Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted to block a proposal by democrats that would end the tax breaks(corporate welfare) for the five largest Oil Companies. The vote was 51-47 with four democrats voting with the republicans to block. If the walls in the board rooms of the oil industry could talk, the conversation would go something like this.
Well guys we did it again. Our campaign contributions to those spineless members of congress who voted for us continue to work. We did it again and we did not even have to lift a finger. They are our spokesmen for blaming Obama for the BP moratorum and the fact that we lied about our ability to plug a blow out timely and remove the spilled oil from the waters of the Gulf before it reached shore. Then after the blow out we announced the industry would have a system ready and available to deal with a similar situation in 18 months they were quiet as a mouse. They could have raked us over the coals for lying all those years but they looked the other way.
Our lackeys in congress are also covering our butts on the record sustained increase in the price of a barrel of oil and gasoline that began with the Bush 43 administration when the energy industry met with VP Chaney and our decisions were and still remain secret from the people. They even have the stupid voters convinced that it is Obama's policies that are the cause of the increase in prices.
Boy, the money we spread around to those spineless senators make us look good. They lead the charge for us and blame everyone else. The voters are lost and we can continue to have our lackeys do our bidding and keep the clueless voters in the dark. It does not get any better than this. How sweet it is.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Paul Ryan's Republican Budget: A conformation of Conservative Sleaze
Like last year, Representative Paul Ryan offered another budget to the republican controlled U.S. House and will once again be defeated by the President and democrats in congress. Ryan and conservatives have proven themselves to be lackeys on budget matters and now with Romney's support it has closed the loop on conservatism and ignorance.
Ryan and Romney like to talk a good game of cutting spending and balancing the federal budget but were quiet as a scared mouse when Bush and the republicans who controlled both houses of congress were running up record federal deficits and record federal spending. That would have been the best opportunity to stand up and be counted but instead they did what conservatives do, they cut and ran.
The Ryan-Romney budget would reduce federal revenue, give the largest tax breaks and reductions to the wealthy and corporate America and would kill social security and medicare as we know it. If you think that sounds familiar it is because Republicans have tried the same thing in the past. The conservatives idea of reducing federal revenue for the government is to starve the government of money so programs for the needy can be killed.
Paul Ryan and his party had their chance to cut spending and balance the budget on their watch and they failed to do so. Thank the good Lord Bill Clinton came along when he did and reversed their sorry record of deficit spending and debt. President Obama's policies, if reelected will reverse the republican's mess and restore fiscal responsibility to the federal government. That scares the hell out of the conservatives.
Ryan and Romney like to talk a good game of cutting spending and balancing the federal budget but were quiet as a scared mouse when Bush and the republicans who controlled both houses of congress were running up record federal deficits and record federal spending. That would have been the best opportunity to stand up and be counted but instead they did what conservatives do, they cut and ran.
The Ryan-Romney budget would reduce federal revenue, give the largest tax breaks and reductions to the wealthy and corporate America and would kill social security and medicare as we know it. If you think that sounds familiar it is because Republicans have tried the same thing in the past. The conservatives idea of reducing federal revenue for the government is to starve the government of money so programs for the needy can be killed.
Paul Ryan and his party had their chance to cut spending and balance the budget on their watch and they failed to do so. Thank the good Lord Bill Clinton came along when he did and reversed their sorry record of deficit spending and debt. President Obama's policies, if reelected will reverse the republican's mess and restore fiscal responsibility to the federal government. That scares the hell out of the conservatives.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The New Orleans Saints: A Tainted World Champion
NFL commissioner Roger Goodel handed down the verdict on Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis, head coact Sean Payton, assistant head coach Joe Vitt and former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, guilty for running a "bounty program" from 2009-2011. The NFL also slapped fines and or suspensions on those found guilty.
As reported in the Times Picayune of 3/22, Goodel also contended that Payton and Loomis orchestrated a web of lies to divert the attention of league gumshoes. That is not a flattering statement concerning two of the Saints top people. Their punishments given out by the NFL is well deserved and hopefully will be a reminder in the future for all concerned. Professional sports, especially NFL football is not a sport any more, it is a business and businesses do not like to be regulated. They like to give lip service to rules and regulations.
NFL owners, general managers, head coaches and players are all overpaid and think they are above it all. Part of the reason is greed and part is because the news media, especially sports journalists put them on a pedestal and give them idol status. How can they do anything wrong. It's the culture they live in. Owners who seek corporate welfare from the states are worse because they know some elected officials would do anything.
This writer in the past has been critical of N.O. sports journalists who cover the Saints for their hype and closeness to the organization and their failure to be objective, but Jeff Duncan and John DeShazier were right on target concerning their report on the subject matter in a Times Picayune article of 3/22. They stepped up to the plate and should be congratulated.
Some players just don't get it and Drew Brees seems to fall in that number for a quote attributed to him in Peter Finney's column of 3/22 in the Times Picayune. Quoting from the column Brees said, "I am speechless" Brees posted on his twitter account. Sean Payton is a great coach and mentor. The best there is. I need to hear an explanation for this punishment.
This writer is of the opinion that Goodel indeed gave a good explanation for the punishment. Where is Brees mind on the subject matter? Is he that far from reality that he is unable to comprehend why Goodel took the actions he did? The Saints, their coaching staff and the players from this day forward will have an opportunity to demonstrate how well they will handle the future. The final chapter in this sad story will be written at a later date.
As reported in the Times Picayune of 3/22, Goodel also contended that Payton and Loomis orchestrated a web of lies to divert the attention of league gumshoes. That is not a flattering statement concerning two of the Saints top people. Their punishments given out by the NFL is well deserved and hopefully will be a reminder in the future for all concerned. Professional sports, especially NFL football is not a sport any more, it is a business and businesses do not like to be regulated. They like to give lip service to rules and regulations.
NFL owners, general managers, head coaches and players are all overpaid and think they are above it all. Part of the reason is greed and part is because the news media, especially sports journalists put them on a pedestal and give them idol status. How can they do anything wrong. It's the culture they live in. Owners who seek corporate welfare from the states are worse because they know some elected officials would do anything.
This writer in the past has been critical of N.O. sports journalists who cover the Saints for their hype and closeness to the organization and their failure to be objective, but Jeff Duncan and John DeShazier were right on target concerning their report on the subject matter in a Times Picayune article of 3/22. They stepped up to the plate and should be congratulated.
Some players just don't get it and Drew Brees seems to fall in that number for a quote attributed to him in Peter Finney's column of 3/22 in the Times Picayune. Quoting from the column Brees said, "I am speechless" Brees posted on his twitter account. Sean Payton is a great coach and mentor. The best there is. I need to hear an explanation for this punishment.
This writer is of the opinion that Goodel indeed gave a good explanation for the punishment. Where is Brees mind on the subject matter? Is he that far from reality that he is unable to comprehend why Goodel took the actions he did? The Saints, their coaching staff and the players from this day forward will have an opportunity to demonstrate how well they will handle the future. The final chapter in this sad story will be written at a later date.
Conservatism and Ideology Are Not Qualifications To Be President
The administrations or Reagan, Bush 41 and Bush 43 proved that in the 20 years they ran the country. All three promised balanced budgets, a smaller federal government, reduced federal spending and a lasting economy but accomplished none of that. The facts also show that the national debt would not be a problem today had they balanced the federal budget as Clinton did.
Yet today's republican Presidential candidates are brandishing their so called conservatism and ideology as what is needed for the next President to run the country. To them understanding the past is never the key to the future. They embrace the failed policies of Reagan, Bush 41 and Bush 43 and offer the country and its people the same failed policies based on conservatism and ideology.
On the military side the candidates like to talk tough and want the defense budget to continue to grow unchecked. They promote war like it is a game because they do not have the slightest idea what the military is all about. John McCain, the republican candidate during the 2008 campaign along with then V.P. Dick Cheney predicted that if Obama was elected President terrorists would attack the U.S. because Obama would be a weak President. Of course that was the usual conservative scare tactic, the politics of fear. The Obama administration has not only kept the U.S. safer than the Bush administration, it also brought Bin Laden to justice.
Reagan sold arms to Iran in exchange for American hostages, some thing he said he would never do. He then actually denied he did so and later corrected the record. Bush 43 started an unnecessary war and occupation of Iraq over WMD that never existed during his administration, invaded Afghanistan after 9/11 and did not have a military plan to seal off the escape of the Taliban or Bin Laden and 10 years later we are told the Taliban is still a big problem.
Now it is a Democratic President that has to deal with Iran and Afghanistan. Obama did the right thing in ending the U.S. involvement in Iraq. Conservatism and ideology has proved many times over that it is not a qualification for President. In fact the past has proven it to be a failure in governing, leadership and courage. Listening to the republican Presidential candidates is a stark reminder of the George W. Bush administration. The U.S. and its people must not go there again.
Yet today's republican Presidential candidates are brandishing their so called conservatism and ideology as what is needed for the next President to run the country. To them understanding the past is never the key to the future. They embrace the failed policies of Reagan, Bush 41 and Bush 43 and offer the country and its people the same failed policies based on conservatism and ideology.
On the military side the candidates like to talk tough and want the defense budget to continue to grow unchecked. They promote war like it is a game because they do not have the slightest idea what the military is all about. John McCain, the republican candidate during the 2008 campaign along with then V.P. Dick Cheney predicted that if Obama was elected President terrorists would attack the U.S. because Obama would be a weak President. Of course that was the usual conservative scare tactic, the politics of fear. The Obama administration has not only kept the U.S. safer than the Bush administration, it also brought Bin Laden to justice.
Reagan sold arms to Iran in exchange for American hostages, some thing he said he would never do. He then actually denied he did so and later corrected the record. Bush 43 started an unnecessary war and occupation of Iraq over WMD that never existed during his administration, invaded Afghanistan after 9/11 and did not have a military plan to seal off the escape of the Taliban or Bin Laden and 10 years later we are told the Taliban is still a big problem.
Now it is a Democratic President that has to deal with Iran and Afghanistan. Obama did the right thing in ending the U.S. involvement in Iraq. Conservatism and ideology has proved many times over that it is not a qualification for President. In fact the past has proven it to be a failure in governing, leadership and courage. Listening to the republican Presidential candidates is a stark reminder of the George W. Bush administration. The U.S. and its people must not go there again.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Understanding The Unemployment Numbers
The nation's unemployment continues to be a issue in this years election because of the republican Presidential candidates who want to see the President be a one termer just like the republicans in congres have pronounced. However, if a check is made concerning the historical record of unemployment one would have to agree President Obama is doing a very good job of handling the situation. And when given consideration to the massive economic failure and job losses he inherited, the President holds up better than some previous administrations on the subject matter.
The unemployment rate as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor from January 1961 to January 2012 is used for the following calculations. This report by the Labor Deparment gives the unemployment breakdown monthly. In order to compare how President Obama measures up to previous administrations during this time period, the below reflect the unemployment rate for the month of January when the President took office to the month of January starting their fourth year in office. In other words their first three years in office.
Kennedy-Johnson Unemployment rate Jan. 1961 6.6% Jan. 1964 it was 5.6% down 1%.
Nixon Unemployment rate Jan. 1969 3.4% Jan. 1972 it was 5.8% an increase of 2.4%.
Carter Unemployment rate Jan 1977 7.5% Jan. 1980 it was 6.3% down 1.2%.
Reagan Unemployment rate Jan. 1981 7.5% Jan. 1984 it was 8.0% an increase of 1/2%.
Bush 41 Unemployment rate Jan. 1989 5.4% Jan. 1992 it was 7.3% an increase of 1.9%.
Clinton Unemployment rate Jan. 1993 7.3% Jan. 1996 it was 5.6% down 1.7%.
Bush 43 Unemployment rate Jan. 2001 4.2% Jan. 2004 it was 5.7% an increase of 1.5%
Obama Unemployment rate Jan. 2009 7.8% Jan. 2012 it was 8.3% an increase of 1/2%.
In the first three year period of those Presidents the unemployment under Obama increased 1/2%, a much smaller increase than under Nixon, Bush 41 and Bush 43 and the same as under Reagan. But in that same 3 year period under Reagan the unemployment rate stayed above 10% for 10 straight months from September 1982 to June 1983 and hit the highest level since 1944 at 10.8% in both Nov. and Dec. of 1982. The unemployment rate under Obama in that three year period hit 10% only once in October 2009 and was 10% for that one month only. The numbers indicate the Obama administration had a better hand on unemployment than all the above republican administrations even though those republican administrations did not face the severe economic conditions Obama inherited.
The unemployment numbers were down on every democratic administration shown above with the exception of Obama during that three year period. If all of the terms of all the above Presidents are looked at you will find that the unemployment rate never increased over what it was when the President took office and that President was Bill Clinton. For 96 straight months the unemployment rate never increased over the 7.3% that it was when he took office. What a accomplishment and the unemployment rate was under 4% for five months during his last year in office. No other President listed above can claim such success.
Democratic administrations have done a better job controlling unemployment just like they have the best record of balancing the federal budget, creating jobs, paying down debt, lowering the poverty rolls, creating a solid economy, lowering crime, increases in middle class wages and a host of other issues important to the country and its people.
Should it not be now clear why the republican presidential candidates, their party and the right wing news media only talk about dividing the country with wedge issues like religion, gay marriage, bashing women and trying to drive a wedge between the separation of church and state. It should be very clear that they have no record of accomplishments to run on or debate. That is the real story and all the facts prove it. What a shame.
The unemployment rate as published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor from January 1961 to January 2012 is used for the following calculations. This report by the Labor Deparment gives the unemployment breakdown monthly. In order to compare how President Obama measures up to previous administrations during this time period, the below reflect the unemployment rate for the month of January when the President took office to the month of January starting their fourth year in office. In other words their first three years in office.
Kennedy-Johnson Unemployment rate Jan. 1961 6.6% Jan. 1964 it was 5.6% down 1%.
Nixon Unemployment rate Jan. 1969 3.4% Jan. 1972 it was 5.8% an increase of 2.4%.
Carter Unemployment rate Jan 1977 7.5% Jan. 1980 it was 6.3% down 1.2%.
Reagan Unemployment rate Jan. 1981 7.5% Jan. 1984 it was 8.0% an increase of 1/2%.
Bush 41 Unemployment rate Jan. 1989 5.4% Jan. 1992 it was 7.3% an increase of 1.9%.
Clinton Unemployment rate Jan. 1993 7.3% Jan. 1996 it was 5.6% down 1.7%.
Bush 43 Unemployment rate Jan. 2001 4.2% Jan. 2004 it was 5.7% an increase of 1.5%
Obama Unemployment rate Jan. 2009 7.8% Jan. 2012 it was 8.3% an increase of 1/2%.
In the first three year period of those Presidents the unemployment under Obama increased 1/2%, a much smaller increase than under Nixon, Bush 41 and Bush 43 and the same as under Reagan. But in that same 3 year period under Reagan the unemployment rate stayed above 10% for 10 straight months from September 1982 to June 1983 and hit the highest level since 1944 at 10.8% in both Nov. and Dec. of 1982. The unemployment rate under Obama in that three year period hit 10% only once in October 2009 and was 10% for that one month only. The numbers indicate the Obama administration had a better hand on unemployment than all the above republican administrations even though those republican administrations did not face the severe economic conditions Obama inherited.
The unemployment numbers were down on every democratic administration shown above with the exception of Obama during that three year period. If all of the terms of all the above Presidents are looked at you will find that the unemployment rate never increased over what it was when the President took office and that President was Bill Clinton. For 96 straight months the unemployment rate never increased over the 7.3% that it was when he took office. What a accomplishment and the unemployment rate was under 4% for five months during his last year in office. No other President listed above can claim such success.
Democratic administrations have done a better job controlling unemployment just like they have the best record of balancing the federal budget, creating jobs, paying down debt, lowering the poverty rolls, creating a solid economy, lowering crime, increases in middle class wages and a host of other issues important to the country and its people.
Should it not be now clear why the republican presidential candidates, their party and the right wing news media only talk about dividing the country with wedge issues like religion, gay marriage, bashing women and trying to drive a wedge between the separation of church and state. It should be very clear that they have no record of accomplishments to run on or debate. That is the real story and all the facts prove it. What a shame.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Another HUGE First For Politidose
Politidose, your daily dose of political commentary has once again knocked a home run, this time a grand slam concerning the unemployment rate. In my commentary of 11/30/2010 titled The U.S. Economy is back on track, I reported at that time the Federal Reserve and the cable news economic experts were predicting unemployment would be in the range of 9% thru 2012. My prediction at the time in my commentary was unemployment would be under 9% and closer to 7% in that period of time and sure enough the rate as you read this is 8.3%. A big win for Politidose.
Those same pundits predicted economic growth would be in the range of 2.50%-2.75% for 2011 and 2012. I said they are full of it. The numbers for 2011 have not been published yet but actual economic growth will exceed those predictions when 2012 comes to a close and that is what I predicted.
My forecast were on what I have been writing about for the past several years and based on facts obtained from the CBO, the Treasury Dept., other government agenciesand a political interest in what takes place concerning government policy. There has been a clear precedent to follow if people take time to follow the facts instead of following misinformation, spin and yes out right lies. The past was and still is clear that democratic administrations over the years have presided over lower unemployment than republican administrations.
My basis conclusions what I believe are based on the facts show that the nation and its people have always done better under democratic administrations over time and especially in the last 50 years. That includes the economy, job creation, balancing the federal budget, paying down debt and etc. The record shows also beyond a shadow of a doubt it has been republican administrations who are the big spenders and not democrats. The republican party has also been the leading party in deficit spending and increasing the national debt. And once again it is a democratic administration today that is leading the country out of the second greatest depression despite the opposition of the republic party in congress who wants to see the President and the country fail. These are the same republicans in congress who rubber stamped Bush's failed reckless policies.
Understanding the past is still the key to the future and the past tells us democratic policies move our country and its people forward while republican policies do just the opposite.
For more information concerning my forecast and conclusions browse my past commentaries here on politidose, some are listed in Note 1 below.
Note 1: The U.S. Economy: Which PartyPerforms Best. (three part series dated 1/27/08.
Republican Administrations: Fiscal Disasters. (dated 4/6/08)
The Republican Cycle of Record Federal Deficits and Debt: (dated 8/3/08)
The U.S. Past, Present and Future: (dated 12/31/08
The Fiscal Legacy of President George W. Bush: (dated 10/30/09)
Federal Spending: Facts vs. Myths: (dated 10/31/09)
The NAtional Debt: Betrayal and Devastation. (dated 12/6/09
An Economic Turnaround, Job Creation and Fiscal Stability: There is a Precedent. (dated 12/4/09
What Will The New Year Bring Politically: (dated 12/28/10)
President Obama's First Fiscal Year Budget. (dated 10/27/10)
Job Creation For Presidential Terms: (dated 11/5/10
Those same pundits predicted economic growth would be in the range of 2.50%-2.75% for 2011 and 2012. I said they are full of it. The numbers for 2011 have not been published yet but actual economic growth will exceed those predictions when 2012 comes to a close and that is what I predicted.
My forecast were on what I have been writing about for the past several years and based on facts obtained from the CBO, the Treasury Dept., other government agenciesand a political interest in what takes place concerning government policy. There has been a clear precedent to follow if people take time to follow the facts instead of following misinformation, spin and yes out right lies. The past was and still is clear that democratic administrations over the years have presided over lower unemployment than republican administrations.
My basis conclusions what I believe are based on the facts show that the nation and its people have always done better under democratic administrations over time and especially in the last 50 years. That includes the economy, job creation, balancing the federal budget, paying down debt and etc. The record shows also beyond a shadow of a doubt it has been republican administrations who are the big spenders and not democrats. The republican party has also been the leading party in deficit spending and increasing the national debt. And once again it is a democratic administration today that is leading the country out of the second greatest depression despite the opposition of the republic party in congress who wants to see the President and the country fail. These are the same republicans in congress who rubber stamped Bush's failed reckless policies.
Understanding the past is still the key to the future and the past tells us democratic policies move our country and its people forward while republican policies do just the opposite.
For more information concerning my forecast and conclusions browse my past commentaries here on politidose, some are listed in Note 1 below.
Note 1: The U.S. Economy: Which PartyPerforms Best. (three part series dated 1/27/08.
Republican Administrations: Fiscal Disasters. (dated 4/6/08)
The Republican Cycle of Record Federal Deficits and Debt: (dated 8/3/08)
The U.S. Past, Present and Future: (dated 12/31/08
The Fiscal Legacy of President George W. Bush: (dated 10/30/09)
Federal Spending: Facts vs. Myths: (dated 10/31/09)
The NAtional Debt: Betrayal and Devastation. (dated 12/6/09
An Economic Turnaround, Job Creation and Fiscal Stability: There is a Precedent. (dated 12/4/09
What Will The New Year Bring Politically: (dated 12/28/10)
President Obama's First Fiscal Year Budget. (dated 10/27/10)
Job Creation For Presidential Terms: (dated 11/5/10
The Good News Continues On The U.S. Economy
Another good economic report on the economy was issued by the U.S. Labor Department for February. The economy created 227,000 new jobs for the month and also reported that there were 61,000 more new jobs created in December and January than was previously reported. The report also noted that job creation continues to be broad based and that manufacturing is leading the way. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 8.3% and speculation was that may be because more workers are looking for work since hiring has been in positive territory.
The republican Presidential candidates response to the continued good economic news is typical. They are chapped and angry that America and its people are moving forward despite the vow by the republican party to not lift a finger to help President Obama. An improved economy reminds the people that it is always democratic administrations that rescue the economy after republican rule and the republican Presidential candidates just hate that. That is why they never mention the Bush administration in their campaign speeches. They are really a helpless bunch still preaching an un American ideology and still trying to divide the country on wedge issues.
President Obama needs to continue to go it alone and continue to do what he can do with his executive powers to keep the economy and jobs growing. There is no question that unemployment will continue to go down and if reelected President Obama will keep the federal budget on track to once again be balanced. And once again it will be a democratic administration who took the right steps to put the country's fiscal house in order.
The republican Presidential candidates response to the continued good economic news is typical. They are chapped and angry that America and its people are moving forward despite the vow by the republican party to not lift a finger to help President Obama. An improved economy reminds the people that it is always democratic administrations that rescue the economy after republican rule and the republican Presidential candidates just hate that. That is why they never mention the Bush administration in their campaign speeches. They are really a helpless bunch still preaching an un American ideology and still trying to divide the country on wedge issues.
President Obama needs to continue to go it alone and continue to do what he can do with his executive powers to keep the economy and jobs growing. There is no question that unemployment will continue to go down and if reelected President Obama will keep the federal budget on track to once again be balanced. And once again it will be a democratic administration who took the right steps to put the country's fiscal house in order.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Bounty Hunting: New Orleans Saints Style
The more news that comes out of professional sports, especially the NFL, the less my interest becomes. Now the sports world and fans are being exposed to the disapperance of sportsmanship in professional football. Thanks to the revelations concerning the New Orleans Saints football team we now know the defensive unit was paid a bounty to hurt their opponent players and knock them out of the game.
Pro players are supposed to be role models to the fans, especially the young, but they lost their character and responsible adult behavior along the way because they think they are above it all. They are a spoiled bunch who are all overpaid and are given "idol" stature. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has apoligized, said it was wrong, knew it was wrong but did not stop it. Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis also apologized. They are men with authority but they looked the other way. Winning at any cost appears to be all that matters.
If there ever was a time when the NFL commissioner needs to stand up it is right now. The penalties and suspensions should be severe and serve notice that such blatant actions will not be condoned or tolerated. Greed by the owners, the players and the NFL itself has corrupted professional football and elected officials have contributed to this greed by giving owners corporate welfare using tax payers money when it is not needed. Last year the owners and players divided up $9 billion of revenue. Greed runs deep.
Sports journalists will continue to put the players on a pedestal. The ones in New Orleans are now carrying the torch for Drew Brees. They think he should be paid what ever he wants and are playing the chicken little franchise game. This past season the sky fell in on the Saints in the second playoff game. Last season the sky fell in on the first playoff game and to a team with a loosing record.
The sport itself is the big looser along with the fans and the young ones who are looking for direction. The owners, coaches and players have not lived up the their responsibility. Over and over they have demonstrated their feeling of being above it all and that they do not have to abide by any rules. Greed makes them feel invincible.
To those who make the excuse that football is a rough game and players get hurt is the usual cop out. What a shame.
Pro players are supposed to be role models to the fans, especially the young, but they lost their character and responsible adult behavior along the way because they think they are above it all. They are a spoiled bunch who are all overpaid and are given "idol" stature. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has apoligized, said it was wrong, knew it was wrong but did not stop it. Sean Payton and Mickey Loomis also apologized. They are men with authority but they looked the other way. Winning at any cost appears to be all that matters.
If there ever was a time when the NFL commissioner needs to stand up it is right now. The penalties and suspensions should be severe and serve notice that such blatant actions will not be condoned or tolerated. Greed by the owners, the players and the NFL itself has corrupted professional football and elected officials have contributed to this greed by giving owners corporate welfare using tax payers money when it is not needed. Last year the owners and players divided up $9 billion of revenue. Greed runs deep.
Sports journalists will continue to put the players on a pedestal. The ones in New Orleans are now carrying the torch for Drew Brees. They think he should be paid what ever he wants and are playing the chicken little franchise game. This past season the sky fell in on the Saints in the second playoff game. Last season the sky fell in on the first playoff game and to a team with a loosing record.
The sport itself is the big looser along with the fans and the young ones who are looking for direction. The owners, coaches and players have not lived up the their responsibility. Over and over they have demonstrated their feeling of being above it all and that they do not have to abide by any rules. Greed makes them feel invincible.
To those who make the excuse that football is a rough game and players get hurt is the usual cop out. What a shame.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Gingrich, Romney and Santorum: Trickle Down Economics Is Alive And Well Under Their Plans
This writer has pointed out many times how understanding the past is the key to our country's future and how the fairy tale of trickle down economics has failed as an economic or fiscal policy. George W. Bush failed to understand that when he became President and adopted Reagan's tax cut policies that favored the wealthy at the expense of the middle class and increased federal spending. The sad result for both of those administrations was 16 years of record deficit spending and a increase of 186% in the national debt under Reagan and 105% under George W. Bush.
Now comes republican Presidential candidates Gingrich, Romney and Santorum who are proposing once again, if elected President massive tax cuts that benefit the wealthy. U.S. Budget Watch, a project of the Bipartisan Commission for a responsible federal budget said their tax and spending plan would add dramatically to the federal debt. Thru 2012 Romney's plan would add $2.6 trillion to the debt, Santorum's plan would add $4.5 trillion and Gingrich's plan would add $7 trillion. That according to David Lightman publication in the Times Picayune of 2/25.
In an editorial by E.J. Dionne a Tax Policy Center study last November concerning the impact of a 20% across the board rate cut proposed by Romney showed that the wealthiest 0.1% would receive an average tax reduction of $264,000.00. The poorest 20% would receive $78.00 and those smack in the middle $791.00 and would add more than $3.7 trillion to the national debt.
Gingrich, Romney and Santorum has learned nothing from the past and actually confirms what this writer said many times over, that Reagan, Bush 43 and now those three Presidential candidates actual intent is to rob the federal government of needed revenue so social security, medicare and other vital programs for the people are starved to death.
No Presidential candidate in his right mind who claims to want to balance the federal budget and move America forward can over look the past mistakes of Reagan and Bush 43. To really understand how comitted the conservatives are in their quest to bankrupt the federal government try this on for size. The conservatives oppose the recently enacted health care law even though the C.B.O. said over the next decade it would reduce the national debt and the budget deficits in the future. The conservative candidates for President's proposals for tax relief would reduce federal revenue and add trillions of dollars to the deficit and national debt. The hypocrite's position meshes with their anti-American ideology called conservatism.
Understanding the past is still the key to the future for the country and its people. See my previous commentaries noted below.
Note 1: The National Debt: Betrayal and Devastation dated 12/6/09
Federal Spending: Facts vs. Myth dated 10/31/09
The Fiscal Legacy of President George W. Bush dated 10/30/09
The United States: Past, Present and Future dated 12/31/08
Now comes republican Presidential candidates Gingrich, Romney and Santorum who are proposing once again, if elected President massive tax cuts that benefit the wealthy. U.S. Budget Watch, a project of the Bipartisan Commission for a responsible federal budget said their tax and spending plan would add dramatically to the federal debt. Thru 2012 Romney's plan would add $2.6 trillion to the debt, Santorum's plan would add $4.5 trillion and Gingrich's plan would add $7 trillion. That according to David Lightman publication in the Times Picayune of 2/25.
In an editorial by E.J. Dionne a Tax Policy Center study last November concerning the impact of a 20% across the board rate cut proposed by Romney showed that the wealthiest 0.1% would receive an average tax reduction of $264,000.00. The poorest 20% would receive $78.00 and those smack in the middle $791.00 and would add more than $3.7 trillion to the national debt.
Gingrich, Romney and Santorum has learned nothing from the past and actually confirms what this writer said many times over, that Reagan, Bush 43 and now those three Presidential candidates actual intent is to rob the federal government of needed revenue so social security, medicare and other vital programs for the people are starved to death.
No Presidential candidate in his right mind who claims to want to balance the federal budget and move America forward can over look the past mistakes of Reagan and Bush 43. To really understand how comitted the conservatives are in their quest to bankrupt the federal government try this on for size. The conservatives oppose the recently enacted health care law even though the C.B.O. said over the next decade it would reduce the national debt and the budget deficits in the future. The conservative candidates for President's proposals for tax relief would reduce federal revenue and add trillions of dollars to the deficit and national debt. The hypocrite's position meshes with their anti-American ideology called conservatism.
Understanding the past is still the key to the future for the country and its people. See my previous commentaries noted below.
Note 1: The National Debt: Betrayal and Devastation dated 12/6/09
Federal Spending: Facts vs. Myth dated 10/31/09
The Fiscal Legacy of President George W. Bush dated 10/30/09
The United States: Past, Present and Future dated 12/31/08
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