Political games happen when a politician or one who aspires to be one has no record to run on and picks an issue where most people have little or no understanding and starts the blame game. In this years Presidential election the issue is NAFTA. The issue came up also in the Presidential elections of 2008 and 2012. Trump is trying to make it an issue in this years election and the theme is that it kills jobs in America and sends those jobs overseas.
Although NAFTA is more than just jobs by any stretch of the imagination this commentary will be about jobs since that is what is being talked about. NAFTA became effective in January of 1994 and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. The talk of NAFTA started many years before Bill Clinton came upon the Washington scene. The U.S. Senate passed NAFTA by a 61-38 margin with republicans supplying the majority yes vote with 34 and the democrats with 27. The measure was passed in December of 1993.
During President Reagan's 8 years in office 16.1 million jobs were created. During President George H.W. Bush's 4 years in office 2.5 million jobs were created for a total of 18.6 million jobs for those 12 years and NAFTA was not in effect any of those years. During President Clinton's 8 years in office 22.7 million jobs were created, more than the Reagan-Bush years in the 12 years they served. NAFTA was in effect during Clinton's terms in office.
During President George W. Bush's 8 years in office 1.1 million jobs were created and NAFTA was in effect during his 8 years in office. So the Administration of Bill Clinton created more jobs in 8 years than Reagan-Bush 41 and Bush 43 did in the 20 years they served. President Obama has been in office 7 years and 9 months and more than 15 million jobs have been created on his watch while NAFTA is in effect and President Obama inherited the worst economic conditions and a record loss of jobs since the great depression.
That means 37.7 million jobs were created under the Clinton and Obama administrations as of this date and under NAFTA conditions and only 18.6 million jobs under Reagan and Bush 41 while NAFTA was no where in sight. Throw in President George W. Bush's poor job creation record under NAFTA conditions and one can easily see how the democratic administrations of Clinton and Obama did so much better creating jobs.
NAFTA does indeed reduce jobs in the United States but it is democratic President's policies concerning the economy that produces jobs and reduces the affect NAFTA has on exporting jobs. And democratic plans and policies work better for creating a better economy and producing American jobs than the conservative ideology of republican Presidents.
If journalists were up to date they could have reported the facts long ago when republican guests on their shows say democratic administrations are job killers. But they remain silent and fail to inform their viewers and the people. But good thing there is a record, and the record speaks loud and clear with the facts.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Note: Source of information on job creation as used here in. There are many on line reports of job creation under Presidential administrations and Wikipedia. Some give job numbers that are not exactly the same as used above but the difference is so small it does not change the real numbers.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
The LSU - Miles Fiasco
The firing of Les Miles was way past due but who ever was part of the decision making process that extended Miles contract with raises performed just as bad as Miles. Football fans recognized Miles short comings long ago and how that affected LSU's won-loss record and performance. Yet, there has been two groups who should have known years ago of Miles short comings and were silent.
The first group, LSU's athletic director and any one else on his staff who was supposed to evaluate Miles performance failed big time in allowing the situation to continue and get worse. The second group are sports writers who have been silent and only recently jumped on the band wagon of saying Miles had to go. They just kept writing the usual stories about how LSU would compete for the national championship and etc, etc.
The idea of giving head coaches long term contracts with huge raises and buyouts have to end. The school is the loser financially and other wise. There are too many good young coaches out there who are more in tuned with the change taking place in football that renders long term contracts obsolete.
Miles should have been fired after the remach game with Alabama for the national championship because of LSU's sad performance and the way he handled the quarterback situation in that game. Miles incompetence was so glaring. But the powers that be at LSU were just as incompetent as Miles for allowing him to continue as head coach.
So now the search is on for a new head coach for the Tigers. We will see what kind of contract the new coach will be offered. Chances are the people at LSU who control that will have learned very little.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The first group, LSU's athletic director and any one else on his staff who was supposed to evaluate Miles performance failed big time in allowing the situation to continue and get worse. The second group are sports writers who have been silent and only recently jumped on the band wagon of saying Miles had to go. They just kept writing the usual stories about how LSU would compete for the national championship and etc, etc.
The idea of giving head coaches long term contracts with huge raises and buyouts have to end. The school is the loser financially and other wise. There are too many good young coaches out there who are more in tuned with the change taking place in football that renders long term contracts obsolete.
Miles should have been fired after the remach game with Alabama for the national championship because of LSU's sad performance and the way he handled the quarterback situation in that game. Miles incompetence was so glaring. But the powers that be at LSU were just as incompetent as Miles for allowing him to continue as head coach.
So now the search is on for a new head coach for the Tigers. We will see what kind of contract the new coach will be offered. Chances are the people at LSU who control that will have learned very little.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The Atlanta Falcons 45 The New Orleans Saints 32
Atlanta came to New Orleans for Monday night football and defeated the Saints. It was the 3rd straight loss of the new season for the Saints and the loss was larger than the score. The team is leaderless and looks like they feel they can win just by showing up. Like the first two games, Payton and Brees failed once more on their final offensive possession of the game and gave the football to Atlanta when they failed on 4th down.
The New England Patriots, playing with out quarterback Tom Brady for the third time won their 3rd game and have done so with two back up quarterbacks. Their coaching staff and team are still the most consistent team in the NFL and have been for years. The New Orleans sports writers continue to talk about Brees individual performance and records while the team keeps playing like a team in trouble.
Post game comments by Payton, Brees and some players are reruns of the past few years saying such things as: we are professionals; we are paid to win; we have to leave our ego at the door; we have to find a way to win and dig deep; we have to do our job, etc, etc and etc. It is past time for all the talk and time to walk the talk. It has turned into a sad situation for such highly paid professionals.
Bounty gate will forever haunt the Saints and the coaching staff until changes are made. And when that happens, you read it here in PolitiDose.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The New England Patriots, playing with out quarterback Tom Brady for the third time won their 3rd game and have done so with two back up quarterbacks. Their coaching staff and team are still the most consistent team in the NFL and have been for years. The New Orleans sports writers continue to talk about Brees individual performance and records while the team keeps playing like a team in trouble.
Post game comments by Payton, Brees and some players are reruns of the past few years saying such things as: we are professionals; we are paid to win; we have to leave our ego at the door; we have to find a way to win and dig deep; we have to do our job, etc, etc and etc. It is past time for all the talk and time to walk the talk. It has turned into a sad situation for such highly paid professionals.
Bounty gate will forever haunt the Saints and the coaching staff until changes are made. And when that happens, you read it here in PolitiDose.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Another Big First For PolitiDose
In a commentary dated 6/12/15 titled "The Ugly Side Of Technology" this writer explained the perils associated with technology and how security is not keeping up with the ability of hackers to use that same technology to invade personal information on the world wide web. We now lean that Yahoo just announced that over 550 million of its user accounts had been hacked into and a massive security breakdown took place.
Yahoo reported the stolen data includes users names, email addresses, telephone numbers, birthdates, hashed passwords and the security questions and answers used to verify an account holders identity. The story was reported in the Times Picayune of 9/23/16. When a technology company like Yahoo can not protect the privacy of its users that should reinforce the fact that no system is safe.
We know that the federal government's highest security systems have been breached by foreign governments, wikileaks and individuals who obtained secret information and released it to the public. What has happened renders Hillary Clinton's email issue moot. The FBI has said there is no indication or evidence hackers broke into her private email server and obtained any information. If that proves to be false at a later date it won't be near as bad as what has happened on government secured servers.
Everyone knows from published reports and books that have been written that the NSA (National Security Agency) has been tapping into the American people's emails and telephones for years. The same is done to foreign countries. Does any one think NSA is the only organization who has technology experts who have that capability. They exist in civilian life also.
Technology theft has not yet reached its highest level. The only safe way to use technology is to restrict the use by all concerned. The personal information that can be obtained from social media is astounding. As far as government goes, all governments spy on each other from the beginning of time and the use of technology is just another avenue to do so. Does that really surprise any one?
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Yahoo reported the stolen data includes users names, email addresses, telephone numbers, birthdates, hashed passwords and the security questions and answers used to verify an account holders identity. The story was reported in the Times Picayune of 9/23/16. When a technology company like Yahoo can not protect the privacy of its users that should reinforce the fact that no system is safe.
We know that the federal government's highest security systems have been breached by foreign governments, wikileaks and individuals who obtained secret information and released it to the public. What has happened renders Hillary Clinton's email issue moot. The FBI has said there is no indication or evidence hackers broke into her private email server and obtained any information. If that proves to be false at a later date it won't be near as bad as what has happened on government secured servers.
Everyone knows from published reports and books that have been written that the NSA (National Security Agency) has been tapping into the American people's emails and telephones for years. The same is done to foreign countries. Does any one think NSA is the only organization who has technology experts who have that capability. They exist in civilian life also.
Technology theft has not yet reached its highest level. The only safe way to use technology is to restrict the use by all concerned. The personal information that can be obtained from social media is astounding. As far as government goes, all governments spy on each other from the beginning of time and the use of technology is just another avenue to do so. Does that really surprise any one?
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Congress Fails To Provide The Funds To Fight The Zika Virus
The republican controlled congress tried to debate a Zika funding bill with amendments concerning Planned Parenthood and other issues which President Obama said he would veto if passed and the democrats in congress would not let the bill advance. A stand alone bill to fund Zika should be the priority of the republican controlled congress but once again they seek to attach amendments opposed by the President. They can not even act on an issue that is an emergency.
And to top it off Louisiana's representatives in congress support the party's position like a bunch of ditto heads. Mary Landrieu's leadership is missed in congress and it shows. Steve Scalise is the republicans number three man in the U.S. House and is a major factor why there has been a lack of accomplishments since his party took control of congress almost 2 years ago.
Louisiana's lawmakers in congress can't even get that body to agree on the $2.6 billion package that Governor Edwards asked for the recent flood and that President Obama supported. Bill Cassidy who defeated Mary Landrieu is lost in the Senate. He will go with the republican flow of ideology at the expense of the state and its people.
The republican party's inability to draft a stand alone funding bill for Zika which the democrats will support and the President will sign, is a vivid example of how they continue to obstruct needed legislation. And do not be surprised if they support another government shut down.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
And to top it off Louisiana's representatives in congress support the party's position like a bunch of ditto heads. Mary Landrieu's leadership is missed in congress and it shows. Steve Scalise is the republicans number three man in the U.S. House and is a major factor why there has been a lack of accomplishments since his party took control of congress almost 2 years ago.
Louisiana's lawmakers in congress can't even get that body to agree on the $2.6 billion package that Governor Edwards asked for the recent flood and that President Obama supported. Bill Cassidy who defeated Mary Landrieu is lost in the Senate. He will go with the republican flow of ideology at the expense of the state and its people.
The republican party's inability to draft a stand alone funding bill for Zika which the democrats will support and the President will sign, is a vivid example of how they continue to obstruct needed legislation. And do not be surprised if they support another government shut down.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, September 23, 2016
Louisiana Govrnor Edwards Stands Behind Suit Against The Oil and Gas Industry
In a Times Picayune article of 9/23 Governor Edwards said Louisiana will not shy away from suing oil and gas companies over the damage they have done to the Louisiana coast regardless of Attorney General Jeff Landry's attempts to slow or block the efforts. The Governor made sense when he said, "when Louisiana goes before congress and ask for taxpayer's money to help fund Louisiana's coastal restoration while at home we do nothing to hold the oil and gas industry accountable for their actions."
Jeff Landry is a republican and was on the side of the Tea Party's extreme agenda. The Times Picayune article points out that Landry has strong ties to the oil and gas industry and has taken significant political contributions from them over the years. The Attorney General needs to think of Louisiana and do the job he was elected to do. He should be leading the charge against the industry because the facts are already known how oil and gas operations in Louisiana have damaged the environment.
Governor Edwards made another common sense statement when saying, "the oil and gas industry should pay for a portion of the master plan to restore the coast given their role in coastal erosion." I believe everyone in Louisiana can relate to the governor's statement. President Obama set the right tone and made the right decision to hold BP accountable for the damage done to Louisiana property and the personal loss due to the BP offshore blow out. And Governor Edwards approach to allow the suits to go forward against the oil and gas industry is the right thing to do.
Jeff Landry is committed to the oil and gas industry while Governor Edwards is committed to the state and its people. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Jeff Landry is a republican and was on the side of the Tea Party's extreme agenda. The Times Picayune article points out that Landry has strong ties to the oil and gas industry and has taken significant political contributions from them over the years. The Attorney General needs to think of Louisiana and do the job he was elected to do. He should be leading the charge against the industry because the facts are already known how oil and gas operations in Louisiana have damaged the environment.
Governor Edwards made another common sense statement when saying, "the oil and gas industry should pay for a portion of the master plan to restore the coast given their role in coastal erosion." I believe everyone in Louisiana can relate to the governor's statement. President Obama set the right tone and made the right decision to hold BP accountable for the damage done to Louisiana property and the personal loss due to the BP offshore blow out. And Governor Edwards approach to allow the suits to go forward against the oil and gas industry is the right thing to do.
Jeff Landry is committed to the oil and gas industry while Governor Edwards is committed to the state and its people. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Economic Progress Continues To Take Place On President Obama's Watch.
The good news continues for the country and its people as the President's term in office comes to an end in the next several months. The opposite took place on President Bush's watch as he was leaving office. The U.S. Labor Department announced that median family income increased 5.2% in 2015, the largest increase since 2007. The U.S. Census announced that the poverty rate at the end of 2015 was 13.5%, down 1.3% from 2014 which was 14.8%.
At the same time during President George W. Bush's administration, the poverty rate was up and median family income was down. The federal deficit was still soaring and record job losses continued to take place. And to think President Bush inherited a cadillac economy while President Obama inherited a jalopy economy. The next President will inherit a much better economy than President Obama did which is the way it should be with the right policies.
Understanding the past is still the key to a better future and democratic administrations have a better grasp of the past and that is why the country and its people do better under democratic administrations. The country can not afford to experiment with a republican candidate who lacks political understanding, arithmetic and common decency. Hillary Clinton is the most experienced candidate that has plans and the policy to improve and expand on the progress made during the present administration.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
At the same time during President George W. Bush's administration, the poverty rate was up and median family income was down. The federal deficit was still soaring and record job losses continued to take place. And to think President Bush inherited a cadillac economy while President Obama inherited a jalopy economy. The next President will inherit a much better economy than President Obama did which is the way it should be with the right policies.
Understanding the past is still the key to a better future and democratic administrations have a better grasp of the past and that is why the country and its people do better under democratic administrations. The country can not afford to experiment with a republican candidate who lacks political understanding, arithmetic and common decency. Hillary Clinton is the most experienced candidate that has plans and the policy to improve and expand on the progress made during the present administration.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
A Thought To Keep In Mind For The November Presidential Election
The state of New York and its people will reject Donald Trump on November 8 and vote for Hillary Clinton as their choice for President of the United States. The people that know Trump the best, where he lives, works and has his business headquarters will send a strong message with their vote that Trump is not qualified to be President. The people of New York, the state that lived through the worst foreign terror attack in the United States remembers President George W. Bush's so called tough talk against terrorists that had no affect on that tragic day on 9/11/01.
Now the people of New York and the nation are being exposed once again to the so called tough talk by Trump against terrorists and his self proclaimed ability to defeat terror overnight. And like Bush, Trump is doing his best to have America think it should live in fear. The people of New York refused to live in fear even after the tragedy and their vote against Trump on November 8 will confirm they understand Trump's bragging will do nothing to keep America safe.
In the Presidential election of 2012 the people of Massachusetts rejected Mitt Romney and voted for President Obama. Romney was a governor of Massachusetts, lived there and the people who knew him best rejected him on election day. The 2012 and 2016 elections are not related of course but it showed the people of Massachusetts made the right choice in 2012 and now the stakes are even greater in 2016. Trump is on record as saying he will reverse the progress made under President Obama if elected. The people of New York will not accept that deplorable talk and cast their vote for Hillary Clinton.
The American people should do the same on November 8, reject Donald Trump and cast their votes for Hillary Clinton as President of the United States.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The New York Giants 16 The New Orleans Saints 13
The Saints took their second straight loss of the regular season losing on a Giant field goal as time expired on the clock. The game was more than just a reversal of what happened last year when the two teams met in New Orleans. The Giants defense held the Saints offense to one touchdown and rarely did the Saints convert on 3rd down or take advantage of 3 Giant turnovers.
The Payton-Brees so called prolific offense failed to put the team in position to win on their last possession and had to punt, turn the ball over to the Giants who then drove to the Saints 3 yard line and kicked the game winning field goal. And all the Saints could do was watch from the sidelines. Manning did a better job for his team than Brees did for his on their final drives. The Payton-Brees combo also failed last week on their final possession.
Bounty gate continues to be the albatross around the Saints neck. Continuity was lost, players departed, Payton sat out the season and bounty gate year was a disaster with two head coaches splitting the season. The sad results of bounty gate have not been reversed and the Saints continue their poor performance starting their 4th season since bounty gate. This is not a united Saints team and Payton is not the coach many though he was. New England has not missed a beat in its first two games and Tom Brady is sitting on the bench.
The Giants defensive coordinator Spagnuole, who was hired and then fired by Payton and trashed by some sports writers had his defense prepared for the Saints and Brees. Any thoughts of a Saints advantage disappeared early in the first quarter. Can the Saints turn it around and become a consistent winner under Payton and Brees? This writer does not think so as bounty gate exposed a major flaw in Payton's coaching and management of the team.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The Payton-Brees so called prolific offense failed to put the team in position to win on their last possession and had to punt, turn the ball over to the Giants who then drove to the Saints 3 yard line and kicked the game winning field goal. And all the Saints could do was watch from the sidelines. Manning did a better job for his team than Brees did for his on their final drives. The Payton-Brees combo also failed last week on their final possession.
Bounty gate continues to be the albatross around the Saints neck. Continuity was lost, players departed, Payton sat out the season and bounty gate year was a disaster with two head coaches splitting the season. The sad results of bounty gate have not been reversed and the Saints continue their poor performance starting their 4th season since bounty gate. This is not a united Saints team and Payton is not the coach many though he was. New England has not missed a beat in its first two games and Tom Brady is sitting on the bench.
The Giants defensive coordinator Spagnuole, who was hired and then fired by Payton and trashed by some sports writers had his defense prepared for the Saints and Brees. Any thoughts of a Saints advantage disappeared early in the first quarter. Can the Saints turn it around and become a consistent winner under Payton and Brees? This writer does not think so as bounty gate exposed a major flaw in Payton's coaching and management of the team.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Donald Trump: The Deplorable Birther and Presidential Candidate Has No Character or Courage
On Friday, after over 5 years of deplorable comments and lies concerning President Obama's birth place, Trump admitted the President was born in the United States. But like the coward he is, before making the statement he tried to blame Hillary Clinton as the person who started the birther rumor. It was just another lie that rolls out of his mouth because lies are a part of Trump's life. It is how he runs his business, his personal life and his campaign.
To top his statement off he lacked the character and courage to stand on his own two feet and used Veterans in the back ground on the stage to try and look credible. The Donald always has to use some one as a prop and he used Veterans who served their country (something Trump never did) and exposed them to his ongoing lies. It was a deplorable act by a deplorable Presidential candidate who lacks respect for Veterans and the President.
Hillary Clinton was right when she said some of Trump's supporters were in a basket of deplorables. The latest poll report only 27% of republicans believe Obama was born in the United States. The news media, especially cable news lacks rational understanding and showed their ignorance in reporting Hillary's comment about Trump's deplorable supporters. Donald Trump actually used the definition of deplorable first long before Clinton's remark when at his campaign rally when he said he could shoot some one and his supporters would still support him. That was a deplorable statement and if thinking his supporters would still support him after shooting some one that would describe those supporters as being deplorable. But the media, because of their love affair with Trump, missed the real story. It is not to late to report that and I give them permission to use this commentary.
Trump is not qualified to be President and Commander in Chief. His life of lies and the circle he lives in is not fit to occupy the White House. His birther statement on Friday, his failure to release his tax returns will not go away and his extremism has been unmasked. So has the out right lies that define his cowardly character.
This writer is a Veteran who would never stand on the same stage with Donald Trump.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
To top his statement off he lacked the character and courage to stand on his own two feet and used Veterans in the back ground on the stage to try and look credible. The Donald always has to use some one as a prop and he used Veterans who served their country (something Trump never did) and exposed them to his ongoing lies. It was a deplorable act by a deplorable Presidential candidate who lacks respect for Veterans and the President.
Hillary Clinton was right when she said some of Trump's supporters were in a basket of deplorables. The latest poll report only 27% of republicans believe Obama was born in the United States. The news media, especially cable news lacks rational understanding and showed their ignorance in reporting Hillary's comment about Trump's deplorable supporters. Donald Trump actually used the definition of deplorable first long before Clinton's remark when at his campaign rally when he said he could shoot some one and his supporters would still support him. That was a deplorable statement and if thinking his supporters would still support him after shooting some one that would describe those supporters as being deplorable. But the media, because of their love affair with Trump, missed the real story. It is not to late to report that and I give them permission to use this commentary.
Trump is not qualified to be President and Commander in Chief. His life of lies and the circle he lives in is not fit to occupy the White House. His birther statement on Friday, his failure to release his tax returns will not go away and his extremism has been unmasked. So has the out right lies that define his cowardly character.
This writer is a Veteran who would never stand on the same stage with Donald Trump.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, September 16, 2016
Part IV: The 2016 Presidential Election: One Candidate and Party Has No Record To Run On
In the 2012 Presidential election, republican party nominee Mitt Romney went out of his way to dodge President George W. Bush's failed administration and could not articulate any accomplishments by the republic party on Bush's watch. As a result Romney could not run a positive campaign and settled on personal attacks against President Obama. And now, almost 4 years later, republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, who also supported Bush's failed policies including the Iraq war is taking the same approach, only this time his personal attacks are against Hillary Clinton also.
In the mean time Hillary Clinton is on the campaign and often cites the accomplishments of President Obama and his administration and articulates her determination to improve on those accomplishments and her own plans to make that happen and to make things better. Her story for America is about the future. Trump and the republican party are all about the failed past. The media has taken up sides with Trump and last week made a point of telling the people that Hillary held her first press conference in 270 days. But they failed to say that 365 days has past and Trump still has not made his tax returns public.
Democratic administrations have a positive record of accomplishments they can talk about and relate too. Republicans do not and as a result all they have left are personal attacks. The November elections are about the future and that disqualifies Donald Trump and the republican party.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
In the mean time Hillary Clinton is on the campaign and often cites the accomplishments of President Obama and his administration and articulates her determination to improve on those accomplishments and her own plans to make that happen and to make things better. Her story for America is about the future. Trump and the republican party are all about the failed past. The media has taken up sides with Trump and last week made a point of telling the people that Hillary held her first press conference in 270 days. But they failed to say that 365 days has past and Trump still has not made his tax returns public.
Democratic administrations have a positive record of accomplishments they can talk about and relate too. Republicans do not and as a result all they have left are personal attacks. The November elections are about the future and that disqualifies Donald Trump and the republican party.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
The Oakland Raiders 35 - The New Orleans Saints 34
Bounty gate continues to take its toll as the Raiders beat the Saints in the Dome on Sunday afternoon. The Saints loss was typical of past seasons in the last four years. Beyond the loss lies the same problems the Saints had last year. A questionable defense and a offense that seems to think all they have to do is show up and a head coach who lost credibility with Bounty gate.
Brees passed for 400 yards again against a defense that seemed to have as many penalties as plays, especially defensive holding which gave the Saints an automatic first down every time and allowed the Saints to continue their drive. But in the end the Saints could not deliver on their final possession and put the field goal kicker out of range that field goals have become routine. Not many 61 yard field goals are attempted every week in the NFL. The prolific offense of Payton and Brees (N.O. sports writers signature saying) took place against a Raider defense in need of help but was not prolific on the final drive of the game.
After the game the New Orleans sports writers were up to their same old cliches and hype. One said the fans should expect the game to be a norm for the Saints this year. Their analysis after the game was different than what they wrote about all during spring season. Which shows they still can not be objective in their reporting. The most glaring problem that this writer observed while watching the game at home was the coaches and players actions on the sidelines. They though they had the game won but forgot you have to play the full 60 minutes.
But hey, Brees will still receive the $30 million signing bonus that was reported in the Times Picayune. His first quarter turn over that resulted in a Raider field goal made a difference in the outcome of the game.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Congressional Republicans Say They Will Censure President Obama
The Obama administration paid Iran $1.7 billion to settle claims related to the incomplete sale of military weapons before the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The Treasury Department with held $400 million of that payment to make sure Iran released the four American hostages they were holding. Republicans in congress said that was a ransom payment and that the republican controlled U.S. House would vote to censure the President this week.
Of course, with holding the $400 million was a reasonable and smart move by the administration to make sure Iran complied on their release of the hostages. It was also the American thing to do and not ransom. There are 3 reasons why the republicans want to call it ransom. (1) It is an election year and they will try to damage the President and Clinton any way they can. (2) President Reagan sold arms to Iran in exchange for hostages in the Iran-Contra scandal while Iran was on the list as a sponsor of terror. It is the republican way of trying to redeem Reagan's decision because Reagan told the people he would never negotiate with terrorists, denied he did and then had to admit the truth. (3) Republicans still want to create an issue to scuttle the treaty with Iran which is working. That ticks them off because they know President George W. Bush did nothing to stop the advance of N. Korea or Iran's nuclear programs.
The republican controlled congress is still a do nothing congress so they think filling up time with a censure vote of the President is an accomplishment. The November elections need to return congress to democratic control and bring back a congress that is a working congress for all the people and the country.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Of course, with holding the $400 million was a reasonable and smart move by the administration to make sure Iran complied on their release of the hostages. It was also the American thing to do and not ransom. There are 3 reasons why the republicans want to call it ransom. (1) It is an election year and they will try to damage the President and Clinton any way they can. (2) President Reagan sold arms to Iran in exchange for hostages in the Iran-Contra scandal while Iran was on the list as a sponsor of terror. It is the republican way of trying to redeem Reagan's decision because Reagan told the people he would never negotiate with terrorists, denied he did and then had to admit the truth. (3) Republicans still want to create an issue to scuttle the treaty with Iran which is working. That ticks them off because they know President George W. Bush did nothing to stop the advance of N. Korea or Iran's nuclear programs.
The republican controlled congress is still a do nothing congress so they think filling up time with a censure vote of the President is an accomplishment. The November elections need to return congress to democratic control and bring back a congress that is a working congress for all the people and the country.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Is It Unthinkable, Or Could It Really Happen.
Could the chance exist that between now and the November election former President George W. Bush will call a news conference and announce he is supporting Hillary Clinton for President and urge his fellow Texans and the American people to do the same. The former President, now a civilian would be in a good position to do so and restore at least some sense of responsibility in his retired life.
Bush, like Donald Trump could not admit to any mistakes while serving as President and in fact said he made the right decision in invading Iraq. Trump's economic policy and foreign policy is the same as Bush pushed. The big difference with Trump is he can not admit to any mistake in his personal or business life and would act the same as President.
Bush's personal and business life was and is different than Trumps. Bush was not ego driven or looked for the spotlight nor was he married three times. This writer believes that Bush knows very well how wrong his foreign and economic policies were for the country and its people and even knows and understands that Iraq was indeed an unnecessary war that did so much damage. He also knows Trump's Presidency if elected would do the same damage to the country.
So Bush the civilian and former President could step up to the plate, make such an announcement and spare the country another sad chapter in its history. It would also be something good for the former President's piece of mind in his retirement years.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Bush, like Donald Trump could not admit to any mistakes while serving as President and in fact said he made the right decision in invading Iraq. Trump's economic policy and foreign policy is the same as Bush pushed. The big difference with Trump is he can not admit to any mistake in his personal or business life and would act the same as President.
Bush's personal and business life was and is different than Trumps. Bush was not ego driven or looked for the spotlight nor was he married three times. This writer believes that Bush knows very well how wrong his foreign and economic policies were for the country and its people and even knows and understands that Iraq was indeed an unnecessary war that did so much damage. He also knows Trump's Presidency if elected would do the same damage to the country.
So Bush the civilian and former President could step up to the plate, make such an announcement and spare the country another sad chapter in its history. It would also be something good for the former President's piece of mind in his retirement years.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
ISIS Pushed Out Of More Territory
Turkey announced that they and the free Syrian rebels have defeated ISIS along the Syria-Turkey border and that ISIS has lost all areas along that border. ISIS used the border area to infiltrate both Syria and Turkey and move military supplies. It is another major defeat for ISIS and Turkey's border with Syria is once again secured of the terrorists.
The fact that Turkey's military and the free Syrian rebels did the job is another piece of good news because they are defending their own countries and that has more significance and sends a more powerful message to the Islamic state. ISIS has not only lost much territory they once captured they have also lost a number of their top leaders in Iraq and Syria to U.S. drone strikes.
Yes, progress continues to be made against ISIS but don't look for any of the Obama haters to admit it.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The fact that Turkey's military and the free Syrian rebels did the job is another piece of good news because they are defending their own countries and that has more significance and sends a more powerful message to the Islamic state. ISIS has not only lost much territory they once captured they have also lost a number of their top leaders in Iraq and Syria to U.S. drone strikes.
Yes, progress continues to be made against ISIS but don't look for any of the Obama haters to admit it.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, September 9, 2016
NBC's "Commander in Chiefs Forum" Was A Major Failure
NBC's "forum" program failed the test thanks to Host Matt Lauer's non "Commander in Chiefs questions. It was a continuation of the news media in general and their corrupt reporting on this years Presidential campaign. Elections are no longer respected by the news media and that was exhibited at the "forum" last night when Lauer tried to rush up the candidates answers. That alone showed the networks disrespect for the subject matter. After all it was billed as a "Commander in Chiefs" forum so was rushing the answers in line with the subject matter which one would think was important.
The one positive aspect of the program was Hillary Clintons willingness to answer all the questions asked by Lauer and members of the audience. And that is what Clinton has done all through the campaign. Her actions show she is a better woman than Frump is a man. Trump did not answer any question at all that Lauer or the audience asked. He skirted all around the questions.
Of course, NBC was the network that aired Trump's television show and its affiliate MSNBC continues its love affair with Trump every day on its shows. The "Commander in Chiefs" forum added another layer of tarnish to a news media that is out of control at a very important time of a national election.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The one positive aspect of the program was Hillary Clintons willingness to answer all the questions asked by Lauer and members of the audience. And that is what Clinton has done all through the campaign. Her actions show she is a better woman than Frump is a man. Trump did not answer any question at all that Lauer or the audience asked. He skirted all around the questions.
Of course, NBC was the network that aired Trump's television show and its affiliate MSNBC continues its love affair with Trump every day on its shows. The "Commander in Chiefs" forum added another layer of tarnish to a news media that is out of control at a very important time of a national election.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, September 8, 2016
Part III The 2016 Presidential Election: Donald Trump Emulating George W. Bush
The comparison can be made but it is not very flattering. Like Bush, Trump has no political understanding of the economy, foreign affairs or the country, and its people paid the price big time and our veterans paid the ultimate price in an unnecessary war in Iraq over WMD that did not exist. Trump also tries to talk tough like Bush, and fails the real test of being tough. Their tax plans of trickle down economics lacks the understanding of arithmetic and in Bush's case reversed the economic progress made during the Clinton administration. Trump's tax plan would do the same to the economic progress taking place in the Obama administration. Trumps go it alone in foreign policy and shameful talk about our allies would once again trigger a larger American burden in world affairs and make the United States less secure.
Bush learned nothing from his political experience as governor of Texas because his family name won the election as governor. He came to Washington lacking political understanding and conspired with Cheney and other neocons to rule like a king with no checks and balances. Trump has that same attitude but he learned it from the business world where money can buy a lot of things and also destroy a lot of things. Both Bush and Trump's background was business and business leaders are the worst at running government because the government can not be run like a business. Business are only concerned with the bottom line and not people. People are the government. Business leaders sacrifice their employees every day in favor of their executives. CEOs and executives earn between 300-400 times what the average worker makes and trickle down economics is a business paradise.
Bush left office as one of the worst Presidents in the nation's history after reversing all the good things Clinton accomplished for the country and its people. His lack of political understanding and attitude domestically and in foreign affairs set the country back and some of the effects are still a burden to the people. Now Trump would like to be President at a time the Obama administration has turned the country around for the better. That must not happen because Trump would ape the Bush doctrine and repeat the same mistakes.
The country and its people can not afford that history to repeat itself. A word to the wise should be sufficient.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Bush learned nothing from his political experience as governor of Texas because his family name won the election as governor. He came to Washington lacking political understanding and conspired with Cheney and other neocons to rule like a king with no checks and balances. Trump has that same attitude but he learned it from the business world where money can buy a lot of things and also destroy a lot of things. Both Bush and Trump's background was business and business leaders are the worst at running government because the government can not be run like a business. Business are only concerned with the bottom line and not people. People are the government. Business leaders sacrifice their employees every day in favor of their executives. CEOs and executives earn between 300-400 times what the average worker makes and trickle down economics is a business paradise.
Bush left office as one of the worst Presidents in the nation's history after reversing all the good things Clinton accomplished for the country and its people. His lack of political understanding and attitude domestically and in foreign affairs set the country back and some of the effects are still a burden to the people. Now Trump would like to be President at a time the Obama administration has turned the country around for the better. That must not happen because Trump would ape the Bush doctrine and repeat the same mistakes.
The country and its people can not afford that history to repeat itself. A word to the wise should be sufficient.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The New Orleans Saints and Quarterback Drew Brees
Reports from the Times Picayune and Television in New Orleans indicate quarterback Drew Brees and the Saints are talking about a new contract extension. It is being said that Brees is asking for a four year contract worth $100 million. That is $25 million a year. If that report is true Brees should be ashamed of himself and the Saints should be seeing red to even give that number credibility.
Drew Brees has led the Saints to 3 losing seasons in the last four years, is nearing the end of his career and is not worth $25 million a year. Not even close. Brees is one of many players in the NFL who are overpaid and part of a system where wealth has destroyed competition. After the Saint's last four seasons, Brees should be giving a major cut in salary or let him seek employment elsewhere. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady has done so much more for their teams during their career than Brees has done for his team. More world championships, more division and conference titles, more winning seasons and more playoff appearances and wins. Drew Brees has not earned any thing near a salary of $25 millions a year and the Saints should tell him that.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Drew Brees has led the Saints to 3 losing seasons in the last four years, is nearing the end of his career and is not worth $25 million a year. Not even close. Brees is one of many players in the NFL who are overpaid and part of a system where wealth has destroyed competition. After the Saint's last four seasons, Brees should be giving a major cut in salary or let him seek employment elsewhere. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady has done so much more for their teams during their career than Brees has done for his team. More world championships, more division and conference titles, more winning seasons and more playoff appearances and wins. Drew Brees has not earned any thing near a salary of $25 millions a year and the Saints should tell him that.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Wisconsin Defeats LSU 16 - 14 In Green Bay
I wrote a commentary on August 12 concerning LSU and The New Orleans Saints and said this year LSU will start the season with the same problems as last year and after Saturday's defeat I am more convinced than ever LSU's offensive problems are glaring and head coach Les Miles has failed to see the problem and change the offensive nonsense.
Incompetent play calling and selection on offense is a Miles signature that has never been corrected during his 11 years as head coach. The offense is not only boring, it is also predictable. That is good news for LSU's opponents but terrible news for the LSU offense and its fans. Quarterback Harris started off the season where he left off last year over throwing and under throwing receivers and poor quarterback choices at critical times.
Sports writers in New Orleans and Baton Rouge were so sure in their preseason predictions that LSU would be so much more improved than last year. They pointed out that LSU returned the bulk of their starters from last years team both on offense and defense and that would make a difference. Unfortunately, they were willing to forget Miles was also returning. The hype and cliches seem to motivate them which does not allow any objectivity in evaluating the team.
One game does not make a season, but Miles has a record of losing to teams with less talent and being out coached. Plus he has a record of not changing his offensive play calling and play selection. That tells this writer LSU will miss the play offs once again this football season.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Incompetent play calling and selection on offense is a Miles signature that has never been corrected during his 11 years as head coach. The offense is not only boring, it is also predictable. That is good news for LSU's opponents but terrible news for the LSU offense and its fans. Quarterback Harris started off the season where he left off last year over throwing and under throwing receivers and poor quarterback choices at critical times.
Sports writers in New Orleans and Baton Rouge were so sure in their preseason predictions that LSU would be so much more improved than last year. They pointed out that LSU returned the bulk of their starters from last years team both on offense and defense and that would make a difference. Unfortunately, they were willing to forget Miles was also returning. The hype and cliches seem to motivate them which does not allow any objectivity in evaluating the team.
One game does not make a season, but Miles has a record of losing to teams with less talent and being out coached. Plus he has a record of not changing his offensive play calling and play selection. That tells this writer LSU will miss the play offs once again this football season.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, September 4, 2016
The Job Market Still Remains Healthy and Positive
The economy created 151,000 new jobs in August according to the U.S. Labor Department and the unemployment rate held at 4.9% It was the 78 straight month of positive job growth and a indication that the job market is still healthy leading into the holiday season. The August job numbers were down from the previous month of July but that is the nature of the economy at the present time.
At this same time in the George W. Bush Presidency for August 2008 the economy lost 84,000 jobs and the unemployment rate stood at 6.1%. The country was deep into recession, the wall street banks were failing and the federal deficit continued to rise rapidly. The fore closure on homes was taking place, median family income was still going down, businesses were failing and there was no end in sight to the downward spiral. By the time President Bush left office in January of 2009, the country suffered the worst of economic times since the great depression of 1929.
The people of America then made the right choice and elected a democratic President named Barack Obama. The new President met the challenge despite opposition from the republicans in congress, a host of conservative journalists and the Fox News Network. And this writer can say that when President Obama leaves office in January 2017, America and its people will be better off than they were in just about every category when President Bush left office almost 8 years ago.
Now in the middle of another Presidential election Donald Trump and his ditto head republicans are trying to down play the success of Obama's leadership and even talking about reversing the progress made the last 8 years. It reminds this writer what the Bush administration did when it followed the Clinton administration's record economy and balanced budgets. Bush proposed a tax cut of $5 trillion because he said the Clinton surpluses over charged the American people and he was going to give the people their money back.
Well, the top 2% got more than their money back from that tax cut while the American people lost their jobs and their homes in the great Bush recession. President Bush reversed all the good that had been accomplished by the Clinton administration for the country and its people. The voters in this Presidential election should be able to see the relationship of what Bush did to what Donald Trump wants to do if elected President.
Understanding the mistakes of the past is still the key to a better future and improving on what works and what is working is the key to long term stability and the rejection of past mistakes.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
At this same time in the George W. Bush Presidency for August 2008 the economy lost 84,000 jobs and the unemployment rate stood at 6.1%. The country was deep into recession, the wall street banks were failing and the federal deficit continued to rise rapidly. The fore closure on homes was taking place, median family income was still going down, businesses were failing and there was no end in sight to the downward spiral. By the time President Bush left office in January of 2009, the country suffered the worst of economic times since the great depression of 1929.
The people of America then made the right choice and elected a democratic President named Barack Obama. The new President met the challenge despite opposition from the republicans in congress, a host of conservative journalists and the Fox News Network. And this writer can say that when President Obama leaves office in January 2017, America and its people will be better off than they were in just about every category when President Bush left office almost 8 years ago.
Now in the middle of another Presidential election Donald Trump and his ditto head republicans are trying to down play the success of Obama's leadership and even talking about reversing the progress made the last 8 years. It reminds this writer what the Bush administration did when it followed the Clinton administration's record economy and balanced budgets. Bush proposed a tax cut of $5 trillion because he said the Clinton surpluses over charged the American people and he was going to give the people their money back.
Well, the top 2% got more than their money back from that tax cut while the American people lost their jobs and their homes in the great Bush recession. President Bush reversed all the good that had been accomplished by the Clinton administration for the country and its people. The voters in this Presidential election should be able to see the relationship of what Bush did to what Donald Trump wants to do if elected President.
Understanding the mistakes of the past is still the key to a better future and improving on what works and what is working is the key to long term stability and the rejection of past mistakes.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Saturday, September 3, 2016
An About Face For A Conservative Journalist
It finally happened, a conservative journalist Michael Gerson in a Times Picayune editorial of Sept. 2 called out the Fox News Network and Rush Limbaugh for their campaign reporting and support of Donald Trump's pronouncements. Gerson said Fox News needs to be re-launched and re-branded rather than the angry white television personalties who employ perpetual outrage as a business model. He also said a similar unveiling has occured with the right's defining radio personalty, Rush Limbaugh.
Of course any one who has ever tuned in to Fox or Rush and are willing to admit it, knows neither program is "fair and balanced" and that both are right wing shows that devote all their air time to criticize democrats and especially President Obama and Hillary Clinton. And now they have hitched their wagon to Donald Trump. Fox and Rush are masters at trying to divide the country, talking hate, making false statements and negative in tone.
Gerson notes in his article that according to a recent lawsuit, Fox as an institution is apparently operating like a sex-fueled Playboy Mansion like-cult steeped in intimidation, indecency and misogyny. Gerson's article leaves no doubt his comments concern how Fox and Rush have embraced Donald Trump's rhetoric in this Presidential campaign. The real question is why did Gerson take so long to realize the unAmerican attitude of both Fox and Rush.
After all, Fox News and Rush Limbaugh's programs have been selling the same crud since the very beginning and it has been pointed out here in PolitiDose many times. PolitiDose also reported that Fox was selling sex as news long before the lawsuit was filed against Fox. The Fox camera angle on the female hosts with their short skirts, especially their show Outnumbered, reveals the clue to what they are trying to sell.
The bottom line on conservatism as practiced today is so out of line with main street America and what America stands for, it always ends up attacking its own. Fox does not need to be re-launched or re-branded as Gerson says, it need to be broken up like monopolies.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Of course any one who has ever tuned in to Fox or Rush and are willing to admit it, knows neither program is "fair and balanced" and that both are right wing shows that devote all their air time to criticize democrats and especially President Obama and Hillary Clinton. And now they have hitched their wagon to Donald Trump. Fox and Rush are masters at trying to divide the country, talking hate, making false statements and negative in tone.
Gerson notes in his article that according to a recent lawsuit, Fox as an institution is apparently operating like a sex-fueled Playboy Mansion like-cult steeped in intimidation, indecency and misogyny. Gerson's article leaves no doubt his comments concern how Fox and Rush have embraced Donald Trump's rhetoric in this Presidential campaign. The real question is why did Gerson take so long to realize the unAmerican attitude of both Fox and Rush.
After all, Fox News and Rush Limbaugh's programs have been selling the same crud since the very beginning and it has been pointed out here in PolitiDose many times. PolitiDose also reported that Fox was selling sex as news long before the lawsuit was filed against Fox. The Fox camera angle on the female hosts with their short skirts, especially their show Outnumbered, reveals the clue to what they are trying to sell.
The bottom line on conservatism as practiced today is so out of line with main street America and what America stands for, it always ends up attacking its own. Fox does not need to be re-launched or re-branded as Gerson says, it need to be broken up like monopolies.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, September 1, 2016
The City of New Orleans Continues To Move Forward Under Mayor Mitch Landrieu
Under the leadership of Mayor Landrieu New Orleans has made great progress in the short time he has served in office. Landrieu was the first Mayor to declare and recognize that violent crime was the city's number one problem and did something about it on all fronts. There is still work to do and Landrieu will not look the other way before he leaves office. Because of the changes made and a realistic city budget process the next Mayor will have the opportunity to see a police force in numbers that is required for a city its size.
The city of New Orleans is the jewel of Louisiana's major cities. The city's economy, construction, new developments, tourist trade and etc. There has been major street repairs and the Task Force the Mayor established to set a long term program to repair and up grade the city's streets and infrastructure will soon be completed. (some parts of the plan have already been completed) The city has also settled the long standing Firemen's Union suit that began long before Landrieu took office and has cost the city millions of dollars.
Mitch Landrieu is a true and serious public servant who cares for the city and its people. He knows how to get the job done, understands the issues and how long range planning is the key to solve problems. It is a way to make sure today's problems do not get kicked down the road.
The theme of Landrieu's campaign when he ran for Mayor was: ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT, ONE VOICE AND ONE CITY. The Mayor has stayed loyal to that theme and has focused on those things that is making it come true.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The city of New Orleans is the jewel of Louisiana's major cities. The city's economy, construction, new developments, tourist trade and etc. There has been major street repairs and the Task Force the Mayor established to set a long term program to repair and up grade the city's streets and infrastructure will soon be completed. (some parts of the plan have already been completed) The city has also settled the long standing Firemen's Union suit that began long before Landrieu took office and has cost the city millions of dollars.
Mitch Landrieu is a true and serious public servant who cares for the city and its people. He knows how to get the job done, understands the issues and how long range planning is the key to solve problems. It is a way to make sure today's problems do not get kicked down the road.
The theme of Landrieu's campaign when he ran for Mayor was: ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT, ONE VOICE AND ONE CITY. The Mayor has stayed loyal to that theme and has focused on those things that is making it come true.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
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