Le'ts see what time is it?

8:23 PM EST.

Had some company and lost track of time.

May as well get started.

Will everyone please get a grip ! Paul Krugman is going to be a very lonely man before too much longer.

To begin with if Americans seriously want to address the deficit, STOP BERNANKE.

Fed could launch QE3: Bernanke  (click here)

By Hao Li

December 4, 2010 5:31 PM EST

...Fed Vice Chairwoman Janet Yellen said the Fed is "open to further action if it turns out the economy remains sufficiently weak or if [Fed officials are] sufficiently worried about further disinflation in the medium-term."...

The post election celebration by Bernanke is bringing the value of the USA dollar down.  What does that do to OUR NATIONAL DEBT?  Anyone want to guess?  The geniuses are pushing all kinds of monetary policies and leaning on China and don't even stop to realize what a really cheap USA dollar is going to do to the nation's debt.

The USA has $11 Trillion in bonds and USA securities 'out there.'  Does everyone realize what is going to happen to the USA dollar if Bernanke 'goes slap happy' again? 

THE EXCHANGE RATE MATTERS. 

As far as the tax cuts.  DON'T.  Let the Bush Era Tax Cuts expire.  The Republicans are holding the country's Middle Class hostage and that is nothing more than extortion.  The Bush Era Tax Cuts need to expire and when the Congress returns in January they can go to work on the entire restructuring of the USA deficit with the Simpson/Bowles Commission in hand.  There is no reason to make any tax cuts permanent until the nation starts a dialogue about the future.

The Simpson/Bowles Commission could not be agreed upon and there needs to be separate leglislation regarding each and every aspect of the commission's findings.  It is hideous to think one legislative measure is going to resculpture every aspect of NEEDED CHANGE to end the deficit.  That would be an outrageous measure and there is no way it can be that comprehensive, the USA infrastructure is too complex and intricate.  DO NO HARM is the first concept that comes to mind. 

The Deficit Commission has created a 'soft landing' for the restructuring.  I think there is time to review the findings and bring several pieces of legislation before the Congress to begin the process.

There is an aspect to obstruction of the new majority in the Senate (41-59).  The 59 Democrats are now a miniorty in their own majority.  They can't get anything done and there are some real reasons for that and it revolves around the new extremism by the GOP which started the day of President Obama's Inauguration.  The Republicans are destroying the USA government as I write this and no one is addressing that.  Their obstructionism is forcing citizens to surrend to the 'idea' they have no choice, but, it goes beyond that and it is that reality I will address tomorrow. 

Until them.

Who screwed up the Jobs Report, Boner? Of is Wall Street simply seeing a 'change of horse in midstream' and pulling back? Hm.

Could be a change in paradyme has stalled the economy 'seasonally.' 


Let's see.

...Viewed in isolation, (click title to entry - thank you) the report might dash holiday cheer and raise new doubts about the strength of the economy's recovery from the worst downturn in 70 years. However, many analysts were skeptical that the Bureau of Labor Statistics survey was accurate in light of a stream of recent reports showing vitality reviving in retail and auto sales, consumer confidence, manufacturing and even private surveys of job creation....

The auto business may be doing well, but, it is only recently that GM began to open facilities and hire people, so that would be a delayed response to 'the news.' 

I know this is going to sound strange, but, a shift in paradyme is sometimes met with a 'transition' slow down.  In other words, the economy is growing, but, hasn't received a full head of steam and the COLLAPSED economy of 2008 is still diminishing in size.  I don't believe the 'new economy' has surpasses the collapse yet and one has to realize this is NOT a negative number of jobs even if very small.

...The Bill pleased the renewable energy and environment sector because of the inclusion of $490 million to fund training programs for green workers from all walks of life. It created various green jobs such as organic farming, recycling, manufacturing green products and even green school teaching. It also produced renewable energy jobs like solar installer, wind turbine installer, wind energy technician and energy retrofit installer....

U.S. Economy Grew 2.5% in Third Quarter, Revised From 2%Published: 11/23/2010 4:15:18 PM    By: TradingEconomics.com, BloombergReal consumer spending increased at a 2.8% annualized clip, the faste 

I sincerely believe the economy is very complicated with a sincere shift in econoimc paradigms and then there was the 2010 elections which are completely bizarre and it has had to made a negative impression no investors.  The people elected in The Tea Party are unfamiliar to investors.  Scary stuff. 

...On Thursday, the four-week average for first-time jobless claims fell to 431,000, the lowest it had been since September 2008....

The Tea Party candidates hate government and want to defund the entire federal structure.  That has got to send chills down the spine of investors.  The nation has seen these small  'private sector' numbers before.


continued...

...The ADP National Employment Report, which measures payroll data, showed Wednesday that 93,000 new private-sector jobs were created in November, 54,000 of them in small businesses, which national surveys often overlook....

Investors don't want the rug pulled out from under them if there is going to be defunding of the federal government and there are mass numbers of unemployed.  That would definately slow the economy.  So all the hostile RHETORIC doesn't really instill confidence, if anything it makes it worse.  That's way tax cuts are simply not going to work if the weatlhy are going to 'save' rather than invest, which they will as they always have.

...Friday's poor numbers were even more striking when measured against a BLS revision that showed employers had added 172,000 jobs in October, not the 151,000 first reported last month. September and October reports were revised upward by a combined 38,000 new jobs....

Personal Income: Real Disposable Income and Real Consumer Spending Graph (click here)

I find it really interesting how complete amateurs simply LASH OUT at reports that are produced to assit analyists without knowing what the hell they are saying.

Okay, this is starting to make a little bit of sense now.  Remember how in 2009 there were no loans for small businesses after Wall Street was bailed out?  Yes?  Well, it was only recently loans became available THROUGH THE INITIATIVES OF THE OBAMA AND DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATIONS for the small business sector.  Well.  Guess what happened in Novermber?

Oh.

You don't know?

I see.

Allow me.

U.S. private sector job growth highest in 3 years-WRAPUP 2 (click here)

Wednesday December 01, 2010 07:30:14 PM GMT

USA-ECONOMY/ (WRAPUP 2)

* US private sector adds 93,000 jobs in November-ADP

* Planned November U.S. layoffs up at 48,711-Challenger

* US productivity increased at 2.3 pct annual rate (Adds details)

By Caroline Valetkevitch

NEW YORK, Dec 1 (Reuters) - U.S. private sector payrolls saw their biggest rise in three years in November, lifting optimism about the job market ahead of Friday's key government employment report.

Adding to the view that the U.S. economic recovery was picking up steam, non-farm productivity grew faster than previously estimated in the third quarter.

U.S. private employers added a stronger-than-forecast 93,000 jobs in November, the biggest rise since November 2007, after an upwardly revised gain of 82,000 the month before, according to data Wednesday by ADP Employer Services, which jointly developed the report with Macroeconomic Advisers LLC.

Economists in a Reuters poll had expected a rise of 69,000 private-sector jobs in November. For details, see [ID:nEAP102100]

"It is just another sign of re-acceleration in the labor market. Some of the details suggest that there is a 60 percent chance that the government's payroll number could beat consensus," said John Canally, Investment Strategist at LPL Financial in Boston....

The USA Private Sector (LOCAL ECONOMIES) are only getting up and running.  That is the issue.  There is one other graph to illustrate this really clearly, let me get it.  The 'tan' areas are the private sector.  I'll be back in a few.

The goods sector (click here)contracted for the second consecutive year, falling 5.3 percent in 2009, led by a downturn in durable-goods manufacturing.

Construction value added contracted for the fifth consecutive year, declining 9.9 percent in 2009.

The services sector fell 1.9 percent, led by a 2.7 percent drop in finance and insurance. Growth in health care helped partially offset declines in this sector....

It amy escape a few Americans, but, most of us remember the CRASH of September 2008.  Then what I remember is the fact after the banks and AIG were 'bailed out' they abandoned the USA and small businesses lost their foothold.  Bankruptcies and market contraction were the demise of the private sector.  You know, WHERE JOB GROWTH happens at times.

September 23, 2010, 4:16 PM EDT

Small-Businesses Bill Gets Final Approval in Congress  (click here)

By Brian Faler

(Updates with comment from Obama in third paragraph.)

Sept. 23 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Congress gave final approval to legislation aimed at boosting lending to small businesses in what is likely to be the Democrats’ final jobs bill before the Nov. 2 elections.

The House today passed 237-187 a measure offering tax cuts, loans and revived stimulus provisions to ease the flow of credit and show voters that Democrats are trying to boost the economy. The bill, approved by the Senate last week, goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.

“The small-business jobs bill passed today will help provide loans and cut taxes for millions of small-business owners without adding a dime to our nation’s deficit,” Obama said in a statement. “I look forward to signing the bill.”

Republicans objected to provisions creating a $30 billion program in which the Treasury Department would buy preferred shares in community banks, with participants paying the government dividends on a scale depending on how much they increase lending. They said the plan amounted to little more than a smaller version of the Troubled Asset Relief Program....

Yeah, that is the Right Wing Extremists favorite RHETORICAL RANT.  Somehow, TARP was suppose to ONLY bailout the banks and AIG leaving the CITIZENS without any method to rebuild their destroyed ecooomy.  The electorate in some areas of the country actually 'bought it' even though they were suffering from a contracted economy.  Amazing.  Somehow, reassigning the TARP monies to ACTUAL economic growth and recovery was just too much for the GOP to understand.  Oh, well.

But, that is what the poor jobs number are, a combination of a lot of factors that are still in recovery.  Let's hope the Republicans and Tea Party don't 'get stupid' rather than 'get it.' 

Paradigm shifts, which needed to occur in the USA, do this sort of thing.  On a graph it would illustrate the declining OLD economy and the increasing NEW economy.  Usually where they MEET only the timeline causes real confusing scenarios. 

It has been a long time since there has been such a young family in the White House.

This is our First Family in The Green Room.  While I am confident President Obama would like to be with the troops far closer to the holidays than today, he has a wonderful family that needs him at home for Christmas.  If there is any gift we could give the troops for Christmas, it would be to bring them home, unfortunately, not this year.

I wish the Commander and Chief, his family and our troops the best the holidays have to offer.  We can only hope to improve that happiness in the future by a nation injured and trying to heal.

"I know it's not easy for all you to be away from home, especially during the holiday," Obama told a crowd of nearly 4,000 troops at Bagram Air Base. "We are here to say thank you for everything you do."

Representative Steve King is a real joker, besides being a bigot and plutocrat.

It is a foregone conclusion the vote today in the House was a trial run for the real thing.  Everyone is calling it a political vote.  I suppose anything could be looked at in that manner, whether it makes the President's desk or not.  It is a perfectly acceptable method to put forward a bill for a vote to allow the electorate to know how their elected officials are voting.  The vote today was for the benefit of the electorate, not Mr. Boner or Mr. King.  It simply shows how completely moronic these men have become for the sake of politics.  They are a slave to the politics and are unable to govern.  In case there are a majority of Republicans and Tea Baggers that don't understand this DEMOCRATIC method of passing legislation, let me explain.  My pleasure, sincerely.

This is the time when the electorate of a House Representative can call, write or email their elected offical and let them know what they think.  So, Mr. King and Mr. Boner voted "NO."  If their constituency, their electorate thought they made a BAD decision, this is their time to act in a democratic way as an individual to let them know how they see things.

Got it now?  The RHETORICAL Republicans and Tea Baggers are completely blind sided by their OBSESSION with politics over governing.  This House vote is important.  It changes the tax structure the majority of Americans will pay for the rest of their lives.  This is NOT a minor vote.  The Middle Class of the USA on occassion will move into a wealthy 'status,' however, they usually earn their income for all their lives.  The vote in the House is about them and will effect them and their children permanently.  It would be remiss of the House leadership to ignore the importance of a 'preliminary' vote before the final vote was conducted.

It is completely SAD and totally pathetic that 'Chicken Shit' Boner and Steve King can't see that and actually see this vote as a joke.  I have to wonder if they see their electorate the same way.

START Treaty. Incredible interview by "The King" on CNN yesterday evening. "Long live the King."

Vladimir Putin never ages.  It has been an incredible life that Larry King has lived and to call the Prime Minister of Russia as a friend that is looking for a visit is to speak to the international respect Mr. King receives.

Prime Minister Putin should also take note of the new talent on our 24 hour news channels.  There is Lawrence O'Donnell and Eliot Spitzer.  They have brought sincere legitimacy to 'the truth.'  Anderson Cooper as had a good show last night.

The Prime Minister was not noted in the USA newspapers though.  No headlines.  Today the American people are obsessed with the gossip of the day, namely Wikileaks and Labron James from the Miami Heat.  During King's show Prime Minister Putin could have taken the initiative to talk a bit about Sochi Olympics in 2014 (click here) as one of our athletes are already looking toward the competition.

But, no matter, Prime Minister Putin (click title to entry - thank you) talked at length to every question asked of him and was very clear how important the START treaty was to the relations between the USA and Russia.  Some of his most surprising insight came about Afghanistan which their presence was interrupted by the collapse of the USSR.  I had not linked those two events.  It all makes too much sense.  I remember 'that time period' well.  There were cosmonauts in orbit for three months being mostly unattended during that time.  It is much clearer now, but, through the Taliban propaganda they would have the world believe the USSR was defeated by them.  The USA would like to believe that as well.

Prime Minister Putin addressed the nuclear concerns of Russia and how START could add to not only better relations, but, also global stability.  He expressed clearly his commitment to his alliance with Iran in regard to their peaceful use of nuclear energy.  It has been through Russia's diplomacy that Iran has been able to carry forward a nuclear facility originally promised by the USA.  No wonder Iran is sceptical of so much that is The West.  It would seem as though a 'trick' to Iran and why should they trust relations with the USA again.  It is a sincere enhancement to the relations between the USA and Iran for Russia to be involved.  That same concern carries forward with North Korea and Russia's Friendship Pact with China.

The Prime Minister is well versed on most issues put to him and he may be the one consistent global leader that has been involved in policy for nearly two decades.  That is what I find interesting.  The Russia people like the change they have achieved through the leadership of Former President Putin and now Prime Minister Putin and they like to have him where they can find him.

I wish he would have spoke about The Tiger Summit, but, he was not asked.  The 'link' between he and Mr. King was more than consistent and nearly immediate which begins to speak to Russia's satellite prowess.  That reality given the 'idea' the Former Bush Administration was dead set on placing a defunct 'Star Wars' base at Russia's border is more than interesting to me.  The Russia military has been doing its homework.  Very nice.  Rarely if ever do we see such 'immediate' response to questions through 'satellite' connections.  More than interesting.

I thoroughly enjoyed the hour and found every word important, consistent and well stated.  I thank Prime Minister Putin for his consideration in speaking so well about President Obama.  He stated and I am paraphrasing, "The President is doing as he promised during his campaign for office. etc."  It was  a nice praise of our President Obama and it is deeply appreciated.  He is a man that keeps his word, if only his legislative peers would be as mindful of the needs of the American people.

If I could have the Prime Minister 'change' his approach to the consent to the interview I would ask that he submit his interests to the interviewer as well so all the topics between he and the American people could be covered.  It would be nice to know what is on his mind as well as him being so generous to answer all our questions.  I might point to the fact, Prime Minister Putin should 'sell' the 'commercial' aspects of Russia.  If Russia can consider any of their activities commercial.  You see, Prime MInister, it is the American way.  To commercialize all that is LIFE.  So, he should have 'plugged' the 2014 Olympic Games and all the 'Russia Resources' that the American Plutocracy covets so dearly.  It would have brought him more interest for the Americans that only see dollar signs in their eyes.

I appreciated his understanding of how Gay and Lesbian Rights are their's to enjoy.  He also pointed to the fact a government interest in the sexual health of their nation is in children and the future of the country.  Russia is concerned with its future generations and the proliferation of those generations.  He, however, stated the "Sexual Minorities" were of little concern of the government and enjoyed their lives uninterrupted, incluidng military service.

I believe what I enjoyed through the entire interview with Mr. King was Prime Minister Putin's 'clear and concise' answers and competency.  He is truly a man to contend with and counts on ONLY his own mind and understanding when discerning answers and making policy statements.  That is not only reassuring to his nation but to those that long to be his friend.

It was a great interview Larry. 

The Republicans want a "Flat Tax" EXCEPT when it applies to "Tax Cuts."

These are the Bush Era Tax Cuts in comparison to the Obama Era Tax Cuts.

Now, where is THE FLAT TAX philosophy in these demands by the Plutocrats?

Google being Google have pointed to the fact of the UNDERSERVED and how to 'handle them.'

Among other words it is called OPPRESSION.  Something Mike Pence would never understand.

This is the 55th anniversary of THE MOMENT Ms. Rosa Parks sat in the front of the bus.

She is beautiful, isn't she?

Beauty, brains and bravery is sometimes hard to find lumped into one person.

Pence loves his speak at The Detroit Economic Club. He believes it is the 'way to go.' So, let's look.

Mike Pence at CPAC.

...WASHINGTON - The graduated income tax should be abandoned in favor of a flat tax for individuals and businesses, Rep. Mike Pence, R-6th, said Monday.

In a speech (click title to entry - thank you) to the Detroit Economic Club, Pence also said he supports amending the Constitution to cap federal spending at 20 percent of gross domestic product except for wartime defense spending.

The Detroit Economic Club is considered a must-do venue for politicians hoping to elevate their profiles.

Pence is one of several Republicans whose names are mentioned as contenders for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination, but he deflected a question about whether he intends to run. As he has said repeatedly, he will announce his political plans after Jan. 1.

Pence is also thought to be considering a bid for Indiana governor.

With his support for the flat tax, Pence echoes other conservative candidates for president in past years, and Pence has advocated it for many years.

No laughing please.  Allow me.

The Flat Tax IS pemanent tax reductions for the wealthy.  Don't ever forget that.  It is complete exploitation of the tax code and the free market system in the democracy called The United States of America.


Why?


Allow me.

Don't ever forget WHERE exactly the million-billionaires made their millions and billions.  They made their money in the USA and then outsourced their INTERESTS to Asia.  Loyalty to the American people don't exist until they mess up so badly they need a bailout. 

The Flat Tax is DRESSED UP in 'morality' as a fairness issue.  In other words, if a person making minimum wage paid the same as those making $500,000 per year it is the MORAL way to tax EVERYONE.

See, the person making minimum wage is purchasing the services of the person making a half a million per year.  If the million-billionaire appreciated THAT FACT they would begin to understand WHY the people making minimum wage needs to pay LESS tax while providing for themselves and their family and PURCHASE more services from the person making half a million per year.  There is an aspect to THAT reality that never really reaches into the 'psyche' of the wealthy.

I'm not finished.

The basic vocabulary of the Right and Left are completely different.  When a Republican states the word REFORM, they mean to end government and when a Democrat states the word REFORM they mean to make the government better to serve the UNDERSERVED BETTER.  Huge difference in those understandings and it is why there is a huge political divide in the country.

UNDERSERVED exists because IT IS NOT PROFITABLE for Wall Street to make a buck.  The poor supply of vaccines is a huge and wonderful example of Wall Street's inability to GOVERN so much as make profit ONLY and at ANY COST.

Mike Pence said there should be a law creating a 20% cap on federal spending EXCEPT in the time of war.  Hello?  The Republicans are ALWAYS at war and therefore they would never have to live under a 20% cap.  While the Democrats are always bringing people home and never getting their agenda fulfilled thus propagating the poor and underserved.

The Republicans DON'T GET IT.  Their COMPENSATION is based in the WEALTHY and NEVER the UNDERSERVED.

End of discussion.

Let's see. There were a half a decade of disproportional tax cuts for the wealthy, SO, where are the jobs?

Senator Brown does nothing in regard to solving the nation's problems, but, votes with his party's rhetoric.

It has been years and years since the disproportionate tax cuts have been in effect.  If the Republicans want to secure tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans then PROVE they are actually improving the employment of citizens. 

If the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans guaranteed jobs for the nation we would not have a 9.6% unemployment rate.

Senator Brown is a liar and cannot discern for himself the FACTS for the reality many Americans are facing.  This is the most ludicrous bunch of legislators I have ever witnessed in this country.  They are do nothing Republicans, hell bent on padding the pockets of their cronies.  Amazing.  People should be ridiculing these people and seeking qualified people to replace them.

...Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) called on lawmakers to "swiftly pass this one-year extension" but the measure didn't have the support of Senate Republicans and some Democrats who argue the measure should be offset with other funds. 

Failure of the bill was expected. 
Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), who objected to the bill, chided Democrats for waiting until the last minute to try and pass the $56.4 billion measure that isn't paid for and would add to the deficit. 

"It's unfortunate we cannot move this bill. We will try again," Reed said in response to Brown's objection.... 

The Republican Agenda has not changed in over thirty years and that includes today.  Where are the jobs for Americans they were suppose to INSURE people were suppose to build their dream home with, pay for their futures and their children's futures, their children's education?  Where are those jobs?  Because for over three decades their policies have dominated this country with 'PROMISES and CONTRACTS' to the very country they use for illegal wars while financially destroying its economy.

I don't want to hear how Bush's TARP is nearly paid back and all we have to do is roll all the bills passed in the last two years, because it is the BIGGEST lie the Republicans, including the Former President has ever stated.  Nearly bigger than WMD in Iraq.

Smoke and mirrors.  In 2007 the financial security of the USA started to wain.  The CEO of Goldman Sachs was USA Treasury Secretary and he did NOTHING.  He played his hand day in and day out in China at the expense of the American Taxpayer.

Then came September 2008 and all of a sudden the shades on the windows go up in the USA Treasury Secretary's office and there was an all out fiscal emergency in the USA.  He held Congresses hand and stated, they had no choice but to bailout Wall Street.  That was the first lie, because, the country would have been better off not to trust him at all and let the four most vulnerable investment banks sink to a value of $1.00 per share while Morgan survived the manipulation of the years before.

The $700 billion US TARP went into the hands of ruthless bastards that never looked back and took their money and ran.  They couldn't get out of debt fast enough so long as they were able to restructure their assets and racked in bonus after excess bonus over and over again.  What those banks DID NOT PAY BACK, were the jobs and economy they destroyed and the Americans they left homeless in their wake.

But, the Republicans don't reflect on that do they?  They only reminisce about that.  Oh, no.  They don't dare reminisce about the tens of thousands of homeless and the loss of infrastructure and the people now without a job or a way to feed their family after their EXCESSES and INDULGENCES.  No, they don't dare reminisce about that.

No.  One day in September 2008, a masked bandid on horseback road in from the apocalpse and in one fell swoop removed hundreds of thousands of jobs from the USA economy just for the hell of it.

See indeed, the souls of the unholy, the undead received their just do and they crowded into the streets as les miserables.

I remember the day as it was yesterday.  The howl of his cry made every citizens' blood chill in fear it might be they he strike down.

Ah, yes.  The homeless, the jobless, the people that fell into financial ruin.  That wasn't caused by the bank collapse.  Oh, no.  Why the proof is that in July 2009 the GREAT RECESSION ended.  The holy septer of the wealthy cast a spell on the land and the people forgot their misery, forgot the scandal in time to hear the cry of their savior, the Murdoch media circus.  And they rejoiced.

They held mass exorcisms and drove out the evil spirits crying for unemployment and a return to sanity and a focus on bolstering local economies.  Low and behold, the spirits of Franklin, Washington, Jefferson and Madison could be heard again.  No longer rolling in their graves they sent out the proclamation far and wide, repeal the health care bill, repeal the bank reform bill, repeals the 14th, 16th, 17th and 18th amendments.  Time is of the essence.  Spare no cost to achieve this goal and every capitalist that could dumped vats of money into the coffers of those that were recipient of THE WALL STREET bailout so they didn't suffer fiscal collapse at a time when 48% of the USA citizens would never give them an unsecured loan again.

So ends the tragic Middle Class of the USA.  Two hundred and nearly thirty-five years after the signing of the USA Declaration of Independence the people that fought the wars, died in labor disputs and sacrificed in sweat shops with juvenile labor would lose their land to the wealthy and never have a chance at happiness again. 

And as Tiny Tim would say, "... a merry christmas to us all, god bless us every one."

Why hasn't this been all over the news? Too much for the electorate to come to terms with after they have made the biggest election mistake in history in 2010?

...After 19 hours of deliberation, a jury of six men and six women decided that Mr. DeLay was guilty of conspiring with two associates in 2002 to circumvent a state law against corporate contributions to political campaigns. He was convicted of one charge of money laundering and one charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering...

...He faces between 5 and 99 years in prison, though the judge may choose probation. A few minutes later, Mr. DeLay said outside the courtroom that he would appeal the decision....

I sincerely hope he does not get a slap on the wrist for this.  He is one of the most malicious and offensive Speakers the House of Representatives have ever had.

Republicans treat the federal government as their play toy and Tom DeLay prided himself on being 'The Hammer."  And he wasn't talking about carpentry.  He was "The Hammer" to the Constitution of the United State of America.

And these people love and embrace the USA Constitution?

Not hardly.

Hello? Everyone is getting bent out of shape because of 'name calling?' You've got to be joking.

The only people in leadership that would over react to name calling are Republicans.  They aren't in leadership that matters.  President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton are leading the USA through this mischief.

God works in strange ways. 

No world leader is going to declare war because they was some stupid memos leaked. 

Under Bush and Cheney the 'intelligent network' as reported by the Washington Post grew far beyond its ability to maintain its integrity.  The ODDS were with this leak.  Think about it.

I am looking forward to the leaks about the banks.  Cool stuff.  YES!

I mean this is better than the National Enquirer.

Gee whiz, it is reassuring that our leaders are HUMAN.  Nice.

"Class Warfare" is nothing but rhetorical politics. That is the kind of inflammatory language we can expect by the Republicans.

Rep. Eric Cantor is typical in the 'shoot from the hip' political rhetoric' Republicans use to win their Congressional seats from their electorate.  There is NO basis in fact.

If there was a class warfare it occurred during the Bush years when any tax cuts of the Middle and Lower Class in the USA were grossly smaller in proportion to the wealthy.

Try again, Eric, you are making baseless statements.

If the wealthy are too immature to accept their responsibility in this country then don't renew ANY of the tax cuts and let Americans FEEL exactly how stupid Republicans sincerely have become.

...Republicans (click title to entry - thank you) want all the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to be extended permanently. Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress want to extend them only for individual taxpayers making less than $200,000 and couples making less than $250,000

Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia, who will become the House majority leader in January, accused the president of engaging in "class warfare." ''This country is about making sure everyone has a fair shot," he said in an interview.

Obama and his top aides have insisted that he won't approve an extension of upper income rates that is permanent, a potential opening for a short-term extension....

We, as a nation, will know if the new House Representatives are there to play games...

...if among their first orders of business is impeachment of the President.  That is why every Republican in the Senate is stalling on achieving any legislation in a LAME DUCK session.  

I believe the more seasoned members of the Republican House will fend off the impeachment issue for a short while until they can hold faux hearings throughout the House Committees and 'run game' on any crony support, such as oil and gas and bank reform, etc. 

I hope the new members are serious members and the Democrats may be able to find them and actually seek to get some things done. 

It would seem as though the "Big Bad Wolf" didn't show up at the airports to disrupt holiday travel.

That is what the entire movement reminds me of, bullies.  

I congratulate the TSA for a remarkably smooth travel holiday.

Thank you.  Well done.

 

 

No delays reported at McCarran as holiday weekend nears end (click here)

By Jackie Valley (contact)

Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010 | 11:41 a.m.

The annual Thanksgiving retreat — making today one of the year's busiest travel days as people head home — isn't causing major headaches at McCarran International Airport so far.

Michael Alonzo, management analyst at McCarran, said travel operations appear to be running smoothly in Las Vegas with no reported problems causing major delays or long security lines....

Who's afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf?  I have to disagree with the 'scare' (click here) some of the news media is feeling after the 2010 elections.  They believe there is some recompense needed to the Republicans regarding the change in leadership in the House.  To begin, I don't believe the media was paying attention to the Republican challengers called The Tea Party.  It could have helped stem the flow of 'change' in the Republican Party by this group of extremists.  It really isn't a Democratic issue, except, they are new faces and new names; therefore; in a difficult political environment for incumbents they 'seem' like the best choice to those that have a difficult time making up their minds most elections, anyway.  

The truth of the situation for the Republicans is that their party was shanghaied by the Tea Party.  They really aren't Republicans.  As a matter of fact, the 'icon' to the Tea Party, Former Governor Palin has stated, "If this is the end of the GOP, so be it."  This is a Conservative Crisis.  In the races where the media concentrated on Tea Party candidates, running under the Republican banner they were mostly defeated in the general elections.

The Tea Party are novices.  118 novices.  I haven't seen any policies written by them, but, simply 'POSITION' STATEMENTS in opposition of those that actually do know how to write policy.  That is why they are oppositional candidates.  They have no ideas.  They have the same problem as Republicans, except, they are more extreme in their goals to social issues.  They are very biased to the rights of other Americans unlike themselves.

At any rate, I sincerely believe the Democrats still hold the clear majority in the House.  I do not believe the Republican Party actually represents their 50% House majority.  There are 124 Republicans in the House and 118 Tea Party members.  That is like having 118 independent members from where I stand.  They don't recognize the GOP platform, don't seek to 'fall in line' under their leadership, but, simply took the GOP money to facilitate their candidacy.  There is something "W"rong with that picture.

So, in all honesty, while I understand President Obama needs to realize his 192 Democrats have to work with the Republicans and he has wanted bi-partisan participation from the beginning of his Presidency; 'the picture' of cooperation is really odd when one seeks to look for a concensus among the GOP now.  The Republicans in the House really are a bit of a mess and I encourage Democrats to reach out to the 118 Tea Party members to find 'common ground.'  I think there is more 'interest' in achieving goals than they might expect.  They aren't Republicans and while their social content is extreme (and it is) their goals may not be that far out of step with 'real governance.'  

I encourage 'open-mindedness' on behalf of the Democratic House.  They may very well be pleasantly surprised.  Until it is obvious otherwise.  After all, Michele Bachmann was not promoted to leadership and the Tea Party didn't have a demonstration.  I believe some of the Tea Party members are sincerely in DC to PARTICIPATE in governance and not extremism when it comes to the well being of the country.  At least give them the benefit of the doubt.

But to change subjects to an article no American should miss.  Of course, the Big Bad Wolf was after more than simply a disruption of holiday travel, he really was the Big Bad Wolf out to hurt three helpless members of the community.

It would seem as though some Red States are having a bit of trouble carrying out their coveted 'Death Sentence.'  Since the Radical Right Wing covets 'their power' over life so much I thought I'd bring the holiday on a high note for them.  Something they can really get there sorry minds around.

Hospira (click title to entry -thank you) won't be producing sodium thiopental until next year.  For the Right Wingers they must have a real affection for the drug, but, for most Americans; one might ask; "What the heck is sodium thiopental? 

States ask Texas to supply ingredient for executions  (click here)

Posted 10m ago

By Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

...Some states that have the death penalty have asked Texas for doses of sodium thiopental, the so-called knockout drug, used as part of the three-drug cocktail in executions by lethal injection, according to Michelle Lyons, spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. She would not identify the states that requested assistance.

The state has declined to make its supply available even though all of its 39 available doses are set to expire in March and there are only three executions scheduled in the state before then, Lyons said

States, including Arizona, Oklahoma, Ohio, Tennessee and Kentucky, have scrambled to acquire the drug.

Sodium thiopental renders the condemned inmate unconscious, so the prisoner does not feel pain. 

Hospira, the lone federally approved producer of the drug, has said new batches of the substance would not be available until next year.

Lyons said that despite the looming expiration of Texas' extra inventory, "we do not have plans to distribute the drug to other states."

"We have a responsibility to ensure we have an adequate supply of the drug on hand to carry out any executions scheduled in the state of Texas," Lyons said.

States with shortages are trying to find suppliers abroad or proposing radical changes in their execution protocols to deal with the lack of drugs....

My, my, not exactly what I would call a crisis.  Sincerely.

I am going to enjoy my holiday.  Until tomorrow.

I understand Bristol came in thrid in her tv competition. Ms. Gray was absolutely exquisite.

Jennifer was achieving the impossible on the dance floor.  I didn't watch every competition, but, I was lucky enough to watch the evening where she balanced on one foot on tip toes while balancing on her partner's shoulder.

Wow.  That was balance beyond any imagination and her techniques were flawless.  It would have been extremely tragic had she not been able to compete and win that final evening.

Jennifer Gray is a true professional and with that in mind she put her reputation 'out there' not just 'her political capital.'  To that end she damaged herself on two occasions.  "Dancing with the Stars" needs to reflect on the pressure brought to bear on someone as exquisite as she when they ask professionals, like her and Brandy to become a part of their SHOW.

Political Capital.  I would like to speak to that and to Bristol's competition.

Every young woman should take advantage of their beauty and youth to enjoy their lives everyday they live.  To that end Bristol was able to carry out a dream and see it through and I congratulate her.  If the trappings of her Mother came along for the ride that was to her benefit.

Her 'persona' during the SHOW was one of embattled self-esteem and hard working woman.  Never did I hear anyone refer to her baby and the care and logistics of that child during the competition so I have to believe when she got in her truck (One similar to the one Massachusetts Senator Brown drives, I am sure.) she left the child to the care of others.  Yes?  I don't care to know in retrospect, as it will only be viewed as manipulated anyway.

I have never watched "Dancing with the Stars" before.  Not even when Tom DeLay was trying to win over America's heart and mind.  I am not interested in the 'theme' of these programs.  Just not.  I have been at friends' homes when they would watch the competition in disbelief in the corrupt nature of the outcomes.  So, I patiently watched while they complained.

The show from what I understand and I truly do not like commentating on things I don't come to research and understand 'first hand.'  But, the show has never featured a liberal political figure.  Yes, Bristol Palin is a Right Wing Political figure.

These 'theme' shows, in my opinion, serve one purpose.  They serve to enforce the political 'mind set' of the Right Wing Electorate.  I haven't heard of a gay couple in competition either.

While, no doubt, Bristol would love to have her own identity away from that of her mother's political agenda, that is her plight.  She might try looking up an aspiring Mayor of Wasilla and find out exactly how committed he can actually be to, not only Fatherhood, but being a worthy and wonderful spouse.

Is the show a political show?  You, betcha.  Is it manipulated through its' design?  Absolutely.  Is there some 'real talent' involved that find rewards in participation?  Sure.  Does it hold my attention through its corrupt nature?  Only long enough to know if it is corruption 'by design' or 'by purpose.'  Will I watch any of it again?  No.  Only if others are participating in that event, but, I doubt I'll want to know much more about it than I do now.  I certainly won't 'take an interest' in any of the 'audience participation' ever.

Jennifer's choreographer in "Dirty Dancing" made sure she was never injured.  Interesting.

Oh, one other thing.  The reason the link to the title of the entry goes to 'Jezebel' is because it was there that the 'votes' for Bristol were found to be redundant 'by design.'  I understand Bristol made the statement she believes those that were complaining 'hate her mother.'  That isn't it, that wasn't it and no one 'hates' Sarah Palin.

At this point, I believe the Right Wing Political pundits view criticism as 'hate.'  That is a juvenile concept, but, who ever said they were mature.  I mean "Birthers?'  Give me a break.

In all honesty,...

In this Aug. 16, 2010 photo, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Darron Wright, deputy commander, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division

There isn't much anyone, including the Former President, can say to justify the Iraq invasion.

On September 11, 2010 nearly 3000 citizens died due to the acts of terrorists harbored in Aghanistan.  USA citizens were not killed because of Saddam Hussein and the unarmed nation of Iraq.  There should have NOTHING that removed the purpose of our military from the mission of capturing or killing Osama bin Laden while dismantling al Qaeda.

...I had an overwhelming (click title to entry - thank you) number of intelligent people on my side, not to mention most of the U.S. congress from both parties, the president, and virtually everyone I knew in rural Texas....

"...it isn't about 'having people on "...my side...".  It is a democracy built on laws and policy that maintains the integrity of global order and peace.

Under the Bush / Cheney administration, I witnessed the USA destroyed into a nation of 'power' that can destroy nations for wealth without increasing Natioanl Defense, but, opening it up to greater dangers than ever before in its' history.

The nations that came to the rescue of the USA following 911 spanned the entire globe.  There was not one power on Earth that didn't see the dangers that unveiled an incredibly insane danger to every nation on the planet.  Iraq had that quality?  No.

What occurred after 911 was the work of alliance of every major nation.  What occurred prior to moving into Iraq was a 'manufactured' coalition that could not contribute to any war effort without first receiving monies from the USA Treasure, hence, the corruption of "The Coaliton of the Willing."  No nation on Earth can afford to fight wars alone, yet alone turn countries into mercenaries in order to be called a coalition.

Bush / Cheney abandoned Long Time Allies to chase down a witch in Iraq.  There was no weapons worth mentioning in Iraq including Scud missiles that could never reach its target, yet alone carry WMD into the USA.  The entire 'scenario' was deranged and treasonous to the citizens ot the nation.

Once out of office, the truth finally revealed itself and Afghanistan was a nation of corruption where the Alliance of Canada and the EU was being pushed around by the Taliban and the Karzai government as if they didn't have an impact at all.  The only reason the Allies in Afghanistan didn't quit and leave was due to the continued influence of power of al Qaeda in Europe.  London.  Mardrid.  All facilitated by the abandonment of Bush and Cheney for an oil war in Iraq, justified by the fact 'his dad' was threatened by a man that stood on a balcony IN IRAQ with a gun.

What the hell, right Georgie, any excuse was a good excuse.

The USA had lost its bearings during the Bush/Cheney years and sabotaged from being anything else by a fiscal collapse of the corrupt exploitation of the American Dream.

It is unbelievably amazing to realize how after two years the people responsible for destroying the 'integrity' of the USA are sill 'free men.' 

Simply, amazing. 

The Plutocracy has more clout than any citizen within the borders of the country.  The power of the USA is all they want.  They could not care less about the people of this nation.  The Plutocrats win everytime.  Everytime and the citizens are foolish enough to fall for it.

Amazing. 

First Belize and now Brazil. It looks like the Mexican Drug Cartels are in for an awakening.

Rio might actually  become safe for every tourist including all areas of the country, now.

Rio de Janeiro gun battles leave at least 14 people dead (click here)

Many killed in major police assaults on favela strongholds of drug traffickers and gangsters

Tom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro

The Guardian, Thursday 25 November 2010

Prolonged gun battles between police and drug traffickers left at least 14 people dead yesterday in Rio, including a 14-year-old girl who was reportedly shot through the chest while she surfed the internet.
The deaths came during a series of major police assaults on the city's slums, including one favela that serves as the HQ of the city's largest drug gang.


Triggered by a spate of attacks on police and drivers, the incursions began on Tuesday and involved hundreds of heavily armed police operatives, bulletproof vehicles and helicopters.


About 150 people were arrested during the sweeps by 17,500 officers while at least 22 people have been killed since Sunday, according to Rio's military police. The wounded have included two policemen and an 81-year-old man while an estimated 17,000 children were left unable to attend lessons as a result of the clashes.


"We did not start this war," Colonel Lima Castro, a spokesman for Rio's military police said last night. "We were provoked and we will emerge victorious."


The massive operations in at least 20 Rio favelas followed a wave of apparently co-ordinated attacks by drug traffickers who torched buses and cars and planted homemade bombs in various locations....

I doubt it is over, but, it is a good beginning.  There needs to be gun trafficking stopped as well.

Police in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro (click title to entry - thank you) have urged drug traffickers in a hillside slum to turn themselves in or face a determined assault.

Hundreds of police officers and soldiers, some in armoured vehicles, have surrounded the Alemao favela.

Authorities say the operation aims make the city safer ahead of the World Cup in 2014 and Olympic Games in 2016....

A little frendly advise to the Former President. Welcome the Liberals as a way to construct the spirit of your book, sir.

If I may?

To begin with I believe Former President George Walker Bush is being a very good sport about keeping appointment for interviews. 

But, to the content of the interviews and who best allows for a clear picture of the book, the interview with O'Reilly was lacking.

When the Former Presient interviews with conservaives they al looking for political spin 'sanctioned' by him rather than addressing the content of the book and the 'decision points' he states are his most accurate memories.

Additonally.

I don't believe he needs any hand holding by his Little Brother either.

When Jeb appears in interviews it appears as though the Former President is either promoting his brother's candidacy or needing plenty of emotional support when it might be a more 'liberated' interviewer asking the questions.

But, the context of the book is best revealed by more liberal components to the media as they are looking to find 'truth' and it is only in interviews that the Former President can speak to the scepticism that might be raised.

I wish him well and I may indeed read the book, but, I doubt I am going to praise much of his decisions.  I sincerely believe his autonomy of office foresaken the international community.  The USA is not a Superpower alone, but, only able to make that claim when supported by strong allies.  That is another reason why 'the decision point' regarding Iraq was so very, very "W"rong.  There was no sincere threat to the USA and the international community abandoned the United States of America when it moved autonomously into Iraq with a 'minority' Coalition of the Willing.  That was very, very different than when the USA moved into Afghanistan and should have stayed there.

The challenge to Rahm's residency is a bit lame, isn't it?

It doesn't get more simple than this.  He never RESIDED in Washington, DC.  He, no different than many, many other House Representatives 'take up residence' in DC because otherwise, unlike Vice President Joe Biden, it would be a very long and expensive commute.  If Rahm was serving in Washington, DC that hardly disqualifies him as a resident to Illinois with a home that he paid taxes to the community.  He maintained his interest in his residency in different ways, that's all.  The 'State of Politics' in the USA is sadly lacking for its fairness these days.  The self righteous attitudes opposing decent and qualified people from achieving effective leadership is far less than the civilized discourse I would expect in the USA.  

...Burt Odelson, (click title to entry - thank you)  the lawyer who filed a residency challenge to knock Chicago mayoral hopeful Rahm Emanuel off the ballot predicted Friday the case will end up in the Illinois Supreme Court as Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) said the challenge is "frivolous."

In terms of the brewing legal fight against President Obama's former White House Chief of Staff, "this is a case where either side is going to go all the way," Odelson told me.

The challenge will first go to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners; the loser will appeal to the Cook County Circuit Court, an Illinois Appeals court and eventually the Illinois Supreme Court. The Emanuel team did not want to comment on any potential appeals. But it is routine in a case like this for the courts to be asked to handle all appeals on an expedited basis....

...The Emanuel camp argues that Emanuel always intended to return to Chicago and he left only to serve Obama. Schakowsky said in a conference call organized by the Emanuel campaign, "Rahm should not be punished for responding to the call of the president."...

Being punitive to legitimately qualified people that agree to serve the President of the USA is hardly a good idea.  That creates a lot of disincentives that does not serve the country well.

Just for the record Former US Representative and Former Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel was from the Fifth Congressional District of Chicago.  Chicago (click here) has Districts 01, 02, 03. 04. 05. 06. 07 and 09.