TG: I'm not an economist, but I play one on the Internet!

President Obama, that crass comedian jokester, cracked everybody up this morning with; "...even though everybody thinks they're an economist today!" He's a funny guy!

Mr. President, I can assure you, I'm not one of those people!

I couldn't argue why I didn't like "Trickle Down" the right way, because it's a greed issue! How do you argue your own fear of irrational behavior, and greed? It doesn't make sense to me. So there was a wish and a prayer, that really smart people somewhere, were making laws to prevent a top heavy situation from forming, and capsizing the economy. Then all we heard about was Mr. Bush, executive ordering rule after rule into oblivion. And now collapse. Now, I'm no economist but think it's all connected?

The world I grew up in: The airwaves were free! TV and Radio, were all free! Newspapers cost a whole $0.25 a day. Premium Gasoline was about $0.77 a gallon, and dangerous, but not considered deadly toxic! Most of our electricity was used by steel plants, and aerospace, which we now have none of, and a shortage of electrons too? My TV set was 300 watts, now it's 70 watts, and my light bulb is now 23 watts doing the job of a 100 watts, but there is still a shortage. I'm not even 50, and the world is now that TOP-ENDED! And you know what, they keep taking my share and not trickling it back.

Republican's blame the government. But Republicans are like birds seeing themselves in the mirror- they don't seem to understand that's not another bird invading their space! They continue to argue for less government, while they lead the largest expansion of government in history, as well as the largest power grab for the executive branch in history. And we all see how well that worked, except Mr Cheney, who is telling his people to keep attacking that mirror, we'll defeat it yet!

Today (this very day Feb 09), they (Republicans) want local government to build new schools, and fund education programs. It's not a Federal Issue, so they want it out of the stimulus! So why do they run on it, every election? Education is paid for by Property Taxes mostly. You see, there is only so much Earth, and many more people all the time. So Property Taxes have been the backbone of local government, since we stole this land from the Indians. So what part of POPPED Real Estate Bubble, and Toxic Asset, are they missing here??? Do they all need a tour of the Gulf Coast, perhaps, to see how well recovery is working (I mean from Texas to Mississippi)? Meanwhile, State Universities want more "out of state kids", than locals, to make up for the lack of money coming in from the State government, from the added fees.

Not being an economist, I don't know how a tax break for businesses is going to help create jobs? I do see how employers might be able to buy one more new fancy laptop, but I really doubt that tax breaks are going to create even one new job for anyone. Bet it gets the BOSS a new Lexus, that is owned by their company, but I'll bet no new jobs are created with it. Just doesn't fit the model- whatever that is?

Now, on the other hand, to be fare! I hear a lot about creating jobs, but I'm hearing nothing about creating careers.

Oh yeah, and back in the day. We all had saving accounts, even businesses did, you know, for rainy days. They were considered safer investments than AIG. And why, I don't know, once they are too big to fail, and still are.

But, I'm just a funny guy, and not an economist. So I'll shut up now! These aren't laughing matters at my level. I need help (now), and I know who's playing politics with it- I'm watching- I hope you are too, all of you expert economists! OG, it's still funny, lol!

As a footnote to things I don't understand; Why is it BLACK HISTORY MONTH, and not African American History Month? And while it might be rather extensive contribution, does it really take a whole month to teach that white guys like me, are assholes? I'm sure I'm full of shit or somebody is, because God keeps using me as toilet paper!

In the fog, again!

It's not the weather condition I'm talking about today. I'm talking about political opinions. And not yours, but rather mine! This is a rant about me, and my opinions. I could careless, about vetting cabinet appointments. Doesn't mean a thing to me, at this point in the game. Yeah, some guys look real good until they are under the microscope. Mr Daschle for example: His sin is not the tax thing, it's who he decided to lobby for, vs. the position they wanted him to fill. (I'm going to skip all background on that, once it's not the focus of this article).

I don't care about Tax problems. Tax problems, if you hadn't noticed, are nothing unusual. Why do you think that is? If you've never been self-employed, you haven't a clue! The tax code evolved into this monster, which even your tax professional have a hard time figuring out sometimes. And scary thing is, that even they (tax preparers) have become quite dependent on third party software like Turbo Tax. Problem is that if anyone ever made a profit anywhere at any time, fluke or not, there is a tax on it! And may of these things, are not graduated taxes, either. So, you did something, and now you owe $1000 to the government, even though you only made $3000, which is well below poverty on that one thing. Welcome to the real world, of a broken tax system!

Point is that we are seeing these things, more with this President. Maybe because, Obama has a higher standard? And what the reactionary public is over looking, is that it takes time, to really figure out how and why good candidates ended up on the bad side of things, and if it's actually important, or just fodder for partisan politics?

Bush found little problem with any appointment, because he never looked for problems!!! He wanted Anti-Government people, holding government positions, to make the laws ineffective. George never cleaned any air, like he claims. What he did was lower the bar for what is considered clean air! Lower standards means higher compliance, and therefore cleaner air? If only it worked that way, everything in life would be easy, wouldn't it? Instead, it is in our interest as people as a whole, to not want our industrial base to profit at the expense of your health. Meaning the air we breath shouldn't do bad things to us, should it? Lowering standards means you just don't get it!

To me, failures along the way are not the important issue. The issue is, who is going to be a good public servant? Who understands, and will keep that trust? So I think the President is doing a great job so far, which is why it puzzles me that he's taking the blame? For what, vetting people, to a higher standard, publicly? I think that breath of fresh air, for government, even with a disappointment or two.

But once they are aware of the problem, why can't these guys, get it together, and PAY YOUR TAXES? That is another issue all together!

Here a clue to the Republicans: Pound the issue tax simplification (based on what your seeing, there is clearly a problem), dump this stupid TAX-CUT nonsense that nobody buying anymore. The real issue is taxes being too complex, for anyone to get RIGHT, including LAW MAKERS! You want smaller government, draw a road map to getting there.

Meanwhile, I'm not understanding the fuss over capping bonuses. I don't like the government having to do that, but clearly those who call themselves too big to fail, need to get a clue, and there was one delivered! Personally, I think we should break them up, so they aren't too big to fail. So I think they got off easy. Particularly, once there seems to be a lot of things, now guarded as trade secrets, that should be sending people to jail, for what they have done to manipulate markets, and cause this crisis.

There are the things I find important. Not a few candidates that didn't quite make the grade. But I live in fog. Or is that SMOG?

Hint to the California Lottery

I'm not interested in being apart of a TV Game Show- Not even a little!

I'm only interested in quietly paying Windfall Profit Taxes. Which is something I've never had the opportunity to do.

I love the Lottery, I really do. It's the only voluntary tax program we have. And the only reason we give up our money, is the BIG FAT TAX RETURN, that we sure as hell don't deserve. I really don't care if you spend the profits on whores for lobbyists, honestly. As long as I get my rare big return. But there are others who do want it to go to a noble cause to profit from our sinful nature- Sorry about that.

My point is, more payouts, bigger payouts, gets my attention and interest back. TV GAMES SHOWS are trash, that nobody is interested in, except 10 year olds, who can't play. Make it easier to WIN!!!

Making money is hard. Particularly today. You are one of our best stimulus programs- get it?

Republicans GET at clue!

After 12 years of controlling both houses of congress, and a TRILLION dollar a year good time (lawless) party for the last 8 years, you think I'm interested in ANY of your ideas in how to FIX things now????

Clinton: -$2,000,000,000 in spending, and shrinking.
Bush: -$10,000,000,000 and growing.

You must be kidding? I'm speechless! You stood by and did nothing, and now we should listen to those who lost their way? Shut up, and sit in the corner and brood! Seriously, you need to shut up and think it out, and realize where you went wrong- BEFORE you offer us even more of the same. Your not getting it, which means you're stupid!!!

No bid this, it has one digit, and it's right in the middle. And most of all, you deserve it.

Ok, I'm going to expand this rant (1/27/09):
My issue is, HOW can you call yourself a CONSERVATIVE, when you refuse to balance budgets, and pay your bills? You use religion as a tool to be irresponsible? Boehner could really careless about condoms in the stimulus package. Which: You can't use them without being stimulated, so it saves American jobs and lives, there John. (Which is why he didn't bring it up to the President, only the TV cameras, the day before). My point is about 'getting off subject', not the latex toys issue. It's about using what's most dear to people's rational (their religion) , to continue to be irresponsible with the budget, and your stewardship! Giving more and more tax breaks to those WHO DON'T NEED IT, is a recipe for failure. That party is over, and your stuck in a rut? And hopefully the people of Ohio will fix it on the next election.

It's like the Republicans want more bigger failure, just to blame Democrats. Ok, that's your lives and jobs these guys are playing politics with! Let me say that a second time; It's YOUR lives and jobs, these guys are playing politics with!!! It's a game to them! It's not real! That is being out of touch, and it's wrong. Smart men know this is a real crisis, and not a time for head games. Elect people who are going to do what's right, for the RIGHT reasons! These guys clearly don't have that intent, and it's shameful.

Ok, so you managed to sucker punch Obama. You demanded changes, then didn't support the bill with changes you WANTED? That was low. And just how low are you going to go, before we hang you? Congressman Lewis, what have done for San Bernardino lately? Do we need to remind you that your district has unemployment that is double digit? We are watching, and we are taking notes, don't be to proud of yourselves, you've accomplished nothing, other than embarrassing the people who elected you.

A new day

It is no secret that I supported Barack Obama, all through this election season (18 months). Some might be surprised to find out, that he didn't start out being my man. I became somewhat familiar with him from his keynote address, at the Kerry convention. And while I could see him as a rising star in the party, I felt that he was still too green, to be taken seriously. And his address was no Mario! (Old democrats know what I'm talking about).

The man I wanted, just like most of the men I wanted down through the years, dropped out early. This last round being Joe Biden. But frankly, those early debates, Joe was just getting too goofy, trying to put forward a light hearted spirit of charisma. Add a two step and he and Richards could have taken the act on the road. So my focus shifted to the front runners, Hillary and Barack, and it was a very hard choice. But inside, there was something magic about Barack, but I didn't want to be fooled by cool, particularly early! But as they spoke, I was giving more amens to the speeches of dude, than the dudette. And even for a while, I wonder if it wasn't some secret chauvinist in me?

Besides, I know Clintons, and kind of what to expect from another 4 years of them. I did well under Bill, but this is not a personal reflection, but this was about the future. And how I in vision that future being shaped, here forward. And from retrospect of their mistakes, still kind of haunts me.

I was quite unhappy that the California Primary election was moved up. Many were afraid that we had lost any voice in who got to run in the big race. And my worsted fears, came about, they took the forgone conclusion. This State on my side of the aisle, went with Hillary. But I voted my mind, and beliefs in Barack, not that it mattered. This is why I didn't like voting so early in the year. Most did not vote their convictions, they voted for who they thought would win, hands down just by name. It was exciting all the way into June, but we were done in February!

Meanwhile, I would tease my conservatives, that they hadn't the guts to vote for the {N word}. Just to really rub it in, about their dilemma. This was another reason I favored Barack over Hillary early. I knew there were too many eggshells for Republicans to tread on, unlike their plans of going after the bitch, which they knew they'd be running against, and were ready for! NOW Hold that judgement of me, those who know me well, know I'm not that kind of bigot, at all- and I really Hillary! I did it teasing, on this election cycle because the opposition's back was against the wall, and while THEY would have LOVED TO do the same, they didn't dare be that politically incorrect. However, myself as an ardent supporter, I had the liberty to try and crack their shells, by stating their secret views. Which it's just my nature to find hilarious! So I owe the whole Obama family an huge apology. My taunts were uncalled for, and to outsiders might have been taken very, very wrong. It was a razz for wrong minded people, is all.

As a Liberal (even though I'm not sure what that means, but they all assure me, I am one), I'm just not at all use to being on the popular side of politics! As it was said on Rachel Maddow's show; "If you, with one week away from the election, and with double digits leads in the polls, still think there is some way for the Democrats to totally screw this up- Congratulations, you are truly a Democrat!" Or something along those lines. And it was TRUE, it was our deepest fear, because we are not use to anybody agreeing with us on even tiny, much less huge issues!

When Barack won the election, even I cried. Not because he was black, 'livin the dream'. I cried because I knew, we got it right! This time, we got it RIGHT! This man is the real deal! The man we can trust. And best of all, he can manage things. Then, when I saw Germany, my jaw dropped. When I saw Denver, my jaw dropped! When I saw that park in Chicago, I cried with Jesse Jackson, in awe. When I saw the Mall (the swearing in) a few days ago- ho hum, Obama must be speaking in public again? Two million people with nothing better to do on a Tuesday.

So, am I beaming with optimism, now that my guy won? Back to earlier story; Hell no! It's in our nature to be afraid of failure, even in the very last minute. But here is a man that genuinely believes in the rule of law, over paranoia and spin. That will lead the way back toward righteousness, through consistency. Our stature in the world has vastly improved overnight, and it's not misplaced optimism.

There are still people out there very afraid, and even very angry! I can assure them all, that it's not going to be a bad ride. But, that only fuels their hatred even more. It is hard to believe that anyone would want things to get any worse, but there are a few...

It was a dream to me, the Obama Biden ticket. And in spite of Joe's rambling repeats; My Friends! SOB, WE WON?!! Congratulation, you won a chance to loose/invent $2 trillion dollars in stimulus, and two extended wars, the real possibility of a third and maybe even forth? Super high unemployment. Wow, that's a prize isn't it? What did the looser get for playing?

"Brace yourselves!" Thank you, Sully; I think that might make a good theme for a few years, even yet!

One final note on my pet peeves; It's Obama, not O'Biden! Just call him Joe, would ja?

Outrage & Disappointment (what's new)

Justice pinup deleted

Madoff proves, every single day, that Justice is anything but blind. A poor man with half the offense is would be already tried, and in jail. While Berny lives in luxury in his own home, hiding assets, and continuing his crime spree, apparently?

My anger here, is that this is everything a Democrat fears about the insanity of greed, overcoming justice, is showing up in our lifetime. You guys think that DEREGULATION is a good thing, because it get the government out of your life- HA! It doesn't make government smaller and more efficient at all. It only makes it incompetent, and anemic. Tax cuts for the rich, didn't make them go into a great shopping spree on Main Street. Rather it went into socks and schemes, which included outsourcing our jobs to India, Russia, and China, so they could increase profits for top level management mostly. Forgetting a simple fact, that in a CONSUMER DRIVEN economy, requires a strong and healthy MIDDLE CLASS!

Madoff belongs in the lowest pit of hell. Which he will not go to, because he doesn't believe in one! ;)

What I want from the election of Mr Obama, is the restoration of the integrity of government, on all levels. And that's NOW a very tall order. Maybe even too tall for ANY human being to overcome? Particularly with Justices like this, that just don't get it!

My one wish, is that tattooed men, in bright orange jump suits, were microwaving his dinners at the very least, in his Manhattan Penthouse. But that too, is just a pipe dream.

I've lost nothing to Berny Madoff, but faith in our justice system.

Oh yeah, that guy in India that took my job away. He's turning out to be as big a crook as Madoff. Isn't that just great? For those of you who need a clue; that was Sarcasm! This guy being a crook has nothing to do with the damage he did to my career, and this economy.

Here is my simple prayer for the new year; May we all find the justice, we deserve. Amen!

***To you Bushites, I had no idea the President was going to get so defensive about integrity issue, on the same day that I wrote this. Sometimes, I think they're reading my blog- yeah right! What next, wire tap my phone? Anyone who's ever had to call me, knows that's stupid idea, all you hear is the answering machine, over and over and over. Not a big fan of the phone!