Deregulation is always credited to Reagan. However, it was begun under President Carter.

Carter Signs Airlines Deregulation Bill (click here)

Airline Deregulation Designed to Boost Competition

By Carole Shifrin

Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 25, 1978

President Carter yesterday signed into law a bill designed to increase competition among the nation's airlines by phasing out federal regulation.

The new law, supported by President Carter since the beginning of his term, gradually reduces the role of the Civil Aeronautics Board in the fare and route decisions of the airlines, and abolishes th CAB altogether at the end of 1984....

To make a long story short, (click title to entry - thank you) prohibition led to the dismantling of many small breweries around the nation. When prohibition was lifted, government tightly regulated the market, and small scale producers were essentially shut out of the beer market altogether. Regulations imposed at the time greatly benefited the large beer makers. In 1979, Carter deregulated the beer industry, opening  back up to craft brewers. As the chart below (here)  illustrates, this had a really amazing effect on the beer industry:



The truth of the matter is that Democrats are just as saavy regarding promoting Business and Commerce than any Republican.  Actually, considering how Carter was interrupted and looking to the success of Clinton, the Democrats are far better at producing an economy that significantly adds SUSTAINABLE jobs to the country. 

...Mike Parkhurst was a trucker turned reporter whose magazine, (click here) Overdrive, aspired to speak for the independent owner-operator; it was filled with exposés and editorials attacking the Teamsters union, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), and the maze of state and federal rules that befuddled and burdened the ordinary driver. In his magazine and in testimony before Congress, Parkhurst called for a sweeping deregulation of his industry, a push that culminated with the Motor Carrier Act of 1980. The new law, sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and signed by President Jimmy Carter, radically reduced the ICC’s authority, eliminating entry barriers, price controls, and other policies that had protected a cartel of carriers from competition. Before 1980, independent truckers had been limited to transporting farm commodities. Under the new rules, thousands of new firms flooded into the remainder of the industry, driving down prices for manufacturers and consumers alike....

Hello?

The Tax Reform Act of 1986

On October 22, 1986 President Reagan signed into law the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Among its provisions, the law required that every dependent age 5 or older listed on a tax return had to have their own Social Security number. This new requirement doubled SSA's enumeration workload in the following year. White House photo. SSA History Archives.



The 1986 act reduced the number of INCOME TAX rates to two rates of 15 percent and 28 percent for most taxpayers, although a third rate of 33 percent was imposed on income within a certain upper-middle income bracket. Congress and the administration of President RONALD REAGAN believed a policy of low rates on a broad tax base would stimulate the economy.

Even President Reagan taxed the upper income brackets.  Hello?

This particular legislation at first marginally improved the USA GDP, but, actually cost the GDP 0.39 percent in the third and fourth year after it was enacted into law.  It was the law that had a .22 return after two years and only 0.01 percent after four.

If one recalls, the fiscal collapse of the investment banks occurred at THE END of 2008.  They didn't recover until 2009.  The losses were tax deductible thanks to Reagan.  So, the investment banks not only bank rolled The Bailout, they cost Americans even more when they reduced their tax burden due to severe losses in 2008.  In a way, Reagan provided 'the cushion' that would allow the investment banks to push the economy over the cliff to receive enough monies to restructure their debt and provided venture capital to investements outside the USA.
Bank deductions for bad debts. (click title to entry - thank you) From 1969 to 1986, for corporate income tax purposes banks could deduct from their income allocations to loan-loss reserves. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 allowed this practice to continue for banks with $400 million or less in total assets but larger banks were restricted to deducting only actual loan-loss charges during a given year.

Remember recently, the USA Chamber of Commerce was belly aching about the 1099 Form?

...“Today the Senate obstructed a measure (click title to entry - thank you) that would’ve prevented an avalanche of new paperwork for small business owners. Their refusal to recognize that small businesses will now be forced to spend precious time and resources reporting to the federal government rather than producing, growing, and creating jobs for Americans demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding about the challenges facing this economy. In this economy, there is little defense for supporting oppressive regulations on small businesses that will hamper their ability to put people back to work.”...



The US Chamber of Commerce should not be surprised the Republicans OBSTRUCTED a pet project, because, it was President Reagan that instituted it in the first place.  For political purposes alone, Republicans are not about to change legislation they coveted in the first place.


The Interest and Dividend Tax Compliance Act (click here) was enacted into law in 1983 in order to repeal tax withholding requirements for interest and dividends paid and replace them with a system of backup withholding and information reporting....

...


Tax compliance law requires that all payers of interest or dividends supply payees with a 1099 information return that is simultaneously reported to the IRS. For U.S. citizens, a correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) must be supplied by the payee via form W-9....

Shazam. I knew there was at least on genuine genius in California.

ERTA. (click title to entry - thank you) A federal law that reduced income tax rates and provided incentives for business, including an adjustment to depreciation rates. It was signed by Ronald Reagan in 1981. The law ultimately increased the federal budget deficit, and prompted some of ERTA to be reversed or reviewed in the TEFRA of 1982.
This was the grandstanding of President Reagan in his first year in office.

He was introducing The Economic Recovery Act of 1981 (ERTA).

This is the tax revision that COST the GDP 2.89 percent growth in four years time.  A NEGATIVE growth of the GDP was the result of ERTA.

But, Reagan knew how to make a big splash and it stopped the truth of his bumbling.

President Ronald Reagan signs the bill at Ranch del Cielo in 1981.

It was primarily this initial legislation that people remember as the 'revolution' that lowered their taxes.  From this moment forward, Reagan could do no "W"rong.

Rancho del Cielo, or "Sky's or Heaven's Ranch," is a 688-acre (1.075 sq mi) ranch located on the top of the Santa Ynez Mountains northwest of Santa Barbara, California. It was a vacation home for President Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan.

In addition to putting the federal infrastruture on a roller coaster from year to year, imagine what was transpiring in the business community from year to year.  One year business owners and operators had an accelerated 'depreciation rate.'  What would you do if all of a suddent you had the right to rapidly depreciate all kinds of equipment?  I know what I'd do.  I would purchase some equipment in anticipaiton of rapidly depreciation.  Well, imagine what would happen after only one year of such a 'tax break' and a business owner was stuck with expensive and slowly depreciating costs.  Not a good idea to put small businesses on a roller coaster.  It will put them out of business.  The purchases made under ERTA benefited Wall Street and no one else, in the long run.

President Reagan instituted "The Highway Revenue Act of 1982."

So, it isn't as though the voters of 1980 didn't get a tax hike under Reagan.  They did.  It just wasn't an increase in Income Tax. 

It was a five cent hike in the Federal Gasoline Excise Tax.

FIVE CENTS under Reagan. 

A 125% increase.

Why?  To improve the USA infrastructure and PUT Americans BACK TO WORK.

This is how government 'maintains' the USA infrastructure.  Don't like it, too bad.

I dont' want to hear how Democrats are doing anything any more extreme than past administrations of Republican leadership. 

THIS IS PROOF ! 

Reagan wasn't even facing an economic collapse, but, a recession. 

...In 1982, (click title to entry - thank you) the Reagan Administration proposed an increase in the

federal gasoline tax for the purpose of improving and repairing the nation’s highways, based on the

user-fee nature of the tax.


Within the Administration, the fact that the tax was likely to create jobs was also considered as a


reason for the tax increase, although President Reagan did not support government-funded jobs


programs, or tax increases. The Reagan gasoline tax increase passed in both the House and the


Senate and was signed into law on January 5, 1983. It raised the federal tax from 4 cents per
gallon to 9 cents per gallon....

TEFRA of 1982. The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982., It was the second tax act by Reagan.

TEFRA was federal tax legislation passed in 1982 that modified some aspects of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 (ERTA). Both of these pieces of tax legislation took place during the Reagan Presidency. Investopedia explains Tax Equity And Fiscal Responsibility Act Of 1982 - TEFRA
The ERTA was a piece of tax legislation that greatly lowered income tax rates, and all very high rates were given a maximum of 50%. The TEFRA modified aspects of the ERTA which caused concern over potential large budget deficits. TEFRA increased the tax received but not the tax rates. This was done by removing some of the tax breaks businesses received in the ERTA, such as the increase in the amount of accelerated depreciation that a company could deduct.
 
That's right.  Reagan actually screwed up the economy before he fixed it, sort of.  Remember, Reagan was a chronic legislator of tax changes.  Kindly remember, everytime legislation is passed the 'infrastructure' of the government agencies has to be adjusted to accommodate the new laws.  So, every year, Reagan added to his own government deficit because of changes in the tax strucutre by the changes instituted to the infrastructure alone. 
 
Government is not suppose to be a 'game' so much as an expert analysis with decisive decisions.  It is why President Obama's legislation frequently becomes enacted 'over time.'  To enact radical changes in the government is costly and adds to the fiscal responsibiltiy of the citizens.  Candidates are suppose to be able to identify problems and lend their expertise to how they will solve it when elected.  It isn't suppose to be rhetorical to have 'a feel good feeling' for the vote you placed.  To my knowledge, sentiment never resulted in good government.
 

...So unemployment, (click here)which had been stable until Reagan cut taxes, soared during the 15 months that followed the tax cut; it didn’t start falling until Reagan backtracked and raised taxes....


Raised taxes by rolling back generous allowance on business. 

This clearly illustrates, reducing taxes on businesses (no matter the nature of those taxes) DOES NOT increase employment.  It takes government to be the equalizer. 

"The Daily Kos" already did a compare and contrast of the Reagan vs Obama years.

Reagan always claimed he inherited a recession when entering office.  If Reagan can say it, so can President Obama.  There was a recession at work on the USA economy in 1980.  "The Kos" (click here) makes the point that unemployment is directly related to a Presidential Approval rating.

To be noted, even though Reagan was instituting 'tax reform,' the unemployment rate at his inauguration was 7.5% and in November 1982 it was an ACTUAL double digit of 10.8%. 

The truth about Reagan's policies is that it catered to the wealthy and victimized the Middle Class and Poor.  That is what Republican economic priorities do.  They aren't really policies.  They are priorities.  That is very different than policy that will work for the majority of Americans. 

...The labor market, (click title to entry - thank you) which received its second jolt in as many years, was experiencing precipitous declines by the final quarter of 1981. The number of unemployed reached 9.6 million— 8.8 percent of the work force—by the end of the year. There were also large increases in the number of persons reporting discouragement over job prospects and the number still employed but reporting reduced workweeks.The entry at the title also explores a stark reality.  The recession of 1990, ten years later. The return of the Republicans in the number of years in power that do nothing but cater to wealth, followed by a Democratic President with an actual plan to increase the GDP of the USA and return the Middle Class to work.  Why don't the American people see this pattern and 'resolve' to stop it. 
Although by the end of 1981 total employment was near its year ago level, the pattern during the year was one of growth through spring, stagnation in the summer, and pronounced cutbacks at the end of the year. The percentage of the population employed was at a 4-year low by December....



See, it is about 'residual.'  Both economic and legislative residual.  Rather than 'stabilizing' the government and the economy, the American people continually put "The Party of Wealth" back in office as soon as the Democrats have rehabilitated the Middle Class.  It's hideous to realize the American people never learn their lessons about Republicans. 

Reagan's running mate in 1980 was Geoge H. W. Bush.  Think about this mess, will you all please?

Ronald Reagan did nothing but play with the Tax Structure of the USA for eight years.

The effect of the Reagan Tax Policies as they impacted the nation's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) over 2 and 4 year period after passage. 

Legislation                                       Percent after 2 years      Percent after 4 years

Economic Recovery Act of 1981               -1.91                          -2.89

Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsiblity         
      Act of 1982                                        0.80                           0.98   

Highway Revenue Act of 1983                   0.08                            0.09

Social Security Amendments of 1983          0.20                            0.21 

Interest and Divident Tax 
    Compliance Act of 1983                       -0.07                           -0.05

Deficit Reduction Act of 1984                    0.30                            0.39

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
      of 1985                                              0.04                            0.05

Tax Return Act of 1986                             0.22                            0.01

Omnibus Budget Reconsiliation
       Act of 1987                                       0.24                             0.28

TOTAL percent to GDP      -0.10                    -0.95

AT NO TIME, did Ronald Reagan ever have programs that improved the GDP of the USA.  As a matter of fact the propaganda is so 'tweeked' regarding Reagonomics that it refuses to look factually at the truth. 

Ronald Reagan continually toyed with the tax structure of the USA because the changes from the year before never solved the problems with deficits and national debt.

Under the Reagan Presidency it depended on whom you were as to whether the economy was actually beneficial.

At the end of his two terms in office, (click title to entry - thank you)  Ronald Reagan viewed with satisfaction the achievements of his innovative program known as the Reagan Revolution, which aimed to reinvigorate the American people and reduce their reliance upon Government. He felt he had fulfilled his campaign pledge of 1980 to restore "the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism."...

Poverty and Recession go hand in hand. Obviously Economic Depressions produce poverty and not much else.

We have recently seen an increase in poverty in the USA.  That should be no surprise to most Republicans.  Under Ronald Reagan the poverty rate escalated and the issue of homelessness came to national attention.

Throughout the week, (click title to entry - thank you) Ronald Reagan has been praised almost non-stop on television, in newspapers and in magazines. Politicians and pundits from both establishment political parties have been practically falling over each other to heap praise on Reagan. And as he is glorified for what are termed his accomplishments and legacy, there is one term that was rose to prominence during Reagan’s time in power that is seldom mentioned. That is "homelessness."


...and following Bush/Cheney and the 2008 econoimc collapse.

...Meanwhile, (click here) millions of Americans are starting to wake up and are beginning to realize that we have very serious problems on our hands, but they have no idea what is causing our economic distress and they are unaware that most of our politicians have absolutely no idea how to fix the economic disaster that we have created....

The 'idea' that Ronald Reagan didn't invoke taxes is hideous. It is primarily a myth.

It's Sunday Night

"Taxman" by The Beatles

Let me tell you

How it will be.
There's one for you,
Nineteen for me,


'Cause I'm the taxman.
Yeah, I'm the taxman.


Should five percent
Appear too small,
Be thankful I don't
Take it all.


'Cause I'm the taxman.
Yeah, I'm the taxman.


If you drive a car,
I'll tax the street.
If you drive to city,
I'll tax your seat.
If you get too cold,
I'll tax the heat.
If you take a walk,
I'll tax your feet.


Taxman!


'Cause I'm the taxman.
Yeah, I'm the taxman.


Don't ask me what I want it for,
(Uh-uh, Mr. Wilson.)
If you don't want to pay some more.
(Uh-uh, Mr. Heath.)


'Cause I'm the taxman.
Yeah, I'm the taxman.


And my advice to
Those who die.
(Taxman!)
Declare the pennies
On your eyes.
(Taxman!)


'Cause I'm the taxman.
Yeah, I'm the taxman,
And you're working for no one but me.
(Taxman!)
 
 

 
 
The Beatles’ original 1973 compilations, 1962-1966 (‘Red’) and 1967-1970 (‘Blue’) have been digitally remastered for worldwide CD release on October 18 (October 19 in North America).

Are the Democrats actually trying to protect the electorate? The Republicans simply aren't trustworthy.

No one is paying attention to the Veterans.  The Tea Party folks, like Buck here, wants to privatize the Veterans Administration, including, hospitals.

Some might say that is a great idea, but, that isn't what the Veterans are saying.

...In a state where we have 460,000 veterans, (click here)  with 4 major military installations heavily involved in two major wars (including the Colorado National Guard) the GOP nominee has yet to put out a single substantive statement on where he stands on National Security and Veterans issues.
Buck STILL does not have any comprehensive National Security or Veterans issues posted on his website, or as a press release. It's not surprising, since he JUST formed a Veterans advisory committee (consisting of ONE Veteran) and is still casting about for support from the veterans community. His first "Meet and Greet" with Veterans was Monday. No announcement of policy was made at that event.
Well, let me clarify that - he did suck up to the Tea Party by stating that he would privatize the VA:...

That is what these Tea Party candidates are like.  They talk out of both sides of their mouth.  Buck is very similar to Miller in Alaska.  In order to take the Republican Primary they took many, many extremist views and now that they are in the general election, they change their tune.  They have NO consistent positions across the board.

On the "Tea Party" website there is a line that states (click here):

www.ontheissues.org.... ANOTHER GOOD TOOL FOR VOTERS...



Sunday, October 17, 2010

When one click on "www.ontheissues.org on the Tea Party website it takes one here:

http://www.teapartypatriots.org/BlogPostView.aspx?id=ead32b02-dd31-477a-a306-3d7fb5be0144

www.ontheissues.org is ANOTHER GREAT TEA PARTY VOTERS WEBSITE & TOOL...

And when one clicks on www.ontheissues.org it goes here:

http://www.ontheissues.org/default.htm

Then click on Colorado (of course a voter has to know where Colorado is on the map) and then click on Ken Buck (click here).

Astoundingly, "On the Issues" does not cover Veterans' Benefits.  Big surprise, but, it covers many other issues.

What surprised me is that Ken Buck is like a BLANK SLATE.  That tells me a candidate has a lot to hide about his agenda after he is elected.

Ken Buck on Crime:

-----Fired for refusing to prosecute an unethical case. (Jul 2010)

...on drugs:

No issue stance yet recorded by OnTheIssues.org.

...on education:

Federal research, but no federal requirements or funding. (Aug 2010)

That position makes no sense.  I have said it before.  There is no way any State, especially when it comes to education, should be abandoned to the needs of their children.  That is why there are federal programs that distribute funding on a federal basis.  Impoverished States need help n funding BASIC STUDIES for their children.  We know that.  It is why federal funding exists for education.  And this research mess is silly.  Why conduct federal research on education if legislators aren't going to do anything about it?  Perhaps for the States to use.  Tell me that makes sense.  Why put research out in publication for the States to read and be unable to fund changes.  It makes no sense.
...on energy:

Continue our traditional sources of energy. (Aug 2010)

There ya go.  No innovation.  No new economy.  No new employment.  Has this guy ever heard of "Peak Oil?"  No.  Allow me.  Peak Oil states we are currently at an all time high to the amount of oil to be pumped from any source where oil exists.  We know that is true because the petroleum industry is outrageous in their desperation about drilling 'deep water.'  We need our fisheries.  Why are we still USING OIL at all?  By the year 2050 there will be about 50 percent of the oil being pumped out because it no longer exists.  The 'idea' that oil and gas are appropriate with a warming planet is hideous, but, to completely disregard the REALITY there needs to be a paradigm shift by the fact we are running out of fossil fuels is moronic.  With his education, he is not that stupid.  However, he is manipulative enough to lie and state half truths to win an electoin.  Buck is like most of the other Tea Party candidates, they are labile and change their statements whichever way the wind blows.  He is manipulating the electorate and cannot be TRUSTED with the power of the Senate.



Cap-and-trade has no impact on global temperatures. (Jul 2010)

Setting my personal views aside, that statement about Cap and Trade is a lie.  We know that 'Carbon Exchanges' places high value on 'carbon sinks.'  Carbon sinks, such as rainforests and coral reefs have a dramatic effect on global temperatures.  So, therefore, Mr. Buck has no understanding about the Climate Crisis and is dangerous to trust.


Explore proven energy reserves; keep energy prices low. (Jul 2010)

The statement is invalid.  We know there are less and less energy reserves if Buck is referring to 'traditional' sources.  To believe as a natural resource becomes more and more sparse it will become less expensive is completely silly and contrary to any known economic theory of the market place.  In the not too distant future any energy created by oil and gas will become too expensive for anyone to afford.  Does he actually believe he can convince the electorate traditional energy sources are a bottomless pit with cheap costs?  If he does and that goes for anyone else; are lying.  It is just that simple. 

...on families and children, the environment, jobs, principles and values, technology and welfare and poverty.

No issue stance yet recorded by OnTheIssues.org.

Those are some of the most important issues for Republicans and he is shying away from them.  As a rule, Republicans are value voters.  And to not state what his position is on these issues is a slap in the face to any Value Voter out there. 

Ken Buck, regardless of his education, is qualified to lead and certainly not in the Senate. 

His website has even less information on his position and has nothing but rhetorical references.  It is nothing but rhetorical and attempts to manipulate the electorate based on 'sentiment.'  VAGUENESS is a definite 'strategy' by this candidate.  There is no way anyone in Colorado can state they really understand his positions. 

I am proud of my son Cody, (click here) a fourth year cadet at West Point. The contributions made by all the men and women who serve in the military around the world so we can enjoy our freedoms at home will always be reflected in my priorities.
I will fight for a strong national defense and to ensure our military members, veterans and their families receive the benefits and care they have earned.

HOW?  How is Buck going to '...fight for a strong national defense and to ensure...(they) receive the benefits and care they have earned.  HOW? 

A campaign's website should be the place where a candidate has in depth information for the electorate, not simply more rhetoric.  Do voters actually know what to demand from their candidates?  I don't believe they do.  SPECIFICS and how that will effect the nation.  That's what I want to know.  I want to know exactly whom I am voting for.  I am tired of the electorate being treated like 'mindless puppets' by the Republicans.

If any believes holding elections is simple, think again. A Civil War since 2002 in "The Ivory Coast."

The Ivory Coast is divided into two parts now.   On September 19, 2002 there was an attempted coupe of the established government while the President was out of the country in Italy.  The United Nations has been actively involved to resolve the problems of the country and reunite it.  They feel the sanctions have been working and of course no one wants to have another dispute that mirrors Rwanda.

Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo waves at supporters during his campaign rally in the western town of Man October 15, 2010. Gbagbo officially opened his election campaign on Friday in the rebel-held west, pledging to industrialise the West African nation by putting a cocoa factory in every growing region. (Xinhua/Reuters)

UN Sanctions Extended for Another Six Months (click title to entry - thank you)

15 October 2010

...In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-member body, which last October renewed sanctions for a full year, said it would review the measures no later than three months after much-delayed presidential elections, now scheduled for 31 October.

A second round is slated to be held on 28 November if there is no clear winner in the final stages of United Nations-backed efforts to reunite the West African country, the world's largest cocoa producer. Parliamentary polls are also being held.

The sanctions include an arms embargo, restrictions for certain individuals on travel and financial movements, and a ban on any State importing rough diamonds, the so-called "blood diamonds" that have fuelled conflict in the region, including in neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The arms embargo does not apply to non-lethal equipment intended solely to enable Ivorian security forces to use only appropriate and proportionate force while maintaining public order....

Cote d'Ivoire candidates kick off election campaigns(click here)

2010-10-16 16:38:01

English.news.cn

ABIDJAN, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Election campaigns for the Oct. 31 presidential elections in Cote d'Ivoire were launched in low profile on Friday in Abidjan, the country's economic capital.

On the city's main streets, there were posters and billboards carrying messages of the 14 candidates to contesting in the first race since 2005.

Many of the billboards feature out-going President Laurent Gbagbo and two of his main rivals Henri Konan Bedie and Alassane Ouattara.

"I vote for Gbagbo because of Cote d'Ivoire," "The war is over, it is time for development," some of the messages on Gbagbo's billboards read.

On this first day, Gbagbo chose the town of Man, 700 km west of Abidjan, to launch his election campaign....

Trafigura Accused of Bribing Witnesses in Ivory Coast Toxic Waste Dump Case  (click here)

19 May 2010

Posted by Joana Morais

Greenpeace accuses the oil and metal trading company Trafigura of bribing witnesses and falsifying documents. The Swiss-based company was involved in the dumping of highly toxic waste in the Ivory Coast’s main city Abidjan in 2006, which is said to have caused vomiting, choking and skin eruptions in some 100,000 people and killed at least 15 Ivorians.

The drivers claimed they did not know the waste was toxic and actually handled it themselves. They dumped it in a panic when they realised how hazardous it was and then went into hiding for fear of retribution by the local population.

Five months ago, the drivers sought contact with Greenpeace at a secret location in Africa and confessed their story. Greenpeace is well aware that these same drivers previously told lies in the very same case. But the organisation believes that the accusations are serious enough to warrant investigation. Marietta Harjono, Greenpeace spokeswoman said:...

The authorities need to identify the body.  I doubt seriously this could be Natalie Halloway, but, a positive identification is important.

Body of white lady washes ashore New Town beach  (click here)

Date: 16-Oct-2010

...The Police Commander said he suspected that the woman might have drowned in Cote d’ Ivoire and, therefore, appealed to anybody who has lost a female relative to contact them for the necessary arrangement and subsequent release of the body.

This is a map of the election result of 2002.  There was a unity government organized in 2003.  The political terrain became rocky and opposition demonstrations resulted in 120 deaths in March of 2004.  It is stated the killings were planned and therefore murders.  

It has been a difficult place to obtain peace.  The standing government fired upon rebels later that year, but, they instead killed French Peacekeepers.  The French state it was a deliberate act and in turn destroyed the Air Force to prevent any further aggressions.

There were supposed to be elections in 2005. but, the country was still experiencing too much violence to hold them.  It wasn't until 2007 that a cooperation was achieved, somewhat, and the opposition leaders became Prime Minister.  So, we are now in 2010, the country is considered 'safely disarmed' to hold elections and the campaigns have begun.  

The official name of the country is, "Côte d'Ivoire."

Until tomorrow...

Polls in Nevada Show Senator Harry Reid Won Senatorial Debate Hands Down (click title here)

... in at least five Nevada news stations and online publications show Senator Reid won the debate against his ill prepared opponent....

I have said it before, you have to be 'in it' to win it.  Now that Democrats are home and making face to face contact with people the polls are showing the gap favoring Republicans is closing.

Constituencies forget why they elected their incumbents in the first place.  A candidate has to go home, shake their hand, kiss the kids and state, "Remember when I ran before how I said I would work for what you wanted?  Did I do that?  Do you actually think the banking failure was the fault of the policies of Democrats?  Let's get real now and realize what we value together.  Please, vote for me."  

...With only 18 days left until Election Day,  (click here) an NPR survey of likely voters in battleground districts found that while the overall field still tilts to the GOP, Democrats are closing the gap in some places.

The good news for Democrats is that they have improved their position in 58 of the battleground districts. In June, Democratic candidates trailed their Republican opponents in these districts by 8 points. Now, the GOP advantage is only 3 points....

The candidates need to point out to people how much the Democrats have worked so hard in pass beneficial legislation over the past two years.  President Obama and Congress were tireless in passing reform and stimulating the economy. 

Get the electorate thinking for themselves; rather than being indoctrinated by rhetoric.

We learned a lot about how deteriorated the USA infrastructure that Republicans for decades were successful in hiding up to now.  

We need to continue to improve on the record over the past two years and in order to do that voters have to put the Democrats back into office.  

Democrats believe in a strong Middle Class.  Republicans don't !  Republicans have no use for a strong Middle Class that receives good wages for work.  

They believe in a two tier social system.  The rich and the poor.  Heck, the Republicans even want to rid the USA of the minimum wage.  Globally, First World nations are looking to improve their minimum wage, but, not Republicans.  

Where to Republicans believe THE PURCHASING POWER is in the USA?  

With them?  

No.  

The Middle Class.  Hello? 

The interesting aspect of this graph is the reduction in "other" voters.  While that came down by 2 %, the Democrats increased their 'clout' by 3% while the Republicans lost 2%.  It seems as though some folks voting for Republicans have given it a second thought and have AT LEAST moved to the 'other / undecided' column, while 'other / independents' are moving toward a sound record by Democrats in support of the Middle Class.  

Republicans down by 2% = 11% + 2% or 13% 'other.'  But, Democrats are up by 3%.  So of the 13%, three percent moved into the Democratic column, while one percent of the undecided was absorbed into the Republican column losses.  That means the Republicans were actually down three percent and not just two percent. 

No matter how one does the math, it is looking good. 

..."This is still an election that it would be very hard for Democrats to hold the House with these numbers," Greenberg said. "But there is movement here and it's not trivial movement."...

Go, Democrats, Go !

 June 2010




--------------------------------------

               
               October 2010

This is Wall Street. Trust them with Medicare and Social Security? What? No!

The VALUE of homes in the USA are in limbo.  The PRIVATE companies that were suppose to be TRUSTWORTHY have destroyed the American Dream.  What are people thinking?  Stop.  Remember who propagated this mess.  Seriously.  Trust them?  Why?  There is no reason to.  The entire circumstances surrounding the Housing BUBBLE is a disater.  It is reeking havoc in people's lives. 

None of this should be happening.  None of it.  People are being thrown out of their homes and local economies are being put in disarray.  This is happening because Wall Street has bungled the trust the people put in them.  It is only right they freeze the foreclosures until they 'fix it.'  But, the entire dynamics now surrouding the value of homes, the freeze itself is putting more risk and uncertainty into the housing market. 

It is a disaster.  Homes are 'equity' in citizens lives.  They borrow agaisnt that equity to pay bills when emergencies happen, to pay for tuition for sons and daugthers and to plan for the future.  Do you know how this is upended the lives of our citizens? 

Trust, Wall Street with our aged citizens?  No.  Never.  There has never been a good track record enough by Wall Street to place that level of trust in them.  Ever.  They have repeatedly abused the trust teh people of the USA has placed in them. 

No more.

Foreclosure freeze taking a toll on local real estate market  (click title to entry - thank you)
Updated: Oct 15, 2010 4:48 PM EDT

Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) – The struggling economy and floundering housing market are two issues at the forefront of the upcoming election as some of the nation's biggest banks have become the target of investigations in almost 50 states.
After being accused of mishandling the foreclosure of thousands of homes, some banks have put a hold on the process until they can figure out the root of the problem. This, however, has taken a negative toll on the real estate market.
Las Vegas has the highest number of foreclosures in the country. But by freezing most of them, banks are leaving homebuyers and realtors out in the cold.
"There might be a hold on some of these properties to where we're not going to be able to put an offer on those properties because there's going to be a standstill," says Cathy Rojas. "Those are the ones they're going to have to go back, look at the paperwork, make sure they're all correct before they proceed."
But realtors allege that this foreclosure freeze is putting more stress on an already fragile housing market.
"With the freeze, no properties, that doesn't help."
Financial experts agree that this is adding more uncertainty....

Out of desperation for lack of policy and only rhetoric, Angle becomes a bully.

It is difficult to call a woman a lady when she practices emasculinating language for the purpose of political intimidation.  Angle has no real answers for the country's concerns, so she covers her lack of ability by using emasculinating language.  "Tough Girl."

...The debate moderator, (click title to entry - thank you) Mitch Fox, asked Angle why she has changed her wording on Social Security from 'privatize' to 'personalize.' Angle changed her term because she says SS is a combination of private and public. She used the example of Harry Reid having a Thrift Savings Account. Basically, Angle advocates investing SS money in the stock market. Reid countered with common sense; both England and Chili depleted their funds by gambling on the stock market....

Look, the Republicans want to get their hands on the funds that are in Social Security.  She used the word 'personal' to attempt to aim differently at 'soft targets.'

The Social Security Trust Fund is no different to Republicans than the privatizing of Medicare.  Every month huge amounts of money is transfered from the USA Treasury to private entities that sell a bill of goods to the retired / handicapped / aged of this country in the form of Medicare Advantage.

For a long time now, Medicare Advantage has been coveted by Wall Street as a 'cash cow' when payment for insurance comes directly from the USA Treasury.  The problem that when a government function/TRUST FUND is privatized there is a lot of risk assigned to those monies that doesn't exist when it remains in the hands of the government.

Wall Street is not trustworthy.  We know tht for a fact.  It is about risk and that is not what the aged of our society needs to deal with in the sunset years of their lives.  CURRENTLY, if a company managing Medicare benefits privately goes bankrupt due to poor management, corruption such as fraud or embezzelment or any other White Collar Crime the people that are insured LOSE their benefits and are libable for their medical costs as if they were not insured at all.

Just because an insurance program is called Medicare Advantage it doesn't mean it is as secure as the MEdicare administered by the sovereign treasury of the USA.  Private companies go bankrupt.  They practice corruption and often and I do mean often they have some of the poorest management that exists.  I point ot the 2008 global financial collapse and the BP Oil Disaster.  In both instances the problem was exploitive management with poor practices seeking only high bonuses.

The 'idea' of privatizing Social Security is no mystery.  It is the same exact dynamic as the privatizing of Medicare.  The privatizing takes a 'solid asset' for the aged and places it in the hands of 'risky business.'  If Social Security is privatized the same risk, if not higher, takes 'rock solid' monthly payments to the aged in our country and places them in a category that should be completely unacceptable to all our people.

Wall Street wants it.  Of course they do.  They wanted Medicare as well.  They still want Medicare back because Republican running for office is promising to recall the new Health Care Law.  That shoudl be no surprise to anyone.  The private insurance companies are cronies to Republicans seeking reversal of Medicare to the administration of the government.  A half a billion per year a lot of money to put back n the USA Treasury rather than in the hands of wealth merchants.

Every candidate that states they are going to attempt to repeal the Health Care Reform laws has to be held in ridicule for backing cronies over citizens.  It is the same for the 'idea' of privatizing Social Security.  Every candidate stating they will be attempting to privatize Social Security should be ridiculed for backing cronies rather than the well being of Americans.

There is no need to privatize Social Secutity.  The law allows all kinds of personal investment in 401K or Roth IRAs and that is plenty an opportunity to save for retirement.  But, those investment funds have to be viewed realistically.  Their dividends are based on risk.  There is always a chance the investors (Because that is what a citizen is when subscribing to these programs.) can loss every dime they invested.  401Ks are nice due to the fact they are matching funds, but, that isn't money that should be considered as 'free' money to be played on the open market.  Those are monies given to employees as part of their benefit package and are earned for the work they do. 

So.

Candidates like Sharon Angle are speaking through desperation to attempt to reach a segment of the populous that admire 'abusive' verbal attacks.  I would hope Americans take their vote seriously and do not vote for verbally abusive candidates.  That is not a reason for admiring a candidate.  I won't want my daughters speaking in such a manner.  I would expect any daughter of mine to conduct herself with dignity and able to speak intelligently about what is best for the people of the country and have plans to provide a clear path to solving problems rather than creating them,

The shall be first. Congratulations to a group of 33 miners that persevered against all odds.

The last miner to be rescued, Luis Urzua, who is credited with organizing the miners to ration food and save themselves, gestures next to Chilean President Sebastian Pinera (r.) at the end of the rescue operation at San Jose mine in Copiapo Wednesday.
Reuters

There are many responsible for this incredible victory against all odds, including the USA NASA.  But, none are more important than the men and their families which keep hope alive.

Saved: 39 Out of 33 (click here)


October 13, 2010 11:43 PM


We're live as the final rescuer, Manuel Gonzalez, emerges from the mine. He was the first of six rescuers down and the last out -- in a round trip that lasted just over 24 hours. The live feed from the bottom of the mine showed Gonzalez taking a well-deserved bow before re-mounting the capsule -- and heading for fresh air. Then, moments ago, Chilean Minister of Mines Laurence Golborne tweeted: "Last rescuer up. Now we can say: the rescuers, together with all the country, rescued our 33 miners in 70 days. We did it!"



Driest Place - Atacama Desert, Chile (click here)
Even the Driest Place on Earth has Water
These incredibly dry mountains see an average of less than .004 inches/.01cm of rain per year. Many times this area will go without rainfall at all for years. Some places in the Atacama Desert have not had rainfall for over 400 years....


...It is projected that at one time during the day on Wednesday, (click here)  the Chile miners rescue topic was being searched to the point where it was receiving 4 million page views per minute.  Early reports are estimated that the overall news topic boosted average daily internet traffic by as much as 20% for Wednesday....



Employees of a small Pennsylvania drilling company too remote to have cable television have found themselves at the center of the world's biggest news story.

...Workers at Center Rock Inc. of Berlin, Pa., (click here) are taking occasional breaks to watch as 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for weeks are brought to the surface through a hole their company helped drill.
Center Rock also pitched in during a similar rescue to free nine miners trapped underground for more than three days in 2002 in the flooded Quecreek Mine not far from Berlin.
Sixty-one-year-old Tom Foy was one of those miners. He has worked for Center Rock for nearly five years and says his "kids won't let me go back" to mining.
A team from Center Rock arrived back from Chile on Tuesday after monitoring the drilling of the rescue shaft.

What follows "Starve the Beast?" What follows is Kill the Beast.

...Banks foreclosed on 102,134 properties in September, (click title to entry - thank you) the first single month above the century mark, RealtyTrac said. There were 347,420 total foreclosure filings in September, 3 percent higher than August and 1 percent higher than a year earlier....

Where in the world, other than the USA, is homeownership a cornerstone to democracy?

Companies that manufacture in other countries with different forms of government are dictating the market place in the USA with abandon.  Homeownership is not possible at minimum wage and no one will put their children through college on that depraved income either.

The American 'know how' is being exploited by Wall Street.  The exploitation is being facilitated by a corrupt GOP 'on the take.' 

Get real, people.  Please.

The GOP has destroyed the American Dream, robbed the USA Treasury and left the Middle Class diminished and demoralized in its wake.  The victory of an inept Senator in Massachusetts last year was coveted as a potential place for majority rule to be convened in 2010.  For that reason the Senate campaigns were awarded huge amounts of money to propagate lies in a populous environment.

Most of the Senate races are taking shape to their final stride to the polls in November.  Now, that the opposition to the GOP are holding their ground and bringing Americans back from the brink, the sorry Wall Street party is turning their funding to the House races as they were believed it to be a 'shoe in' to victory. 

Not so.  More and more the GOP is looking less like Americans and more like 'Capitalists Only' club.  I sincerely hope there will be reason that comes to bear in the 2010 elections.  I can't believe Ameicans have surrendered to a manipulated reality while the 'real world' drains their hopes dry. 

Conservative group, flush with funds, turns to House  (click here)
By Dan Eggen



Washington Post Staff Writer


Thursday, October 14, 2010
...American Crossroads and its nonprofit affiliate, Crossroads GPS, will join two other Republican-friendly groups in a "House surge strategy," spending up to $50 million in competitive districts over the next three weeks, officials said. The Crossroads groups will also expand their spending in Senate races....

The US Chamber of Commerce has no credibility as it toys with facts and preys on the electorate fears of making a poor decision which would cause greater hardship.  They prey on a naive electorate and do not seek to pursue 'the truth.'  Who side are they on?  Certainly not the Middle Class.

Chamber Ad Preys On PA Voters With Misleading Statistics (click here)



October 13, 2010 9:12 am ET


The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's advertisement attacking Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA) over Pennsylvania's unemployment numbers is horribly misleading at best, preying on Pennsylvania voters' vulnerability due to a difficult economic climate. No doubt residents of the northwestern Pennsylvania counties like Mercer, Erie and Crawford — which the ad singles out — are feeling the effects of a high unemployment rate and Bush-era Republican policies that exploded the federal deficit. But the ad is wrong in its suggestion that there have been no signs of recovery in those counties. In fact, since the Recovery Act began to take effect, the unemployment rate in all three of those counties has gone down....

The GOP has only one fact working in their favor.  They lie well.