Candace's Blog

BAN BABIES CARRIAGES, and Strollers, too, if NYC Deemed Unsafe for Horses drawn Carriages. (But a hidden agenda is suspected.)

The so-called Animal Rights Activists led the initial charge to ban the horse-drawn carriage industry in NYC.  They cited such things as pollution and the danger of walking in traffic (in spite of the majority of tourist rides being through Central Park.) 

One such group stated, “It’s inhumanity of horses working in dangerous midtown traffic. Horses are easily spooked, and forcing them to work in loud, congested Lincoln Tunnel traffic is cruel and unsafe.”

So I wondered....if it is so unsafe and unhealthy for a horse pulling a carriage, perhaps the city should also ban parents and nannies pushing babies in baby carriages and strollers?  Babies are constantly awakened and "spooked" by the sirens of police, ambulances and fire trucks.  Not to mention gun shots. And traffic and crime...?  Well, I'm guessing more kids have been injured or killed on the streets of NYC than have carriage hoses.

The facts confirmed my guess. The FACTS indicate that this particular "job" is among the SAFEST of all activities for horses....even those running free on the range.  The following is a comment from a reader of "The Cavalry Group," a group of animal lovers in favor of protecting their rights to own animals.

"There have been three carriage horses that have died as a result of collisions with traffic in the past 30 (that’s THIRTY) years: Chester (1985), Tony (1990) and Spotty (2006). There have been roughly a half dozen other carriage horses who have died while at work in the past 30 (that’s THIRTY) years - most notably Charlie who died of unknown causes in October 2011 (http://tinyurl dot com/cwplyk2), Smoothie in 2007 (from head trauma and shock after spooking into a tree due to a snare drum), Juliet in 2007 (colic), Jackie in 1999 (electrocution thanks to ConEd and stray voltage).

I am in no way minimizing the death of any horse, but this is a remarkable record. There is no other riding discipline that can come close – NONE.

But, of course, we all know what the true agenda is (hint: REAL ESTATE, http://bit dot ly/1iJKwLA) and, thankfully, the rest of the world is waking up to it as well.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/anti-animal-rights-firm-teams-carriage-drivers-article-1.1579849#ixzz2vjaXKYVD"

 

Thanks to actor Liam Neeson (and, now, talk show host Jimmy Fallon), it has been exposed that the real reason has nothing to do with Animal Rights, but more to do with Real Estate and greed (and maybe a much needed tax revenue increase from the more expensive use of the Real Estate in question).  But the hypocracy has bothered me.  I'm guessing the Real Estate moguls hired some animal rights extremists to distract people from the real issue -- the Carriage Horse stable occupies desirable Real Estate. 

I encourage you to read the interview with Liam Neeson in IRISH CENTRAL.  Click HERE for the full story.  Here's an excerpt:

"Liam Neeson has blasted New York Mayor de Blasio for failing to accept his invitation to attend a tour of the stables that house Central Park carriage horses on Sunday.

The Irish actor, currently number one at the box office with "Non Stop," hosted 12 members of the City Council on the tour as he fights for the survival of the iconic Central Park horse drawn carriages. Over 300 face the loss of their jobs.

...De Blasio wants the horses off the streets but workers, most of whom are Irish-born, say the horses are not abused and they face the unemployment line.

They claim lucrative real estate interests are really behind the move to get the horses out of the stables in prime locations.

...Neeson had invited all 51 council members to the Clinton Park Stables on W. 52nd St. where 78 carriage horses bed down.

He wanted to show that the horses are treated humanely in a bid to derail the mayor’s planned ban on the industry.

“I’ve been walking in the streets of Central Park for a few hours, five days a week, for 20 years,” Neeson said.

“I know some of the drivers, and I’ve seen the joy these tourists get. We can’t put a dollar amount on what that does for the tourist industry.”

...He said, “The mayor wants to replace them with electric cars. That’s exactly what New York needs, more cars. This experiment has been tried with electric cars in San Francisco – failed abysmally.”

Councilman Costa Constantinides (D-Queens) is backing the drivers. He said, “I’m a progressive, so I’m not looking to put 350 families out on the street.”

 

Please take the time to watch the video interview [CLICK HERE] with the Irish driver, which is embedded in the bottom of the above article.  The Irish heritage of most of the drivers is conveyed with their beautiful Brogues as they explain their love for their horses, pride of the rich heritage of their trade, and the care given to the horses, along with the love of the beauty of Central Park (hardly a torture chamber for the horses.) AND...most important...the many families who will be without an income if De Blasio, the real estate vultures, and the so-called "animal rights" people have their way. (about the latter....Why not ban the cars, or create "horse lanes," as we do for bikes, if they are so worried about the horses' welfare?)

 

And, definitely, if walking or even jogging through Central Park is so dangerous for carriage horses, then parents should not be allowed to similarly endanger their babies and their younger children. Whether horse drawn carriages or baby carriages, it's still the same air, the same traffic, and the same politics.

 

BUDGET BALANCING? Why not save taxpayers $1.8 BILLION by releasing all non-violent pot offenders from prisons?

As the number of states legalizing medical and even recreational marijuana continues to rapidly rise [Click HERE and HERE for the latest status reports], taxpayers should consider insisting that our judicial system save some money by releasing the many prisoners incarcertated for non-violent crimes related to marijuana/cannibus/weed.  No matter what one thinks of the ancient herb-medicine-illegal substance, the cost to the taxpayers for keeping pot prisoners incacerated is ridiculous.  Immediately releasing these prisoners should be an obvious way to cut State and Federal spending, for both Republicans and Democrats. According to this TV summary, over 3,200 people are serving life sentences without parole for non-violent crimes, mostly regarding marijuana. 

I happened to notice this man's story on YouTube [Click HERE], and felt compelled to post his story as presented by his son:

"My father Jeff Mizanskey has been in prison for 20 years and has no possibility of parole. For non-violent, marijuana-only offenses, my father has been sentenced to die in prison because of a "three strikes" mandatory sentencing policy in the State of Missouri.

Dad's first offense was in 1984 when he sold an ounce to an undercover informant, and then was found to possess a half pound of marijuana when police raided his house the next day.  His next offense occurred in 1991, when he was caught in possession of a couple of ounces. But for my father's final strike in 1993, he became an easy fall guy in a conspiracy to distribute marijuana. My dad was driving a friend to a deal that turned out to be a sting operation. All of the other convicted men involved were set free years ago, but my dad was given a virtual death sentence. 

My dad is, and always has been, a good man. He taught my brother and I all about construction and a good work ethic. He has never been violent and he is a model prisoner. And over the 20 years he has been in that little cell, he has watched as violent criminals, rapists, and murderers have "paid their debts" and left - sometimes just to return a few months later.

My father is 61 years old, and has been in prison since he was 41. His parents - my grandparents - have since passed. While my dad has been trapped behind bars, generations of kids and grandkids have been born into our family who have never even met the man. The State of Missouri spends roughly $22,000/year to keep him locked up. Meanwhile all my dad wants to do is be a productive part of society, work and pay taxes, be with his family. And I want my dad back."

 

HEADLINE NEWS IRONY: Increase in Heroin Use and Overdoses vs. Lethal Injection Controversy

Two items front and center on today's NPR news headlines and in-depth stories:

1. Ohio's (and other states') "Death by Lethal Injection" has run into problems because an execution took unusually long, and because Ohio was using a new, untested cocktail of drugs in the procedure. [click HERE for full story] Pharmaceuticals as well as medical professionals -- to administer the drug for what was intended to be a more humane death penalty -- are balking at participating in death by lethal injection.

2. Deaths from heroin overdose is showing a dramatic spike in many communities.  It's cheap, easy to obtain, and allegedly provides an attractive, pill-like high unless and overdose puts a user to sleep permanently. [Click HERE for video and tex of CNN coverage.]

I never will attempt to argue in favor of capital punishment vs. life in prison.  Death penalty opponents claim that this punishment, no matter what the crime, constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.  However, some might argue that spending your life in prison with no chance of parole might be a more cruel and unusual punishment, especially if a criminal is abused while in prison and if the alternative is a painless and peaceful death. I imagine this might be a very powerful but personal choice.

Which would you prefer?  

Now, if the pharmaceutical companies AND health care professionals are refusing to participate in providing lethal injections, those states where the death penalty still exist are starting to consider alternatives.  These might include:

1. a firing squad (Two states, Idaho and Utah, still authorize this, but several other states are considering reinstating firing squads because of the lethal injection controversy)

2. the electric chair (still utilized in eleven states)

3. gas chamber (introduced in 1933 as more humane than electricution, but discontinued in 1996)

4. hanging (an option still available in Delaware, New Hampshire and Washington.)

Click HERE for the timeline and the ACL's opinion of these forms of capital punishments.

5. guillotine (originally invented in late 1700's by Doctor Joseph Ignace Guillotin, in an attempt to provide a more humane form of capital punishment.  Guillotin belonged to a small political reform movement that wanted to banish the death penalty completely. Click HERE for the full story of the guillotine)

I don't know about you, but if I knew I was facing the death penalty -- even if I was not guilty...no ESPECIALLY IF I was NOT GUILTY -- I would prefer not to suffer.  I would MUCH prefer to leave this world the way a beloved pet does, to be put to sleep without suffering.  And it sure sounds like an obvious, inexpensive, and humane solution would be to allow a criminal to administer a heroin overdose, either to himself/herself.  Or prisons could allow a seasoned heroin user to administer the allegedly painless drug that could provide a euhporic high before a condemned person drifted off to sleep. 

I doubt that any of the members of the heroin drug cartels would balk at participating in providing the drug, or worry that their reputation might be sullied if they did. In fact, based on the amount of heroin confiscated in recent drug busts, I doubt we'd have to involve the drug cartels at all.  No taxpayer money would have to be contributed to this dark, underworld industry, known for its lawlessness and violence.  The substance used in the lethal injection wouldn't cost the taxpayer anything beyond the salary of the law enforcement officials who confiscated the drug.

For those opposed to capital punishment, a possible compromise would be to offer a condemned criminal the choice of life in prison without parole vs. nodding off with a heroin overdose. 

I'm just sayin....it may seem like a dark subject, but hearing these two news stories back to back certainly struck me as exceptionally ironic, with a very "logical conclusion." Anyone else feel this way, or am I a heartless Vulcan? 

 

BENGHAZI vs. BRIDGE GATE: Oranges vs. Apple Christie

Regarding "Bridge Gate," the intentional, premeditated actions that disrupted traffic on the GW Bridge, I have trouble believing this was an isolated incident.  Why do I suspect this was not the first time?  Chris Christie's aid sent this email to Port Authority employee, David Wildstein: 

“Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee.”  He responded, "Got it." How did Wildstein know what the request was?  How did he know that "traffic problems in Fort Lee" meant blocking lanes on the GW Bridge for 4 concurrent days? It sounds like "code" for something that was quickly understood by the recipient.

But in spite of the possibility that this may not have been the first time for politicially motivated traffic jams, any attempt to compare Bridge Gate to Benghazi is truly a case of comparing apples to oranges -- based on the issue of INTENT TO DO HARM TO OUR OWN CITIZENS (among many other factors.)  

I think one thing even Republicans and Democrats can agree upon is that none of our citizens or officials wanted 'bad things' to happen in Benghazi.

Those who want us to compare Bridge Gate to Benghazi appear desperate. 

**

Meanwhile, the New York Times has provided an update on the Benghazi invesigation:

The New York Times recently published David Kirkpatrick's summary of the NYT's investigation of the Benghazi incident.  Click HERE to read "Deadly Mix in Benghazi"the full summary, conclusions and editorial.  Click HERE to see a PBS interview with Kirkpatrick. Here is an excerpt:

"Fifteen months after Mr. Stevens’s death, the question of responsibility remains a searing issue in Washington, framed by two contradictory story lines.

"One has it that the video, which was posted on YouTube, inspired spontaneous street protests that got out of hand. This version, based on early intelligence reports, was initially offered publicly by Susan E. Rice, who is now Mr. Obama’s national security adviser.

"The other, favored by Republicans, holds that Mr. Stevens died in a carefully planned assault by Al Qaeda to mark the anniversary of its strike on the United States 11 years before. Republicans have accused the Obama administration of covering up evidence of Al Qaeda’s role to avoid undermining the president’s claim that the group has been decimated, in part because of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

The investigation by The Times shows that the reality in Benghazi was different, and murkier, than either of those story lines suggests. Benghazi was not infiltrated by Al Qaeda, but nonetheless contained grave local threats to American interests. The attack does not appear to have been meticulously planned, but neither was it spontaneous or without warning signs.

"...More broadly, Mr. Stevens, like his bosses in Washington, believed that the United States could turn a critical mass of the fighters it helped oust Colonel Qaddafi into reliable friends. He died trying."

 

 

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: Not Going Broke but Being Robbed?

The recent news about using drones to deliver packages -- on the heels of the very competitive package delivery pricing by the U.S. Postal Service and noticeably improved customer service, followed by a bad holiday package delivery record by the two major private shipping service, UPS and FedX -- prompted me to investigate the real status of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).  News reports that there are rumblings in Congress to retire and/or privatize the USPS added to my curiousity.  

I did some research and was stunned to find this 2011 report from NBC News by Columnist Bob Sullivan.  You may click HERE to go to the actual page.  But it is so well written, and so shocking, that I could not improve upon this piece of investigative journalism.  So I am just going to quote the contents in my blog post.  There are many jobs and pensions at stake.  If the USPS is indeed failing, that is one issue.  But if, as per this report, their fiscal woes are a result of intentional "misinformation" and "crushing accounting tricks," we should take a second look at whose hidden agenda is being served.

Twisted Government Accounting Behind Postal Service Woes

by Bob Sullivan, Columnist, NBC News

"You might have heard that the United States Postal Service is in trouble: that it's losing billions, that it will have to end Saturday service and close branches — and most inflammatory, that it might need a government bailout. Perhaps you heard that the Postal Service couldn't pay $5.5 billion bill that came due Sept. 30 and that only an emergency postponement saved it from the government's equivalent of default.

In fact, it's the Postal Service that’s currently bailing out the U.S. government. Politicians have been raiding Postal Service revenues for years, using them to make the federal deficit appear smaller than it really is. The fiscal gyrations are so twisted that the Postal Service is right now forced to pre-pay health care benefits for employees the agency hasn't even hired yet — in fact, for many future employees who haven't even been born yet — all to artificially shrink the federal deficit.

It's these crushing accounting tricks, not the cost of delivering mail, that has pushed this 200-year-old institution to the brink.

Welcome to the wacky world of Washington, D.C., accounting.

There's a long and a short story to the tragic tale of Postal Service financial trouble. I'll start with the short one. Right now, the Postal Service is being forced to pre-pay health benefits for the next 75 years during a 10-year stretch. In the past four years, those prepayments have totaled $21 billion. The agency's deficit during that time is about $20 billion. Remove these crazy pre-payments — a requirement that no other government agency endures and no private industry would even consider — and the Postal Service would be in the black.

Of course, it's not quite that simple. And no one denies that the rise of e-mail has meant the fall of first-class mail, creating a real long-term challenge to USPS relevancy. But the current fiscal "crisis" is entirely manufactured by the Washington way — in fact, the payment missed on Sept. 30 represents this year's tithe to the federal deficit, disguised as health care benefits layaway for a mail carrier the agency might not hire until the year 2060.

The controversy over the future of the post office has been slowly coming to a head, and it reached a fever pitch around the Sept. 30 payment, meant to satisfy this year’s health care pre-payment costs. The agency begged for a delay, which it received — but that led to detractors’ calling for immediate reforms, such as post office closings and the elimination of Saturday delivery. But supporters have rallied to the agency’s side — about 500 rallies were held last week all around the country in support of the agency. 

Meanwhile, some advocates are desperately trying to call attention to the USPS’s unique budget situation, which is not quite the crisis it appears.

“It is clear that these prepayments for future retiree health care benefits are — at this point — the primary reason for the U.S. Postal Service's financial crisis,” Ralph Nader wrote in a letter to Congress last week. “In fact, simply looking at the numbers reveals that the Postal Service's ‘financial crisis’ is in fact an entirely manufactured crisis.”

Why would the Postal Service find itself in this crazy arrangement, bleeding red ink today so it can pay for employees’ health benefits 50, 60, or 75 years from now? Believe it or not, there is an explanation, but it's not so simple — delivered with fair warning from Jim Sauber, chief of staff of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

"It takes a long time to explain how crazy and complicated it is," he said.

But a quick tour into this fiscal crisis is incredibly instructive as to the ways of Washington, and failing to understand it might mean someday soon you won’t get mail at your house any longer.

First, it's important to note that the USPS is financially self-sufficient. Since the 1970s, it has been mandated by Congress to operate entirely on its own revenue, with no taxpayer money. It's an enormous agency — with $65 billion in annual revenue, it would be a Fortune 50 company if it were a private entity. As a quasi-government agency, it enjoys privileged fiscal status — its revenue and expenses are "off budget," meaning Congress isn't supposed to be able to toy with them. It shares this privileged state with only one other government entity: the Social Security Trust Fund. But as you know, Congress finds a way to toy with everything.

In 2006, Congress passed the "Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act" to modernize the agency's stamp-price-setting tools and a host of other elements of mail delivery. That law set up this seemingly crazy health care prepayment fund.

To bean counters at the U.S. Treasury Department, however, the fund made perfect sense. It was a crazy arrangement to cover for another crazy arrangement the Postal Service escaped in 2006.

When former members of the U.S. military take a government job, their military service counts as annual credits toward pension eligibility. This holds true when service members take postal jobs — but who pays for the value of those credits? In 2006, the Postal Service was shouldering that cost on its balance sheet, even though there was general agreement that the Treasury Department should be responsible for pension credit earned prior to employment with the Postal Service. The 2006 law shifted the burden from the USPS, but that meant an addition burden on the Treasury — that is, it would have added to the federal deficit. So to balance out that negative on Treasury's balance sheet, the Postal Service was ordered to make health care pre-payments equivalent to the cost of the pension cost shift.

The problem of military pension credits itself was a creation of just such a deficit-hiding accounting trick. In 2002, an audit of the USPS budget found it had overpaid into the federal government's pension plan by roughly $80 billion. Postal Service officials lobbied hard have its pension payments readjusted. They were, in 2003, but in order to make the shift revenue neutral, military pension credit costs were shifted from Treasury to the USPS.

The 2006 law passed by Congress was designed to put an end to this fiscal football.

In the middle part of the last decade, the Postal Service was so awash in operating cash that the 10-year tithe to the federal government seemed a small price to pay for a promise that the crazy cost shifting would be over in a decade. In the meantime, the cash played a small but measurable part in reducing the federal deficit.

"But it became very clear that these payments were unaffordable once the economy tanked," Sauber said. In short order, the health care prepayments became “a million-pound weight” on the Postal Service budget.

Sauber and other Postal Service advocates say the Postal Service would have no trouble balancing its own budget if Congress and the Treasury Department stopped adding billions to its annual expenses through fiscal maneuvering. 

Still, powerful forces have gathered in an attempt to use this budget bickering as an excuse to reform the post office dramatically. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), the Republicans’ top government cost-cutting advocate in the House and head of the powerful Committee on Oversight, has introduced legislation that would dramatically alter the agency. His Postal Reform Act of 2011 would end Saturday delivery, create a commission to study post office closings and create a Solvency Authority that could break union contracts if the agency fell into the red.

Last month, President Barack Obama proposed that the Post Office end Saturday delivery. His proposal offered some relief from health care prepayments, but it merely by spreading the costs out over a longer period of time. Issa responded by calling Obama's plan a "thinly veiled attempt to offset continued operating losses with a taxpayer-funded bailout."

Others have advocated complete dismantling of the service, turning mail delivery over entirely to private industry. Rarely do those arguing against mention that the Postal Service starts its year in a hole designed to hide a portion of the federal deficit.

A Heritage Foundation report published last month called "You've Got (No) Mail: Is the End Near for the Post Service?" indicated that the agency "barely avoided default" and was down to "a week's worth of cash."

"Congress should act quickly to address this not-so-slow-motion postal train wreck. The goal, however, should not be to ‘save’ USPS or even to save mail delivery," the report said. It mentioned the pension overpayments but made no mention of the health care costs prepayment, and it concluded that the USPS cannot survive unless supported by "tens of billions of dollars in subsidy."

Sauber says it’s hard to counter such arguments with a long discussion of Washington accounting tricks.

"It's so much easier to say, ‘Oh, it’s the Internet.’ That seems obvious, but that's not really what's going on,” he said. “It is frustrating for letter carriers to have to deal with all this misinformation. … It’s easy to demagogue on this, for people who don’t like government workers to say the Postal Service is failing because it’s a government agency. But in this case the easy explanation isn’t the right explanation."

The postal workers' union favors legislation proposed by Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., and Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., that would allow the agency to access overpayments to the federal pension system, and to restructure its health care prepayments, to solve its immediate budget woes.

It's also hitting back at critics with an aggressive TV ad campaign that began running last month.

"Congress created this problem, and Congress can fix it," the ads say.

Sauber doesn't deny that the Postal Service has problems. Revenue shrank from $74 billion to $67 billion from 2008 to 2010. Mail volume plummeted from 202 billion to 170 billion pieces during that same stretch, a 22 percent fall. While the drop parallels the recession, common sense dictates that even a robust economic recovery probably won't lead to an increase in handwritten love letters.

But Sauber says the rise of the Internet has created almost as many opportunities as problems for the Post Office — package delivery from online shopping has soared, for example. Meanwhile, the agency has shrunk full-time employee ranks from 663,000 to 583,000.

The Postal Service hasn’t always done itself any favors — long lines, unhelpful employees and stories of double-dipping by pensioners feed the public’s notion that change is needed.

"We know we have to change. But the right way to do that is to clear up this artificial fiscal crisis now, survive the recession and then see where we are," he said, "not to gut the Postal Service now based on misinformation and budget politics."

 

TREASON INSTEAD OF REASON: Who took the GRAND out of the "Grand Old Party?"

I have been unable to continue with my father's autobiography due to the fact that he would be gravely disturbed at the current political situation.

WHY HASN'T THIS BEEN IN THE MEDIA???? A FEW PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEEN THIS LITTLE KNOWN VIDEO FIND THIS EXCEPTIONALLY DISTURBING!!!!

"Late in the evening on September 30, 2013, the House Rules Committee Republicans changed the Rules of the House so that the ONLY Member allowed to call up the Senate's clean CR for a vote was Majority Leader Eric Cantor or his designee -- all but guaranteeing the government would shut down a few hours later and would stay shut down. Previously, any Member would have had the right to bring the CR up for a vote. Democracy has been suspended in the House of Representatives." (Description of the video on YouTube.  Unbelievable?  Click HERE to listen for yourself!  You decide for yourself...Treason or Reason?)

Essentially, the Republicans have declared their own Civil War, have declared themselves "kings" and are -- in this video -- in the Capital meeting room, announcing that the Democrats can no longer make any decisions! This is different than media flurries about UFO sightings, and the cries to impeach Obama.

Cries to impeach presidents of the opposite side have been common, esp. since Watergate (i.e. The GOP's expensive witch hunt of Bill Clinton and his famous case of endless "aural sex.") Although I don't recall a single cry to impeach GW Bush. I suppose because 9/11 temporarily unified the country, and distracted us from what was brewing on Wall Street, resulting in the big bail out, which Bush insisted upon just before leaving office.

The irony is that Bush was arguably one of the most irresponsible presidents in recent history. The irony is that Bush MOST PROBABLY won the first election via a quiet coup -- the Florida chad incident. At that time, the Democrats didn't pursue challenging the results of that election "for the good of the country." Too divisive, esp. on the heels of the Lewinsky Scandal.

Those of us old enough to remember, I suspect that ever since Watergate resulted on criminal charges and jail time for top White House officials, and -- finally -- the resignation of a disgraced Republican President who lost sight of his once-strong ethics, the GOP -- its reputation sullied -- has been determined to get revenge.

Perhaps that's what the GOP members of this Congress have been all about.....revenge. Just say NO. Don't ALLOW the current president to succeed; FORCE the country to fail. Close down the gov't (Newt Gingrich's legacy), and create chaos to the global economy by forcing the US to default on its financial obligations.

The once-Grand Old Party -- the party of many great politicians, including Eisenhower, Lincoln, Olympia Snowe, and former MA Senators Bill Weld and Scott Brown -- appears to be determined to make ECONOMIC COLLAPSE and ANARCHY happen while Obama is in the White House. I suppose their logic is that they can't risk it happening if they wait for the next election, because then it will look like it is THEIR FAULT. 

If the welfare of the country (and possibly the world) wasn't at stake, this is a clever strategy.  Why else would Republicans REFUSE to respond to Obama's BEGGING them to propose a decent alternative budget that respects the fact that the AHCA is now LAW (for better or for worse....it is now the Law...it has already been challenged and gone to the Supreme Court).

NORMAL politicians would just wait for the next election, and repeal it THEN!

I'm left wondering if the Republicans are just worried sick that the AFC Act might actually succeed, making them look like fools. Personally, I think the AHCA isn't solving the problem....that Health Care in the US is just plain NOT AFFORDABLE. Insurance companies are increasingly running our lives (just think about how much insurance you must pay -- to start a business, own a home, own a house, have a child, own a dog, and even own a low speed scooter!  Bicycles will be next.)  Meanwhile, Health Care expenses are running unchecked and unchallenged.

But that's another rant. In the meantime, why isn't this speaker arrested and put in jail? Or at least given a good spanking.

CARDBOARD COPS: Perhaps an alternative to closing the U.S. Consulates in the Middle East?

A Facebook friend just posted a story about life-sized Cardboard Cops being used around a T-Stop in Cambridge.  It didn't stop the real criminals, but I'll bet if you passed one on the highway while speeding or texting, you'd stop speeding or texting!

Which made me think....hmmm...maybe instead of CLOSING all our consulates in the middle east, we should just staff them with life sized cardboard cut outs?  Or even interactive robots, like THIS ONE created by Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory (allowing for interaction AND image capture of who's invading an embassy). 

Angry mobs could riot, attack, shoot, and burn as they did in Benghazi, but without any loss of life.

We wouldn't have to retaliate with drone strikes, which frequently kills innocents as well as targets, creating more animosity. 

And I doubt that robots, or even cardboard cut outs, are going to do any WORSE than U.S. humans at winning hearts and minds of Al Qaeda operatives or angry religious extremists.  Experts say that sometimes a good listener is the best medicine for rage.  (or a harmless punching bag...CLICK HERE to see how this might work!)

 

SOME GOOD NEWS, FOR A CHANGE: Mercy Ships featured on 60 Minutes

In this day and age when the media is just full of stories spreading fear and hatred, I really enjoyed this piece from 60 Minutes.  The Mercy Ship travels the ports on the coast of Africa that used to be stops for slave traders.  "The intersection of Courage and Compassion" is a great description of the people -- doctors, nurses, and those who run the ships -- as well as many of the poor and impoverished patients, many of whom will voluntarily sacrifice their own place in line to those with greater needs. 

Click HERE to see this beautiful story.  Many of them perform the same life altering surgeries as those done by the doctors and nurses of The Smile Train.  Not unlike the stories told in the movies "The Elephant Man" and "Mask," some of these are people are women and children who are ostrocised from society.  Many even die from otherwise benign tumors. 

In our own world of modern medicine, such tumors are caught and removed early, before they are allowed to grow to the point that you cannot even recognize their faces as human beings.  As the piece begins, much of the healing begins when the dotors and nurses greet these horribly disfigured children, women and men with love and respect. 

The "unique business model" features doctors and nurses who actually pay their own way with donations, many from churches and private individuals.

You might get out your hankies. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF NEIGHBORS AND NEIGHBORHOODS

The tragic abduction of children (and adults), along with the human sex trade has been going on for centuries.  Before the U.S. Civil War, the purchase and/or abduction of African citizens was, in fact, a thriving and legal business. 

In the wake of the horrifying story of the three young women kidnapped and held hostage for 10 years allegedly by long-time neighbor Ariel Castro, I was saddened to hear the media -- even NPR -- reacting with hours of fear-inducing cautions by "professionals" warning children of all ages not to trust ANYONE, even known neighbors.  

Back in 1991, a teenage girl in Kingston, MA was lured into a neighbors basement, raped, murdered and buried.  Yes, it can be a dangerous world out there, but should we really keep our kids wrapped in cotton, fearful of their own neighbors?

I was pleased to see a post on a friend's blog about the importance of the old fashioned notion of welcoming and knowing one's neighbors.  [CLICK HERE to read the blog entry.]  This woman happens to live in my own home town, a fairly dense suburb just outside of Boston, MA. One of the reasons I chose this town to live in 20 years ago was because I observed kids walking home from school, in groups, which brought back many happy memories of my own childhood.  Additionally, my husband and I both had high stress jobs.  While we did enjoy the daily walks to elementary school with our children -- which we did for health and family reasons, not for protection -- we could not be there to pick them up after school.  I taught my two daughters "the buddy system" and said a lot of prayers that they would be safe -- from bullies, from predatory adults, from cars out of control, and all those other dangers that are part of everyday life. 

However, there was an elderly, eccentric woman who lived alone at the top of my street. My daughters had been warned by some well-meaning parent to stay away from her. That she was “a little nutty, and might be dangerous.” But one day, for some reason, my oldest daughter stopped to chat with her. She recognized the woman was just old and alone, and showing signs of aging, like her own grandmother. The elderly woman showed her all the pictures of her family, children, grandchildren and late husband. My oldest, then in 6th grade, shared this with me later, very sad that this woman was so lonely, and so appreciative of some company, and “grown ups” who didn’t even know her were spreading false rumors. My daughter stopped in frequently after that to check on “Mimi.” And later, my younger daughter, did the same.

About two years later, we noticed her house being cleared out. We stopped and inquired about her, and her grown children said she had to be put into a home, and they were preparing the house for sale. It just made me sad that, for every Ariel Castro that “lurks” out there (and always has), there are hundreds of lonely, house-bound elderly people suffering from loneliness and isolation. And the importance of community and being a “good neighbor” is as an important a lesson to teach our children as is caution and street smarts.

I was proud that both of my daughters cautiously alerted me to any fellow students and/or friend (or even a parent or a teacher) who they thought showed signs of mental or emotional health issues. 
"It takes a village to raise a child," for sure.  But sometimes it takes children to create and maintain the village, too. 

 

MEXICO: DWD Retirement Centers -- a solution for multiple problems?

What do the following socio-economic problems have in common?

1. Illegal immigrants from Mexico seeking work in the U.S. and/or escape from drug wars in Mexico

2. The expense of Border Control to U.S. Taxpayers

3. The Baby Boomer bubble of humanity hitting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid at the same time

4. The rapidly escalating cost of Health Care for the elderly

5. The high cost of caring for Alzheimer's and other age-related diseases and other terminal illnesses

6. Death with Dignity options illegal in most states in the U.S. (and the fate of Jack Kevorkian, who tried to change this.)

7. Increasing murders and violence related to the Mexican Drug Cartel

***

Now, imagine that some of the heads of the Mexican Drug Cartels used their wealth and power to start and run some exotic retirement centers in Mexico.  Mexico offers beautiful beaches, palm trees, historical Mayan ruins, a plethora of citizens seeking work, most of these spiritually dedicated and family oriented, many respectful and caring of the elderly.  Mexico also offers a very low cost of living.  

Such centers could also offer to teach Spanish to English speaking U.S. residents.  Leaning a new language is supposed to be great for brain health, and preventing dementia and Alzheimer's.

The problem with most U.S. based retirement centers is that they a) cost a fortune (usually depleting the life-savings of residents, many of whom would prefer to leave some inheritance to their surviving family members); and b) they keep Alzheimer's and very, very old and/or infirm people alive muh longer than nature intended. 

Instead of waging war against their own people, Mexican Drug War Lords could go "main stream" by opening legitimate and affordable retirement centers for U.S. aging residents, who are seeking an affordable, pleasant environment to live out their final years. Such centers could provide a tremendous number of jobs for Mexican residents, many of whom are those attempting to enter the U.S. illegally to find jobs caring for elderly, landscaping, and doing property maintenance. 

In addition to easy access to medical marijuana for the elderly (instead of anti-depressants so common in U.S. retirement centers), such centers could also offer, upon written consent, nurse administered "death with dignity" injections (cocaine or heroin, which could be introduced in small doses over days or weeks) as an alternative to the prolonged, expensive bed-ridden stays which seems to be the only option currently available in the U.S. 

For an extra fee, such centers could offer to ship bodies or ashes of loved ones back to their relatives in the U.S. for burials and/or memorial services.

Wouldn't it be interesting to see if such retirement centers attracted a mass exodus from the U.S. of the current population of Mexican "illegals."   

We all know how well the "War on Drugs" is going, and how much it is costing U.S. Taxpayers.

And everyone is hollaring about the rising cost of health care, along with Obamacare...not to mention the uproar over immigration reform. 

The problem with Jack Kevorkian is that he was trying to change a country that "has lost all common sense." Perhaps one of the wealthy drug Cartel leaders might use his power and wealth, and like the post-prohibition Joe Kennedy, go mainstream.  And possibly offer what could be a great solution for his country and fellow citizens. Not to mention a much needed alternative to those facing the growing expense of growing old in the U.S.

And, considering the job market in the U.S., if such retirement centers caught on in Mexico, the Mexican government might have to build "the fence" to stem the tide of the U.S. unemployed seeking jobs.  And THAT would save U.S. Taxpayers a lot of money!

 

HOMELAND SECURITY OR JOB SECURITY: My Recent Experience at Logan Airport

Since December 2012, I traveled by air to and from California twice, and into the U.S. from the Caribbean once.  Same carry-on luggage each time. 

When I flew to California from Logan in early April, I took the same carry on luggage -- purse inside of a tote bag, and computer inside roll on bag.  Prior to this trip, I noticed some controversial news about the TSA's decision to now allow people to carry knives.  Congress wasn't happy about this, and it was up to debate.  

With this in mind, I was relaxed. I don't do knives and weaponry.  Almost always, I forget about some almost empty bottles of water from my last air flight, and it gets discovered and tossed.  But this time, I was pretty sure that all I had inside my purse and roll on computer bag was the same little collection of hotel body lotions and one hotel sample of Hair Conditioner. 

I like those little lotion bottles because I have very dry skin, and they fit nicely in my purse. (and they are FREE!) But here was one new addition on this trip...a $75 tube of "thermal accelerating creme" that I got to help smooth out some ripples left by some surgery necessitated by a torn muscle. It wouldn't fit in my overstuffed suitcase that I checked in for $25.

A very zealous inspector pulled me aside after the bags went through the x-ray scanner.  I was puzzled...positive that I didn't forget to pull out any water bottles this time.  She pulled on her rubber gloves and rifled through my purse and computer bag, pulling out the little hotel samplers. Also, in my purse was my beloved bottle of Green Tea purfume which I am never without.  It comes in handy to hide the smell of horses after a trip to the barn when I don't have time to shower and change. Which is frequent. 

"Oh, please don't throw away my perfume," I pleaded. "That stuff's expensive."

"You're lucky.  It's within the weight limit, so I'll put it into this zip lock baggie with the rest of these creams. You know, they announced it while you were in line!" she scolded. "All creams have to be inside a zip lock baggie," and she proceeded to stuff it all in a baggie for me."

Then she pulled out the $75 post-surgery cream.  "But this is over the weight limit.  You have a choice of going back to the check in counter and checking it in as a piece of luggage, and then you'll have to ocme through the security linen again.  It costs $25 for an extra piece of luggage. What do you want to do?"

"Throw it away," I sighed. By now, the tube was at least half empty, and probably would have been within the weight limit, if they had a scale. 

"You might consider keeping all these lotions in this baggie for your return trip," she suggested.

Later I thought to myself....if hand creams and such are somehow "suspicious" and possibly hiding explosives, how does putting them in a baggie protect passengers from an explosion?  Maybe I don't understand something about the lotions-in-the-baggie rule. 

After I got to California, I returned one of the lotions to my purse.  Sure enough, my skin got very dry during a day spent visiting a horse farm.  I pulled out my lotion and rubbed it on my hands and face.  But it didn't feel right.  I put my glasses on and realized I had just rubbed some hair conditioner on my skin. It felt kind of sticky and gross.

When I got back to my hotel, I replaced the cream rinse with some body lotion. On the return trip, I just left it in my purse, ready to throw it away at the airport.  I forgot.  But this time, nobody seemed to care about the body lotion in my purse. 

"Those slackers," I chuckled to myself, relieved that I had something for a dry skin attack on the plane. And I wondered why my skin cream was considered more dangerous than a knife. But I'm happy for the TSA workers that they have a job.  And, hopefully, they enjoy good health care benefits, too.  

CHUCK HAGEL vs. JOHN McCAIN: History of US Engagement in Iraq still TBD

Click HERE to see an excellent interview with Hagel done four years ago when his book, "America, Our Next Chapter" was first published.  In it, he shows a tremends depth of knowledge about the issues surrounding our invasion of Iraq, consistent with how things have played out since then.  I was impressed with him then (see my blog entry), and I remain even more impressed with him now.

I have trouble believing John McCain is asserting that the history has already proven that the "surge" in Iraq has proven to be absolutely "right." McCain is now using Hagel's ambivolence about the original decision to invade Iraq (based on faulty intelligence about WMD) as evidence that he is somehow the wrong person for the job of Defense Secretary.  Additionally, McCain has attacked Hagel's concerns about the wisdom of the surge possibly throwing good lives and good money after bad, as I think most people believe that we never should have entered Iraq to begin with.  It was done under false pretenses.  Getting out proved to be VERY DIFFICULT.  IMHO, the surge was done as an effort to withdraw from what, in hindsight, was what Chuck Hagel thought it was to begin wtih -- a bad decision.

Everyone agrees that Hussein was a brutal dicator.  BUT...he was a Suni dictator, always at odds with his Shiite neighbors, especially in Iran.  From a dispassionate view, taking out Saddam Husssein essentially left Shiia-run Iran as the major power in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia is also Shiite, but -- for now -- the secular/business leaders in Saudi Arabia remain allies of the U.S.  Not necessarily true of the religious element which, as with Iran and other "Arab Spring" countries, could take over if the royal family is every toppled from power.

So now, by handing power in Iraq to the Shiites, Iran's control is virtually unchecked by some one like Sadam Hussein.

Hagel is absolutely right to say HISTORY -- not yet written -- will be the judge of the decision to dump Billions into the invasion of Iraq and subsequent "surge" required for us to draw down "with honor."  Without being propped up by U.S. $$ and lives, can the Iraq military indefinitely protect the country against the forces of a) The Taliban; b) Al Qaeda; c) Iran?  

Previously, Iraq and Iran were ruled by opposing factions of Muslim, and held each other in check.  While everyone agrees that Sadam Hussein was a brutal despot (same with Muammar Gaddafi whose elected replacement is still being evaluated by history), by taking down his regime, the U.S. effectively turned the balance of power in the Middle East over to Shiite run Iran.

I applaud Chuck Hagel for his circumspect refusal to provide Congress with a knee jerk apology for his original assessment about the invasion of Iraq.  It has proven to be one of the two longest, very expensive wars in the history of the U.S., with a very dubious and debatable outcome.  In fact, many experts and military leaders believe that the diversion of focus, troops and military spending from Afghanistan into Iraq just undid all that had been accomplished in Afghanistan in the first very active years post 9/11.  I believe McCain must be desperate to justify Congress's approval of the huge expense of the war in Iraq, which Congress approved (although G.W. Bush had already ordered troops deployed even before Congress voted.)  Perhaps that explains why McCain is so dedicated to prove Hagel wrong and/or seek revenge by refusing to approve this fellow Vietnam war hero, and fellow Republican for a position for which he is, arguably, better qualified than anyone else in our useless Congress, the epitome of waste of taxpayer dollars.

Perhaps Congress is trying to "save face." They might say it's too late for Hagel to redeem himself.  Funny, but that's how I feel about Congress. Members of Congress appear to know very little about the issues behind their votes.  Even if they eventually DO admit that Republican Hagel was right to question why we were diverting money and lives from Afghanistan into Iraq, once again, Congress is proving themselves to be more dedicated to party politics than to solving problems. 

 

KUDOs TO THE GOP: Finally, They Tell Grover Norquist to "Take Your Pledge and Shove It"

On last night's news, I heard -- and saw -- Grover Norquist compare the life-long obligation to his "pledge" to marriage vows.  I truly about fell off my chair.  Considering the divorce rate, perhaps I should have been pleased.  But  it was a cheap shot by a desperate man.

EXCERPT From one of many media summaries (right and left leaning): "The Republicans have been victims of Stockholm Syndrome; held captive by the grizzly-chinned anti-tax zealot, Grover Norquist, for so long – and with such seductive dictates – that they’ve lost all sense of their emotional imprisonment to actually embrace the man who’s been their captor.

Until now.

In the current climate of political upheaval, at a time when the GOP has lost their finger-on-the-pulse of the electorate; in an economic era when wiser minds will survive only if they shuck off old thinking, Grover Norquist has become…old thinking.

In a surprise move this past week, Saxby Chambliss, the Republican Senator from Georgia long known as one of the fiercest champions of the Norquist anti-tax pledge and a deep conservative in a red-red state, has stepped forward to signal his break with Norquist."

Kudos to all Republican members of Congress who are finally calling a spade a spade, and a dictator a dictator.  Many are putting their foot down about the extorionary tactics of Grover Norquist, who openly bragged on 60 Minutes [CLICK HERE] that he dictates how elected Republican members of Congress may vote on many issues...or else "suffer the consequences."  He makes no bones that he has the power to  throw elections.

Whether or not one favors higher taxes for the wealthier members of society, I think we all agree the budget must be balanced....sooner rather than later.  But EVERYONE should agree that no official, especially an un-elected official, should dictate how elected officials vote, and to whom they owe their allegience. 

Here's some of what's happening:

"Fewer and fewer Republicans want to be in bed with Grover Norquist and his no-new-taxes pledge these days. The anti-tax evangelist became a punching bag for the right this holiday weekend.

"Grover Norquist is an impediment to good governing," Republican political strategist Matthew Dowd said on the ABC television program "This Week." He added, "The only good thing about Grover Norquist is, he's named after a character from 'Sesame Street.'"

But it wasn't just pundits going after Norquist. With pressure on Republicans to solve the fiscal cliff, members of the GOP have started to break rank."

So far, the list of GOP Congressmen FINALLY calling a spade a spade.  Whatever one might think of the following elected officials politics, I am very, very proud to see them stand up against Norquist!  He is a bad, bad man....an extortionist who, IMHO, has nearly destroyed the Repubican Party.  Once I saw the 60 Minutes interview with Norquist, I made a pledge with myself -- never vote for a Republican who has signed "The Pledge," and consider voting for any Republican who has the guts to stand up to this anti-American criminal, and hopefully ban him from the GOP altogether.

Some recent quotes from GOP members of Congress (CLICK HERE FOR THE SOURCE):

Lindsey Graham, R, S.C. –  On ABC's "This Week" on Sunday, Graham said, "I agree with Grover, we shouldn't raise rates. But I think Grover is wrong when it comes to we can't cap deductions and buy down debt. ... I will violate the pledge, long story short, for the good of the country, only if Democrats will do entitlement reform."

Peter King, R, N.Y. – On NBC's "Meet the Press," King said, "A pledge you signed 20 years ago, 18 years ago, is for that Congress. ... For instance, if I were in Congress in 1941, I would have signed a declaration of war against Japan. I'm not going to attack Japan today. The world has changed, and the economic situation is different."

Saxby Chambliss, R, Ga. – Chambliss said last week that he doesn't care about being criticized for breaking rank with Norquist. "I care too much about my country — I care a lot more about it than I do about Grover Norquist," Chambliss told Georgia's WMAZ. "Norquist has no plan to pay this debt down. His plan says you continue to add to the debt, and I just have a fundamental disagreement about that and I'm willing to do the right thing and let the political consequences take care of themselves."

Norquist is just an extortionist criminal in a suit. And the GOP is starting to wake up and put their COUNTRY and their constituents BEFORE Grover Norquist and his unconstitutional pledge backed up by threats. I AM THRILLED to see the GOP members of Congress getting some backbone, and FINALLY having the courage to speak out against this poor excuse for a U.S. citizen.

No matter what any of us thinks about the GOP vs. Democrats vs. Independents....I cannot tell you how relieved i am to hear -- one-by-one -- FINALLY -- the GOP members of Congress having the courage to walk away from this horrific creep, nothing less than a traitor to his country.  Lobbying is one thing, but forcing elected officials to sign a pledge to an unelected dictator is quite another. (The video in this story includes interviews with several Republican members of Congress, saying the same thing -- Congress needs to solve the fiscal problem, not let a single person ruin the country by an anachronistic lack of logic.)

I applaud these courageous GOP Congressmen for standing up to Norquist, and agreeing to work with Democrats to balance the budget -- for the good of the United States of America, although it's taken way too long.  But better late than never. 

Who knows...maybe I'll register as a Republican for the next primary?  There's a lot of great Republicans out there.  They've just been driven away and/or into silence by the likes of Grover Norquist.

 

CHUCK HAGEL, BILL BRADLEY, JOHN HUNTSMAN: some good suggestions for filling openings in the Cabinet

I was listing to Saturday's edition of "On Point" on WBUR this morning.  There was a discussion about who might make a good selection to replace Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State, and Ben Bernanke, who is expected to step down (or be asked to?) as Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

I jumped for joy when I heard the political analyst suggest crossing party lines to fill some of these positions. 

I had always wished Obama had picked Republican Chuck Hagel as his running mate back in 2008.  Could such a move have avoided the incredible split and polarization that has made Congress appear to be hopelessly partisan and completely useless when the country is facing such serious challenges?  

From Wikipedia: "Since his election to the Senate in 1996, Hagel served as deputy whip for the Republican Caucus. He was chair of both the Senate Global Climate Change Observer Group and the Senate Oversight Task Force. He served as co-chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. He also served on the NATO Observer Group. Hagel was a member of four Senate committees: Foreign Relations; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on Rules and Administration."

I heard Hagel -- one of the only members of Congress to immediately oppose Bush's decision to enter Iraq after 9/11 -- interviewed on NPR when he was stepping down from the Senate.  His independent intelligence, and honest connections with and respect by high ranking members of the military impressed me.  I immediately thought he would be a great running mate for Obama.  Here's some more interesting information on Hagel from Wikipedia:

"On August 18, 2005, Hagel compared the Iraq War to Vietnam and openly mocked Vice President Dick Cheney's assertion that the Iraqi insurgency was in its "last throes".^[28]

In November 2005, Hagel made a much-publicized statement:  

"To question your government is not unpatriotic — to not question your government is unpatriotic."

(This was in reference to the lack of open debate in Congress regarding the Iraq War, and in

defense of his assertion that the United States should withdraw its troops.)

In January 2006, Hagel took issue with Karl Rove over controversial statements the White House advisor made concerning the mindset of Republicans and Democrats. Hagel said, "Well, I didn't like what Mr. Rove said, because it frames terrorism and the issue of terrorism and everything that goes with it, whether it's the renewal of the Patriot Act or the NSA wiretapping, in a political context." He also said that "dark clouds" are hanging over the Republican party, and "If you look at the environment and the atmospherics politically in this town, read any poll. The sixth year of a governing party usually ... is not good ... the country is tired, a lot of complications in these international issues, we're at war."^[30] Hagel further criticized the Bush administration, saying, "National security is more important than the Republican Party or the Democratic Party. And to use it to try to get someone elected will ultimately end up in defeat and disaster for that political party."^[30]

 

Both Hagel and John Huntsman were suggested as possible replacements for Hillary Clinton.  I think either could prove to be effective and intelligent choices.  Not only would it cross party lines (offering voters the beginnings of a "hybrid" government, a symbol for the need for dialogue, compromise in solving problems, and mutual respect), but each of these individuals have great experience in Inernational Relations. 

Regardidng a replacement for Ben Bernanke, the name of BILL BRADLEY -- one of my all-time favorite politicians -- came up.  I was impressed by his brilliant mind, thoughtful and responsible speaking, dedication to problem solving, his work ethic, and innovative thinking.

Please -- do yourself a favor and CLICK HERE to watch Bradley comment reflect on the need for Campaign Finance Reform.

Bradley has since written a book, "We Can All Do Better," and continues to serve his country as a public speaker and dedicated, altruistic thought leader.  His in-depth knowledge of macro-economics is among his many skills.

In spite of my overwhelming respect for Bradley, I cross registered in the political primary the resulted in G.W. Bush running for the GOP. I did this to vote for John McCain over G.W. Bush who did not impress me.  I knew Bradley had no chance to win in the primary over the incumbant Al Gore.  But he remains in my mind as one of the most impressive individuals in American politics. I have often joked (along the lines of Ayn Rand?), "I think Bill Bradley is just too good and too smart for most American voters."

Finally -- regarding the "Fiscal Cliff," I just received the following data points from an educated source:

 

The following ten items reveal the deadening effects of inequality in our country, and confirm that tax avoidance, rather than a lack of middle-class initiative, is the cause. 

1. Only THREE PERCENT of the very rich are entrepreneurs.   According to both Market watch and economist Edward Wolff, over 90 percent of the assets owned by millionaires are held in a combination of low-risk investments (bonds and cash), personal business accounts, the stock market, and real estate. Only 3.6 percent of taxpayers in the top .1% were classified as entrepreneurs based on 2004 tax returns. A 2009 Kauffman Foundation study found that the great majority of entrepreneurs come from middle-class backgrounds, with less than 1 percent of all entrepreneurs coming from very rich or very poor backgrounds. 

2. Only FOUR OUT OF 150 countries have more wealth inequality than us.

In a world listing compiled by a reputable research team (which nevertheless prompted double-checking), the U.S. has greater wealth inequality than every measured country in the world except for Namibia, Zimbabwe, Denmark, and Switzerland. 

3. An amount equal to ONE-HALF the GDP is held untaxed overseas by uber-wealthy Americans.

The Tax Justice Network estimated that between $21 and $32 trillion is hidden offshore, untaxed. With Americans making up40% of the world's Ultra High Net Worth Individuals, that's $8 to $12 trillion in U.S. money stashed in far-off hiding places. 

Based on a historical stock market return of 6%, up to $750 billion of income is lost to the U.S. every year, resulting in a tax loss of about $260 billion. 

4. Corporations stopped paying HALF OF THEIR TAXES after the recession.

After paying an average of 22.5% from 1987 to 2008, corporations have paid an annual rate of 10% since. This represents a sudden $250 billion annual loss in taxes. 

U.S. corporations have shown a pattern of tax reluctance for more than 50 years, despite building their businesses with American research and infrastructure. They've passed the responsibility on to their workers. For every dollar of workers' payroll tax paid in the 1950s, corporations paid three dollars. Now it's 22 cents. 

5. Just TEN Americans made a total of FIFTY BILLION DOLLARS in one year.

That's enough to pay the salaries of over a million nurses or teachers or emergency responders. 

That's enough, according to 2008 estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the UN's World Food Program, to feed the 870 million people in the world who are lacking sufficient food. 

For the free-market advocates who say "they've earned it": Point #1 above makes it clear how the wealthy make their money. 

6. Tax deductions for the rich could pay off 100 PERCENT of the deficit.

Another stat that required a double-check. Based on research by the Tax Policy Center, tax deferrals and deductions and other forms of tax expenditures (tax subsidies from special deductions, exemptions, exclusions, credits, capital gains, and loopholes), which largely benefit the rich, are worth about 7.4% of the GDP, or about $1.1 trillion. 

Other sources have estimated that about two-thirds of the annual $850 billion in tax expenditures goes to the top quintile of taxpayers. 

7. The average single black or Hispanic woman has about $100 IN NET WORTH.

The Insight Center for Community Economic Developmentreported that median wealth for black and Hispanic women is a little over $100. That's much less than one percent of the median wealth for single white women ($41,500). 

Other studies confirm the racially-charged economic inequality in our country. For every dollar of NON-HOME wealth owned by white families, people of color have only one cent.

8. Elderly and disabled food stamp recipients get $4.30 A DAY FOR FOOD.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) has dropped significantly over the past 15 years, serving only about a quarter of the families in poverty, and paying less than $400 per month for a family of three for housing and other necessities. Ninety percent of the available benefits go to the elderly, the disabled, or working households. 

Food stamp recipients get $4.30 a day. 

9. Young adults have lost TWO-THIRDS OF THEIR NET WORTH since 1984.

21- to 35-year-olds: Your median net worth has dropped 68% since 1984. It's now less than $4,000. 

That $4,000 has to pay for student loans that average $27,200. Or, if you're still in school, for $12,700 in credit card debt. 

With an unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds of almost 50%, two out of every five recent college graduates are living with their parents. But your favorite company may be hiring. Apple, which makes a profit of $420,000 per employee, can pay you about $12per hour. 

10. The American public paid about FOUR TRILLION DOLLARS to bail out the banks.

That's about the same amount of money made by America's richest 10% in one year. But we all paid for the bailout. And because of it, we lost the opportunity for jobs, mortgage relief, and educational funding. 

Bonus for the super-rich: A QUADRILLION DOLLARS in securities trading nets ZERO sales tax revenue for the U.S.

The world derivatives market is estimated to be worth over a quadrillion dollars (a thousand trillion). At least $200 trillion of that is in the United States. In 2011 the Chicago Mercantile Exchange reported a trading volume of over $1 quadrillion on 3.4 billion annual contracts. 

A quadrillion dollars. A sales tax of ONE-TENTH OF A PENNY on a quadrillion dollars could pay off the deficit. But the total sales tax was ZERO. 

Food for thought as we, the voters, put increasing pressure on our apparently useless members of Congress to take some action to fix what is broken, now that the voters -- not Congress -- have decided who will be president for the next 4 years (with no ability to be re-elected.)  I hope Congress spends more time doing their jobs, and not the jobs of the voters.

YOUR TAXES WILL GO UP IF CONGRESS CONTINUES TO DO NOTHING: My idea on how we can fix Congress AND the economy.

Even Republican economists, such as David Stockman and Bruce Bartlett (Reagan and Bush, Sr.'s economic advisor) maintain that balancing the budget MUST be a mix of increased revenues and spending cuts.  Congress has not done much of anything for the past four years, mostly due to partisan politics, as well as many votes being controlled by SuperPacs and the likes of Grover Norquist, and it doesn't look like much is changing.  Even if Romney had won the election, as conservative economist Stockman says, "the GOP would have splintered."

A quote from an educator's educated blog The Progressive Professor: "Many past Republican leaders are privately shaking their heads, and see an electoral disaster coming, and we are seeing moderate conservative Republican Senators such as Olympia Snowe of Maine, Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, and Richard Lugar of Indiana, all three leaving, with Lugar not by his own choice, bemoaning the turn of events toward unreasonable extremism, and failure to be willing to cross the aisle for support from Democrats."

"Former Senator Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson is another Republican who has condemned present Republican attitudes, and many former George H. W. Bush aides quietly have joined the Reagan former advisers in calling for an end to the extremism of the present Republican Party."

MY SUGGESTION TO FIX THE FISCAL CRISIS: on Nov. 11, 2012, 60 Minutes did a segment on a program in Nevada, which has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.  The program is sponsored by manufacturers, and involves a crash course on robotics and computerized manufacturing, re-training unemployed workers. 

The results?  The very enthusiastic participants in the re-education program landed jobs immediately.  They were thrilled to be getting $12/hour PLUS benefits...and the possiblity of a career path.

This started me thinking....what if motivated unemployed people, as well as high school and wannabe college students were tested for competancy AND ethics, and qualified individuals were offered a crash course in Macroeconomics, governance and ethics.  They could then replace the existing Congress, working at $12/hour WITH benefits.  And, if they were successful at balancing the budget, they would get an immediate raise....in line with the general population and cost of living.

The savings on Congressional lifetime salaries alone (along with lifetime cadillac benefits) would put a good dent in the burden on the taxpayers.  And really....what have we got to lose?  A group of monkeys couldn't do much worse than our shamefully incompetent Congress. 

We Need a SuperPac for "Death with Dignity"

Several months before the election in MA, a poll suggested 80% approval of the proposed "Death with Dignity" proposition. Even Governor Patrick was heard on a radio talk show that, while he opposed the medical marijuana legalization, he thought the "death with dignity" act was "probably a good idea."

Then, a TV media blitz occurred.  Not a SINGLE AD in favor of "death with dignity."  But there was a deluge of ads with scary music, and a scolding, God-like voice warning the viewers of the dangers of dying at home, without a doctor around, drinking a glass of water (on your own volition) with an overdose of Seconal (sleeping medicine, which DOES require a doctor's prescription.)

I felt like I was listening to someone warn me -- SCOLD me -- that the "SUN MIGHT COME UP TOMORROW IF YOU DON'T VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 2."  And I'd say to myself, "and WHAT is so bad about this? WHY would it be so bad to die at home, painlessly, when I feel my time has come? BEFORE bankrupting my family and/or leaving them with the burden of carry for an Alzheimer's parent?  Having to give my home to the State instead of leaving it to my children?  What is so wrong with that????"

On voting day, the numbers were so close, the result -- defeat of the proposition -- wasn't able to be announced until the next day.

Who do you think paid for all those TV ads against the proposition?  Who has that kind of money?  Well...I could guess -- anyone who benefits by keeping the terminally ill and Alzheimer's patients alive:  i.e. those who bankrupt families forcing family homes to be liquidated to pay for nursing homes for Alzheimer's patients, pharmaceuticals, health care facilities, and, sadly, even doctors?

Of course, there is nobody with money to support ads in favor of the proposition.  'Cept maybe the companies that make Seconal.  But then, such pharmaceutical companies make a lot more money out of the recurring revenue from the painkillers and myriad of other drugs designed to stave off Alzheimers, treat cancer, and the anti-depressants overwhelmingly prescribed to those sitting around waiting around -- either lonely or bedridden -- to die of old age.

In MA, the first state to mandate Universal Health Care (a.k.a. "RomneyCare"), the taxpayers and the next generation will shoulder the burden of paying for health care of the growing number of retired, aging Baby Boomers.  For those of us with real estate assets but no income to pay for the rising cost of living, and increasing pressure resulting from losing our driver's licenses, not to mention the cost of owning a car, we might actually appreciate having the "right to choose" our time to go.

Myself...?  I can imagine a TV ad that features a "Secanol Send Off Party." 

I think the opportunity to surround myself with friends and family, and celebrate all I have accomplished in life, and laugh about my lovable eccentricities (not that I have any) -- while I am still alive to laugh and cry with them -- and to hug everyone and say goodbye. 

At the end of this party, everyone could lift their glasses and say a toast to me as I drink a painless, happy glass of Seconal-filled water and watch me drift off to sleep.  This would allow me to plan ahead, and continue to be a responsible citizen and parent.  Plenty of witnesses could be present -- maybe even a family doctor -- to assure officials that it was my choice, and I was not depressed and lonely from the isolation that plagues so many suicides. (Click here to see the 60 Minutes Interview with Dr. Kevorkian, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for standing up for a pain-free "death with Dignity." And talking about how hospitals currently "help" people die AFTER they have milked the cash cow dry.)

Death is part of life, people.  Wake up and rejoice in the opportunity to avoid suffering a terminal illness, or -- worse yet -- avoid saddling your family and society with a brain-dead Alzheimer's victim.

Well, until the next opportunity, I'll be working on some ideas for YouTube Ads [CLICK HERE for a sweet one from Switzerland], perhpas with a Martha Stewart-type showing the joy and fun of a stylish Secanol Send-off Party; of the opportunity to control my death as well as my life; the opportunity to avoid family squabbling and make sure my estate is handled as I want it to be!  And maybe it ISN'T so bad when the sun comes up in the morning?

Feel free to contact me if you'd like to join my "Death with Dignity" SuperPac.  Lord knows, it's certainly a better cause than the $600 Billion+ spent on the recent hate-filled election -- obsessed with issues like the soaring cost of health care, abortion and birth control -- all of which left me feeling a lot more afraid of the insanity of life than the sanity of death with dignity!

SUPERPACS: Use Your Mud-slinging Media Millions to "Bail Out" Hurricane Water and Wind Damage. We Know Who We're Voting for Anyhow.

According to the New York Times [CLICK HERE], Super Pacs and other special interest groups have spent over $200,000,000 on media mud-slinging ads for 2012 political campaigns.  Now that we're down to one week from voting, don't you think these folks could -- and SHOULD -- spend some of this wasted money to help clean up after the Hurricane?

And -- whoever gives the most might actually change some voters' minds.

POST SCRIPT, suggested by Frank Yetter, former VP at Businesswire, now active in non-profit work in S.E. Asia: "I still like Warren Buffett's idea the best: give every sitting member of Congress six months to come up with a solution to national health care (which would provide the same level of support that Congress receives to every American) or declare them all ineligible for re-election.

I'd like to add to their new job descriptions a requirement to find a solution to the Fiscal Cliff looming for January. Then sit back and watch the fur fly inside the Beltway. The political storm would make Sandy seem like a balmy breeze."

 

I Like SCOTT BROWN Better, but I'm Going to Vote for WARREN. Want to know why?

During this election, when he is running against Elizabeth Warren, I have been listening to Scott Brown's political ads.  I was PARTICULARLY impressed with the ad against Insider Trading by members of Congress, in which he concludes, "Politicians should live by the same laws as everyone else." (Click HERE to see this ad.)

When I heard this ad, I was ready to vote for Brown!  Why not? That is something I sincerely believe in, and something he and Warren seem to agree on. "Politicians should live by the same laws as everyone else."  YES! 

I have always admired Scott Brown.  I like that he appears to be an independent thinker, not a party-platform person (as was Bill Weld); he respects women's reproductive rights; he showed a lot of courage writing his book and speaking out about being molested at a summer camp, exposing a pedophile, but without naming names. In doing this, he encouraged others to speak up, which triggered a form of justice.  He has demonstrated a strong sense of confidence as well as a quiet courage.

However, I was heart broken to discover that Scott Brown has signed Grover Norquist's "PLEDGE."  After hearing about it, I couldn't quite believe my ears.  So I did some searching and revisited the 60 Minutes interview both with Norquist (who crows about his ability to throw an election if any GOP members dare to break their pledge to him!) as well as one brave Republican member of Congress, Alan Simpson, who has the courage to speak out against Norquist and his "PLEDGE" (a.k.a. blackmail).  Click HERE to see the 60 MINUTES interview with Norquist, and the outspoken courage of Congressman Simpson to call out Norquist for hijacking the GOP.

Isn't the real issue that our elected members of Congress are supposed to be respresenting their CONSITUTENTS?  Not Grover Norquist, or a small but powerful group of individuals, who use mafia tactics. 

NO elected official should be coerced or threatened by a single individual, or small group of uber-wealthy individuals, into voting and/or making decisions that may or may not impact the future of this country (and the world?) 

If we cannot balance our budget without some (temporary, if necessary) increased taxes for these same uber-weatlhy individuals, many of whom made their wealth on the backs of the questionable profiteering from the sub-prime lending practices, and avoid the drastic cuts in either critical entitlement programs OR the military, we may suffer the same fate as Greece.  

Regarding presidential voting, I am undecided -- teetering between the Democratic incumbant and Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson.

But, until the GOP declares their independence from the strong-arm tactics of Grover Norquist, and makes their #1 priority to FIX WHAT IS BROKEN, and not MAKING [FILL IN A NAME] A ONE TERM PRESIDENT, I cannot support any GOP candidates. 

Last I heard, the voters are supposed to decide who is President of the United States.  And Congress's job is to HELP FIX WHAT IS BROKEN!  Sadly, it is Congress that is broken. However, I doubt that they will fire themselves. 

BUT U.S. Citizens should lobby heavily to have Grover Norquist's pledge made illegal. If necessary, the Attorney General should investigate the legality of this pledge. One must question the legality of this pledge combined with Norquist's threats to throw elections of any GOP Congress person who breaks it. 

Afterall, who are we pledging allegience to when we put our hand over our heart -- Grover Norquist or the United States of America?  Shouldn't we be asking this question of our representatives in Washington?

PS - If Brown was able to rid the GOP of such influences as Norquist, The Koch Brothers, and Karl Rove, I would vote for him to be President of the United States!

I Finally Got Around to Watching the Best Speech of This Election!

I'm not a night person, so I had to look to YouTube to see most of the "big name" speeches from both parties' national conventions.  Each of the candidates' wives certainly knocked it out of the park for their respective husbands.  Nice to see such strong, intelligent women involved, informed, assertive and supporting of their husband's careers as well as their own beliefs about the policies for this country.

But somehow, I never got around to seeing Deval Patrick's, and here I am, a resident of Massachusetts.  My own governor. I heard from a lot of friends from out of state that my own Governor gave a great speech.  

I heard him on the radio today.  96.9 Jim & Margery show have Gov. Patrick on fairly regularly, and he takes in calls from listeners.  I was not a Patrick supporter, but these radio shows, and his courage to take random calls, and thoughtful responses have turned me around.  

So today, his radio performance reminded that I hadn't yet seen his speech at the DNC. I finally just watched it.  I was totally blown away.  What a great speech. If you missed it, too, CLICK HERE to watch and listen.  It's worth it. 

Whatever you think of the candidates, this is just a great speech and a stellar presentation.  Even the negative comments from people who don't like Obama's policies admit that it was a great speech.  

Nice job, Governor Patrick. I am left speechless about your speech. And -- in spite of my grumpiness about the many challenges of living in this state -- with this speech, you gave me a feeling of pride to be living in Massachusetts. 

 

OF NOTE: On a recent Bill Moyers show, factchecker.org's founder, Kathleen Jamieson, declared that Bill Clinton's DNC speech was the most "fact-based." Check it out by clicking HERE.

 

How Did Grover Norquist Kidnap the GOP?

Nobody wants more taxes. But I think we also agree that something needs to be done to balance the budget, and it isn't as simple as cutting Entitlement Programs.  One lay-off, factory closing or corporate cut back can result in disaster and even homelessness for once middleclass, hard-working individuals and their families, should unemployment or Medicaid be cut.  For over 50 years, Social Security has alleviated the pressure on the elderly and their families.  Welfare is a sticky but sometimes necessary wicket, and the exorbitant and rapidly rising cost of health care can mean bankruptcy for many families (especially since Kevorkian's fate continues to deny the terminally ill the right to choose "death with dignity" over bankruptcy.)  

Macro Econmics has become so complex.  The disaster of the international economic collapse, and the impact of ignorant banking practices exposed during GW Bush's presidency, has challenged even the most fiscally conservative professional economists to emphatically state that "the fix" must involve a mix of cut backs with increased taxation, if only of the "very wealthy" -- if only temporarily.  (Click HERE to view an interview with Pres. Reagan's financial policy adviser, Republican economist and author, Bruce Bartlett. Even Harball's host, Chris Matthews, admires Bartlett for his clear grasp of U.S. economic history.)

So how did Grover Norquist manage to kidnap the GOP by forcing all its political members to sign the pledge banning ANY increase in taxes..."Even if  your country goes to hell." (said about Norquist in disgust by Republican Senator Alan Simpson, who also calls Norquist "ludicrous and deceptive.")  I'm just curious.  It does not seem right that our country's Congress is so controlled by one man, Grover Norquist along with the Koch Brothers.  None of these people were elected, but those Republicans who are elected, are forced to sign this "pledge" -- not to the U.S.A. -- but to Grover Norquist.  Click HERE to see a summary from "60 Minutes" of Grover Norquist and his mandatory pledge, required of all those running as a Republican.  I will guarantee you, it is pretty shocking to see this man gloating about his ability to "throw" elections, and admit that he is dedicated to rolling back our country's economy to "the turn of the Century" -- not the recent one, the 1900's.  Back before women had the vote, before unemployment insurance, before Social Security, and before the Great Depression.

If we are going to roll back our economy to pre-1900, perhaps we should start with cutting Congressional salaries and benefits. Perhaps then, congress people such as Orrin Hatch and former Sen. Sharron Angle, will stop referring to those who find themselves suddenly unemployed as "spoiled" or comparing the unemployed to "stray animals." (CLICK HERE -- do these people seem "spoiled" or like "stray animals?" Kudos to Joe Carbone for being part of the solution, and not part of the problem.)

If Only the Koch Brothers were the Koch SISTERS: Catholic, Jewish or UU, Female Leadership Oppose the "War on Women"

If the Koch Brothers were female, perhaps the GOP would be as enthusiastic about providing birth control for all women as they are about cutting taxes and repealing Roe v. Wade.  In fact, I suggest fiscal conservatives push through a bill making Birth Control mandatory as well as free for anyone applying for food stamps, welfare, Medicaid, or any of the existing entitlement programs that they are hoping to repeal should Romney get elected. 

I maintain that "the Koch Sisters" would move swiftly to sanction male political candidates, such as Todd Akin, who don't even have a basic understanding of science and reproductive biology, let alone reproductive rights.

It strikes me -- and even some Catholic nuns -- as strange and even cruel that the same politicians who oppose birth control (which helps avoid the contentious issue of abortion, which they also oppose), also oppose all programs the programs that help feed, house and care for unwanted babies and children.  Such programs are rife with problems, fraud and abuse. Stories include foster home scandals, welfare fraud, including reports of welfare recipients having more babies just to collect welfare and/or foster care payments,  and food stamp fraud, including food stamps re-sold and/or used for illegal activities. Again, an obvious first step towards correcting these problems is birth control -- free and even mandatory for all participants in such programs.

Anyone truly dedicated to minimizing taxes should agree that minimizing the number of unwanted pregnancies and births is an obvious first step towards cutting the overhead of such "entitlement programs," originally designed to help those who are attempting to raise children while living in poverty. And anyone who gives lip service to loving children should not wish to see one born into poverty.  Unwanted pregnancies frequently force women to choose between unwanted marriages and poverty. Frequently, such women get both.  And domestic violence often follows. Many mothers stay in such marriages due to financial concerns.

Even if one opposes ObamaCare or the growing expense to the taxpayers of entitlement programs, young couples (some who already have children) are struggling to make ends meet in the current economic crisis. With mortgages difficult to get, rents and food at an all time high, and fuel on the rise, young married women must -- at LEAST -- have the choice of controlling pregnancies with female birth control.

 

Meanwhile, all women should fight to retain their rights to control their own health and the fate of their bodies. And male politicians should NOT have any say in laws that impact women's health, especially when it comes to reproduction.  Especially if the men include those who are so ignorant of biology as is Akin, and men who are making decisions based solely on their religious beliefs.  After all, freedom of religion is (allegedly) one of the cornerstones of our constitution, and of this country.  Many religions believe in a woman's rights to control pregnancies. Married or unmarried, no woman should be denied access to birth control.  And men should not be involved in making ANY decisions regarding Roe v. Wade. 

Let the women duke it out on that issue. 

Even Catholic Nuns are starting to question the male dominated world of their Church (80% of U.S. Nuns support speaking out) as well as on social issues, especially when it comes to decisions that impact women, including birth control.  Afterall, it was a male Catholic leader who made the decision to opt out of social security when the program was first started. The Catholic Church's once wealthy coffers, which could have helped support aging nuns, have been eroded by the many settlements resulting lawsuits because they knowingly allowed pedophile priests to molest children. 

But many of U.S. nuns are increasingly questioning the contradiction, even the hypocrisy of Church decisions (made by male Church members) regarding birth control and those living in poverty.   Many priests who are guilty of molesting children have been protected by the Church, while those who favor birth control and have been ex-communicated.  Many Catholic nuns are speaking out in favor of ObamaCare, because of their faith-based dedication to their work with the poor.

Click HERE for an excellent summary of all the issues.  "Some Catholic nuns have opposed the bishops by supporting Obama's healthcare reform law and contraceptive mandate. We speak to Sister Simone Campbell, head of the Catholic social justice group NETWORK, which was harshly criticized in the Vatican report."

Whether it is within a religious community or among the elected officials of Congress, women need to make the decisions that impact only women.  Women cannot presume, nor should they, that male politicians will watch out for their best interests.  After all, as with the Priest Scandal, our elected officals haven't done such a great job watching out for anyone's interests except their own. 

To paraphrase a retired Congressman, does life really begin at conception and end at birth?  And another quip I read on Facebook, "Not every sperm deserves a name."

IMHO, the Koch Brothers need some female consultants since there aren't (yet) any Koch Sisters.  I suggest Sister (and lawyer) Simone Campbell.

The ObamaCare Ruling: A Good Start, But Tort Reform and Kevorkian's "Death with Dignity" Option Essential

Kudos to the Supreme Court on ObamaCare approval...with reservations.  What are my reservations?

Why not approve Jack Kevorkian's "Death with Dignity" option?  This would return individual rights to those who are suffering with terminal diseases. Many people might choose the right to die option as opposed to prolonged suffering (and costs), rather than allowing health care providers to go to extreme measures to keep them alive, no matter what the cost OR the prolongued suffering. Click HERE to see Kevorkian's machine that allows an individual to choose the right to die painlessly.

Approving Kevorkian's proposed alternative to prolongued suffering might have a dramatic impact on cost containment of health care.  To quote Kevorkian, "this country has lost all common sense." 

Death is part of life. Individuals with terminal diseases who wish to have the option to choose death with dignity and minimal suffering should have the right to make this choice.

The medical industry has increasingly moved from dedicated doctors into big business, run by business people and lawyers, not doctors. Additionally, without tort reform that prevent lawyers and surviving relatives motivated to use litigation as a windfall profit plan, health care providers are arguably forced to go to expensive "extreme measures" for those who might not want it.  This also drives up the cost of health care. Afterall, as Kevorkian said, death IS part of life. I accept that.  We all must accept it.  But Kevorkian believed that suffering could and should be minimized if the individual so chooses.  Why should someone who dreads the very thought of Alzheimer's be forced to be kept alive once diagnosed? Nor should doctors be held liable for litigation by surviving family members. And realistic caps on medical litigation awards should certainly be instituted ASAP. 

Click HERE to see a summary of how ObamaCare will be paid for.  Someone appears to have put a lot of thought into attempted fiscal responsibility.  But if we don't add tort reform and allow for the individual choice of death with dignity as part of cost containment, I predict that this commendable attempt to address the growing heath care crisis will become too expensive. Palin, Gingrich and others might attempt to taint ObamaCare with threats of "death panels" for cost containment. But if Kevorkian's proposal was legalized, it would return to the individual the right to choose one's own fate above any government operated health care mandates.

I don't want Newt Gingrich's religious beliefs deciding my fate any more than he wants a government panel deciding his fate.

 

JPL and Panavision Partner with Alacron and FastVision for New Semiconductor Inspection Camera

The most mind-altering movie I've ever seen is "The Hubble 3-D."  To my knowledge it is only available for viewing (thus far) at the Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC.  Produced by Warner Brothers and NASA, the IMAX movie does indeed "change our view of the universe," as the movie trailer says.  The JPL, (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) logo is highly visible on the replacement "guts" to the Hubble Telescope, as the movie viewers join the astronauts in outer space to witness this amazing accomplishment. The results, shown in this movie, are unprecedented views, data and knowledge of the vastness and mystery that surpasses time and space.

From what I understand about JPL, I would not be surprised if their logo is on just about everything the U.S. has launched into space. 

So I was excited to discover that JPL, along with Panavision Imaging had partnered with entrepreneur and small business owner, Dr. Joseph Sgro to produce some game-changing, Machine Vision technology. The initial target will be semiconductor inspection, although it will be valuable for many other applications.  Dr. Sgro is the CEO of Alacron, Inc. and FastVision, LLC.  Sgro's background, unique among machine vision manufacturers, is in advanced mathematics and neurology.

Sgro has been a pioneer in the Machine Vision industry for 25 years. In 1985, he launched a leading Frame Grabber manufacturer, Alacron, Inc. In 2002, he started FastVision, LLC, a revolutionary developer and manufacturer of smart, high speed, digital cameras.

Panavision Imaging is a division of another "movie making" giant entity, Panavision -- whose advanced camera technology is affiliated with many Hollywood productions.

Panavision's Imaging division specializes in sensor technology.  Image sensors are the things that allow cameras to translate images into information that can then trigger responses.  Sensors (along with image gathering cameras) are at the heart of machine vision, now an option on most cars to prevent fender benders.  Image sensors fall into two categories: CMOS and CCD. Until now, the CCD sensors were considered to be newer, faster and better -- and therefore most expensive. (Click HERE to see a comparison of CCD vs. other CMOS sensors.) However, Panavision's Imaging division's Dynamax family of CMOS sensors have demonstrated advantages over both CCD and other CMOS technologies. Their sensor allows ultra-low noise levels (what I might call minimal static in each frame) while operating at high frame rates with wide dynamic range.

The result of the partnership between JPL, Panavision, Alacron and FastVision has been an exceptionally fast camera -- the FC 300 -- and a back side imager.  The back side imager utilizes JPL's patented delta doping process.  To the uninitiated, delta doping sounds a bit like something that gets athletes in trouble. Instead, this technology plays a vital role in the semiconductor industry.  From the "Semiconductor Glossary," delta doping is defined as: "formation of the doped layers which are atomic-layer thick, formed in the course of Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) of multilayer structures such as superlattices."  (If this sounds overly technical to my readers, semiconductor manufacturing is a highly specialized field with its own jargon.)

Enabling semiconductor manufacturers to better inspect their delicate product with microscopic parts has long been a primary goal of the machine vision industry. (Click HERE to read a relevant 2009 article in VSD Magazine.)

The techno-speak is a bit over my head.  But the semiconductor industry, which began around 1960, has grown to over $350 billion in 2010.  And I DO understand the business opportunities in a competitive, $350 billion, worldwide business! Net-net: the FC 300 is an extremely valuable improvement on existing technology for manufacturers in this industry.  It will allow for better, faster and less expensive inspection of semiconductors, enabling much better detection of abnormalities in their atom-thin layers. 

The FC 300 offers options that include back thinned versions with high QE (or "quantum efficiency") in the visible and NIR (or near infrared) range. It can be ruggedized, too.  This is useful, for example, for military use. Historically, frame grabbers were the predominant way to interface cameras to PC's.  When integrated with a high powered frame grabber/coprocessor board, the resulting system capabilities can be expanded by adding processors and memory to the board according to the application's demands.

All this means that the FC 300, along with the patented back side imager, offers an improvement to existing technology in the fields of medicine, military and manufacturing, especially in the demanding production of quality semiconductors. In the field of medicine, the DUV capabilities might be used in early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's. It may prove useful in outer space exploration. Maybe someday, we'll see Alacron or FastVision's logos in an IMAX movie at the Air & Space Museum? Whether or not their logos make it into outer space or a feature-length movie, it is exciting to know that small businesses can still accomplish great things, earning the respect of and cooperation with such entities as JPL and Panavision.

FCC To Fight Back Against an Irresponsible Supreme Court Who Has Sold our Elections to the Highest Bidders

The recent ruling by the Supreme Court, our alleged "experts" on Consitutional Law, essentially sold elections to Big Business, and the very rich, including the billionaire criminals on Wall Street. These include those responsible for the Economic Meltdown, prompting President G.W. Bush to use taxpayer money to bail out Global and National financial institutions who otherwise would have collapsed, as did Lehman Brothers. 

In their decision regarding "Citizen's United," The Supreme Court opened the flood gates for big money to buy the media when it comes to political elections.  In case there were any doubts about the results of this decision, the dramatic results were certainly illustrated in almost ALL of the GOP Primaries.

I'd like to think Romney would have won these primaries anyhow, as -- IMHO -- he was the best of a sorry lot, with the possible exception of Ron Paul.  But most political analysts noted that Romney's Super Pac "fear ads" trumped and squashed his opponents in most of the swing states.

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has brilliantly responded with a proposal requiring the media to post the cost of any political ads, so voters can actually SEE how much their votes cost...how vulnerable the public is to political ads that skew and twist the facts -- sometimes outright lying -- to get the desired candidates elected. It may upset the media.  BUT, as we have seen with the recent scandal over the power and abuse of Rupert Murdock's media empire, since the Supreme Court won't protect the individual voters from being manipulated by the media, perhaps the FCC offers the only solution. 

Here's an excerpt from Amicus Curiae, The blog for Professor Corcos' classes at LSU Law Center:

"FCC Promoting Proposal to Require Local Television Stations to Post Information about Political Advertising on Website

April 12, 2012

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is actively promoting a proposal that would require local television stations to post information about political advertising on an FCC central website. Local television stations are currently required to maintain public files at their offices for inspection by members of the public. The files normally include information about programming, staffing, and spending on political advertisements.

The problem is that few people know about the filing requirement and therefore very few people access the files.

The FCC proposal seeks to provide broader access to the public by requiring the television stations to upload the files to an FCC-operated website. Critics assert that the change would be an unnecessary financial burden for local stations and does not clearly benefit the public.

However, advocates for the proposal claim that the requirement will make it easier to access public information and provides greater transparency about the political advertisements during political campaigns. In addition, the FCC notes that initial uploading of the files will cost less than $1,000 for most television stations and will save television stations money in the long run by avoiding printing and storage costs. The FCC is expected to vote on the proposal at an April 27 meeting and it seems likely that the measure will pass."

**

I sure hope it does pass!  It won't cost the taxpayes a penny.  And I think that the Media can survive making public the cost of political ads, while keeping a separate pay scale for their "cash cow" of commercial ads.  In fact, since the Supreme Court has essentially sold elections to the highest bidder, the Media could play a vital role in keeping the individual voters informed about just how much control the Super Pacs have over our sources of information.  As such, THE MEDIA SHOULD BE PROUD to be part of doing their part to return the United States to being a government of elected officials "of the people, by the people and for the people."

To quote one editorial from the Register-Guard on the shocking rulings by the Supreme Court:

"...both Republican and Democratic political strategists are using super-PACs to circumvent a federal campaign finance system that was intended to limit individual contributions and require full disclosure....Two U.S. Supreme Court decisions paved the way for super PACs. The first, Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission, overturned a long-standing ban on corporate and union treasury funds being used in politics. The second, SpeechNow.org vs. Federal Election Commission, ruled that limiting donations to political committees was unconstitutional.

Super PACs pose many problems, but none is greater than their potential for magnifying the influence or power of an individual or a group of individuals and thereby diminishing the influence of ordinary Americans."

**

To quote a courageous TV political commentator, Edward R. Murrow, who had the courage to speak out against the horrors perpetrated by the then-powerful Senator Joseph McCarthy, "Good Night and Good Luck."  Let's hope the morning comes soon, along with the luck.  And possibly some elections that cater to informed individuals, and not the negative/twisted/un-truthful/fear-based/hidden agenda media campaigns I see coming from the Super Pacs.

 

 

Lehman Brothers Scandal on 60 Minutes: Brooksley Born tried to warn us. Elizabeth Warren picks up after Eliot Spitzer dropped the ball?

Please click HERE to see a shocking analysis of the collapse of Lehman Brothers by "60 MINUTES", and lack of prosecution of those who knew exactly what they were doing.  The alarmed, loyal and responsible employee of 14 years -- Mathew Lee -- who tried to alert Sr. Management at Lehman Brothers was "terminated."

While I do like Scott Brown, and admire some of his independent actions, his opponent in the upcoming Massachusetts race for Senate, Elizabeth Warren, is running on platform, with a proven history, of knowing what went down on Wall Street and a desire to prosecute those who were responsible.  Hopefully this will happen SOON and will include Lehman's auditors, Ernst & Young, as well as the so-called Federal regulators who were working IN-HOUSE at Lehman Brothers, and were aware of the abuse of the practice called "REPO 105."

From Wikipedia: "Repo 105 was used by investment bank Lehman Brothers three times according to a March 2010 report by the bankruptcy court examiner. The report stated that Lehman's auditors, Ernst & Young, were aware of this questionable classification.^[1] Law firm Linklaters has received unfavorable press treatment in relation to their issuance of an English law opinion which characterised the arrangements as a true sale as opposed to a transfer by Lehman with a charge back in favour of the transferor.^[2]

Examiner’s Report

The report published on March 11, 2010, was titled "Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. Chapter 11 Proceedings". The Examiner in this matter was Anton R. Valukas, Chairman of Jenner & Block. The report details the use of both "repo 105" and "repo 108" which are basically identical procedures, the first costing 5% and the second 8% of the assets exchanged. In other words, assets valued at 100 will produce 95 in cash, assets valued at 100 will produce 92 in cash respectively.

After the Examiner’s report was published, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) sent letters to chief financial officers of nearly two dozen large financial and insurance companies asking about their firms' use of repurchase agreements, including the number and amount of such agreements that qualify for sales accounting, and detailed analysis of why such transactions can be treated as sales. SEC chairman, Mary Schapiro, indicated that the agency was trying to determine whether other companies used similar techniques as the "repo 105" used by Lehman Brothers.^[3]

[edit] Fraud charges

In response to the report, the auditors said that the transactions were accounted for in line with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. However, New York attorney general Andrew Cuomo filed charges against Ernst & Young in December 2010, alleging that the firm "substantially assisted... a massive accounting fraud" by approving the accounting treatment.^[4] The Wall Street Journal drew attention to the increasing levels of fees that Ernst & Young had been paid by Lehmans from 2001 to 2008.^[5]"

**

I haven't yet heard of anyone being prosecuted and/or going to jail from these charges.  

Perhaps of interest: It was Sept. 13, 2008, when the U.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers saw that its shares shed three-quarters of their value, and announced a record $3.9 billion loss and a restructuring plan.

President at the time was George W. Bush.  However, Obama has not fired, or at least INVESTIGATED, Paulson or Geithner, who played suspicious roles in the bailout and possible cover up of Goldman Sachs role in our country's biggest Economic Crisis. Much as I admire Obama, I have wondered if our first black president was given a shot at the Presidency ONLY if he let the scoundrels maintain their positions in the White House.  Hopefully, he -- or someone -- will now get the chance to hold the offending parties accountable.

This is not a partisan issue.  This is an inssue that should concern all citizens and, in my opinion, is a lot more relevant to voters than same sex marriage, birth control, where the president was born, or who is a better Christian.  If we throw people in jail for smoking cannibus, or fine kids and their parents for underage drinking, shouldn't the people who KNEW about what sounds like criminal activities that impacted the global economy and the National Debt be held accountable? 

Of course, the taxpayers will have to foot the bill for any such legal actions.  Just as we did for Kenneth Starr and the Lewinsky investigation.  The biggest scandal in that waste of time, IMHO, was that we paid Starr and Co. $70 million to investigate...ummm, a sexual indiscretion (which did not cost the taxpayers any money)? Meanwhile, taxpayer dollars continue to pay for Congress to investigate such things as the abuse of steroids by baseball players? Doesn't Congress have more important things to do than to investigate baseball and blow jobs (as long as taxpayer dollars aren't involved)?  Like maybe investigating some of those involved in contributing to the biggest economic crisis in our country's history? 

OBL's stated goal was to bring down the Western economy.  He was stupid. We appear to be quite capable of doing it ourselves. 

 

 

A Shout Out to Airline Pilots, Police, Soldiers, etc: WHAT ABOUT PREVENTATIVE MENTAL HEALTH CARE -- MANDATORY NEUROFEEDBACK

In this economy and job market, what person in their right mind is going to go to his or her boss and say, "I'm so agitated, I feel like I might go postal!"???

Recent news items have provoked citizens and the media to ask, "Why don't we screen pilots, soldiers, police and hired security guards for mental health?  Why didn't we know in advance that the soldier who gunned down the 16 civilians in Afghanistan had PTSD?  Why didn't we know that the Jet Blue pilot had mental health issues?"

Maybe these guys were very agitated, but didn't want to lose their jobs.  For certain jobs, there is still a stigma attached to seeking help with our mental health.  And most stress is dealt with via medication, which might leave someone too drowsy to do their job.  Other mental health treatments are seen as red flags, used to prevent people from assuming certain jobs.

If anyone remembers Thomas Eagleton, he was forced to step down as the vice presidential candidate in the 1972 Presidential Elections -- solely because he had been treated by a psychiatrist for depression.

Recently, I have witnessed the results of neurofeedback.  CLICK HERE to WATCH THIS VIDEO about neurofeedback.  Most of the "customer testimonials" are from soldiers and military pilots, who have found neurofeedback more than helpful in treating PTSD, ADHD, ADD, anxiety, and anger management. 

While nothing in life is guaranteed, I would strongly recommend that all people in stressful jobs where public safety is at stake, get regular neurofeedback sessions.  Don't wait until something bad happpens. Use it as a preventative measure. 

HOW DOES IT WORK?  Neurofeedback -- or "brain coaching" -- allows the individual to see, and change, how his brain is functioning.  Current software programs provide real-time graphs of one's different brain waves: High Beta, Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta and Gamma. [CLICK HERE.]  If one's brain is not agitated, the waves will fall in a certain order.  If one's brain is agitated, neurofeedback actually provokes and/or encourages the individual to "retrain" his or her brain.  The result is not unlike meditation or Yoga.  However, anyone who is in a stressful job, and is close to snapping, may not have the time, or be able to seek or learn meditation.

Rather than tackling this problem AFTER a crisis has occurred, why not offer -- or insist --on regular neurofeedback sessions for those people who are in high stress jobs?  Unlike medication or talk therapy, benign and passive neurofeedback allows the individual to maintain privacy, and could possibly prevent someone from going postal.   

Click HERE to read or listen to an NPR interview with psychologist Jerome Kagan.  Here is an excerpt: "Kagan also explained how psychology and psychiatry need to incorporate more neuroscience. “Every physician will order an x-ray, a blood and a urine test to make sure that the diagnosis is accurate. Contemporary psychiatry isn’t doing that,” he said."

THE OBAMACARE DEBATE for BLONDES: A 3 minute summary

This was a pretty good, animated explanation [CLICK HERE.]  It points out the similarity of Obamacare to mandatory auto insurance ('cept that poor people still have to pay auto insurance.)

Which is why I purchased my 50 cc scooter -- to avoid paying all the money, from auto insurance to an operator's permit -- only to have the Massachusetts law change two years later.  Now I am required to pay for: liability insurance, operator's permit, town fees for a "vehicle," annual registration fees, and inspection fees.  Had I known when I purchased my scooter, I would have purchased one that can go fast enough to travel on the highways. 

So I understand why people are agitated at the thought of more mandatory fees.  However, I think could accept mandatory health care coverage better than I accept having to pay fees so that I can drive a 50cc one seater scooter around my hometown of Arlington, MA.  But someone's gotta pay for our highways, right? 

BIRTH CONTROL REQUIRED TO TREAT ADOLESCENT ENDOMETRIOSIS: Post Script on Rush Limbaugh's "SLUT" Remarks

I happened across this story regarding a young teenager's struggles with Endometriosis.  [CLICK HERE for the FULL STORY.]  In addition to surgery, birth control pills will be required until which time she wishes to have children.

After her first period at age 13, this young woman began suffering from excruciating abdominal pains. The pain was so severe, she missed a total of 3 months of school, and was forced to drop out of all her scholastic sports.  After $16,000 of out of pocket medical expenses in less than two years, the young woman was finally (correctly) diagnosed with adolescent endometriosis. After undergoing surgery to alleviate the condition, she is now required to remain on hormone pills (i.e. birth control pills) until she wants to have children.  In the meantime, she will continue to suffer some abdominal pain, but not to the poing that she is crippled, sidelined her from life.  

Excerpt from the story:   "Now, Emily takes hormone pills that prevent her from getting her period until she wants to have a baby. To control her pain flare-ups, Emily continues to do physical therapy, and visits the Children’s Hospital pain clinic three times a week. Her regimen also includes Reiki, a technique for stress reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and acupressure. “I think all of this does help, because it relaxes her body, and allows her to better deal with the pain,” her mother says. “But it’s a brutal disease.”

One comment from a reader about this story (presumably a doctor who, understandably, reacted somewhat defensively to another reader's criticism of the many doctors who were unable to diagnose the cause of Emily's problems):

"Please note that one of the doctors suggested birth control pills. And what are birth control pills recommended for? Endometriosis! And now? She takes 'hormone pills' that suppress menstruation. In other words... birth control pills.

The fact is that this poor girl came down with endo at the earliest possible age. It shouldn't be surprising that doctors didn't have this condition at the top of their list.

And this: "And because it falls under the rubric of “women’s troubles” — even worse, teenage-girl troubles — it can take patients and their families years to get the right doctor to pay attention."

**

Apparently -- and fortunately -- this young woman's parents were able to afford the $16 K spent diagnosing the problem.  No readers of this story have, as yet, commented on the possible need for health care coverage for the birth control pills that will be required for years to come.  Perhaps Rush Limbaugh would like to invite her to be a guest on his talk show.  And perhaps he might apologize to her, as well as Sandra Fluke.  And all women who require birth control.  If there is one thing that should be supported by both Republicans and Democrats it is the need to make female birth control available to all those who need and/or want it.  Perhaps the cost can be covered by requiring men to pay for their Viagra out of pocket. Clike HERE for a significant news summary of the Limbaugh/Fluke incident.  I was disappointed that Romney would say only "those are not the words I would have used."  I agree with the remark that Romney's reaction was "not exactly Profiles in Courage."

I do hope more Republicans, along with anyone else who may oppose abortion, have the courage to endorse the need for female birth control to be covered by any and all health care providers.  

Newt Gingrich Blames Obama for....A Remark by Robert DeNiro?

Let me get this straight.  Robert DeNiro, a Hollywood actor, makes a quip at a fund raiser event.  Obama is not present when the quip was made, but Newt Gingrich "blames" Obama?  Hmmm. Newt sounds like a desperate man grasping for straws.

Excerpt from Web site summary: "Cue outrage. On Tuesday, Newt Gingrich spoke at a Shreveport, La.campaign event and said that President Obama -- who was not in attendance when DeNiro made his oh-so-witty crack -- is responsible for the bad joke.

"If people on the left want to talk about talk show hosts, then everybody in the country should hold the president accountable when someone at his event says something that is utterly and terribly unacceptable as what Robert DeNiro said," Gingrich says."

**

I guess Obama is responsible for David Letterman's quip about Joe Biden when the first Lady made an appearance on a recent show. In fact, I think I may have made a quip about Newt Gingrich the other day. I wondered how he was able to have his marriage (with children) annulled.  Perhaps Obama is responsible for my quip, too?  Afterall, Obama was President when I made the quip. Isn't he responsible?

FISCAL CONSERVATIVES SHOULD FAVOR FREE BIRTH CONTROL for WOMEN; Moral conservatives should reconsider that birth control may really be pro-life.

While driving, I happened to hear an interview with a book author about the dramatic increase of per capital health care costs.  A special commission appointed to look at skyrocketing medical costs in Massachusetts alone, has estimated that percapita health care spending in the state will rise from around $10,000 in 2010 to almost $18,000 by 2020! The author cited estimates that 1/3 of health care coverage is due to needless and/or superfluous procedures.

These figures came on the heels of the great debate about birth control coverage for women.  Increasingly disturbed about the growing sentiment against female birth control coverage, along with the increasing sentiment against food stamps, welfare, and other "entitlement programs, I thought about the cost of pregnancy and giving birth. 

Surely the cost of giving birth is a lot more than any birth control? So I did some research.

Turns out the AVERAGE cost of giving birth in the U.S. (in 2009) is about $7,600. (Click HERE for the source.)  In cities, where the population is obviously more dense, the cost is much higher. In 2003, another source reported that U.S. hospitals charged an average of * $15,519 for a c-section. OF NOTE: in 1997, when I first joined Progress Software Corporation -- before the "pre-existing condition clause" enforced by Mass. health insurance policies was ruled illegal -- I personally spoke to a married woman who was pregnant when she switched jobs.  She said she had to pay $15,000 out of pocket when she gave birth. 

So, compared to the cost of birth control, not to mention the rising costs of child care and lack of the ability to guarantee child support for single mothers, this is kind of a no-brainer. 

Isn't it? 

Click HERE to see some intelligent and renowned women comment on trusting men to practice responsible birth control.

WHO DECIDED TO BAIL OUT WALL STREET? Political movie to air March 15th.

I noticed this post on Facebook: CLICK HERE.  During this pre-election period it is good to revisit the history of the controversial bail out Wall Street and related large investment agencies, who made the decision and why.  Also, it is good to revisit who initiated the two decade-long wars, as well as the current administration's role in these wars.  This movie will air on March 15th and will also touch on other key issues. 

Love him or hate him, Obama's election followed that of George Bush, II, an election that was decided by one controversial state election.  That of Florida, governed by Bush's brother.  Food for thought?

NATURAL GAS vs. OIL HEAT: Cautious Warning, Especially if post-Nuclear Japan switches to Gas

Between the rising cost of heating oil and the news reports on a "glut" of natural gas and dramatically lowered prices, I just made an appointment to get an estimate to switch from Oil Heat to Natural Gas. I made an inquiry of friends on Facebook, and got the following warning about Natural Gas. The most important and unpredicted factor is Japan switching to Natural Gas after the recent, post-tsunami Nuclear disaster. (Click HERE for the recent NYT report confirming this!)

"Hi, Candace. Thanks for getting in touch. The big problem with natural gas is that the low pricing you see today is unlikely to last. The glut is exaggerated. The Department of Energy recently announced that proven gas reserves had been overestimated by 66%. At the same time, producers like Cheniere are developing export capabilities to ship to places like Japan, which has sworn off nuke power and turned to natural gas. If a world market develops, we'll be exposed to pricing that is now five times higher than what we see. ($16 per million BTUs in Asia vs. less than $4 in U.S. now). The Oilheat guys don't say much, but they are switching to a much cleaner fuel (ultra low sulfur) that they blend with biodiesel, much of which is repurposed waste cooking oil - true conservation of resources. Oil burners are very flexible. They do just as well with biofuel blends as with heating oil, so there is a path forward with diminishing fossil fuels that natural gas does not have. Oilheat has been cheaper than gas almost every year before fracking began, and the EPA might impose tougher standards on frackers. The price equation could turn very quickly. Does that help?"

***

Many thanks to this thoughtful warning. 

The GOP must embrace Birth Control in order to become a viable party

As a single mother who raised two very young children with no child support (after a 15 year marriage), I am stunned that the GOP is actually protesting Obama's insistence that Health Insurance programs provide birth control for all who want it.  Tax payers don't have to pay the premiums.  Arguably small businesses should not pay the small additional cost.  Possibly the profitable Insurance Industry should be required to absorb the costs (since Viagra is covered, it seems only fair.  I doubt that The Bible says Viagra is "God's Will.")

This editorial was in the New York Times recently [CLICK HERE].

Here is an excerpt from the exceptionally well-witten editorial:

"...a ray of hope: A group of evangelical Christians, led by Richard Cizik of The New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good, is drafting a broad statement of support for family planning. It emphasizes that family planning reduces abortion and lives lost in childbirth.

“Family planning is morally laudable in Christian terms because of its contribution to family well-being, women’s health, and the prevention of abortion,” the draft says.

Amen! Contraceptives no more cause sex than umbrellas cause rain.

So as we greet the seven-billionth human, let’s try to delay the arrival of the eight billionth. We should all be able to agree on voluntary family planning as a cost-effective strategy to reduce poverty, conflict and environmental damage. If you think family planning is expensive, you haven’t priced babies."

**

All voters should read this editorial....AND perhaps any Catholics opposed to Birth Control should study the history of their Church, and the behavior of trusted Church Leaders as well as reading Angela's Ashes and/or studying the history of Southern Ireland. In certain circumstances, unplanned preganancies condemn the children to horrible fates, their families to poverty, and the society into which they are born a serious price -- if not welfare and food stamps, then the increased overhead for hospitals, police, prisons, social workers, and prisons. Surely Birth Control is the best alternative.

 

RUSH LIMBAUGH's APOLOGY? He should be fired.

Sorry, but Rush has to go.  Since he said an acceptable compensation for "paying" for Birth Control would be watching porn of the college coed having sex, I suggest the authorities might check his on-line activities.  What about all those underage girls who take birth control for extreme menstral pain (CLICK HERE for doctor's report.)  Parents of such girls have to foot the bill for their daughters if insurance doesn't cover it.

I've seen way too many talk show people fired for much less egregious comments than those by Rush Limbaugh.  And there are too many intelligent, less misogynistic people who could and should replace him.  If he was really sorry, he wouldn't have gloated about it for days afterwards.  Why the alleged change of heart?  There is a petition circulating requesting all those who advertise on his show to pull their ad.  Sanctions are needed.  If Limbaugh didn't have a job, he might learn what it is like to not afford the medication needed to prevent unwanted pregnancies (married or otherwise) and/or to prevent other health threatening conditions. Not to mention the costs to the taxpayer in the current economy (and judicial system) for unwanted babies.

Is he sincere with his apology?  If he wants to keep his job, perhaps Limbaugh should be required to care for a few drug addicted babies? Or, at least, pay for their care?  Maybe then he'd get a much needed education about how to a more responsible media spokesperson and citizen.  Just this morning, I saw some (male) college students commenting on the rising price of gas, and how they can barely get by as it is.  I doubt that Limbaugh will make nasty comments about these young men, and the need to put a lid on price-gouging by gas stations.

Ultimately, LImbaugh may have provided the Democrats with better PR than any SuperPac.  He has just drawn attention to the fact that the GOP candidates are opposing making birth control available for those who cannot afford it.

(Click HERE to view excellent documentary on babies of female drug addicts. After viewing, ask yourself if you might prefer subsidizing birth control for drug addicts vs. pay the price for the care of their babies. Note mention of Barbara Harris's program to pay drug addicts to get sterilized.  Ms. Harris herself has adopted many crack babies already, so it's not for lack of love for these unwanted kids.)

Wonder what Husbands Would Say if their Wives used an "Apirin Between Their Knees" as Birth Control

WHAT PERCENTAGE of women using birth control are married or want to be married?  If more than 50% of women using birth control are married, would their husband's prefer that they use an "aspirin between their knees?"  SOMEONE SHOULD REALLY DO A SURVEY OF MARRIED MEN!!!  Why does everyone (including Rush Limbaugh) presume that birth control is only for promiscuous women who are not married? 

I think everyone agrees the highest priority of government (on all levels) should be the economy.  The problem with ANYONE who is anti-birth control, in ANY way, shape or form, they are not realistic about the economy (or about sex). Because unwanted pregnancies drive up the costs for the taxpayer -- whether it be via welfare, food stamps, family counseling, social workers, or -- if we just let unwanted children starve -- you will have higher costs for police, courts and jail. 

Birth control is indeed a realistic and necessary preventative medicine, especially considering the current economy combined with the population explosion.

We all know that any organization and/or government must prioritize their goals.  We, as a country, must put the economy, jobs and balancing the budget first.  Birth control is a critical factor in this equation. So, if Romney is unable to be firmly in favor of a women's right to contraception in all states, that leaves Ron Paul.

But even Ron Paul seems to have some conflicts here, too.  This really isn't about freedom of religion.  (I'm wondering if the "Church" approves of Viagra.  Because insurance covers it.)  I wonder if Ron Paul knows of the mother of 17 children attempting to get DNA testing to determine the father of her latest child?  I might ask the GOP candidates if the best solution to welfare fraud might be to require anyone applying for family welfare use the birth control of their choice. 

If anyone in the GOP wants to unseat Obama, they better work on getting their priorities straight.  And, at the very least, ensure (if not insist) on subsidized birth control for those who cannot afford it.  If morally opposed to it, one might listen to the Pope, who regards it as the lesser of all the "evils." (Click HERE to view an excellent documentary on Crack Babies. Note Barbara Harris's Program paying female drug addicts to opt for sterilzation.  Not saying this is "right," but arguably the lesser of the evils.  Expecting a drug addict to not have unprotected sex, is -- well -- kind of naive.)

A NEW & IMPROVED LARRY SUMMERS? interviewed by EMILY ROONEY on WGBH

I just saw Larry Summers interviewed on WGBH last night.   I have always detested him.  First, for his role as part of the Wall Street elite, knowledgeable of what was happening w/ the derivatives industry and part of the "gang" that silenced Brooksley Born when, in 1993, she attempted to alert Congress to the need to monitor the Derivatives market and the dangers of credit default swaps. 

His behavior towards Born (in front of Congress) was bullying and misogynistic...followed by similar behavior as short-lived president of Harvard. 

BUT...the Larry Summers I saw interviewed last night appeared to be a new and relatively humbled man.  He fell short of admitting to making a huge mistake by opposing regulations of the derivatives industry, probably afraid of prosecution, arguably something that should worry all those who knew about the threat and did nothing. BUT, he appears to be very much in support of Elizabeth Warren.  Because as he now says about Warren (not unlike Brooksley Born), Warren is extremely aware of the need to regulate Wall Street to protect the middle class.   

I'm not taking sides about Warren vs. Brown here.  I admire them both. I'm just pointing out two important things:

1) the fact that it appears that even the most arrogant of our leaders can, in fact, grow and change.  At least Summers appears to be willing to accept that, in hindsight, some of his decisions were just plain WRONG and to endorse those who are correct in their assessment of the fall out of Wall Street's willingness to sacrifice the country's future for short term greed.

2) Meanwhile, it is OUR responsibility, as voters, to educate ourselves about all the issues, and vote accordingly.  Because we have trusted people like Greenspan, Summers, Robert Rubin, and Ben Bernanke (all White House appointees under administrations prior to Obama, who has maintained some of these appointments), as voters we must learn that we must NOT stay ignorant, leaving important decisions up to those who allegedly "know better."  We cannot just trust those running for office to "know what's best" for us, espcially when it is based on irrelevant ideology.

Such as who claims to be the "best Christian," or anyone who puts religious ideology ahead of the pressing needs to address the complexities of the Global Financial crisis....i.e. Luke 20: 25 and Mark 12:17: "render until Ceasar what is Ceasar's."  (But, to quote a comment from a Facebook friend "Just because Caesar asks for it doesn't make it right.")

Below is an excerpt from the Wikipedia entry on Brooksley Born and her attempt to alert Congress and others to the possible pending financial crisis that could result from credit default swaps within the unregulated derivatives industry:

"CFTC regulation was strenuously opposed by Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan, and by Treasury Secretaries Robert Rubin and Lawrence Summers.^[5] On May 7, 1998, former SEC Chairman Arthur Levitt joined Rubin and Greenspan in objecting to the issuance of the CFTC’s concept release. Their response dismissed Born's analysis and focused on the hypothetical possibility that CFTC regulation of swaps and other OTC derivative instruments could create a "legal uncertainty" regarding such financial instruments, hypothetically reducing the value of the instruments. They argued that the imposition of regulatory costs would "stifle financial innovation" and encourage financial capital to transfer its transactions offshore.^[10] The disagreement between Born and the Executive Office's top economic policy advisors has been described not only as a classic Washington turf war,^[8] but also a war of ideologies,^[11] insofar as it is possible to argue that Born's actions were consistent with Keynesian and neoclassical economics while Greenspan, Rubin, Levitt, and Summers consistently espoused neoliberal, and neoconservative policies."

SUPER PACS: Shame on the Supreme Court

I cannot believe the Supreme Court gave their blessing on the role of Super Pacs in purchasing media to support "their" candidates.   I must apologize post-humously to my late mother, who -- back in the 1990's, at age 85 -- pleaded with me to contact my congress person to plea for campaign finance reform.  Second in her political concerns was the National Debt.  I thought she was making much ado about nothihng.  I'm sorry, Mom.  I should have listened to you.  You were prescient.  You were right.

BIRTH CONTROL vs. FOOD STAMPS: Does Anyone Really Think Starving Babies Is Better than Birth Control?

According to headlines, Earth's population hit an all time high on Oct. 31, 2011.

Meanwhile, in the same 24 hour period of news, President Obama was criticized by several GOP candidates and Speaker Boehner for Obama's approving a bill insisting that employees of faith-based employers have access to birth control through their health insurance, should they so desire.  During this same 24 hour period, I also heard many of these same individuals, most notably Newt Gingrich, expressing outrage at the record numbers now enrolled in the government's Food Stamp program during the current administration. 

Viagra remains covered by most health insurance companies.

Meanwhile, I think both the GOP and the Democrats agree that families involved in schemes to crank out babies in order to participate in welfare fraud is a very bad thing, contributing not only to higher taxes but a lot more babies growing up in less than desirable conditions.  Additionally, several GOP candidates are accusing Romney of being a "small food stamp proponent" vs. Obama, who is the "Big food stamp president," due to the record number of both employed and unemployed families requiring food stamps.  I've heard interviews with many of these people who find themselves on food stamps for the first time.  These interviewees (click HERE for NPR story) noted that the cost of "bare necessities" is at an all time high, and jobs that pay enough to make ends meet are scarce. I am presuming that those criticizing Romney would prefer no food stamp program at all?  Still, I am having trouble getting my head around the fact that these individuals are the same ones who don't think birth control should be available to those who want it.

A recent editorial in the Wall Street Journal by Peggy Noonan said that Obama has just lost the election because the Catholics won't vote for him, now, because the Pope(s) remain opposed to birth control.  An excerpt from the article: "The president signed off on a Health and Human Services ruling that says that under ObamaCare, Catholic institutions—including charities, hospitals and schools—will be required by law, for the first time ever, to provide and pay for insurance coverage that includes contraceptives, abortion-inducing drugs and sterilization procedures....There was no reason to make this ruling—none. Except ideology."

What about food stamps, Ms. Noonan?  Don't we want to reduce the need for food stamps?  Many of those who are employed by Church-run organizations are not Catholic and/or may be women who do not want to have a baby everytime they have sex, whether they are married to their partners or not.  Many of these employees are already making marginal salaries, and the cost of caring for a child (especially if one works) is exorbitant.  As Ms. Noonan points out: "I invite you to imagine the moment we are living in without the church's charities, hospitals and schools. And if you know anything about those organizations, you know it is a fantasy that they can afford millions in fines." I'm presuming the dedicated employees of these same organizations may not be highly paid, and might not be able to afford more children, if they can afford children at all.

I also wonder what the exact impact of health care costs would be to Church-run organizations if they made contraception available to employees.  If, as Ms. Noonan says, it is "purely ideological" and the health care costs to the Church negligible (especially when compared to the huge litigation costs that continue to haunt the Church after all the Clergy sex abuse scandals), then why the big fuss? 

For a little background, let's revisit history of Pope's edicts, and later apologies for being "wrong. For instance, several Popes' opposed both Copernicus and Galileo's insistence that the earth is not the center of the Solar System, let alone the Universe. Some scientists were even tried and imprisoned for publishing findings that disagreed with the Church's stated beliefs at the time. 

An excerpt from Wikipedia:

"In 2000, Pope John Paul II issued a formal apology for all the mistakes committed by some Catholics in the last 2,000 years of the Catholic Church's history, including the trial of Galileo among others.^{[51][52] "}

One wonders if someday a Pope will apologize for denying women the right to decide if and when they want to have children, or making a responsible decision that they cannot afford any more children, although they may wish to enjoy conjugal rights with their spouse or life partner.  And maybe this Pope may also admit that men, too, should have a right to decide that they do not wish to risk creating a child every time they are phyiscally intimate with a woman, their wife or perhaps an extra-marital affair, in which a few of our political candidates, Congressmen, and even presidents have been known to indulge. 

Yes, the Pope(s) might argue for abstinence, but many of those practicing birth control are married, and conjugal rights are usually expected -- and even condoned -- by the Catholic Church. Most modern day clergy agree with the marriage counselors that physical intimacy between spouses is good for the marriage, while abstinence frequently hurts a marriage.

**

I think both the GOP and the Democrats agree that the problems w/ the entitlement programs, esp. welfare, is a result of too many poor people....and/or too many people making money off of having too many babies ....i.e. welfare fraud, and/or taking advantage of programs that were created to help those who are unemployed and/or underemployed and starving, to help feed their families.  An obvious quick fix could be that, in order to qualify for welfare, a mother should be required to have an IUD inserted, or the newer "vaginal ring", one that only could be removed by an approved doctor, to prevent more babies until they can afford to support them.  But, hey....that's birth control.  And the Pope and some other faith-based groups don't approve of birth control.  I wonder if it will take 400 years for the Catholic Church to admit that perhaps Pope made a mistake about birth control, like they did after condemning the findings of Copernicus and the trial of Galileo.

Apologies to any faith-based groups who are offended by my opinions. But in this day of global warming, the exploding global economic crisis which is undermining the middle class and increasing the ranks of those living in poverty, birth control makes more sense than Viagra. 

I wonder if, in a few hundred years, the sex-abuse battered Catholic Church, along with many faith-based organizations who currently oppose birth control for religious reasons might acknowledge that birth control is the most logical and humane (dare I say "Christian") alternative to food stamps or poverty.

 

JOBLESS PROHIBITED FROM GETTING JOBS?!!!! Seriously?

I noticed this entry on a blog by former Director-level colleague at Progress Software, Judy Mintz, an experienced Director of Marketing and also a talented writer/author.

http://judymintz.com/2012/01/31/no-job-then-no-job/

It's entitled "NO JOB? NO JOB!"  I had heard about this on NPR already. Here's an excerpt:

"Increasingly, though, jobless workers are facing the ultimate barrier. Some employers are saying if you're out of work, we don't want to hire you."

But I had trouble believing that it actually happened to someone so talented and experienced as Judy. Considering all the anti-discrimination laws regarding hiring practices (handicapped, obese, age, race, gender, religious, gender orientation), and the growing ranks of baby-boomers losing their jobs, and the resulting domino effect on many who are losing their homes, etc., etc. -- I am stunned that, in fact, there is NO LEGAL PROTECTION for the jobless being denied interviews, let alone jobs!  Just because they are unemployed.  No matter HOW experienced and qualified they may be.  

Isn't this a no-brainer?  How about (while they work on cutting back unemployment benefits) our elected officials pass an obvious law to protect those who are unemployed, talented, longing to do what they are experienced and good at doing, and truly seeking employment...not only because they need jobs, but they actually love what they do, and they have years of experience doing it and doing it well! Personally, I KNOW what it feels like.  When you have been blessed with a great career, and you actually know how good it feels to put your talents to work, you are tempted to work, like Lee Iacocca, for bonus only -- just for the joy of "using your skills to make good things happen."

It's one thing to get an interview and not get the job.  But to deny someone an interview just because they were laid off and are currently unemployed?  Such people can't even call Jim Sokolov, because it is not yet considered discriminatory! Much as I hate to say it (because there are too many laws already)...but there otta be a law.  

Wikipedia Stops an Ignorant Congress from Using the Atom Bomb as Weed Killer

Kudos to Wikipedia for stopping an ignorant U.S. Congress from passing a short sighted law about which most knew nothing of the contents or the impact.  Not unlike the flap with Napster and the music industry, someone -- perhaps in Hollywood -- could make a bundle if they tackled the problem as Steve Jobs did: if you can't beat it, join it and make money off of it.  We are clamoring for more jobs (no pun intended), and a clever person could easily create a way to protect Intellectual Property without shutting down sites like Wikipedia and YouTube and/or forcing the sites to close due to overwhelming responsibilities of censorship. More to come. 

A GAP in the GOP? If so, GOD help US.

First we had Cain, Perry, & Bachmann, all of whom struck me at times as sounding illiterate and/or just not presidential material. I was relieved when Gingrich dropped out early on.  I have issues with the gross hypocricy of his past (i.e. which one of his 3 wives is the "one" wife according to his definition of marriage? Not to mention allegations of non-payment of child support); his $1.6 million "connection" with Fannie Mae; but most of all, with his abuse of his power as speaker of the house, closing down the Federal Government -- allegedly because he didn't get the seat he wanted on a trip with Clinton on Air Force One.  Is that the attitude we want in a president?  Should taxpayers suffer because of an individual's egotistical temper tantrum?

I do have a lot of respect for Romney. I think he is grounded in financial reality.  Which, IMHO, is probably the crux of today's civilization.  But, when it comes to financial reality, ETHICS are critical.  I was terribly disappointed to discover that he knowingly approved a smarmy TV ad that deliberately mis-quoted Obama, who was really quoting McCain in the last election.  Only the ad took it out of context.  I thought that was a new low in political advertising.  Otherwise, I have a lot of respect for Romney. I have trouble understanding why his obviously tongue-in-cheek gesture of challenging Gingrich to a "bet" was somehow much more groteque than Gingrich's ties with Fannie Mae, and his 1995 snit over his seating position on Air Force One. 

Huntsman seems to be fairly well spoken and intelligent.  But he doesn't seem to draw any attention from the press.  A former ambassador to China, he must have a more global view of our country's economy than, say, Bachmann, Perry or Cain. But he doesn't seem to have much of a following.  Perhaps it is because he, like Romney, is a member of what many of the religious right call "the Cult?"

I have a lot of respect for Ron Paul. He is an admirable Libertarian.  I like his honesty and consistency.  I LOVE much of his hands off thinking! But I'm just not sure how realistic some this thinking is, in this day and age of global economy and global terrorism.    

Meanwhile, there is a 500 pound gorilla being totally ignored in the GOP debates. The bankruptcy of MF Global exposes missing of $2.6 BILLION that was just plain stolen from their investors.  While the GOP debates remain focused on issues such as medicare, social security, and "Obama-care", the criminals that were the primary cause of the REAL global economic crisis remain unpunished and, to an extent, unregulated.  I have not heard anyone from the GOP address the need to identify, punish and provide restitution to those victimized by the sub-prime lending scandal and the resulting credit default swaps of the derivatives industry.  Unless I missed something, the "Occupy Wall Street" movement has been ignored or even dismissed as rabble rowsers by the GOP candidates.  The "kids" may not be well informed.  But the basis for the movement is -- IMHO -- a very legitimate one.  

In 1999, as a registered Democrat in MA, I cross registered to vote in the Republican primary.  Bradley was one of my all time favorite politicians, but I knew he didnt' stand a chance against the incumbant, Gore.  Between the GOP candidates, I much preferred McCain over GW Bush. I'm just pragmatic by nature.  Better to have the best two candidates in the final vote, because one will end up in the White House.  Obviously, there are fundamental differences between the two parties.  But the intelligence of the individual is important. As is the founding fathers' insistence on a separation of Church and State.

Well, speaking of separation of Church and State, I guess I'll just have to leave it up to God to pick the best GOP candidate.  Because, at least at this point in time, the GOP, along with the media, cannot seem to decide on much of anything or anyone. 

Elizabeth Warren vs. Wall Street: Warren has a Point

I was inspired to write this blog post by watching the latest political ads for Elizabeth Warren vs. the ads against Elizabeth Warren for her support of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement.

Warren's ads explain who she is and why she supports efforts to expose those on Wall Street who took advantage of the sub-prime lending crisis.  Their proposed "credit default swaps" for mortgage debt bundles resulted in the near collapse of large financial institutions, necessitating the huge bank bail outs, requested by President G.W. Bush.

With very few exceptions, the perpetrators of this global financial crime remain unpunished.  And the SEC remains unable to define, regulate or monitor these criminals. I was first introduced to this economic perfect storm by reading the book "The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine."  

Wikipedia has a fairly good explanation of the fall out from the sub-prime lending crisis.  Click HERE for one of the many, non-partisan Wikipedia articles summarizing the macro-economics that Elizabeth Warren would like to address. 

Here is an excerpt:

Estimates of impact have continued to climb. During April 2008, International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated that global losses for financial institutions would approach $1 trillion.^[272] One year later, the IMF estimated cumulative losses of banks and other financial institutions globally would exceed $4 trillion.^[273]

Francis Fukuyama has argued that the crisis represents the end of Reaganism in the financial sector, which was characterized by lighter regulation, pared-back government, and lower taxes. Significant financial sector regulatory changes are expected as a result of the crisis.^[274]

Fareed Zakaria believes that the crisis may force Americans and their government to live within their means. Further, some of the best minds may be redeployed from financial engineering to more valuable business activities, or to science and technology.^[275]

Roger Altman wrote that "the crash of 2008 has inflicted profound damage on [the U.S.] financial system, its economy, and its standing in the world; the crisis is an important geopolitical setback...the crisis has coincided with historical forces that were already shifting the world's focus away from the United States. Over the medium term, the United States will have to operate from a smaller global platform – while others, especially China, will have a chance to rise faster."^[196]

GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt has argued that U.S. trade deficits and budget deficits are unsustainable. America must regain its competitiveness through innovative products, training of production workers, and business leadership. He advocates specific national goals related to energy security or independence, specific technologies, expansion of the manufacturing job base, and net exporter status.^[276] "The world has been reset. Now we must lead an aggressive American renewal to win in the future." Of critical importance, he said, is the need to focus on technology and manufacturing. “Many bought into the idea that America could go from a technology-based, export-oriented powerhouse to a services-led, consumption-based economy — and somehow still expect to prosper,” Jeff said. “That idea was flat wrong.”^[277]

Economist Paul Krugman wrote in 2009: "The prosperity of a few years ago, such as it was—profits were terrific, wages not so much—depended on a huge bubble in housing, which replaced an earlier huge bubble in stocks. And since the housing bubble isn’t coming back, the spending that sustained the economy in the pre-crisis years isn’t coming back either."^[278] Niall Ferguson stated that excluding the effect of home equity extraction, the U.S. economy grew at a 1% rate during the Bush years.^[279] Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has argued that this is an economic reset at a lower level, rather than a recession, meaning that no quick recovery to pre-recession levels can be expected.^[280]

The U.S. Federal government's efforts to support the global financial system have resulted in significant new financial commitments, totaling $7 trillion by November, 2008. These commitments can be characterized as investments, loans, and loan guarantees, rather than direct expenditures. In many cases, the government purchased financial assets such as commercial paper, mortgage-backed securities, or other types of asset-backed paper, to enhance liquidity in frozen markets.^[281] As the crisis has progressed, the Fed has expanded the collateral against which it is willing to lend to include higher-risk assets.^[282]

The Economist wrote in May 2009: "Having spent a fortune bailing out their banks, Western governments will have to pay a price in terms of higher taxes to meet the interest on that debt. In the case of countries (like Britain and America) that have trade as well as budget deficits, those higher taxes will be needed to meet the claims of foreign creditors. Given the political implications of such austerity, the temptation will be to default by stealth, by letting their currencies depreciate. Investors are increasingly alive to this danger..."^[283]

The crisis has cast doubt on the legacy of Alan Greenspan, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve System from 1986 to January 2006. Senator Chris Dodd claimed that Greenspan created the "perfect storm".^[284] When asked to comment on the crisis, Greenspan spoke as follows:^[143]

The current credit crisis will come to an end when the overhang of inventories of newly built homes is largely liquidated, and home price deflation comes to an end. That will stabilize the now-uncertain value of the home equity that acts as a buffer for all home mortgages, but most importantly for those held as collateral for residential mortgage-backed securities. Very large losses will, no doubt, be taken as a consequence of the crisis. But after a period of protracted adjustment, the U.S. economy, and the world economy more generally, will be able to get back to business.

***

I'm not saying that Warren has the solution to this incredibly complex problem.  But I agree that we should be more concerned with what and who could have prevented this "perfect storm" of macro-economics and greed.  And what, if anything, we can or should do to correct "the bizarre feeder markets where the sun doesn’t shine, and the SEC doesn’t dare, or bother, to tread: the bond and real estate derivative markets where geeks invent impenetrable securities to profit from the misery of lower- and middle-class Americans who can’t pay their debts. The smart people who understood what was or might be happening were paralyzed by hope and fear; in any case, they weren’t talking."

"The crucial question is this: Who understood the risk inherent in the assumption of ever-rising real estate prices, a risk compounded daily by the creation of those arcane, artificial securities loosely based on piles of doubtful mortgages?" (Amazon.com's summary of Michael Lewis's book "The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine.")

INVESTMENT TIP (Shhhh......The Emerging Global Rage Fund offered by Goldman Sachs)

The following was sent to me by a relative.  Do you think it is a humorous parody about the financial group who claims to be doing "God's Work"?:

NEW YORK (The Borowitz Report)– The following is a letter released today by Lloyd Blankfein, the chairman of banking giant Goldman Sachs:

Dear Investor:

Up until now, Goldman Sachs has been silent on the subject of the protest movement known as Occupy Wall Street.  That does not mean, however, that it has not been very much on our minds.  As thousands have gathered in Lower Manhattan , passionately expressing their deep discontent with the status quo, we have taken note of these protests.  And we have asked ourselves this question:

How can we make money off them?

The answer is the newly launched Goldman Sachs Global Rage Fund, whose investment objective is to monetize the Occupy Wall Street protests as they spread around the world.  At Goldman, we recognize that the capitalist system as we know it is circling the drain – but there’s plenty of money to be made on the way down.

The Rage Fund will seek out opportunities to invest in products that are poised to benefit from the spreading protests, from police batons and barricades to stun guns and forehead bandages.  Furthermore, as clashes between police and protesters turn ever more violent, we are making significant bets on companies that manufacture replacements for broken windows and overturned cars, as well as the raw materials necessary for the construction and incineration of effigies.

It would be tempting, at a time like this, to say “Let them eat cake.”  But at Goldman, we are actively seeking to corner the market in cake futures.  We project that through our aggressive market manipulation, the price of a piece of cake will quadruple by the end of 2011.

Please contact your Goldman representative for a full prospectus.  As the world descends into a Darwinian free-for-all, the Goldman Sachs Rage Fund is a great way to tell the protesters, “Occupy this.”  We haven’t felt so good about something we’ve sold since our souls.

Sincerely,

Lloyd Blankfein

Chairman, Goldman Sachs

 

PS - YOU KNOW SOMETHING'S STRANGE WHEN BOTH GLEN BECK AND JOHN STEWART AGREE. PARTS 1 AND PARTS 2 OF PBS's ANALYSIS OF GOLDMAN SACHS ARE PRETTY INTERESTING, AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND.  "AN EASY MONEY SCAM"...is an excerpted quote from one GOP Presidential adviser.

PPS - Today Goldman Sachs announced lay-offs.  No matter how smarmy their role in the sub-prime lending/derivatives industry, I'm sorry to hear more people are losing their jobs. 

FAREWELL to STEVE JOBS

I have surprised myself by the undercurrents of emotions with the passing of Steve Jobs.  He certainly lived a lot longer than expected considering the type of cancer he had; and he accomplished enough for several lifetimes.  Yet I am haunted by vivid memories of my first encounter with "the Mac" on a visit to a rural Pennsylvania dairy farmer's home, at night, after the milking was done.

The big country kitchen actually smelled of cow dung....not in a gross way.  Just very "authentic." We bought our first Mac from this unlikely computer distributor -- the first in this rural Pennsylvania area, and I became the "key computer operator" at my husband's small town architecture office. 

I LOVED MY MAC!  It made tedious office work so much fun!!!!  It had a mouse, like a toy or a game!  But when divorce prompted me to leave my horse farm in rural PA, and re-enter the city workplace, I was so embarrassed at how user friendly our little Mac had been, that on my job applications I said I didn't have any computer experience (DOS and IBMs were still the default setting in most offices.)  How strange for me to land my first office job at Lotus Development Corporation, at a time when IBM and Lotus were scrambling to move the industry to OS2 and away from Bill Gates, who had IBM by the short hairs with clunky, ugly, complicated DOS. 

When I first saw OS2 and, later, Windows, I was flabbergasted.  They were all just trying to copy the Mac's GUI -- and were still years away from the ease of use of the first Mac.  That Macintosh OS that was so easy and intuitive, I didn't take it seriously and refused to put it on my resume, afraid that someone might think I actually knew something about computers.  Then I watched as the entire computer industry scrambled to catch up with the GUI of that original Mac that I first saw demonstrated at a rural Pennsylvania dairy farm. 

Then there was a big gap after Jobs was fired. Apple's stock tanked.  1-2-3 for the Mac, always an afterthought, took a back burner, as the desktop application wars threatened Lotus's high rolling days.  Lotus acquired ccMail, while the company continued to promote Lotus Notes.

Only die-hard Apple zealots clung to their religion.  But a few of my computer friends confessed that they were "bi" -- they kept a Mac as well as a PC.  And they whispered that the Mac's were much more stable, faster, easier, bug-free and, as the Web took off, apparently immune to the virus's that started attacking PCs. 

Then there was the Napster scandal.  I remember thinking, "why are the record companies being so stupid?  The cat is out of the bag. They are trying to close the barn doors after the horses have already escaped...and are out frolicking in the pastures." While Napster and the record companies were tied up in years of litigation, and my daughter was dancing to a lot of songs mysteriously coming from the family PC, the iPhone was launched. And then Jobs announced iTunes, with songs easily downloaded for a penny a piece.  I remember thinking, "FINALLY...someone is seeing the OBVIOUS need to change the business model!"  I loved it that you didn't have to buy a whole ALBUM of songs.  And how cool to be able to create your own play lists! 

Shortly after iTunes came on the scene, I noticed my family desktop PC was acting sluggish. I investigated, and noticed an icon on the desktop -- "iTUNES."  I clicked thought to "my songs." And I found over 1,000 songs!   No wonder my teenage daughter was working two jobs. And no wonder the PC was sluggish.

Hmmmm....I wonder....had it had been a Mac, do you think it could have handled all those songs with ease, acting as a part-time juke box, part-time photo album, homework headquarters and family post office?  I'm pretty sure Steve Jobs would say "of course.  But why not upgrade to an iPad?"

TASKRABBIT: Matchmaking Hardworking Entrepreneurs with Needy Homeowners

I just had a significant, seasonal job done by a TaskRabbit. 

TaskRabbit is a new on-line Web service that allows renters and home owners to post small jobs and accept bids from member workers of TaskRabbit (whose pictures are posted, along with rankings from those for whom they have done jobs.) The service is a great way to help hard workers quickly find jobs (and income), and to help home owners, pet owners, and working parents, who might also be financially strapped, find pre-screened, affordable, trust-worthy help to do odd jobs -- from assembling furniture to winterizing a pool, and everything in between.

The bid for my task came in $12 less than the $200 I estimated (more than $100 less than commercial prices), and the job was properly done in record time. An additional surprise for me was that Diane' Sawyer's TV crew showed up to interview my hard-working TaskRabbit and to film him executing my task.   I had noticed Diane was featuring stories on how people are finding work, generating income, and making ends meet in the challenging economy. I will be watching to see if my task -- and my TaskRabbit -- make prime time.

PostScrip - IT DID MAKE PRIME TIME:  CLICK HERE to see Diane's story on TaskRabbit. Very nice piece.  Kudos to TaskRabbit's Director of Marketing, Jamie Viggiano, and her PR team.

 

YOU CAN SHOW YOUR LOVE 365 DAYS OF THE YEAR

This Vietnam Vet's story is worth watching.  After being shot several times, he suffered a stroke that left only animals to understand him.  He eventually started his own zoo on his property in Maine.  His advice to the kids who visit the zoo is fabulous. His love of life is contageous.  Thanks to streaming video, we can all learn from his story.

INSPIRATIONAL NEWS FROM JAPAN: a lesson for the West?

Just heard on the news (excerpted from the news story):

"More than 5,700 safes that washed ashore along the coastline have also been hauled to police stations by volunteers and rescue crews.

Inside the safes officials found about $30million in cash. In one safe alone, there was the equivalent of $1,000,000.

Other contained gold bars, antiques and other valuables.

Japan’s National Police Agency said nearly all the money found in the areas worst hit by the tsunami has been returned to its owners."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2027129/Honest-Japanese-return-78million-cash-earthquake-rubble.html#ixzz1VQKaNnxW

What strikes me the most is that this country was hit with a triple whammy -- earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear meltdown.  Their factories came to near a standstill, during a Gobal economic crisis.  I find this display of apparent honesty and integrity in the face of such adversity inspirational.

BRILLIANT JUSTICE for the UK RIOTERS - good punishment for Wall Street criminals?

Just heard on BBC news - a UK judge is sentencing those found guilty of destruction in recent riots.  The punishment -- the destroyers will have to work to repair the damages they did, wearing bright orange jump suits so the neighbors will know who they are, and why they are "working."  The rioters will have to face those who they left left homeless, jobless, without their businesses, their cars, or -- in some cases -- their loved ones. This is much better than incarceration, essentially free room and board paid for by the taxpayers.  In my opinion, this is the closest thing to "civilized" justice I've seen in a long time. Meanwhile,here in the litigation-heavy US, any work-program for prisoners is regarded as "cruel and unusual" punishment. Perhaps we should reconsider.  I cannot think of a better punishment for the Wall Street robber barons than working to help those swindled to pay their debts and/or restore their retirement funds.

Kudos to, at least in this case, a fast-acting and creative member of the UK judicial system. (Not always so good, especially when related to those commuting into London on motorcycles and motor scooters.)

I don't yet have any YouTube news footage to validate this judge's ruling, but will post links as I find them.

OBAMA - Is HE the Third Party?

The Republicans don't agree with him. The Democrats think he sold out.  Many ignorant people don't support him. Many educated people don't support him. Some think he is a war-mongering Hawk.  Others think he is a weakling Dove. Some  blame him for what others say he inherited. Others respect his spirit of compromise. Some believe he is trying to fix what is broken.  Others hold him responsible for everything from bad weather to Japan's natural and man made disastors.

Maybe this means we already have an indepent third party in the White House?

From WBUR's On-Point: “Barack Obama is being blamed right, left, and center — by almost everyone for one thing or another — including the credit downgrade, the market crash, a slouching economy, and the miasma of the Washington swamp. Critics and erstwhile admirers grumble among themselves — and, mostly anonymously, to the press. Columnists once ready to cheer Obama’s rise now jeer his timid, professorial leadership; Maureen Dowd ridicules him as the “Withholder in Chief.”"

To quote one of our public officials: "There is nothing wrong with our country. There is something wrong with our politics."  As per our founding fathers, while I respect his right to say what he says, I disagree with the President.  I think there IS something wrong with our country.  I hope the country proves ME wrong. 

POST SCRIPT: Prior to his speech at the U.N., Obama was accused of being a Muslim.  After the speech in which he warned against the U.N. recognizing a Palestinian State until said Palestinians recognized Israel's right to exist, I heard several commentators accuse Obama of being "a Jew." Personally, I think he must be a Buddhist, as the guy somehow manages to keep from totally losing his temper at Congress, at least in public.  He's gotta be practicing some form of meditation.  But I doubt even Donald Trump would claim that the cult of Buddism lies in Obama's questionable heritage.   

 

THE NEED for SPEED to LEGALIZE WEED: Mass. to vote on Medical Marijuana

Massachusetts may soon get the opportunity to vote to legalize medical marijuana.  I strongly support anything to legalize the harvesting, selling (and taxation) of U.S. grown "weed" for the following reasons:

1. Prior to end of prohibition, cannabis -- the legal word -- was considered a medicine.  The word Marijuana didn’t exist.  It was only introduced after prohibition ended.  Possibly as job security for Elliot Ness and his team?
2. Any U.S. growers busted just drives money out of U.S., makes the wealthy Mexican drug cartel king pins even richer, and takes small business opportunities and jobs out of the U.S.
3. It is self regulating.  People who don’t like it, don’t use it.  It is safer than alcohol, unless it is combined with alcohol, which is legal. 
4. The only thing that links pot to confirmed-addictive, dangerous "hard' drugs" is the distribution channel.

Earlier in this blog, I did a piece on the need to legalize weed.  Ifelt that the amount of money going to the Mexican drug cartel, combined with the need for jobs in the U.S. (not to mention the debt crisis) makes it imperative for us to reconsider our "prohibition" on cannabis. 

Recently, I saw an exceptional piece on FRONTLINE.  Called "The Pot Republic," this excellent piece of investigative reporting featured a Mendacino Sheriff who is pioneering a new approach to local citizens who grow marijuana.  Later in this TV spot, a Federal official threatens to "go after" this same Sheriff for his innovative attempts to lay the groundwork for regulated pot growing by US citizens.  Meanwhile, one of the local politicans in California cited an increase from $1 million to $6 million in taxes from medical marijuana...a drop in the bucket should the income from all pot sales be taxed.  

Also featured in "the Pot Republic" was some recent busts in California (including Northern CA) of HUGE crops funded and run by Mexican drug cartel, many of these on U.S. Federal Land.  These guys carry guns and have been known to order visitors out of park land, and engage police and agents in gun fights. 

Because of the money involved, until/unless we legalize and regulate the growing and selling of marijuana, we will continue to invite Cartel-operated activities into the U.S. along with the lawless mayhem that is taking place in parts of Mexico.  Our choice is pretty simple -- provide jobs for U.S. entrepreneurs for the growing and selling the relatively harmless, self-regulating plant of cannabis; regulate it and tax it.  Or we can continue to give pot money (and jobs) to Mexico, while we pay the extraordinarily high price of losing the endless and futile "War On Drugs."