Turnabout is Fair Play

In 2004, George Bush successfully depicted John Kerry as a flip flopper. The TV ad with the sailboat was genius, the sails changing direction to portray Kerry as a man without conviction. This successful ad evolved from one speech, one sound byte on one vote, taken entirely out of context, but it worked. Kerry lost in another close election for President Bush. Negative advertising and hardball politics Karl Rove style won the day. With Mitt Romney the probable Republican standard bearer, turnabout is fair play and if the Obama campaign plays it well, this may be Romney's achilles heel. Another New Englander to bite the dust. The difference this time, is that Romney is much more vulnerable than was Kerry, because Kerry's bona fides as a left of center moderate Democrat and his stands on issues, show conviction and principle and cannot be legitimately questioned at all. He was caught up in his words, but his record is consistent. Romney is different. As Governor of the bluest state and Presidential candidate, he has been a centrist moderate. He supported mandated insurance, spoke about a moderate and statesmanlike foreign policy, ridiculed social conservatives for not being mainstream enough and took reasonable and fair positions on social issues. Having lost in the past, he decided to throw all of his convictions and opinions out the window. He decided to get down to the level of the most extreme and most hateful wing of his party. He has been willing to say absolutely anything to appease voters and this disingenuousness speaks loudly with the 75 percent of his party that will not support him. With our primary system causing such moves to the edges, I can understand it but from a purely national campaign standpoint, Romney is open to ridicule and the flip flopper mantle ten times more than was Senator Kerry. Let the games begin. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Romney Strategy

Mitt Romney will be the inevitable winner of the Republican battle for the Presidency, I have little doubt. As such, it is clear what strategy he will be using....politically, not a bad one, but certainly with vulnerabilities to exploit. And exploit them I hope the Democrats do. It is the old us against them class warfare argument that Republicans love to invoke. It is that the government does nothing for America but hand out welfare checks, pitting hard workers against the unemployed, pitting the unions against other workers and painting every recipient of a government paycheck as lazy and entitled. This "entitlement vs. opportunity" strategy is quite interesting coming from Romney whose history doesn't match his current rhetoric. After all, when you do not have conservative bona fides you need to find some to win a primary. The deeper issue, however, is that Mitt Romney represents the wealthy, being one himself. He has a history of job depletion as he made his millions from Bain Capital, and this isn't necessarily bad, but it is hypocritical. He supports the largest entitlement of all. The entitlement for the wealthy. He supports tax credits and exemptions for oil companies. He supports all strategies that isolate the wealthy from paying a fairer share to meet the demands of our people and he supports now, the destruction of programs and safety nets that protect those who just cannot get into his club. This is entitlement too Mr. Romney, only its the wrong side you support. These policies led to the job destroying practices that have limited opportunity, not created it. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Demand the Truth....Please

A Happy and Healthy Holiday to all. Be safe and be thankful.

Today in the NY Times, Paul Krugman writes about the extreme language of falsehoods used by Mitt Romney who is trying to paint the President as an extremist socialist, with a less than American background. Krugman pines, that regrettably this kind of language may not hurt the candidate. I pray he is wrong. Each of us, when making our choices, must demand the truth from our leaders and wannabee leaders. We cannot allow language that is factually impotent to rule our decision making process. We must hold people accountable for a history of inconsistencies and not allow them to hide behind States' Rights arguments or rationalizations about an evolving set of morals and beliefs. Demand the Truth. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Blink

Not Malcolm Gladwell's famous book. Blink is the game the Republicans in the House began to play against the President yesterday. John Boehner has neither the intellectual capability nor does he have the will and desire to do what's right for the country. The game he started is a sure loser for him. Don't bluff, when you have no cards. He cannot control his own caucus, didn't put the bill up for a vote yesterday because he knew he could surely lose. Americans know one thing, their paychecks go down on January 1st and the blame will be placed with the Republicans. Blink Mr. Speaker...or else. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Brave Seven

Although I was originally critical of the Senate payroll tax compromise because of its short length, I was happy to accept it due to the McConnell Reid ability to reach serious bipartisan support. This is what our country needs now and in the future. In typical fashion, I became hopeful, only to see today the Republican House muck things up again. These are the worst people. Boehner renegged, too scared to confront his own caucus and the tea party extremists ruled the day. Seven brave Republicans, realizing that running on a tax increase may not be a good electoral strategy, voted with the Democrats. Good for them. We the People lose again. We must run these bums out and fast. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Cohesiveness

What is lacking from every Republican candidate for President with the exceptions of the unelectable Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman, is any cohesiveness in their electioneering. I suppose they are consistent in framing the language to go against everything that the President does, but other than that, no cohesiveness. For instance, the War in Iraq cost 800 billion dollars, much of it being spent during our recession, exacerbating Government's inability to deal with our problems. Today, the opponents to the President who want his job will say we abandoned our friends in Iraq. We are showing weakness, let's not leave and let's spend more. These same folks ignore the fact that the timing of the withdrawal was negotiated by George Bush and the Iraqi government who still, this day, wanted us to leave. These candidates who rail against big government and Obama spending, would continue to spend more money in Iraq. They also claim that tax breaks for the rich will create jobs but won't support President Obama's job creation plan which includes the hiring of returning veterans and tax exemptions for the wealthy companies that employ them. You cannot have your cake and eat it too. Our brave men and women belong home, doing the work that our country needs to get done. If only there was a serious opposition to the President which could provide a cohesive and intelligent debate and perhaps a sane alternative? No way. I say good. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

It's Over

Despite the protestations of John McCain, who had the audactiy to criticize the President's decisions to end the war in Iraq, it is about time our brave troops are coming home. Today is a time to reflect and remember the truth, which often gets muddled in the various memoirs and autobiographies of those who engaged in reckless foreign policy. Tens of thousands injured, nearly five thousand dead, during a campaign based on dishonesty and vengeance. George Bush told America that Iraq was a nuclear threat to the United States and our way of life. This was not true. George Bush led by Dick Cheney for this entire campaign, declared the operation over, several years ago when clearly it was not. Once the revelations of poor intelligence were discovered, a spirited debate by leaders of both parties, should have led to a much earlier withdrawl. While our economy struggled, the Republican Congress along with Democrats presided over a policy that cost America over a trillion dollars. No matter how the extremist hawks spin this campaign, the battles never should have been fought and precious American life never sacrificed. Kudos should go out to all those who served, for their bravery and patriotism. As they come home, looking for work and looking to be integrated back into the mainstream of society, let us be reminded that even the portion of the President's job bill asking for tax credits for hiring veterans, is still being blocked by the Republicans. Welcome home. Where are you Americans for reason and truth.

A Negative Number?

I know it isn't possible, but we can certainly come close. A recent poll that I saw had Congress's popularity at 9%. Yes, 9%? How low can it go? President Obama's 47% looks damn good under the circumstances. I blame both parties. They are so concerned with political brinksmanship and counting votes for their re-elections that they have taken their eye way off the ball. The Republicans are so scared that they may give the President a win, and actually help the country, that they remain mired in the hell hole they have created. Even as I blog, Congress is up to their ridiculous tricks again. One branch wants to add a requirement to a tax bill that forces the opening of an oil pipe, as yet, not environmentally researched sufficiently for a judgement to be made. And get this, the one thing that Americans overwhelmingly support and the only edge the Democrats have...taxing the rich a bit more, is about to be scrapped I believe. Talk about abandoning your base and mainstream America all at once. So it continues. Another threatened shutdown, another midnight deal, another crisis manufactured while we all sit with disgust. If it was at all possible, Congress's popularity would actually go below zero...For my money, they are already in the negative zone. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Statistics 101

Economic statistics can be overwhelming. In additon, they fluctuate more than a Presidential candidate's position on an issue. What virtually all economists believe, regardless of political orientation, is that some statistics are more reliable than others and represent real themes for the future of an economy. These are GDP, Consumer Spending, Private Sector job growth and Inflation. These are the blue chips when looking at a macroeconomic analysis for really understanding what is happening. If you listen solely to the political debate, the President is being marginalized by his opponents and being ridiculed for having been responsible for our economic malaise. In fact, one of Newt Gingrich's famous stump lines is to declare America in the "Obama Depression". Sounds catchy and is red meat for the haters, but in economic terms, makes no sense at all. So let's look at the stats for real. This morning it was announced that consumer spending has risen for the sixth consecutive month. Private job creation has been positive for 21 consecutive months. Inflation in total has been stable and historically low and our GDP has shown slow GROWTH for every quarter since 2009. We can argue degrees and levels, we can argue tax policy and we can argue the level of regulation required for avoiding future catastrophes, but we cannot argue that the performance over the past two years is a marked and obvious improvement over where we were. In spite of Congressional inaction, declarative statements regarding the need for a one term Presidency and gamesmanship on both sides resulting in stalemate, we are moving ahead. I will take this trend any day of the week. Some statistics just don't lie. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Common Man

It is an electoral strategy for candidates to invoke Main Street or the Common Man when running their campaigns. It is so nice to try and relate to people in a coffee shop, sharing local food, having a brewski with the every day American. After ingesting a Po Boy or sipping a Bud, these candidates usually go home and shower off. After all, Bud isn't beer, and Po Boys arent't gourmet foods. After a day of campaigning and lying to these folks, politicians sip their Chardonnay or Merlot or braised milk fed veal chops so they can feel rich and famous. After all, they need a good meal tonight so they can eat Bratwurst in Scranton tomorrow. I may be exaggering because in reality, people do respond to candidates that share in their lives if only for a few moments during a campaign. What is really troubling however, is candidates like Newt Romney (to use a good Bachmann idea)who claim to speak for Middle America but are as far from them as possible. Newt boasts about his 60,000 dollar speaking fees, but wants to put High School kids to work cleaning schools by firing union custodians. Yeah, this is a great common man approach. Romney goes to a debate and bets 10 grand with Rick Perry over his book. Yeah, the common man really gambles at that level Mitt. Your 250 million net worth really speaks to Mr. and Mrs. Main Street. These outrageous attempts at reaching the people are laughable and scary simultaneously. There are too many of us that respond to this nonsense. We vote against our own interests by continuing to believe the bull crap that the wealthy will if left unrestrained, move our economy. Yeah, move it into their pockets again. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Oil for Payroll Tax Cut

With overwhelming public support for an extension of the payroll tax cut and for the wealthy to contribute more to revenue, the Republicans realize that they are stuck. So, what mechanism can they find to further delay giving the President anything that he wants. Of course, the oil interests of this country. Let's see if we can attach something to the payroll tax extension bill that gives more help or breaks or money for the pockets of our poor, disadvantaged oil drillers and oil moguls. Hopefully the President will stick to his guns and refuse to mix the issues which would subsequently let Republicans save face. Their faces should be in the mirror so they can look at the wretched beings they are. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Screw the Consumer

Today,the consumers got screwed, not because of any logic, but because of the continued game of Anti Obama played so well by Mitch McConnell. Richard Cordray, nominated by the President to head the Consumer Bureau was derailed due to the failure of the Senate to invoke cloture. The filibuster succeeds again. Once again, Mr. and Mrs. Main Street loses. Now it is time for the President to invoke some executive powers, bypass the Senate, reframe the agency to avoid advise and consent, and do what's right for the people. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Mitt and the Jews

How dare he. How dare Mitt Romney speak to Jewish groups bashing the President on his policy toward Israel. Mitt Romney hasn't the slightest bit of an understanding of that nation, its history or American policy toward it. I am a Jewish American with allegiance to the traditions and guidance from my faith. I am a strong supporter of Israel financially and spiritually. President Obama's policies toward Israel mirror in word an deed, almost exactly, President George Bush's. President Obams went to the United Nations and chastised the premature attempt by the Palestinians for early statehood. President Obama has suggested a Mid East agreement between the parties that parallels those suggested by Presidents Clinton and Bush. President Obama has declared our unwavering support of Israel and has committed to its protection. Perhaps President Obama's civility and tolerance for other cultures is offputting to Mr. Romney, but his brown nosing of the Jewish community and his manufactured opposition to a steadfast policy is going nowhere. Shalom Mitt. Enjoy your visit. Hopefully it will be as a private citizen, if you still want to go after the election. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Hawaii and the 21st Century

Last time I checked, Hawaii was indeed the 50th state. Yes, it is part of the United States of America. You know what else, it has technologies of the 21st Century. It has video conferencing capabilities, cell phone towers, television, radio and all the comforts of the technology age. And...the President can actually lead the nation from Hawaii as well as from Air Force One or Washington D.C. In typical fashion, Mitt Romney has nothing substantive to offer the nation so he is turning to the tired complaint of a President taking vacation with the family for the holidays. How dare the President leave DC during a national time of challenges. This from someone who criticizes DC not stop. If the President is leaving DC, then Romney should be happy. Instead, he offers no substance and resorts to the silliness and ridiculousness of a nothing issue. Just like his campaign for President, filled with nothingness and ridiculousness. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Cain Exit

Herman Cain exited the Presidential race because of his behavior toward women while a married man. New Gingrich surges ahead despite his behavior toward his wife, as an adulterer himself, but the extreme right of the Republican party just doesn't seem to care. If you can't see this, then you are blind. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Comedy Act called The Republican Party

A recent survey appropriately deemed FOX as a less informative mode of communication than most others. Yet, the majority of viewers of cable news tune in to Rupert's fiasco, thus continuing the spiral of misinformation seized upon by and promoted by a political party. We know which one. The comic geniuses of the Republican Party. To watch their canidates lie, fail in their marriages while preaching values, say food stamps are used for Hawaiian vacations,call for personhood amendments, run ads of total deception, try and outdo each others' conservative bona fides and advertising that sixty grand is the going rate for a speech and on and on and on is more than just fodder for the Dailey Show, it is pure comedy, plain and simple. Listening to the Speaker of the House call the payroll tax cut "chicken sh-t" is not just funny, but simultaneously deeply disturbing. I cannot believe that as we watch and listen, that there are still a majority of us today, believing this crap. By the way, while this is happening, America shows signs of growth and improvement even in the face of Republican derailment. I would have to call their actions the Dark Comedy of the ages. Oh how they need to go away. I pray each day. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Jobs, the Wealthy and the Public Sector

I thought I couldn't get more angry at my Government, but I can. The republican party in its consistent unfettered effort to defeat the President is now proposing another derailment for helping the economy. They have been criticizing the President for not creating jobs or fixing the economy. The President wishes to extend payroll tax breaks for 99 percent of America, originally a republican idea. He wants to ask 345,000 Americans to help pay for the rest of us to get this break. He is only asking for it to be paid once you make over one million dollars, and only from the excess, clearly not the JOB CREATORS that the Republicans love to use as bait. The Republican plan is to layoff 200,000 federal workers instead. Shrink government by raising the unemployment. They call it reducing waste. What about private sector waste? What about private corporations laying off thousands? They don't mind that, because it helps the stock portfolios of the rich. So the Democratic strategy must be to accurately highlight Republicans as job destroyers both public and private. So who are these expendable public employees? The people who process your Social Security Checks, those who keep public buildings and museums clean and preserved, teachers, yes I am an expendable public employee. Trash removal, fire fighting, researchers, public health workers....need I give other examples? The republican party is completely outrageous, gets worse by the day and their hypocrisy and hatred in an effort to protect their extremist flank is borderline unpatriotic...yes, this is a Republican talking point. Democrats should try it. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Pepper Spray

In the span of a week, Pepper Spray has been in the news twice. First, as an unreasonable over the top reaction by campus police at UC Davis against innocent students exercising their right to protest and then on black friday, when a Walmart customer used it to jump the line for $1.88 sheets. I don't know which situation is more bizarre, but both are examples of human extremism beyong the pale of reason. Our reaction, those of us who have some sense of perspective and objectivity toward social behavior, politics and common decency, should be to loudly object, criticize such extremism and demand the better side of ourselves. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Republican Moderates

Yesterday I heard an analysis regarding the disappearance of Republican Moderates. Where is Jacob javits or Arlen Specter when you need them. The analyst was pining over their disappearance from the party and the total takeover by the extremists of the Republican wing of politics. I disagree. Republican moderates still exist, only they are Democrats. Mary Landrieux from Louisiana who loves the oil industry. Ben Nelson from Nebraska who loves the Health Insurance industry. Joe Manchin from West Virginia who shivers at the thought of campaigning with the President. We can now add Claire McCaskill from Missouri to that list. She carried the water for Obama and now the glass has dripped dry. Another vote counter who wants to score big by embarrassing the President over a no bid contract for a drug without admitting that more open bidding exists under this President than the previous one for sure. We all know Joe Lieberman who allegedly caucuses with Democrats but who never misses an opportunity to look like the Hartford Insurance Industry's poster boy. These senators are the moderates in the Republican party. They abandon the President at their own peril. Loyalty, when needed most seems to be dissipated into the air of local politics. Hopefully the true Democrats have a long memory. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Obama Thanksgiving

What should President Obama be thankful for? He should be thankful that his poll numbers are three and a half times more popular than Congress's. That unemployment claims have remained below the bellweather four hundred thousand for three consecutive weeks. That the non partisan Congressional Budget office declared the stimulus to have saved and/or created 3.3 million jobs. That for 8 straight quarters, the economy has been growing. That 68 percent of Americans support his viewpoint on asking the wealthy to pay a fairer share toward economic recovery. That the War in Iraq and its wind down is supported by almost 70% of the country. That the United States isn't in Europe. That Osama Bin Laden is dead. That John Huntsmann won't be the Republican nominee for President. That Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, Herman Cain, Michelle Bachmann, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum and Rick Perry are running for President and most of all, he should be thanful for his loving family, his health and that he lives in a country where a person's hopes and dreams can become a reality. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

So Easy to Forget

Today in New Hampshire, Mitt Romney released a TV ad blaming Obama for all that ills the world. What isn't in the ad, for obvious reasons are things that I simply cannot forget. I cannot forget that the Republican Congress for six years funded two wars without budgeting for them, lowered taxes on the wealthiest Americans, didn't insure that legal regulations were followed, allowed Wall Street and banks to make bad loans through this neglect, encouraged policies leading to a crisis of confidence and loss in home values of up to 50 percent in many places, caused losses of 3 million jobs in the last year of the Bush Presidency, caused two consecutive quarters of negative growth thus defining and leading us to a real recession, caused a near collapse of the automobile industry in America along with bank losses in the hundreds of billions and the start of the dreaded (by Republican standards) bailouts. Current Republican candidates want you to forget that their party and its policies had any responsibility or culpability for the disaster they created. For me, it is not so easy to forget. For many Americans, regrettably it is. Where are you Americans for reason and truth? Next post...Obama's Thanksgiving.

Backwards we go.

As a teacher of American Government, I pride myself on knowing the history of our nation from its roots and beyond. I never share my own personal political viewpoints with my students. They aren't reading this blog, so I have little doubt my efforts to have them understand all sides of an issue while being open and objective will remain largely successful. Now, however, teachers of this subject need to add to their list of curriculum topics the issue of dysfunction. There are those who believe that slow government, vitriolic debate and nasty viewpoints of different perspectives are what our founding fathers wanted. It is my view, however, that were they around today, they would be quite disappointed with how much of their work turned out. They imagined and hoped for open debate, but not for total dysfunction. Their worst fears about factions seem to have become a reality that would make James Madison give a big I told you so. Then, unlike now, we had the smartest and most learned men of differing viewpoints able to make constructive and intelligent points on matters of importance from both sides. They were well read, they spoke and wrote with eloquence and they were wise. Listening to a Michelle Bachmann talk about the founding fathers' tireless effrots to end slavery while they owned them, hearing Herman Cain not able to distinguish between Libya and Liberia, and watching Newt and Mitt swing like Tarzan's vines from issue to issue is not only laughable, but quite sad. This is what you get when the American public doesn't do the work. The founders set up a system that kept the masses at bay because of their legitimate fears about a less knowledgeable electorate having to make choices, but today, there is no excuse. We have the means, the technology and the ability to get to the truth. However, we don't. We respond to the idiocy and inaccuracy of candidates who wish to lead our nation without any priority other than to defeat the common enemy on the other side of the political spectrum. It is getting worse by the hour. These two parties cannot work together and do not understand what the founding fathers did, that the health of the nation transcends all. These folks just don't and won't get it. We are all the worse for it. We are going backwards. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Mitt and Newt

I just love these one syllable easy to hear names. Mitt, Newt, what a pair. Let's start with Mitt. Mitt is going around saying the President called Americans lazy. This suave, slick, lying, say anything for a vote, reinvented conservative has learned to speak to the lowest common denominator of his party. Those with hate in their hearts toward the President and those too lazy to find the truth. The latest Mitt attack is saying that Obama calls us lazy. If you watch the speech, this couldn't be further from the truth, therefore a lie. The President said business has been somewhat lazy in doing all it can to lift our economy and create jobs. This is true. The President wasn't referring to MR. and Mrs. Main street. Mitt wants you to believe differently. Mr. 25% may ultimately prevail, but his mean spirited ways and constant changes in position will be made crystal clear to the American voter. As for Newt, the difference with him is that he is dangerous. He is a megalomaniac who uses words in convincing fashion to say two completely opposite things within days of each other. He just talks. He just spews. He just lies. He took 1.8 million dollars from Freddie Mac having condemned them ruthlessly while in Congress. He now has the audacity to tell us he wasn't lobbying on their behalf, that they paid him because of his smarts. This dangerous charlatan will keep trying to smooth talk his way out of every devious act he committed, including his adulterous acts and formal condemnation while the Speaker. What a choice. Here are two more mono syllabic words for you. Yutz and Putz. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Newt

The polls in the Republican nominating process are jumping up and down like blood pressure on a stressful day. Yesterday's winner is today's loser and so it goes. The latest Anti Romney star is Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, adulterer, liar, pompous ass and most egregious of all, a mean spirited self serving adovate only for himself. He is arrogant with his words and if taken literally, would lead the world toward mutual assured destruction. To read some of his speeches and many of his evolving viewpoints, you would really get seriously scared. Newt is smart, experienced and knowledgeable, assets that many Republican primary voters discount as unimportant, but in these times of extremism, anything can happen. Beware the Newt. He may creep up on you and then it will be too late. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Penn State Degenerate Speaks

The despicable Penn State Sandusky is speaking out in denial of his actions. Such a pervert, a piece of scum the likes of which we cannot even imagine, this lying degenerate is actually attempting to absolve himself of guilt. Yes, the law is the law, innocence before proven guilty, but I pray that all the forces of right, of morality and of vengeance, put this guy where he belongs...in a cell with the meanest sons of bitches that can possibly be incarcerated. Then, there will be some justice. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Foreign Policy Bashathon

Now that the Republican candidates have so foolishly introduced a plethora of plans on taxes to outdo each other's slogans and inaccuracies, it is on to foreign policy for some more bashing. In last night's debate it was to feast on Obama's foreign policy. If polling is correct, this is the one area of overwhelming support from the people. His killing of Bin Laden, successful intervention in Libya, his dismantling of much of Al Qeda and his promise to end the war in Iraq are all successes that have American support. In addition, no matter what anyone else says, America's status abroad has improved, not declined, under his administration. Secretary Clinton's approval rating as Secretary of State is additinal evidence of that. America is acting less like a bully and more like a nation interested in the global perspective. This is often condemned by the likes of the gun obsessed Republicans as weakness, but Presiden't Eisenower, Nixon, Reagan and Bush 1 understood the need for quiet diplomacy, respect for the other nations of the world and responsible leadership. President Obama has embraced such statesmanship while protecting the nation and restoring American credibility abroad. Listening to the Republicans use foreign policy as a vehicle to bash him was quite funny. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Un Happy Valley

Like many others, I have been shocked and appalled by the revelations coming out of the Penn. State Football program. Whether you follow college sports or not, Joe Paterno has been an icon of power, integrity and largess nearly without equal. Or so we all thought. I know that in the court of public opinion it is easy to dismiss innocence or guilt with a rationalization or two so I have tried to be objective in analyzing this story as it continues to unfold. It is clear to me that whatever has been done in the last two days is not nearly enough. The pattern of deception used by those in the know only served to accentuate an already disgusting case of sickness beyond description. I hold those who stood by, perhaps following the appropriate legal steps but doing little else, in the lowest regard. Anyone with any knowledge regarding Sandusky's alleged but witnessed acts of complete and utter depravity ought to be held accountable for their direct or indirect culpability. This certainly and emphatically includes Joe Paterno. If this wipes out his reputation based on stellar performance as a football coach, then so be it. He certainly doesn't appear to have reacted as a stellar human being. Those students on campus who still hold him in the highest regard and who rioted upon hearing of his dismissal ought to look in the mirror and see if they can realize the difference between football and humanity. I am sure Joe Paterno did not do bad things to little boys, but by doing so little to bring these crimes to the forefront, he did bad things to young men and the college he so dearly claims to have loved. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Conviction

Last night, Rick Perry had a meltdown and forgot a line. The media loves to jump on those who make a verbal gaffe, or who make a mistake of some sort. We laugh, we watch late night TV doing their schtick and we never stop to think about how all this trivial frivolousness just makes us less of a nation able to solve its problems. The issue I want to address isn't the fact that a candidate committed a lapse in memory or a verbal gaffe, we all do, daily, but rather to try and explain them. It is because these subjects, or lines in a speech, or guidance from a political operative are intended to seize a moment, not a future. Rick Perry has no idea what cutting cabinet departments means to this nation, nor does he care, but cutting government sells well, so someone from his campaign tells him to say something, and he forgets it during a debate. It is because he has NO CONVICTION or deep rooted belief about this issue. Herman Cain really cannot explain his tax plan, it sounds catchy, but an in depth review shows it to be not significantly different than any of the other cool sounding plans. He, frankly doesn't understand it himself, so he tries to sell it by repeating it over and over, never explaining the obvious pitfalls of it, frankly because he doesn't care to. He has NO CONVICTION on the matter. Mitt Romney never met an opinion he didn't like. Whatever gets the extremist crowd riled up or whatever he can create as a counterpoint to the President, he says. He has changed his mind more times than the economists predict what will happen next year. He has NO CONVICTION. Candidates make mistakes in speech and in deed because they are human, but at the root cause of their mistakes is their obvious lack of any in depth or emotional commitment to what they say. So we all must choose our leaders not by the suaveness of their debate performance or the color of their tie or the slickness of their campaign. We must choose those who have conviction, dedication to cause and an understanding of their own words and their OWN ideas. We can accept nothing less. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Where There's Smoke There's Cain

4 and Counting. Another woman has accused Presidential Candidate, Mr. 999, Herman Cain of inappropriate behavior. Now there is a name and a face to the charges. I know it is easy to blame women for seeking a monetary settlement as goldiggers, and I know how difficult it is to prove sexual impropriety, but Mr. Cain himself is keeping the story alive. He has told and retold the story with different versions. He has forgotten and then remembered. He has nuanced and told multiple tales. He is now giving the cliche responses about being picked on, or unfairly judged, or it's the media's fault and blah blah blah. Today he will attempt to set the record straight after days of planning a response that he wants to have make this nastiness go away. It won't go away. Nor should it. Herman Cain himself is keeping this alive for one reason, he cannot tell the truth. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Running to the Right

The candidates for President on the Republican side are bumping into each other with speeds never seen before. Who can get to the finish line of extremism first, is the rule of their day. Who can shoot guns the best, declare their devotion to G-d with more furor, find a tax plan that supports the inequities in America, declare support for "personhood" amendments, run away from their undocumented gardeners, eliminate a woman's right to choose, declare unions money sucking vacuums, support efforts to suppress voting, call for the elimination of any regulation, shut cabinet agencies and call the President a failure day after day after day after day. Now, re-read the above. Do you REALLY want these people to lead our nation into the future? Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Roads, Bridges and Rails

In a continuation of the "Destroy the President Game" more workers will remain unemployed and the roads, rails and highways that are in disrepair, will remain so. Joining the Repbulican obstructionists were Independent Joe Lieberman, and Democrat Ben Nelson, men who simply cannot hold true to their stated Democratic Party beliefs. This continuous cacophany of foolishness and hatefulness against Obama is tiresome but regrettably will continue. It seems, though, that Democrats have not figured out a real way to make this kind of game stop. They need to do so soon. How about standing up for their beliefs, supporting their President and denying these turncoat senators a place at any negotiating table or committee? The weakness and ineffectiveness of the Democratic Party in calling out the Republicans is simply amazing. They have no courage. If they do, let's see some on Sunday talk shows and evening news. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Regulation Lie

One of the Republican talking points that the simpletons among us continue to buy is that there is too much regulation on business and this restrains them from creating jobs. Another lie and simple economics can clear it up for those who care to listen. Currently, corporations in America are sitting on a record load of cash, two trillion dollars. The reason they are not creating jobs has nothing to do with regulations. It has to do with asset values declining by nearly 40 percent in the last few years in the real estate market, thus reducing the wealth of Americans, thus reducing our demand for consumption, thus, no need for hiring. Additionally the quest for wealth makes share price the number one priority of business leaders and since they can send jobs overseas more cheaply which increases the bottom line, these companies have no incentive to hire American workers that cost more on the balance sheet. Regulation my ass. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Blind Stupidity

Candidates will say anything whether true or not. Why? Because of the blind stupidity of "We the People". An example...51 percent of Americans recently expressed disapproval with the Health Care Reform Bill. The fact of the matter is that most of the provisions of this bill have not even taken root and aren't scheduled for implementation until 2014. What has taken affect is the protection of college graduate health care under a parent's plan and the elimination of denial of care for pre-existing conditions, both overwhelmingly popular. So we love what has happened but hate a bill for what hasn't happened. Crazy and it is because we blindly listen to politicians who care only about getting votes from the ignorant. Michelle Bachmann has held President Obama accountable for the deaths of 4400 Americans in Iraq. However, only 250 Americans have paid the harshest price under this President. 4200 were lost under Bush. Mitt Romney says anything he wants on any day of the week for whatever group he is addressing whether the truth or not. Herman Cain says his 999 plan won't raise taxes but it does for those who can afford it the least. Rick Perry says the science behind global warming is just an opinion. Rick Santorum says he supports the rights of Americans but declares gay marriage a sin to be corrected. Ron Paul says we should shut down 5 Cabinet departments with no plan for addressing the work that must be done for the people that eminates directly from these agencies. I can go on and on. There are websites such as factcheck.org that try and hold candidates accountable, but they are sought out by too few people to make a difference. Instead, candidates will continue to say anything, I mean anything for a vote because they realize we are too lazy, stupid or both to find out the truth. The greatest threat to our nation is blind stupidity, ignorance and apathy. If we don't correct this, nothing much else will ever matter. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Mississippi

On election day, the state of Mississippi is likely to pass a state constitutional amendment declaring personhood at conception. Now I do not wish to disrespect anyone or any point of view, but the denial of science, of medical expertise of the rights and choices of women is not only scary, but quite surreal. If in the last minute, sense does not prevail, we will have entered an arena of such ludicrousness that we may not understand its serious ramifications. Perhaps Mississippi needs a sanity check. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Foreign Policy

Historically as James Carville said "It's the economy stupid". Yes, most of us focus on jobs, our bank accounts, our bills and our financial futures. Nothing wrong with that. I could very articulately cite significant economic successes of this President under the most horrendous of political and inherited economic conditions but I won't. Instead I will remind those who follow, that George W. Bush was re elected because America was looking for a safe, steady steward of our national security. I think we got neither, but what we have with Obama is a successful end to an immoral war, the killing of Osama Bin Laden, the killing of the number two Al Qeda leader, consistent successful drone attacks and the end of Quadaffi. No matter how much you hate our President, no matter how badly you despise him, you must admit that his foreign policy successes in his time in office have outpaced his predecessor and has restored American leadership throughout the world. Republican senators and candidates are now bashing, yes bashing the President as a poor commander in chief. They say he has weakened America. How do these people live with themselves? Just when I think we have hit bottom, the floor opens again and we fall a little farther. Where are you Americans for reason for truth?

9 May Be The New 5

As we age, we have heard slogans like "50 is the new 40" or "40 is the new 30". Here's another one, "9 is the new 5". I don't mean age. I am talking about unemployment. In the past we have come to accept 4-5 percent unemployment as normal in a fuller employment environment. I believe these days are behind us and that accepting a higher normal, regrettably may be a new reality. Unless our government, business leaders, schools and politicians rise to the occasion and recognize the need to change this, we are doomed to this persistent and nagging number. When candidates such as Rick Perry tout their job growth expertise of creating thousands of minimum wage jobs, the focus we need will not be achieved. In our recent past, companies are rewarded by stockholders for downsizing. Huge layoffs are met with stock price increases and a bottom line approach to cost savings. Labor as an expendible commodity has become the way of corporate America. Business leaders disguise this reality by touting government regulation as the real problem with job creation but this is a canard. Robotics, automation and consolidation is the sought after strategy by companies. There are millions of unfilled jobs in this country that aren't being filled because there is a void in our population of the skills and education required. Instead of downsizing, we should be educating. Instead of automation, we should be training and instead of blaming the President who speaks eloquently to this issue, we ought to be changing the way we prepare for the future. If not, 9 percent will definitely be the new 5. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

"An Ethos of Social Responsibility"

Jeffrey Sachs, notable economist and hero of mine wrote in his most recent book "The Price of Civilization" that without a restoration of an "ethos of social responsibility, there can be no meaningful and sustained economic recovery" His simple eloquence in the opening pages of his book, are music to my ears, but I am powerless to make a difference. My government has lost its way and it is their responsibility to fix this "crisis of values" that Sachs continues to write about. " A society of markets, laws and elections is not enough if the rich and powerful fail to behave with respect, honesty and compassion toward the rest of society and toward the world". Such truths exist within our land, regrettably so. Mitch McConnell calls hiring teachers and cops a growth in government and again showed his true colors leading votes against the President's plan. The House refuses to take up the bill at all. Where is our ethos of social responsibility? Gone. The continuous dismantling of the middle class and continuous benefits derived by the wealthy on the backs of the poor when criticized, may sound like a page out of Marx. It is not. It is a page out of decency, fairness and Jeffrey Sachs. If only we could listen. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus

I never much cared for the circus. I was intimidated by the big tent, the smelly animals and the clown faces. Still, the circus remains an annual event when it comes to town each year thrilling children and adults alike. I can tolerate it and even enjoy the faces of kids who are entertained and who will cherish the great memories of the circus. That is, once a year. Unfortunately, I am being bombarded with a circus act of epic proportions....the Republican candidates for President. Their act gives Barnum and Bailey a run for their money...and its free. I could expand upon this, but there is no need. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Piece By Piece

It is easy to look at the President's bus tour down south as a political stunt. Once the season of campaigning begins, every move is pronounced as a campaign tactic by the opposition and the Republicans are right on cue. In trying to be objective, however, the truth is that the President came up with a jobs plan, estimated by bipartisan economists to create 1.9 million jobs, repair bridges, put teachers and policemen back to work and give tax breaks to businesses for hiring, to small businesses for expanding and further extends tax breaks through payroll tax reductions. All, I might add, have been acceptable positions taken by Republicans in the past. So what happened? In total unanimity the Senate Republicans rejected the plan in the Senate by filibustering and the House refused to take it up at all. Why? For one reason and we all know what it is. Now, there is an effort afoot to try and pass individual parts of it, piece by piece. What will happen? The same Republican opposition, only this time I really believe they will play this hand one time too many. We are angry and frustrated but one thing is certain, we hate those who would stop at anything to win at the expense of us all. Just watch. Keep the bus rolling along Mr. President. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Cain Mutiny

I suppose I need to post something about Herman Cain. The former CEO of Godfather Pizza is prancing around town with his 999 plan. He is surging in the polls of those individuals likely to vote in Republican primaries and is simply a reflection of the frustration and dismissiveness by the people of the field of candidates, all quite flawed. As his plan, ridiculous by any sensible evaluation gets the scrutiny it deserves, there will be a Cain mutiny. Here today, gone tomorrow, selling books and the Mittster left standing as an unloved and unexciting choice to go against Obama. Maybe things aint so bad after all. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

No to Jobs

This is what the Senate Republicans filibustered yesterday:

Jobs
Tax breaks for small business
Shared sacrifice from the wealthy
Road, bridge and school construction
Teacher jobs

Speaker Boehner called this bipartisan because two Democrats in name only, supported them because frankly, they are in states that are Red and they fear losing their jobs more than creating jobs for the rest of the country.
Speaker Boehner hasn't presented a single job creation plan and supports the McConnell plan for destroying the President. All, while the country waits, waits and waits.

Where are you Americans for reason and truth. Keep plugging Mr. President. You will win the war.

No To Jobs

REPUBLICAN PARTY AND TWO DEMOCRATS IN NAME ONLY, VOTE NO FOR JOBS.

WHERE ARE YOU AMERICANS FOR REASON AND TRUTH?

Today's Quiz

Here are today's questions:

1- Would the US be better off if the auto industry were left to bankcruptcy? Y or N
2- Would our economy be better off if we were losing jobs as opposed to growing jobs? Y or N
3- Would we be better off if there were no regulations to keep water and air clean? Y or N
4- Would we be better off if the large banks failed and the government did not help? Y or N
5- Would we be better off if an additional 3 million people were unemployed? Y or N
6- Would we be better off if there were no Federal involvement at all, in education? Y or N
7- Would we be better off with a President who denied science and fails to accept it? Y or N
8- Would we be better off if Osama Bin Laden were alive? Y or N
9- Would we be better off if student loans for college were reduced in availability? Y or N
10 Would we be better off if you understood the above questions? YES YES YES

Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Atonement

Today I asked for forgiveness. Although my sins were many, they did not reach the level of seriousness that would cause a higher power to necessarily take note of, but nevertheless, I asked. During our ceremony in Temple, we also engage in a prayer for our nation and its leaders. As I read out loud with the Rabbi, it dawned on me that our leaders really needed our prayers today. I prayed that they stopped being self serving idiots who care more about winning or defeating and would begin to put the country first. I prayed that the candidates running to defeat our President take an honest look at what is going right and stop finding fault just for the sake of finding fault. I prayed that greed, selfishness and disparity of equality would stop and lastly, I prayed FOR the re-election of Barack Obama, a severely under appreciated President. I wish peace and good fortune upon us all. Almost all. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

2 Ways to Say Something

August job creation numbers have been revised upward. 57,000 jobs were created as opposed to the initial report of none. September saw an unexpectedly higher number of jobs created at 103,000 which continues an unbroken streak of consecutive months of job creation since the several hundred thousand consistent declines under President Bush. Unemployment stayed level without any upward tick, partly because people are a bit more confident in finding a job, therefore not withdrawing from their search. Slow and steady progress.

OR

Another month of insufficient job growth to bring Unmemployment down. Obama policies continue to be a drag on our economy. God wants us to move forward, not backward and therefore we need to get rid of this President. Slow growth will not bring us back the America we long for.

YOU DECIDE. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Know The Enemy

"If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril." Sun Tzu

The quote above came to mind when watching the growing protests on Wall Street and throughout the country. A relatively articulate, seemingly bright, young recent college graduate was at the protests in New York when a news reporter and cameraman focused on him. He yelled "Where are the jobs Mr. President?" Now these protestors with energy and enthusiasm are railing against corporate wealth, the disparity between rich and poor and have a populist message antagonistic to Wall Street. Yet this man's comment was against the President? When I teach my Advanced Placement Government students in school, my message is consistent. I do not care what position they take, as long as they know why they are taking that position and that the basis is sound. Unfortunately, this one outburst as referenced above does not meet that standard. President Obama like him or not, has consistently asked for shared sacrifice, for a more regulatory environment on Wall street, for a Buffett tax, for giving the lower wage earners a shot, for building things and expanding loans for college, and additional commitment to training young people at community college etc. etc. etc. To be against corporate greed and also against the President, is nothing more than a lazy man's approach to this populist energy. Know the enemy as Sun Tzu says, because if you don't, your enemy will become your worst nightmare. The Republican party stands against taxing the rich, against any regulation and against reigning in the greed of the investment community. They want to cut the programs that would best support the populist theme and are passing laws in states to deter groups from voting. These are facts. Obama's policies did not get us into this mess, but have started to get us out of it. You have the right to support the Republican point of view, but if you do not know the positions of the people in power, then your protest is nothing more than a circus act. Daniel Patrick Moynahan once said "you are entitled to your own opinions, but not to your own facts". Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Worse and Worse and Worse

It is as if our leaders are deaf, dumb and blind. All at once. Even these disabilities wouldn't stop truly passionate, excellent people. Helen Keller remains a star amongst the heroes of the past, but our Congress is not only disabled, but truly unable to do the peoples' work. A Republican leader in the House suggesting the President isnt willing to compromise, while the President loses support for compromising. A mean spirited Senate Minority leader more concerned with games, parliamentary procedure and calling bluffs, than legislating. A Majority leader in the Senate not forceful enough with the opposition and nuancing legislation to meet the needs of Lousiana's Democratic Senator who cannot accept any shared sacrifice from big oil. A minority leader who has lost her edge and is silent while her Republican opponents steal the show. A President who wants a vote on a bill that will help America but cannot seem to control his own party. I can go on and on and on. All the while, Americans get more angry, frustrated and economically depressed. All but the rich that is. Worse and Worse and Worse each day. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Brooks Editorial..NYT 10-4-11

David Brooks can be a most reasonable voice from the extinct moderate wing of the Repbulican party. Earlier in the year, he took a lot of flack from the extremists who chastised him for having the temerity to speak critically about Republican strategy. I must comment now, however, in my post about Mr. Brooks whose editorial today is very complimentary toward Mitt Romney as an organizer, a debater and as a manager. Perhaps Romney is a technocrat who lacks the bluster and plainspeak that Americans tend to like and Romney's skills should not be underestimated. There is one piece, however that Mr. Brooks does not address...and that is the absolute lack of conviction on the part of the candidate. Mr. Romney talks about jobs but worked to consolidate companies and downsize and strip them of human capital. His performance with jobs as Governor was dismal. Romney has a moderate social background and now nuances his positions to suck up to the extremists within his party. Romney has supported tax reform but is critical of Obama from every economic perspective, even those that he aggressively supported in the past. Romney viewed his health care success in Massachusetts with pride while in office, but now castigates it as socialized medicine when viewed from a national perspective. He hides his devotion through the safe lens of states' rights. Mitt Romney stands for nothing other than winning the primaries at the expense of any moral compass. So, Mr. Brooks, your compliments notwithstanding, Americans also value truth, honesty and genuineness, qualities that Mr. Romney quite frankly, lacks and lacks big. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

A Platform of Embarrassment

In general, I have always believed that the social issues during a political campaign should remain on the sidelines, that people should be allowed to internalize these very personal issues and not have them part of our decision making processes when we select a candidate. Let the fringe extremists on both ends of the spectrum treat these as important while the rest of us moderates look for answers on jobs, foreign policy, economic strategies, distribution of wealth etc. I am now changing my mind, because if you look at the candidates running for President for the Republicans, you get a scary and despicable unity of beliefs, or at least talking points, which I will call "A platform of embarrassment." These people stand for eliminating a woman's right to choose, for government sponsored capital punishment, for disallowing people to love who they want without discrimination, for denying the science of evolution and global warming, for bringing extremist religious principles into our schools and our daily lives, for denying children rights if they were born to illegal immigrants, for putting a gun in our pockets with no form of restriction whatsoever, for not allowing brave soldiers to serve openly regarding their sexuality and for all the non social issues that they are so adamant to destroy, from food stamps, to public broadcasting. I can go on and on, but I will stop here. This is a pretty grim, disgusting and backward set of principles. Whereas a moderate and fair person can have a non-liberal or non-conservative approach to one or two of these issues, it is frightening that this platform is supported aggressively by the Party of Lincoln. Were he alive today, our 16th President would certainly switch and so should any moderate, fair and common sense thinking American. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey

All this hooplah about Chris Christie is annoying to say the least. Here is a man who prides himself on telling the truth. A man who believes in principles of honesty and telling it like it is. Therefore, all the pundits must be wrong. Right? Christie said six billion times that he is not running for President. I guess a man like him, a man of his word, therefore cannot be running. Now, there are others who love to play coy with the people and with the media. Sarah Palin comes to mind...Rudy Giuliani...Mike Huckabee....Donald Trump...etc., but none of them have categorically ruled anything out...like Chris Christie has. So I guess his potential candidacy is a manifestation of Republican leaders desperate for a more winning candidate. They must see the pitfalls of a Romney, who swings with the wind, or a Perry, whose anti science and religious zealotry isn't comfortable with the mainstream or Bachmanngingrichcainhuntsmanpauletc who are, well, you know...out there. So here is Chris Christie, a governor who cost the state of NJ 400 million dollars in school aid due to a clerical error while demonizing teachers and cutting to shreds the local school budgets. Here is a man who likes to be direct and rail against budget deficits and taxes but neglected to use his veto power to stop a commuter cost increase affecting millions of hard working workers every single day. All this while he refused to even consider a modest tax on the wealthy, but they take limousines so what do they care. Here is a Governor who loves to give the impression of bipartisanship but refuses to speak to his Senators, both Democrats and actually ridicules the elder statesman Lautenberg with disrespect. Here is a man who chastises Obama as not being a leader all the while reluctantly giving him credit for handling Irene and ignoring all the other Presidential successes. Even Peter King has given Obama credit for something. Governor Christie may be direct and may be admired by a constituency that likes nasty, tough talk, but his bullying and arrogant approach to NJ would not be a style able to fix the nation's problems. Next time, Republicans need to give greater thought to their candidates so they can avoid a love fest for a man like Christie. But we don't have to worry, right? Because the Governor believes in telling the truth. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Dumbing Down

The Republicans are joyous. Poor, uneducated white voters support their candidates in growing numbers. This should tell us all something. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Rudy

Rudy Giuliani still thinks he could be President? Such astounding arrogance. He made his name from the pain of 9-11 and copious analysis has exposed major flaws in his response, which those outside of NYC don't hear about. He frolics around with the likes of Donald Trump and hides his past moderate credentials to lure the crazies. He is no hero and certainly not worthy of the Presidency. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Real Enemy

If you have felt the need to watch the Republican candidates debate, you will have noticed a pattern. A pattern of hate and bigotry, not always from the candidates, but from the audience. First we had the rousing applause to the killing of criminals in Texas. Notwithstanding ones' defensible position on capital punishment, such hatred and violence from the audience should give one pause. After all, these same people call abortion murder, but the taking of a human life under different circumstances and by the government no less, is acceptable. Next, is the hateful reaction toward any moderation devoted to immigrants who have been contributing members of society for many years although with a questionable status. I am all for following the laws of the land, but such hatred and animus needs to be directed toward offending corporations, not those who simply want to try and improve their lives. It is as if these people are inhuman, deserving the same treatment as defenseless animals. Lastly, was the treatment of a gay soldier's youtube question directed to Rick Santorum. The audience booed this young man, forced to live a lie while volunteering to defend this nation. The audience with ridicule and scorn, heaped their venom on a soldier. These are dangerous people, entitled to their views, but so hateful and so aggressive with their hate, it makes me question whether the American story or American values are truly within their means to understand. The real enemy, however, is not them. It is the candidates who love getting the applause whether they agree with the audience or not. It is painful to watch these candidates develop punch lines and sound bytes that propel this kind of hatred to go unchecked. The real enemy are the Republican Moderates, yes there are a few, who allow such vitriol to go unchecked. These folks walk lock step with their leader, Mitch McConnell, a deceitful, arrogant hater himself. Where are the ladies from Maine, Richard Lugar, John McCain, Scott Brown and a few others, who in their hearts know this is wrong, but sit on the sidelines pretending it doesn't exist and that their party bears no responsibility. They are the real enemy, to our nation, its values and its principles. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

It Shall Be Mitt

After all the tea party primary voters have their say, after Sarah Palin finally decides, after the single digit candidates move aside and after the people continue to realize that Rick Perry is not Presidential material, the money, the moderates, the middle and the reasonable of the Republican party will coalesce around the more electable candidate, Mitt Romney. And so it will begin in ernest. President Obama gets to debate Mitt Romney. The only question? Which Mitt? Probably all of them at once, further irritating his lukewarm supporters. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Turning their backs on the People

It has been firmly established that by deliberately saying no to every Obama idea and protecting only the interests of the rich, the Republicans have figured out they can so destroy the economy, that the President will be blamed and lose his bid for re-election. I thought that they might think about their actions and recognize the people, but boy was I wrong. Not only are they not concerned about the people, they lie every single day to those who they represent. I have no more words to express my anger that would be acceptable to use, but WTF is going on? We all know what it is. Anger and hatred at a President that just doesn't look right. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Palestinian Statehood

The United States has supported a two state solution to the Middle East Palestinian situation for quite some time. Israel's official policy is to support this as well. Now, however, is not the time. When Hamas recognizes Israel and stops bombing it, perhaps the support will be more aggressive, but while these conditions still exist, it is premature. Mr. Abbass as of this post is forging ahead with his plans to force a UN vote against the wishes of our nation. It is time to play tough with him. The State Department should have a private conversation telling him that the United States will be quite forthcoming in the future with aid and assistance to make the Palestinian nation a successful state but if they force it now, all aid and assistance from the US will not materialize. Let's put the clout of money behind our demands and see what kind of nation they really wish to become. Poor, violent and unsupported or successful. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Thanks for Nothing Governors

Chris Christie and Andrew Cuomo are not considered soulmates when it comes to their political perspectives but they do have one thing in common. They screwed the people of NY and NJ for allowing a toll and mass transit increase during a time of financial stress for millions of people. For all the talk about controlling government spending, and reckless waste in government and concerns about jobs, and Wall Street and most of all, concern about the people, they showed their true colors. They could have stopped this increase, could have deferred it for a year or two until things improved and saved millions the tax increase that this represents. Thanks for nothing. You both put the people last....again. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Who are we Kidding?

For a brief few moments last week, words that were considered conciliatory and open were spoken from the mouths of the Republican leaders. Who are they trying to fool? Anyone with a brain, a pulse, a thought, knows that this theatrical pronouncement toward compromise was nothing more than a ten second blip on the Obstruction scale. We now have Senator McConnell trying to pit Democrats against Democrats in an effort to continue his obsessive desire to destroy the President. Our Speaker of the House went on the news yesterday to bash the President's jobs plan offerring none of his own specific solutions, and the rhetoric of destruction and government spending again ignored the President's willingness to discuss entitlement reform, tax reform, and a totally paid for bill. Republicans simply cannot take one penny from their wealthy contributors. It remains amazing to me that so many Americans seem to be lukewarm to the President while in every single case, they overwhelmingly support the individual pieces of the legislation. Fight Mr. President, Keep travelling, keep calling out your enemies and slowly the pendulum will switch your war. If you don't then it will be a long 14 months. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

New York's 9th

I grew up in Queens and despite the Republican swooning today about an Obama rebuke, here is the truth. Although the 9th has a 3 to 1 Democratic registration advantage, this area is not known for its traditional NYC liberalism. Check the results for Reagan, both Bush's and even McCain vs. other areas of the city. Check Congress's 13 percent approval rating? Perhaps some anti-incumbency afoot? I would think the majority party of the House ought to be running scared moreso than the Democrats. Check voter turnout? Not much enthusiasm on either side or much knowledge about the election. Just like a primary, these special elections do not follow the wave of traditional predictability. What about Anthony Weiner? A disappointment and embarrassment to the party, the country and his loyal followers. This anger accounted for much of the rebuke, not the President. Lastly, this is likely to be a gerrymandered district to match recent census reduction in New York's representation, more likely now with a Republican win. I wouldn't make too much of this two day story...and remember the upstate NY unlikely Democratic victory a few months ago? I guess we are even. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Takin it to the Streets

The President has sent his jobs bill to Congress and typical of the Repbulicans, they like everything they like and nothing to pay for it. These deficit hawks, tea party fanatics and hypocrites in the Republican caucus support deficit increases when it lowers taxes or cuts spending, or eliminates needed agencies, but ask the precious rich to pay a dime more and they rail against it. Well I have news for them, the people want the wealthy to pay more and the people want jobs. The President in takin it to the streets. State by state, inch by inch, using the bully pulpit and the power of the Presidency. By my calculus, this unpopular President will still be able to raise our consciousness and keep the obstructionists from getting their way. Maybe not today or next month, but certainly in 2012. I really believe that the Rebublicans are counting their chickens way before hatch day. Where are you Americans for reason and truth.

The Unemployed

One of the great contradictions of our political system, is that so many Americans love to rail against big government, but as soon as things don't go their way, they ask and expect the Government to help. President Obama is being blamed by America according to the polls because they cannot find a job. There are fourteen million unemployed about three million more than what would be considered historically acceptable if they were working. So let's look at them for a minute. Most people believe that there is a surplus of workers and a scarcity of jobs. Actually, this is not the case. There is in fact a surplus of jobs and a scarcity of qualified people to fill them. I am talking about highly skilled job opportunities in science and engineering and technology. There are companies willing to hire but they cannot from the ranks of our unemployed, find people with the skills needed to fill these jobs successfully. We keep talking about a scarcity of jobs quite frankly in the lower skilled manufacturing, retail and service sectors. Our President since day one in office, spoke of the need to properly prepare Americans for the jobs of the future and the need to encourage training, education and corporate commitment to ready our citizens for such jobs. Too many people who penalize the President are just not understanding this sad reality. People need to re-train, re-educate and alter their priorities to fit the challenges that lie ahead. It certainly isn't easy, but it is better to support leaders who understand this tough to take and easy to understand reality. America is not prepared. Instead of supporting politicians that would be quite happy if 14 million job openings happened at McDonalds and WalMart and blaming government for this not happening, support those who respect science, education and the future. An untrained workforce is our own worst enemy. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

9-11

I grew up in NYC and went to school a few blocks from the catastrophe as a man in my early twenties. I live, eat and breathe NYC and therefore will not be watching a single broadcast, a single TV commemorative service or read a single recap about the ceremonies at Ground Zero and elswhere. Why? Because there is not a single New Yorker who will ever forget the experience and therefore needs not be reminded of it. There isn't a single American that will forget that we remove our shoes at airports and cannot bring shampoo on a plane because of 9-11. We do not need all these solemn rememberances and politicians attending. We do not need to relive the funerals or remind parents of their pain. It will live within each of us forever. I would rather watch football, reflect internally and hope that these same politicians deliver legislation to improve the economy and help my fellow citizens. 9-11 services and 24 hour coverage will not make it more important for me. In fact they may inflict more pain. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Wait and See

President Obama's eloquence and effectiveness as a speaker was evident again this evening. Despite the absence of a few republicans whose disrespect of the President was disgraceful, the decorum was appropriate and respectful inside the room. Putting all of these observable metrics behind us, there is a practical need to see what transpires. This Democratic President has called for spending cuts, entitlement reform and regulation decreases while holding to other basic core values of his party. There are still details to emerge but the tone was strong and correct, the call to action of Congress was forceful and the prospects of agreement and conciliation have marginally improved. The extent of the success will be directly tied to the President's selling of this proposal to the nation at large. He starts in enemy territory tomorrow and hopefully some sense of national unity of purpose will transcend our politics. I fear the worst but hope for the best. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Back To School

I am a teacher and after some time off, I go back to school tomorrow. I, along with my colleagues will do our best to instill knowledge and information in our students in an effort to best prepare them for the future. I teach Economics and Government and when I meet my students in a few days, their heads will not be filled with the basic knowledge that they will need to arm themselves for future success. They will not know the names of their representatives, nor will they understand why the nation is in economic distress. They will lack the basic knowledge of why the rights they take for granted are rights they have at all. They will not know the functions of the various branches of government, how to get accurate information from the media, how decisions they and their families make are tied to the economy and why their futures are so tied to having such information. I will work my butt off to insure that these lapses of knowledge are corrected and that I can help to arm them with the skill sets they will need to be ready to tackle the future. It is a challenge for all teachers, to prepare our youth for the daunting challenges that lie ahead. Regrettably all across our great nation, students are not prepared. Our politicians love to say they support education, but instead, they prey on the ignorant, promote an absence of the truth and tacitly encourage such ignorance in the name of re-election. This is a very sad state of affairs and must be changed. For anyone that has the opportunity to influence a young mind, please make sure that you demand educational excellence from each young person that you interact with. Make sure to help them find truth and to honestly explore both sides of an issue before making a judgement. Most of all, teach them not to solely listen to what their representative in government says. If they do, without checking the facts and without checking the backgrounds and performance of these officials, they will fail to understand the truth, be influenced incorrectly and make bad decisions for themselves and for their futures. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Labor Day

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of Summer. Beaches begin to close, people leave for home from their last weekend of vacation, and the slow doldrum of corporate effort during the months of July and August evolves into a more energetic and active engine of business activity. Traditionally, Labor Day marks the recognition of effort of workers across the country, traditionally, union workers. Unions have been vilified of late being blamed for all the ills of the economy. They are being stripped of collective bargaining rights and are shrinking both in number and political influence. In fact, if you want to score some political points as a Governor or Congressman, just blame the unions. America is on a path of abandonment of the Labor movement. The Republican party has successfully pitted union workers against other workers. They blame the allegedly high pension amounts, generous health benefits and other perks to anger and inflame everyone else. It works. The important thing to remember today, however, is that the same forces that are used against unions, are being used against other workers. Salary growth has been stagnant. Corportions still send jobs oversees because of the increased profitablility of doing so. American workers remain untrained to fit the jobs of the future. Layoffs abound so that productivity and stock prices can rise. The corporate coffers are filled with cash. So on this Labor Day, we ought not to be demagogueing one group, we ought not accept the strategy of divison amongst groups of workers, and we ought not be angry with or expect the President to find us a job. We ought to be demanding fairness, we ought to be voting out those who support corporate wealth interests above middle class interests, and we ought to realize that our 2010 election did more harm than good. The Republicans are succeeding in embarrassing and humiliating the President, but they are failing dismally in meeting the moral standards of fairness, creating American opportunity and working together with Democrats to do what is right for We the people. Summer is over. Speak with your votes, your voices, letters, emails and town hall meetings to make yourselves heard. Labor Day is a great day to start. Your Congres is failing you. Wake up. Thank you American workers. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

A Systematic Destruction of a President

In November of 2008, after the lies, the ineptitude and systematic destruction of our economy by W and Dick, it was time for a change. The oratorical prowess of Barack Obama and the timing of his election made for the perfect planetary alignment for his victory. A background such as his, was truly the American story but his race made his victory that much more stunning. Here was a man, brought up by working parents, struggling economically, learning the value of hard work and education, committing himself to one woman and the highest standards of family values who screams of American opportunity. His education and intellect is of the highest calibre we have seen in a while. His temperment and thoughtful approach to decision making is sensible and his willingness to take the Madisonian concept of compromise and promote it, should be refreshing to a centrist America. Under President Obama, we have seen Bin Laden killed, the economy rise from the abyss of poor performance, two wars begin to wind down, millions of jobs saved and a recognition of what is important for the future of our country...infrastructure improvement, educational excellence and talking about the important esoteric and practical issues for our future. I continue to admire him, support him and remain in awe of his incredible abilities. I feel very alone these days. Our current climate is rampant with hate, vitriol and a determined opposition wishing and coordinating for the President to fail, and the country with him. His soaring rhetoric remains an inspiration to me but his skillful opponents at all costs will do their best to destroy him. This is their stated goal, and all of their efforts are gearing up for such an outcome....Presidential failure. I believe race and prejudice has a lot to do with it, but if I am wrong, the problem may be even worse. We have a political party that will do all they can through parlimentary maneuvers, hypocritcal statements, inaccurate scare tactics and downright disrespect to put their interests well ahead of the interests of our nation. I only hope there is time to expose this deep rooted and vindictive plan and give the President the support he has earned. 8 years of killing our economy cannot be forgotten and expectations that any President can fix all the damage in two years is silly. The summer is ending and the real game begins. We need more players. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

They are Not Equal

The current debate over the timing of the President's address to the nation should be no surprise. To those that are following the continuous and expected mean spiritedness and hate of Congress toward our President this is just par for the course. The one infuriating misssing element, however, is that a Presidential request to address Congress regarding jobs and the economy, does not come close to matching the insignificance of a Pre Primary candidate debate. Only Obama and Congress have been elected to serve and to do the work for the people. They have the recognized and official jurisdiction to do so. Candidates are just wannabees, filled with platitudes and criticisms and infrequently, even suggestions, but they have no power, no recognizable or official role in writing, passing and enforcing law. Their gathering must take a back seat to the peoples' business. The media is treating this story as if both events are equal and that a war between equally armed sides is taking place. These two activities are not equal and the media must say so. Where are you Americans to reason and truth?

Note to George Will: Irene was the 10th largest storm ever. 45 are dead. 2 million still without power. Flooding and destruction continue. An overreaction by the media? Where is your good sense man?

Eric Cantor

Most Americans do not even know who Eric Cantor is. He is the Republican Majority leader of the House of Representatives. He has been leading the charge for deficit reduction in such an irresponsible and superficial way that long term it is a strategy that will hurt his own district and his own state. His supporters still understand and respond to cliches....lower the deficit...let the job creators do their job....get government out of your life...and blah blah blah. However, his language has consequences and to put disaster relief within the scope of his idiocy, insensitivity and ridiculous notions of the reach of Government is one of the worst moves a politician can make. He is an immature, self-serving, egotistical and arrogant self promoter who doesn't deserve to serve this nation in such an important role. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Big Dick

No, Not Nixon. He got what he deserved. Forced resignation, only one in the history of our Presidency. Embarrassment and forced admission of guilt. Never rehabilitated and never fully forgiven. Yes, He got what he deserved. He wasn't The Big Dick. It is former Vice President Dick Cheney. This is a man who did more damage to our nation's credibility abroad than any in modern times. This is a man who perpetrated lie after lie after lie about the realities of our nation's foreign policy. This is a man who in his newly released book continues these lies and continues his arrogance and deceipt. In this memoir, he criticizes one of our nation's hereos, Colin Powell. This is a man who gave awful advice to our President, continues to support torture and although a public servant for many years deserving of some appreciation for that, does not deserve to be supported in any way and certainly is not entitled to his own manufactured facts nor a rewrite of history. There is nothing good about The Big Dick. He too, needs to get what he deserves. A total repudiation by us all of his evil ways. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Perry and the Storm

Today is the day to wish all Northeasterners well as they deal with Hurricane Irene. I myself have cleared deck furniture, plants, gutters and made some alterations to travel plans. Governor Christie has eloquently told residents to "get the hell off the beach" and many states prepare for the worst. Let's hope for maximum preparation, good sense, and minimal damage.

While this storm comes, Rick Perry continues to storm through the political process of Republican Presidential campaigning making himself ever more loved by his extremist, holier than thou base, but isolating himself from the national electorate in my judgement. Today, he is billing the Federal Government for costs Texas incurred in incarcerating illegals. How come he didn't do this during the Bush years? Texas brotherhood? Ignoring Oil company infractions in their hiring processes? Anyone's guess. The important thing to note, is that in two years President Obama has deported more illegals than Bush did in 8. Obama has levied more punishment on businesses that violate hiring practices than in all of Bush's 8. President Obama has increased the labor and committment to border security more than in all of bush's 8. If you read this blog as a Republican, I implore you to check my facts. Rick Perry is blind to Obama's successful record in this arena but since his supporters don't listen to a damn bit of truth, I guess it will work for him. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Yes, Our Politics Can Get Worse

Earthquakes and Hurricanes bring havoc to its victims, but they are regional in nature. We feel for our neighbors, but the pain is most severe for those in the line of fire. Our Politics, however, transcends all geography. Just when you think we have reached rock bottom, with the bickering and partisanship at its historic worst, with no regard for We the People, it gets even worse. 4 Key leaders from the Republican party have already come out against an extension of the payroll tax holiday. Most economists overwhelmingly support this program as the best way to increase the consumption power of our Middle Class. In fact, this has been touted in the past as a great Republican idea. The never ending obsession with the induced failure of our President has blinded Obama's opponents to anything that he suggests. No matter what. Good or not. Helpful or not. It doesn't matter. We have gone beyond the acceptable debate based on principles and legitimate differences of opinion. I do not know when or if my fellow citizens and friends, regardless of their points of view, will rally around the nation and force their leaders to put country first. If not, the future looks dim. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Asking for Government Help?

Wait a second. I thought that Rick Perry and the tea party and Republicans in Congress are running away from the Federal Government? In fact, Perry said he would make the Fed. totally inconsequential in our lives. Mitt says that the States must do it all, thus running from Health Care Reform with Federal involvement. Majority Leader Erik Cantor wants to cut, cut, cut, avoid any shared sacrifice involving the wealthy and condemned the stimulus and other government spending. Today, however, he went to his district saying the Federal Government has a role to play in fixing his district's problems from the earthquake and that "we will find the money". So what will he cut? He has just said he would raise the deficit so what are we to believe? Selfish, lying hypocrite. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Obama's Earthquake

While vacationing in Martha's Vineyard, President Obama caused a 5.9 instensity Earthquake in Virginia which resonated throughout the East Coast of America. According to John McCain, if the President had been focusing on the tectonic plates of our Nation instead of swimming and dealing with Libya, this could have all been avoided. Mitt Romney promised that if he were President, there would have been no Earthquake at all because the Corporations being deregulated, would have found it in their best interests to stop it. Rick Perry claimed that Obama's policies have burdened the nation with silly regulations and therefore the country could not avoid such disasters but this would change under a Perry Presidency. Michelle Bachmann quickly claimed that this Earthquake was as a result of Obama's decision to end Don't Ask Don't Tell thus bringing on the Quake as a punishment to gays. Meanwhile, the President's strategy in Libya seemed to be working but the Republicans faulted him for causing the Earthquake to occur here instead of in Libya, thus substantiating their view that Obama doesn't love America. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

CNBC

I do whatever I can to invest wisely. I teach Economics so I try very hard to remain up to date on the latest theories and trends in the discipline. I am also a student of politics and follow our political scene with more aggressiveness and interest than the average American. Currently, the blame game continues and the attempts at causing the failure of a Presidency persist. The President finds himself mired in a crisis only partly of his making and the games continue. CNBC is a fairly credible purveyor of the economic scene but for weeks, the talking heads come on and blame Washington DC for the crisis at the same time as begging for policies that favor business. Every day they scream about Jobs, Jobs, Jobs and point fingers. I haven't heard one of these experts ever offer any solution to the problem. Just a series of obvious platitudes with no depth. The reason is, they just don't know. I wish they would shut up. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

History and Hypocrisy

Two pronged post today. Too much happening for one rant. Senator Tom Coburn from Oklahoma comes from one of the those places in our great nation where diversity is minimal. Idaho, North Dakota, Wyoming and other very red states, do not pal around with or identify with Blacks. Their notion of the African American perspective and experience is tied to the stereotypes and mean spirited ignorance stemming from our history. It is therefore no wonder that this Senator had the audacity to use President Obama's black half as the reason for Presidential support of government programs. Coburn says that since Obama is part black, he was clearly advantaged by government services and therefore is inclined to support them. This is racist, pure and simple. Senator Coburn must now find every white person in his state who has benefited from a government program and tie them to political support of these programs based on their experience too. He may have a receptive racist audience in some parts of his constituency, but he does not fit the model that fair minded open Americans have of this great country. Shame on you Senator Coburn.

Shame on you too, hypocrite Mitt Romney. You are worth millions, own vacation homes, vacationed as Governor and know that the level of time off from this President pales in comparison to his immediate predecessor. You are so vacant of ideas, so hypocritical, so absent of any of your own solutions, so lacking in conviction toward anything other than Obama's defeat, that you resort to the ridiculousness and triviality of the President's vacation. You are a phony and a fool. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Another Idea

For those that continue to rail against Government, while accepting its help, here is another idea for job creation. Let the private sector step up to the plate without blaming Obama for being anti business, or Congress for its partisanship, or bitching about the future of legislative action causing your dormancy. Private business is sitting on trillions of dollars that can be spent tomorrow. Here are some possibilities. Take Transportation companies, whose sole reason for being is to transport goods from place to place. They use the highways. They drive in traffic wasting gas idling on roads in need of repair, missing deadlines, damaging vehicles on unpaved roads. If they used some of their own cash to repair these roads they can stimulate job growth and improve their productivity and profit picture in the long run. Don't wait for the Government, do it yourself. This is very capitalistic. What about airlines. They can save billions of dollars if an updated GPS system were to be installed in all air traffic control towers throughout the country. Why don't they hire people that know how to do this. It helps travelers, uses less fuel and puts people to work. How about Utility companies chipping in to update the electric grid throughout the country. This would have countless advantages to our ability to safely deliver energy in a more efficient manner and would put people to work. These are just three examples from hundreds of possibilities. Instead of bitching and complaining, step up and do it yourselves. If you criticize the government for not caring about our future, avoid the same criticism from being leveled against you. If you want to get Government off your backs, then stop waiting for it to act. Put your money where your mouths are. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Pursuit of Profit

Economists from both political perspectives, will tell you that there is mounting evidence that lower taxes is not the way to create jobs. Our free market system is the best in the world, but the pursuit of profit and continuous demands from business for more breaks and more loopholes does not stimulate job growth, it stimulates profit growth. These are two very separate notions. When Mitt Romney was in charge of Bain Capital, he advised and taught companies how to be more profitable and productive. One major way to do this, was through mergers and downsizing. Mitt was successful, but his business experience isn't tied to creating jobs, it is tied to creating profit. Rick Perry, as governor, created jobs through the advantages of oil price increases of which he had nothing to do with. He also had the advantage of a population increase. Even with these advantages, every state that borders Texas, has a lower unemployment rate than does Texas. One out of four children have no health insurance in Texas, its education system is one of the worst and one out of ten minimum wage jobs exist in Texas. Americans may like this, but the Governor as does Mitt, knows how to create profit for business, not good jobs for Americans. The pursuit of profit is not a bad thing, particularly for the stock holders of these companies who are advantaged by increased productivity, downsizing, acquisitions and economies of scale. When the party of profit tries to blame the government for a lack of job creation, it deliberately misses the mark, distorts the truth and unfortunately has a willing but stupid audience. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Thanks Mr. Buffett

Click on the Title.

Get Scared

If you read Ryan Lizza's piece in the current issue of New Yorker about Michelle Bachmann, you should be riddled with fright. The people and issues that influenced her life are not the ones that the average American would experience. I respect those who are devoted to their faith but am frightened by those who announce that a higher power guides their decisions in life and as an extension, would as President. If Michelle Bachmann believes that homosexuality is enslavement and abhorrent, how can she be the President of all the people? If she believes that Christianity is the only way forward, how can she protect our first amendment rights? Rick Perry is no better with his evangelical furor that would undoubtedly too aggressively guide his decisions as President. I do not fear any individual who disagrees with me, but I do fear those who aspire to powerful positions of leadership without the secular perspective. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Can they be that Dumb?....Yes

I have consistently pined and waxed poetic as to the sorry state of knowledge of the American people. I never challenge peoples' right to have alternative points of view, I just get angry that people do not put in the time and effort to understand or formulate that point of view. As I always explain to my Government classes, the Founders had some concerns about the breadth of knowledge and the ability of the people to become informed, thus creating a republic with those who can better understand the complexity of the issues. In theory, to make informed judgments on our behalf. One might think that today, with all the coverage and spontaneity of information, that the people are better able to think and act on this thought with some degree of competence. This, however is regrettably not the case. As the Republican debate the other day showed, these Presidential wannabees continue to lie to the people and tell them things that are inaccurate because they recognize that they are ill informed as the Founders predicted. Instead of making the right decisions for our country, however, they use the ignorance for their own electoral advantage. James Madison et al would not have approved. Our Founders used their knowledge and depth of understanding to discuss, debate and hash out differences based on facts and truths. Not so today. The public, however, seems to be recovering and perhaps leaving some of the ignorance behind. Tea party support is down to 18%. Overwhelmingly, Americans call for shared sacrifice between the wealthy and the middle class. 60% of the nation does not blame President Obama for the economic circumstances, and candidates that hope for default are beginning to look silly. And yet, these Republican candidates continue to fly in the face of such polling. Those who were governors deny that compromise and revenues helped them be successful governors and instead they preach the Norquist gospel. Can they be that Dumb? Yes. This kind of demagoguery will help one of them win the primaries, but will not bode well in a National debate. I can't wait to shove it down their throats. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Another Governor from Texas

Rick Perry is running for President. He is the successor to George W. Bush. Just what we need, another Governor from Texas. At least W. did not court aggressively the sick, mean spirited and crazy preachers who are insane. At least W. didn't support Texas seceding from the Union, although at times I wish it would. At least W. supported some kind of education reform. At least W. was somewhat reasonable about immigration reform. As bad a President as I believe W. was, he was better in terms of beliefs than this crazy loon. Under Rick Perry, job growth in Texas has been derived through the lowest skilled and lowest paid jobs in our society. In fact, over the last few months, Texas has seen an increase in unemployment. Rick Perry is beholden to the oil industry, once was a Democrat, now is a kook. I am glad he is running. He makes the crazy field of Republican candidates even more crazy. Good luck Governor. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?