Saturday, February 28, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Cicero on the bailout...
http://http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NmMyMTc2YTJkMGRlMDljMTg0NTZmZjk4OTQ1OTVlZTA=
Replace Specter with This Guy [Mark Krikorian]
He even has senatorial experience!
"The real answer to the problem is that we must make absolutely certain that private debts do not ever reach proportions which will constitute a national peril. There are various ways of ensuring this. But just to take the money away from the rich creditors and give the debtors something that does not belong to them is no solution at all. For the firmest possible guarantee of a country's security is sound credit . . .
So the men in charge of our national interests will do well to steer clear of the kind of liberality which involves robbing one man to give to another."
Unfortunately, Cicero is not available.
02/20 04:40 PM
Replace Specter with This Guy [Mark Krikorian]
He even has senatorial experience!
"The real answer to the problem is that we must make absolutely certain that private debts do not ever reach proportions which will constitute a national peril. There are various ways of ensuring this. But just to take the money away from the rich creditors and give the debtors something that does not belong to them is no solution at all. For the firmest possible guarantee of a country's security is sound credit . . .
So the men in charge of our national interests will do well to steer clear of the kind of liberality which involves robbing one man to give to another."
Unfortunately, Cicero is not available.
02/20 04:40 PM
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Is Sarah Palin a conservative?
http://http://www.conservatives4palin.com/2009/02/corners-hit-piece-on-governor-palin.html
Here you can find a lengthy email conversation between the guy who runs "Conservatives for Palin" and Jerry Taylor of Cato. A civil and enlightening exchange., not only about Palin, for about how Alaska should handle it's vast natural resources.
Here you can find a lengthy email conversation between the guy who runs "Conservatives for Palin" and Jerry Taylor of Cato. A civil and enlightening exchange., not only about Palin, for about how Alaska should handle it's vast natural resources.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
High-larious
From a random comment on a blog about getting a new dog at:
http://http://www.wagreflex.com/2009/02/what-you-need-for-a-new-pet.html
"It helps to have a clear idea of what liberties your new dog is allowed and what is not allowed. When we got our current dog, my wife and I agreed that he could get up on the bed (with a soft canvas cover) but not on the couch. Dogs are like diplomats, they have protocols but not logic. As long as the protocol is consistently applied, a good dog will adjust. "
http://http://www.wagreflex.com/2009/02/what-you-need-for-a-new-pet.html
"It helps to have a clear idea of what liberties your new dog is allowed and what is not allowed. When we got our current dog, my wife and I agreed that he could get up on the bed (with a soft canvas cover) but not on the couch. Dogs are like diplomats, they have protocols but not logic. As long as the protocol is consistently applied, a good dog will adjust. "
VERY smart political move by Obama.
http://http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/02/18/white-house-opposes-fairness-doctrine/
President Obama opposes any move to bring back the so-called Fairness Doctrine, a spokesman told FOXNews.com Wednesday.
President Obama opposes any move to bring back the so-called Fairness Doctrine, a spokesman told FOXNews.com Wednesday.
MoDo at her snarky (and uninformed) worst
http://http//www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/opinion/18dowd.html?_r=5
Webercom: It's pretty obvious that MoDo hasn't read "Angler," WaPo writer's Barton Gellman's very thorough dissection of the Cheney Vice Presidency. Although Gellman is no fan of Cheney, the book clearly refutes MoDo's snarky interpretation of the relationship between Bush and Cheney.Then again, "Angler" is well written, substantive, and almost 400 pages.
Considering that MoDo's two books have been a compilation of columns that even Amazon says is pretty much worthless, ("Bushworld") and a screed about how she can't find a man, ("Are Men Necessary?") her failure to read or reference "Angler" may just be a bad case of the green eyed monster.
Dowd is the Jon Stewart of the NYT's editorial page....good for an occasional laugh (especially if you agree with her), but essentially non-substantive...and nowhere near as funny.
Webercom: It's pretty obvious that MoDo hasn't read "Angler," WaPo writer's Barton Gellman's very thorough dissection of the Cheney Vice Presidency. Although Gellman is no fan of Cheney, the book clearly refutes MoDo's snarky interpretation of the relationship between Bush and Cheney.Then again, "Angler" is well written, substantive, and almost 400 pages.
Considering that MoDo's two books have been a compilation of columns that even Amazon says is pretty much worthless, ("Bushworld") and a screed about how she can't find a man, ("Are Men Necessary?") her failure to read or reference "Angler" may just be a bad case of the green eyed monster.
Dowd is the Jon Stewart of the NYT's editorial page....good for an occasional laugh (especially if you agree with her), but essentially non-substantive...and nowhere near as funny.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Another financial scandal?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123457038088986331.html
Webercom:
Notice this firm controls (and obviously probably hides) a lot of their funds off shore.
Question: Are there any downsides to requiring all financial institutions that offer products in US to retain assets sufficient to cover their liabilities here in the US, where they could be regularly checked by US regulators? More generally, while I understand and support globalization, what are the economic downsides to requiring all firms of any type that operate here (in the world's largest market) to have significant financial relationships with US based banks?
Will run this by some more knowledgeable folks....
Webercom:
Notice this firm controls (and obviously probably hides) a lot of their funds off shore.
Question: Are there any downsides to requiring all financial institutions that offer products in US to retain assets sufficient to cover their liabilities here in the US, where they could be regularly checked by US regulators? More generally, while I understand and support globalization, what are the economic downsides to requiring all firms of any type that operate here (in the world's largest market) to have significant financial relationships with US based banks?
Will run this by some more knowledgeable folks....
Politkovskaya trial update
http://http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/02/17/world/AP-EU-Russia-Politkovskaya.html
Webercom: Politkovskaya's book: "Putin's Russia" is an excellent guide to the rise of Putin and in particular the Kremlin's actions in the Beslan hostage taking. There is little doubt among most Russia watchers that her killing was if not ordered, at least sanctioned by the Kremlin.
Webercom: Politkovskaya's book: "Putin's Russia" is an excellent guide to the rise of Putin and in particular the Kremlin's actions in the Beslan hostage taking. There is little doubt among most Russia watchers that her killing was if not ordered, at least sanctioned by the Kremlin.
Yet another bad Southern accent in a movie
http://http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1147187/Brad-Pitt-turns-Nazi-killing-commando-Tarantino-bloodfest-Inglourious-Basterds.html
Check the trailer at the bottom for Brad Pitt's horrible take on a Southern accent.
Check the trailer at the bottom for Brad Pitt's horrible take on a Southern accent.
More calories in home cooking?
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/02/17/health/AP-Fat-Recipes.html
Webercom: According to this article...all that is really happening its that portions are getting larger.
On food, I'm finishing up The New Yorker's compilation of their best food writing...it is truly fantastic. Columns from the founding the magazine to the present.
Webercom: According to this article...all that is really happening its that portions are getting larger.
On food, I'm finishing up The New Yorker's compilation of their best food writing...it is truly fantastic. Columns from the founding the magazine to the present.
Obama DOJ to keep records secret
http://http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/02/17/washington/AP-Obama-Freedom-of-Information.html
Webercom: This is positive and most folks recognized that Obama's Adm wouldn't change much of this.
Webercom: This is positive and most folks recognized that Obama's Adm wouldn't change much of this.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Michael Pollan
http://http://www.ecoliteracy.org/publications/rsl/michael-pollan.html
Webercom: I have devoured all of Pollan's books (pun intended.) If you eat, especially if you like to eat well, you need to read this.
Webercom: I have devoured all of Pollan's books (pun intended.) If you eat, especially if you like to eat well, you need to read this.
Reliving Super Bowl XLIII
http://http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/090202&sportCat=nfl
Billl Simmons is one of the sports guys I never miss.
This is good stuff. And his opening is why I tend to stay at home to watch the game..I actually want to watch it, not be at a party.
Billl Simmons is one of the sports guys I never miss.
This is good stuff. And his opening is why I tend to stay at home to watch the game..I actually want to watch it, not be at a party.
Derbyshire on Darwin
The Great Disturber [John Derbyshire]
Darwin Day! Plenty of people have interesting things to say about the Great Disturber. The old boy's ideas are as disturbing to the modern egalitarian Left as they are to the fundamentalist Right. That homo sap. is a Chosen Species is improbable on Darwinian grounds; but then so is the Psychic Unity of Mankind. Steve Sailer has interesting things to say here. It was Steve, I think, who summed up Darwin's equal-opportunity disturbingness in the apothegm: "The Right believes in biology but not in evolution; the Left believes in evolution but not in biology."
A sensitive soul like myself is naturally above all this grubby metaphysical bickering. In a proper Darwinian spirit, I prefer to contemplate Darwin's large and fascinating family tree, which had musical, military, and literary branches, as well as scientific ones. There was, for instance, Darwin's granddaughter Frances Cornford, who was a rather good poet. I've recorded one of my favorites here.
02/12 09:59 AM
Darwin Day! Plenty of people have interesting things to say about the Great Disturber. The old boy's ideas are as disturbing to the modern egalitarian Left as they are to the fundamentalist Right. That homo sap. is a Chosen Species is improbable on Darwinian grounds; but then so is the Psychic Unity of Mankind. Steve Sailer has interesting things to say here. It was Steve, I think, who summed up Darwin's equal-opportunity disturbingness in the apothegm: "The Right believes in biology but not in evolution; the Left believes in evolution but not in biology."
A sensitive soul like myself is naturally above all this grubby metaphysical bickering. In a proper Darwinian spirit, I prefer to contemplate Darwin's large and fascinating family tree, which had musical, military, and literary branches, as well as scientific ones. There was, for instance, Darwin's granddaughter Frances Cornford, who was a rather good poet. I've recorded one of my favorites here.
02/12 09:59 AM
The GOP should be hoping the D's press for gun control measures
http://http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2009/02/022814.php
from Powerline:
I Googled the word "unicorn" and got 19,100,000 responses. Then I tried "conservative Democrat" and got 220,000. Maybe that means you're more likely to encounter a unicorn than a conservative Democrat, but I think the species are equally non-existent. Is there any Democrat who can be counted on to deliver a principled conservative vote when it actually counts? Not to my knowledge.
The latest case in point is Kirsten Gillibrand. Remember how, when she was appointed to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat, she was widely described as a "conservative Democrat?" In particular, her 100% rating by the National Rifle Association was widely touted. But that was then, and this is now: Gillibrand is a convert to the cause of gun control. She has met with the parents of a 17-year-old girl who was killed by a stray bullet fired by a gang member and undergone a conversion:
It clearly touched her. "I care deeply. I am very upset about the horror and the tragedies that so many families experience," Gillibrand said. ...
On Monday she said Nyasia's story convinced her to introduce gun trafficking legislation. "I will be a fighter to make sure we keep these illegal guns off the streets," Gillibrand said.
Gillibrand is so intent on changing her image on gun violence that she's even asking for a meeting with Mayor Michael Bloomberg, one of the leading anti-gun advocates in the nation.
Gillibrand on Monday established two internships in her New York and Washington offices in honor of Nyasia.
Apparently Ms. Gillibrand had never realized, until now, that it is possible to use a firearm to commit a crime. Be that as it may, now that she will be running for re-election statewide she has no more need for an endorsement from the NRA; on the contrary, such an endorsement would be a liability--a liability that Ms. Gillibrand lost no time in jettisoning.
Webercom: No I don't agree that there are no Democrats who will deliver a principled vote..that is just overwrought partisanship.
But if I were at the RNSC, I'd be running this quote every time I could. His position on gun control probably cost Al Gore the Presidency...he lost both Tennessee and Arkansas, largely due to NRA loyalists. Since then , you've heard very little from the Democrats on this issue...they realized it only cost them voters, and didn't gain any (2nd Amendment voters are one of the largest single issue voter groups you can find.)
If the D's want to run this up the flagpole again, the Republicans should sit back and cheer them on...
from Powerline:
I Googled the word "unicorn" and got 19,100,000 responses. Then I tried "conservative Democrat" and got 220,000. Maybe that means you're more likely to encounter a unicorn than a conservative Democrat, but I think the species are equally non-existent. Is there any Democrat who can be counted on to deliver a principled conservative vote when it actually counts? Not to my knowledge.
The latest case in point is Kirsten Gillibrand. Remember how, when she was appointed to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat, she was widely described as a "conservative Democrat?" In particular, her 100% rating by the National Rifle Association was widely touted. But that was then, and this is now: Gillibrand is a convert to the cause of gun control. She has met with the parents of a 17-year-old girl who was killed by a stray bullet fired by a gang member and undergone a conversion:
It clearly touched her. "I care deeply. I am very upset about the horror and the tragedies that so many families experience," Gillibrand said. ...
On Monday she said Nyasia's story convinced her to introduce gun trafficking legislation. "I will be a fighter to make sure we keep these illegal guns off the streets," Gillibrand said.
Gillibrand is so intent on changing her image on gun violence that she's even asking for a meeting with Mayor Michael Bloomberg, one of the leading anti-gun advocates in the nation.
Gillibrand on Monday established two internships in her New York and Washington offices in honor of Nyasia.
Apparently Ms. Gillibrand had never realized, until now, that it is possible to use a firearm to commit a crime. Be that as it may, now that she will be running for re-election statewide she has no more need for an endorsement from the NRA; on the contrary, such an endorsement would be a liability--a liability that Ms. Gillibrand lost no time in jettisoning.
Webercom: No I don't agree that there are no Democrats who will deliver a principled vote..that is just overwrought partisanship.
But if I were at the RNSC, I'd be running this quote every time I could. His position on gun control probably cost Al Gore the Presidency...he lost both Tennessee and Arkansas, largely due to NRA loyalists. Since then , you've heard very little from the Democrats on this issue...they realized it only cost them voters, and didn't gain any (2nd Amendment voters are one of the largest single issue voter groups you can find.)
If the D's want to run this up the flagpole again, the Republicans should sit back and cheer them on...
More Lincoln's Birthday stuff
http://pajamasmedia.com/instapundit/69584/
February 12, 2009
HAPPY LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY: Here’s our Glenn & Helen Show interview with James Swanson, author of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer. Which is a great book — like a Tom Clancy thriller, except that it all really happened.
Webercom: Manhunt is a great book...Reynolds is dead on.
February 12, 2009
HAPPY LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY: Here’s our Glenn & Helen Show interview with James Swanson, author of Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer. Which is a great book — like a Tom Clancy thriller, except that it all really happened.
Webercom: Manhunt is a great book...Reynolds is dead on.
This is cool...Coke attorney writes on Lincoln
http://http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ODg4YmZiOTM3MjNmYTRjMjJjZjU2YjQ2NzlkOTAxYTQ=
Happy Birthday Abe! [John J. Miller]
Today is the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth — and so on Between the Covers, we have a podcast with Michael J. Kline, author of The Baltimore Plot: The First Conspiracy to Assassinate Abraham Lincoln. The events he describes took place just before Lincoln's inauguration, as the president-elect made his way to Washington by train. Years ago, I studied this episode closely, for my own edification, and I can say that Kline's book is excellent. Kline even discusses a possible link between the Baltimore plotters and John Wilkes Booth—he admits that it's highly speculative, but it's also really interesting and was completely new to me. So check out the interview.
Now, here's what makes it super-cool. Have you seen that candid-camera Coke Zero commercial, in which a couple of guys from Coke meet with a lawyer to discuss a lawsuit against Coke Zero for taste infringement? It's a nutty idea, and that's what makes it amusing. Anyway, the lawyer in the commercial is Kline. By day, he's an attorney for Coke. He says that going in, he didn't know it was a set-up, but he quickly caught on and played along.
So listen to his podcast, then watch his commercial.
Happy Birthday Abe! [John J. Miller]
Today is the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth — and so on Between the Covers, we have a podcast with Michael J. Kline, author of The Baltimore Plot: The First Conspiracy to Assassinate Abraham Lincoln. The events he describes took place just before Lincoln's inauguration, as the president-elect made his way to Washington by train. Years ago, I studied this episode closely, for my own edification, and I can say that Kline's book is excellent. Kline even discusses a possible link between the Baltimore plotters and John Wilkes Booth—he admits that it's highly speculative, but it's also really interesting and was completely new to me. So check out the interview.
Now, here's what makes it super-cool. Have you seen that candid-camera Coke Zero commercial, in which a couple of guys from Coke meet with a lawyer to discuss a lawsuit against Coke Zero for taste infringement? It's a nutty idea, and that's what makes it amusing. Anyway, the lawyer in the commercial is Kline. By day, he's an attorney for Coke. He says that going in, he didn't know it was a set-up, but he quickly caught on and played along.
So listen to his podcast, then watch his commercial.
Syria update
http://http://www.forbes.com/2009/02/11/syria-assad-sanctions-opinions-columnists_0212_claudia_rosett.html
Webercom: The take off point for this column is the Obama's Adm. decision to allow Boeing to service two 747's owned by Syria's national airline.
I think that the new President should be given the opportunity to try to woo Assad, but he should be well prepared to pull back quickly. Extending a hand of friendship is fine, but he must recognize that the Syrians are not our friends, even if they are not yet our explicit enemies.
Webercom: The take off point for this column is the Obama's Adm. decision to allow Boeing to service two 747's owned by Syria's national airline.
I think that the new President should be given the opportunity to try to woo Assad, but he should be well prepared to pull back quickly. Extending a hand of friendship is fine, but he must recognize that the Syrians are not our friends, even if they are not yet our explicit enemies.
Geithner bombs...Kudlow...
Larry Kudlow on NRO.
"...On Tuesday morning, stocks opened down about 75 points in the wake of Obama’s pessimism. But stocks really started to tumble when Tim Geithner stepped to the microphone. He totally bombed in his debut.
Geithner had no real plan to deal with the problem of unmarketable toxic assets on bank balance sheets. He offered no new architectural structure, no good way to remove the toxic assets, no clear pricing or funding proposals, and no meat on the bones.
According to Merriam-Webster, a “plan” is “a detailed formulation of a program of action; a method for achieving an end.” But Mr. Geithner had none of this. As a result, stocks plunged about 250 points. Prominent investment strategist Ed Yardeni described Geithner as an empty suit with an empty plan..."
"...By the way, Geithner did not offer any regulatory accounting relief, such as putting an end to the disastrous mark-to-market rule that has wrecked bank capital and is one of the root causes of the whole financial problem...."
Geithner would have been better off not giving a speech until he could put real meat on the bones. What he pulled Tuesday was a classic rookie move that will further erode the public’s trust in his capabilities. Following the controversy over his late payment of taxes, this bank-plan blunder could be another nail in his coffin. Apparently, Tim Geithner is not yet ready for prime time."
Webercom: The failure to change the mark to market rules is a huge mistake, and inexplicable. Geither also bombed in testimony before a Senate committee. The combination of a President who seems to be trying to talk the country into a deeper recession and Treasury Secretary who can't seem to talk straight is bad...it's early, but Geithner will get about another 90 days before "family issues" may force him out.
"...On Tuesday morning, stocks opened down about 75 points in the wake of Obama’s pessimism. But stocks really started to tumble when Tim Geithner stepped to the microphone. He totally bombed in his debut.
Geithner had no real plan to deal with the problem of unmarketable toxic assets on bank balance sheets. He offered no new architectural structure, no good way to remove the toxic assets, no clear pricing or funding proposals, and no meat on the bones.
According to Merriam-Webster, a “plan” is “a detailed formulation of a program of action; a method for achieving an end.” But Mr. Geithner had none of this. As a result, stocks plunged about 250 points. Prominent investment strategist Ed Yardeni described Geithner as an empty suit with an empty plan..."
"...By the way, Geithner did not offer any regulatory accounting relief, such as putting an end to the disastrous mark-to-market rule that has wrecked bank capital and is one of the root causes of the whole financial problem...."
Geithner would have been better off not giving a speech until he could put real meat on the bones. What he pulled Tuesday was a classic rookie move that will further erode the public’s trust in his capabilities. Following the controversy over his late payment of taxes, this bank-plan blunder could be another nail in his coffin. Apparently, Tim Geithner is not yet ready for prime time."
Webercom: The failure to change the mark to market rules is a huge mistake, and inexplicable. Geither also bombed in testimony before a Senate committee. The combination of a President who seems to be trying to talk the country into a deeper recession and Treasury Secretary who can't seem to talk straight is bad...it's early, but Geithner will get about another 90 days before "family issues" may force him out.
Save car companies...break up Microsoft
I spent an hour this morning un-installing and reinstalling the software for my new printer.The software was last installed less then ten days ago, but it seems that the auto updates that Microsoft installed overnight threw something off.
Now I'll admit that I am not technically proficient (and have no real desire to become so.)But then I got in my American made Jeep that has 36,000 miles on it and went to get the paper. And the Jeep ALWAYS works. I never have to do anything but change the oil on a regular basis.
What's the connection?Automakers are pilloried and reviled...but their products work...and are a huge improvement over cars manufactured just twenty years ago.My computer has some kind of an issue just about once a month. Even when I worked for a large corporation, about once a month you had to track down the IT guy to get him to come fix something.
Microsoft puts out inferior products because they can...there have no competition.Auto makers by and large have to turn out cars that are dependable and easily serviced. They have strong competition and groups like Consumer Reports and others are constantly evaluating and grading their products.Ever seen A Consumer Reports piece on Windows...of course you haven't... to what would they compare it?
I haven't done the research, so I don't remember why the government dropped its anti-trust case against Microsoft during the Clinton Administration, but it's time to give it another go.As a conservative with strong libertarian leanings, I'm generally against overbearing government regulation and anti-trust suits. By and large these suits fail. I also have seen studies that show that anti-trust cases don't improve competition or result in better products.
But the government does a role in setting some rules of the road...and fighting huge monopolies is part of this.In PJ O'Rourke's book "All the Trouble in the World" his greatest revelation came when he visited the new Russia. O'Rourke is hard core libertarian. But he changed his mind somewhat after his experience watching the newly capitalist Russia. He realized that the government has to set some rules and do some oversight...unfettered capitalism doesn't automatically create the conditions necessary for healthy competition and in our software operating systems market, there is no competition.
Microsoft is a clearly a monopoly, and reminds me of the most successful anti-trust case the government has prosecuted....the break-up of AT&T.I have some personal relationship to this case. My father was an employee of Southern Bell and AT&T for thirty years and he spent a large part of his career working in government relations. Judge Harold Greene, who was the primary judge in this case, was a name I heard around our house.When I'd ask my father if AT&T was a monopoly, he would often say “Of course not...there are 26 telephone companies in South Carolina alone."
Regardless of whether AT&T met the absolute standard of a monopoly, the break up revolutionized telephone service. Service (and the kind of services offered) went up, and prices went down.Part of the reason was AT&T was operated on a unnatural business model. AT&T's margins on long distance were unnaturally high in order to support low cost local service (This was not AT&T's fault. The government insisted that it provide universal local service at an affordable rate.)
As soon as AT&T was broken up, long distance rates came down tremendously, which provided economic benefits to businesses and consumers. I still remember that even though my family's long distance was free, we only called the grandparents on Sunday nights, and passed the phone around rather quickly to say just a few words...my father was never one to take the slightest advantage of his employer. Now long distance is free for everyone.
If Microsoft actually had to compete in the operating systems market, imagine how many consumers would switch from Windows to something else. I'd do it in a heartbeat. It's been said before, but it's worth repeating. Windows isn't (and wasn't) the best operating system out there. But Gates and his team were the best businessmen out there. They were and are ruthless competitors, and they crush anyone who dares to assault their market position.
In a great Simpson's episode, Homer starts a website that becomes moderately successful. Gates and his flunkies show up at the Simpson house....Homer thinks he's about to cash in. But instead the Microsoft gang just destroys everything. Gates' character says "I didn't get rich by writing checks."
This is not far from the truth...there is plenty of evidence of Microsoft using predatory pricing or other illegal methods to prevent competing products from reaching the market.
It's time to break up Microsoft.
(I'm sure this is a coincidence, but as I'm writing this, the spellcheck feature on blogspot goes out....maybe I should slowly just step away from the machine.)
Now I'll admit that I am not technically proficient (and have no real desire to become so.)But then I got in my American made Jeep that has 36,000 miles on it and went to get the paper. And the Jeep ALWAYS works. I never have to do anything but change the oil on a regular basis.
What's the connection?Automakers are pilloried and reviled...but their products work...and are a huge improvement over cars manufactured just twenty years ago.My computer has some kind of an issue just about once a month. Even when I worked for a large corporation, about once a month you had to track down the IT guy to get him to come fix something.
Microsoft puts out inferior products because they can...there have no competition.Auto makers by and large have to turn out cars that are dependable and easily serviced. They have strong competition and groups like Consumer Reports and others are constantly evaluating and grading their products.Ever seen A Consumer Reports piece on Windows...of course you haven't... to what would they compare it?
I haven't done the research, so I don't remember why the government dropped its anti-trust case against Microsoft during the Clinton Administration, but it's time to give it another go.As a conservative with strong libertarian leanings, I'm generally against overbearing government regulation and anti-trust suits. By and large these suits fail. I also have seen studies that show that anti-trust cases don't improve competition or result in better products.
But the government does a role in setting some rules of the road...and fighting huge monopolies is part of this.In PJ O'Rourke's book "All the Trouble in the World" his greatest revelation came when he visited the new Russia. O'Rourke is hard core libertarian. But he changed his mind somewhat after his experience watching the newly capitalist Russia. He realized that the government has to set some rules and do some oversight...unfettered capitalism doesn't automatically create the conditions necessary for healthy competition and in our software operating systems market, there is no competition.
Microsoft is a clearly a monopoly, and reminds me of the most successful anti-trust case the government has prosecuted....the break-up of AT&T.I have some personal relationship to this case. My father was an employee of Southern Bell and AT&T for thirty years and he spent a large part of his career working in government relations. Judge Harold Greene, who was the primary judge in this case, was a name I heard around our house.When I'd ask my father if AT&T was a monopoly, he would often say “Of course not...there are 26 telephone companies in South Carolina alone."
Regardless of whether AT&T met the absolute standard of a monopoly, the break up revolutionized telephone service. Service (and the kind of services offered) went up, and prices went down.Part of the reason was AT&T was operated on a unnatural business model. AT&T's margins on long distance were unnaturally high in order to support low cost local service (This was not AT&T's fault. The government insisted that it provide universal local service at an affordable rate.)
As soon as AT&T was broken up, long distance rates came down tremendously, which provided economic benefits to businesses and consumers. I still remember that even though my family's long distance was free, we only called the grandparents on Sunday nights, and passed the phone around rather quickly to say just a few words...my father was never one to take the slightest advantage of his employer. Now long distance is free for everyone.
If Microsoft actually had to compete in the operating systems market, imagine how many consumers would switch from Windows to something else. I'd do it in a heartbeat. It's been said before, but it's worth repeating. Windows isn't (and wasn't) the best operating system out there. But Gates and his team were the best businessmen out there. They were and are ruthless competitors, and they crush anyone who dares to assault their market position.
In a great Simpson's episode, Homer starts a website that becomes moderately successful. Gates and his flunkies show up at the Simpson house....Homer thinks he's about to cash in. But instead the Microsoft gang just destroys everything. Gates' character says "I didn't get rich by writing checks."
This is not far from the truth...there is plenty of evidence of Microsoft using predatory pricing or other illegal methods to prevent competing products from reaching the market.
It's time to break up Microsoft.
(I'm sure this is a coincidence, but as I'm writing this, the spellcheck feature on blogspot goes out....maybe I should slowly just step away from the machine.)
GOP coming back strong
MICHAEL BARONE: REPUBLICANS TRAIL OBAMA DEMS BY ONE POINT IN POLL — ANTI-STIMULUS PUSH IS WORKING.
“Astonishing news on the generic ballot question. Pollster Scott Rasmussen reports that Democrats are currently ahead of Republicans by only 40 percent to 39 percent.
Given that this generic ballot question over the years has tended to understate Republicans’ performances in actual elections, one gathers that if the 2010 election for House seats were held today, Republicans would win or come close to winning a majority of seats—which is to say, they would gain about 40 seats. By way of comparison, they gained 52 seats when they won their majority in 1994. This result may just be a momentary blip, which will pass away as quickly as it appeared, and we are a long, long, long way from the November 2010 elections.
But if I were a Democratic member of Congress in even a marginally marginal district, I would be just a little bit worried.” If the economy improves before 2010, this may still be an issue. If the economy doesn’t improve by 2010, then it will really be an issue.
“Astonishing news on the generic ballot question. Pollster Scott Rasmussen reports that Democrats are currently ahead of Republicans by only 40 percent to 39 percent.
Given that this generic ballot question over the years has tended to understate Republicans’ performances in actual elections, one gathers that if the 2010 election for House seats were held today, Republicans would win or come close to winning a majority of seats—which is to say, they would gain about 40 seats. By way of comparison, they gained 52 seats when they won their majority in 1994. This result may just be a momentary blip, which will pass away as quickly as it appeared, and we are a long, long, long way from the November 2010 elections.
But if I were a Democratic member of Congress in even a marginally marginal district, I would be just a little bit worried.” If the economy improves before 2010, this may still be an issue. If the economy doesn’t improve by 2010, then it will really be an issue.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Milton Friedman on Donahue
http://http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2009/02/022785.php
This has been bouncing around the web quite a bit lately.
I;m not the first t make this point (and was not a Donahue fan) but what is truly remarkable is that Donahue allows Friedman to make a complete point...Phil even looks like he is actually LISTENING to Friedman and THINKING ABOUT what he is saying.
He's not just jumping in and arguing...can you imagine this on The Daily Show or Hannity?
This has been bouncing around the web quite a bit lately.
I;m not the first t make this point (and was not a Donahue fan) but what is truly remarkable is that Donahue allows Friedman to make a complete point...Phil even looks like he is actually LISTENING to Friedman and THINKING ABOUT what he is saying.
He's not just jumping in and arguing...can you imagine this on The Daily Show or Hannity?
Other battles the Right shouldn't fight...
I wrote earlier that the Right should accept that the perception battle over Gitmo has been lost and that it should change tactics.
Here are a few others issues on which the perception battle has been lost, and other tactics would be more successful in winning elections:
Income tax cuts....give up on cutting income tax rates under the current system...they will always be "tax cuts for the rich."
The Right should opt for one short term goal and one long term goal on taxes:
Short term:
Cut payroll taxes.
Long term:
Reform the tax system.
Move toward a two tiered flat income tax. Not the Fair Tax or any kind of consumption tax. Lots of folks have love it, but it inherently unconservative, and is not a winning issues. Why? It calls for every taxpayer to be sent a check each month to cover the taxes on food and medicine....one more time...the government is going to send a check to every American taxpayer every month. If this is not an invitation to fraud and abuse, I cannot think of a better one. Ronald Reagan is spinning in his grave.
It also doesn't work. I was at a not-for-attribution seminar with a senior Treasury official two years ago. In a room full of influential conservatives he said "You don't want to hear this, but the FAir Tax won't work...the numbers are just not there. "
Not to mention that a 23 /24/ 25% sales tax cannot be sold to the American public, no matter how many times you expalin it or how much Neal Boortz rants about it.
Gay marriage:
Now I'm not really sure what role the State has to play in marriage. Marriages were not regulated or sanctioned by the State for most of Western history, and when they were it was primarily for tax reasons.
Let me pose an example from real life. A couple separates. They go through counseling at their church, synagogue, whatever. The priest, pastor, rabbi, imam grants them a divorce in whatever terms it is granted in their particular denomination. But due to whatever circumstances, their divorce is not granted by the State for another year.
Are they free to begin dating (or otherwise engaging in conduct limited to single people) when their religious denomination (to whom they pledged their fidelity) says it is OK or when the clerk of the county in which they lives says they are "divorced?" Would you rather base your decision on your God or your County Clerk?
If the GOP is going to continue to fight this battle, it should focus it on attacking the judiciary.
Is opposition to gay marriage a short term winner at the ballot box? Of course, but it it is better argued and paired with an attack on a judiciary that disregards the will of the people...
....which also works for...abortion.
What many folks don't realize (in particular liberals who love everything about Europe) is that abortion became legal much later (and is still far more heavily regulated) in Europe.
And Europe has never experienced the bitter partisan and religious divides that we have for one simple reason...in each and every European nation, the decision to legalize some form of abortion was made either by the national legislature, or by national referendum.
The solution (and proper political perspective on both of these issues) is to take them out of the hands of the courts, and put them in the hands of the state legislatures. Swing voters who not are not dogmatic about these issues (which pretty much defines a swing voter) would respond well to this argument, especially in Congressional elections.
And neither of these positions precludes outlawing either abortion or gay marriage...it just requires taking control from the courts and returning it to the states and the people.
This position also provides a significant boost for House candidates (although less so for Senators.) GOP House and Senate candidates should aggressively argue for the over turning of Roe v. Wade and pair it with an argument that this is a state issue. I'm not convinced that any states would actually completely outlaw abortion. South Dakota's legislature, with a strong Christina Right faction in the electorate, failed to pass the nation's most restrictive abortion law in its last session.
Again, on none of these three issues am I arguing that the GOP should change its central position...but it needs to change its tactics.
Here are a few others issues on which the perception battle has been lost, and other tactics would be more successful in winning elections:
Income tax cuts....give up on cutting income tax rates under the current system...they will always be "tax cuts for the rich."
The Right should opt for one short term goal and one long term goal on taxes:
Short term:
Cut payroll taxes.
Long term:
Reform the tax system.
Move toward a two tiered flat income tax. Not the Fair Tax or any kind of consumption tax. Lots of folks have love it, but it inherently unconservative, and is not a winning issues. Why? It calls for every taxpayer to be sent a check each month to cover the taxes on food and medicine....one more time...the government is going to send a check to every American taxpayer every month. If this is not an invitation to fraud and abuse, I cannot think of a better one. Ronald Reagan is spinning in his grave.
It also doesn't work. I was at a not-for-attribution seminar with a senior Treasury official two years ago. In a room full of influential conservatives he said "You don't want to hear this, but the FAir Tax won't work...the numbers are just not there. "
Not to mention that a 23 /24/ 25% sales tax cannot be sold to the American public, no matter how many times you expalin it or how much Neal Boortz rants about it.
Gay marriage:
Now I'm not really sure what role the State has to play in marriage. Marriages were not regulated or sanctioned by the State for most of Western history, and when they were it was primarily for tax reasons.
Let me pose an example from real life. A couple separates. They go through counseling at their church, synagogue, whatever. The priest, pastor, rabbi, imam grants them a divorce in whatever terms it is granted in their particular denomination. But due to whatever circumstances, their divorce is not granted by the State for another year.
Are they free to begin dating (or otherwise engaging in conduct limited to single people) when their religious denomination (to whom they pledged their fidelity) says it is OK or when the clerk of the county in which they lives says they are "divorced?" Would you rather base your decision on your God or your County Clerk?
If the GOP is going to continue to fight this battle, it should focus it on attacking the judiciary.
Is opposition to gay marriage a short term winner at the ballot box? Of course, but it it is better argued and paired with an attack on a judiciary that disregards the will of the people...
....which also works for...abortion.
What many folks don't realize (in particular liberals who love everything about Europe) is that abortion became legal much later (and is still far more heavily regulated) in Europe.
And Europe has never experienced the bitter partisan and religious divides that we have for one simple reason...in each and every European nation, the decision to legalize some form of abortion was made either by the national legislature, or by national referendum.
The solution (and proper political perspective on both of these issues) is to take them out of the hands of the courts, and put them in the hands of the state legislatures. Swing voters who not are not dogmatic about these issues (which pretty much defines a swing voter) would respond well to this argument, especially in Congressional elections.
And neither of these positions precludes outlawing either abortion or gay marriage...it just requires taking control from the courts and returning it to the states and the people.
This position also provides a significant boost for House candidates (although less so for Senators.) GOP House and Senate candidates should aggressively argue for the over turning of Roe v. Wade and pair it with an argument that this is a state issue. I'm not convinced that any states would actually completely outlaw abortion. South Dakota's legislature, with a strong Christina Right faction in the electorate, failed to pass the nation's most restrictive abortion law in its last session.
Again, on none of these three issues am I arguing that the GOP should change its central position...but it needs to change its tactics.
Tina Brown on Shep Smith's program
She just said that Obama had "a mandate."
Reagan had a mandate and proved it by getting a significant number of House Democrats to cross the aisle and sign onto this programs...proof of a mandate.
Clinton got his programs through with wide margins...proof of a mandate.
Obama is struggling to get this stimulus bill through. Callers are not flooding Republican congressional offices demanding support for this plan...he even lost eleven Democrats in the House. This thing may not survive the conference committee. It's bit too soon to declare a mandate.
(And this is mean, but Tina needs to lay off the Botox..she looked SO surprised during the entire interview.)
Reagan had a mandate and proved it by getting a significant number of House Democrats to cross the aisle and sign onto this programs...proof of a mandate.
Clinton got his programs through with wide margins...proof of a mandate.
Obama is struggling to get this stimulus bill through. Callers are not flooding Republican congressional offices demanding support for this plan...he even lost eleven Democrats in the House. This thing may not survive the conference committee. It's bit too soon to declare a mandate.
(And this is mean, but Tina needs to lay off the Botox..she looked SO surprised during the entire interview.)
Simply brilliant!
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NDgwZjhkZTljOTRjOGRhYWE5ZTNlMjU3M2RiM2M0MjI=
Capitalism in a Small Country [Peter Robinson]
Communism, as Boris Yeltsin famously declared, should have been tried in a small country first. Now a trial run in a small country has started to look like the best hope for capitalism.
Enter New Zealand.
Sir Roger Douglas, a prominent figure in the ACT Party, the party of traditional liberalism, has just proposed a sublimely simple new plan. Any New Zealander who agreed to provide for his own health insurance and retirement would receive his first $30,000 in income tax-free. And every dollar after that would be taxed at the flat rate of just 15 percent.
Michael Steele, book a flight to Wellington.
02/10 01:27 PM
Capitalism in a Small Country [Peter Robinson]
Communism, as Boris Yeltsin famously declared, should have been tried in a small country first. Now a trial run in a small country has started to look like the best hope for capitalism.
Enter New Zealand.
Sir Roger Douglas, a prominent figure in the ACT Party, the party of traditional liberalism, has just proposed a sublimely simple new plan. Any New Zealander who agreed to provide for his own health insurance and retirement would receive his first $30,000 in income tax-free. And every dollar after that would be taxed at the flat rate of just 15 percent.
Michael Steele, book a flight to Wellington.
02/10 01:27 PM
Right wing split gives Kadima victory in Israel...
Via Fox News...Will Livni be PM?
It's going to be very hard for Livni to form a gov't.
Kadima was already in power, and the only reason Likud didn't win a majority was the continued Hamas rocket attacks.Even during the cease fire and election campaign Hamas continued with the rockets. The Palestinians never miss a chance to miss a chance.
If they had sat tight and waited out the election they might have gotten a bit closer to a PM with whom they could bargain. The rockets pushed voters even farther to the Right. The critical margin were those voters who decided to support a hard Right nationalist party instead of Likud.Livni will get a month or two to form a gov't, and then Bibi will be in charge.
That won't be good for Hamas or the average Gaza resident.It also will make it tougher on Obama and Mitchell. Mitchell showed some serious diplomatic chops in N. Ireland, but this will be far tougher. Folks in Eire (even Rev Paisley) were ready for peace. I think the Israelis are. Hamas isn't.
It's going to be very hard for Livni to form a gov't.
Kadima was already in power, and the only reason Likud didn't win a majority was the continued Hamas rocket attacks.Even during the cease fire and election campaign Hamas continued with the rockets. The Palestinians never miss a chance to miss a chance.
If they had sat tight and waited out the election they might have gotten a bit closer to a PM with whom they could bargain. The rockets pushed voters even farther to the Right. The critical margin were those voters who decided to support a hard Right nationalist party instead of Likud.Livni will get a month or two to form a gov't, and then Bibi will be in charge.
That won't be good for Hamas or the average Gaza resident.It also will make it tougher on Obama and Mitchell. Mitchell showed some serious diplomatic chops in N. Ireland, but this will be far tougher. Folks in Eire (even Rev Paisley) were ready for peace. I think the Israelis are. Hamas isn't.
Dodd in trouble in CT.?
http://http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hcu-qpoll-0210,0,4411573.story
Could a Republican win in CT.?
Maybe...if they ran a great campaign and could get proper support from the RNC and RNSC....which would mean the national party funding a (as Alex Castellanos termed them) "Red Cat" Republican...get it? Blue Dog Democrat..Red Cat Republican...pretty clever...and the GOP is going to need to win some Red Cat races in the NE if they want to regain power on the Hill.
Could a Republican win in CT.?
Maybe...if they ran a great campaign and could get proper support from the RNC and RNSC....which would mean the national party funding a (as Alex Castellanos termed them) "Red Cat" Republican...get it? Blue Dog Democrat..Red Cat Republican...pretty clever...and the GOP is going to need to win some Red Cat races in the NE if they want to regain power on the Hill.
Big Bang Theory
http://http://www.slate.com/id/2210635/
I actually really like this show...reminds of some the guys I hung out with in high school...we weren't all science nerds (I certainly wasn't...I was more of a politics and news nerd) but it does ring true.
I actually really like this show...reminds of some the guys I hung out with in high school...we weren't all science nerds (I certainly wasn't...I was more of a politics and news nerd) but it does ring true.
Pretty good take on the "Gang of Three"
http://http://www.slate.com/id/2210838/
Webercom: Specter is ALWAYS driving the Right nuts...it looks likely that former Rep. (and president of the libertarian Club fro Growth) Pat Toomey will challenge Specter in the GOP primary in 2010. Specter may not run again...he is getting up in years and had a bout with cancer a few years back.
There's not really a good solution for the Senate R's to get these folks in line. As Chris Beam writes, they need these voters, and Maine gets bluer every year.
The only hope for stopping the bill now rests in Speaker Pelosi's inept hands...if she pushes too hard (especially on this new health care issue,) she could take it down in flames. But the bet there is that the White Hose reads her the riot act before the conference committee.
Webercom: Specter is ALWAYS driving the Right nuts...it looks likely that former Rep. (and president of the libertarian Club fro Growth) Pat Toomey will challenge Specter in the GOP primary in 2010. Specter may not run again...he is getting up in years and had a bout with cancer a few years back.
There's not really a good solution for the Senate R's to get these folks in line. As Chris Beam writes, they need these voters, and Maine gets bluer every year.
The only hope for stopping the bill now rests in Speaker Pelosi's inept hands...if she pushes too hard (especially on this new health care issue,) she could take it down in flames. But the bet there is that the White Hose reads her the riot act before the conference committee.
New Esquire magazine
I get it because they have great writers..never quite understood the fashion stuff...$1500 for a blazer!
In this month's issue....David Plouffe, Sarah Palin, Shepard Smith, and The Waffle House...worth a read.
In this month's issue....David Plouffe, Sarah Palin, Shepard Smith, and The Waffle House...worth a read.
Victory in Iraq
http://http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ZDQyYzk3NzgwOTU1N2Q1NzJiOWU4NjgxMDNjYTNhYzc=
"...For those who still believe that there is some sort of genetic failing that renders Arabs incapable of democracy, pay attention to what General Kelly learned.
Here you go:
I don't suppose this will get much coverage in the States as the news is so good. No, the news is unbelievable.
"Something didn't happen in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, today. Once the most violent and most dangerous places on earth, no suicide vest bomber detonated killing dozens of voters. No suicide truck bomber drove into a polling place collapsing the building and killing and injuring over 100. No Marine was in a firefight engaging an Al Qaida terrorist trying to disrupt democracy. What did happen was Anbar Sunnis came out in their tens of thousands to vote in the first free election of their lives. "
Webercom: You REALLY need to read the whole thing....hit the link....
"...For those who still believe that there is some sort of genetic failing that renders Arabs incapable of democracy, pay attention to what General Kelly learned.
Here you go:
I don't suppose this will get much coverage in the States as the news is so good. No, the news is unbelievable.
"Something didn't happen in Al Anbar Province, Iraq, today. Once the most violent and most dangerous places on earth, no suicide vest bomber detonated killing dozens of voters. No suicide truck bomber drove into a polling place collapsing the building and killing and injuring over 100. No Marine was in a firefight engaging an Al Qaida terrorist trying to disrupt democracy. What did happen was Anbar Sunnis came out in their tens of thousands to vote in the first free election of their lives. "
Webercom: You REALLY need to read the whole thing....hit the link....
The Kos-saks are unhappy with the President
http://http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/2/10/12624/4251/125/695521
"....This is not about keeping secrets safe. It's about controlling what the public can hear and not hear, so the repressive apparatus of the state can be allowed to function without public scrutiny or public control.
What will the followers of Obama do now? Will they sell out the most wretched and cruelly tortured for the feel-good vibes of the moment? Or will they hold their candidate to account?"
Webercom: Although I generally supported the Bush Adm. on terror policy, rendition is wrong. If we're not willing to do it, don't outsource it. And closing Gitmo is the right call, IF we create a new national security judicial system that tries and imprisons those who the government deems a continuing danger to the United States. Gitmo was the right idea for its time, but the media and the Left have won the perception battle..if not here, certainly overseas.
There are times that the Right in this country needs to accept defeat in the perception battle and shift tactics...Gitmo is one of those issues.
"....This is not about keeping secrets safe. It's about controlling what the public can hear and not hear, so the repressive apparatus of the state can be allowed to function without public scrutiny or public control.
What will the followers of Obama do now? Will they sell out the most wretched and cruelly tortured for the feel-good vibes of the moment? Or will they hold their candidate to account?"
Webercom: Although I generally supported the Bush Adm. on terror policy, rendition is wrong. If we're not willing to do it, don't outsource it. And closing Gitmo is the right call, IF we create a new national security judicial system that tries and imprisons those who the government deems a continuing danger to the United States. Gitmo was the right idea for its time, but the media and the Left have won the perception battle..if not here, certainly overseas.
There are times that the Right in this country needs to accept defeat in the perception battle and shift tactics...Gitmo is one of those issues.
New Christopher Moore
http://http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0060590319&cmpid=SL_20090210_REW
Webercom: I've read all of Moore's books...quirky black humor fiction usually loosely based on some religious or historical tract. Great quick reads.
Webercom: I've read all of Moore's books...quirky black humor fiction usually loosely based on some religious or historical tract. Great quick reads.
Good News for the Cali GOP
http://http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/02/10/washington/AP-Governors-Race-Meg-Whitman.html
SACRAMENTO (AP) -- Former eBay Chief Executive Meg Whitman officially launched her bid to seek the Republican nomination for California governor on Monday, capping a year-long tour on the political stage after leaving her high-profile Silicon Valley post.
The 52-year-old political neophyte began testing her affinity for politics after leaving the online auction site after 10 years last January. She served as finance chairwoman for Mitt Romney's presidential campaign and then as a national co-chair of John McCain's.
Webercom: If Republicans are going to regain their majorities in the House, Senate and statehouses, they need more of this...new candidates. The success of 1994 (on which I will write more later) was driven not just by the Contract with America, but by entire new group of GOP candidates. R's need new ideas, but they also need new faces...and a lot of them need to be folks new to the political arena.
SACRAMENTO (AP) -- Former eBay Chief Executive Meg Whitman officially launched her bid to seek the Republican nomination for California governor on Monday, capping a year-long tour on the political stage after leaving her high-profile Silicon Valley post.
The 52-year-old political neophyte began testing her affinity for politics after leaving the online auction site after 10 years last January. She served as finance chairwoman for Mitt Romney's presidential campaign and then as a national co-chair of John McCain's.
Webercom: If Republicans are going to regain their majorities in the House, Senate and statehouses, they need more of this...new candidates. The success of 1994 (on which I will write more later) was driven not just by the Contract with America, but by entire new group of GOP candidates. R's need new ideas, but they also need new faces...and a lot of them need to be folks new to the political arena.
Indulge me!
http://http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/nyregion/10indulgence.html?_r=1&em
"....In recent months, dioceses around the world have been offering Catholics a spiritual benefit that fell out of favor decades ago — the indulgence, a sort of amnesty from punishment in the afterlife — and reminding them of the church’s clout in mitigating the wages of sin.
The fact that many Catholics under 50 have never sought one, and never heard of indulgences except in high school European history (Martin Luther denounced the selling of them in 1517 while igniting the Protestant Reformation), simply makes their reintroduction more urgent among church leaders bent on restoring fading traditions of penance in what they see as a self-satisfied world."
Webercom: If you're looking for a fascinating read on not only The Reformation but the Dark and Middle Ages in general pick up Williams Manchester's "In a World Lit only by Fire." I've recently re-read it and recommend it for its even handed treatment of both the Church and Martin Luther.
"....In recent months, dioceses around the world have been offering Catholics a spiritual benefit that fell out of favor decades ago — the indulgence, a sort of amnesty from punishment in the afterlife — and reminding them of the church’s clout in mitigating the wages of sin.
The fact that many Catholics under 50 have never sought one, and never heard of indulgences except in high school European history (Martin Luther denounced the selling of them in 1517 while igniting the Protestant Reformation), simply makes their reintroduction more urgent among church leaders bent on restoring fading traditions of penance in what they see as a self-satisfied world."
Webercom: If you're looking for a fascinating read on not only The Reformation but the Dark and Middle Ages in general pick up Williams Manchester's "In a World Lit only by Fire." I've recently re-read it and recommend it for its even handed treatment of both the Church and Martin Luther.
Hitchens on Zimbabwe....
http://http//www.slate.com/id/2210830/
"The situation in Zimbabwe has now reached the point where the international community would be entirely justified in using force to put Robert Mugabe under arrest and place him on trial. Why do I say this now?"
Webercom: I never miss a Hitchens column. I don't always agree with him, but he is always worth a read. And he has become quite the interventionist in the last few years. He seems to be the last liberal who is willing to take up JFK's charge to "meet any burden and pay any price...."
I also love him for this little scene:
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HECI4QK_mXA&feature=related
"The situation in Zimbabwe has now reached the point where the international community would be entirely justified in using force to put Robert Mugabe under arrest and place him on trial. Why do I say this now?"
Webercom: I never miss a Hitchens column. I don't always agree with him, but he is always worth a read. And he has become quite the interventionist in the last few years. He seems to be the last liberal who is willing to take up JFK's charge to "meet any burden and pay any price...."
I also love him for this little scene:
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HECI4QK_mXA&feature=related
Monday, February 9, 2009
Hate Wal-Mart? Read this....
http://www.nypost.com/seven/02072009/postopinion/opedcolumnists/fly_on_the_wal_154007.htm?page=0
"....Considering this is a company that is helping families ride out the economic downturn, which is providing jobs and stimulus while Congress bickers, which had sales growth of 2% this last quarter while other companies struggled, you have to wonder why. At least, I wondered why. And in that spirit of curiosity, I applied for an entry-level position at my local Wal-Mart."
"....Considering this is a company that is helping families ride out the economic downturn, which is providing jobs and stimulus while Congress bickers, which had sales growth of 2% this last quarter while other companies struggled, you have to wonder why. At least, I wondered why. And in that spirit of curiosity, I applied for an entry-level position at my local Wal-Mart."
Keeping companies from moving overseas
Obama has just taken a question on how we can keep companies from moving overseas.
He said that the number one concern for companies is having an educated work force.
Close, but no cigar.
Is an educated work force important? It is, and the jobs that are most likely to stay here in the US long term (as the President point ed out) are those that require an educated work force. Low skills jobs are more likely to moved overseas to the Third World.
But neglecting the tax end of the equation is a huge mistake. Reducing taxes on corporations is a fast acting measure. Building a highly educated work force is a slow moving measure.
Let's look at the example of the Irish.
Some years ago Ireland reduced its corporate taxes dramatically, to the lowest level in Western Europe.
The result was the "Celtic Tiger." Massive and sustained economic growth, vastly outstripping the rest of the Europe.
A friend of mine leads trade missions to Ireland and Northern Ireland, encouraging companies there to come here and vice versa. His experience in Ireland proper has been quite successful. His experience in Northern Ireland has been less successful due to teh UK (Northern Ireland, of course is part of the UK, and as such is subject to the higher corporate tax rates imposed there.)
Companies in Northern Ireland, looking across the border have repeatedly petitioned Parliament to reduce their corporate taxes to allow them to compete more successfully in getting companies to locate there. My friend says you can see a dramatic difference as soon as you drive across the border.
Reducing corporate tax rates NOW, as part of the current stimulus bill, would save America jobs (and like reduced personal income tax rates have always done) increase total revenues.
And as I (and others) have pointed out...corporations don't pay taxes. They pass the cost of taxation onto the consumer through increased prices and lower dividends.
He said that the number one concern for companies is having an educated work force.
Close, but no cigar.
Is an educated work force important? It is, and the jobs that are most likely to stay here in the US long term (as the President point ed out) are those that require an educated work force. Low skills jobs are more likely to moved overseas to the Third World.
But neglecting the tax end of the equation is a huge mistake. Reducing taxes on corporations is a fast acting measure. Building a highly educated work force is a slow moving measure.
Let's look at the example of the Irish.
Some years ago Ireland reduced its corporate taxes dramatically, to the lowest level in Western Europe.
The result was the "Celtic Tiger." Massive and sustained economic growth, vastly outstripping the rest of the Europe.
A friend of mine leads trade missions to Ireland and Northern Ireland, encouraging companies there to come here and vice versa. His experience in Ireland proper has been quite successful. His experience in Northern Ireland has been less successful due to teh UK (Northern Ireland, of course is part of the UK, and as such is subject to the higher corporate tax rates imposed there.)
Companies in Northern Ireland, looking across the border have repeatedly petitioned Parliament to reduce their corporate taxes to allow them to compete more successfully in getting companies to locate there. My friend says you can see a dramatic difference as soon as you drive across the border.
Reducing corporate tax rates NOW, as part of the current stimulus bill, would save America jobs (and like reduced personal income tax rates have always done) increase total revenues.
And as I (and others) have pointed out...corporations don't pay taxes. They pass the cost of taxation onto the consumer through increased prices and lower dividends.
Friday, February 6, 2009
What's an eggcorn?
Had never heard of this, but pretty cool....
In linguistics, an eggcorn is an idiosyncratic substitution of a word or phrase for a word or words that sound similar or identical in the speaker's dialect. The new phrase introduces a meaning that is different from the original, but plausible in the same context ("old-timers' disease" for "Alzheimer's disease"). This is as opposed to a malapropism, where the substitution creates a nonsensical phrase. Classical malapropisms generally derive their comic effect from the fault of the user, whilst eggcorns are errors that exhibit creativity or logic.[1] Eggcorns often involve replacing an unfamiliar, archaic, or obscure word with a more common or modern word ("baited breath" for "bated breath").[2]
http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eggcorn
In linguistics, an eggcorn is an idiosyncratic substitution of a word or phrase for a word or words that sound similar or identical in the speaker's dialect. The new phrase introduces a meaning that is different from the original, but plausible in the same context ("old-timers' disease" for "Alzheimer's disease"). This is as opposed to a malapropism, where the substitution creates a nonsensical phrase. Classical malapropisms generally derive their comic effect from the fault of the user, whilst eggcorns are errors that exhibit creativity or logic.[1] Eggcorns often involve replacing an unfamiliar, archaic, or obscure word with a more common or modern word ("baited breath" for "bated breath").[2]
http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eggcorn
Progessive criticism of Panetta / Obama policy on rendition, torture
http://http://dissentingjustice.blogspot.com/2009/02/panetta-rendition-will-continue-would.html via Instapundit.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Panetta: Rendition Will Continue, Would Ask Obama to Authorize Harsher Interrogation Methods "If Necessary"
Earlier this week, an L.A. Times article, which reported that Obama would continue the highly criticized policy of "rendition," sparked a fever-pitched pushback from many liberals.
I have always opposed rendition. If you're not willing to do it yourself, don't outsource.
Seems interesting that a McCain administration would have have had a far more firm policy on rendition and torture than Obama's is turning out to have.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Panetta: Rendition Will Continue, Would Ask Obama to Authorize Harsher Interrogation Methods "If Necessary"
Earlier this week, an L.A. Times article, which reported that Obama would continue the highly criticized policy of "rendition," sparked a fever-pitched pushback from many liberals.
I have always opposed rendition. If you're not willing to do it yourself, don't outsource.
Seems interesting that a McCain administration would have have had a far more firm policy on rendition and torture than Obama's is turning out to have.
Krauthammer...
http://http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/05/AR2009020502766_pf.html
"......The Age of Obama begins with perhaps the greatest frenzy of old-politics influence peddling ever seen in Washington. By the time the stimulus bill reached the Senate, reports the Wall Street Journal, pharmaceutical and high-tech companies were lobbying furiously for a new plan to repatriate overseas profits that would yield major tax savings. California wine growers and Florida citrus producers were fighting to change a single phrase in one provision. Substituting "planted" for "ready to market" would mean a windfall garnered from a new "bonus depreciation" incentive.
After Obama's miraculous 2008 presidential campaign, it was clear that at some point the magical mystery tour would have to end. The nation would rub its eyes and begin to emerge from its reverie. The hallucinatory Obama would give way to the mere mortal. The great ethical transformations promised would be seen as a fairy tale that all presidents tell -- and that this president told better than anyone.
I thought the awakening would take six months. It took two and a half weeks."
Unlike one notable talk show host, I don't want Obama to fail, and very few rank and file conservatives with whom I've spoken want him to fail. And if they wanted him not not have all of his legislative programs pass, they certainly did not want a re-run of the Carter presidency, when the president's domestic weakness caused his influence in international affairs to wane as well.
During the campaign I often made the point that I was not overly concerned about Obama's lack of experience, because if he won, he would bring into the government old Democratic hands that would offer solid advice. Clinton got off to a rough start because he had a highly inexperienced White House staff that vastly overestimated the value of new blood. Let's hope that this White House will find some senior Democrats to help them out.
"......The Age of Obama begins with perhaps the greatest frenzy of old-politics influence peddling ever seen in Washington. By the time the stimulus bill reached the Senate, reports the Wall Street Journal, pharmaceutical and high-tech companies were lobbying furiously for a new plan to repatriate overseas profits that would yield major tax savings. California wine growers and Florida citrus producers were fighting to change a single phrase in one provision. Substituting "planted" for "ready to market" would mean a windfall garnered from a new "bonus depreciation" incentive.
After Obama's miraculous 2008 presidential campaign, it was clear that at some point the magical mystery tour would have to end. The nation would rub its eyes and begin to emerge from its reverie. The hallucinatory Obama would give way to the mere mortal. The great ethical transformations promised would be seen as a fairy tale that all presidents tell -- and that this president told better than anyone.
I thought the awakening would take six months. It took two and a half weeks."
Unlike one notable talk show host, I don't want Obama to fail, and very few rank and file conservatives with whom I've spoken want him to fail. And if they wanted him not not have all of his legislative programs pass, they certainly did not want a re-run of the Carter presidency, when the president's domestic weakness caused his influence in international affairs to wane as well.
During the campaign I often made the point that I was not overly concerned about Obama's lack of experience, because if he won, he would bring into the government old Democratic hands that would offer solid advice. Clinton got off to a rough start because he had a highly inexperienced White House staff that vastly overestimated the value of new blood. Let's hope that this White House will find some senior Democrats to help them out.
Missing Moscow
Russia, EU Spar Over Human Rights
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 6, 2009
Filed at 1:14 p.m. ET
MOSCOW (AP) -- The EU's top executive angered Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Friday by raising concerns about the murders of Russian human rights activists and journalists while standing beside him at a news conference. Their acrimonious exchange came after meetings intended to improve European Union-Russian relations.
At a international social event this week I was talking with two old friends, both Russian ex-pats. One would never go back, even for a visit, the other wants to go, but visa issues may make it difficult.
I visited Russia more than a few times between 1997 and 2004, when a very close friend was working there. One of the ex-pats asked me if I had any plans to go back. I told her I would love to, but most of the folks I knew there have left. My two closest American friends have left..one of them was a top officer at Yukos and even thought he had married a Russian girl and wanted to stay, finally decided that the pressure from the State was too much.
The other published an English language newspaper for ten years, but it was shut down by the government last summer and he has relocated to NYC. A Russian friend was jailed by the government on false charges and almost died in prison before finally being released last month after obtaining a judgement from the European Court of Human Rights.
When I used to visit, folks thought the danger was from the Mafia (which never really was the case depending on who you knew).) Now the danger is from the government.
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 6, 2009
Filed at 1:14 p.m. ET
MOSCOW (AP) -- The EU's top executive angered Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Friday by raising concerns about the murders of Russian human rights activists and journalists while standing beside him at a news conference. Their acrimonious exchange came after meetings intended to improve European Union-Russian relations.
At a international social event this week I was talking with two old friends, both Russian ex-pats. One would never go back, even for a visit, the other wants to go, but visa issues may make it difficult.
I visited Russia more than a few times between 1997 and 2004, when a very close friend was working there. One of the ex-pats asked me if I had any plans to go back. I told her I would love to, but most of the folks I knew there have left. My two closest American friends have left..one of them was a top officer at Yukos and even thought he had married a Russian girl and wanted to stay, finally decided that the pressure from the State was too much.
The other published an English language newspaper for ten years, but it was shut down by the government last summer and he has relocated to NYC. A Russian friend was jailed by the government on false charges and almost died in prison before finally being released last month after obtaining a judgement from the European Court of Human Rights.
When I used to visit, folks thought the danger was from the Mafia (which never really was the case depending on who you knew).) Now the danger is from the government.
Either shut down the strip clubs or let me buy a botttle on Sunday.
http://www.peachpundit.com/2009/02/06/does-the-ox-know-how-foolish-he-looks/
Does the Ox know how foolish he looks?
by Erick on February 6, 2009
Chris wrote about this yesterday. It’s worth pointing out some added info from the AJC.
First we have this:
State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine this morning announced his opposition to another attempt in the state Legislature to permit Sunday sales of beer and wine.
“Republicans are supposed to be the party of family values. Where is the value in selling alcohol on the Lord’s Day?” asked the 2010 candidate for governor.
Then we have this:
Last year, this same issue was tied to a Gwinnett County effort to permit the new minor league Braves stadium to sell beer and such on the Christian Sabbath. The pairing presented an uncomfortable ethical dilemma for many Republican lawmakers, torn between business interests and conservative Christians. What most people don’t know is that the same Gwinnett County bill is back again, reportedly for housekeeping issues. Oxendine is from Gwinnett County. It’s his geographic political base.
What is his position on H.B. 104?
Said Oxendine:
“I strongly support the ability to sell alcoholic beverages at the Gwinnett Braves stadium.”
Georgia is ranked #9 on Reason's list of America's most permissive cities because:
9) ATLANTA
Breaks into the top 10 largely because of its surprisingly bustling sex industry. Browse the “erotic services” pages of Craigslist (all part of our research), and you’ll see that Atlanta has more advertised prostitutes per capita than any city outside of Las Vegas. The Jewel of the South is third in strip clubs per capita and is the most gay-friendly big city south of the Mason-Dixon line.
http://http//www.reason.com/news/show/127481.html
Chicago, Boston, and Seattle all ban full nude dancing when alcohol is sold on the premises. Why don't Oxendine (and others who oppose Sunday sales) support changing state law to shut down these establishments? Seems to me that is a far more family friendly measure....could it be that that might actually harm campaign contributions from the tourism industry?
When I used to travel frequently for work, and would ask the friendly hotel bartender where might be a good place to go out, 9 out of 10 times I they would say "We've got this great strip club called ____________. I'd stop them and say, look, I'm from Atlanta, and they'd say, "oh, never mind. "
Atlanta has a national reputation for its "gentleman's" clubs. But if I forget to buy beer for Sunday football or wine for Sunday dinner, I'm SOL. Ridiculous.
I don't have a strong opinion on strip clubs...personally have never been a fan...it's kinda like walking through a third world marketplace with all the harassment and begging. The clubs seem to appeal mainly to married guys. But this seems to be a highly inconsistent position for a politician to take.
Does the Ox know how foolish he looks?
by Erick on February 6, 2009
Chris wrote about this yesterday. It’s worth pointing out some added info from the AJC.
First we have this:
State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine this morning announced his opposition to another attempt in the state Legislature to permit Sunday sales of beer and wine.
“Republicans are supposed to be the party of family values. Where is the value in selling alcohol on the Lord’s Day?” asked the 2010 candidate for governor.
Then we have this:
Last year, this same issue was tied to a Gwinnett County effort to permit the new minor league Braves stadium to sell beer and such on the Christian Sabbath. The pairing presented an uncomfortable ethical dilemma for many Republican lawmakers, torn between business interests and conservative Christians. What most people don’t know is that the same Gwinnett County bill is back again, reportedly for housekeeping issues. Oxendine is from Gwinnett County. It’s his geographic political base.
What is his position on H.B. 104?
Said Oxendine:
“I strongly support the ability to sell alcoholic beverages at the Gwinnett Braves stadium.”
Georgia is ranked #9 on Reason's list of America's most permissive cities because:
9) ATLANTA
Breaks into the top 10 largely because of its surprisingly bustling sex industry. Browse the “erotic services” pages of Craigslist (all part of our research), and you’ll see that Atlanta has more advertised prostitutes per capita than any city outside of Las Vegas. The Jewel of the South is third in strip clubs per capita and is the most gay-friendly big city south of the Mason-Dixon line.
http://http//www.reason.com/news/show/127481.html
Chicago, Boston, and Seattle all ban full nude dancing when alcohol is sold on the premises. Why don't Oxendine (and others who oppose Sunday sales) support changing state law to shut down these establishments? Seems to me that is a far more family friendly measure....could it be that that might actually harm campaign contributions from the tourism industry?
When I used to travel frequently for work, and would ask the friendly hotel bartender where might be a good place to go out, 9 out of 10 times I they would say "We've got this great strip club called ____________. I'd stop them and say, look, I'm from Atlanta, and they'd say, "oh, never mind. "
Atlanta has a national reputation for its "gentleman's" clubs. But if I forget to buy beer for Sunday football or wine for Sunday dinner, I'm SOL. Ridiculous.
I don't have a strong opinion on strip clubs...personally have never been a fan...it's kinda like walking through a third world marketplace with all the harassment and begging. The clubs seem to appeal mainly to married guys. But this seems to be a highly inconsistent position for a politician to take.
“Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.”...Napoleon Bonaparte
Another senator lines upbehind 'Fairness Doctrine
Posted: February 05, 200911:50 pm Eastern© 2009 WorldNetDaily
WASHINGTON – Another Democratic U.S. senator has gone on record as supporting the reinstatement of the so-called "Fairness Doctrine," adding, "I feel like that's gonna happen."
Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., told radio host and WND columnist Bill Press yesterday when asked about whether it was time to bring back the so-called "Fairness Doctrine": "I think it's absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it's called the Fairness Standard, whether it's called something else – I absolutely think it's time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves. I mean, our new president has talked rightly about accountability and transparency. You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place."
If I were a GOP leader I would be hoping and praying that these hearings take place. The D's have already over-reached on the stimulus bill. If this is one of their next moves they may regain the "Stupid Party" title that the R's have held for the last six years.
Posted: February 05, 200911:50 pm Eastern© 2009 WorldNetDaily
WASHINGTON – Another Democratic U.S. senator has gone on record as supporting the reinstatement of the so-called "Fairness Doctrine," adding, "I feel like that's gonna happen."
Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., told radio host and WND columnist Bill Press yesterday when asked about whether it was time to bring back the so-called "Fairness Doctrine": "I think it's absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it's called the Fairness Standard, whether it's called something else – I absolutely think it's time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves. I mean, our new president has talked rightly about accountability and transparency. You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place."
If I were a GOP leader I would be hoping and praying that these hearings take place. The D's have already over-reached on the stimulus bill. If this is one of their next moves they may regain the "Stupid Party" title that the R's have held for the last six years.
I'm kinda amazed that O and his team aren't handling the stimulus bill better.
I'm kinda amazed at the flack O is getting on the stimulus deal....
I thought he was taking a page from Reagan's book and just staying out of the fight on the Hill. He could then be the Conciliatory One after it failed the Senate, thereby cutting the Hill D's feet out from under them, and co-opting the R's.
Seems like he's just floundering though. Should have stayed out it it until they were finished and then gotten involved....I would have thought Rahm would have given him better advice on this.
The R's are rolling, though...maybe the party ain't dead...
I thought he was taking a page from Reagan's book and just staying out of the fight on the Hill. He could then be the Conciliatory One after it failed the Senate, thereby cutting the Hill D's feet out from under them, and co-opting the R's.
Seems like he's just floundering though. Should have stayed out it it until they were finished and then gotten involved....I would have thought Rahm would have given him better advice on this.
The R's are rolling, though...maybe the party ain't dead...
FOX analyst says market rewarding companies for cutting payrolls
Umm...well, duh.
I have no doubt that companies are taking advantage of the current economic crisis to cut jobs. This is a completely understandable and reasonable business maneuver. I am certain that companies are cutting positions beyond what is absolutely necessary to survive. They are slimming down now because they won't pay the same price in market and analyst perception that they would in good economic times.
I have no doubt that companies are taking advantage of the current economic crisis to cut jobs. This is a completely understandable and reasonable business maneuver. I am certain that companies are cutting positions beyond what is absolutely necessary to survive. They are slimming down now because they won't pay the same price in market and analyst perception that they would in good economic times.
"I'll be your huckleberry"
Val Kilmer Ponders Run for NM Governor in 2010
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 6, 2009
Filed at 9:53 a.m. ET
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) -- Holy hornet's nest, Batman! The New Mexico governor's mansion?
Fresh from the inauguration, actor Val Kilmer is pondering running for governor in 2010, when two-term Democrat Bill Richardson will be forced from office by term limits.
''I'm just looking for ways to be contributive,'' Kilmer told The Associated Press on Thursday. ''And if that ends up being where I can make a substantial contribution, then I'll run.''
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx1TWk-V4P0&feature=related
Kilmer's portrayal of Doc Holliday (a native Georgian, of course) is brilliant. And Tombstone is without a doubt a Top Ten Guys Movie.
I read an fascinating biography of Doc Holliday this summer...gives an excellent picture not only of Holliday, but of the last days of the Wild West: http://www.amazon.com/Doc-Holliday-Gary-L-Roberts/dp/0470128224/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233944049&sr=1-1
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 6, 2009
Filed at 9:53 a.m. ET
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) -- Holy hornet's nest, Batman! The New Mexico governor's mansion?
Fresh from the inauguration, actor Val Kilmer is pondering running for governor in 2010, when two-term Democrat Bill Richardson will be forced from office by term limits.
''I'm just looking for ways to be contributive,'' Kilmer told The Associated Press on Thursday. ''And if that ends up being where I can make a substantial contribution, then I'll run.''
http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nx1TWk-V4P0&feature=related
Kilmer's portrayal of Doc Holliday (a native Georgian, of course) is brilliant. And Tombstone is without a doubt a Top Ten Guys Movie.
I read an fascinating biography of Doc Holliday this summer...gives an excellent picture not only of Holliday, but of the last days of the Wild West: http://www.amazon.com/Doc-Holliday-Gary-L-Roberts/dp/0470128224/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233944049&sr=1-1
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
What Obama has learned from Reagan and Clinton
Last night I went to a reception near the Capitol for GA lawmakers hosted by the Georgia Restaurant Association.
(As a side note, it is obvious this industry is really hurting. In years past large fine dining groups like Buckhead Life, Here to Serve, Fifth Group, et. al. were there. This year it was Taco Mac and Willy's Burritos.)
A small group of us were discussing the stimulus bill and how it was loaded with all sorts of non-stimulative pork and Democratic wish list projects.
A good executive lets his underlings hammer out the faremwork of a plan, and then has them present it to him as a finished package which he can fine tune to his liking, thereby avoiding the petty fights and allowing him to take credit for its success. Or if they cannot agree on a proposal, he can be the final arbitor of its parts, influencing it to reflect his true desires.
I think Obama is what Obama is doing on the stimulus bill. He is also following a two tiered strategy. One part of this strategy was a Reagan staple, the other a Clinton staple. If he succeeds, he could be creating conditions that will give him a strong historical legacy.
Obama has steadfastly refused to comment on the specific parts of the bill that have come under fire from the GOP. In fact, the silence on the specifics of the bill from the White House (even not-for- attribution comments) has been deafening. Obama is allowing Pelosi and Reid to pack the stimulus bill full of pork and non-critical projects, knowing that it will be just too much for Republican in the Senate to stomach. He is letting the Democratic leadership get way out on the plank and then will saw it off behind them by cutting deals with the Senate GOP.
Obama seems to be counting on a Senate GOP filibuster. If Republicans can stay united, the bill will fail in the Senate. Obama then can call the two sides together, and by using his personal charm on the Republicans, and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel's hammer on the Democrats, he can forge a compromise that both sides will support. Although the talk radio hosts and some conservatives columnists may scream, GOP Senators (especially those facing re-election in two years) will crumble rather than be seen as obstructionists. And Democrats will certainly not oppose their new president's first significant piece of legislation.
This will only strengthen Obama at the expense of both parties congressional delegations. It will weaken the Democratic congressional leadership by showing that they continue to be little more than masters of pork barrel spending, and will neuter Republicans efforts to stay united against the President. It will put Obama firmly in the driver's seat.
Obama recognizes that Pelosi (as a Georgia Congressman said to me last year) is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Remember that Pelosi gained her speakership by raising a ton of money for her collegaues (the mother's milk of politics...pun intended) and by playing the gender card, which almost always works in the Democratic causus.) Steny Hoyer of Maryland would have been a far more effectice Speaker, both in terms of leadership and in media skills, but he couldn't overcome Nancy's money or her sex.
And Obama has seen Harry Reid in in action, or in-action. Reid has been rolled by GOP leader Mitch McConnell at every turn since the Republicans lost their Senate majority. He knows that neither Pelosi or Read is a well loved or respected leader at the Capitol or in the country at large. He knows he has to seize the power on the Hill or risk having these two underperformers jeopardize his legislative program. And he does not want to have a permanantly obscrictnist GOP gain electoral credence by foiling his plans.
This ploy combines one of aspect of Reagan's presidency (which Obama has studied closely) and one of Clinton's.
Reagan was about Reagan. He didn't worry too much about party building or strengthening the GOP in the House or Senate. In 1984 he even made a last minute campaign trip to Minnesota in an attempt to win all fifty states rather than campaigning for endangered Republican Senate or House members. He spent as much (or more) time with House Speaker Tip O'Neill than with then House Republican leader Bob Michel.
And Obama is about Obama. Obama was elected because he was Obama...not because he had a "D" after his name. Obama's greatest margins came among younger voters who have the lowest level of party identification. Obama's percentage of the vote from this same group was 10% higher than Democratic House and Senate candidates on the same ballot. He didn't come to Georgia to campaign for Jim Martin, and he will not spend his hard political capital trying to save the Democratic leadership from itself.
The Clinton tactic is the old triangulation ploy. It worked for Clinton on welfare reform and NAFTA and it will work for Obama.
Obama knows that to go down in history as a successful president you just need to have successful presidency...and you can have that whether or not your fellow party members succeed in the House or Senate.
(As a side note, it is obvious this industry is really hurting. In years past large fine dining groups like Buckhead Life, Here to Serve, Fifth Group, et. al. were there. This year it was Taco Mac and Willy's Burritos.)
A small group of us were discussing the stimulus bill and how it was loaded with all sorts of non-stimulative pork and Democratic wish list projects.
A good executive lets his underlings hammer out the faremwork of a plan, and then has them present it to him as a finished package which he can fine tune to his liking, thereby avoiding the petty fights and allowing him to take credit for its success. Or if they cannot agree on a proposal, he can be the final arbitor of its parts, influencing it to reflect his true desires.
I think Obama is what Obama is doing on the stimulus bill. He is also following a two tiered strategy. One part of this strategy was a Reagan staple, the other a Clinton staple. If he succeeds, he could be creating conditions that will give him a strong historical legacy.
Obama has steadfastly refused to comment on the specific parts of the bill that have come under fire from the GOP. In fact, the silence on the specifics of the bill from the White House (even not-for- attribution comments) has been deafening. Obama is allowing Pelosi and Reid to pack the stimulus bill full of pork and non-critical projects, knowing that it will be just too much for Republican in the Senate to stomach. He is letting the Democratic leadership get way out on the plank and then will saw it off behind them by cutting deals with the Senate GOP.
Obama seems to be counting on a Senate GOP filibuster. If Republicans can stay united, the bill will fail in the Senate. Obama then can call the two sides together, and by using his personal charm on the Republicans, and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel's hammer on the Democrats, he can forge a compromise that both sides will support. Although the talk radio hosts and some conservatives columnists may scream, GOP Senators (especially those facing re-election in two years) will crumble rather than be seen as obstructionists. And Democrats will certainly not oppose their new president's first significant piece of legislation.
This will only strengthen Obama at the expense of both parties congressional delegations. It will weaken the Democratic congressional leadership by showing that they continue to be little more than masters of pork barrel spending, and will neuter Republicans efforts to stay united against the President. It will put Obama firmly in the driver's seat.
Obama recognizes that Pelosi (as a Georgia Congressman said to me last year) is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Remember that Pelosi gained her speakership by raising a ton of money for her collegaues (the mother's milk of politics...pun intended) and by playing the gender card, which almost always works in the Democratic causus.) Steny Hoyer of Maryland would have been a far more effectice Speaker, both in terms of leadership and in media skills, but he couldn't overcome Nancy's money or her sex.
And Obama has seen Harry Reid in in action, or in-action. Reid has been rolled by GOP leader Mitch McConnell at every turn since the Republicans lost their Senate majority. He knows that neither Pelosi or Read is a well loved or respected leader at the Capitol or in the country at large. He knows he has to seize the power on the Hill or risk having these two underperformers jeopardize his legislative program. And he does not want to have a permanantly obscrictnist GOP gain electoral credence by foiling his plans.
This ploy combines one of aspect of Reagan's presidency (which Obama has studied closely) and one of Clinton's.
Reagan was about Reagan. He didn't worry too much about party building or strengthening the GOP in the House or Senate. In 1984 he even made a last minute campaign trip to Minnesota in an attempt to win all fifty states rather than campaigning for endangered Republican Senate or House members. He spent as much (or more) time with House Speaker Tip O'Neill than with then House Republican leader Bob Michel.
And Obama is about Obama. Obama was elected because he was Obama...not because he had a "D" after his name. Obama's greatest margins came among younger voters who have the lowest level of party identification. Obama's percentage of the vote from this same group was 10% higher than Democratic House and Senate candidates on the same ballot. He didn't come to Georgia to campaign for Jim Martin, and he will not spend his hard political capital trying to save the Democratic leadership from itself.
The Clinton tactic is the old triangulation ploy. It worked for Clinton on welfare reform and NAFTA and it will work for Obama.
Obama knows that to go down in history as a successful president you just need to have successful presidency...and you can have that whether or not your fellow party members succeed in the House or Senate.
Pelosi says US loses 500 million new jobs a month...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8hMJVXt09E
It's a gaffe....they happen. Not a big deal, although it did get me thinking about a conversation I had last night with a few folks down at a reception for GA lawmakers. More in next post.
It's a gaffe....they happen. Not a big deal, although it did get me thinking about a conversation I had last night with a few folks down at a reception for GA lawmakers. More in next post.
Guaranteed to cause nightmares
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/02/04/science/AP-SCI-Monster-Snake.html
NEW YORK (AP) -- Never mind the 40-foot snake that menaced Jennifer Lopez in the 1997 movie ''Anaconda.'' Not even Hollywood could match a new discovery from the ancient world.
Fossils from northeastern Colombia reveal the biggest snake ever discovered: a behemoth that stretched 42 to 45 feet long, reaching more than 2,500 pounds.
''This thing weighs more than a bison and is longer than a city bus,'' enthused snake expert Jack Conrad of the American Museum of Natural History in New York, who was familiar with the find.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Never mind the 40-foot snake that menaced Jennifer Lopez in the 1997 movie ''Anaconda.'' Not even Hollywood could match a new discovery from the ancient world.
Fossils from northeastern Colombia reveal the biggest snake ever discovered: a behemoth that stretched 42 to 45 feet long, reaching more than 2,500 pounds.
''This thing weighs more than a bison and is longer than a city bus,'' enthused snake expert Jack Conrad of the American Museum of Natural History in New York, who was familiar with the find.
This obviously would be a mistake
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/02/04/world/AP-AS-Kyrgyzstan-US-Base.html
Russia Says It Wants to Help US in Afghanistan
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 4, 2009
Filed at 12:45 p.m. ET
MOSCOW (AP) -- President Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday that Russia and its ex-Soviet allies want to help the United States stabilize Afghanistan, saying Moscow wanted ''full-fledged'' cooperation with Washington.
Russia Says It Wants to Help US in Afghanistan
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: February 4, 2009
Filed at 12:45 p.m. ET
MOSCOW (AP) -- President Dmitry Medvedev said Wednesday that Russia and its ex-Soviet allies want to help the United States stabilize Afghanistan, saying Moscow wanted ''full-fledged'' cooperation with Washington.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Kings of Ward Three in DC
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/03/opinion/03brooks.html?_r=3&ref=opinion
David Brooks in NYT's today...
"....I’m afraid there are rich people all around the country who are about to suffer similar social self-immolation because they don’t understand that the rules of privileged society have undergone a radical transformation.
The essence of the problem is this: Rich people used to set their own norms. For example, if one rich person wanted to use the company helicopter to aerate the ponds on his properties, and the other rich people on his board of directors thought this a sensible thing to do, then he could go ahead and do it without any serious repercussions.
But now, after the TARP, the auto bailout, the stimulus package, the Fed rescue packages and various other federal interventions, rich people no longer get to set their own rules. Now lifestyle standards for the privileged class are set by people who live in Ward Three.
For those who don’t know, Ward Three is a section of Northwest Washington, D.C., where many Democratic staffers, regulators, journalists, lawyers, Obama aides and senior civil servants live. Thanks to recent and coming bailouts and interventions, the people in Ward Three run the banks and many major industries. Through this power, they get to insert themselves into the intricacies of upscale life, influencing when private jets can be flown, when friends can lend each other their limousines and at what golf resorts corporate learning retreats can be held. "
David Brooks in NYT's today...
"....I’m afraid there are rich people all around the country who are about to suffer similar social self-immolation because they don’t understand that the rules of privileged society have undergone a radical transformation.
The essence of the problem is this: Rich people used to set their own norms. For example, if one rich person wanted to use the company helicopter to aerate the ponds on his properties, and the other rich people on his board of directors thought this a sensible thing to do, then he could go ahead and do it without any serious repercussions.
But now, after the TARP, the auto bailout, the stimulus package, the Fed rescue packages and various other federal interventions, rich people no longer get to set their own rules. Now lifestyle standards for the privileged class are set by people who live in Ward Three.
For those who don’t know, Ward Three is a section of Northwest Washington, D.C., where many Democratic staffers, regulators, journalists, lawyers, Obama aides and senior civil servants live. Thanks to recent and coming bailouts and interventions, the people in Ward Three run the banks and many major industries. Through this power, they get to insert themselves into the intricacies of upscale life, influencing when private jets can be flown, when friends can lend each other their limousines and at what golf resorts corporate learning retreats can be held. "
I bet Mayor Nanny State tried to take away his salt lick...
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/ny-nybite0203,0,5114201.story
Groundhog bites Bloomberg at ceremony
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS and NEWSDAY
1:50 PM EST, February 2, 2009
Mayor Michael Bloomberg holds Staten Island Chuck for the big crowd to see this morning at the Staten Island Zoo Monday, February 2, 2009. (Staten Island Advance Photo/ Irving Silverstein / February 2, 2009)
Mayor Michael Bloomberg paid a visit to an apparently-disgruntled constituent nicknamed 'Staten Island Chuck' on Groundhog's Day -- and got bit for his trouble.Staten Island's famous groundhog, Charles G. Hogg, inexplicably bit Mayor Bloomberg during his annual holiday ceremony on Monday, drawing blood from the billionaire.
Groundhog bites Bloomberg at ceremony
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS and NEWSDAY
1:50 PM EST, February 2, 2009
Mayor Michael Bloomberg holds Staten Island Chuck for the big crowd to see this morning at the Staten Island Zoo Monday, February 2, 2009. (Staten Island Advance Photo/ Irving Silverstein / February 2, 2009)
Mayor Michael Bloomberg paid a visit to an apparently-disgruntled constituent nicknamed 'Staten Island Chuck' on Groundhog's Day -- and got bit for his trouble.Staten Island's famous groundhog, Charles G. Hogg, inexplicably bit Mayor Bloomberg during his annual holiday ceremony on Monday, drawing blood from the billionaire.
The Day The Music Died....
From NPR's Morning Edition:
Today is the 50th anniversary of Buddy Holly's death...the Day the Music Died.
One of the great a parlor games of the 70's was attempting to identify all of the characters in Don McLean's American Pie as contemporary figures.
http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_pie
Trivia: Waylon Jennings gave his seat on the plane to Richie Valens because he had back pain and didn't want to get bounced around.
When a day's hunting was cancelled due to heavy rain back in 2001, my buddy Robert had a copy of Waylon's auto biography laying around his house. I wasn't a Waylon fan then, but became after reading the book...it is the single best music autobiography I've read....lots of great stories about Cash, Willie, Kristoferson, and great songwriting stories. Highly recommended for anyone who loves any kind of music.
Today is the 50th anniversary of Buddy Holly's death...the Day the Music Died.
One of the great a parlor games of the 70's was attempting to identify all of the characters in Don McLean's American Pie as contemporary figures.
http://http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_pie
Trivia: Waylon Jennings gave his seat on the plane to Richie Valens because he had back pain and didn't want to get bounced around.
When a day's hunting was cancelled due to heavy rain back in 2001, my buddy Robert had a copy of Waylon's auto biography laying around his house. I wasn't a Waylon fan then, but became after reading the book...it is the single best music autobiography I've read....lots of great stories about Cash, Willie, Kristoferson, and great songwriting stories. Highly recommended for anyone who loves any kind of music.
Atlanta Attorney Randy Evans calls for Ag Comm Tommy Irvin's resignation
From the Facebook group:
http://http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=60439718713&ref=nf
"Tommy Irvin has been Georgia's Agriculture Commissioner for over 40 years, since before man walked on the moon.The recent salmonella outbreak in South Georgia is just another in a long line of incompetent governace of Georgia's vital agriculture industry by Tommy Irvin. This is Hurricane Katrina for Georgia products, especially its peanut industry. Like Michael Brown (the FEMA Director who resigned), Tommy Irvin had the responsibility for inspecting the peanut processing plant that shipped salmonella contaminated products that have killed 8 and injured possibly thousands. He had the responsibility to detect the problem and stop the problem once it was detected. He failed. He should step aside."
http://http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=60439718713&ref=nf
"Tommy Irvin has been Georgia's Agriculture Commissioner for over 40 years, since before man walked on the moon.The recent salmonella outbreak in South Georgia is just another in a long line of incompetent governace of Georgia's vital agriculture industry by Tommy Irvin. This is Hurricane Katrina for Georgia products, especially its peanut industry. Like Michael Brown (the FEMA Director who resigned), Tommy Irvin had the responsibility for inspecting the peanut processing plant that shipped salmonella contaminated products that have killed 8 and injured possibly thousands. He had the responsibility to detect the problem and stop the problem once it was detected. He failed. He should step aside."
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