It would replace long term care that falls under Medicaid with block grants for states to provide long term care for eligible elderly and disabled individuals. Their plan would also allow private facilities to compete with VAs to provide care for veterans, as well as allow eligible American Indians access to medical care options outside the Indian Health Service facilities.

-Representative John Conyers: His plan would create the US National Health Care program that would provide a comprehensive amount of benefits including long term care to all US residents. His proposal would eliminate Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP. It would allow VAs to run independently for 10 years before they get integrated into the program, while Indian Health Services ran independently for 5 years before being integrated.

-Representative John Dingell: His proposal would create a new public plan that would cover medical, dental, pediatric, home nursing, hospital and auxiliary services. His plan would also continue Medicare, but those enrolled may be transferred to the new program at a future time as well as allow those covered by Medicare access to services otherwise not covered. States would be required to provide equivalent services to ineligible individuals that would be funded by current Federal Medicaid funds and other Federal funds under the Social Security Act.

-Representative Tom Price: His plan would require states to cover a minimum of 90% of families within 200% of the Federal Poverty Level who are eligible before expanding CHIP to between 200% and 300% the Federal Poverty Level. States would also be required to provide premium assistance for Medicaid and CHIP enrollees that also have access to employer sponsored health care. States would also be required to offer vouchers to individuals eligible for Medicaid and CHIP for alternative private insurance.

-Senator Bernie Sanders: His plan would create a state based American Health Security Program that would provide comprehensive coverage to all US residents. Programs such as Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP would be eliminated. VAs and the Indian Health Service programs would run independently of his plan.

-Representative Stark: His proposal would create a new default plan for all Americans, modeled after Medicare. Under his AmeriCare plan, enrollees would pay a deductible of $350 per individual, $500 per family and 20% of coinsurance until the $2,500 per individual, $4,000 per family out of pocket expense was met. Those covered under AmeriCare are prohibited from coverage under state Medicaid or CHIP.

-Senators Ron Wyden and Bob Bennett: Their proposal would create comprehensive programs that provide supplemental coverage for low income individuals as well as a modified Medicaid for long term services. It would eliminate Medicaid and CHIP as comprehensive coverage programs.

-Former Majority Leaders: Senators Howard Barker, Tom Daschle and Bob Dole: Their plan would expand Medicaid to all individuals within 100% the Federal Poverty Level. At the start, all eligible individuals will obtain or keep state Medicaid. After five years, the Health and Human Services Secretary would be authorized to permit those eligible individuals to enroll in the Health Insurance Exchange granted it does not result in cost sharing or coverage loss. States would be allowed to create a plan option as an alternative in the exchange and is subject to certain regulations. If, after five years, Health and Human Services determines that goals are not met, a proposal for a state or Federal plan would be considered by Congress under an expedited procedures.

B-Premium subsidies for individuals: President Obama wants a plan that would protect families from bankruptcy or debt due to health care cost. We will be focusing on how each proposal plans to prevent debt and bankruptcy as it pertains to health care cost, as well as affordable plans for individuals who lose their jobs and employer based health care.

-Senate Finance: Their plan would provide refundable tax credits to individuals and families within 100% to 400% the Federal Poverty Level for purchase of insurance through Health Insurance Exchange. This tax credit would be based on either a set percentage of income or a percentage of the premium with cost sharing limits.

-Senate HELP: Their proposal would provide a sliding scale of premium credit for individuals and families within 400% of the Federal Poverty Level to purchase insurance through the Gateway. This credit would be based on the average cost of the three lowest, qualifying health plans in the area but will not exceed 12.5% of the income of individuals within 400% the Federal Poverty Level, or 1% of the income of individuals within 100% the Federal Poverty Level with limits on cost sharing. Limits would be placed on availability of premium credits for individuals not eligible for employer sponsored health care, but meet eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE or Federal Employee Health Benefits. Their plan would also allow those individuals who have employer sponsored health care a premium credit if the cost is 12.5% or more of their individual income.

-House Tri-Committee: Their plan would provide premium credits to those eligible individuals and families within 400% the Federal Poverty Level to purchase insurance through the Health Insurance Exchange. This credit would be based on the average cost of the three lowest basic plans in the area and are set on a sliding scale based on the following income tiers that have been amended by the Committee on Energy and Commerce: 133% to 150% of the Federal Poverty Level would receive credit of 1.5% to 3% of income, same as original; 150% to 200% Federal Poverty Level would receive 3% to 5.5%, up from 5% originally; 200% to 250% Federal Poverty Level would receive 5.5% to 8%, up from 5% to 7% originally; 250% to 300% Federal Poverty Level would receive 8% to 10%, up from 7% to 9% originally; 300% to 350% Federal Poverty Level would receive 10% to 11%, up from 9% to 10% originally; and 350% to 400% Federal Poverty Level would receive 11% to 12%, up from 10% to 11% originally.

Their plan would also provide affordable cost sharing credits to individuals and families within 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Their plan would also limit the availability premium and cost sharing credits to US citizens and legal residents who are not enrolled into or grandfathered into any coverage with some exceptions. The Committee on Energy and Commerce amended the eligibility requirement for premium and cost sharing credits for individuals with the employer sponsored coverage option from exceeding 11% to exceeding 12% their annual income.

-Senators and Representative: Their plan would provide a credit of $2,290 for individuals, $5,710 for families to be used to purchase health care. Those covered by Medicare, military, and disabled individuals under Medicaid are not eligible for the credit. Any money left over from purchase of health care would be deposited into a medical savings account. Their plan would provide a supplemental debit card for families within 200% the Federal Poverty Level to be used to pay private insurance cost. The amount would vary from $5,000 for families within 100% the Federal Poverty Level to $2,000 for families within 180 to 200% the Federal Poverty Level, with an additional $1,000 for pregnancy and $500 for infants under 1 years old.

-Rep. Conyers: Under his plan, individuals are not required to pay premiums, copays or coinsurance fees.

-Rep. Dingell: Under his plan, individuals are not required to pay premiums.

-Rep. Price: His proposal would provide refundable tax credits of $2,000 for individuals, $5,000 for a family of four within 200% of the Federal Poverty Level to purchase health care in individual markets. This credit would be available to US citizens and permanent legal residents. His plan would allow individuals eligible for other programs to receive tax credit.

-Sen. Sanders: Under his plan, individuals are not required to pay premiums, copays or coinsurance fees.

-Rep. Starks: Under his plan, individuals within 200% of the Federal Poverty Level would not be required to pay premiums, deductibles or coinsurance. Individuals with family incomes within 200% to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level would be provided with premium subsidies and reduced deductibles. The plan would limit out of pocket expenses for deductibles and coinsurance to 5%of their income for those between 200% and 300% the Federal Poverty Level, and 7.5% for those between 300% and 500% Federal Poverty Level. There would be no deductibles or coinsurance for pregnancy related services or for children up to 24 years old.

-Sens. Wyden and Bennett: Their plan would allow individuals and families within 100% of the Federal Poverty Level to not pay premiums and provide subsidies for those between 100% and 400%. There would be a standard tax deduction for individuals and families above 100% the Federal Poverty Level with a phase out at higher income levels.

-Former Majority Leaders: Their plan would provide a sliding scale for families and individuals within 400% of the Federal Poverty Level to purchase insurance through the Health Insurance Exchange. Those families within 100% the Federal Poverty Level would be enrolled in Medicaid and not have to pay premiums. The rest would not exceed the following scale: 100% to 150% the Federal Poverty Level would pay 2% of income; 150% to 250% Federal Poverty Level would pay 5%; 250% to 350% Federal Poverty Level would pay 10%; 350% to 400% would pay 12.5%; those above 400% would not have to pay more than 15% their income.

C-Premium subsidies to Employers: President Obama has not outlined what he would like to see in legislation, so we will focus on how the government plans will help reduce the cost to employers.

-Senate Finance: Their proposal would provide certain small businesses tax credits for purchasing employee insurance. The full tax credit would be equal to 50% of the average total premium cost paid by employers with 10 or less employees, and those employees do not average more than $20,000 in annual wages. The tax credit would be phased out based on business size and employee income.

-House Tri-Committee: Their proposal would provide small businesses with 25 or fewer employees whose averages wages does not exceed $40,000 a health care credit. The full credit would be equal to 50% of the premium cost paid by employers with 10 or fewer employees whose average income does not exceed $20,000. The credit would phase out based on business size and average salary and is not permitted for employees earning more than $80,000.

This proposal would create a temporary reinsurance program for employers who provide coverage for retirees between 55 and 64 years old. This program would reimburse employers 80% of claims between $15,000 and $90,000. $10 billion would be appropriated over 10 years for this program.

-Senators and Representative: Their current proposal does not address this issue.

-Rep. Conyers: His current proposal does not address this issue.

-Rep. Dingell: His current proposal does not address this issue.

-Rep. Price: His proposal would provide small businesses with 50 or less employees a temporary tax credit to adopt auto-enrollment and contribute coverage for employees who purchase private health care on the individual market.

-Sen. Sanders: His current proposal does not address this issue.

-Rep. Starks: His current proposal does not address this issue.

-Sens. Wyden and Bennett: Their current proposal does not address this issue.

-Former Majority Leaders: Their proposal would provide small businesses with 25 or less employees who are low-wage, a tax credit to help offer coverage.

***Coming Soon, Part 4: Tax changes related to health insurance***

A Breakdown of Health Care Reform Part 2

2009-08-19T12:45:00.004-04:00

Again, I'd like to thank the fine people at The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation for providing a website that shows a side by side comparison of the Health Care reform proposals. Here's a breakdown of what the President wants, how different members of Congress are trying to achieve that, and how it's going to affect you.

Part 2

A- Individual Mandate: The plan must put the country on a clear path to cover all Americans. In this section we focus on how each individual proposal plans to reach every American and how it will be enforced.

-Senate Finance Committee: Their plan requires all Americans to have health care that meets minimum coverage standards. The proposal plans to enforce this through an excise tax that would be equal to the lowest premium option available through the Health Insurance Exchange in each individuals area. Hardship exemptions include individuals where the lowest option exceeds 10% of their income and individuals within 100% the Federal Poverty Level.

-Senate HELP: Their plan would require individuals to have qualified health care. The proposal plans to enforce this through a minimum tax penalty that will not exceed $750 per year. Exemptions from this include residents in states where states have not established an American Health Benefit Gateway, members of Indian tribes, and those without coverage for fewer than 90 days.

-House Tri-Committee: This plan would require all individuals to have "acceptable health coverage". The proposal plans to enforce this through a penalty of 2.5% of modified adjusted gross income up to the cost of the average premium for individual or family coverage under the Health Insurance Exchange. Exceptions include dependants, religious objections, and financial hardships.

-Sens. Tom Coburn and Richard Burr, Reps. Paul Ryan and Devin Nunes: Their plan has no requirement for individuals to have coverage. It allows to states to establish procedures to automatically enroll individuals into a low cost, high deductible health care through the Health Insurance Exchange with incentives to maintain coverage.

-Rep. John Conyers: All individuals residing in the US are covered under his proposal.

-Rep. John Dingell: Under his proposal, individuals meeting certain requirements are eligible.

-Rep. Tom Price: Under his proposal, there are no requirements for individuals to have coverage. The plan does allow employers to automatically enroll individuals into the lost cost health care as long as they can opt out of their coverage.

-Sen. Bernie Sanders: Under his proposal all individuals residing in the US are covered.

-Rep. Pete Stark: Under his proposal all US residents are eligible for coverage. However, certain individuals can opt out if they are covered under group coverage.

-Sens. Ron Wyden and Bob Bennett: Their plan requires all individuals over 19, and their dependants, to have insurance. Their plan will be enforced through financial penalties based on the number of uncovered months and weighted average of Healthy American Private Insurance premiums.

-Former Majority Leaders: Sens. Howard Baker, Tom Daschle and Bob Dole: Their plan requires all Americans and legal residents to have health care that meets minimum coverage standards. Their proposal has several enforcement proposals including: default enrollment in basic coverage through an employer or Health Insurance Exchange when starting a job; tax penalties including loss of federal deductions or exemptions; or a "fair share" fee added to income tax. Exceptions would include religious objections and financial hardships.

B- Employer Requirement: President Obama has not addressed specific principles for this issue. However, we will focus on what will be required by employers and how they will be effected by health care reform.

-Senate Finance: Their proposal has two options. Option A would require employers that have more than $500,000 inn total payroll to offer coverage to employees and contribute a minimum of 50% of the premium or pay an assessment. There are three options to the employer assessment; option 1 would set a fee per enrollee per month based on total annual payroll; option 2 would set a tiered penalty calculated as a percentage of payroll; and option 3 would set a larger penalty only on firms with an annual payroll of $1.5 million.

Option B of the Senate Finance proposal would eliminate the "pay to play" assessment fee.

-Senate HELP: Their proposal would require employers to offer health care to employees and contribute a minimum of 60% of the premium or pay $750 per uninsured fill-time employee and $375 per uninsured part-time employee who is not offered coverage. Employers who are subjected to this assessment will receive an exemption for their first 25 employees. However, those exempt employers who have 25 or less employees are required to provide coverage.

-House Tri-Committee: Their proposal would require employers to offer health care to employees and contribute a minimum of 72.5% of the premium for individuals or 65% of the premiums for families. These minimum contributions would correlate to the lowest cost plan that meets benefit requirements, or employers would have to pay 8% of payroll into Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund. The Committee on Education and Labor amended for hardships to include employers that would be negatively affected by job losses as results of the proposal requirements.

The Committee of Energy and Commerce amended the reduction on the "pay or play" assessment for small employers with an annual payroll of less than $400,000 to less than $750,000. The assessment breaks down as follows: Those whose payroll is less than $500,000 is exempt; from $500,000 to $585,000 would pay 2% of payroll; from $585,000 to $670,000 would pay 4% of payroll; from %670,000 to $750,000 would pay 6% of payroll.

Their proposal would also require employers that offer coverage to automatically enroll individuals who are not covered into the employer's lowest cost premium plan.

-Senators and Representatives: Their current proposal does not address this issue.

-Rep. Conyers: His current proposal does not address this issue.

-Rep. Dingell: His current proposal does not address this issue.

-Rep. Price: Under his current proposal, employers can offer employees a defined amount for the purchase of health care in the individual market. It does require employers to disclose the total amount they plan to spend on employees health care.

-Sen. Sanders: His current proposal would prohibit employers from offering health care that duplicates that offered by the State.

-Rep. Starks: His proposal would require employers to contribute a minimum of 80% of AmeriCare premiums or a minimum of 80% of qualified employee group plan premium. His plan would allow employers with 100 employees or less three additional years to comply with provisions. There maybe a surcharge on employers to prevent adverse selection.

-Sens. Wyden and Bennett: Their proposal would require employers to contribute an amount equal to the average premium of their workforce times the number of workers. Premiums would vary for large and small businesses from 2% to 25%. For the first two years of their proposal, employers who had previously provided coverage would be permitted to raise wages by the amount of health care premiums instead of the above mentioned percentages. Employers that continue to sponsor plans will be required to provide Healthy American Private Insurance information to employees. It would also require employers to deduct individual and family premiums from employee payroll.

-Former Majority Leaders: Their proposal would require all employers to cover their employees or pay a fee based on payroll percentage ranging from 1% for employers with payrolls between $1 and $2 million and 3% for payrolls above $3 million. Small businesses with payrolls less than $1 million are exempt from fee.

***Coming Soon, Part 3: Expansion of Public Programs and Subsidies for Employers and Employees***

A Breakdown of Health Care Reform Part 1

2009-08-18T11:30:00.008-04:00

First, I'd like to thank the fine people at The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation for providing a website that shows a side by side comparison of the Health Care reform proposals. Here's a breakdown of what the President wants, how different members of Congress are trying to achieve that, and how it's going to affect you.

Part 1: Overall approach to expand access to coverage
A- Reduce long-term growth of Health Care cost to businesses and government: In this section we are simply focusing on how each individual reform plan would cut the cost to businesses and the government.

-Senate Finance Committee "Policy Options": Their current plan does not address this issue.

-Senate HELP Committee "Affordable Health Choices Act": Grant small business credits to offset the cost of employer provided insurance.

-House Tri-Committee "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 (H.R. 3200)": Grant cost-sharing credits to individuals and families within 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. Employers have an option to provide for their employees or put funds into the Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund, with exceptions of small businesses who will receive a credit to offset the cost of employer provided insurance.

-Senators Tom Coburn (R- OK) and Richard Burr (R- NC), Representatives Paul Ryan (R- WI) and Devin Nunes (R- CA) "Patient's Choice Act of 2009 (S. 1099, H.R. 2520)": Their current plan does not address this issue.

-Representative John Conyers (D- MI) "U.S. National Health Care Act (H.R. 676)": Turn the health care system into a non-profit system that would be funded by leverage of additional taxes. The plan would provide a global budget for hospitals and other non-institutional providers.

-Representative John Dingell (D- MI) "National Health Insurance Act (H.R. 15)": Plan would be funded by value-added tax on certain transactions.

-Representative Tom Price (R- GA) of the Republican Study Committee "Empowering Patients First Act": Plan would deduct premium cost out of income taxes and provide a refundable tax credit.

-Senator Bernie Sanders (I- VT) "American Health Security Act of 2009 (S. 703)": Plan would provide a global budget for all hospitals and non-institutional providers. Employers and employees would share in a payroll tax and there would be leveraged health care income tax.

-Representative Pete Stark (D- CA) "AmeriCare Health Care Act of 2009 (H.R. 193)": Employers and individuals would contribute to the plan. It would also receive funding through general revenues.

-Senators Ron Wyden (D- OR) and Bob Bennett (R- UT) "Healthy American Act (S. 391)": Their current plan does not address this issue.

-Former Majority Leaders Senators Howard Baker (R- TN), Tom Daschle (D- SD), and Bob Dole (R- KS) "Crossing Our Lines: Working Together to Reform the U.S. Health System": Their plan would provide a credit for premiums as well as small businesses to offset the cost of employer provided health care.

B-Protect families from bankruptcy or debt because of Health Care cost: In this section we are focusing on how each proposal plans to prevent families from falling into debt from rising health care bills.

-Senate Finance: Their plan would allow for subsidies for families and individuals within 100 % to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

- Senate HELP: Their plan would allow for subsidies for families and individuals within 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

-House Tri-Committee: Their plan would provide credits for premiums and cost-sharing for families and individuals within 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. The Health Insurance Exchange would also have a trust fund that would be funded as an alternative for employers.

-Senators and Representatives: Their plan would provide an employer tax credit of $2290 per individual or $5710 per family.

-Rep. Conyers: His plan requires no premium or cost-sharing by any individual.

-Rep. Dingell: His current plan does not address this issue.

-Rep. Price: His plan would provide refundable tax credits to families and individuals within 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. It would also require states to cover 90% of the children and families within 200% of the Federal Poverty Level with the possibility of expanding that number to 300% the Federal Poverty Level. It would also issue vouchers to children covered under Medicare or CHIPS for private care.

-Sen. Sanders: Under his current plan, individuals would not be required to pay premiums or cost-share.

-Rep. Stark: His plan would provide Federal premium subsidies to individuals within 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.

-Sens. Wyden and Bennett: Their plan would provide Federal subsidies for individuals and families within 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

-Former Majority Leaders: Their plan would provide credits for individuals and families within 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.

C- Generate Choice of Doctors and Health Plan: In this section we are focusing on how each proposal would provide a choice of doctor and health plan for Americans.

-Senate Finance: They would create a Health Insurance Exchange for individuals and small businesses as well as provide a temporary buy-in to Medicare for the pre-Medicare population.

-Senate HELP: There would be a state based American Health Benefit Gateway for individuals and small businesses. The proposal would also require employers to provide coverage for employees.

-House Tri-Committee: They would create a Health Insurance Exchange for individuals and small businesses. The proposal would also require employers to provide coverage for employees.

-Senators and Representatives: They propose a state based Health Insurance Exchange with private plans meeting certain benefits and standards. Employers would be provided with a tax credit of $2290 per individual or $5710 per family as incentives over the loss of certain tax preferences. It would also provide private insurance for low-income Medicaid families.

-Rep. Conyers: His proposal is to create a public health insurance program.

-Rep. Dingall: He proposes to create a public health insurance program that would also require states to administer programs to provide equivalent care for "needy" ineligible individuals.

-Rep. Price: He would establish both an Association Health Plan and Individual Memebership Associations for individuals and employers. It would also require states to provide coverage for 90% of children within 200% of the Federal Poverty Level with the condition of changing the number to 300% the Federal Poverty Level, or offer vouchers from Medicaid and CHIPS to private insurance.

-Sen. Sanders: Would create a state based health insurance program.

-Rep. Stark: His proposal would create a public plan modeled after Medicare with an option out for those individuals who are in qualified groups or Medicare.

-Sens. Wyden and Bennett: Their proposal would require most Americans to buy private coverage called Healthy Americans Private Insurance that would meet certain standards. It would also allow for employer sponsored health care but without favorable tax treatments they currently receive.

-Former Majority Leaders: Their plan would create a state based Health Insurance Exchange for individuals and small businesses. It would also require employers to provide coverage.

D- Invest in prevention and wellness: There is currently no proposal that addresses this issue. However, and issue like this should have a focal point of starting early by preventing obesity in children through health classes and money toward physical education.

E- Improve Patient Safety and Quality Care: There is currently no proposal that addresses this issue. However, this topic is key to any type of reform of the health care system.

F- Assure affordable, quality health coverage for all: Similar to making sure Americans don't go bankrupt from heath care cost, we focus on affordable health coverage for all Americans.

-Senate Finance: Their plan would require all Americans to have health care, while providing subsidies for individuals and families within 100 to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. They would also expand Medicaid and CHIPS, as well as allow a temporary buy in to Medicare for the pre-Medicare population.

-Senate HELP: Would require all individuals to have health care. There would be a state based American Health Benefit Gateway with subsidies for individuals and families within 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. It would also expand Medicaid to individuals within 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.

-House Tri-Committee: They would require all individuals to have health care with a credit for premium and cost sharing going to individuals and families within 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. There would also be a Health Insurance Exchange trust fund funded as an employer option. The proposal would also call for an expansion of Medicaid to 133% the Federal Poverty Level.

-Senators and Representatives: This plan would provide a tax credit of $2290 for individuals and $5710 for families as incentives into the program. It would also provide Medicaid for low-income individuals with disabilities and would integrate low-income families into private health care.

-Rep. Conyers: His plan would create a public health insurance program in which individuals would not be required to pay premiums or cost share. The health care industry would become non-profit.

-Rep. Dingell: His plan would create a national health insurance for eligible individuals. It would require the states to administer programs for "needy" non-eligible individuals.

- Rep. Price: His proposal would allow people who buy coverage on the individual market to deduct their premium from their income tax. It would also provide refundable tax credit to individuals and families within 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Under this plan, there would be a state based pool for high-risk, pre-existing conditioned individuals. It would also require the states to cover 90% of kids with families within 200% of the Federal Poverty Level with a conditional upgrade to 300% the Federal Poverty Level. It would also provide vouchers for children on Medicaid or CHIPS for private coverage.

-Sen. Sanders: State based public health care for all US residents. Individuals would not be required to pay premiums or cost-share.

-Rep. Starks: His proposal would create a new public plan as a default coverage for all Americans. It would allow individuals in qualified groups or Medicare to opt out. Federal premiums subsidies would be available to individuals within 300% the Federal Poverty Level.

-Sens. Wyden and Bennett: Their plan would require most Americans to purchase Healthy American Private Insurance with subsidies for individuals and families within 400% of the Federal Poverty Level. It would also allow employers to sponsor health care.

-Former Majority Leaders: Their plan would require all Americans to have health care. It would create state based health care with premium credits for individuals and families within 400% the Federal Poverty Level. The proposal would also require employers to provide coverage for employees as well as expand Medicaid to 100% the Federal Poverty Level.

G-Maintain coverage when you change or lose your job: There is currently no plan that addresses this issue. However, with many agreeing on a Health Insurance Exchange, this maybe covered in that discussion. Either way, this is suppose to be a staple in Obama's overhaul of health care.

H- End barriers to coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions: In this area we will focus on what will be available for those individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

-Senate Finance: Their current proposal does not address this issue.

- Senate HELP: Their current proposal does not address this issue.

-House Tri-Committee: Their current proposal does not address this issue.

-Senators and Representatives: Their proposal would maintain Medicare coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities.

-Rep. Conyers: His current proposal does not address this issue.

-Rep. Dingell: His proposal calls for the states to administer equivalent care for "needy" individuals who do not meet the national health insurance eligibility.

-Rep. Price: His proposal would have the states implement high-risk pools or reinsurance programs to provide coverage for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

-Sen. Sanders: His current proposal does not address this issue.

-Rep. Starks: His current proposal does not address this issue.

-Sens. Wyden and Bennett: His current proposal does not address this issue.

-Former Majority Leaders: Their current proposal does not address this issue.

***Coming Soon: A Breakdown of Health Care Reform Part 2. We'll be going into individual mandates, employer requirements"***

Health Care Pot pourri

2009-08-18T08:50:00.003-04:00

As we work on dissecting ALL the health care reform bills that are out there, in order to give you a non biased, fact based answers to all your health care questions, here's some tidbits of opinions.

In Need of Public Option If President Obama wants to have affordable health care coverage for all, the nation needs a public option. Americans need to get their heads out of their back sides and realize that health care needs to be a universal right for EVERYONE. We need to stop focusing on our own individuality and look at what is good for the nation. Now, I understand that this is a stern 180 from my view of keeping the government out of our lives, but this needs to happen. Anything outside a public option is not Health Care reform, it's simply Health Care renegotiation, especially when you are going to force Americans into health care.

A universal health care, although viewed as socialistic, would not turn us into a socialist society. It would show that we as a nation get the fact that health care and health coverage is a universal human right and is not limited to the rich getting the best coverage while the poor are stuck going to overcrowded clinics seeing doctors who take glimpses while the rich have sit down conversations with their doctors. And that is the point. Don't I have the same right to the same quality health care as President Obama or Bill Gates? Or are we so egotistical that we believe our social class allows us the right to receive better or worse health care?

Bay Area's Got It Right As reported on CNN on Monday, the city of San Fransisco has introduced universal health care for those who don't have private insurance. And while still in its infancy where long term problems are unknown, one good thing about this program is that it only cost the city $750 thousand dollars.

Meanwhile, across the bay, the city of Oakland legalized and now taxes marijuana to the conservative estimate that it will bring in over $500 thousand dollars.

I understand the math would be a little off on all of it, different cities, different economies, but the general idea is there and has continuously been over looked by the Federal government. Legalize marijuana and use the tax revenues for funding a public health care option. Governor Schwartzenagger has already conservatively estimated an income of $1.5 billion in tax revenue.

Tax funded abortion? There are 2 bills that I know of, including one of the big three proposed by the House Tri-Committee that would pay for what they are terming "family services to certain low-income women". While this is a hot button issue, Political Liability is hoping to get an answer to the exact definition in early September as we hope to attend a town hall meeting with Ways and Means committee member, Representative Yarmuth.

Crazy Gun Owners With all the news about how President Obama has received more death threats than any other president, and the media's correlation to it having to do with him being black, why do gun owners have to flaunt the fact that their state has carry and conceal weapon laws? Seriously, do you actually think a rally, in which the President or members of Congress as well as small children are attending, is an appropriate place for your gun?

Gun owners what to use the argument that they have the right to carry guns under the Second Amendment for protection. Than use it for protection, and not as a focus point by saying "I have a gun and the right to carry it". The government is not going to open fire at a rally, there fore there is no real need to openly or otherwise carry a weapon to a town hall rally. All your doing is allowing the main stream media the right to say that all the protesters are crazy nut jobs.

Executive Foot-in-Mouth Syndrome President Obama needs to actually think before he says anything as it pertains to health care reform. When talking about it at his first town hall meeting, he compared a government run public option to the post office. Saying how Fed-Ex and UPS are doing well and it's the USPS that needs help. That's not going to win over people on the fence since the postal service is seeing a dramatic dip in services, has gone all but bankrupt and has been pushing for almost a year the request to go from 6 to 5 day work weeks. Now we've come to expect these gaffes from Vice President Joe "not in my neighborhood" Biden, Secretary of State Hillary "I'm the Secretary of State, not my husband" Clinton, and Speaker of the House Nancy "Speaking out is unAmerican" Pelosi, but Mr. President, you ran on how well you can win over a crowd, we expect a little more thought from you.

Fear Mongering works both ways While Republicans are using the old, tired tactic that universal health care will lead to socialism in the United States, the Democrats have pushed fear just as hard. President Obama continuously says that no reform is even more dangerous. To that, I have to disagree. While, yes health care reform is needed, it is going to effect ALL AMERICANS and therefore should not be pushed through Congress like "Cash for Clunkers" or the Stimulus Plan. It needs to be thought out, there are several issues that need to be discussed, such as: how are we going to pay for it? How are we going to make it affordable for all Americans? What are "pregnancy related services"? If we expand Medicare, are we going to actually make it better or just keep trapping people in it? etc.

Moving Some Things Around I had previously promised a report on Native Americans in America, and then this whole Health Care thing blew up causing my focus to shift. Well, we are still working on that piece, but I'd like to thank CNN for bringing the subject up on "State of the Union" on Sunday. Their focus was on Shannon County in South Dakota. A county that is 90% Native American and has both a poverty rate and unemployment rate of over 80%, with the latter being at 90%.

In Response to Main Stream Media

2009-08-10T08:50:00.003-04:00

The main stream media wants you to believe that all the protesters both tea partiers and health care rioters are based out of some ultra-conservative, super right wing, Republican backed camp. And once again, they are over simplifying a growing situation in order to keep a rebellion down. They want to claim that anyone who does not support the President of the United States is a racist, like many of his supporters did while he was nominee Obama.

I say that the unfortunate thing that the main stream media is ignoring is that the United States government, a government that claims to be "for the people, by the people" is in fact using the people as pawns in their little game. The Democrats are crying about the town hall meetings turning into shouting matches with people being removed and physical altercations set up by corporation backed, special interest parties. Meanwhile, at tea parties, the Republicans claim that ACORN sent out it's mobilized troops to stir up the crowds in order to discredit the movement.

I'm sorry, but I thought that the First Amendment gave us the right to assemble. The freedom of speech. I thought this country was founded on telling those in power where they can stick it, because we won't take it. I thought we were a nation founded on the principles of truth and justice, and not being told what to do. Yet this administration is doing just the opposite. They are telling us how and where we can spend our money, and if we don't like it tough. The "Cash for Clunkers" program, while great on paper, tells Americans that they can only spend their money on new cars or not get it. That 2 extra billion the government pulled out of thin air, while maintaining a trillion dollars debt, and owing around that same amount to Communist China, a country that not only oppresses the freedom of religion, and speech, but tells its people how many children they can have, leading to numerous amounts of baby girls being left out in the mountains to die, that 2 billion is not for the American people, it's another auto industry bail out.

The program is called "Car Allowance Rebate". Allowance, like we are children that need to be told what to do and where we can and can not spend our money. As I said in my "Conspiracy Theory" post, this money is designed to put more new cars out on the road. And while I'm all for green technology, and cleaner more fuel efficient cars and energy, why is the government telling us that this is the only place we can spend $4,500? At least Bush sent us the check and told us we could spend it however, and where ever we wanted. Americans don't need to go further in debt with car payments, yet many are because the government tells them to do it.

Meanwhile, this administration promised no new taxes on middle income families in the form of payroll taxes, etc. However, just like any true politician, the President has side stepped the issue of no new taxes on families directly, to indirectly adding new taxes. The already passed and in effect taxes on vices such as alcohol and tobacco, and now there is still talk of taxing soda to pay for health care. A policy that eventually will be fully run by the United States government where the government tells you what policy is best for you because you don't know any better. And while I still have questions about it, I do know that the current bill still allows for tax payer money to fund abortions, it also will force Americans to take on the government's health care if a citizen wants to simply change their out of pocket expenses.

I know that many of my views come off as Republican, and the main stream media will just say that the Republicans are poor losers and are crying about losing the last couple of elections. And nothing could be further from the truth. If you had talked to me this time last year, my views would have seemed more Democratic. In fact, in local politics my last two times, when I voted for the main stream parties, it was Democrats. I am a firm believer that there needs to be an end to our supposed democracy based on two party system.

But, back to the point I was trying to make. I think by claiming that those who speak out against government interaction are backed by some corporation and their sole mission is to bring down the President is a dangerous accusation. The Democrats have already claimed that they will pass the health care bill with or without bi-partisan help. Kind of like the kid at school who will listen to why you want to use his ball, but tells you in the long run, it's his ball and he'll play with it how he wants to. I am not backed by a corporate sponsor. There is no sponsorship on this blog, the closes thing to it is what books I like to read. Instead let me give you another theory, one that was stated 10 years ago, and rings truer today more than ever:

"I see all this potential, and I see squandering. God damn it, an entire generation pumping gas, waiting tables; slaves with white collars. Advertising has us chasing cars and clothes, working jobs we hate so we can buy shit we don't need. We're the middle children of history, man. No purpose or place. We have no Great War. No Great Depression. Our Great War's a spiritual war... our Great Depression is our lives. We've all been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionaires, and movie gods, and rock stars. But we won't. And we're slowly learning that fact. And we're very, very pissed off." -Fight Club (1999)

One of the trending topics on twitter today is #nevertrust, and I say, Never trust a government that is going to tell you how to spend your own money. As teens we fought our parents on how we were going to spend the money that we earned, and now the Federal government is acting like our parents and telling us how and where we can spend our hard earn money, and we should be very, very pissed off.

The Aftermath of the Flood

2009-08-06T12:22:00.004-04:00

"It's Raining; It's Pouring; The Old Man Is Snoring"

Tuesday morning saw the largest single day rainfall in over a 100 years. In a matter of minutes the streets became impassable and within a matter of hours houses found themselves taking on water. It lead many to wonder what we have done wrong. Since April of 2008, my city had been hit with an earthquake (4/08), a windstorm caused by Hurricane Ike (9/08), an Ice Storm (2/09) and now a flash flood (8/09). However, my family had survived many of these disasters, until now.

Our basement took on water, about 9 inches give or take. Talking with neighbors, we were lucky. The neighbor across the street took on 2 feet. Neighbors down the road took on 3 1/2 feet and were stuck in their house as their front lawn became part of the newly developed lake. To make matters worse, no sooner had the water receded, several hours later, than another neighbor's house caught on fire. The Public Library and nearest hospital both took on water, with damages conservatively estimated to date at 2 million dollars. The major university found itself under water with 7 buildings being flooded out.

You never really realize how people use different parts of their houses. The basement is used so differently by so many different people. Our basement was our laundry room, but we also kept our books from college and the baby accessories our son had out grown, all of it gone now. Our immediate neighbor used his as an apartment, couches and chairs all gone. Another neighbor, across the street used hers to store some of her collectibles, heirlooms and the things belonging to her two youngest, one who just got out of the Marines, and moved in with his soon to be in-laws, and the other son who is currently serving with the Marines in Afghanistan, all lost in the flood. That was our Tuesday.

On Wednesday, after the initial clean up, the mayor made his announcement about what the benchmarks are for the city in order to receive Federal funding by FEMA and for the President to declare a State of Emergency. All of which falls on the city since the state was not effected by the rain storm. The head of the city health department came on and told people to throw out any clothes that got wet since the flood water was from the sewers and were contaminated. A good majority of our clothes were wet, with a few exceptions. Throwing out all our clothes was and is not a possibility based on our income. The original hopes were to save at least half, but after putting on the rubber gloves and ringing out the clothes, one at a time, by hand, and seeing the nasty yellow film that stained the gloves, we knew that wasn't going to happen. We now are just going to try and save the clothes we can. We threw out several large bags of clothes while washing some that will never be the same again.

We realized what it was we had to do and started calling friends and family to see if they could help us in any way. Provide us with hand me down linens, towels and clothing. My mother in-law is taking up a collection and is coming down this weekend, since we live near 2 of her other daughters and we were all effected by the flood, to help clean up. That was our Wednesday.

It's now Thursday. I'm back to work, having taken the last few days off, I couldn't get out of my duties today. It's an all day work day, so cleaning up is out of the question. I have, however, started trying to recover by asking for help from fellow members of the fraternity I was in while in college. And much to my surprise, within a matter of hours I have already received emails from members, even ones I have never met, who want to help us out by donating clothes.

My weekend, starting Friday, will consist of cleaning up. Tomorrow, I'm taking off and will hopefully finish up my basement. From there we will descend on other houses that need help to finish up their clean up hopefully before the mold really sets in. That is my weekend plans.

It takes losing all these things that make you realize what you have and how special it truly is. While we have lost a great majority of our clothes, bedding and what not, we still have a home, we still have our health, and we still have each other, and that is all that matters. And with the help of our friends and family, we will make it out of this. Yes, some of the things that were lost can't be replaced, and that is awful. But at the end of the day, they were just paper and materials.

However, if the President wants to see an economic stimulus, give those effected by this flood $4,500 that you would give the "Cash for Clunkers". If Congress can pull $2 billion out of the air to allow "Cash for Clunkers" to keep going, they should be able to pull a few hundred thousand for families that may not have lost their houses, although some have, but for families who have lost clothes and appliances.

But in the end, they are just materials goods. If the government wants to give me money, I'll take it. If friends and family do, we'll take it. At the end of the day, I am not my khakis.

Conspiracy Theory

2009-08-03T10:47:00.002-04:00

The Obama administration hasn't shied away from flexing their political guns since the beginning of the term. And while this is understandable, as some will say that they only way to clean anything up or get anything done is taking a hardline stance on your goals and objectives, there is something that we may actually want to take a deeper look into and it pertains to the "cash for clunkers" government program.

While Barack Obama has flexed his guns by taking aim at news agencies (if that's what you can call Fox News) and states by calling the governor of Arizona after the President's stimulus bill was questioned by a senator, he has now taken aim at all of his political opponents through a symbolic gesture by euthenizing the clunkers.

Instead of helping trying to build up the used car industry, an industry that puts out old cars at a rate cheaper than buying brand new cars, thus making buying cars semi affordable for everyone, the Obama administration has instead destroyed every clunker brought into a new car dealership by pouring a saline solution into the engine killing the car and rendering it useless. So not only does this effectively kill the used car industry, creating the starts of a monopoly on car sales (by which I mean you can only buy new cars) it effectively limits the amount of used car parts for those whose hobby or job it is to use said parts for rebuilding or repair projects.

So, for someone like my brother-in-law who is putting together an old school VW bus-truck, for every engine or motor part that is traded in that could be conpatable, it has now gone off the market, never to be used, since the euthenized vehicles have to be sent to a government aproved "farm". This also hinders those who are not able to afford a new vehicle even at the rebated reduced price. So when ever my 94 clunker needs repairs, the parts will be even more limited than they are now.

So where is the symbolizm? Well, with the government killing the old vehicles it can be viewed as one of two ways. The glass half full thought of "happy government, thanks for looking out for us, dawn of a new era" which many have chosen to do, or the glass half empty thought of "the goevernment is showing those industries who are not in line that when it takes over, the old way will effectively be killed out, so watch out health care industry". Really this is for you all to decide.

On a side note, for a country so in debt, where did Congress find this 2 BILLION dollars it's going to use to keep "Cash for Clunkers" going? And how is this usage of monopoly money effecting the dollar on the make believe world government ran markets?

The President is a Racist and so am I

2009-07-30T15:23:00.000-04:00

The Daily Show, American’s primary newsertainment outlet, recently chastised Glenn Beck for his statements concerning President Obama’s racist statements. Actually, they chastised him for making said statements, revoking them and then making them again. I guess making such bold and unpopular statements might cause one to waver just a bit.
My point here today is that President Obama is a racist. Period. And so am I and so are you. It is human nature to give preferential treatment to one’s own tribe. And since our tribes have been spread and mixed beyond recognition, mankind has deferred to giving preferential treatment to those who look physically similar to ourselves. It is in our nature not be racist, and only through rational though and action can we counter this tendency.
I am not claiming that racism is morally justified, on the contrary, in our modern American society it is a handicap. With the tribal and cultural lines blurred beyond recognition racism just doesn’t make any rational sense. But this is a recent sociological development and since our evolutionary psychological traits are very slow to compensate, I don’t think it’s fair to look down on anyone accidently making a racist statement. What we should watch for is racist policies, laws and social practices. If we can keep these to a minimum then lets let the President drop the N word a few times for shit’s a giggles.

True State of the Union

2009-07-23T07:46:00.004-04:00

America is in trouble, this is not news, but the bigger problem lies in not just Washington but in the state capitols all over the country. Our leaders have forgotten us. Don't fall for their redirect about actually caring and doing things for the American people. We are smart enough to know that bull crap isn't steak even if the chef tells us different. Yet our leaders continuously tell us that what they are doing is what's best for us.

Our system of government is dying if it's not already dead. In party fighting has long been a sad standard for American politics, however, with this new administration the people have been caught in the middle. We are being told bi-monthly that our elected representatives are wasting time on the job and that there is a crisis. And who is the one reporting all of this? Who is the one that choices to air out grievances on nationwide television instead of sit down and actually talk to those whom have a different opinion? Non other than the President of the United States, who's party actually controls Congress. And while Congressional members bad mouthing the president to news organizations is not uncommon, how often did we see any of the previous Presidents bad mouth their own party members when they controlled 2/3rds of the branches of government.

The Republican Party is dead, sorry but it's true. Like a chicken with it's head cut off, the only reason the GOP is still running around thinking that it's got life is because the Democrats can't finish them off. The GOP has run it's course and should consider that, as political ideology, it would serve the American people best by destroying itself and splitting. The infighting between the younger "core" of Republicans like Meghan McCain and those who have been there like minority leader (ironic since it's an old white guy) Mitch McConnell have all but destroyed the party.

The truth is, Republicans like Ms. McCain, Ron Paul and even Rudy Giuliani should start their own party, but are too afraid to because of our make believe idea that we, as a "democracy" only have a two party system and anything more would destroy our government or allow the the "other" party to win. Guess what, they already have and your party has no real viable solution for the 2012 presidential election. Sarah Palin can't be taken seriously as she quits her position, and you have governors caught waist deep in scandal.

The Democrats, as of the election of President Obama looked poised to finish off the Republicans with a death blow not seen in over a hundred years. They really harnessed the untapped power that was the youth vote by presenting Obama as the "voice of a new generation". This young, hip, black man was going to change the old white ways of Washington with "change we can use". And while I understand empires aren't built in a day, it does take one crushing blow to destroy them. President Obama was elected, as were many other Democrats on the basis that they were going to fix the economy, they were going to bring our troops home and that it wasn't going to be "politics as usual" in Washington anymore. President Obama was going to be the next FDR. The problem lies in the fact that the youth movement really is ADD. Obama didn't say he was going to bring our troops back, he made it perfectly clear he was moving the theatre east into Afghanistan. He told us the economy was only going to get worse before it got better, although he did promise that the economic stimulus that he sent out would keep unemployment at 6-8% which as now gone to almost 10% nationwide, with 14 states at or over that margin.

Don't let the markets fool you. Just because there is a gain in trading doesn't mean the economy is doing better. The market is run by used cars sales men who want you to think that the product your buying is in the best shape it's ever been in. Take gas for example. Prices last month kept rising at the pump while the price of crude oil dropped.

President Obama forced through Congress his stimulus package, a package that no member of Congress had read. Now he wants to rush through a Health Care bill. Defenders of the bill, those who want it passed quickly use the argument that this is something they've been talking about for a while. I'm all for the idea of this bill, I even agree that those families who make a million dollars should help pay for those who can't afford it. I do disagree on any and all raising of taxes on the middle class or a taxation on soda. The government already has enough vice taxes as every time they need a dime they head straight for cigarettes or alcohol. Like many of those who oppose the bill, there needs to be some language in there about abortions. My own opinion of abortions doesn't matter since the alternative of back ally abortions is not an option, however with the feeling that many Americans have about abortion, it would be wrong if tax payer money went to abortions under this health care reform.

On the subject of taxing, I believe that the city of Oakland got it right. They have passed a bill that will increase the taxation on legalized marijuana for medical usage. The tax increase from $1.50 per every $1000 to $18 per every $1000 will raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the cash strap city. Even the governator is considering pushing a similar bill that would help raise $1.5 million in revenue on taxes alone, imagine how much it would save tax payers in not prosecuting non-violent marijuana users.

I read an article, I can't remember where or who said it, but someone said that the American people wouldn't stand for it if one day they woke up and the Chinese had military bases on our soil. Well, I say to all of you that they already have. However they are not military bases but in fact are corporations. The Chinese have over a trillion dollars invested in the United States. They have used our economic crisis against us and the government has simply gone along with it because in the grand scheme of life, in a capitalistic society that finds itself in unfamiliar territory, money really does talk. It really is only a matter of time before the Chinese use what they have for their own profit. Like any good investment, China does not want to see America fail, and if and when the United States gets back up on its feet, guess who just funded China's latest crimes against humanity whether it be squashing Catholics, Taiwan, Buddhist, Tibet or any others that oppose them? Yes, the American tax payers.

America, we need to open our eyes to what it is our government is doing. To quote the movie "V for Vendetta": "People should not fear their government, the government should fear its people". We are a democracy where our politicians only do enough to get re-elected. They only care about our feelings and our opinions when it suites them. They would rather listen to lobbyist who represent big corporations or big interest. These are the people, our representatives that are supposed to be OUR lobbyist. Our elected officials, both federal and statewide, work for us, and that is something they need to be reminded of. Maybe its time that we remind them of who their bosses are.

Also, as a side note, coming in August is a special report about the forgotten minorities. With CNN doing a sequel to "Black in America" and President Obama being praised for being the first African American President, we will view the hardships that affects those who have been forgotten, the Native Americans.

July Potpourri

2009-07-09T09:48:00.004-04:00

Trying to start off this month with a bang, but due to the economy, like many cities around the United States, we had to cut back on our fireworks. Now, post Michael Jackson news can once again flow from our blog into the computers of...well, whoever really reads this.

The "Air" Up There: More and more information is coming out about the murder-suicide of former Titan's quarterback Steve McNair and his "out of control" mistress. The truly sad part of this ordeal is that there really is nothing shocking about this case. It just seems to me more of a clear cut "murder-suicide, scorned lover" incident.

The latest developments show that her financial situation was deteriorating, so she spent money to illegally buy a gun instead of saving money up for her upcoming DUI trial. What is even more interesting is that original reports were that McNair had "tons of guns" and that they were happy together, and he was even going to leave his wife and they were going to move in together. Now, she's an out of control mistress who was in financial distress who bought a gun and fearful that McNair had ANOTHER girl on the side.

So, that all being said, while no one will ever really know what happened that night, here's my best guess. McNair and his mistress had a fight, something along the lines of "Now is not the right time to leave my wife, but I still love you." There was probably some words thrown around but everything cooled off and McNair took a nap, maybe even one of those, "We'll discuss it more in the morning" situations that lead a man to sleep on the couch while his significant other sleeps in the bed. While alone in her bed, the 20 year old really took stock of her life, maybe even realized McNair WASN'T ever going to leave his wife, and that she was just a younger model that he took out for a test drive. After all, while McNair's wife didn't know anything about the mistress (not un-common) there was no word of anything pending with an attorney about a divorce. So, in a fit of rage, with the new gun she illegally obtained, she shot and killed the quarterback and then herself.

Extorting Rick Pitino: This has been something that hasn't really broken out into the national media, but is an interesting story none the less. This women, Karen Sypher, has been accused by the FBI of trying to extort money from University of Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino. But she says she's "being set up" and she's fighting the case for her children.

Now, that could be all well and true, maybe she is being set up. Maybe its not her fault she lied to the FBI about a relationship she's had with Pitino. And now she has to stand up on her own two feet and defend herself against those who are making her out to be the bad guy. Maybe it's not her fault. But what really makes her story so great is that a local news station has found her dating profile on dating website aimed at millionaires. What makes this woman an even finer piece of work, she claims that not only did she laugh about this profile of her wearing a slinky dress in a pose in front of a fire place, but that she didn't even make the profile. The true culprits of this are...wait for it...HER KIDS.

So lets recap this story...she's being set up about her story of an affair with Rick Pitino and she's fighting it for her kids who in return posted her on a dating website for rich men without 1) her knowing, and 2) them even having a laptop at home. God Bless America.

"I'm not a quitter, I'm a fighter": So Sarah Palin quit as governor of the last frontier. However, that apparently still makes her a strong candidate for GOP presidential nominee. Well, I've said it once, and I'll say it again, the GOP is dead. They have no viable solutions for anything anymore and the only reason they still exist is because 1) people are too afraid to vote for a 3rd party and 2) because the Democrats haven't proven to really be that much better. The only reason anyone would even consider still picking someone who is quitting midterm is because their party is in political turmoil due to some very big names having some very roaming eyes.

Speaking of how the other half lives: There seems to be some movement toward a final solution about the much anticipated overhaul of Health Care. The plan, tax the rich and have them pay for the majority of it. There will be some sort of sliding scale which makes it affordable for everyone. A source close to Political Liability says that this is the right move. Since I have no real knowledge of this situation, I'll have to take their word for it. The only problem I have is rich or poor, the government should not fine people who don't want anything to do with the program.

"2012: The Conspiracy": With all the political upheaval in Iran over the elections, the coup in Honduras, ethnic tensions in China, North Korea gone crazy, same sex laws in India, our new offensive in Afghanistan, on going genocide in Sudan where the leader doesn't care, protest in Peru, Israel wanting to make an offensive in Iran, not to mention planes and trains crashing all over, is this really that crazy of an idea?

Told you so: As first reported here the economy hasn't turned around. Retailers are already reporting a weak June showing. Everyone was so uplifted about the way things were in April and May, but you have to look at the greater picture.

Finally, happy belated 4th of July everyone. Lets remember the real reason we celebrate the 4th. Freedom.

Michael Jackson Memorial

2009-07-08T08:28:00.003-04:00

I bet you didn't know, but everyday I get a Bible verse. Usually I read it and see if it pertains to my day or life or whatever, and on occasions it really does. Today's was very poignant. It was Psalms 82:3 that read "defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy", and I think nothing better defines the life I try to lead and the role Michael Jackson played in this world.

One of the greatest things said about Michael Jackson, one point that should never be lost on anyone was when Kobe Bryant said that of all the accomplishments and records Michael Jackson had achieved in his lifetime, that he also made the Guinness Book of World Records for Most Charities Supported by a Pop Star. Of all the records that he accomplished and set, and for all those now and to come who are going to try and reach those, how many are going to set out to break this one single record? MOST CHARITIES SUPPORTED BY A POP STAR. Whether News Media outlets want to report it or not, Michael Jackson was a TRUE humanitarian.

And speaking of mainstream media, shame on them. Shame on FOX News for trying to focus on the negativity of allegations than trying to celebrate the man. There will always be a time and place for it, but not during a memorial. Shame on BET for saying that because he was black, that is why the media is focusing on the negatives and that they'd never do this to a white person. When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was cruelly assassinated, there was no talks of his negative, but a celebration of his life and mourning of his loss. When Elvis died, there was mention of the manner of which he died. Don't forget that it was blacks and whites alike who made fun of his skin color, saying he and his children aren't "black enough". Those jokes don't seem as funny now, do they? When shown the grander scheme of life, the greater impact Michael Jackson had on pop culture for the black community, those jokes almost seem cruel now.

I agree with what Marlon Jackson said, when he told his brother "Now, I hope they leave you alone." But you know that they won't. In the days to come the circumstances that surround the mysterious death of the "Greatest Entertainer Ever" will undoubtedly cause more controversy. It will give the pariah's that we get our news and "facts" from the ammo that they so want to bring down this man who was bigger than life. Because that is what the media does, it has to take away the humanity of our icons. With 24/7 news coverage, blogs, social media so forth and so on they will try to tear apart the memories and legacy of a man who truly asked for nothing more than to be heard out and loved. The irony of course being that these people who will try to tear him down also just want to be heard out, or they wouldn't be working in the news, and, like everyone, they want to be loved. I ask those who want to try and bring him down, when you die, will that many people miss you? Will they come out in droves to honor your legacy?

I don't begrudge the man the lifestyle he choose for his children. He knew what the media did to him, why would he want to do that for his children. Due to the nature of his status as a celebrity, his children couldn't have had a normal life, gone to normal private schools, and yet, yesterday, thanks to the raw emotion of one 11 year old girl, his daughter, Paris Jackson, his children should have put to rest any and all questions about Michael Jackson as a father. No one can deny that as one of the most touching things ANYONE will ever witness. The memorial did a great job showing the world that there were actually people who had some insight into this man, and that he was more than the lights, glitter and costumes but he was a brother, a son, a humanitarian and most importantly a father. Something that as much as it surprised the mainstream media, it really shouldn't have.

Hopefully the passing of Michael Jackson, with his most inspirational and civil minded songs being played will cause countless number of people to actually care about the world that we live in and not just give people the lip service they think we all want to hear. And yes Mr. President, now we can start talking about nuclear weapons, but lets also talk about how we are going to "heal the world, and make it a better place", how we are going to stand up in the face of adversity whether we are black, white, brown, yellow or red and help stop the atrocities that are plaguing our world. Let us hear the rulers of nations show that they really care about us. Because if we want to make the world a better place we have to look into the mirror and make a change.

Remembering Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T08:20:00.004-04:00

There is so much that can be said, and will, both good and bad about the all too sudden passing of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. This was a man who grew up in one of the poorest cities in the country, whose murder rates are always among the top in the nation as well. This was a man who had spent 80% of his life under immence scrutiny and under the public eye. This was an icon who had always said that he felt more comfortable on a stage than anywhere else and it showed in his personal life. This was a man who systematically was not only the greatest artist in his own right, but owned some of the greatest music ever recorded. But this was also a man who was accused of horrendous things, and even though he had been acquitted or had settled with some of the families, those accusations will forever tarnish his image in some people's eyes. But this was also a man who influenced generations and revolutionized his industry in ways no one had, has or ever will again. This was also a scarred little boy stuck in a mans body who never, ever truly got over the abuse he suffered at the hands of his manager and father. Last night, Thursday June 25th, 2009, the world lost it's last great icon.

Although I don't have a personal memory that actually involves meeting the man, I like so many others of my generation, have a personal attachment with his music. I've always loved his dancing and would hit the dance floor anytime it came on. Songs like "Man in the Mirror" were great songs that would make you think, but also came off so sincere that you knew this was someone who wasn't just singing about it like many of today's artist. "Thriller" revolutionized not only the music industry as being the greatest album of all times, but it revolutionized the music video industry. His great performance in "The Wiz" showed that he had proven himself as more than a music icon, but the icon of an entire generation.

I remember being a DJ in college and during a hip-hop show I co-hosted with a friend, we used to play "The Way You Make Me Feel" religiously. We would take it out of the records, one of the few actual songs from records we'd play, and put on the long dance version and just dance ourselves in the studio. I remember dancing to Michael Jackson at my wedding, the only one as everyone else just sat back and watched. That was what his music did to people, if you really felt it, you'd get lost in it.

Alot of awful things will and already have come out. Entertainment Tonight disgustingly paid for the exclusive rights to the last photo ever taken of Michael Jackson, stretched out on the gurney as the EMS take him out of his home. Keith Olberman tried, but failed to rationalize why so many would come out to the hospital and home of this man. And I'm sure that many more will drag the man's name through the mud in an effort to tarnish a legend in the way that the American public and news media is well-known for doing. They will try to make people forget the humanitarian that Michael Jackson was, by saying he was a recluse. They will diminish what he had done for so many children to give them the childhood he never had by saying that he had an unhealthy relationship with them. They will say he wasn't a good father, but by all accounts, minus the episode in Germany, he was a great dad. They'll diminish his career by saying his albums after "Thriller" all were flops, but that was the best selling album of all times, anything else would be lesser of an album based on pure numbers.

As loved as he was as an artist, I hope that Michael Jackson gets the respect in death that he failed to receive in life. Good night sweet prince, may you finally find peace.

June Potpourri

2009-06-18T09:49:00.005-04:00

Lets dive into a few things that have been in the news lately...

Iranian Elections: I think that this may really be a huge deal for the Iranian people. However, I don't think that America should necessarily get swept up in it. Our problem is that we are a country of know-it-alls and with Iran banning Westerner and their news, it leaves the US news agencies, if you can still call some of them that, wondering what is going on.

According to several sources it doesn't seem to matter for several reasons; 1) The supreme ruler makes all domestic and foreign policies; and 2) They are still going to want weaponized plutonium. That is what both candidates agree on, so in the long run we are still going to be trying to talk them out of it.

Also, under NO circumstance should the United States get involved in what is going on in Iran. Let them protest and march, let them have their revolution. We didn't ask the international community for help in the still contested Minnesota senate election did we? We didn't seek Iran's advice when Gore beat out Bush, did we? This is an internal matter and should be handled as such. If we interfere now, we only prove to the Arab world that we feel that we have the right to, and are, the police of the world.

KOREA: History Channel ran this great program that has since repeated occasionally about the Mayan 2012 Doomsday. Well, North Korea is threatening a massive retaliation if the US interferes with their boats. That is what the US Navy is getting ready to do. They have their sailors armed and ready to hold North Korean boats, without boarding them. So, I would venture to say that a nuclear war is not too far off. Even Russia and China are trying to get North Korea to ease its stance against the world.

The main problem with North Korea's nuclear holocaust threat is that they so far haven't shown the technology to reach the Continental United States. Russia has already said that they would shoot down any rocket headed their way but could not say whether they have the technology to detect rockets headed in any other way. North Korea wouldn't be so ignorant to launch one at China, so that only leaves Japan, which would just be cruel irony, South Korea, which is a distinct possibility, and Alaska or Hawai'i. Now, Alaska may be out of the picture for a North Korean target, and may actually find protection from the Kremlin, but Hawai'i is a whole nother story. Again, as cruel irony, an attack by a foreign country on Hawai'i would surely ignite a World War.

Even if North Korea was able to get help from rouge nations, such as Iran, I don't see any other countries really backing them in support. China and Russia, for all their actual attempts would try to stay neutral since they don't want to be seen taking orders from the US, but can not condone nuclear holocaust. The Colombians not only don't have the weaponry, but they don't necessarily have the man power. They would need to unite a lot of the South and Central American countries to get an army capable of warranting an attack. The key would also be Cuba. Fidel Castro, as the last of the guerrilla's, I don't think would want to risk an attack from or on his country 90 miles from the United States.

The main problem would come from the Arab League. They have the tendency to stick together thick and thin and will cause an issue on a global scale. I think between the Arab League, and Columbia, the United States and it's allies find themselves in an issue when it comes to fuel. If Iran comes to the aid of North Korea, out of the "enemy of my enemy is my friend" mentality, the United States and it's allies will see national gas prices sky rocket to unbelievable heights that will cause chaos in their own streets. And with the time frame that this may happen, the world doesn't need that pressure right now.

Barack Obama vs. FOX News: This really has turned into a juvenile fight. Yes, we all know that NBC and their affiliates are Obama's personal television channel, we get it. But the back and forth between Obama and Fox News needs to stop. Obama mentioned on an interview with MSNBC how there is a whole channel that seems dedicated to only reporting negative news on him and his administration. Sorry, but it just sound's like you can't take the heat. There is no need to mention directly or indirectly any of this. Let it go, there are always going to be people or organizations trying to bring you down, it comes with the office.

We all knew it was So-Sa! Occasionally we like to chime in with Sports news. However, this really should not have been news to anyone. Look at not just his body, but his body of work. And he has no one to blame but himself. As a former sports writer, I already wrote an article on this a decade ago, this doesn't need to be this big of news.

A Fair Economic Warning

2009-06-02T09:45:00.002-04:00

Well friends, all over the news there are mumblings and whispers that the economy is starting to show signs of life and that our current recession may actually begin to right itself by the end of the year. The experts use statistics like the fact that massive layoffs are down and companies aren't losing as much money as they thought. Basically, there are silver linings to all the grey clouds above our heads.

And to this, I'd like to warn you. Sure this past Memorial Day weekend retailers saw an upswing in consumer confidence. However, one thing that is mysteriously missing from these experts is any talk of the timing of this upswing. It is not that Americans are making more money than we were a few months ago, the national unemployment rate is still hovering around 10%. The biggest factor for the recent economic upswing has everything to do with federal taxes. The Memorial Day weekend came at the time that most Americans who filed Federal taxes, and even those in government who forgot to, are receiving their rebates, thus Americans have some spending cash that they have earmarked for their summer.

Take myself for example. My family income has not changed since February. However, upon receiving our tax check, after paying all necessary bills and the surprise car fix, we had bought season passes to our local Six Flags theme park while they were inexpensive. Our Memorial Day consisted of going to Six Flags and then going to our local minor league baseball game. Total cost for the day, maybe $40 dollars for a family of three, and that includes buying tickets for our guest at the baseball game.

The talk of massive layoffs being slowed is an obvious comment and shouldn't make anyone really feel comfortable for two reasons: 1) there aren't any massive hiring and 2) State and local governments are in the midst of laying off hundreds of employees for financial reasons. So before you buy into this whole "We are getting better" mantra that the government is selling, you need to think about the surrounding factors.

Catching up with old friends

2009-05-30T10:51:00.003-04:00

Alright, my abscense has probably gone un-noticed, but lets get caught up on somethings that have gone on since last we talked.

NEW NAME: I have left the old "Blogger to be named later" and re-taken up a name given to me in better days. That being said, now we can get on with the real news.

HOLA COMO ESTA?: President Obama has selected Sotomayor as his first appointed nominee for the Supreme Court. This issue has been a big deal since the elections because Obama has the chance to name several justices during his term.

Aside from that, we all knew there was going to be pressure on the first black president to share the historic spotlight with his appointing of cabinent members and justices. We have also seen that Obama doesn't necessarily pick the candidate with the best background as numerous nominees have had to drop out of his appointments since Congress doesn't feel it necessary to actually pay taxes, just take them from the American People. This failure to investigate, really a lack of thinking before you speak, has reared it's ugly little head again in the form of Sotomayor's comments about how she feels that a latina with her experience would make a better judgement than that of a white man with those same experiences.

I'm actually incline to possibly agree with her. No matter what field we are in, we all take our life experiences with us and use them for either good or bad. People use them as excuses to do good and try to imrpove their life, but they also use them as excuses for why they are in the situation they're in. A white man, for all his experience, will never know what it's like to be threatened to be deported even though your an American citizen; they will never know what it's like to be called names like "wet-back" "beaner" "spic" or any of these derogitory names.

I applaude President Obama for making this choice. Sure she killed baseball, causing steriods and the long ball to try and bring it back to life, but I think it's about time that there is a justice who looks at the law and thinks about not only how their rulling affects the case, but the law and those who have to live by it. I do hope, however, that Congress takes their time with this because afterall the Supreme Court is unlike any of the other branches of government, it's a "for life" appointment should not be rushed into.

KOREA II: World War III North Korea is flexing some major muscle that has all the world on the edge of their seat. Now, armed with the ability to make nuclear weapons, a crazy dictator and the thought that anyone who messes with their ships want war, the North is setting its sights on a long range missle launch later this month. Third times the charm, and this missle launch is suppose to go 4000 miles, or from North Korea to Hawaii or Alaska.

Kind of makes you wonder what would have happened had the US never dropped the A-Bomb on Japan after World War II. Also, did you know, Alfred Nobel, yes the Peace Prize guy, invented dynimite thinking that once people saw it's destructive power, the world would realize how bad war was...

Czar this, czar that...

2009-05-29T10:06:00.002-04:00

I know I've been a horrible contributor recently, but life has been flying along. Buying a house, selling a condo, coaching little league, work is busy... But alas, I hope to be back on the blogging track. I just posted a mini rant over at AM Donkey. It relates to my frustration with the overuse of the term czar. It seems we have one for everything... A cyber space czar? Are you kidding? If there is one thing that isn't structured in any way to have authority or control in an individual, it is the Internet... peace.love.understanding.

Government Steals Land

2009-05-07T09:30:00.002-04:00

Stop me when you've heard this one. The American government has been, since 2005, trying to buy 500 acres of land from 7 owners to no avail. To the surprise of one of the owners, the government set May as the end all deadline to agree to terms to sell the land. Now the United States government is going to simply condemn the land and take it from the owners, according to an Associated Press report.

The prime piece of real estate that the government is taking away from tax paying citizens is located at the crash site of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. After they take the land from the legal owners, the government is then going to spend $58,000,0000 (million) on a permanent memorial and state park.

While I'm not "condemning" the government for wanting to erect a memorial to the bravery that was flight 93, they should not use their power to take land from their own citizens. But, with the rich history that the United States has in stealing land, this should really come as no surprise.

Gotta Love The Police

2009-05-05T11:26:00.003-04:00

As I gaze out the window of my real job I see a police vehicle parked in front of the beauty salon next door. Generally this should be a cause for alarm as I did see them pull up an hour ago. But, much to my relief, it is not an emergency of any kind. And as the officer sat next to his official vehicle, smoking his cigarette in his shorts and t-shirt while he no doubtingly waits for his partner to get her hair done, it occurred to me, I'm in the wrong line of work.

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that the police get to take there cars and use them for personal usage. And who gets stuck with the gas bill while they're out there gallivanting all over town? You and me, that's who. There really should be a lot more outrage then there is, but there isn't. There is actually more outrage coming from police who feel that they have every right to use these tax-payer fueled vehicles, and are angry when anyone thinks that they should have to pay to take it home, let alone fill it up. I guess the only thing they're serving and protecting is their own personal interest.

Before you judge me as some whiny cop hater, here is the legitimate list of "run-ins" I've had with these people:

Called 911 when my neighbors car got broken into, almost 2 hours later a cop arrives
driving home, a car starts to drive in reverse in my direction, I honk, he flashes his lights and stares me down
driving to work and I almost get cut off, I honk my horn, this female officer flashes her lights while in front of me and starts to slow down. I slow down too, and take an alternative route. I called the community liaison, give them the plate number, and they tell me that is not one of theirs, and all but call me a liar.
driving my son and wife around and almost got t-boned by a rent-away truck while there was an officer at the opposite light. I honk to get her attention, nothing. I called to complain and was told that if there are 2 people in the car, they don't do traffic stops
driving home from work late one night, I get pulled over and get the third degree about where I'm headed. It takes 2 more cops to ask me questions as they flash their lights into my car looking for something. Didn't even get a ticket.
Driving in the rain many years ago in a town I wasn't too familiar with. A police officer gets up on my tail, so I assume I'm going too slow, so I speed up. He pulls me over for speeding.
After college my friends and I were setting off fireworks in a field. It was 4th of July and we figured they would just come and take our fireworks away. 2 squad cars jump the curb and continue to chase us.
My best friend and I were walking to his house one night to play some N64. Some cop stops us and starts to question us about where we got those N6 controllers.
I had watched the news where they just up'd the speed limit. A cop, who was headed in the opposite direction, pulls me over for speeding. By the time the fine was due, the new limit had already been posted, and I wouldn't have been speeding.

None of this even includes times I've seen cops use their cars for grocery shopping, eating lunch with their kids, and doing 90 on a 55 mph highway. These are way too many incidents for one person to have with police who are meant to serve and protect, not harass and ignore. And I'll openly admit that this also doesn't include the times I got pulled over for expired tags and no insurance.

I understand that the police have dangerous jobs and all that. However, there are too many cases where people pretend to be cops and take advantage of people. So, if one day a "cop" pulls me over in his shorts and a t-shirt and steps to my vehicle while putting out a cigarette, I only hope that the real cops will do something about it, that is if they aren't too busy with driving their kids to soccer practice on my dime.

Kentucky Derby Preview

2009-04-30T07:37:00.002-04:00

Alright, from Swine Flu to the "Fastest Two Minutes In Sports" here is the preview for the 135th run for the roses, the first jewel in the elusive triple crown, the Kentucky Derby. There was some not-so-scientific way I did this, so there are no promises but this is how they ranked out:

Dunkirk (4-1) Top pick mathematically, and it shows. Before last year no horse with three or less starts had ever won the Derby. Horses that have won in Florida have won 3 of the last 5 Derbies. The under side to Dunkirk is he's only raced once against anyone in this field and finished second to the now scratched Quality Road.

Musket Man (20-1) This maybe a solid lock if your looking for a trifecta horse. Musket Man has won all but one of the races he's been in. He's only ever finished as low as 3rd, and that was behind General Quarters, who he has since beaten.

Hold Me Back (15-1)/ Pioneerof The Nile (4-1) Both of these horses look like they can be strong contenders. Hold Me Back is one of three stable mates looking to win the Derby, however has finished average against this field with a recent 2nd place finish against General Quarters in the Blue Grass. Pioneerof The Nile, another trifecta pick, is a solid horse, but what do you expect at 4-1. Surprisingly not the morning line favorite, Pioneerof the Nile has beaten I Want Revenge every time out and I really don't see why not this time.

Chocolate Candy (20-1) If your looking for a "safe long shot" this is it. California horses have done traditionally well in the Derby over the past decade or so. Chocolate Candy has fared well with top three finishes against horses in this field and may fair well on a trifecta ticket with a place or show. He's loss to Pioneerof The Nile twice, but has placed second and third respectively.

I Want Revenge (3-1) Morning Line Favorite. I think this may have something to do with the fact that I Want Revenge is a stable mate of Big Brown's and therefore getting a bit of an edge. It could also just be the handicappers trying to flush money going one way. I Want Revenge is not Big Brown, and has not shown that he could beat Pioneerof the Nile. In fact, the only horse he's beaten and taken first in was against 30-1 West Side Bernie.

Mine That Bird (50-1) Hasn't really beaten anybody. Placed higher than Advice in one race, but didn't find himself in the top three in that race. Not a real competitor, but at 50-1, that's what you get.

General Quarters (20-1) Hometown favorite, General Quarters is a one man show. The owner, a former area principal, his story being told everywhere. If your even thinking about it, I say take it in a trifecta. There, in my opinion, is a lot to be said about familiarity in racing and General Quarters has ran at Churchill Downs the most of anyone in the field. He's shown that he can win, winning the Blue Grass against Hold Me Back. I wouldn't be surprised to see an upset out of this horse.

Papa Clem (20-1) Strong horse who just may not be lucky enough to win. He's coming off a win but it was against horses that have since scratched. He's seen Pioneerof the Nile once before, so there is some familiarity. He was one of the favorites but has since dropped off. That's not to say at 20-1 he doesn't find himself in the mix.

Friesan Fire (5-1) An Arkansas horse who has beaten Papa Clem once already. 5-1 is a solid odd, and he's maintained his ability to stay on the lips as one of the favorites. He'd be a good take in a trifecta.

West Side Bernie (30-1) The inside most post position in a 20 horse field, West Side Bernie is going to need a great start in order to do anything. He's never really proven he could be a factor against this field, and will fail to do anything Saturday.

Regal Ransom (30-1) One of two horses that have spent the majority of their career outside the US. Him and Desert Party, while some peoples favorites, the Derby, in recent history at least, has never seen a horse win the roses who has ran in Dubai. Not to say that he won't do well, if he can get up front with Desert Party, the duo may push each other, but they'd have to be joined in a box.

Mr. Hot Stuff (30-1) One of those triplets who are stable mates, Mr. Hot Stuff has finished well against this field, coming in third twice. I think he's more there to help stable mate Hold Me Back than to be a competitor, I don't see Mr. Hot Stuff being strong in this field.

Desert Party (15-1) He, along with Regal Ransom, if they can both get near the lead may push each other, but I think they'd have to do it together. Desert Party and Regal Ransom have finished 1-2 in their last three races together in Dubai, but this maybe to much for them. The one thing Desert Party has is the outside, meaning he can get wide and make a run.

Advice (30-1) The last of the three stable mates, I just don't see it. Again, more to help hopeful Hold Me Back keep pace more than anything, I think really. Advice had beaten now scratch Square Eddie, but that is really all he's done in his career.

Flying Private (50-1) The far outside post, is a long way away. He's never really beaten anyone in the field, which is why his odds are what they are, I'd have to pass on Flying Private, unless I owned him. Which I don't. The field is too strong, and Flying Private has proven what he's made of with a 5th place finish against the field.

Summer Bird (50-1) Remember all that about a horse with 3 wins never winning the Derby prior to Big Brown? Well Summer Bird is no Big Brown. He's finished 3rd against the field, but I think the inexperience will do him in. But for $2 you'd get a $100.

As of the time all my research had finished, there have been 3 additions to the Derby. Here they are, take them at your own risk:
Join In The Dance (50-1)
Nowhere To Hide (50-1)
Atomic Rain (50-1)

Here is two trifecta's you maybe interested to take: Pioneerof the Nile, Musket Man and General Quarters. The other: Chocolate Candy, Friesan Fire and General Quarters.

Good Luck to everyone.

Swine Flu and you

2009-04-27T11:30:00.003-04:00

Allow for a second, some paranoia to set in. Imagine living in a nation where the government uses unwilling subjects to test and learn from diseases, a sort of "biological warfare" if you will. Now, imagine, if you will, a country that has already tested diseases on it's own citizens that after 40 years, was finally revelled, so now they have to use that disease on another countries population. Now imagine you live in that country, because you just might.

Here are the facts as we know them:

Mexico is currently in a large drug war that has seen violence spill over into American soil
There are many who feel strongly against illegal immigrants coming over from Mexico
Mexico City, one of the largest, most populated cities in the world, was on lock down Sunday, April 26th
TheUnited States has tested Syphilis on poor black sharecroppers from 1932 until 1972
There was a Swine Flu "epidemic" over 30 years ago, that originated in the US

Take what you will from all of this, the most important thing you can do is be careful. Here are 5 things you need to know about the current swine flu.

Tea Party

2009-04-16T11:30:00.004-04:00

I think that it's easy for those who we can call the "liberal, Obama loving media" to pigeon hole the Tea Party Movement into simply just a bunch of "whiny, poor loser, right-wingers" who are upset at having to pay taxes. And as a whole, this is what the media has done to dismiss the protest. Which is fine, it really is as expected and is what they have been accused of since President Obama won the election. And to some extent this pigeon hole is correct, and one can even say fueled by the fact that Fox News was the only "news" outlet that continuously covered it.

When I first heard of the tea party movement I was amazed. I also wondered where and what they were going to dump. When I found out it was a mere gathering to protest taxes on tax day, I thought it was a good start, but it didn't go far enough. Now, I'm not promoting violence, the original tea party was a non-violent act against the English rule. There needed to be a walk out, or a march, not a series of protest where political figures are allowed to speak. There should be no political figures speaking. This should be a gathering of the people who cry out in one voice "We will not take it anymore".

Another great way the media has dismissed the Tea Party was to say it was just a bunch of people who don't want to pay taxes and don't understand that President Obama has ct taxes for 95% of America. Well I would have to disagree. I don't believe that this was a blatant "I don't want to pay taxes anymore" protest. And while yes, the president has cut taxes for 95% of Americans, his government has raised taxes on other goods such as but not limited to cigarettes and liquor. So, while he technically cut taxes, keeping his campaign promise, he found alternative revenues to get the people. And of course, I understand the argument "well you don't have to smoke or drink", it has been seen that liquor sales have gone up since the recession.

I want to make this perfectly clear, and for the record, I am not now, nor have I ever been a member of the Republican Party. I just believe that our system of what we want really badly want to call a democracy is broken and has been for a long time, maybe since the beginning. Our checks and balances alone kills a democracy. Any one branch can cancel out the other, and they, whenever they want, can cancel out the will of the people, is not a democracy but a republic. We have representatives who the majority of us vote in and they do what they believe the majority of their people want.

However, since the formation of the colonies, and the first elected presidency, there have only been 2 major parties. It started with the tories and the wigs and has evolved into the Republicans and the Democrats. Anyone else running under any other party, especially for the highest office in the land is viewed as "waisting their time" and their supporters are "waisting their vote", again, not a very democratic view. And, on top of this two party "conspiracy", you need to be a card carrying member of one of said parties to 1) vote for who should run on that parties ticket and 2) work the booths during Election Day.

These are the principles that should have been, and were the foundations for the Tea Party Movement. And while the Obama-loving media may want to pigeon hole it's attendees into some nice little niche that they can easily dismiss by saying where was all this protest during the Bush years, maybe they should take into consideration the fact that not only did Bush's approval rating drop to historic lows, NOT only did they want to impeach Bush BUT it was with their help and love for Senator Obama and dislike of Sarah Palin that aided in Obama's 8 million vote advantage. Of course, McCain didn't help his cause either, but that's beside the point.

My only real question is, for those of you who want to so easily dismiss the Tea Party activist, can you do it without using the term "teabaggers" or "teabagging"? I mean seriously, who really is the immature ones here?

Open letter to my congressman

2009-04-15T10:46:00.004-04:00

Dear Congressman Yarmuth,

I would like to start off by saying I believe that you are doing a fine job, and thank you for representing those of us living in the 3rd district.

However, the reason I am writing is out of concern for our nations schools. It has been reported that Detroit may be closing 23 schools and New Albany,IN may be closing 2 schools.

I am wondering what it is that the federal government is planning on doing about this? The federal government has given bail out money to financial institutions because the president has said they are too big to allow to fail, well I'd like to reply so are our children. He wants to improve our educational system but how is that going to happen if schools are closing causing other schools to become overcrowded?

As a tax payer, I was not asked if I'd like my money to go towards CitiField, AIG bonuses or multi-million dollar renovations for other financial institutions. BUT as a tax payer, I AM asking that my money go toward making sure that schools both here in the Louisville [area] and throughout the nation do not get closed.

Mr. Yarmuth, I am asking you to please put through some legislation granting bailout money for the education of our children. And while I understand the term "bailout" is meet with some hesitation in congress, this is indeed to help not only build but maintain a foundation for our future. Thank you sir.

Tea Parties and School Closings

2009-04-15T09:50:00.003-04:00

Let me start off by saying, that I support the Tea Party movement as much as anyone. As I explained to my coherts, this is someone doing what we want to do, and in this case, the more the marrier. This is something that I have been waiting to see happen for a long, LONG time and I think that ultimately its good for the nation.

That being said, I'd like to switch the focus over to school closings. I know kids everywhere when they hear those words get excited, I know I did. However, this is no cause for celebration. Due to federal and state budget crunches, states are now considering closing schools to help right their ships. This simply can not be allowed to happen. Closing the schools down is worse then Bush's "No Child Left Behind" policy. Instead of vouchers for schools it will simply allow state governments to close schools that are deemed poor or failing. And allowing the government to do this is an injustice to the community, that schools students and teachers.

I think, in the spirit of the tea parties, that we as a Nation need to unify, in one voice that enough is enough. If the Federal government is allowed to give taxpayer money to financial institutions and auto industries under the guise of it being too big to allow to fail, then the same messures need to be taken to protect our schools. There is no bigger investment, no bigger entity in our nation nor anything bigger for the future of our nation then it's education system.

By allowing schools to close down, we are simply forced to transfer those students to alternative schools without the intention of making said schools bigger. This leads to the obvious problem, schools will become over crowded. Teachers, instead of the 15-20 students they currently have, will be forced to have double that, giving even less one-on-one time that students may need with their teachers.

This is not a worse case senario, Detriot may have to close 23 schools which would save the city $303 million dollars but put $600 teachers out of work. This is not a major city issue either, as New Albany, Indiana may be forced to close 2 schools. One of the schools in New Albany, a town just north of Louisville, Kentucky was visited by President Bush for it's improvments thanks to his "No Child Left Behind" and has recently recieved blue ribbons for being an exceptional school.

Ladies and gentlemen, I understand at times we may not agree. I also understand that this is a difficult time for all of us. However, President Obama promised us better schooling for our children. And while he may focus on higher education and making college more affordable, we need to keep elementary schools open so our children can grow up with dreams of going to college. This is where we need to draw a line in the sand. For a president who said that Wall Street was too big an entity to allow to fail, WE need to say that the children on Main Street are too important to allow to fail.

Friday Fun on Monday

2009-04-13T09:58:00.004-04:00

Hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday weekend. But to help get rid of this "Case of the Mondays" here is some breaking news.

It appears that the first puppy, Bo, already has his first speaking engagement. He will be speaking at the Washington DC Kennel Club obedience graduation. Protesters have already expressed their outrage with scheduling Bo for this speech. It appears that Bo has bumped the dog that rides a skateboard from this gala.

When asked how he's taking this, skateboard dog said he was taking it "ruff".

Some students are biting at the chance to see the first dog while others know that he's going to stay no matter what they do.

Outraged, polar bears in Germany have already started taking their anger out. Meanwhile, back here in the States, some are protesting Bo's stance on anti-rolled up news paper training and anti-monogamy. The protesters are rumored to be in the dozens, but mostly squirrels just going nuts a the thought of the first dog attending this prestigious event. MORE NEWS AS IT BREAKS.

Everyones New Favorite Extremist

2009-04-09T15:06:00.003-04:00

Glenn Beck, since jumping ship from Headline News to Fox News has taken the nation by storm. With Katrina like devastation, Beck has found himself on the lips of all news media outlets from TIME to Keith Olbermann's "Worst People". And he has done so by truly putting Barnum and Bailey's circus tactics on air. The man at any one time can go from crying about his love of the country to Pentacostal scare tactics about the fire and brimstone that is President Obama's Socialist agenda to playing Jenga to making fun of himself. For all it's over the top antics, it's got to be an awful joke right. Right?

There's a movie out there called >"The Last Supper". The 1996 film staring Cameron Diaz, is about five liberal grad students who take it upon themselves to kill off anyone whose views may differ from their own, and are deemed dangerous. This includes anti-environmentalist Jason Alexander, a redneck war vet Bill Paxton, so forth and so on. The group then puts the bodies in the ground and plants tomatoes around the bodies.

Well one day, while taking a vacation from killing they come across a television rightwinger right out of Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, Lou Dobbs playbook. They invite this man, played by Ron Pearlman for anyone interested, over for dinner thinking they got their big catch. While having a discussion during dinner, per ritual, they come to find out his views are very simular to their own.

In a well put statement, Pearlman's character explains to the group that it is the middle that runs the country, its just the extremist on both the left and the right that talk the loudest. He also tells them that he doesn't do his show to gain fame for political gain, that his show gives him more power than the president. While the president has to answer to congress and to the people, his show, his "character" doesn't.

Well ladies and gentleman, that is where Glenn Beck finds himself. Maybe his views are like ours, and he's just playing a bit to get a rise out of people and it works. However, the danger with Mr. Beck lies in the times. We are at a dangerous crossroads in American history. There is an old saying, "those who don't learn from
the past are doomed to repeat it." After World War I, when the allies took everything from Germany as punishment, they were an angry bunch looking for someone to blame. Along came a failed painter whose charisma carried him to the heights of his socialist party all the way up to chancellor. He put together rallies. He told the down and out German's who was REALLY to blame. He even wrote a book about how they were going to change all their luck.

Now, I'm not necessarily saying that Glenn Beck is Hitler, instead he just wants to be famous. For 2 years in college I was a radio disc jockey. One of the first things the upperclassmen told me was you know you've made it when you recieve a letter or call from the prision. Well, in my 2 years, I recieved numerous calls and one letter from the prision, so I guess I made it. It's the same way for Beck. As reported on Olbermann's "Worst People" all Glenn Beck wants is for Saturday Night Live to parody him. Is that too much to ask for, I mean all the BTK killer wanted was a movie made about him and he got that, why not give Glenn Beck a parody on SNL?

More to the point, Glenn Beck now enjoys millions of viewers on the conservative flagship television station. What makes it dangerous is the fact that his base, the right wing conservatives are looking for someone to trust and listen to. The Republican party is on life support and is looking for anyone to take it back to the Grand Ol' Party days. Thanks to 8 great years under Bush, the party is lost and looking for someway to regain votes. And the way they are doing that is by fear mongering. If they tell you that Barack Obama and the Democrats are bringing about Socialistic changes and anyone who follows them is a commie-pinko, those who let the GOP doing their thinking for them will believe it. I mean it worked for Joe McCarthy.

Ultimately this ties into the point of "Political Liability" as a blog. We don't want you to follow either party blindly, that's not democracy, that's not even a republic. We are going to give you our opinions, think of them what you will, there is no right or wrong. Understand that there is always going to be a disenfranchised middle. During the Bush years, it was the intellectuals, the people who didn't want a government with a gestapo who had a list of enemies and interegated "the enemy" in the dark of night. Now, its the religious and the right. Those that were catered to for 8 years under the Bush administration.

Think of it this way,"we will not go quietly into the night, we will not give up without a fight" (courtesy of Independance Day).

Jailbirds...

2009-04-07T14:05:00.002-04:00

Lexington's column in this week's Economist focuses on the prison system in America, and how unwieldy it has become. Lexington points out that Senator Webb of Virginia is one of the few politicans with enough guts to take a stand on this issue. And to be honest, it takes guts, as even a tinge of being "soft of crime" has dealt many a crushing blows to American politicians.

Mr Webb also has some powerful forces ranged against him. The prison-industrial complex (which includes private prisons as well as public ones) employs thousands of people and armies of lobbyists. Twenty-six states plus the federal government have passed “three strikes and you’re out” laws which put repeat offenders in prison for life without parole. And the war on drugs has pushed the incarceration business into overdrive. The number of people serving time for drugs has increased from 41,000 in 1980 to 500,000 today, or 55% of the population of federal prisons and 21% of those in state prisons. An astonishing three-quarters of prisoners locked up on drug-related charges are black.

America incarcerates a staggering number of its' citizens (about 1 in 31 adults) and it doesn't seem to get a lot for it. It is true that our crime rates have been lowered over the past twenty five years, but there are lots of underlying questions related to the cost of this decrease. The first, and perhaps biggest, is related to what constitutes crime? There are myriad options in defining crime, but I find it difficult to believe there is any real public policy interest in incarcerating low level drug "criminals." We also love to disenfranchise many of our citizens (disproportionately minorities, btw), as many states don't allow felons to vote... not only when they are in prison, or on parole, but forever. This seems like a very good way to convince someone that society doesn't care about them, or their opinions. Our system also seems to offer very little (in the aggregate) programmatic rehabilitation, as America has a quite high rate of recidivism. This doesn't even consider the huge amounts of cash we spend on the trials, appeals, incaceration and monitoring of those caught up in the system.

I have little doubt that there are a lot of people in the prison system that deserve to be there, and that it is to society's benefit to keep them there. I'm just not as convinced that 1 in 31 adults should be in jail... or that we can afford to continue the staggering growth rate in prison populations.

Opening Day

2009-04-07T09:10:00.003-04:00

Let us put aside petty differences to follow a summer tradition, ney, ritual. A right of passage passed down from father to son, from generation to generation, Opening Day of the baseball season. It's the time to dust off the old glove, drop an unhealthy amount of money (during a recession, and even more unhealthy if your planning on going to the New Yankee Stadium) and watch your favorite players take the field with the hopes and dreams that a World Series Championship is just months away from coming to your team.

Sure, the players are roided up. And, as Houston Astro Lance Berkman has said, not all of the players are on steroids, but there is a cloud of suspicion over the league. Instead of pointing out great players, and reminiscing about times when they saw Micky Mantle, Nolan Ryan, Tony Gwynn, Joe DiMaggio, so forth and so on, father's now tell their sons that they shouldn't necessarily put too much faith into their favorite player because you just never know if they will end up on another steroid list.

And sure the Yankees built a new stadium and dropped over $400 million on 4 new players. Sure, tickets that went for around $60 at old Yankee Stadium now go for almost triple that. Sure, it even has a Martini bar in case James Bond stops in to watch the Yanks take on the Red Sox. At least it's not Citi Field, the new home to cross town rivals, the New York Mets. While CitiBank was asking the government and receiving bailout money, they continued their promise to the people of Queens, by continuing to throw millions into their new stadium. And what did the US government, who holds a healthy percentage of CitiBank do? The government that fired AIG's CEO, and has held the auto industry hostage? They let CitiBank keep on building.

Meanwhile, Major League Baseball didn't allow money man, and maniac owner Mark Cuban to buy the Cubs from the failing Tribune Company, thanks to the good ol' boy back room politics of MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and Chicago White Sox and Bulls owner, good friend, and Cuban hater Jerry Reinsdorf. In the end, however, the eventual buyer of the historic, lovable losers franchise (not to mention the Friendly Confines, Wrigley Field) went to a man who meet his wife in the bleachers of that very stadium, watching that very team, so it could have been worse, it could have been the conglomerate that controls Big Brown and I Want Revenge's stables. Wonderful business men cut from the same cloth as the Steinbrenners.

Oh, yeah, and there were some games played too. A day before the other 30 teams got to start, the Atlanta Braves ruined the banner waving celebration of division rivals, and World Series Champ, Philadelphia Phillies. The Phils probably thought they were going to roll over the Bravos but it was not to be, as once again, Bobby Cox shows why he will always remain the head coach in Atlanta as his young kids started pounding the ball early on against Brett Myers.

Monday saw the "rest" of the league Spring into action. Most notably CC Sabathia and the previously mentioned millionaire Yankees saw their team fall to the Orioles. And what may turn out to be the greatest thing for fans in Baltimore, scorned as they are, every time the Yanks come into town, they now get to boo hometown boy Mark Texiera. Tex, who was a free agent this off season choose the Yankees over the O's, saying that he's always been a Yankees fan. And in true Hilary Clinton fashion (born a Cubs fan, ran for congress in NY and said she was a life long Yankees fan) ESPN's bio-blast reported that the Annapolis born, Mr. Maryland High School baseball star, was in fact, an Orioles fan. But, money has a funny way of changing your allegiances, right Johnny Damon?

The Cubbies held on to a lead, as the cardiac Cubs look to end a [editors note: this will not be spoken out loud until the season is over] with a win over Roy Oswalt and the Astros. And, as quoted in the movie Major League: "You can always tell how the season will go by the first batter". And with that, Alfanso Soriano blasted the second pitch he saw over the left field fence.

Other games happened. Both early Cy Young hopefuls Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cliff Lee of the Cleveland Indians got rocked last night. Hanley Rameriez hit a grand slam. And several games got called due to weather. With the entire season in front of us, let's let out the true Summer war cry, in the words of the great Ernie Banks, aka Mr. Cub, "Lets play two".

The Binghamton tragedy...

2009-04-03T16:09:00.002-04:00

The shootings in Binghamton are tragic. Facts are slowly materializing, and one of the few confirmations thus far is that the coward pyschopath who is resonsible for this has apparently killed himself. What would make someone attack the American Civic Association? We probably won't ever know for sure, but I'm wary that this could be one of the by-products of far too many in our culture demonizing immigrants. Xenophobic sentiments, mixed with trying economic times is a scary cocktail.

Friday Fun April 3, 2009

2009-04-03T10:14:00.003-04:00

After a week of G20 talk, joblessness rising, and shootings on the rise, it's time to start the weekend off in a way I truely never thought I would have...a twitter update. Now, I'm doing this because we may actually be making some headway, however truely small it is. And to add on top of it all, I'll answer the ultimate question of one of America's most beloved almost first daughters...Meghan McCain.

Let me start off by saying that I like Meghan McCain. I think that if she wanted to, she could possibly do wonderful things for her party. So far she doesn't have any dirt on her, no rumored videoes of her doing coke, no sex tapes...all adding up to perfectly good reason's to follow her on twitter like we do. So lets start off this little journey...

Ms. McCain likes to inform her followers about her newest peices in The Dailey Beast. So she sent out her notice about her favorite freshman congressman from Illinois.

We sent out a reply stating that if you read ours we'll read yours. No respond. Well, Ms. McCain puts out a "Song of the Day" and so we put out song of the week was "How I Can Just Kill A Man" by Rage Against the Machine.

Later in the week she posted "Can I still be a fan of Rage Against The Machine if my Dad is "The Machine".....?"

Coincedence? Probably, I mean why would Meghan McCain want to read our silly little blog for? Or maybe, just maybe, she IS.

So, we will take it upon ourselves to answer your questions. And the answer is, I'm sorry to say...NO! Rage, unlike many other bands found on mainstream media are more then just a badass beats by the band and great flow from Zach de la Roach. Rage Against the Machine is also about the message. It's about anti-Capitalism. While they appeal to this young generation that is dissastisfied with the establishment to the point all you really have to do to win the presidentcy is threaten 4 more years of the establishment. We are SO hungry for change that we ate the word up and turned it into a catch phrase for capitalistic profit. That is not the change Rage talks about. It is the complete oppsite, it's what Rage rages against.

Upon looking back at Meghan McCain's twitter, she wrote that one of her songs of the day was Renagades of Funk. Lyrics of that song, more specifically as it opens, goes: "Renangades are the people, with their own philosophies. They change the course of history, everyday people like you and me."

Well, it is MY belief that your own philosophies can't be conserned with the strenght of a dying party. And now the dying GOP has talk of a mutinious third party. That is great, even if it is lead by Rush. The country needs more parties then what we have. The two party system is not democratic, it leads itself to the rediculous thoughts that we found in the Kerry/Bush elections of "lesser of two evils". At no time should anyone in a "democratic" society say that they voted the way they did because it was the lesser of two evils. Don't vote then. You have just as much right NOT to vote as you do to vote. This country needs to learn that we will do more to improve our nation if we voted based on the people running and less on the party they're affiliated with. And at NO TIME should there ever be a "straight ticket". Take the time out to learn everyone's position and then vote.

Well, back to the mainpoint. I just don't necessarially think that someone so deep set in one party, especially the Republician Party, can truely appreciate the message sent by Rage Against the Machine. But then again, I could always be wrong, maybe she is a fan and can use their message to change the party, afterall, renegades are everyday people like you and me. C'mon!

Cannabis Crusaders Unite

2009-04-01T16:59:00.000-04:00

Dr. Chaos calls out to the Cannabis Crusaders to Unite! We now have proof that we will continue to be persecuted in this new administrations’ attempt to enslave the nation. We have but one last tactic to fall back on, TERRORISM. I believe it is the civic duty, nay constitutional right of any terminally ill American who was denied the use of this wonder drug to easy their suffering to SUICIDE BOMB THE OPPRESSORS! Weather it be the DEA, FBI or local police, they should pay for their ignorant enforcement of unjust laws. Now now, good people, I’m not suggesting that any other PEOPLE are harmed in these blasts. Only the equipment and facilities of the oppressors are to be destroyed while sending our message of desperation. If I can’t alleviate my pain, I will end it. Which brings me to another point, why is suicide illegal, but that’s a rant for another day.

London calling...

2009-04-01T15:41:00.002-04:00

Cross post from AM Donkey regarding the G-20 summit this week in London.

Boiled down to special sauce:

One of the few solid economic principles over the past century is that aggressive stimulus actions from governments work. Yet, as we flounder today, a confluence of domestically based partisan politics and internationally based protectionist economic nationalism is creating an environment that is not conducive to any form of a globally coordinated fiscal stimulus action...

WE are the April Fools

2009-04-01T12:37:00.003-04:00

America, come in close, I want to talk to you. (cue Glenn Beck style close up) I want you all to sit around the flag and lets have a real conversation. (cue Lou Dobb's backdrop) America, it's time that we shout from the highest of heights the question WHY?

Today starts the tax hikes on tobacco products to offset debts that both the nation and states have occurred due to poor money management, a dying economy and numerous other factors across the globe. And while many Americans are losing their jobs, and gas prices do their two dollar dance again, the obvious answer to our politicians is TAX THE PEOPLE!

TAX THE PEOPLE being the war cry, a small rumbling through out congress becomes, "Well, who do we tax?" And the quick, simple answer is, and always will be, the smokers. Why is that? Why is it the smokers who always get the short end of the stick? Wasn't tobacco a HUGE cash crop during those important early years of our nations history? Yet it is the tobacco industry that gets the logjammer.

First the tobacco industry is forced, and rightfully so, to pay people because they made you believe that smoking rat poison and other carcinogens are good for you and make you cool. Ok, that I understand. Then they make the industry pay for educational commercials as well as allow the TRUTH campaign to harass them. Fine, again, understandable. But lately, within the last couple years, whenever the nation or state needs money, they are automatically out taxing cigarettes. And on top of all of that, on top of taking more money out of these peoples pockets, they want to tell you that you can't smoke them anywhere. What kind of sense does that make, seriously?

Is it just me, or does this logic not make sense to anyone? If they accomplish their goal of getting everyone to stop smoking, who are they going to tax next? More taxes on condoms and birth control? Higher taxes on alcohol? All I'm saying is that this is HAS become way too much. If your going to single out a group of users, the least you could do is allow them to keep on keeping on. If your going to tax a product you should make that products usage more accessible, its simple economics.

Of course, this is all coming from a president who openly wrote that he did cocaine, then held an online town hall discussion and since a great number of people asked about legalization of marijuana, he scoffed at them and said "I guess that says something about our viewers" and we all went on our way too stupid to be insulted because we all want so bad to believe in "hope" and "change". So, we as a nation will let the highest power in the land keep kicking us around because he's articulate, charismatic, tells us change is coming, all while smiling at us and telling us "yes we can" do anything we want to do. Well, I want to smoke reasonably priced cigarettes in a bar, and I'm sure I'm not alone. But if we unite all we get is TAXED more. God bless America.

Bi-Partisan's Big GIVE

2009-03-30T13:09:00.005-04:00

Congress late last week, in a truly bi-partisan move, passed the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act or GIVE. This bill, later renamed the "Edward M Kennedy Serve America Act" will nearly quadruple the size of AmeriCorp from 75,000 to 250,000. AmeriCorp is the American version of the Peace Corp with its focus more of a national setting. Among the deeds this bill does is give those students or former students serving in AmeriCorp mor money for college or to pay off their loans. The money increases from $4,725 to $5,350 to be granted after service has been completed.

This bill also creates several new ways for different agencies to recieve funds via a Social Innovations Funds (SIF) as well as the Volunteer Generations Fund (VGF). The SIF will grant seed money to scale up innovative and evidence based civic infustructure inniciatives. The VGF will fund non-profit and state agencies to recruit, manage and support volunteers.

GIVE will also give middle schoolers through college students the oppertunity to engage in service during the summer and school year with the Summer of Service program aimed at middle and high schoolers. College and universities will become eligable for grants allowing their students to become active during the school year and into their professional days.

The bill, H.R. 1388, also provides seniors citizens with further oppertunities by expanding eligabilities for Senior Companions and Foster Grandparents programs.

We'll skip all the smoke blowing the official White House press release gave Sen. Kennedy, since he did help create this piece of legislature. Needless to say, this was a well timed bill as AmeriCorp has seen its number of aplicants triple in the month of March.

Friday Fun for March 27, 2009

2009-03-27T11:24:00.002-04:00

I could do alot of stupid things right now, go on about any number of topics. Instead, I want to direct your attention to something President Obama said during his "Primetime News Conference". He said that the first step in the recovery plan has helped save the jobs of "teachers and police officers".

Teachers and police officers jobs...where have I heard all that before...oh, yeah, right here on Political Liability. An excerpt from blog entitled "My Political Platform Pt 1":

"5) More funds for teachers and police. Lets face it, crime is going to get worse as the economy does. We need to educate more children so they too will realize what exactly a bachelors degree in philosophy or archaeology will get them. "

Nice to know someone is listening...but the fun today is what President Obama was REALLY saying during his press conference. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obama_text

President Obama: "My fellow Americans, I did not put us in this crisis, this crisis has been due to the previous eight years administration. Now, I'm not going to name names but it wasn't the first Bush. I have a four part plan for correcting this so it NEVER happens again.

Part one, listening to Political Liability and the blogger to be named later's post about HIS presidential platform, specifically jobs for teachers and cops.

Part two, stabilizing the housing market. I got a new house, so every American should be allowed to have a home. Hell, I'll give everyone 40 acres and a mule.

Part three, allow a flow of credit BACK to families so they can go back to spending money they already don't have. The EU may think this is a "way to Hell" but you have to spend money to make money, right Donald Trump.

Part four, that's the fun part. That's where we spend money based on this new budget so this never happens again. You see the millions I want to spend are only a fraction of the cost of our debt. It's for our children's generation, you want to keep them safe don't you?

And let me reiterate, that I am JUST as angry at AIG as the rest of you good people who didn't receive political contributions from them. It just angers me to no end thinking about all the money they could have contributed had it not been for a freeze in September.

But remember America, E Pluribus Unum. Questions? AP

AP: Your treasury secretary and the Fed chairman were on Capitol Hill today asking for this new authority that you want to regulate big, complex financial institutions. Why do you think the public should sign on for another new sweeping authority for the government to take over companies, essentially?

Prez: Because this was an oversight in what the government can mess with. Remember, we're for bigger government to overlook all things. The FDIC can mess with the banks but not groups like AIG. We want the authority to mess with them also.

AP: Why should the public trust the government to handle that authority well?

Prez: Because if we don't control them, then they'll be stuck in the private sector, and that's no good for anyone. NBC?

NBC: Why, given this new era of responsibility that you're asking for, why haven't you asked for something specific that the public should be sacrificing to participate in this economic recovery?

Prez: Um, they HAVE. Why do you think I'm taxing the upper 5% and getting 90% of the AIG bonuses back thanks to my friends in congress. Besides, you have to spend money to make money, that's why my budget focuses on building blocks. It's the "New New Deal". J?

J: The Democrats are writing a budget that does not include your middle class tax cuts, instead they want to phase them out. Would you sign a bill to that affect?

Prez: I've already told them what I wanted on it. I think we need to focus on the previously mentioned foundations. I knew they weren't going to Xerox it, that would cause a panic on the right. However, I feel very confident they will get done what I tell them to. And I will sign it.

J: Even without those provisions?

Prez: No...I mean, we'll have to talk it out. They know what I want, and they will get done what I tell them to. And I will sign it. CBS?

CBS: Your budget has the deficit increasing $7 Trillion over the next 10 years. The Congressional Budget Office has it at $9.3 Trillion. Republicans are calling your budget the most irresponsible in history.

Prez: Yeah, so?

CBS: Well, you said you didn't want to pass our problems to the next generation, but isn't that exactly what you are doing?

Prez: Listen, first off, it was those [people] who left us with a $1.3 Trillion debt. When our guy was in there was a surplus, their guy comes in and its all down hill. I know I said I wasn't going to mention names or that it wasn't any ONE person who did this, but it was ONE PARTY. So, I think those [people] need to check themselves before they wreck themselves. That's my first point.

My second point is that within 5 years the deficit will be cut in half. If I wanted to run again, I'll still look good, if not I'll go out on top. It's after those 5 years that are where everyone is concerned.

CBS: But you just said it's going to go up in the off years...

Prez: Listen, it's complicated, there are alot of numbers involved. Here America, have a cookie and let the grown ups worry about the bills. Univision?

Univision: Do you consider the violent spillover from Mexico a threat to national security? And how do you respond to the Governor of Texas asking for more troops and agents?

Prez: We're watching the situation. We're sending more surveillance equipment, that should be good enough. We're letting Mexico deal with most of it, our job is to make sure the cartels don't get any guns or money. I'm sure it'll work itself out. Stars and Stripes?

SS: I wanted to ask you about the Defense and Vets Administration's budget. With so many...um Sir?

Prez: Oh, sorry, I kind of spaced out. You were saying?

SS: How do you plan on saving items headed for the chopping block?

Prez: Here's a couple points I want to make, first off, we have the largest budget for vets in over 30 years. It's the right thing to do, especially since they've been forced to sacrifice over the last several years, but when you have a president who spent his tour at the bars doing blow, that's what you get.

The issue we have is how to give you money without increasing the bill on the taxpayers. Well, we are working on that. CNN?

CNN: Why did it take you so long to get mad at AIG? Was it because you realized that Geithner had no power to do anything? And more to the fact, it's not just Republicans who are bashing you, there are some Democrats who don't like your budget either. Aren't you afraid your going to leave a huge debt to YOUR children and the next president?

Prez: Yes, but as I told you there are a lot of numbers involved here. This isn't the lemonade stand you opened up, it's the United States. Listen, health care and energy are the foundations that are going to save this country. What, you didn't like your cookie?

CNN: What about my question about AIG and your anger? What took so long?

Prez: Because you wouldn't like me when I'm angry. Fox? Really, Fox??

Fox: China wants a global currency because they are nervous about our economy. Now remember, China is socialist, communist and left of center. Do you think you're asking them to spend too much money?

Prez: That's what the G-20 Summit is all about. Now, I haven't asked China to do anything, I just suggested the help out a little bit. Plus, Fox News, I think we're doing a pretty good job, and I think he world still views us as a super power.

Fox: And a global currency?

Prez: No chance! Politico?

P: Are you regretting cutting interest rates for mortgages and charities?

Prez: No, it's the right thing to do. Everything I do is the right thing to do, when will you people learn that?

Listen, if you really were giving it to charity, then it shouldn't matter how much you right off, right? It's that top 1% that we want to tax to help us because they are too damn rich. It's not going to hurt if they don't get back everything they want.

P: Are you saying that charities are wrong when they say this will discourage people from giving?

Prez: Yes, they are wrong. The best thing for them to do is shut up and wait until the economy turns back around, then they'll be just fine. KC?

KC: What would you say to those who now reside in tent cities? After all, 1 in every 50 children are currently homeless.

Prez: Well, obviously the best thing I could do is get their mommy and daddy jobs. It kills me that there are homeless children when Madonna is looking to adopt and Octo-mom has 16 kids in her house. But, we're working on it. ABC?

ABC: Really? Can I ask you about being black?

Prez: Sure, or should I say fo shizzle

ABC: In the last 64 days, has anyone brought up the fact that you are indeed African American?

Prez: Um, no. People love me or hate me based off one thing, my performance. That's the way it should be. Washington Times?

WT: Thanks.

Prez: Fo sho.

WT: I was wondering if you wrestled with the stem-cell research issue.

Prez: Good question, and the answer is so obviously yes, everyday of my life, but its the right thing to do. And that's not just my opinion, it's other peoples too. Besides, I can't let some crazy ideology from the middle ages tell me what I can and cannot do. Last question SC?

SC: What are your hopes for a peaceful solution between Palestine and Israel?

Prez: Well, we are going to stay persistently on top of the situation. We are going to push for a two state resolution that will make everyone happy. Hey, remember St. Patty's Day? We had people here partying from Northern Ireland and Ireland, and they were sworn enemies. We can do it as long as we stay persistent.

END

Now you can follow us

2009-03-26T13:27:00.003-04:00

That's right, I gave in to the temptation. Ladies and gentlemen, I am "proud" to announce that Political Liability is now on twitter. How can you find us you wonder. Well it's easy, when you jump onto twitter search for "Political Liability" or our user name "notsotrue".

Boredom has never been so fun.

***EIDTORS NOTE: Of the list below only the following have twitter accounts: Anderson Cooper, "Ann Coulter", Lou Dobbs, "Neil Patrick Harris" and Tony Reali. Shepherd Smith, you need to get on your game and get cought up with AC360. Same with you O'Reilly, if you want to be Lou Dobbs. I don't know, maybe Fox won't let you tweet. Oh, Meatloaf and Alice Cooper...you could do worse. Finally, I put in a request to be allowed to follow Snoop, I hope he says yes.***

Giving Big Brother What They Want

2009-03-25T12:45:00.000-04:00

I have always found it interesting when people complain about "Big Brother" is watching, the government is reading our email, bugging our phones, tapping our kegs...well, you know what I mean. What makes this so interesting is the amount that we complain about it and yet anyone with access to a computer can find out what you are doing at anytime you allow them to. And the best part is, there are really no government regulations on what can and cannot be said over the Internet. It's kind of where total freedom of speech meets invasion of privacy and has a little baby that makes the rock relationship all better, you know those marriages.

Myspace, facebook and livejournal allow their users all sorts of access and freedom to write whatever they want to. Great, first amendment right at its best. They even allow their users to spread horrible and vicious rumors under false pretences. Take the case in Missouri a few years back for instance. A mother, posing as a girls classmate, ridicules the girl to the point that she kills herself over the attacks all on myspace for the world to see. The sad part is, this is by no means an isolated incident.

There are also a handful of incidences where teachers have lost their jobs for posting pictures on their facebook account with drinks in their hand. It's generally known that people working with children get burnt out after 4 years, so I don't begrudge them drinking. But seriously, I just don't know if I want you teaching my child if your not smart enough NOT to post pictures of you getting plastered with your girlfriends Friday night. And don't complain when you get fired when your boss, who your probably stupid enough to have as a buddy, checks it out. Besides, you never know who their friends are.

Blogging in general gives us all a greater sense that what we have to say means something to people. Well, judging by the amount of "followers" this blog has, I can tell you that is not necessarily the case at all. Back in the day, dating myself, sisters used to get mad about their little brothers, older brothers, parents, what have you reading their journals hearing about this and that, now we'll gladly share it on the Internet so everyone can see it, or hear about it.

And now the latest craze is twitter, which allows you to answer the ultimate question, "What are you doing?" And what makes it great is that on their actual website, twitter claims that we should all do this because if your at a party and your friends tweet you they may want to join you at the party. Seriously? Listen, (or read) if I'm at a party and my friends aren't and the best thing they can think of is to twitter me to see what I'm doing...well, maybe there's a reason they weren't invited. However, on the plus side, this does allow me to see what minor celebs and pointless news media people are doing.

My twitter list: Jon Stewart; Bill O'Reilly; Shepherd Smith; Anderson Cooper; Neil Patrick Harris; Wolf Blitzer; Ann Coulter; Lou Dobbs; Snoop Dogg; Tony Reali; Meatloaf; Alice Cooper; and 95% of those who would tweet me, just to name a few.

Sorry, I got off topic, these thing can be addictive. My point is, what's the point in complaining about the government interfering in your everyday life if you let them in openly? Be smart about what you do and how you do it, you just never know whose watching.

COMING SOON TO A TWITTER NEAR YOU...POLITICAL LIABILITY. I just have to fight the urge of self-respect and dignity that tell me not to join.

Lost In The Numbers

2009-03-24T09:14:00.000-04:00

President Barack Obama will usurp tv time this week for the second time in his short presidential term. While I'm not really missing anything important tonight, this is obviously Obama's attempt at governmental transparency, plus, it's a good way to appear as though he's doing a good job.

President Obama has done a great job at turning the public's view of the White House and lifting the "Shroud of Mystery" from the Bush administration, which is something we all wanted and is long overdue. Besides, he's the everyday guy president. I mean who didn't do a little blow in college just to get by, we all know it was young Bush's drug of choice. What a lame-o Clinton looks like, Mr. "I didn't inhale". And who doesn't really love filling out NCAA Brackets for ESPN, they allow to fill out up to 10, TEN BRACKETS. And who doesn't feel mentally or physically challenged when they bowl knowing they could score 300 if they could knock all the pins down, I know I do. After all, it could be worse, as he said on the campaign trail, it could be four more years of Bush policies.

But the real question, one I hope is asked and actually followed up on, is about the ABC News report that came out last week about AIG and their generous gifts to many of our beloved politicians. And while Senator Dodd (D- Conn) is getting the brunt of the backlash due to his receiving a little more than $103,000 from the money sucking group in 2008, the question lingers, who is number 2?

The answer...President Obama who received a grand total of $101,332 in donations from the failing financial institution including a reported $23,000 or little more then 1/6th of the $120,000 in political contributions AIG made AFTER it received $85 BILLION in taxpayer bailout. But that was 2008, when he was a struggling senator from Illinois just trying, like all Americans to better his life for him and his family by finding a new job. He needed all the financial help he could get. Besides, it's not like he was alone.

John McCain was behind him receiving almost $59,500 in funds from AIG. And right behind him, receiving almost $36,000 was former first lady turned former senator turned former presidential nominee turned Secretary of State who needed financial assistance because her campaign went belly up Hillary Rodham Clinton. But AIG is an international group, so maybe this was more so she would spread the word of AIG to foreign dignitaries.

Of course, there is Vice President Joe "not in my neighborhood" Biden who only received a little under $20,000 in taxpayer money. But seeing as 7 of the top 12 politicians the received financial backing from AIG were from the Atlantic Northeast (2 from Conn and NY, 1 from NH, Del, and Penn for a grand total of $222,490 taxpayer dollars), I guess that IS what they do in his neighborhood.

Other notables include former mayor Giulliani ($13,200) and AIG hearing chairman Rep. Kanjorski (D Penn; $12,000)

to find out more, why not visit the actual article http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=7110145&page=1

Here is what I am proposing the government consider. And while it may all seem good, just keep in mind that like many Americans I have no real idea how this would affect the actual "market". But, my grand idea, since we are a nation built on credit (of which China holds an amazing 1 Trillion dollars of) why not nix $5,000 off everyone's credit. An American Credit Forgiveness Act.

While this might not even be a feasible solution to our everyday problems, this will give the American people some area to go out and rack up more credit for themselves. This would give people the chance who other wise couldn't buy a home or car due to credit issues a new lease on life (excuse the pun). I did hear talk of resetting the credit scores, which would ideally be the same. This is what the American people need. With unemployment on the rise, the American people could use this act to stay afloat.

2009-03-23T00:35:00.001-04:00

Good day fellow citizens of Earth. I am Dr. Chaos, the appointed Drug Czar of Political Liability. What is a Drug Czar you might ask? Good question. Let’s break it down. Dictionary.com claims a drug is "a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being." The site also claims a Czar is "any person exercising great authority or power in a particular field." Therefore I am a person with great authority and power in the field of chemical substances used to enhance well-being. How did I gain this authority and power you might ask? Again, an excellent question (you’re doing quite well today) Extensive and continual personal research. And it is my pledge you to, citizens of Earth, to continue this research as long as I hold this very important office. In fact, as I sit and write this inaugural article on this fine Friday morning, I am under the influence of no less than four drugs. (Five if you count the residual traces from last night.) Don’t worry, I am a Doctor. I do warn you, the reader, not to try any of my research on your own as only someone with my particular biological advantages can even attempt such cutting edge experimentation. So remember, don’t try this at home kids.

Friday Fun for March 20, 2009

2009-03-20T08:59:00.000-04:00

While "Political Liability" has several great post, I am sorry to say that this will not be one of them. Instead, as an attempt to mix seriousness with fun, I am going to start a segment called "Friday Fun". It's attempt to lighten up the mood and show that we have a sense of humor. So, here we go...

It was nice to see the President on TV without really taking up any TV time. In the past two days Barack Obama had been on both Sportscenter and Jay Leno proving that he really is trying to reach all audiences. And in doing so, he has proven once again, that our leaders don't know that feet go on the floor and not in their mouths. I could really care less if Duke's coach K wanted to swipe back at Obama for not picking his team by saying the President should stick to fixing the economy. What is problematic is Obama telling Leno that his bowling is "like the Special Olympics or something". Nice, way to make the mentally and physically challenged feel like they have the full support of the president. But I guess when your following Bush, these little gaffes don't seem so bad.

E! Online, that's right, I'm using them as a source again and trust me no one dies more inside then myself, however, they are reporting that Fred Durst is reuniting Limp Bizkit. That's right, after last really being seen being booed out of Chicago, the Chocolate Starfish is bringing his Hot Dog flavored water to a town near you. And with Eminem putting out a new album, maybe we'll get a pre-21st century grudge match going again. All this, along with Jonathan Davis of Korn releasing a new single that is all over the radio, I just have wonder, did I wake up in the past?

I'd like to thank the NCAA Selection Committee for really making the big conferences look good. Not only did they only put in 4 at large "mid majors" and smaller conferences, they made it so there would be no real chance they make it out of the first round. Of course, we are only half way through said first round, so I might be pulling a Barack Obama and be sticking my foot in my mouth, but we'll find out.

Well, everyone have a good weekend and stay safe. And if your in the Miami area, watch out this weekend for Donte Stallworth as the Cleveland Brown wideout is still a free man and maybe driving over a corner near you. No, seriously, it's a tragedy what happened and hopefully everything gets straighten out and justice is found.

Things Worsening for the People of Darfur

2009-03-18T12:56:00.001-04:00

The AP has reported that Omar al-Bashir, the president of Sudan, has once again rallied his supporters in Darfur, mocking an International Criminal Court warrant for his arrest. This is the second time he has gone into Darfur, a region of Sudan, and dismissed the charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Al-Bashir is the first active leader to ever be charged of these crimes, and while he remains in Sudan he will face no punishment. And, as the AP reports, he will find safe haven with the Arab League as he is scheduled to fly out to Qatar for an Arab summit at the end of the month. He is also receiving some support from the African Union, who although have no judicial power over the leader, still are looking into the "atrocities". However, the African Union has expressed it's displeasure with al-Brashir kicking out foreign aid.

The Darfur genocide, after all that is what it is, has a death toll of at least 300,000 people and lead to the displacement of almost three million people. And while al-Brashir fights with what he calls "Western colonization" the remaining three million people will recieve no aid from the outside world as their fearless leader sends away foreign aid. According to some UN numbers, 100,000 people a month could die if foreign aid is not brought back into the Darfur.

Now, CNN is reporting that gunfire was exchanged between international peacekeepers and al-Bashir's military, ending in the death of a peacekeeper.

We as a people cannot turn our backs on this issue. There is a saying, "If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it." Well, on August 22, 1939, a week before the invasion of Poland, Hitler gave out the order to "kill without pity or mercy men, women, and children of Polish race or language". He concluded his meeting by stating, "Who still talks nowadays of the extermination of the Armenians?" (http://www.armenian-genocide.org/)

for more information, please, I urge you to visit:
http://www.savedarfur.org/
http://savedarfur.org/sites/voicefordarfur/index.php/pages/feature1

Miley Cyrus vs Radiohead

2009-03-14T10:41:00.000-04:00

In a recent article, Miley Cyrus had opened up about how people made fun of her while she was growing up pre-Hannah Montana. She talked about how there were a core group of girls who made fun of her and made it hard for her in school and so forth and so on. Well, no sooner was the article published and put out there, then little Miss Cyrus made yet another one of her famous public stumbles, as she is now calling out Radiohead as reported by E! online.

It appears the young pop princess felt dissed when Radiohead, upon hearing that Miley wanted to meet with her, said outright "that's not something they do". Well, showing her age, Miley Cyrus left the GRAMMY'S early because, as she told the Jayjay and Rich radio show, "I was so upset! I wasn't going to watch... I'm going to ruin them, I'm going to tell everyone."

Okay, let me see if I got this straight, you left the Grammy's, the biggest musical award show, where you performed, because the band that you refer to as your "rock gods" didn't want to stop by and say "hi". And now Miley, you think your going to ruin Radiohead by telling everyone that they dissed you? Really? Do you even know who Radiohead is? Have you heard anything they've done?

Let me put this in simple chapter and verse...Radiohead 1) will not be ruined by a Disney-made little girl who makes Asian faces, dates other Disney-made boy bands; 2) I don't even really follow Radiohead, but I'm pretty sure they are the band that dissed the MUSIC INDUSTRY by selling their album on the web and having people pay what they thought it was worth; 3) by "dissing" you they are that much cooler to their fan base.

Of course no one can say it better then the band themselves. Again as reported by E! Online, in a statement Radiohead puts the young actress (Gem wannabe, there I said it) in her place by saying "When Miley grows up, she'll learn not to have such a sense of entitlement."

March Madness

2009-03-14T08:45:00.000-04:00

Now, I'll be the first to admit that I have not followed college basketball this year as much as I have in the past, since I have the tendency to use up my sports viewing time on Cubs games and football on Sundays, I use the time between for other things. That being said, this year's tournament should be very interesting if its anything like the conference tournaments have been.

With the Big East upsets setting the pace for the remaining "BCS" Conferences, UofL has made their point for their first #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament since they were both the #1 seed in the Big East Tournament, and are the only team standing as they look to face a hot Syracuse team tonight. This would be the Cardinals first #1 seed since the 80's, and their first Big East Championship ever...mostly because they just joined the Big East a few years ago.

Pitt and UConn, two other teams that pre-tournaments were discussed as #1 seeds are hanging on by a thread, thanks to upset losses. However, upsets have also helped them keep their dreams alive, as Baylor has laid waste to some Big 12 teams. The Big 12 Tournament has seen Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas all go down as they head into the championship game with the previously mentioned Baylor Bears looking to go dancing if they can get past Mizzou.

All that being said, here are my top #1 seeds, but then again I don't really have a say:

University of Louisville Cardinals- they should get the #1 overall seeding with a win over the Orange. The Big East was the beast of the NCAA, and has shown how deep the conference is with the previously mentioned upsets. One thing that may hold the Cards back, the double digit loss to Notre Dame. But, if the Cardinals can get the #1 overall seeding, it may lead to the biggest pre-Derby party the city has ever seen.

Memphis Tigers- They should pull out the win today against Tulsa. The #4 Tigers haven't suffered a loss since late December against the Orange (how do they pop up in every conversation?). The Tigers, usually my favorite to win it all, have always shown up big in the Tourney, but all ways seem to fall short in the end.

University of North Carolina Tar Heels- Led by arguably the best player in the nation, the Heels are always a threat. Hansbrough will be force to handle as I'm sure he'll want to go out on top. The Heels have only loss 3 games all year, all to conference foes. While they still have to make it, if they can win their conference tourney, they may not only get the #1 overall seed, but they will likely be the favorite to win it all.

UConn Huskies- While they have loss their last 2 games, 3 of their last six and all of their match-ups against Pitt, whose ranked higher, they have Syracuse to thank. The Orange, who took out West Virginia (who beat Pitt), took the Huskies into 6 overtimes before they pulled it out. With the strong showing from the Orange, the Huskies don't look so bad.

Of course Michigan State and Duke are also good choices for the final #1 seed, they are going to have to show alot to the people who matter, and even then, it still maybe a stretch. I think of the two, the Spartans have a better chance at finding their way into that fourth spot, but they are going to have to win big in their next two games. The Dukies have a slim shot, but the depth of the Big East on top of their 2 losses to UNC leave them grasping at straws.

Legalize it!

2009-03-13T09:54:00.000-04:00

Legalizing drugs probably isn't a great solution to America's or the world's problems. But, given all of the issues with the "war on drugs," I have to agree with the Economist in saying that legalization is the least bad alternative.

We spend tons of money trying to stop drugs from getting into our country; spend tons incarcerating our citizens for drug related offenses; enable gangsters and thugs to cut out a nice little slice of unregulated global trade; fail to treat addictions thoroughly due to a lack of funds; push producer countries into fighting a war on drugs in their countries, which leads to political instability -- all of this, and we still have drugs. The fact is that, like it or not, drugs are here and are going to stay. Quoting at length from the above linked leader:

Legalisation would not only drive away the gangsters; it would transform drugs from a law-and-order problem into a public-health problem, which is how they ought to be treated. Governments would tax and regulate the drug trade, and use the funds raised (and the billions saved on law-enforcement) to educate the public about the risks of drug-taking and to treat addiction. The sale of drugs to minors should remain banned. Different drugs would command different levels of taxation and regulation. This system would be fiddly and imperfect, requiring constant monitoring and hard-to-measure trade-offs. Post-tax prices should be set at a level that would strike a balance between damping down use on the one hand, and discouraging a black market and the desperate acts of theft and prostitution to which addicts now resort to feed their habits.

Selling even this flawed system to people in producer countries, where organised crime is the central political issue, is fairly easy. The tough part comes in the consumer countries, where addiction is the main political battle. Plenty of American parents might accept that legalisation would be the right answer for the people of Latin America, Asia and Africa; they might even see its usefulness in the fight against terrorism. But their immediate fear would be for their own children.

That fear is based in large part on the presumption that more people would take drugs under a legal regime. That presumption may be wrong. There is no correlation between the harshness of drug laws and the incidence of drug-taking: citizens living under tough regimes (notably America but also Britain) take more drugs, not fewer. Embarrassed drug warriors blame this on alleged cultural differences, but even in fairly similar countries tough rules make little difference to the number of addicts: harsh Sweden and more liberal Norway have precisely the same addiction rates. Legalisation might reduce both supply (pushers by definition push) and demand (part of that dangerous thrill would go). Nobody knows for certain. But it is hard to argue that sales of any product that is made cheaper, safer and more widely available would fall. Any honest proponent of legalisation would be wise to assume that drug-taking as a whole would rise.
I think it is time that we step back and realize how illiberal our drug policy is, and reflect on how we can better tailor a drug regime towards reasonable safety and distance ourselves from the unrealizable goal of irradication. (Speaking of illiberal policies, I just posted on the growing anti-immigrant sentiment in Congress, this specifically related to the H-1B visa program).

My Presidential Platform Pt 1

2009-03-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

The following post was an email I had sent out February 23rd of this year, and since then the government has decided to listen to 2 of those points. Mere coincidence, sure, why not? And while I may not agree with the way the government is going about #5, its still "coincidence".

1) Legalize marijuana. The government can tax it, sell a 6 pack of joints for 60-100 dollars and make money. Still make it illegal to grow, and illegal to smoke and drive. Like liquor, it can only be smoked in coffee shops (creating jobs) and in your own home. Set the limit to an ounce.

2) Let free first time possession of marijuana offenders. It'll free up space in our prisons, and cost less for taxpayers, and after all, that's who we care about.

3) Guns for Funds. Have people bring in their guns and get money in return. This will take guns off the streets and at no time are we saying you shouldn't have one, we are just saying that if you want money give us your arsenal.

4) No Guns for Kids. After finding out an 11 year old shot his step mom with a child's model shot gun there should be something done. I just think that if we are going to concern ourselves with tobacco marketing towards kids, and whether or not Captain Crunch is trying to make our kids obese, here is an industry which makes weapons for in children sizes. It just reminds me of the old Willy Wonka where Mike TV talks about his Colt 45 and says he has to wait till he's older to get a real one and his dad replies "Not till your 12 son". Maybe if Mr. TV knew that they made it in Mike's size, then he could really have one and then had some fun at the Chocolate Factory.

5) More funds for teachers and police. Lets face it, crime is going to get worse as the economy does. We need to educate more children so they too will realize what exactly a bachelors degree in philosophy or archaeology will get them.

A whole lot of pork...

2009-03-12T14:09:00.000-04:00

With all of the jaw-jaw regarding earmarks these days, you would think that McCain was President. Obama signed a $410 billion spending bill yesterday, which, according to the linked article, was "jammed with pet spending projects." This is, of course leading to editorial outcry and near cataclysm among some GOP legislators. Not everyone in the universe, however, is as worked up as Op-ed boards and McCain. The Opinionator does a good job of amalgamating a number of solid blog posts on the topic. I tend to share many of the views from these posts, so I'll leave it to Ryan Avent at The Bellows and his post on earmarks:
Congress just passed a $410 billion spending bill necessary to maintain government operations, which was some six-months overdue. Of that $410 billion, about $7.7 billion worth of funding will be allocated by Congressional earmark, rather than through typical funding formulas. That’s less than 2% of the bill’s total size, and it’s not at all clear that the earmarks represent additional spending, rather than just redirected spending. And yet the coverage of the bill’s passage is entirely focused around the earmark battle.
In other - dare I say more important - pork issues, Kristof offers an interesting op-ed in today's New York Times (NYT). The focus of the column is the prevalence of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) strains in communities and areas with a high density of pig farms. A study from the University of Iowa recently found that 49% of hogs and 45% of farmers tested carried MRSA. The reason this is important is that MRSA is resistant to drug treatment (a la the name), and is, therefore, often referred to as a "superbug". The larger question is whether we as a nation have moved to a model of agriculture that produces cheap bacon but risks the health of all of us. And the evidence, while far from conclusive, is growing that the answer is yes...

So what’s going on here, and where do these antibiotic-resistant infections come from? Probably from the routine use — make that the insane overuse — of antibiotics in livestock feed. This is a system that may help breed virulent “superbugs” that pose a public health threat to us all.
Related to food safety, Congress is working to pass a broad array of changes to our food safety scheme, with what appears to be bipartisan support: The differences are not partisan. Republicans at the hearing said they, too, supported strong reforms.

“On food safety, there is no daylight between Henry Waxman and Joe Barton,” said Representative Joe L. Barton of Texas, the senior Republican on the commerce committee.
This could be great news, but given the lack of anyone complaining, I'm willing to bet that not much increased safety comes out of this process. Perhaps there are better ways to increase our food safety, rather than spend tons of cash on regulation. I would strongly urge America to rethink it's current food policy, starting with focusing on more local sustainable food production. Knowing where your bacon, eggs and spinach come from does not guarantee complete safety, but it sure doesn't hurt...

Grades and Merits for Teachers

2009-03-12T13:23:00.000-04:00

I have spent sometime over the past few years working in afterschool programs and working closely with teachers, councilors and secretaries who seem to always know what's going on in the school. With all this exposure, I can unequivitally tell you that merit based pay for teachers is almost as bad of an idea as "No Child Left Behind".

I actually agree with the Teachers Union in the belief that this will put teacher against each other and cut back on the cooperation between them, because lets face it, in the current economic situation that Bush has left us in, that we are spending our way out of, if it came down to back stabbing for more pay, consider it done. Not to mention throwing away the future of schools in poor neighborhoods and rural America, after all who wants to work there if your not going to make as much as someone working in a good school where the kids actually want to learn.

Another idea I'll throw out for teachers to consider is cheating. I've heard say of an area school that a principal gave answers to students to raise test scores. Well, why not short change our kids if it means more money for teachers. If high grades is a benchmark, I'll give out answers no problem.

I'm not really one to claim "oh, the children, think about the children" but when it comes to their education, there is no better war cry. What about reestablishing their gym, music and art programs? Why not try and start there. If President Obama's claim is that this is the start of reform for an area that hasn't had reform, why not start by reinstituting these programs that are always the first to get cut when educations budgets slim down?

I don't know, maybe its easier when your the president and your kids go to private schools in one of the nations worst publicc school system. Or maybe President Obama should have skipped the tour of private schools in the DC area and actaully thought about enrolling his girls in a DC Public School...but what good would that do for them?