New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees Is Aging Fast.

According to a Times Picayune article dated 7/20/14 by staff writer Evan Woodbery, Brees said he was serious when he said he planned to play for another 10 years until he was 45 years old.  Then says he is not delusional and that would be extremely difficult to do.

That subject matter seems to be out of place at training camp time.  It is jumping the gun it seems to this writer at a time Brees should be talking about how he expects his team and himself to improve on last seasons failures.

Brees trys to justify his statement by talking about milestones through out his career then proceeds to list his accomplishments for 13 seasons in the NFL.  It is a stretch to think that any 35 year old quarter back would try and project what he will be doing 10 years down the road.  It may drum up a lot of media attention but that in its self has no value.  Professional ball players get a little carried waway with their hero status and often cross over into their fairy tale world.

All sport fans would love to see their favorite players be productive and play forever.  This writer was a Mickey Mantle fan and his retirement was a personal loss.  Mantle played at a time when players played for the love of the game and never complained.

If Brees is able to play until he is 45 it will be a real story at that time and not before.  The real story now is, "how well Drew Brees plays this season."  After the last two seasons of observation I have come to two conclusions:  Payton and Brees have already had their best years with the Saints.  Secondly, I also believe Alabama has already had its best years under Nick Saban.  Time will tell how that works out and I do not expect many sport fans will agree.  I also know I may be wrong but that is my observation.

In professional sports it is not the player who decides how long he will play regardless what he says.  Brees will find that out in do time.


This commentary written by John Lucia.

Jeff Duncan: His Remarks on Tony Dungy Were Unprofessional And Childish.

In a Times Picayune story dated 7/25/14 sports journalist Jeff Duncan said former Colts head coach Tony Dungy's remarks about St. Louis Rams rookie draft player Michael Sam were cowardly.  Duncan reported Dungy said, "I wouldn't have taken him.  I wouldn't want to deal with all of it.  It's not going to be totally smooth."

Dungy was a winning Super Bowl head coach and coached in the NFL for a number of years prior to becoming a sports commentator covering NFL football.  As a former head coach, Dungy knew the news media would use Sam as a distraction and create a lot of hype that the team would have to deal with.  Duncan has never walked in the football shoes of Tony Dungy so when it comes to Duncan's comment, one has only to consider the source.

Instead, Duncan trys to justify his cowardly remark by saying the media attention is now a part of the whole NFL.  Then goes on to say, "the media circuses are unavoidable.   They're as much a part of today's NFL as ankle tape and smelling salts."  Of course the media circuses are very much avoidable and Duncan knows that because he is one of many in the news media who perpetuate that circus.

Dungy made an hosest comment based on his experience as a head coach.  Duncan, on the other hand had an opportunity to make an honest comment as a sports journalist during Bountygate and failed the test by not reporting the true story.  The true story was the Saints head coach Sean Payton allowed bountygate to happen and was suspended for one full season.  That irresponsible act by Payton left the team without its regular head coach and put his own team in jeopardy.  That was not only an irresponsible act concerning the team, but also concerning the assistant coaches and more importantly, the fans.  And Duncan was silent and never told the true story.

In this writers judgement, reasonable people can determine for them selves what words were cowardly.  Those that were spoken by Tony Dungy, or those that were not by Jeff Duncan.


This commentary written by John Lucia

The Oil Industry's Search For More Greed

The recent tragedy in Ukraine with the downing of a commercial airliner, the fighting with the separatist rebels with the support of Russia has brought out the worst from the Oil Industry and their republican supporters.  They are calling for the President to support lifting the export ban on oil that has been in place for many years.  They are trying to sell the fabricated idea that America needs to sell and export their abundance of energy to Europe to break that country's dependence on Russian crude.

In other words, a Europe that is dependent on American oil instead of Russian energy will deprive Russia of needed revenue and some how weaken that country's military and economic expansion appetite.  They say it will create thousands of jobs in America and keep the American economy growing.  But that is not the real story behind their ruse and should be exposed and that is what "PolitiDose" will do in this commentary.

The American oil industry is now the worlds leading producer of oil and natural gas and production is at an all time high.  If that oil and gas has to stay in America there will be an over supply of that energy at some point in time and that means lower prices for American consumers as over supply forces prices down.  That is not something the industry wants.  So they want the export ban lifted so they can keep the price of energy high and give them more control.  It has never been the intent of the industry to make America independent of foreign energy.  I wrote a commentary about that a few years ago.  America's energy over supply is getting closer at hand so do not be suprised if the industry does not cut production in not to long a period of time if the ban is not lifted.

The industry has been successful at keeping the price of a barrel of oil and a gallon of gasoline at the highest sustained price in our history and it started under the Bush 43 administration.  They talk a good game of expanding natural gas to be used in automobiles and truck fleets but have you heard of any oil company whose fleet of autos or trucks are run on natural gas.  I have not.  How many natural gas stations have the industry built to encourage such use?  What are they waiting for?  Their CEO's think the price of natural gas is too low and that it should be much higher. 

The export ban was established for good reasons.  Congress should not lift the ban because it would not be in the best interest of the United States.  The industry like other industries are world players but they should be America companies first for the good of America and its people.  The special treatment they ask for should be rejected and the about face of making America independent of foreign oil has to be answered loud and clear.  This is the industry whose wealth accumulation is never enough.


This commentary written by John Lucia.

Times Picayune Sports Writer Larry Holder And The New Orleans Saints

Larry Holder's TP article of 7/23/14 titled, "High Expectations" is a fairy tale continuation of last years Saints season which saw the Saints finish the regular season weak instead of strong as predicted.  We were told finishing strong was Payton's and Bree's strong suit but it did not happen.

Holder now tells his readers the Saints 2014 roster is better than the Dome Patrol era, the 2009 Super Bowl team and the 2011 team and that this years roster is the best ever and that the expectation of Super Bowl glory is warranted.  That is a long shot prediction based on the Saints roster and smacks of apple polishing. 

He goes off the deep end when he says, if the 2011 season taught Saints fans anything, its that the best team doesn't always win the Super Bowl.  He relates that to the Saints loss to Frisco in the playoffs that season with their five turnovers and jumps to the conclusion if they had won that game they would have won the Super Bowl.  The fans do not buy that and neither do I.

The better team actually did win that game on that particular day causing five Saints turnovers.  A team can not be the best team based on the roster or on their record.  They have to be the best team on the day it counts and it counted that day in 2011 against Frisco.  The 49'ers won on that day and the Saints lost.

Sports journalists for the Times Picayune, Radio and TV have been so wrong on their predictions about the Saints it is almost laughable.  Does any one remember the year Payton sat out and they said the Saints would be fine because they were Pros and knew their jobs.  Yeah, right.  One TP writer even thought Payton should have been the NFL's coach of the year last year. 

Don't be surprised if last years finish by the Saints, loosing 4 of their last 7 games is a prelude to how the Saints preform this season.


This commentary written by John Lucia

U.S. Representative Steve Scalise: 48 Years Old And Still In Denial

Scalise, in a Times Picayune write up of 7/20/14 by staff writer Bruce Alpert showed his ignorance and denial concerning private sector jobs vs. federal sector jobs in the republicans weekly radio address.  He also tried to compare his child hood to that of President Lincoln. 

As usual he thinks of himself as elite and repeats the the tired old ditto head statement that democrats do not understand what makes America great.  Scalise and his party has tried to plant that seed for over 30 years, a time when many democrats served their country in uniform while many republicans stayed home.  It was democratic President's Roosevelt and Truman who served during WWII that produced the greatest generation.  Democrats do not obstruct the business of the people.

And once again his only solution to job creation is expanding domestic energy production.  For his information that is happening right now under the Obama administration no thanks to Scalis's party or himself.  It did not take place on the watch of Bush 43.   He also says republicans who have consistently tried to block the President's proposals on immigration, environmental regulations, funding for infrastructure and trying to repeal the ACA ARE NOW READY TO WORK WITH HIM.

Does Scalise, his tea party and republican allies in the U.S. House really mean "they are now ready to work with Obama" after five and a half years of obstruction?  President Kennedy once said sincerity is always subject to proof, so time will test Scalise's words. Or does he and his party see a rising economy, steady job creation, a steady lowering of unemployment, a 60% reduction in deficit spending since Obama took office, the smallest increase in federal spending in 50 years and all taking place while Scalise and his party have been on the sidelines and playing no part in the recovery.  Do they want to jump on the bandwagon before the November elections?

 In the article Scalise trys to paint the democrats as the party that borrows money we don't have.  He is in complete denial on the subject.  If Reagan, Bush 41 and Bush 43 had balanced the federal budget as Clinton did, borrowing money would not be a problem today.  I would invite Scalise or any one else to check out those facts themselves.  Of course, Scalise knows the answer, he just can not bring his tea party sonservative self to admit it.

When it comes to job creation in the private sector, republican administrations don't even register on the job creation scale compared to democratic administrations.  More new jobs were created on President Clinton's watch in 8 years than were created by Reagan, Bush 41 and Bush 43 in the 20 years they ran the country and over 92% came from the private sector on Clinton's watch.  And more new jobs have been created on Obama's watch in the five and half years he has served so far compared to what was created in the 8 years Bush ran the country.  In fact when President G.W. Bush left office he had the worst job creation record since the great depression of 1929.  Scalise is well aware of that, for he served during Bush's term in office.

Will Scalise, the new WHIP of the republican controlled U.S. House continue to obstruct and oppose everything that comes out of the administration?   Or will Scalise, the WHIP stand up for America, shed his unAmeican conservative ideology and honestly work with the President to move the country and its people forward?   He is the only one who can answer that question.  He voted some time ago to shut down the federal government and now with his new position has an opportunity and an obligation to be civil, recognize he is not elite and stand tall for America.  It is not to late but time is running out for he and his party to start being productive.


This commentary written by John Lucia


Note:  See my previous commentary dated 11/5/2010 Titled, Job Creation For Presidential Terms:  1929-2008. 

Another Louisiana Tax Give Away To A Multi Billion Dollar Chemical Company

Forget that Louisiana has vacant land, the Mississippi River, cheap labor, cheap energy (natural gas) an abundance of natural resources, a good transportation system of rail, water and truck, reasonable property taxes and a hosts of other positive  needs for business to survive.  But it is the unnecessary corporate welfare system of tax breaks and other special interest goodies that bring new business to Louisiana.

In a Times Picayune story of 7/18/14 by staff writer Katherine Bayre a chinese chemical company will build a Methanol facility on the Mississippi river in St. James Parish.  The facility will be completed in 2018 and employ 400 people.  Louisiana offered the following to the company to lure them.  (1) $9.5 million for infrastructure cost.  (2)  $1.75 million grant to cover some of the cost of leasing access to the riverfront and developing a terminal dock.  (3)  Tax breaks through Louisiana's industrial tax exemption and the quality jobs program.

The article states that the company, Shandong Yuhuang reported $4 billion in sales in 2013 and has 5600 employees.  Most of the methanol processed at the plant will be shipped back to China.  Approximately 20-30% will be sold to north American companies.  In orher words, Louisiana's taxpayers willbe subsidizing a $4 Billion company who will be shipping 70% of its product outside the U.S. back to China.

China, a country that has been dumping cheap goods, some of them toxic ones (such as sheetrock) to America and has cost many American jobs.  This writer does not have any problem with trade when companies pay their own way.  The thing that is lacking in this story is:  With all the financial aid being given to Shandong, will Louisiana insist that they use the best anti-pollution system on the market and available to make sure the plant is safe for the Louisiana environment?  The article is silent on this important matter.  After all we know China is the largest polluter in the world.

Some things never change in Louisiana and our elected officials are at the core of the status quo for doling out corporate welfare that is not needed to move Louisiana forward. Do tax payers really think Louisiana gets back the $8 billion of tax breaks doled out each year?  One would never think so with all the budget cuts Jindal says have to be made every year.


This commentary written by John Lucia




This commentary written by John Lucia.

Oil Group Head Calls For Deregulation.

That was the caption of a Times Picayune story by staff writer Jennifer Larino dated 7/18/14.  Jack Gerard, President and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute  called on President Obama to abandon its "irrational" approach to energy policy.  As a mouth piece for the Oil industry he goes on to contradict his own statements

Gerard says that the U.S. became the worlds largest producer of natural gas in 2013 according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  And that the U.S. this year became the worlds largest oil producer passing Sudi Arabia and Russia.  Then he said the nations energy policy had nothing to do with that.  Then he says policy really matters.

The President's policy has been clear.  Its made up of the present fossil fuels and renewable fuels.  Gerard wants a future only of the status quo and gives out more false information when he said the Obama administration refuses to open up more federal lands for exploration.  The Sierra Club pointed out that in the most recent federal offshore lease sale oil companies bid on only 326 of the 7511 tracts the government offered.  An article in the Times Picayune of 7/16/14 also informed its readers that in March the federal government offered acerage in the eastern Gulf and there were no bids by the oil industry.

Gerard said the country has moved from a position of perceived energy scarcity to abundance.  What he failed to note was that abundance happened on the watch of President Obama.  One should understand why it is the mouth pieces like Mr. Gerard and some politicians who are speaking up instead of the oil industry themselves.  The industry uses those surrogates becuse the industry knows the following facts.

(1)  The price of a barrel of oil and a gallon of gasoline is manipulated;  (2) Production of oil and gas can be shut in or produced according to their own selfish demands;  (3)  there are millions of acres of land the industry owns or leases where they have not drilled one hole, and that includes offshore.  (4)  the industry has had its best years under democratic administrations;  (5)  the industry is well aware of how their operations have destroyed the environment so they allow their surrogates to step out front and center;  (6)  They do not want to be regulated and Mr. Gerard trys to articulate that;  (7)  There has never been a lack of drilling and producing sites like the bill of goods the industry tried  to sell to the American people over the years.

I wrote a commentary dated 7/22/11 titled, "Drilling Offshore Louisiana In The Gulf Of Mexico:  Facts And Nothing But The Facts.  It tells the story of how the oil industry has misled the public concerning offshore drilling and how it has been democratic administrations that the oil industry has done so well under. 

Yes, my fellow Americans, despite the unnecessary billions of dollars in tax breaks the industry receives from Uncle Sam (American taxpayers) they and their representatives can not be truthful to the country or its people.  That is very sad for a industry enjoying all the benefits that America gives.  The greed at the top along with their failure to restore Louisiana's environment represents the worst in Corporate America.


This commentary written by John Lucia.

Another Business Merger With Major Job Cuts

Microsoft has announced it will cut 18,000 jobs, 14% of its work force.  The majority will come from Nokia mobile business whom they acquired a few months ago.  It is another example how buy outs by Corporate giants of other companies enhanse their CEO's and executives at the expense of their employees.  This writer has commented about this situation many times over here in "PolitiDose."

In a story by the New York Times writer Nick Wingfield he reported Microsoft's presence in the hardware business (phone) which is outside its traditional expertise has been an unpopular one with investors and many people inside Microsoft.

So now we have Microsoft, one of the most richest company in the world buying out the mobile business of Nokia to eliminate a competator so they can add that service to their product.  And in the process lay off 18,000 workers.  And guess what?  Microsoft's tax write offs will be gigantic, thanks to a tax code that favors special interest. 

It is anothr prime example of wealth being transferred from the average American or the middle class to the wealthy. 


This commentary written by John Lucia

Columnist Michael Barone Spins Another Ditto Head Editorial

An editorial by Mr. Barone in the New Orleans Advocate of 7/17/14 titled, "Obama pays price for inaction on immigration law" is another ditto head conservative attempt to blame the President for what is taken place with the influx of children from Central America.

Barone trys to justify the U.S. House's failure to take up and pass immigration reform that was passed by the U.S. Senate in June of 2013 by saying the Obama administration failed to pass immigration reform in 2009 and 2010 because the administration's mind was on Obamacare, the stimulus and cap and trade legislation.  Barone failed to mention that the leaders of the republican party in congress vowed to not work with Obama in order to make him a one term President.  He also forgot that the Senate needs 60 votes to break a fillibuster and the republicans have used that procedure to block Obama's agenda a record number of times. 

The conservative columnist did not mention the failure of the George W. Bush administration to pass immigration reform.  Bush's administration was so split on the matter that John McCain flipped flopped all over the place which was pointed out by his republican opponents in the 2007 republican debates for his party's nomination.  McCain's flip flop was also subject to a commentary by this writer dated 11/5/2007 titled, "McCain's Immigration Flip-Flop. 

Barone also blames Obama for the flood of immigration from Central America on the President's comments on the "dreamact" in 2012.  That was over two years ago and of course Barone pays no attention to the fact that those children are being sent here to escape the drug violence, rape and other hardships being placed on those children in their own country.

It has also been pointed out that there is no border crisis since those children are entering through only one entry point along the Rio Grande and are turning themselves in to the border patrol who are doing their jobs.  The crisis is "playing ;politics" during an election year.  The problem can be worked out and handled properly if politics as usual would take a day of rest. 

The U.S. House leadership should take up immigration that was passed by the U.S. Senate instead of their decision to let it die this year.  Immigration reform can not be solved with out a starting point.  Passing the legislation in the U.S. House represents that starting point.  The U.S. House needs to get their act together. 


This commentary written by John Lucia

OUTNUMBERED, The Fox News Network Show

Outnumbered is a cable show that lacks fundamentals necessary to be creditable.  It usually consist of four ladies and one male panelist who make up the panel.  The Show is overwhelmingly dedicated to negative reporting, placing blame and usually about the President.

The mainstay is a right wing conservative dialog and projects messages on the bottom of the TV screen concerning the subject matter and uses the word scandal to describe a hosts of issues.  Scandal is used as a plant word to influence their viewers even though no scandal is involved. 

Theother mainstay is four attractive lady panelist that show a lot of legs that the camera man makes sure the camera angle is just right so that the home viewers get an eye full.  It reminds this writer of a show that has nothing of value to offer the public so it becomes a beauty contest.  Journalism is in short supply but the name of the show "Outnumbered" accurately describes the show because falsehoods and a lack of the truth "Outnumber" the facts.

The panel must be paid well by Fox News to subject themselves and their viewers to this kind of tabloid television.  The sad part is they seem to really enjoy it.  And that really says it all.


This commentary written by John Lucia

Common Core And Common Sense

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu in a Times Picayune editorial of 7/16/14 concerning "Common Core" illustrated his knowledge of the subject matter and projected how a "serious public servant" could deal with a serious issue without personal attacks or placing blame.

The Mayor articulated how "Common Core" was not a government take over and in fact pointed out that it was developed and independently adopted by the states and not from President Obama.  The Mayor also pointed out the development of "Common Core" was started in 2007 through a state led initiative from the National Governors Association.  Over several years, the governors, education experts , teachers and administrators built consensus and created these standards.  In fact the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association not only support "Common Core" standards, they helped write them with the governors.

In one brief editorial Mitch Landrieu debunked all the misinformation out there by many of Louisiana's so called leaders and he did so in a civil tone, the true mark of a leader.  A "serious public servant" is like a breath of fresh air with all the noise going on and the placing of blame by some.  Mayor Landrieu let it be known he supports adopting "Common Core" and thinks it is vital to continue the improvements and success that is taking place in New Orleans public schools today.

Louisiana and the nation needs more "serious public servants" like Mitch Landrieu.


This commentary written by John Lucia  

Another Foolish Vote By The Republican Party

The Republican controlled U.S. House once again exposed their foolishness and at the same time their committment to Corporate America rather than the middle class.  They voted to make permanent several tax breaks for business that are set to expire by years end.  Most of those tax breaks were to write off depreciation over a shorter period of time.  The legislation will add $287 billion over 10 years to the federal deficit.  The White House says the President will veto the bill if it gets to his desk. 

The business community has enough tax breaks and etc. to last a lifetime.  We know from the Bush tax cuts and tax breaks first hand how they did nothing to keep the economy moving or create jobs during the Bush years.  They only added to the large bonuses of CEO's and their executives.  The FICA tax reduction that has expired was not renewed and that was the right thing to do.  Now that the economy is generating more revenue and jobs other measures would do better to continue to move the country forward. The minimum wage, immigration reform and the highway construction bill are a few examples.

We always hear how the republicans hate deficit spending but they are at the forefront in doing so.  And just remember any time you add to the deficit that raises the national debt and interest has to be paid on that national debt.  And guess who benefits from that interest, yeah you are right, the banks.  And who are their largest supporters?  Right again, the republicans.


This commentary written by John Lucia. 

Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin And The Day Of Judgement.

The 10 year sentence given former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin brought a swift reply from the community and from all walks of life.  Most seem to think the judge erred on the low side of what should have been a longer sentence.  Some said it would do nothing to stop political corruption.

The real story is never told about political corruption and bribery and that is why it continues.  It is business that is envolved with corrupting and bribing elected officials.  Yet no one, especially the news media is willing to put them front and center.  That is the real story.  The briber is worst than the elected official and they should be treated as such.  The slippery slope that many business operate on should be exposed.  There could be no bribing any one without some one willing to pay the bribe.

Every one knows the hanky panky that goes on between elected officals and Corporate America concerning campaign contributions.  Its a system that is used by special interest groups for special favors.  The U.S. tax code that favors special interest groups with massive tax breaks, loop holes and other tax give aways is a good example.  Yet, the public and the news media just go with the flow.

Term limits is not the answer as some think.  A two term elected official can be bribed just like a 20 term official.  Political corruption and bribery will not end by convictions.  It will end when the news media and the public hold business and their corrupt practices accountable


This commentary written by John Lucia.

The U.S. Federal Budget Deficit: Still Going Down On The Democratic Watch.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) announced that the federal budget deficit for the first 9 months of the present fiscal year which ends 9/30/14 was $366 billion, down 28% from the first 9 months of the previous fiscal year.  It also projected that when the present fiscal year ends the federal budget deficit would be approximately $492 billion, down from last years $680 billion. 

It has been pointed out in "PolitiDose" many times how republican administrations increase deficit spending and democratic administrations reduce deficit spending and balance the federal budget.  The projected federal deficit of $492 billion at the end of this fiscal year is a far cry from the Bush administrations last fiscal year budget deficit which hit a whooping $1.4 trillion.  And that my friends is still the largest single year federal budget deficit in the history of the United States.

Late comer Forbes Magazine has pointed out that federal spending under the Obam administration has had the smallest increases since the Eisenhower administration, and that was over 50 years ago.  Readers of "PolitiDose" already knew that because it was reported here long ago.  Forbes Magazine is the Corporate America magazine that continues to feed the public inaccurate information on just about anything to do with democratic administrations, but was finally forced to admit the facts.

There have been so many experts who have been so wrong on the economy, job creation, unemployment, federal spending and etc., leave no doubt why the public is so misinformed and why the public needs to check out the facts elsewhere.  "PolitiDose" has been in the forefront of doing just that. 


This commentary written by John Lucia.

Only Two Thirds Of The U.S. Government Is Functioning

The executive branch and the democratic controlled U.S. Senate are functioning while the republican controlled U.S. House is not and is polarized by the Tea Party republicans and the establishment republicans.  (See Note 1.)  The Tea Party republicans want to be know as the true conservatives and say so, and the establishment  republicans who represent the majority in their party are afraid to use their authority to bring the important issues facing the country to a debate and vote in the U.S. House. 

A new immigration problem is in progress concerning thousands of children from Central America crossing the border to seek refuge in the U.S.  The republicans answer is, "its Obama's fault."  This new problem would be a flea if congress would have passed immigration reform long ago.  It existed under previous administrations and the Bush administration built a partial fence in a section of the border between Mexico and the U.S.  But congress did not see fit to pass immigration reform during that administration even though the republicans controlled the White House and both houses of congress during Bush's first 6 years in office. 

The President is asking congress for $3.7 million in emergency funding to handle the children's problem that is taking place now.  Congress should approve this quickly and then John Boehner should reverse his decision not to take up immigration reform until after the end of the year and pass the U.S. Senate's bill that is a tough and fair bill.  That bill does not have amnesty in it like the republicans would like the people to believe.  Another immediate problem concerns the Veterans Administration.  The U.S. Senate passed the Veterans Care Act by a whopping 93-3 vote that takes care of many of the disclosed problems at the VA, but the republicans in the House is also sitting on that bill becAuse of the cost involved.  Never mind that they did not care about the cost of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that started on their watch.  Those wars are the reason so many new veterans flooded the VA system and now House republicans say they are concerned about the cost of the Veterans Care Act.  Let John Boehner sue those U.S. officials who told the American people the Iraq war would be paid for by Iraq's oil.  Does any one remember that?

The republican party has a chance to do the right thing on the President's $3.7 million request.  It is not too late for them to do something positive concerning this problem.

Note 1:  The Tea Party defines the establishment republicans as those who came into congress before they did.


This commentary written by John Lucia

"PolitiDose" And The Huffington Post (Belatedly) Are On The Same Page.

Every one who reads "PolitiDose" is familiar with the theme I have used many times in my commentary, UNDERSTANDING THE PAST IS THE KEY TO THE FUTURE.  Now comes former U.S. Senator, Gary Hart whose first sentence in a commentary for the Huffington Post dated July 7 says:  THOSE WHO CANNOT LEARN FROM HISTORY ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT IT.  Hart's words, although not the same as mine have the same meaning and convey the same message.  It is not the first time the Huffington Post has carried theme the same as mine, after the fact.  See my commentary titled: Ariana and the Huffington Post:  Looks like an copy cat job dated 4/22/10.

Hart's commentary was about leaders both American and foreign who did not learn from History and because of that was doomed to repeat that history.  He mentions George W. Bush's failure in Iraq as one example.  It is a stark reminder from a person who has been out of politics for many years who has gained knowledge and understanding how America can determine its own fate in a positive way if only we can learn from the past mistakes of history to make a better future.

The Sumerians have been proven right about what they were taught about the past and the future.  It is a simple road map to guide America concerning the problems we face.  Our decision makers just have to stand up and reject all the negative noise out there, be leaders with understanding and wisdom so that future generations can proudly declare, those that came before us recognized the mistakes of the past (or history) and therefore provided us with a better future.


This commentary written by John Lucia.

June's Economic And Jobs Report Points To Steady Progress

The U.S. Labor Department announced that the economy created 288,000 jobs in June, more than was forecast.  It also said that job creation in April and May were higher than reported, 304,000 in April and 217,000 in May.  The unemployment rate in June fell to 6.1% the lowest since September of 2008.  Manufacturing expanded for the 13th straight month. 

The U.S. economy continues to improve steadily.  It was the fifth straight month of job creation over 200,000, the best run since the 1990's.  A report from the Associated Press quoted Patrick O'Keefe, director of economic research to the consultaney Cohn Reqnick as saying, this has now become a text book jobs expansion and is both broad and accelerating.  While the good news continues, the republican party stays on the sidelines and the U.S. House continues to block legislation passed by the U.S. Senate that would help the economy and job creation even more.  The party of Lincoln is still committed to see the country and its government fail.

The Dow Jones average hit its highest peak ever, over 17000.  Corporate America and the wealthy continue to do well and it is past time that the average American to see his wages increase on a steady basis.  That is the bottom line of a shared economy.  It is hopeful that will start happening soon if unemployment continues to go down and the economy and job creation stays at a healthy level.

Once again a democratic administration and its policies are moving the country and its people forward.  And yes, it was here in "PolitiDose" that you read when Obama was first elected President that it would be a democratic administration that would end the second great republican depression.


This commentary written by John Lucia.

Another Foreign Policy Achievement Of The Obama Administration And Its Allies

The United States, its allies, along with the United Nations has achieved its goal of destroying Syria's chemical weapons stockpile.  That is one WMD threat removed in an unstable middle east.  Pressure from the President and its allies after Syria used some of its chemical weapons on the rebel fighters took hold.  International inspectors entered Syria and inventoried their stockpile.

The Associated Press in a report released on July 3 reported the U.S. Cargo Ship MV Cape Ray loaded with hundreds of tons of Syria's chemical weapons left an Italian port Wednesday to destroy the weapons at sea.  The ship is equipped with special machinery in its cargo hold that will neutralize the chemicals.  U.S. officials say no vapor or water run off will be released into the atmosphere or the sea.

Diplomacy at the right time can accomplish much to advance the cause of keeping people safe from the use of WMD.  It should be the first step to address problems that confront the U.S. and its allies.  The U.S. tried the opposite approach in 2003 against Iraq with threats and then an invasion and occupation of that country over WMD that did not exist.  That resulted in the deaths of over 4400 Americans plus the wounding of over 30,000.  Too high of a price to pay for an unnecessary war and a failed foreign policy decision. 

The diplomatic effort of the Obama administration with Iran concerning their weapons program is the right avenue.  We do not yet know how that effort will turn out but it is a major step in determining where we will go if diplomacy fails.  Iran is not the only country in that part of the world that could cause problems.  Israel, Pakistan and India all have established nuclear programs and nuclear weapons who's sites have not been inspected by outside sources and they are not a party to the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty like the United States and the major nuclear powers.  Iran is also a party to that treaty.  I wrote a commentary years ago that said if nuclear war ever comes to that part of the world do not be surprised if on of those three nations start it.

American Presidents need to have wisdom and understanding when dealing with the problems that confront our country.  A lack of wisdom and knowledge cost lives, a terrible price to pay for bad decisions, especially those inspired by ideology.  Syria is just one of the many perils the world faces, there are more to come and President Obama and future Presidents need to be equipped to face the challenge.


This commentry written by John Lucia.

Gun Violence: Reasonable People Can Make A Difference For A Safer America.

The M-1 garand rifle is a semi-automatic weapon that was standard equipment for the infantrymen during WWII and the Korean war.  That rifle holds a clip containing 8 rounds of 30 caliber ammo in which to defend themselves and their positions from all directions.  The infantrymen and his M-1 rifle got the job done.  If you were in the Marine Corps, that rifle stayed next to you the whole time you served on active duty whether you were in combat or not.

So why do rifles in the hands of civilians have to hold more rounds of ammo than an M-1 rifle, especially during such dangerous times?  Is it a macho thing?  Is it just because we believe the second ammendment  gives us the right?  Does it make us feel big?  Do hunters really need more rounds and if so how do you justify that when gun violence is out of control in civilian life.  Why should any rifle or hand gun hold more rounds of ammo than a military or law enforcement weapon?

I believe reasonable people would recognize that they should not.  The NRA, politicians and those that oppose this reasonable concept are at odds at what has been taking place in America.  Everyone has to give up something for the common good.  The NRA's statement that the answer to a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun sounds good but has not stopped the gun violence even though there are more good guys with guns than bad guys. 

One day some one with "standing" will challenge the second ammendment in court.  When that day comes this writer is not so sure the Supreme Court, no matter its make up, will interpret the ammendment with as liberal a decision as the NRA believes.  The NRA believes the second ammendment is so liberal, any one can own and carry a gun with out restrictions. 

It takes reasonable people with understanding to face the gun violence problem and come up with a reasonable solution that works.  Tough talk has not and will not solve the problem and we know the NRA's position never will.


This commentary written by John Lucia.

James Varney, Rob Maness And His Contract With Louisiana

In a Times Picayune editorial of July 2, conservative writer James Varney listed a 12 point "Contract With Louisiana" by Rob Maness, the conservative republican candidate running for Mary Landrieu's U.S. Senate seat in congress.  Varney says Maness acknowledged that Newt Gingrich's 1994 "Contract With America" was on his mind when crafting his own.  Maness is supported by tea party activist Sarah Palin.

Voters in Louisiana should remember that no one asked for Gingrich's "Contract" and that he himself was forced to resign in disgrace at a time when he was speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.  There is no wanting at the present time in Louisiana for Maness' "Contract."  It is really a political song and dance that can not be enforced.  It is also void of substance.  The article trells the reader that Maness is positioning himself as the "most conservative candidate."  That is a slap at his other opponent in the race, republican representative Bill Cassidy.

I guess voters should be impressed when one is the "most conservative," it sounds superior.  Of course we know how conservatives under the George W. Bush administration turned out and we also know how the do nothing conservatives in congress today are failing the people and the country.  There are two items in Maness' "Contract" that Varney alludes too that is so silly and worthless:  (1)  TWO TERM LIMIT PLEDGE;  What good will that do if he accepts the special interest groups camaign money?   (2)  HE WILL ONLY SPEND 80% OF HIS OFFICE BUDGET;  Now that is a real good one.  He does not even know what number his office budget will be and he says such a thing.

The article also pointed out that Maness said, this senate election should be one of ideas and now that he has name recognition its time for specific policy ideas to become the discussion.  This writer will drink to that and it has been the subject of this writers commentaries many times over how conservative republicans  can not articulate a policy or what they stand for.  Maybe Varney and Maness are reading "PolitiDose."

Is a "Contract" really necessary when all Maness has to say is:  I support raising the minimum wage to $15 hour; or I support Immigration Reform now; or I support equal pay for women; or I believe in balancing the federal budget; or I believe corporate welfare in the form of tax loopholes, tax exemption, tax breaks should be eliminated; or that special interest groups and lobbyist should be kept out of the halls of congress; or I will not support the repeal of the ACA, 51 times has been enough.  The list could go on and on but I am sure Maness, Varney, Gingrich and other conservatives understand.

The voters in Louisiana need no more gimmicks such as a "Contract With Louisiana."  The people have lived through 6 years of Bobby Jindal's gimmicks and that really says it all. 


This commentary written by John Lucia.

New Orleans Saints Player Jimmy Graham: Is He A Tight End Or A Wide Receiver?

Well, the arbitrator, Stephen Burbank, who heard Graham's case ruled he was a tight end and introduced the facts used to come to that conclusion.  Saints coach Sean Payton said Graham was a tight end and so did others who testified.  The Saints said he was always listed as a tight end.

Why all the fuss over a simple matter?  Its called greed.  The reports say if Graham was classified a wide receiver his salary would be about $12 million and if a tight end about $7 million, a difference of $5 million.  It is another great example how professional sports over pays their players.  Does any one really not understand how the team concept has been taken away from professional sports?  Players try to justify how they deserve such over priced salary by saying an injury could cut their career short tomorrow.  That is true of any employment and most do not make the money players do.  Would Jimmy Graham play any harder or smarter if he was classified as a wide receiver?  That is the folly in all of this.

Pro players make enough money that allows them to obtain insurance that would cover such a situation.  Movie star Betty Grable had her legs insured to protect against such a movie business accident.  She was the pin up girl for WWII.  Her picture showing her famous legs were posted every where.  She had the best looking legs in America.    (No, sorry, the girls on the Fox News Network don't even come close.  Take my word for it.)

It will be interesting to see how Jimmy Graham performs this season after the ruling.  Also if Payton changes his play calling.  One thing is for certain, if neither one learns how to handle the defense of Seattle or New England better than they did last year, it will not matter what you call Jimmy Graham.  And that says it all. 


This commentary written by John Lucia.

Immigration Reform Is Dead For 2014

That is what the White House reported republican Speaker of The U.S. House John Boehner told the President last week.  The democratic controlled Senate passed its version of immigration reform months ago like so many other important issues, it has now died in the republican controlled House.  It is just another example of the unAmerican conservative ideology in the House that continues to obstruct important legislation.

President Obama won election and reelection not only by an electorial vote margin but also the popular vote nation wide.  The people spoke in both of those elections and now republicans who represent only a small portion of their states voters are holding America hostage because they want to see the President fail.  Boehner is not even man enough to bring immigration reform to a vote because he knows there are about 25-30 republicans in the House who would join democrats in passing the legislation.

President Obama responded to Boehner's position by saying because of Boehner's actions, he would take executive action to move what ever part of immigration reform he can control and once again reminded republicans that when they fail to act and face up to their responsibilities he would take steps that are necessary.  It should be noted by all who follow politics, Obama has enforced illegal immigration laws better than any other President in the past 40 years including deportations.  But nothing can satisfy the republican appetite for failure.

The people should demand better from the republican party and turn them away with their vote in the November congressional elections.  Immigration will get worse if the House carries through with their plan of non action and that is the bottom line that requires a vote by the House now. 



This commentary written by John Lucia.

The News Media's Ritual Is In Full Swing

Last week the news media, notably TV, started their usual ritual which starts some time in a President's second term.  The ritual of asking congressmen in the opposite party of President Obama is he a "lame duck President" from now to his term is completed.  And of course their republican guest say yes, nothing will get accomplished.  Not immigration, not the minimum wage increase, nada.

It is part of what has been taking place in our political system and the news media even though it is very cynical.  Negativity is the norm now and a way of political life with the news media, that bastion who claim to represent the people's business and interest.  The respect that both institutions once enjoyed has disappeard in their own folly.

A "lame duck President" should never be tolerated by the news media or the people.  Our elected officials, our political system and the news media should be held accountable.  There is too much at stake for our country and its people for our government not to function, especially when we are still recoverning from the second great economic depression of 2008. 

People in the news media should stop asking the negative question to our elected officals like, "do you think President Obama will be a lame duck President?"  Instead, if they want to raise the issue they should ask the following question.  Sir what specifically are you and your party going to do to make sure President Obama will not be a "lame duck President" so the country and its people can move forward addressing the problems that we have.  And keep asking the question until they give a positive answer.  A host can be polite in asking this kind of question if he is sincere and articulate why the people have a right to know the answer.  When a hosts starts out with a negative question he will receive a negative response. 

It is past time for the news media to stand up and be counted and bring positive questions to elected officials.  It is also time for the news media to tell elected officials it is wrong to damage the country and its people over ideology and that compromise is an established way to keep the government functioning.  The approval rating of congress is so low only a positive breakthrough can turn it around.   They will not turn it around themselves, they have already proved that with what is going on in congress now. If the news media can see fit to stop the sound bites in favor of a constructive dialog that refuses to accept the "lame duck status" elected officials would have no more excuses to push the status quo.


This commentary written by John Lucia.