Article One

Article One of our Constitution gives Congress the responsibility for borrowing money against the good faith and credit of the United States. This debt limit nonsense is and always has been Congress's job. It is nice to see the President engaged and acting responsibly, but for my money, let him stay the hell away from it. In the end, Congress will be damned as well they should be. Where are you Americans for Reason and Truth?

Sole Ownership

Yesterday, Senator McConnell went on conservative talk radio to respond to his critics. He said that he won't lead the Republican party into a situation that causes them to take co-ownership for a poor economy with the President. Hold on Mitch. You and your party have SOLE OWNERSHIP for this ailing economy. You spent like unrestrained drunken sailors. You cut taxes for the wealthy with no job creation as a result. You spent on wars without budgeting for them and you so deregulated banks and brokerage firms that there was no control over their excess. Nice try Mitch. Time for you and your friend Eric to grow up and tell the truth to America. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Unattainable

Republicans wanted to tie the standard practice of raising the debt ceiling to a deficit reduction bill against the wishes of the President who wanted a clean vote on the matter as had been done 7 times during the Bush Presidency. The President agreed to talk about this and privately agreed with John Boehner on a package. All of a sudden, the Republicans wanted a larger package to include entitlements. The President agreed and presented a 4 trillion dollar proposal with 75 percent in cuts and 25 percent in revenues from the richest. Republicans refused and went back to the smaller deal that they themselves wanted but then walked out on. The Republicans now want to give the President a clean vote without a deficit package which is what he wanted originally. We are back to square one. The Republican leadership is unable to control its caucus and is filled with lies, distortions and insults. McConnell in fact yesterday said that as long as Obama is President, a deal in unattainable. The obvious and undebatable reality is that the only goal for these people is to destroy Obama. Ridiculous language to use, particularly since the R's were offered a deal to their liking but they simply cannot say yes to anything the President tries to do in the name of compromise. As long as this current collection of clowns resides in the leadership roles of the Republican party, doing anything good for this country is unattainable. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

A Winning Strategy

President Obama must be doing something right. He is not only vehemently opposed by the Republicans as evidenced by today's disrespectful speeches against him by both Boehner and McConnell, but by much of his own caucus that will not accept any entitlement negotiation. Since America cannot ever get anything done outside of the hatefulness of our politics, everyday is a day to count votes. The President said yesterday that we need to put politics aside and get it done. Soon after, his rivals criticized him for looking at the election. There is no winning over the arrogant and totally inflexible Republican leaders who still believe that the voters support a widening gap between rich and poor and continued unfair tax advantages for the wealthy. There may be no winning over Democrats who simply believe that the country will never accept modification to their entitlement benefits. So where does this leave us? Americans revile Congress. Our support for them is under 20 percent. The President is more than twice as popular. As long as Congress continues to act irresponsibly and look stupid, a President willing to compromise and to do big things is the real winner. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Let's Go

As I blog today, I am watching the President give a news conference to explain the status and progress of deficit reduction talks. His mantra today is "Let's Go". I love it. The President has accepted the Republican notion that the payroll tax reduction is a key component for a continuous recovery and has stated he wants it to continue but the Republicans won't commit. So he says to them that he agrees with them...."Let's Go". The Republicans say to the President that he has to cut spending and the deficit in order to promote a strong economy. So he offers a 4 trillion dollar package of cuts and revenue increases and the Republicans seek a smaller plan. The President says to the Republicans, I agree with you about spending cuts so "Let's Go". The President has told his own caucus that compromise is a must and certain sacred cows must be part of the discussion, but many Democrats are unwilling to give in due to Republican intransigence. So the President continues to bend over backwards to reach a deal, to compromise and to prove to the American people that Washington DC can work and deliver for Americans. "Let's Go.". Let's see. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Only Conclusion

The President wants a larger deficit deal than the Republicans. The President wants to balance the cuts with some sacrifices from the richest amongst us. The public overwhelmingly supports tax increases on the richest without a doubt. The Republicans refuse to compromise outside of the extremist views supported by the tea party wing. The Democrats are willing to support reductions in spending as long as some balance of sacrifice exists. Republicans continue to balk at conciliation and constantly use the blame game against President Obama while completely showing a blind eye to their culpability for the economic crisis. The only conclusion that sensible people can come to is that the Republican party cares more about defeating the President than doing what is in the best interests of our country. What a terrible political reality we face. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

I'm Just Not Sure

Barry Eisengreen, Professor of Economics at Berkley was interviewed this morning on Bloomberg news. He said, and I paraphrase [he is hopeful that good common sense and doing the right thing without holding our nation hostage to the petulance and inflexibility of our leaders will prevail. He is hopeful that by August 2nd, a deal on the deficit and the debt will be reached.] From this blogger's persepctive, I'm just not sure. It seems to me that the only adult in the room is the President. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Advanced Placement Government and Politics

This is a personal post. I wish to congratulate the students from South River High School in New Jersey, 18 of them who took the Advanced Placement test in Government and Politics. As more and more polls indicate a frighteningly low level of knowledge about our history, our rights and our government, these students as seniors, hung in all year and in 16 cases distinguished themselves as exhibiting a passing grade in their AP test. Although I was their teacher, it isn't about me. It is about students who gave the effort required and prepared themselves all year for their test moment. Hopefully they will carry the important concepts that we discussed in class all year throughout their lives. We need more and more young people to distinguish themselves as knowledgeable, interested and active citizens. There is too much at stake for apathy to prevail. Good job kids. Good Luck. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Libertarian View

On this 4th of July, it is appropriate to give thought about our liberties and freedoms. There is a libertarian viewpoint that is subscribed to by Michelle Bachmann, Ron Paul and the Tea partyers that proclaims that Government is too big and has no business being in our lives to the degree that it is. An extremist libertarian would say that the only role for Government is to defend us. The people should be free of any other Government interference. About three years ago, on Hardball, Michelle Bachmann the darling of the tea party, suggested that the American people would like to investigate members of Congress who preach opposition to the Bush Wars. How can this lightweight preach a libertarian viewpoint while asking for investigations by the Government on those who oppose its leaders? Isn't this a contradiction? Sure is. I don't want this post to be about Bachmann who after solid showings next year in Iowa and South Carolina will fade like seat cushions in the sun. However, she is campaigning with tea party fanaticism on this easy to understand notion that small Government is better government. Therefore, I call on all such Americans who buy into this cliche to accept the following: No Medicare, no warning labels on cigarettes, no controls on our banks, no government regulated processes for food safety, allowing trans-fatty killers back in our foods, no minimum wage, no testing of drugs prior to them reaching our pharmacies, no child safety requirements on toys, putting lead back in our paint, leaded gasoline back in our tanks and no standards for education nor a requirement for going to school. You get my drift? All Government can do is make expensive weapons and fight wars in the name of defending us. This is the tea party plan. The sad thing is that many Americans do not even realize that this is what they really stand for if they are true to their stated values. One outcome would be we would all die younger, reducing the long term costs of health care. This is a great plan. Happy 4th. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

I'm Back Baby

If you are a Seinfeld devotee, you will remember when George gets his sexual drive back. His famous words "I'm back baby" delivered only as Costanza could, always brings a smile to my face. Well I am no George Costanza and by no means does this blog have anything to do with sexual drive, but after a few days off, "I'm back baby". I am sure very few if any will care, but I do enjoy my cathartic ramblings and today after some much needed rest, I post again. Upon my return, I see that Minnesota, home of Michelle Bachmann, has closed up shop. I see that the Chicago school board rescinded the raise negotiated for its teachers. I see that a usually credible journalist, Marc Halperin called the President a "dick" for confronting Republican do nothings while exciting his base. I see that John Boehner et al are continuing their resistance to any tax increases on the wealthiest among us while they try to position themselves as the party of Mr. and Mrs. America. Well, they don't speak for Main street. Our leaders will shut the doors of municipal government, take more and more away from the Middle class and do nothing to balance the scales of economic justice. You go away for a few days and look what happens? Not a damn thing. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Disappointed, Disgusted and Disallusioned

This blogger will be taking a few days off. I need it. I have in the last week watched my state legislature and arrogant Governor follow the lead of other states by bashing public workers, blaming them for all the economic ills of the country without an ounce of regard for the continuous benefits given to the wealthy at the expense of those in need. I have watched hypocritical petulant Republicans walk out of a budget negotiation because they didn't get everything they wanted. I have watched the President , who I support, continue his ridiculous stance on gay marriage saying his position is still evolving. I have seen the House Republicans vote against supporting our Commander in Chief as he participates in the Libyan operation, claiming a violation of War Powers Act provisions after spending 10 years ignoring it while supporting an immoral war based on lies. I have seen an ineffective Government put the interests of the people behind the interests of their re-election campaigns. I am to say the least, disappointed, disgusted and disallusioned. I hate feeling this way, but I do. I need a rest. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Heed the Chairman

Yesterday, Fed Chairman Bernanke gave his second press conference of the year. To most Americans, his words are geared toward the financial gurus, politicians and economic geeks out there. They are ripe with economic concepts and terms that seem like a foreign language to most people. I love these speeches and press conferences. I find them both interesting and fascinatingly important, but that's me. It is important for all of us to at least understand what he said and to encourage our Government to heed his warnings. In a few easy nutshells, Bernanke said the economy is recovering at a slower pace than expected. Unemployment is frustratingly high and banks continue to be reluctant to loan money having tightened criteria for seekers of loans. He said most the of the real estate price declines are coming from the foreclosed homes and not from resales which emphasized the need to clear foreclosures through the system. He said payrolls have gone from a negative to positive trend. He said that much of the slowness is temporary as a result of unexpected events such as the Tsunami. Most important, now listen please, he guided our government to be aggressive with the deficit but from a long term perspective. He cautioned against the political knee jerk reactions of cutting expenses too quickly and actually said this in his opinion would hurt job growth. Republicans do not want to listen because they know that stalling the economy helps them blame Obama, but all of us must listen to the Chairman. He gets it, and so must we all. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Ideas

As the Summer begins, most Americans tune out from politics and concentrate on other things. This should not be the case however, because there is a lot to worry about. Most pernicious these days, are our state governments with their Republican Legislative advantages, demonizing public workers but unwilling to ask business to pay its fair share. The likes of Governor Christie, popular outside of NJ for reasons that boggle the mind, are quietly contributing to the continuous advantages for the wealthy while blaming Obama for persistenty high unemployment. Job growth must be the number one agenda item for the Government and even though they will not listen to me, I am just as smart, maybe smarter than these self serving power grabbing vote getting politicians who care little about the rest of us. Here are two ideas. 1)- The President should set up a Federal Infrastructure Repair Account to be funded with every single dollar in savings that we get from a reduction of military commitment in Afghanistan and Iraq. He is making a speech about troop reduction tonight and all this money should go directly to this account for the sole purpose of hiring businesses and individuals to fix our crumbling roads, bridges, airports, schools, tunnels and rail tracks. 2)- Banks and other businesses are hoarding cash, waiting to see how much more of an advantage they can squeeze from Government. They know how to drive the economy, they just won't while they hold the Government hostage over tax breaks, incentives and deregulatory attitudes. My suggestion is that 25% of this cash go directly to employees in the form of a one time cash bonus, based on the percent that each person costs its company. We would have thousands of employees spending and stimulating the economy with their new found wealth, this would open up opportunities in other industries and it wouldn't cost the Government a dime. Unfortunately, greed will prevail and this will never happen. These are good ideas...about to fall into the abyss of all of history's good ideas. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The War Powers Act

Since the passing of the War Powers Act, legal experts from both sides of the political spectrum have challenged its constitutionality. It is treated like an annoying next door neighbor, leave him/her alone and you won't be bothered. The Congress and all Presidents since its passing have managed to avoid any major blowups over it and accept the Constitution's Commander in Chief powers. In 1990, John Boehner said....and I paraphrase [there may be Constitutional issues with it and Congress ought to do nothing that weakens the institution of the Presidency in its carrying out of our military actions]. This same speaker, whose sole goal is to see the President fail, is now lashing out, claiming a violation of the law and threatening to stop funding the Libyan operation. Typical Boehner. Figures that Americans don't listen anyway, so tell the war tired people that the President is violating the law...a law he so accepted under Bush. Well, this citizen listens. Where are your Americans for reason and truth?

The National Disparity

I listened to the Republicans bash Obama over the economy. Here is a challenge for them and for our President. Who is going to campaign on reducing the disparity between rich and poor in this country? Who will address the record corporate profits, exploding income increases on the richest one percent while the rest of us have barely seen any income increases and continue to find it difficult to find jobs? Who will address the lack of equity and fairness that our economic policies through decades have contributed to this growing, persistent and shameful reality? Who? My bet is no one. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

The Record

Since 2009, 8.7 trillion dollars of wealth has been restored to Americans.
There have been 15 consecutive months of job growth. The Automobile industry in America has been saved from bankruptcy. The Japanese Sunami had a negative impact on the sustainability of growth and unless Obama controlled the weather, this isn't his fault. The GDP has climbed up from its low level at the start of the recession. Lakshman Achuthan said that Obama's policies have made the recession less severe. 4 million jobs were shaved by business prior to any of the Obama policies taking effect and 2.1 million private sector jobs have been created under his watch. Reconcile these undisputable facts against the BS of last night...Gingrich.."the Obama Depression". What an ugly word to associate with this record. Romney "Obama made the recession worse". We aren't even in a recession anymore according to the economic experts. Bachmann claims that Health Care reform will cost 800,000 jobs, but she doesn't count the jobs that will be created as a result of it, offsetting and even exceeding the loss of jobs through obsolescence and technological advances. Before you allow these politicians to pile on the President with ridiculous claims and absence of a plan of their own, make sure you understand it all. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Nausea

Although the tone of my blog and the reality of my votes tend to move leftward, I am indeed an objective citizen who always listens and am sometimes swayed by the more centrist perspective. I listen to all sides before making an informed judgement. In that spirit, I followed the blog of this evening's Republican debate. At 8:44 after hypocrisy, misstatements of fact, self aggrandisement, denial of reality and unwarranted, inaccurate and relentless criticism of Obama, waves of nausea came over me. This is the best the other side has? Shameful, scary and sickening. Be careful Mr. President, one of these jackasses could just slip passed you and make us all sick. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Make No Mistake...She is Running

First a Bus Tour. Now a soon to be released flattering documentary on AMC, her tweets, her book written in her name, her exposure on FOX and her wily and cute answers to questions. Make no mistake, Sarah Palin is running for President. Gingrich is imploding, Santorum and Pawlenty have no name recongition and Bachmann is not as compelling a character. That leaves Romney...the money leader and favorite in a national campaign. Palin sees this and this is why her bus tour and recent comments are targeting his candidacy. Sarah Palin is totally unqualified for President, but she is being skillfully marketed. She looks good and appeals to a constituency that has in the past proven to be important in primaries and even in a national election. It is scary that such an incompetent could actually be perceived as possible Presidential timber but it is what it is. To fight her off, Democrats and Republicans need to be careful not to fall into the trap of appearing too educated and elite against the backdrop of Grizzly Moms. This crap sells. She is running, running hard and we all owe this potential disaster to John McCain. I hope this former maverick cares more about the country, than his loyalty to her past affiliation with his campaign. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

Personal Responsibility

One of the banner slogans that the Republicans love to use is Personal Responsibility. Let people make their own decisions without much interference from the government. The wealthy corporate powerhouses will be there to help as long as we deregulate and allow it to work its magic with all the tax break dollars they get. If you look at the real numbers after ten years of the tax cuts put in place by President Bush and his puppet Congress it is clear that revenues for government did not rise as promised, but have hit 50 year lows. As such, the richest corporations did not create the kind of conditions needed for people to find jobs, get more education and training and to find their own affordable health care. Instead, the economic conditions deteriorated. Looking backward, and blaming the past is never a winning electoral strategy and the President is well advised to no longer do so. The new Democratic strategy must be to embrace personal responsibility. Not like the Republicans have hypocritically done to appease tea partiers and libertarians, but to create the conditions for it. Republicans cannot just be Obama bashers like Mitt Romeny, without a plan, like Mitt Romney, calling for personal responsibility and at the same time go against every model and plan to create the possibilities for people to take control of their lives. If you want people to get their own training and education for the jobs of the future, you cannot recommend cuts in education spending and loans. If you want people to buy affordable health care, you cannot dump on any idea that allows for universality of coverage. If you want people to make sound decisions for their families, you cannot oppose agencies and services that help to provide them with essential decision making guidance. It is so easy to say...cut spending, let people be responsible and get government out of our lives. However motivating this may be to the ears of some, it isn't a plan that meets the Republicans stated goal of personal responsibility. It is a false and disingenuous platitude. Democrats....this is your opportunity. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?

What a Weiner

Our contempt as a people toward our Congress is understandable. It is apparent to us that they care more about preserving their power bases than doing what is right for the nation. The partisan divide continues to invade the institution and often times very little gets done or it is so watered down as to have no impact at all on our lives or our problems. We are, however a forgiving people and have come to accept, grudgingly perhaps, the failings of our elected officials particulaly when it comes to non predatory sexual deviance. What we cannot accept, is lying. Had Represenative Weiner said last week what he said yesterday, calls for his resignation would have been less severe and his apology over the weeks to follow would have probably been accepted. Representative Weiner did not do so. He lied, changed his story, and undertold the realities of his actions and frequency of his behavior. He is just another politician who believes he can hide the truth, lie about it, and not be caught. He was wrong like so many others. I do not trust him and my sympathy for him has been diminished as a result of his dishonesty. Too bad. The Democrats need to be discussing other more important things and avoid such distractions. Weiner must go. Where are you Americans for reason and truth?