Update from the Heartland
No.372
26.1.09 – 1.2.09
Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/
No.372
26.1.09 – 1.2.09
Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/
To all,
The follow-up news items:
-- As we learn more about the President’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (ARRP) [368], my sensation of suspicion, skepticism, and disappointment grows. A few weeks ago, Obama announced the objectives of his plan. Yet, with each day, we hear more and more of the same old, pork barrel, spending – just a different color. We see the Speaker of the House in a lame, fumbling, foolish attempt to explain to the rest of us idiots how spending millions on birth control is going to cut costs and stimulate the economy. We learn of provisions added in to the evolving bill for the National Endowment of the Arts, to re-sod the National Mall, et al. If the President does not go after these senseless pork projects, NOW, he will be confirming one of my biggest fears – business as usual in Washington. Bush spent trillions on Republican pork projects. Obama is inching toward spending trillions of Democratic pork projects. Pork is pork! I hope he finds the strength and courage to do the right thing for the good of this Grand Republic during this trouble time of a faltering economy amid a global war.
[Ancillary note: I think we are missing a huge opportunity. The ARRP has funding for new electricity transmission lines (not nearly enough IMHO) and other green technologies. He is pushing for a move-forward of vehicle emission standard goals. We need the opening foundation for our Energy Manhattan Project, including commitment to expand our research capacity for fast-charge battery development, to make electric cars practical, to expand wind farms, ad infinitum. Also, the President should make a statement; veto the bill when it comes to him; and, he should insist the pork is removed. Fat chance!]
-- On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 1 – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 [House: 244-188-0-1(2)] – resplendent with billions upon billions in pork-barrel spending on Democratic Party favorites that have absolutely nothing to do with stemming the recession and sparking economic recovery. I can almost see the frothed frenzy on Capital Hill as parochial, ego-centric politicians “negotiate” for their pet spending projects – what’s few million within the nearly trillion dollar spending orgy. Sure, there is much that looks reasonable. However, let us not be fooled; tax cuts are spending of a different form as well – inverse spending, if you will. And, income tax cuts are the quickest way to get money into the economy. Yet, the issue at the moment is how to use the government’s leverage to create jobs, regain confidence in the banking system and among consumers, and serve the common good. Adding in all these pork projects does very little to instill confidence in me . . . perhaps those receiving the billions will have tons of confidence . . . but, not me! The bill has gone to the Senate, which is busily crafting their own spending agenda; then, the two bills will have to be reconciled and re-voted in both chambers before it goes to the President.
-- On the war front and after the President’s Executive Order to close Guantánamo [371], we learn that released Guantánamo detainee no. 372, AKA Abu-Sayyaf al-Shihri, has rejoined the fight as deputy to Nasir al-Wuhayshi in the leadership of a new al-Qaeda franchise known as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which combines the Yemeni and Saudi variants. The whole issue of and surrounding the detention of battlefield combatants [124, et al] in the War on Islamic Fascism will remain with us no matter what the President decides to do. And, this war will not go away no matter how much we wish it so.
-- Apparently, Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner [362] is not the only Cabinet member or nominee who conveniently “forgot” to pay his taxes. Former Senate Majority Leader and nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Daschle [365] recently ponied up US$100K in back taxes. Can any of us imagine what would have happened if one of W’s Republican nominees had “forgotten” to pay their taxes; all hell would have broken lose. This is yet one more reason I despise politicians of any ilk.
News from the economic front:
-- Despite the USG giving banks US$148B in Treasury funds, lending by many of the nation's largest banks fell in recent months. Ten of the 13 big beneficiaries of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) saw their outstanding loan balances decline by a total of about US$46B (1.4%), between the third and fourth quarters of 2008.
-- Sprint Nextel plans to eliminate 8,000 jobs by 31.March, saving about US$1.2B a year in labor costs, and also plans to suspend 401(k) matching contributions and to extend a suspension of annual salary increases through 2009.
-- Home Depot plans to cut 7,000 jobs (2% of its work force) as they close their Expo home-design business, and will freeze salaries for all their officers.
-- Caterpillar plans to cut 20,000 jobs (18% of its work force) on lower demand for their products and projection of 2009 earnings well below analysts’ estimates. The company reported its 4th Quarter net income fell 32% as the global economic downturn worsened and some customers cancelled orders.
-- Existing home sales rose in December to a 4.74 million annual rate (+6.5%) increase. Of all sales in December, about 45% were distress sales at discounted prices. The median home price was $175,400 in December, down 15.3% from $207,000, a year ago.
-- American Express reported 4th Quarter net income of US$172M million (-79% from a year ago), on 10% lower spending by its members, from a year earlier.
-- Japan's Nomura financial services group reported a worse-than-expected, 4th Quarter, net loss of ¥342B (US$3.8B) on extraordinary losses connected with Iceland's financial crisis and the Madoff scandal [365]. The company said it would skip its quarterly dividend, going to a semi-annual distribution. S&P downgraded the banking group's debt rating on the weak performance.
-- U.S. consumer confidence index fell to a historic low of 37.7, from the revised 38.6 seen in December. Economists had expected a modest rebound with a predicted January index of 39.0.
-- The S&P/Case-Shiller home-price indexes showed declines in 10 major metropolitan areas of 19.1% in November from a year earlier and 2.2% from October. The drop marks a record 14th-straight monthly decline. In 20 major metropolitan areas, home prices dropped 18.2% from the prior year, also a record.
-- Yahoo swung to a US$303M 4th Quarter loss as revenue fell 1% to US$1.81B, reflecting the impact of the economic downturn on the company's online-advertising business. Even the vaunted technies are feeling the pinch.
-- Wells Fargo & Co. reported a 4th Quarter loss after increasing its credit reserve by US$5.6B amid slumping loan quality. The company also reported that Wachovia, the struggling bank it bought Dec. 31 [355] and didn't include in its bottom line, lost US$11B in the same period.
-- Boeing’s 4th Quarter revenue dropped 27% after the now-resolved machinists' strike reduced commercial airplane deliveries by about 70 units (about US$4.3B in revenue). The company issued 2009 guidance that puts its profit outlook below analysts' estimates.
-- The Federal Reserve, unable to lower rates further, kept its target federal-funds rate at a record-low range of 0.00 - 0.25%, and indicated it is prepared to purchase long-term Treasurys to combat the worsening recession, and a deflationary spiral of falling employment and spending.
-- Starbucks plans to close another 300 stores and cut nearly 7,000 jobs as it continues to reel from overexpansion and a sharp sales slowdown. The company reported revenue of US$2.6B in its Fiscal 1st Quarter (-6% from a year earlier) and net income of US$64M, down from US$208M a year ago. CEO Howard Schultz asked the company's board of directors to reduce his annual base salary to US$10K, from US$1.2M (he will net less than $4 a month after deductions).
-- There are occasional rays of sunlight among the dark storm clouds. Amazon.com posted a 9% profit rise on net sales US$6.70B (+18%) amid gains in both its U.S. and overseas businesses.
-- U.S. new home sales fell 14.7% in December to 331,000 – the worst year for new home sales since 1982.
-- The total number of U.S. workers filing claims for jobless benefits lasting more than one week soared to a record 4,776,000. New claims for state unemployment benefits held largely steady near quarter-century highs last week, rising 3,000 to 588,000.
-- Durable-goods orders decreased by 2.6% last month to a seasonally adjusted US$175B.
-- Ford Motor Co. posted a 4th Quarter net loss of US$5.88B amid the global decline in vehicle sales, but reiterated it doesn't plan to seek a government bridge loan unless it is hit by “a significantly deeper economic downturn or a significant industry event,” such as the bankruptcy of a competitor. If my attention was enough, Ford was the only U.S. automaker to advertise during the Super Bowl.
-- Japan’s NEC Corp. plans to eliminate at least 20,000 jobs world-wide to reduce expenses by ¥80B (US$890M) over the next two years. The Tokyo-based, electronics company says its net loss widened to ¥130B for the last quarter from a ¥5.2B loss in the same period a year earlier.
-- Petroleum giant Exxon Mobil reported 4th Quarter net revenue of US$7.82B (-33% from a year earlier). Annual net revenue came to US$85B (down from US$117B). The company still reported an annual profit of US$45.2B, breaking its own record for full-year earnings by a U.S. company of US$40.6B in 2007. Now, we can brace ourselves for the yammerings of those self-anointed protectors of American sensitivity in Congress who will scream to constrain Exxon’s profits.
-- Not that we needed more economic data to confirm the recession, but the Commerce Department reported preliminary GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in the 4Q2008, contracting at a 3.8% annualized rate – the biggest decline since 1982. But, hey, the upside . . . economists had forecast a much worse decline.
CNN gave us their “Culprits of the Collapse” [358]. The Guardian has offered theirs.
“Road to Ruin: Twenty-Five People at the Heart of the Meltdown”
by: Julia Finch, Andrew Clark and David Teather
The Guardian UK
Published: Monday 26 January 2009
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jan/26/road-ruin-recession-individuals-economy
-- Alan Greenspan – Chairman of U.S. Federal Reserve 1987- 2006 [358: CNN’s no.6]
-- Mervyn Allister King – Governor of the Bank of England
Politicians
-- William Jefferson ‘Bill’ Clinton – 42nd U.S. president
-- James Gordon Brown – British Prime Minister
-- George Walker Bush – 43rd U.S. president
-- William Philip ‘Phil’ Gramm – former U.S. Senator [358: CNN’s no.7]
Wall Street/Bankers
-- Abby Joseph Cohen – Goldman Sachs Chief U.S. Strategist
-- Kathleen A. Corbet – former CEO, Standard & Poor’s
-- Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg – former chairman and CEO, AIG (American International Group) [1968-2005]
-- Andrew Hedley “Andy” Hornby – former CEO, HBOS (Halifax + Bank of Scotland) [2006-2008]
-- Sir Frederick Anderson “Fred” Goodwin – former CEO RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) [2001-2008]
-- Steve Crawshaw – former managing director, B&B (Bradford & Bingley)
-- Adam J. Applegarth – former CEO Northern Rock [2001-2007]
-- Richard Severin Fuld, Jr. – former CEO, Lehman Brothers [1994-2008] {358: CNN’s no.9}
-- Ralph R. Cioffi & Matthew M. Tannin –Bear Stearns managers
-- Lewis S. Ranieri – former CEO, Franklin Bank Corp.
-- Joseph J. ‘Joe’ Cassano – AIG Financial Products [358: CNN’s no.10]
-- Charles O. “Chuck” Prince, III – former CEO, Citigroup (2003-2007)
-- Angelo R. Mozilo – former CEO, Countrywide Financial [358: CNN’s no.4]
-- Stanley “Stan” O'Neal – former Chairman & CEO, Merrill Lynch (2003-2007)
James E. ‘Jimmy’ Cayne – former CEO Bear Stearns (1993-2008) [358: CNN’s no.3]
Others
-- Christopher John ‘Chris’ Dodd – U.S. Senator; Chairman, Senate Banking Committee
-- Geir Hilmar Haarde – former Icelandic Prime Minister
-- The American public – (you, us) [358: CNN’s no.1]
The Guardian wrote: “There's no escaping the fact: politicians might have teed up the financial system and failed to police it properly and Wall Street's greedy bankers might have got carried away with the riches they could generate, but if millions of Americans had just realised they were borrowing more than they could repay then we would not be in this mess. The British public got just as carried away. We are the credit junkies of Europe and many of our problems could easily have been avoided if we had been more sensible and just said no.”
-- John Tiner – Chief Executive, FSA (UK’s Financial Services Authority) [2003-2007]
. . . and six more who saw it coming
-- Andrew Lahde – Founder & CEO, Lahde Capital (hedge fund)
-- John Alfred Paulson – President, Paulson & Co., Inc. (hedge fund)
-- Nouriel Roubini – Professor of Economics, Stern School of Business, New York University
-- Warren Edward Buffett – CEO, Berkshire Hathaway
-- George Soros – Chairman, Soros Fund Management
-- Stephen Eismann – Portfolio Manager, FrontPoint Financial Services Fund (hedge fund)
-- Meredith Whitney – Managing Director, Oppenheimer Securities
The Blago Scandal [365]:
--Blago continued his all-out media blitz this week as his Illinois state senate impeachment trial began. He harped on the same points on virtually every talk show. The big bad meanies in the senate won’t let him call any witnesses. They are trying to get rid of him so they can raise taxes on innocent residents. He continues to insist he is boycotting his impeachment trial because the senate will not allow him to call the witnesses of his choice for his defense. The reality is, he snookered the U.S. Senate with his appointment to fill the vacant seat of Barack Obama. This media blitz and woe-is-me, victim drivel is yet one more attempt to snooker his accusers – this time, the Federal prosecutors preparing their criminal case against him. Undoubtedly, Blago would call all the witnesses he could think of that might be called to testify in his criminal trial in order to snooker the U.S. Attorney and the Federal prosecution. Blago is no dummy; and, no one could accuse him of lacking audacity or ego. What he does lack is honor, dignity, conscience and any sense of integrity or moral grounding. This is a very sad episode that is far from over.
-- On Thursday, the Illinois state senate did what had to be done; they voted 59-0 to convict Blago of his transgressions and misjudgments – the first time in state history a governor has been impeached and convicted. So, he joins the list of unemployed. Next up for him will probably be his criminal trial, but that is months if not years away. He remained in denial up to the very end, and his media blitz and delicate dance of parsing words did not alter the outcome, and will not likely work when he stands before the bar and a jury of his peers.
Comments and contributions from Update no.371:
“Very nice ‘Update.’ Concur wholeheartedly on the ‘feel good’ executive orders and rhetoric. Given the folks that put him in office, he may not have much of a choice, but he should at least recognize by now that he’s in a hole. He should stop digging. Enjoyed the short sex in society essay. Right on the mark. We are a very young society and have a tough time separating the business of religion from the belief in God. That tends to further muddle our ability to separate sex and love. Sex is not love and love is not sex. The fact that they both, happily, occur at the same time, same place, same person every once in a while, does not mean that it always does or even (necessarily) that it always should. (in my opinion)
“As far as the ‘historic event’ aspect of the recent election goes, I’m sure the symbology is important, but I don’t think it should overshadow reality. Hope is a motivator, not a strategy. On the other hand, quantity does have a quality all its own – as they say. Murtha does not deserve comment. What I’m really concerned about is the amount of damage that gets done in the National Security arena before any one in the new administration is willing to stand up and admit that we are in fact at war. Because – war is not popular – as well it should not be, but that does not excuse our decision-makers from hard decisions. Carter did a great deal of damage in just two short years.
“I am not a big fan of Rush, but I would like to hear the ‘I hope he fails’ comment in a little more context. One of the things that I hope separates the ‘anybody but Bush’ crowd from those of us that do not think Obama has the credentials for the office and/or questioned his agenda, is the fact that most of us would rather see America succeed rather than have Obama fail. Not so among the ABB crowd. The anti-Bush sentiment was personal, vicious and blind to consequences. Won’t it be interesting to see how Obama and his ‘America is whole again’ crowd react when the non-believers start getting personal with the new messiah? They can pretend that ‘we are one’ all they like, it’s really ‘we are won’ (nothing more) and that’s not likely to change in the near future. The division Gore (with the help of the media) turned into a chasm with the change of heart recount in 2000 is likely to be with us a long, long while. What we need is middle of the road, long term, rational decision making. We’re not likely to get that from either side.”
My response:
Spot on, re: observations on separating religion & God, love & sex. I raise sensitive issues from time to time in an effort to break the ice and face some of the questions that deserve public debate. The topic of sex goes much deeper . . . into such areas as legalization of prostitution, sexual orientation in society, et cetera. IMHO, we need to grow up as a society to help our children.
As you well know, a good portion of leadership involves perception. Patton was not a particularly nice person, but his troops believed in him, and they accomplished great things. True, hope is a motivator, not a strategy. However, having faith is an important part of hope and perception. Beyond being commander-in-chief, the President must focus the People, convince us of our objectives, and what we can do to help. He is the chief communicator. I can accept the symbolic actions to keep the uber-Left happy. He is the President now, not a candidate. And, he made some pretty savvy moves, so far. The war moves . . . I believe those actions have diminished our ability to wage war successfully; he shall bear the consequences. Yet, I’ll give him these, as the mistakes Bush 43 made were far more injurious.
I absolutely agree on Murtha. I mentioned his pronouncement as an historic note.
Barack shall bear the consequences of his decisions, as it should be. I just hope he is up to the task. So far, he’s done pretty well with his Cabinet & staff choices, and most of his initial actions, except for the interrogations and Guantánamo EO’s. Jimmy Carter did indeed do considerable damage. Here is the Rush transcript:
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_011609/content/01125113.guest.html
Oh, I do agree. The ABB crowd carried a tone of irrational bigotry, verging on blind hatred, and could not see passed their emotionalism for the good of the country. Rush was trying to say some of the right things, but his choice of words divide rather than multiple, that will never be constructive. A true leader mobilizes a diverse group, population or constituency. I doubt Rush is capable. I do believe Barack has the ability and potential. We shall see how he does.
I agree: “What we need is middle of the road, long term, rational decision making.” I suspect Barack stayed Left during the campaign cuz he had to, just like John tried to shift Right, and I think he will try to seek the middle, moderate ground. We may be very surprised by his leadership skills, if we just give him a chance.
. . . round two:
“Thanks for the Rush transcript. As I suspected, there is a little more to Rush's comments than just Obama bashing. (as opposed to the typical left-wing Bush-basing where there isn’t) My 'hope' for Obama is that he matures quickly, particularly in the arena of National Security, and succeeds in doing what's best for America. Which I certainly do NOT believe is the left's socialist agenda.
“I don't have anything against socialism - I just don't see a lot of historical examples where it's worked, and I do not see how it can work for America in the long run. There is a whole shitpot full of problems associated with the details of deciding and implementing the 'from/abilities - to/needs' issues. Capitalism is 'mean', no doubt, but it fosters innovation, production and hard work. Socialism has never solved the basic human question of motivation: why pull the wagon when you can ride in it - for free. Most people are not naturally selfless and motivated by issues concerning the ‘greater good.’ Any afternoon commute and any city in America proves that almost beyond any reasonable doubt.
“I think what Rush is dong here is advising Republicans to not 'roll over' on the Democrats' socialist agenda just because Obama is making history as a black man. I certainly do not disagree with his sentiment in that regard. I seriously doubt that Rush wants Obama to fail to the tune of complete collapse of the American economy or Islamo-facists taking out most of Los Angeles with a dirty nuke. There is also very little doubt in my mind that the ABB crowd howled in glee when the housing ‘bubble’ burst and Wall Street started it's free fall. They would also have gladly sacrificed any number of small cities in the U.S., if it would have given them real grounds to impeach President Bush and elect more democrats.
“No doubt Rush is over the top on a lot of issues, but as I suspected originally, I think your reference to this particular comment in your update was a little out of context. (IMHO)”
. . . my response to round two:
My point was the tone of Rush’s comments, not the content. We are not going to have a constructive dialogue / debate when we condemn other opinions. Yes, Rush is often over the top, and that excessiveness detracts from the message and the debate. His corrosive rhetoric is no different from the Against-Anything-Bush (ABB) nastiness.
Socialism is a half-measure. Communism, as an ideal, has considerable attraction. Yet, both as practical political systems with flawed men running them are corrupt and largely self-defeating. Life is harsh, and motivation is important. Capitalism recognizes the need for ambition, drive, innovation, et cetera. However, capitalism is no different from any other system, i.e., flawed men run it. We bear witness to what happens when there are no checks & balances on flawed men. While there is validity to Gordon Gekko’s “Greed is good,” unchecked greed is inherently destructive and injurious.
I agree; and Republicans, actually none of us of any brand, should not just roll over cuz the Prez says so. I seek constructive debate, not destructive ridicule. He goes on the next day to taunt the Republican leadership saying that the President fears him more than either of the minority leaders. Rush may connect with some, but for me, he is becoming a big, ego-centric, self-aggrandizing, bag of hot air, who is marginalizing the bona fide argument. Regrettably, he is the face & voice most folks think of when they think Republican. I make no excuse or defense of the ABB folks either. The conservative side of debate deserves a better spokesman.
. . . round three:
“Thanks for the reply (again). Please do not ever feel obligated to continue these sidebar discussions if you get caught short on time, but thanks anyway for taking the time to read and respond.
“I agree with all of your basic points on this issue. Shouting matches are almost always non-productive, although I sometimes think that (like hope) they are a kind of motivator or rallying point. Lord knows that the left has its share of obnoxious, mindless slogan mongers. Sometimes I think folks like Rush and Hannity just serve as a kind of ballast to maintain some sort of equilibrium in the obviously left-leaning media.
“All men (and women) are flawed. All societies have leaders and followers with different functions, but at the core they are all the same. The 'people' of the United States are no different than their leaders - political and spiritual. We just expect more form our leaders, which is probably a mistake. Demand, maybe, but not expect.”
. . . my response to round three:
Thank you for your reply (always). It’s kinda like meals . . . I figure if someone goes to all the trouble to prepare a meal, the least I can do is eat it and hopefully enjoy it. So, it is with opinions. I appreciate the exchange and debate, much more than agreement or validation.
Perhaps Rush & Sean can be viewed as counterweights. I just do not like destructive commentary from any direction. I prefer constructive criticism. Wise ol’ Sir Winston said, “Criticism is like pain in the body, it brings attention to an otherwise unhealthy state of things.” And, as all of us were taught (in spades), don’t just bring a problem; we have an obligation to offer a solution. I see few solution recommendations from either extreme . . . just mindless, parochial, gnashing of teeth.
Good observation on flawed leaders. Yes, we do demand more, and even expect more . . . one of many reasons Blagojevich is so bloody disgusting. Also, one of many reasons our Founders / Framers sought checks & balances at every turn. They knew no human being could be trusted with absolute power over anything.
Another contribution:
“I did not vote for Obama, and certainly not for Hillary.
“I voted for McCain, though felt he was off his rocker, in sinking his campaign before it even got started by choosing Palin as his running mate. That to me signaled a 70+ year old man who either had not thought out things which could enhance his campaign, had decided to go with the flashy probably going to be popular choice, or just was too far gone to be a viable candidate himself. What's happened since seems, to me anyway, to bear out my thoughts.
“BTW, [I] believe Palin is now dealing for a multi-million $$ book deal. What does THAT tell you?
“Given that---
“I think John McCain, a man I honor, admire and respect more than most any others of my generation can remain a very good voice in the Senate-----but I don't think he could have been a good President. I think his focus would have been ill-placed-----following in a path which though was necessary to try and stop terrorism after 9/11, Or at least go on the Offensive, was ill-conceived for the long term, not well thought out, and put us in a position of being in a 2nd Vietnam. Mired down for way too long---with all the too many body bags that means. And more.
“I do not care whether my President is black, brown, white, yellow, or green. I want him, or her, to be an inspiring leader with a knowledgeable grasp of the major problems facing our nation and the world, and a vision of how to attack them.
“And if, perchance, that President Elect does not Have that knowledge entirely, His/Her willingness to bring Into his/her Administration those, from Either Party, and from Anywhere in the Civilian or Military Community who DO have knowledge and are willing to form a True coalition within the Administration to get needed jobs done.
“I want a President who can rise above Partisan Politics and literally, actually, forcefully put down Anyone who is not willing to figure out, ‘TOGETHER,’ how to fix our problems.
“And then listen to them!!
“Fat Chance of that!
“Not to bring in people who are out to further themselves, REGARDLESS of their expertise, or who are yes-men/women for partisan politics.
“We need True Citizens in Congress, who KNOW why they have supposedly been elected, and attempt their best to fulfill that promise.
“Those people are very few and far between! Even among those whose original intentions were pure. To serve. The power of big time politics can corrupt the best intentions of almost anyone.”
My reply:
I was probably closer to voting for Obama than you were, but alas, I voted for McCain largely because of what he was, as a brother-in-arms and as a senator. I have long appreciated his efforts to find compromise, to seek the middle ground. I did not like his efforts to move Right during the campaign, but I recognize that he had to, just to find lukewarm support from the uber-Right and social-conservatives. Obama had to do the same thing to hold the uber-Left and social-liberals. I trust and hope Barack will act from the moderate center, and so far, most of his moves appear to be just that. I had more faith in John. I believe if he had been elected, he would have moved back to the center. I think John would have made a far better president than folks were willing to concede.
Barack has demonstrated key leadership skills through the bloody primaries to the campaign itself, and especially during the transition period. He has exceptional communications skills, uncommon calm in the storm, and an affable, expansive ability to embrace those who disagree with him. I think he has the potential to be a great president and a historic character far beyond the obvious. It appears his first true test will be his recovery plan, working its way through Congress. If he cannot eliminate all the garbage, pork-barrel, political spending attachments, he will have failed. We are watching.
Man oh man, you got that right! We do need citizen representatives. We absolutely, categorically, do NOT need professional politicians. Yet, that is precisely what our political system produces . . . and then, that system does everything humanly possible to convince us “this is good for us.” These characters are NOT good for us, and they do grievous harm to this Grand Republic. Maybe one day, We, the People, will wake up and realize what they are doing.
A different contribution:
“Good GOD man, in one breath you and your wife praise Obama and then with your 'Are We At War! Diatribe etc. you in effect curse the man; Just what do you 'Stand For', believe and believe In?? Those of us in the now proven minority warned those of you of the now unproven majority about the instability of this man who is now our new President.
“A side note; a couple of days ago when I was in 'Menards' hardware store I purchased the DVD 'Why We Fight' a film by Eugene Jarecki; I believe there are only a few misrepresentations of the truth in this film, again I believe, it is a mostly accurate historical treatment. I had the honor of serving for a little over a year on the 'White House Helicopter Detachment' (1958-59), only got to fly President Eisenhower (as co-pilot with the then Presidential Helicopter Pilot, Lt.Col. Virgil D. Olsen, who at the time was my Squadron (HMX-1) Skipper) just one time (from the White House Lawn to his Gettysburg Farm House). I obviously admired Eisenhower so much as a General and then as President. His counsel reflected in this film, 'Why We Fight' is just so damned good then and now. Historically, General George Patton, from a different perspective was an equally brilliant leader: He studied his adversaries, and respected and used them appropriately for their own brilliance, saying in the movie: "You lovely bastards, I read your book". Hopefully Obama is or will be a student of history, and will learn to understand his/our adversaries and harness their brilliance for our good. (Like keeping them (his and our enemies) near him so he can use and control them (Hillary Clinton, etc.)
“Similarly, I believe Michael Moore's earlier treatment of the failings of our Health Care System here in the United States and his obvious advocacy for a National Single Payer Health Care System which I to have for the last 20-years (since 1985, actually) strongly advocated for.
“Again, my website www.HermanOsborne.com presents my experiences, views and proposals etc.”
My response:
I see the good in all people. I pay attention to the bad, but I focus on the good until the good cannot outweigh the bad. I had many strong and fundamental disagreements with George W. Bush, but I could also see his sincerity, his humanity, and his eagerness to do the right thing. Likewise, I see much to admire in Barack Obama. I think he has the potential to be a great and historic leader of this Grand Republic. But, my admiration will not dampen or blind my criticism, when I believe he is making a mistake. I am a socially liberal, non-partisan who believes in strong national defense. If my moderate political views are interpreted as not “standing” for anything, then those are the choices anyone is entitled to make, and I’m good with that. I will never join a political party because I refuse to adhere to any rigid political dogma that serves only to divide the nation. There is good in everyone even Nancy Pelosi and Ann Coulter.
“I am what I am and that’s all that I am.”
An exchange from a different thread:
“I had never really thought through all the implications of taking God out of everything. I think we can add something else onto this, in that those who want to take God off our money, maybe they should just refuse to take the money, rather than this country changing it to accommodate the minority. They could go back to the barter system of payment, if they could find enough people interested in participating in that with them. I think every government official should have to read this and explain why they are so prone to double standards.”
My reply:
The contemporary issue before us is not about “taking God out of everything.” God is everywhere and in everything. We cannot take Him out of anything. The issue we struggle with is keeping religion (not God) in its proper place in our non-sectarian, non-denominational, non-theocratic system of governance. The separation of church and State has been an essential foundation block for this Grand Republic from the beginning. There are real, valid, palpable, historic reasons for the maintenance of that separation.
I think the effort by a few citizens to alter our national motto, change the face of historic buildings, remove references to the Deity from our oath of office or Pledge of Allegiance, and all the other silly related initiatives is a foolish, distracting, divisive over-reaction to the moves by the majority to impose its religion upon everyone. I reject the actions of the obstinate, vociferous yammerings of this minority, but I truly fear the majority’s expanding drive to further impose “their interpretation” of Christian values upon all citizens. The key word is “impose.” Our laws and continuing legislation to make more laws imposing those “interpretations” represent my fear.
Religion should be a private matter for each of us in the manner of our choosing – a bridge between each of us and God.
Could you explain your “double standards” comment?
. . . and some follow-up comments:
“The double standards I refer to concerns the government celebrating, or taking time off for those religious holidays, when they are making the choice for all of us to say that God is not a part of anything outside of the church. I know we do not agree with God being a part of the government, but I believe that we have pushed Him so far out of the way, that things are just not right in this country anymore. We can no longer call ourselves a Christian nation, since we have so many different ideas of what this country is all about. Our most basic laws are based on Biblical principles, and so taking God out of that basic place, seems to be a negative rather than a positive move. We are so afraid in this country of offending other cultures, races and religions, that we put our own beliefs on the back burner. We make others the priority. If you think about it, we no longer have Christmas break, we have winter break, we are not to have religious songs or prayers in our schools, because we might offend someone who doesn't believe the same way. Is there any other country in this world who would change their government to please 'visitors' to their home? We can't study the Bible in our schools, unless it is a religious school, and yet our public schools can study Islam, or whatever other religion, as a way of learning about that culture. Just doesn't make much sense to me. It is like we don't know which direction to go anymore, and that will lead to chaos before too many more generations are here. I know this is the path that we are supposed to be on, I never doubt that God is watching and waiting. He knows the choices we make, and in the end, it will be His choice as to what happens to each and every human in this world, not just the people of the ‘Christian’ nations. We will all stand in judgment, of that I have no doubt. I just don't know why people are so afraid of God that they want to remove all evidence of Him (His Name) from everything official. It is not like He will just disappear because someone doesn't believe in Him. When will we start to care more about what God thinks, than what mere man thinks?
“I do agree with your idea that there is a difference between our belief in God, and religion. Not all religions are based on a real belief or faith in God. When you say that they are not trying to take God out of everything, I don't believe it is just religion that they are trying to do away with. What is the real fear that they have for having God's name on our money? That is not religion. And, why is the idea of the Ten Commandments such a divisive idea? Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt have no other gods before Him, honor thy mother and father, etc. Are all those so out of date for this society? I know we all fight right and wrong. And we all make choices in this life that are not in line with the commandments. But that does not mean they do not exist, or should be hidden away. As in 'out of sight, out of mind?' Just because society as a whole chooses to change the rules in this life, does not mean that God changes His.
“I guess I have gone on a bit of a tangent, and I know I have my own shortcomings in this life. I have made my own wrong choices, and have many regrets. But I know how I have to be in this life, and what I have to take a stand on. I will admit that I resent others coming to this country and forcing changes for their own comforts. I think I have to argue that we had to take a VOTE on what our national language is supposed to be. I understand we are the melting pot, but how many other countries take in people from other countries and let them dictate how the rules will be in their country. I don't want to believe that I am prejudice. But maybe I am in my own way. At least my mind is open enough to the possibility. I don't want to go through this life with blinders on. Nor do I want to have to change my beliefs to accommodate someone who has totally different ones. I guess I will just stay my simple self, knowing the difference between right and wrong, and hope that is enough to get me through each day.”
. . . my follow-up reply:
Oh, in that sense, I think we might well agree. God cannot be taken out of anything. God is in everything. Jefferson’s single sentence in 1802 noted a “wall of separation between church and state,” not between God and state. Sure, there are those who seek to change our National motto, to change our oath of office, et cetera, but I do not see them being successful.
You are quite right, political correctness has gone way too far. I do not like what has happened to many of our hereditary traditions. I have noted Christmas returning to public display of late. I suspect that trend will continue.
I am not afraid of God . . . quite the contrary. I embrace God’s work in all of us. What I am very afraid of is religion! All religions share many elements in common, and yet many religions, especially the fundamentalist versions, claim their religion is the ONLY TRUE religion; all others are infidels, non-believers and blasphemers. That sort of parochial rhetoric serves no purpose but division. Religions are interpretations by flawed men, often driven by parochial and even megalomaniacal interests. Religion has been one of the great causes of death and destruction among humans, and yet religion has also been one of the great civilizing forces for mankind. Theocracy has been proven far too many times to be just another form of dictatorship, and our Founders knew all too well there were no checks & balances for religion. So, they constructed a tripartite governmental system with checks & balances, and a 1st Amendment intended to keep government out of religious affairs. It was expected the inverse was true as well, as Jefferson’s “Danbury Baptists” letter suggests.
The Ten Commandments are not divisive. I think you will find the same or similar guidance in all religions; they are rules to order society. Yet, the Commandments are a Judeo-Christian artifact; even though the principles appear in other religions, they are still a Judeo-Christian icon. They are not recognized in form by other religions, and thus are seen as uniquely Christian.
Yes, Judeo-Christian principles are reflected in our laws; IMHO, a little too much in our laws. I do not need the law to dictate how I should live my private life. My private life is between me, those close to me, and God. My private affairs are not a matter of public interest or concern, and should not be intruded upon by the law or anyone else. Religion cannot and must not be an excuse for moral projection into the private lives of other citizens. Neither you nor I need flawed men dictating how we should live our private lives.
No one is asking any of us to change our beliefs. Our faith, our religious beliefs, our acknowledgment of God’s greatness, is within our hearts and souls. We are only being asked to recognize that same reality for every other citizen regardless of the social factors – age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation or disability. We must recognize and respect that some folks believe in no deity (singular or otherwise), and that should be their choice entirely. If we can accept and tolerate others who do not have the same beliefs as us, then perhaps we can actually realize the “Life, Liberty and pursuit of Happiness” envisioned by our Founders / Framers. I do not see how my beliefs can or even might affect your beliefs; your faith is between you and God, and no one else.
And, a final contribution for this week:
“Even though I didn't vote for him, our new President deserves the benefit of any doubt and our complete support. He certainly has a huge job ahead of him correcting (or trying to) the mistakes of the past administration. I only hope that the rush to close the Guantanamo Prison by our new President, has been thought thru, and does NOT to include the release of ANY of the inmates being held. The notion of a shortened sentence of some, because of ‘good behavior’ should never enter in anyone’s mind. It does not take a rocket scientist to know where the released Islamic-Fascists head for or what they will be doing. I don't think they realize the tremendous injustice they are doing to the many good people of the Islamic faith. One of the most tragic aspects of this situation is probably this whole fiasco could have been shortened and many lives saved had we understood the Middle-East culture (and Afghanistan), instead of trying to impose our values on them. However, the elimination of Israel and the killing and maiming of American troops is not only first and foremost on their minds, it is now the ONLY thing on their minds. In case you didn't know, and because of that lack of understanding. We remain at war folks, and make no mistake, we are not fighting Freedom Fighters, these are terrorists, who's only agenda is death to anyone that doesn't think as they do, at any cost. I also fail to understand why there is any discussion on where some of the inmates should go when Guantanamo is closed down. Leavenworth is the only and most obvious choice.”
My response:
Man oh man, you got that right! We are at war, no matter how much the uber-Left wants to pretend we’re not.
I want the President to be successful. I hope his decisions keep the terrorists out of this country and find the bottom of this recession quickly, so we can begin the recovery process. Every patriotic American should want the President to be successful. I undoubtedly will disagree with some of his decisions, just as I have disagreed with every president in my lifetime, but that is the beauty of this Grand Republic – I can disagree with someone and still appreciate the good they do.
Closing the Guantánamo detention facility is a political feel-good action that validates the notion that we are not at war and extra-national, battlefield combatants are just simple criminals. I am and will remain against bringing Islamo-fascist battlefield combatants into this country and especially against mixing them with common criminals. I am far more in favor of simply releasing them than I am allowing them into the criminal justice system (which the past administration allowed to begin – huge mistake). Allowing them to return to the battlefield will cause more innocent people to be killed, but at least then we have the option to kill the bastards.
Barack is not stupid. I think when presented with the facts at the presidential level, he will make the correct decision. We can give the uber-Left their pyrrhic victory as long as we keep battlefield combatants out of our population. They are the enemy.
I have never understood the essential objection to Guantanamo, to the CIA’s rendition and detention system, to the intelligence vice criminal interrogation controversy, et cetera. I do understand the parochial political nonsense that we must endure. War is like sausage-making; no sane, rational, compassionate person should ever watch it being made; yet, with modern technology, here we are, and the image is disgusting. As long as there are bad men intending to harm innocent people, war will remain a fact of life, and no matter how hard we try, we will never make war an acceptable behavior, but that does not change the fact that we must be the best at it.
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
The follow-up news items:
-- As we learn more about the President’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (ARRP) [368], my sensation of suspicion, skepticism, and disappointment grows. A few weeks ago, Obama announced the objectives of his plan. Yet, with each day, we hear more and more of the same old, pork barrel, spending – just a different color. We see the Speaker of the House in a lame, fumbling, foolish attempt to explain to the rest of us idiots how spending millions on birth control is going to cut costs and stimulate the economy. We learn of provisions added in to the evolving bill for the National Endowment of the Arts, to re-sod the National Mall, et al. If the President does not go after these senseless pork projects, NOW, he will be confirming one of my biggest fears – business as usual in Washington. Bush spent trillions on Republican pork projects. Obama is inching toward spending trillions of Democratic pork projects. Pork is pork! I hope he finds the strength and courage to do the right thing for the good of this Grand Republic during this trouble time of a faltering economy amid a global war.
[Ancillary note: I think we are missing a huge opportunity. The ARRP has funding for new electricity transmission lines (not nearly enough IMHO) and other green technologies. He is pushing for a move-forward of vehicle emission standard goals. We need the opening foundation for our Energy Manhattan Project, including commitment to expand our research capacity for fast-charge battery development, to make electric cars practical, to expand wind farms, ad infinitum. Also, the President should make a statement; veto the bill when it comes to him; and, he should insist the pork is removed. Fat chance!]
-- On Wednesday, the House passed H.R. 1 – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 [House: 244-188-0-1(2)] – resplendent with billions upon billions in pork-barrel spending on Democratic Party favorites that have absolutely nothing to do with stemming the recession and sparking economic recovery. I can almost see the frothed frenzy on Capital Hill as parochial, ego-centric politicians “negotiate” for their pet spending projects – what’s few million within the nearly trillion dollar spending orgy. Sure, there is much that looks reasonable. However, let us not be fooled; tax cuts are spending of a different form as well – inverse spending, if you will. And, income tax cuts are the quickest way to get money into the economy. Yet, the issue at the moment is how to use the government’s leverage to create jobs, regain confidence in the banking system and among consumers, and serve the common good. Adding in all these pork projects does very little to instill confidence in me . . . perhaps those receiving the billions will have tons of confidence . . . but, not me! The bill has gone to the Senate, which is busily crafting their own spending agenda; then, the two bills will have to be reconciled and re-voted in both chambers before it goes to the President.
-- On the war front and after the President’s Executive Order to close Guantánamo [371], we learn that released Guantánamo detainee no. 372, AKA Abu-Sayyaf al-Shihri, has rejoined the fight as deputy to Nasir al-Wuhayshi in the leadership of a new al-Qaeda franchise known as al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, which combines the Yemeni and Saudi variants. The whole issue of and surrounding the detention of battlefield combatants [124, et al] in the War on Islamic Fascism will remain with us no matter what the President decides to do. And, this war will not go away no matter how much we wish it so.
-- Apparently, Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner [362] is not the only Cabinet member or nominee who conveniently “forgot” to pay his taxes. Former Senate Majority Leader and nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Daschle [365] recently ponied up US$100K in back taxes. Can any of us imagine what would have happened if one of W’s Republican nominees had “forgotten” to pay their taxes; all hell would have broken lose. This is yet one more reason I despise politicians of any ilk.
News from the economic front:
-- Despite the USG giving banks US$148B in Treasury funds, lending by many of the nation's largest banks fell in recent months. Ten of the 13 big beneficiaries of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) saw their outstanding loan balances decline by a total of about US$46B (1.4%), between the third and fourth quarters of 2008.
-- Sprint Nextel plans to eliminate 8,000 jobs by 31.March, saving about US$1.2B a year in labor costs, and also plans to suspend 401(k) matching contributions and to extend a suspension of annual salary increases through 2009.
-- Home Depot plans to cut 7,000 jobs (2% of its work force) as they close their Expo home-design business, and will freeze salaries for all their officers.
-- Caterpillar plans to cut 20,000 jobs (18% of its work force) on lower demand for their products and projection of 2009 earnings well below analysts’ estimates. The company reported its 4th Quarter net income fell 32% as the global economic downturn worsened and some customers cancelled orders.
-- Existing home sales rose in December to a 4.74 million annual rate (+6.5%) increase. Of all sales in December, about 45% were distress sales at discounted prices. The median home price was $175,400 in December, down 15.3% from $207,000, a year ago.
-- American Express reported 4th Quarter net income of US$172M million (-79% from a year ago), on 10% lower spending by its members, from a year earlier.
-- Japan's Nomura financial services group reported a worse-than-expected, 4th Quarter, net loss of ¥342B (US$3.8B) on extraordinary losses connected with Iceland's financial crisis and the Madoff scandal [365]. The company said it would skip its quarterly dividend, going to a semi-annual distribution. S&P downgraded the banking group's debt rating on the weak performance.
-- U.S. consumer confidence index fell to a historic low of 37.7, from the revised 38.6 seen in December. Economists had expected a modest rebound with a predicted January index of 39.0.
-- The S&P/Case-Shiller home-price indexes showed declines in 10 major metropolitan areas of 19.1% in November from a year earlier and 2.2% from October. The drop marks a record 14th-straight monthly decline. In 20 major metropolitan areas, home prices dropped 18.2% from the prior year, also a record.
-- Yahoo swung to a US$303M 4th Quarter loss as revenue fell 1% to US$1.81B, reflecting the impact of the economic downturn on the company's online-advertising business. Even the vaunted technies are feeling the pinch.
-- Wells Fargo & Co. reported a 4th Quarter loss after increasing its credit reserve by US$5.6B amid slumping loan quality. The company also reported that Wachovia, the struggling bank it bought Dec. 31 [355] and didn't include in its bottom line, lost US$11B in the same period.
-- Boeing’s 4th Quarter revenue dropped 27% after the now-resolved machinists' strike reduced commercial airplane deliveries by about 70 units (about US$4.3B in revenue). The company issued 2009 guidance that puts its profit outlook below analysts' estimates.
-- The Federal Reserve, unable to lower rates further, kept its target federal-funds rate at a record-low range of 0.00 - 0.25%, and indicated it is prepared to purchase long-term Treasurys to combat the worsening recession, and a deflationary spiral of falling employment and spending.
-- Starbucks plans to close another 300 stores and cut nearly 7,000 jobs as it continues to reel from overexpansion and a sharp sales slowdown. The company reported revenue of US$2.6B in its Fiscal 1st Quarter (-6% from a year earlier) and net income of US$64M, down from US$208M a year ago. CEO Howard Schultz asked the company's board of directors to reduce his annual base salary to US$10K, from US$1.2M (he will net less than $4 a month after deductions).
-- There are occasional rays of sunlight among the dark storm clouds. Amazon.com posted a 9% profit rise on net sales US$6.70B (+18%) amid gains in both its U.S. and overseas businesses.
-- U.S. new home sales fell 14.7% in December to 331,000 – the worst year for new home sales since 1982.
-- The total number of U.S. workers filing claims for jobless benefits lasting more than one week soared to a record 4,776,000. New claims for state unemployment benefits held largely steady near quarter-century highs last week, rising 3,000 to 588,000.
-- Durable-goods orders decreased by 2.6% last month to a seasonally adjusted US$175B.
-- Ford Motor Co. posted a 4th Quarter net loss of US$5.88B amid the global decline in vehicle sales, but reiterated it doesn't plan to seek a government bridge loan unless it is hit by “a significantly deeper economic downturn or a significant industry event,” such as the bankruptcy of a competitor. If my attention was enough, Ford was the only U.S. automaker to advertise during the Super Bowl.
-- Japan’s NEC Corp. plans to eliminate at least 20,000 jobs world-wide to reduce expenses by ¥80B (US$890M) over the next two years. The Tokyo-based, electronics company says its net loss widened to ¥130B for the last quarter from a ¥5.2B loss in the same period a year earlier.
-- Petroleum giant Exxon Mobil reported 4th Quarter net revenue of US$7.82B (-33% from a year earlier). Annual net revenue came to US$85B (down from US$117B). The company still reported an annual profit of US$45.2B, breaking its own record for full-year earnings by a U.S. company of US$40.6B in 2007. Now, we can brace ourselves for the yammerings of those self-anointed protectors of American sensitivity in Congress who will scream to constrain Exxon’s profits.
-- Not that we needed more economic data to confirm the recession, but the Commerce Department reported preliminary GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in the 4Q2008, contracting at a 3.8% annualized rate – the biggest decline since 1982. But, hey, the upside . . . economists had forecast a much worse decline.
CNN gave us their “Culprits of the Collapse” [358]. The Guardian has offered theirs.
“Road to Ruin: Twenty-Five People at the Heart of the Meltdown”
by: Julia Finch, Andrew Clark and David Teather
The Guardian UK
Published: Monday 26 January 2009
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jan/26/road-ruin-recession-individuals-economy
-- Alan Greenspan – Chairman of U.S. Federal Reserve 1987- 2006 [358: CNN’s no.6]
-- Mervyn Allister King – Governor of the Bank of England
Politicians
-- William Jefferson ‘Bill’ Clinton – 42nd U.S. president
-- James Gordon Brown – British Prime Minister
-- George Walker Bush – 43rd U.S. president
-- William Philip ‘Phil’ Gramm – former U.S. Senator [358: CNN’s no.7]
Wall Street/Bankers
-- Abby Joseph Cohen – Goldman Sachs Chief U.S. Strategist
-- Kathleen A. Corbet – former CEO, Standard & Poor’s
-- Maurice R. “Hank” Greenberg – former chairman and CEO, AIG (American International Group) [1968-2005]
-- Andrew Hedley “Andy” Hornby – former CEO, HBOS (Halifax + Bank of Scotland) [2006-2008]
-- Sir Frederick Anderson “Fred” Goodwin – former CEO RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) [2001-2008]
-- Steve Crawshaw – former managing director, B&B (Bradford & Bingley)
-- Adam J. Applegarth – former CEO Northern Rock [2001-2007]
-- Richard Severin Fuld, Jr. – former CEO, Lehman Brothers [1994-2008] {358: CNN’s no.9}
-- Ralph R. Cioffi & Matthew M. Tannin –Bear Stearns managers
-- Lewis S. Ranieri – former CEO, Franklin Bank Corp.
-- Joseph J. ‘Joe’ Cassano – AIG Financial Products [358: CNN’s no.10]
-- Charles O. “Chuck” Prince, III – former CEO, Citigroup (2003-2007)
-- Angelo R. Mozilo – former CEO, Countrywide Financial [358: CNN’s no.4]
-- Stanley “Stan” O'Neal – former Chairman & CEO, Merrill Lynch (2003-2007)
James E. ‘Jimmy’ Cayne – former CEO Bear Stearns (1993-2008) [358: CNN’s no.3]
Others
-- Christopher John ‘Chris’ Dodd – U.S. Senator; Chairman, Senate Banking Committee
-- Geir Hilmar Haarde – former Icelandic Prime Minister
-- The American public – (you, us) [358: CNN’s no.1]
The Guardian wrote: “There's no escaping the fact: politicians might have teed up the financial system and failed to police it properly and Wall Street's greedy bankers might have got carried away with the riches they could generate, but if millions of Americans had just realised they were borrowing more than they could repay then we would not be in this mess. The British public got just as carried away. We are the credit junkies of Europe and many of our problems could easily have been avoided if we had been more sensible and just said no.”
-- John Tiner – Chief Executive, FSA (UK’s Financial Services Authority) [2003-2007]
. . . and six more who saw it coming
-- Andrew Lahde – Founder & CEO, Lahde Capital (hedge fund)
-- John Alfred Paulson – President, Paulson & Co., Inc. (hedge fund)
-- Nouriel Roubini – Professor of Economics, Stern School of Business, New York University
-- Warren Edward Buffett – CEO, Berkshire Hathaway
-- George Soros – Chairman, Soros Fund Management
-- Stephen Eismann – Portfolio Manager, FrontPoint Financial Services Fund (hedge fund)
-- Meredith Whitney – Managing Director, Oppenheimer Securities
The Blago Scandal [365]:
--Blago continued his all-out media blitz this week as his Illinois state senate impeachment trial began. He harped on the same points on virtually every talk show. The big bad meanies in the senate won’t let him call any witnesses. They are trying to get rid of him so they can raise taxes on innocent residents. He continues to insist he is boycotting his impeachment trial because the senate will not allow him to call the witnesses of his choice for his defense. The reality is, he snookered the U.S. Senate with his appointment to fill the vacant seat of Barack Obama. This media blitz and woe-is-me, victim drivel is yet one more attempt to snooker his accusers – this time, the Federal prosecutors preparing their criminal case against him. Undoubtedly, Blago would call all the witnesses he could think of that might be called to testify in his criminal trial in order to snooker the U.S. Attorney and the Federal prosecution. Blago is no dummy; and, no one could accuse him of lacking audacity or ego. What he does lack is honor, dignity, conscience and any sense of integrity or moral grounding. This is a very sad episode that is far from over.
-- On Thursday, the Illinois state senate did what had to be done; they voted 59-0 to convict Blago of his transgressions and misjudgments – the first time in state history a governor has been impeached and convicted. So, he joins the list of unemployed. Next up for him will probably be his criminal trial, but that is months if not years away. He remained in denial up to the very end, and his media blitz and delicate dance of parsing words did not alter the outcome, and will not likely work when he stands before the bar and a jury of his peers.
Comments and contributions from Update no.371:
“Very nice ‘Update.’ Concur wholeheartedly on the ‘feel good’ executive orders and rhetoric. Given the folks that put him in office, he may not have much of a choice, but he should at least recognize by now that he’s in a hole. He should stop digging. Enjoyed the short sex in society essay. Right on the mark. We are a very young society and have a tough time separating the business of religion from the belief in God. That tends to further muddle our ability to separate sex and love. Sex is not love and love is not sex. The fact that they both, happily, occur at the same time, same place, same person every once in a while, does not mean that it always does or even (necessarily) that it always should. (in my opinion)
“As far as the ‘historic event’ aspect of the recent election goes, I’m sure the symbology is important, but I don’t think it should overshadow reality. Hope is a motivator, not a strategy. On the other hand, quantity does have a quality all its own – as they say. Murtha does not deserve comment. What I’m really concerned about is the amount of damage that gets done in the National Security arena before any one in the new administration is willing to stand up and admit that we are in fact at war. Because – war is not popular – as well it should not be, but that does not excuse our decision-makers from hard decisions. Carter did a great deal of damage in just two short years.
“I am not a big fan of Rush, but I would like to hear the ‘I hope he fails’ comment in a little more context. One of the things that I hope separates the ‘anybody but Bush’ crowd from those of us that do not think Obama has the credentials for the office and/or questioned his agenda, is the fact that most of us would rather see America succeed rather than have Obama fail. Not so among the ABB crowd. The anti-Bush sentiment was personal, vicious and blind to consequences. Won’t it be interesting to see how Obama and his ‘America is whole again’ crowd react when the non-believers start getting personal with the new messiah? They can pretend that ‘we are one’ all they like, it’s really ‘we are won’ (nothing more) and that’s not likely to change in the near future. The division Gore (with the help of the media) turned into a chasm with the change of heart recount in 2000 is likely to be with us a long, long while. What we need is middle of the road, long term, rational decision making. We’re not likely to get that from either side.”
My response:
Spot on, re: observations on separating religion & God, love & sex. I raise sensitive issues from time to time in an effort to break the ice and face some of the questions that deserve public debate. The topic of sex goes much deeper . . . into such areas as legalization of prostitution, sexual orientation in society, et cetera. IMHO, we need to grow up as a society to help our children.
As you well know, a good portion of leadership involves perception. Patton was not a particularly nice person, but his troops believed in him, and they accomplished great things. True, hope is a motivator, not a strategy. However, having faith is an important part of hope and perception. Beyond being commander-in-chief, the President must focus the People, convince us of our objectives, and what we can do to help. He is the chief communicator. I can accept the symbolic actions to keep the uber-Left happy. He is the President now, not a candidate. And, he made some pretty savvy moves, so far. The war moves . . . I believe those actions have diminished our ability to wage war successfully; he shall bear the consequences. Yet, I’ll give him these, as the mistakes Bush 43 made were far more injurious.
I absolutely agree on Murtha. I mentioned his pronouncement as an historic note.
Barack shall bear the consequences of his decisions, as it should be. I just hope he is up to the task. So far, he’s done pretty well with his Cabinet & staff choices, and most of his initial actions, except for the interrogations and Guantánamo EO’s. Jimmy Carter did indeed do considerable damage. Here is the Rush transcript:
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_011609/content/01125113.guest.html
Oh, I do agree. The ABB crowd carried a tone of irrational bigotry, verging on blind hatred, and could not see passed their emotionalism for the good of the country. Rush was trying to say some of the right things, but his choice of words divide rather than multiple, that will never be constructive. A true leader mobilizes a diverse group, population or constituency. I doubt Rush is capable. I do believe Barack has the ability and potential. We shall see how he does.
I agree: “What we need is middle of the road, long term, rational decision making.” I suspect Barack stayed Left during the campaign cuz he had to, just like John tried to shift Right, and I think he will try to seek the middle, moderate ground. We may be very surprised by his leadership skills, if we just give him a chance.
. . . round two:
“Thanks for the Rush transcript. As I suspected, there is a little more to Rush's comments than just Obama bashing. (as opposed to the typical left-wing Bush-basing where there isn’t) My 'hope' for Obama is that he matures quickly, particularly in the arena of National Security, and succeeds in doing what's best for America. Which I certainly do NOT believe is the left's socialist agenda.
“I don't have anything against socialism - I just don't see a lot of historical examples where it's worked, and I do not see how it can work for America in the long run. There is a whole shitpot full of problems associated with the details of deciding and implementing the 'from/abilities - to/needs' issues. Capitalism is 'mean', no doubt, but it fosters innovation, production and hard work. Socialism has never solved the basic human question of motivation: why pull the wagon when you can ride in it - for free. Most people are not naturally selfless and motivated by issues concerning the ‘greater good.’ Any afternoon commute and any city in America proves that almost beyond any reasonable doubt.
“I think what Rush is dong here is advising Republicans to not 'roll over' on the Democrats' socialist agenda just because Obama is making history as a black man. I certainly do not disagree with his sentiment in that regard. I seriously doubt that Rush wants Obama to fail to the tune of complete collapse of the American economy or Islamo-facists taking out most of Los Angeles with a dirty nuke. There is also very little doubt in my mind that the ABB crowd howled in glee when the housing ‘bubble’ burst and Wall Street started it's free fall. They would also have gladly sacrificed any number of small cities in the U.S., if it would have given them real grounds to impeach President Bush and elect more democrats.
“No doubt Rush is over the top on a lot of issues, but as I suspected originally, I think your reference to this particular comment in your update was a little out of context. (IMHO)”
. . . my response to round two:
My point was the tone of Rush’s comments, not the content. We are not going to have a constructive dialogue / debate when we condemn other opinions. Yes, Rush is often over the top, and that excessiveness detracts from the message and the debate. His corrosive rhetoric is no different from the Against-Anything-Bush (ABB) nastiness.
Socialism is a half-measure. Communism, as an ideal, has considerable attraction. Yet, both as practical political systems with flawed men running them are corrupt and largely self-defeating. Life is harsh, and motivation is important. Capitalism recognizes the need for ambition, drive, innovation, et cetera. However, capitalism is no different from any other system, i.e., flawed men run it. We bear witness to what happens when there are no checks & balances on flawed men. While there is validity to Gordon Gekko’s “Greed is good,” unchecked greed is inherently destructive and injurious.
I agree; and Republicans, actually none of us of any brand, should not just roll over cuz the Prez says so. I seek constructive debate, not destructive ridicule. He goes on the next day to taunt the Republican leadership saying that the President fears him more than either of the minority leaders. Rush may connect with some, but for me, he is becoming a big, ego-centric, self-aggrandizing, bag of hot air, who is marginalizing the bona fide argument. Regrettably, he is the face & voice most folks think of when they think Republican. I make no excuse or defense of the ABB folks either. The conservative side of debate deserves a better spokesman.
. . . round three:
“Thanks for the reply (again). Please do not ever feel obligated to continue these sidebar discussions if you get caught short on time, but thanks anyway for taking the time to read and respond.
“I agree with all of your basic points on this issue. Shouting matches are almost always non-productive, although I sometimes think that (like hope) they are a kind of motivator or rallying point. Lord knows that the left has its share of obnoxious, mindless slogan mongers. Sometimes I think folks like Rush and Hannity just serve as a kind of ballast to maintain some sort of equilibrium in the obviously left-leaning media.
“All men (and women) are flawed. All societies have leaders and followers with different functions, but at the core they are all the same. The 'people' of the United States are no different than their leaders - political and spiritual. We just expect more form our leaders, which is probably a mistake. Demand, maybe, but not expect.”
. . . my response to round three:
Thank you for your reply (always). It’s kinda like meals . . . I figure if someone goes to all the trouble to prepare a meal, the least I can do is eat it and hopefully enjoy it. So, it is with opinions. I appreciate the exchange and debate, much more than agreement or validation.
Perhaps Rush & Sean can be viewed as counterweights. I just do not like destructive commentary from any direction. I prefer constructive criticism. Wise ol’ Sir Winston said, “Criticism is like pain in the body, it brings attention to an otherwise unhealthy state of things.” And, as all of us were taught (in spades), don’t just bring a problem; we have an obligation to offer a solution. I see few solution recommendations from either extreme . . . just mindless, parochial, gnashing of teeth.
Good observation on flawed leaders. Yes, we do demand more, and even expect more . . . one of many reasons Blagojevich is so bloody disgusting. Also, one of many reasons our Founders / Framers sought checks & balances at every turn. They knew no human being could be trusted with absolute power over anything.
Another contribution:
“I did not vote for Obama, and certainly not for Hillary.
“I voted for McCain, though felt he was off his rocker, in sinking his campaign before it even got started by choosing Palin as his running mate. That to me signaled a 70+ year old man who either had not thought out things which could enhance his campaign, had decided to go with the flashy probably going to be popular choice, or just was too far gone to be a viable candidate himself. What's happened since seems, to me anyway, to bear out my thoughts.
“BTW, [I] believe Palin is now dealing for a multi-million $$ book deal. What does THAT tell you?
“Given that---
“I think John McCain, a man I honor, admire and respect more than most any others of my generation can remain a very good voice in the Senate-----but I don't think he could have been a good President. I think his focus would have been ill-placed-----following in a path which though was necessary to try and stop terrorism after 9/11, Or at least go on the Offensive, was ill-conceived for the long term, not well thought out, and put us in a position of being in a 2nd Vietnam. Mired down for way too long---with all the too many body bags that means. And more.
“I do not care whether my President is black, brown, white, yellow, or green. I want him, or her, to be an inspiring leader with a knowledgeable grasp of the major problems facing our nation and the world, and a vision of how to attack them.
“And if, perchance, that President Elect does not Have that knowledge entirely, His/Her willingness to bring Into his/her Administration those, from Either Party, and from Anywhere in the Civilian or Military Community who DO have knowledge and are willing to form a True coalition within the Administration to get needed jobs done.
“I want a President who can rise above Partisan Politics and literally, actually, forcefully put down Anyone who is not willing to figure out, ‘TOGETHER,’ how to fix our problems.
“And then listen to them!!
“Fat Chance of that!
“Not to bring in people who are out to further themselves, REGARDLESS of their expertise, or who are yes-men/women for partisan politics.
“We need True Citizens in Congress, who KNOW why they have supposedly been elected, and attempt their best to fulfill that promise.
“Those people are very few and far between! Even among those whose original intentions were pure. To serve. The power of big time politics can corrupt the best intentions of almost anyone.”
My reply:
I was probably closer to voting for Obama than you were, but alas, I voted for McCain largely because of what he was, as a brother-in-arms and as a senator. I have long appreciated his efforts to find compromise, to seek the middle ground. I did not like his efforts to move Right during the campaign, but I recognize that he had to, just to find lukewarm support from the uber-Right and social-conservatives. Obama had to do the same thing to hold the uber-Left and social-liberals. I trust and hope Barack will act from the moderate center, and so far, most of his moves appear to be just that. I had more faith in John. I believe if he had been elected, he would have moved back to the center. I think John would have made a far better president than folks were willing to concede.
Barack has demonstrated key leadership skills through the bloody primaries to the campaign itself, and especially during the transition period. He has exceptional communications skills, uncommon calm in the storm, and an affable, expansive ability to embrace those who disagree with him. I think he has the potential to be a great president and a historic character far beyond the obvious. It appears his first true test will be his recovery plan, working its way through Congress. If he cannot eliminate all the garbage, pork-barrel, political spending attachments, he will have failed. We are watching.
Man oh man, you got that right! We do need citizen representatives. We absolutely, categorically, do NOT need professional politicians. Yet, that is precisely what our political system produces . . . and then, that system does everything humanly possible to convince us “this is good for us.” These characters are NOT good for us, and they do grievous harm to this Grand Republic. Maybe one day, We, the People, will wake up and realize what they are doing.
A different contribution:
“Good GOD man, in one breath you and your wife praise Obama and then with your 'Are We At War! Diatribe etc. you in effect curse the man; Just what do you 'Stand For', believe and believe In?? Those of us in the now proven minority warned those of you of the now unproven majority about the instability of this man who is now our new President.
“A side note; a couple of days ago when I was in 'Menards' hardware store I purchased the DVD 'Why We Fight' a film by Eugene Jarecki; I believe there are only a few misrepresentations of the truth in this film, again I believe, it is a mostly accurate historical treatment. I had the honor of serving for a little over a year on the 'White House Helicopter Detachment' (1958-59), only got to fly President Eisenhower (as co-pilot with the then Presidential Helicopter Pilot, Lt.Col. Virgil D. Olsen, who at the time was my Squadron (HMX-1) Skipper) just one time (from the White House Lawn to his Gettysburg Farm House). I obviously admired Eisenhower so much as a General and then as President. His counsel reflected in this film, 'Why We Fight' is just so damned good then and now. Historically, General George Patton, from a different perspective was an equally brilliant leader: He studied his adversaries, and respected and used them appropriately for their own brilliance, saying in the movie: "You lovely bastards, I read your book". Hopefully Obama is or will be a student of history, and will learn to understand his/our adversaries and harness their brilliance for our good. (Like keeping them (his and our enemies) near him so he can use and control them (Hillary Clinton, etc.)
“Similarly, I believe Michael Moore's earlier treatment of the failings of our Health Care System here in the United States and his obvious advocacy for a National Single Payer Health Care System which I to have for the last 20-years (since 1985, actually) strongly advocated for.
“Again, my website www.HermanOsborne.com presents my experiences, views and proposals etc.”
My response:
I see the good in all people. I pay attention to the bad, but I focus on the good until the good cannot outweigh the bad. I had many strong and fundamental disagreements with George W. Bush, but I could also see his sincerity, his humanity, and his eagerness to do the right thing. Likewise, I see much to admire in Barack Obama. I think he has the potential to be a great and historic leader of this Grand Republic. But, my admiration will not dampen or blind my criticism, when I believe he is making a mistake. I am a socially liberal, non-partisan who believes in strong national defense. If my moderate political views are interpreted as not “standing” for anything, then those are the choices anyone is entitled to make, and I’m good with that. I will never join a political party because I refuse to adhere to any rigid political dogma that serves only to divide the nation. There is good in everyone even Nancy Pelosi and Ann Coulter.
“I am what I am and that’s all that I am.”
An exchange from a different thread:
“I had never really thought through all the implications of taking God out of everything. I think we can add something else onto this, in that those who want to take God off our money, maybe they should just refuse to take the money, rather than this country changing it to accommodate the minority. They could go back to the barter system of payment, if they could find enough people interested in participating in that with them. I think every government official should have to read this and explain why they are so prone to double standards.”
My reply:
The contemporary issue before us is not about “taking God out of everything.” God is everywhere and in everything. We cannot take Him out of anything. The issue we struggle with is keeping religion (not God) in its proper place in our non-sectarian, non-denominational, non-theocratic system of governance. The separation of church and State has been an essential foundation block for this Grand Republic from the beginning. There are real, valid, palpable, historic reasons for the maintenance of that separation.
I think the effort by a few citizens to alter our national motto, change the face of historic buildings, remove references to the Deity from our oath of office or Pledge of Allegiance, and all the other silly related initiatives is a foolish, distracting, divisive over-reaction to the moves by the majority to impose its religion upon everyone. I reject the actions of the obstinate, vociferous yammerings of this minority, but I truly fear the majority’s expanding drive to further impose “their interpretation” of Christian values upon all citizens. The key word is “impose.” Our laws and continuing legislation to make more laws imposing those “interpretations” represent my fear.
Religion should be a private matter for each of us in the manner of our choosing – a bridge between each of us and God.
Could you explain your “double standards” comment?
. . . and some follow-up comments:
“The double standards I refer to concerns the government celebrating, or taking time off for those religious holidays, when they are making the choice for all of us to say that God is not a part of anything outside of the church. I know we do not agree with God being a part of the government, but I believe that we have pushed Him so far out of the way, that things are just not right in this country anymore. We can no longer call ourselves a Christian nation, since we have so many different ideas of what this country is all about. Our most basic laws are based on Biblical principles, and so taking God out of that basic place, seems to be a negative rather than a positive move. We are so afraid in this country of offending other cultures, races and religions, that we put our own beliefs on the back burner. We make others the priority. If you think about it, we no longer have Christmas break, we have winter break, we are not to have religious songs or prayers in our schools, because we might offend someone who doesn't believe the same way. Is there any other country in this world who would change their government to please 'visitors' to their home? We can't study the Bible in our schools, unless it is a religious school, and yet our public schools can study Islam, or whatever other religion, as a way of learning about that culture. Just doesn't make much sense to me. It is like we don't know which direction to go anymore, and that will lead to chaos before too many more generations are here. I know this is the path that we are supposed to be on, I never doubt that God is watching and waiting. He knows the choices we make, and in the end, it will be His choice as to what happens to each and every human in this world, not just the people of the ‘Christian’ nations. We will all stand in judgment, of that I have no doubt. I just don't know why people are so afraid of God that they want to remove all evidence of Him (His Name) from everything official. It is not like He will just disappear because someone doesn't believe in Him. When will we start to care more about what God thinks, than what mere man thinks?
“I do agree with your idea that there is a difference between our belief in God, and religion. Not all religions are based on a real belief or faith in God. When you say that they are not trying to take God out of everything, I don't believe it is just religion that they are trying to do away with. What is the real fear that they have for having God's name on our money? That is not religion. And, why is the idea of the Ten Commandments such a divisive idea? Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt have no other gods before Him, honor thy mother and father, etc. Are all those so out of date for this society? I know we all fight right and wrong. And we all make choices in this life that are not in line with the commandments. But that does not mean they do not exist, or should be hidden away. As in 'out of sight, out of mind?' Just because society as a whole chooses to change the rules in this life, does not mean that God changes His.
“I guess I have gone on a bit of a tangent, and I know I have my own shortcomings in this life. I have made my own wrong choices, and have many regrets. But I know how I have to be in this life, and what I have to take a stand on. I will admit that I resent others coming to this country and forcing changes for their own comforts. I think I have to argue that we had to take a VOTE on what our national language is supposed to be. I understand we are the melting pot, but how many other countries take in people from other countries and let them dictate how the rules will be in their country. I don't want to believe that I am prejudice. But maybe I am in my own way. At least my mind is open enough to the possibility. I don't want to go through this life with blinders on. Nor do I want to have to change my beliefs to accommodate someone who has totally different ones. I guess I will just stay my simple self, knowing the difference between right and wrong, and hope that is enough to get me through each day.”
. . . my follow-up reply:
Oh, in that sense, I think we might well agree. God cannot be taken out of anything. God is in everything. Jefferson’s single sentence in 1802 noted a “wall of separation between church and state,” not between God and state. Sure, there are those who seek to change our National motto, to change our oath of office, et cetera, but I do not see them being successful.
You are quite right, political correctness has gone way too far. I do not like what has happened to many of our hereditary traditions. I have noted Christmas returning to public display of late. I suspect that trend will continue.
I am not afraid of God . . . quite the contrary. I embrace God’s work in all of us. What I am very afraid of is religion! All religions share many elements in common, and yet many religions, especially the fundamentalist versions, claim their religion is the ONLY TRUE religion; all others are infidels, non-believers and blasphemers. That sort of parochial rhetoric serves no purpose but division. Religions are interpretations by flawed men, often driven by parochial and even megalomaniacal interests. Religion has been one of the great causes of death and destruction among humans, and yet religion has also been one of the great civilizing forces for mankind. Theocracy has been proven far too many times to be just another form of dictatorship, and our Founders knew all too well there were no checks & balances for religion. So, they constructed a tripartite governmental system with checks & balances, and a 1st Amendment intended to keep government out of religious affairs. It was expected the inverse was true as well, as Jefferson’s “Danbury Baptists” letter suggests.
The Ten Commandments are not divisive. I think you will find the same or similar guidance in all religions; they are rules to order society. Yet, the Commandments are a Judeo-Christian artifact; even though the principles appear in other religions, they are still a Judeo-Christian icon. They are not recognized in form by other religions, and thus are seen as uniquely Christian.
Yes, Judeo-Christian principles are reflected in our laws; IMHO, a little too much in our laws. I do not need the law to dictate how I should live my private life. My private life is between me, those close to me, and God. My private affairs are not a matter of public interest or concern, and should not be intruded upon by the law or anyone else. Religion cannot and must not be an excuse for moral projection into the private lives of other citizens. Neither you nor I need flawed men dictating how we should live our private lives.
No one is asking any of us to change our beliefs. Our faith, our religious beliefs, our acknowledgment of God’s greatness, is within our hearts and souls. We are only being asked to recognize that same reality for every other citizen regardless of the social factors – age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation or disability. We must recognize and respect that some folks believe in no deity (singular or otherwise), and that should be their choice entirely. If we can accept and tolerate others who do not have the same beliefs as us, then perhaps we can actually realize the “Life, Liberty and pursuit of Happiness” envisioned by our Founders / Framers. I do not see how my beliefs can or even might affect your beliefs; your faith is between you and God, and no one else.
And, a final contribution for this week:
“Even though I didn't vote for him, our new President deserves the benefit of any doubt and our complete support. He certainly has a huge job ahead of him correcting (or trying to) the mistakes of the past administration. I only hope that the rush to close the Guantanamo Prison by our new President, has been thought thru, and does NOT to include the release of ANY of the inmates being held. The notion of a shortened sentence of some, because of ‘good behavior’ should never enter in anyone’s mind. It does not take a rocket scientist to know where the released Islamic-Fascists head for or what they will be doing. I don't think they realize the tremendous injustice they are doing to the many good people of the Islamic faith. One of the most tragic aspects of this situation is probably this whole fiasco could have been shortened and many lives saved had we understood the Middle-East culture (and Afghanistan), instead of trying to impose our values on them. However, the elimination of Israel and the killing and maiming of American troops is not only first and foremost on their minds, it is now the ONLY thing on their minds. In case you didn't know, and because of that lack of understanding. We remain at war folks, and make no mistake, we are not fighting Freedom Fighters, these are terrorists, who's only agenda is death to anyone that doesn't think as they do, at any cost. I also fail to understand why there is any discussion on where some of the inmates should go when Guantanamo is closed down. Leavenworth is the only and most obvious choice.”
My response:
Man oh man, you got that right! We are at war, no matter how much the uber-Left wants to pretend we’re not.
I want the President to be successful. I hope his decisions keep the terrorists out of this country and find the bottom of this recession quickly, so we can begin the recovery process. Every patriotic American should want the President to be successful. I undoubtedly will disagree with some of his decisions, just as I have disagreed with every president in my lifetime, but that is the beauty of this Grand Republic – I can disagree with someone and still appreciate the good they do.
Closing the Guantánamo detention facility is a political feel-good action that validates the notion that we are not at war and extra-national, battlefield combatants are just simple criminals. I am and will remain against bringing Islamo-fascist battlefield combatants into this country and especially against mixing them with common criminals. I am far more in favor of simply releasing them than I am allowing them into the criminal justice system (which the past administration allowed to begin – huge mistake). Allowing them to return to the battlefield will cause more innocent people to be killed, but at least then we have the option to kill the bastards.
Barack is not stupid. I think when presented with the facts at the presidential level, he will make the correct decision. We can give the uber-Left their pyrrhic victory as long as we keep battlefield combatants out of our population. They are the enemy.
I have never understood the essential objection to Guantanamo, to the CIA’s rendition and detention system, to the intelligence vice criminal interrogation controversy, et cetera. I do understand the parochial political nonsense that we must endure. War is like sausage-making; no sane, rational, compassionate person should ever watch it being made; yet, with modern technology, here we are, and the image is disgusting. As long as there are bad men intending to harm innocent people, war will remain a fact of life, and no matter how hard we try, we will never make war an acceptable behavior, but that does not change the fact that we must be the best at it.
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment