PolitiDose has reported in commentary over the past 8 years how Republican tax cuts that favor Corporate America and the wealthy never produce the jobs, Corporate investment or an economic boom the GOP always predict. And true to a false ideology and fondness of giving tax breaks to those who need them the least, President Trump and the GOP's $1.5 trillion tax package that was passed in 2017 failed the test again.
Now comes a report by the National Association of Business Economics (NABE) in a quarterly report published Monday in a business condition poll, 84% of those business polled reported that the corporate tax reform has not caused their firms to change hiring or investment plans. The White House had predicted that the massive reduction in the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% would boost business spending and job growth.
We know from facts that the economy did better in every phase under the Clinton Administration than the Reagan or Bush 43 administrations even though Reagan and Bush cut taxes sharply while Clinton raised taxes on those making over $200,000.00 a year. We also know from fact that corporate investment in plant and equipment increased at a higher percentage rate under Clinton than Reagan or Bush. The final outcome of the Trump GOP tax cuts won't be known before Trump leaves office but history and precedent tells us the 2017 tax cuts will not produce what was predicted because trickle down economics never has. Its a fairy tale too many Americans have swallowed.
And to top it all off, the Trump administration is predicting the economy in 2019 will become slower and less productive than last year while deficit spending will continue to climb. So now with two years under his belt as President, Trump continues the big spending, a massive increase in debt and now a shutdown that lasted 35 days with a threat of another shutdown to come. Yes my fellow Americans, Trump and the GOP are one and the same.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Part III The Los Angeles Rfams vs. The New Orleans Saints: Aftermath
The aftermath is not going away concerning the no call for those who were so sure the Saints were going to the Super Bowl. For them, it was ordained or the Saint's destiny, even though in sports, nothing is won until its won. Reliving THE PLAY or the game will not change a thing. This writer believes the following comments are in order.
The "no call": Owners and coaches are familiar with NFL rules and regulations and that there are loop holes in them that need to be addressed. They also have known for years that many mistakes have been made by the refs where the NFL officials acknowledge those mistakes but there are no remedy in the rules. And the Saint's owner, coach and players knew that there were no remedy for the so called "no call." So its up to the owners to see that necessary changes to the rules have to be made. They know a "no call" could be made in a game before it takes place.
The best comment in the aftermath of the game came from the Rams offense tackle Andrew Whitworth in a Times Picayune article dated 1/25/19. Whitworth, a native of Monroe, Louisiana who played on LSU's national championship team some years ago said the reaction to the "no call" was sour grapes and gave a number of reasons why in his comments. Whitworth, although a Ram player surely has some feelings for the Saints and Louisiana football in general and is not just sounding off to protect the Rams victory. I would encourage those who missed his article to go on line and read his comments. They were thought out and presented another side to the story.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The "no call": Owners and coaches are familiar with NFL rules and regulations and that there are loop holes in them that need to be addressed. They also have known for years that many mistakes have been made by the refs where the NFL officials acknowledge those mistakes but there are no remedy in the rules. And the Saint's owner, coach and players knew that there were no remedy for the so called "no call." So its up to the owners to see that necessary changes to the rules have to be made. They know a "no call" could be made in a game before it takes place.
The best comment in the aftermath of the game came from the Rams offense tackle Andrew Whitworth in a Times Picayune article dated 1/25/19. Whitworth, a native of Monroe, Louisiana who played on LSU's national championship team some years ago said the reaction to the "no call" was sour grapes and gave a number of reasons why in his comments. Whitworth, although a Ram player surely has some feelings for the Saints and Louisiana football in general and is not just sounding off to protect the Rams victory. I would encourage those who missed his article to go on line and read his comments. They were thought out and presented another side to the story.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The "PEOPLE's HOUSE" Is Reopened
Trump's shut down of the "people's house" has ended until February 15 and those government workers who worked without pay for over a month will finally see a pay check. The shut down was an un-Presidential act of an autocrat who was willing to hold government employees hostage because Mexico refused to pay for Trump's un-American wall. The shut down began on Trump and the republican's watch in December when they controlled everything.
The democratic party's (the mature party) position from the beginning was to fund the "people's house" and not shut it down and handle border security separately. Trump rejected that and during the shut down but changed course this week and accepted the democrat's position and signed the order to reopen the government.
Trump and his party tried to use the "wall" issue to try to paint the democratic party as weak on border security and that they wanted open borders. But the facts prove they were wrong and only the usual lies that Trump and his party engage in on a regular basis. The democratic party has a record of providing funds for border security in every piece of legislation they have proposed concerning immigration including the most recently one passed by the democratic controlled U.S. House this month.
Trump and the GOP tried to sell the lie of a emergency national security problem at the Southern border, something no other President would even try. And the real story on immigration is that Trump and his party did not sponsor or introduce any immigration reform before congress in the last two years when they controlled everything. The people were exposed to their rhetoric only and no action.
During the next two weeks while congress looks to agree on a border security proposal the democratic party will do its part to provide the necessary funds but no wall. America does not build walls to keep people out. America has always used its ingenuity to protect the country and its people. And America has always had leaders with courage who stepped up at crucial times with wisdom to overcome the extreme.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The democratic party's (the mature party) position from the beginning was to fund the "people's house" and not shut it down and handle border security separately. Trump rejected that and during the shut down but changed course this week and accepted the democrat's position and signed the order to reopen the government.
Trump and his party tried to use the "wall" issue to try to paint the democratic party as weak on border security and that they wanted open borders. But the facts prove they were wrong and only the usual lies that Trump and his party engage in on a regular basis. The democratic party has a record of providing funds for border security in every piece of legislation they have proposed concerning immigration including the most recently one passed by the democratic controlled U.S. House this month.
Trump and the GOP tried to sell the lie of a emergency national security problem at the Southern border, something no other President would even try. And the real story on immigration is that Trump and his party did not sponsor or introduce any immigration reform before congress in the last two years when they controlled everything. The people were exposed to their rhetoric only and no action.
During the next two weeks while congress looks to agree on a border security proposal the democratic party will do its part to provide the necessary funds but no wall. America does not build walls to keep people out. America has always used its ingenuity to protect the country and its people. And America has always had leaders with courage who stepped up at crucial times with wisdom to overcome the extreme.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Good News: New Orleans Murder Rate Down in 2018
The recent news about New Orleans murder rate being down in 2018 to the lowest levels in decades was met with mixed reactions. But no matter how one looks at the number it is good news for the city and its people. This writer believes former Mayor Mitch Landrieu started the city off on a new path to make the improvement possible.
Landrieu was the first Mayor in the past 20 plus years who took the first public step in recognizing the crime problem in New Orleans and then taking steps to address the matter. The Mayor worked to seek improvements to NOPD, pay raises, more officers to be in line with the number of officers needed to police a city the size of New Orleans. The two leaders Landrieu appointed to lead the department did a good job in making progress that would ultimately lead to a reduction in crime and the murder rate.
What the city needs to do now under the leadership of Mayor Cantrell is to not let up and continue the progress made and have NOPD fully staffed with qualified officers and the financial resources to get the job done. 2018 need not be just a one year improvement if Mayor Cantrell keeps crime a top priority.
But make no mistake it was Mitch Landrieu who took the first step in actually recognizing the problem and took action. Landrieu is a true public servant and America and New Orleans needs more political leaders like him.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Landrieu was the first Mayor in the past 20 plus years who took the first public step in recognizing the crime problem in New Orleans and then taking steps to address the matter. The Mayor worked to seek improvements to NOPD, pay raises, more officers to be in line with the number of officers needed to police a city the size of New Orleans. The two leaders Landrieu appointed to lead the department did a good job in making progress that would ultimately lead to a reduction in crime and the murder rate.
What the city needs to do now under the leadership of Mayor Cantrell is to not let up and continue the progress made and have NOPD fully staffed with qualified officers and the financial resources to get the job done. 2018 need not be just a one year improvement if Mayor Cantrell keeps crime a top priority.
But make no mistake it was Mitch Landrieu who took the first step in actually recognizing the problem and took action. Landrieu is a true public servant and America and New Orleans needs more political leaders like him.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, January 25, 2019
Part II: The Los Angeles Rams vs The New Orleans Saints: The Hype, The No Call, The Predictions, The Stats and The Lack Of Objective Thought
There are two thoughts that can be applied to the game. (1) When the hype becomes larger than the game, its time to tune out the game. (2) It ain't over till its over. Sports writers and sport shows on radio and TV in New Orleans made up their minds long ago that the Saints would be in the Super Bowl and provided what they thought were stats to back up their position. Many confused Brees personal records with team accomplishments. Brees was put on a pedestal and there fore the team must be the best in the NFL. Some writers even believed it was actually the Saints destiny to be in the Super Bowl. (they even used the wrong word, DESTINY)
Being objective took a back seat to the real world of competition and the Saints were ready to take a fall. The fall came later and at the worse possible time but it started with the Dallas game because the Cowboys knew how to defense the Saint's offense and the Saints point production fell the balance of the regular season and in the playoffs. Through the first 11games the Saints averaged 37 points per game. In three games with Dallas, and Carolina (2) they averaged 15 points per game and with the Eagles and Rams in the two playoff games they averaged 21-1/2 points per game. Opponents who know how to play good defense change the stats.
Sports writers convinced themselves long ago the Saints belonged in the Super Bowl and that they were the best team in the NFL. It was apple polishing at its worse level and no objective thought was given to the real "stats" they could not concern themselves with. Their description of the Saints offense as being prolific does not square with the fact that the Saints beat only 5 teams with a winning record. In other words the Saints beat a lot of bad teams that were poorly coached on defense. But when the Saints played Dallas and Carolina, two teams who knew how to play defense, the Saints offense was just an average offense.
And the stage was set that the Saints offense would be just an average offense in the playoffs as they scored only 20 points against the Eagles and 23 points against the Rams. That was a far cry from their average of 37 points in those first 11 games. The home field advantage and the crowd noise makes for good copy but both the Rams and the Patriots won on the road.
Those who used the so called "no call" as the excuse why the Saints lost the ball game is pure sour grapes. The Saints lost the game because they failed to make the plays on several occasions when they had a chance to open a big lead. Payton also erred near the end of regular time when he called for two passes instead of a run to keep the clock moving. The rams were left with enough time on the clock to score and tie the game and send the game into overtime. And Brees interception and turnover in overtime gave the Rams good field position and they took advantage of it and kicked the winning field goal.
There were three no calls that the Saints and sports writers don't seem to want to talk about because they should have been called against the Saints. replays during the game showed that the Saints should have been flagged for two face mask violations and one holding violation on a Ram receiver. All three took place on 3rd down so the Rams had to punt. If the calls were made the Rams would have had 3 first downs and their drives would have been kept alive. So when the NFL examine the "no call" the Saints are crying about they should also examine all the other "no calls" and then make their comments..
The bottom line to the Saints season tells the story of a news media bent on hype and clichés instead of objective analysis and a willingness on the part of the news media to over blow the accomplishments of the Saints and to apple polish personal records of some Saints players. One of the news papers was about Sean vs. Sean, the experience coach vs. the least experience coach. Not really a good story but it keeps the hype going.
The sports writers and sports show hosts were so wrong about their predictions it gives this writer the feeling that is why they have been blaming the Saints defeat on the "no call." They are looking for vindication But the Saints elimination was easy to understand and simple. They lost because the Rams were better than the Saints in Sunday's game on offense nd defense. Personal records would play no part and the great Saints offense that was predicted to blow out the Rams was a no show. The Rams offered the Saints competition, something sports writers lost track of.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Being objective took a back seat to the real world of competition and the Saints were ready to take a fall. The fall came later and at the worse possible time but it started with the Dallas game because the Cowboys knew how to defense the Saint's offense and the Saints point production fell the balance of the regular season and in the playoffs. Through the first 11games the Saints averaged 37 points per game. In three games with Dallas, and Carolina (2) they averaged 15 points per game and with the Eagles and Rams in the two playoff games they averaged 21-1/2 points per game. Opponents who know how to play good defense change the stats.
Sports writers convinced themselves long ago the Saints belonged in the Super Bowl and that they were the best team in the NFL. It was apple polishing at its worse level and no objective thought was given to the real "stats" they could not concern themselves with. Their description of the Saints offense as being prolific does not square with the fact that the Saints beat only 5 teams with a winning record. In other words the Saints beat a lot of bad teams that were poorly coached on defense. But when the Saints played Dallas and Carolina, two teams who knew how to play defense, the Saints offense was just an average offense.
And the stage was set that the Saints offense would be just an average offense in the playoffs as they scored only 20 points against the Eagles and 23 points against the Rams. That was a far cry from their average of 37 points in those first 11 games. The home field advantage and the crowd noise makes for good copy but both the Rams and the Patriots won on the road.
Those who used the so called "no call" as the excuse why the Saints lost the ball game is pure sour grapes. The Saints lost the game because they failed to make the plays on several occasions when they had a chance to open a big lead. Payton also erred near the end of regular time when he called for two passes instead of a run to keep the clock moving. The rams were left with enough time on the clock to score and tie the game and send the game into overtime. And Brees interception and turnover in overtime gave the Rams good field position and they took advantage of it and kicked the winning field goal.
There were three no calls that the Saints and sports writers don't seem to want to talk about because they should have been called against the Saints. replays during the game showed that the Saints should have been flagged for two face mask violations and one holding violation on a Ram receiver. All three took place on 3rd down so the Rams had to punt. If the calls were made the Rams would have had 3 first downs and their drives would have been kept alive. So when the NFL examine the "no call" the Saints are crying about they should also examine all the other "no calls" and then make their comments..
The bottom line to the Saints season tells the story of a news media bent on hype and clichés instead of objective analysis and a willingness on the part of the news media to over blow the accomplishments of the Saints and to apple polish personal records of some Saints players. One of the news papers was about Sean vs. Sean, the experience coach vs. the least experience coach. Not really a good story but it keeps the hype going.
The sports writers and sports show hosts were so wrong about their predictions it gives this writer the feeling that is why they have been blaming the Saints defeat on the "no call." They are looking for vindication But the Saints elimination was easy to understand and simple. They lost because the Rams were better than the Saints in Sunday's game on offense nd defense. Personal records would play no part and the great Saints offense that was predicted to blow out the Rams was a no show. The Rams offered the Saints competition, something sports writers lost track of.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Los Angeles Kicks Saints Out Of Playoffs: Rams Win In Overtime 26 - 23. Part I
Saint quarterback Drew Brees and his team received the kick off in overtime after regular time expired with the score tied 23 - 23. But Brees turnover, an interception by the Rams gave the Rams good field position and a successful 57 yard field goal to send the Rams to the Super Bowl and end the Saints season.
It was a bitter defeat to a Saint team that New Orleans sports writers and sports show hosts predicted would go to the Super Bowl the past 6 weeks. The Saints had more than enough chances to put the Rams away, had to settle for 3 field goals inside the twenty and dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone in the first quarter Saints receiver Michael Thomas was held in check by the Rams defense and the Saints had less than 50 net yards rushing.
Times Picayune sports writer Jeff Duncan made a fool of himself in more than one article when he predicted the Saints to win the game by 13 points, that the Saints rushing attack would pound the Rams and open up Brees passing to burn them. Of course, none of that took place and the Rams actually outgained the Saints on the ground and in the air. The Saints defense also allowed the Rams to drive for the tying field goal in regulation time with only 1:41 minutes left on the clock.
Duncan also predicted the good times would roll for the Saints in the second half and that the fourth quarter would be one big black and gold party. Yeah, right, except it was a Ram party who outscored the Saints in the second half and then win in overtime. Part II will deal with all the hype of the past 6 weeks about the Saints going to the Super Bowl prematurely and all the stats that was supposed to support the claim which played no part in the outcome of the game. The Saints lost to the Rams at home and the stadium crowd noise was no factor. The Patriots won their game on the road.
NOTE: Sports writers reminded the fans all year long about Brees record setting performance but once again in the NFL, coach Bill Belichick and quarter back Tom Brady took their team farther than Payton and Brees took the Saints. Not only are the Patriots going to their third straight Super Bowl, Payton and Brees will never win as many world championships, conference titles, division titles, playoff games or have as many winning seasons as Belichick or Brady. In fact the Saints have only 3 winning seasons in the last seven years. Can any one remember the last time the Patriots had a losing season?
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
It was a bitter defeat to a Saint team that New Orleans sports writers and sports show hosts predicted would go to the Super Bowl the past 6 weeks. The Saints had more than enough chances to put the Rams away, had to settle for 3 field goals inside the twenty and dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone in the first quarter Saints receiver Michael Thomas was held in check by the Rams defense and the Saints had less than 50 net yards rushing.
Times Picayune sports writer Jeff Duncan made a fool of himself in more than one article when he predicted the Saints to win the game by 13 points, that the Saints rushing attack would pound the Rams and open up Brees passing to burn them. Of course, none of that took place and the Rams actually outgained the Saints on the ground and in the air. The Saints defense also allowed the Rams to drive for the tying field goal in regulation time with only 1:41 minutes left on the clock.
Duncan also predicted the good times would roll for the Saints in the second half and that the fourth quarter would be one big black and gold party. Yeah, right, except it was a Ram party who outscored the Saints in the second half and then win in overtime. Part II will deal with all the hype of the past 6 weeks about the Saints going to the Super Bowl prematurely and all the stats that was supposed to support the claim which played no part in the outcome of the game. The Saints lost to the Rams at home and the stadium crowd noise was no factor. The Patriots won their game on the road.
NOTE: Sports writers reminded the fans all year long about Brees record setting performance but once again in the NFL, coach Bill Belichick and quarter back Tom Brady took their team farther than Payton and Brees took the Saints. Not only are the Patriots going to their third straight Super Bowl, Payton and Brees will never win as many world championships, conference titles, division titles, playoff games or have as many winning seasons as Belichick or Brady. In fact the Saints have only 3 winning seasons in the last seven years. Can any one remember the last time the Patriots had a losing season?
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, January 17, 2019
President Harry Truman Set The Standard For What America Needs In Its Next President
President Truman was noted for a number of statements he made during his time in office and there after. They were words of wisdom that are applicable more today than ever before. One statement can be directly related to our present politics when he said, "A President needs political understanding to run government, but he may be elected with out it."
That statement can be directly related to our present President Trump and the consequence of an administration out of control politically willing to destroy America's institutions and gladly support a government shut down. The same can be applied to the George W. Bush administration. Although Bush did come from a political family, he lacked the "political understanding" to run government. As a result he started a war and occupation of Iraq over WMD that did not exist and 16 years later our men and women in uniform are still there. His administration also presided over the worst economic recession and job losses since the great depression.
Trumps lack of "political understanding" goes deeper than Bush because Trump is an autocrat who loves to lie about every thing and also lies as policy to govern. His lack of "political understanding" on immigration not only was the cause of a government shut down, it reflects a lack of leadership on the subject and a do nothing attitude while he and the GOP congress controlled everything.
Since the news media is now occupied talking about possible Presidential candidates for 2020, this writer would like to see a democratic candidate who has and can articulate his or her "political understanding" of government and campaign on that issue and how that relates to moving the country and the people forward. The mess that Trump leaves will require such a candidate There are no current republicans who can run on that platform because they are married to a ideology that runs counter to "political understanding."
Will the voters in 2020 look beyond the sound bites of the candidates and the news media and cast their votes for a candidate who has the "political understanding" to run government and reverse the destructive policies of the present administration. This writer believes it is in America's best interest to do so and that it is also the peoples best hope.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
That statement can be directly related to our present President Trump and the consequence of an administration out of control politically willing to destroy America's institutions and gladly support a government shut down. The same can be applied to the George W. Bush administration. Although Bush did come from a political family, he lacked the "political understanding" to run government. As a result he started a war and occupation of Iraq over WMD that did not exist and 16 years later our men and women in uniform are still there. His administration also presided over the worst economic recession and job losses since the great depression.
Trumps lack of "political understanding" goes deeper than Bush because Trump is an autocrat who loves to lie about every thing and also lies as policy to govern. His lack of "political understanding" on immigration not only was the cause of a government shut down, it reflects a lack of leadership on the subject and a do nothing attitude while he and the GOP congress controlled everything.
Since the news media is now occupied talking about possible Presidential candidates for 2020, this writer would like to see a democratic candidate who has and can articulate his or her "political understanding" of government and campaign on that issue and how that relates to moving the country and the people forward. The mess that Trump leaves will require such a candidate There are no current republicans who can run on that platform because they are married to a ideology that runs counter to "political understanding."
Will the voters in 2020 look beyond the sound bites of the candidates and the news media and cast their votes for a candidate who has the "political understanding" to run government and reverse the destructive policies of the present administration. This writer believes it is in America's best interest to do so and that it is also the peoples best hope.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Trump and The GOP's Betrayal Continues The Shut Down
The democratic controlled House passed legislation to end the government shut down and executed their responsibility as legislators. The republican controlled U.S. Senate refused to take up the measure because Trump opposed. Republican senator Mitch McConnell betrayed the U.S. Senate and the American people by allowing Trump to intimidate him and in doing so was a cowardly act and traitorous. McConnell is a well known obstructionist and legislative coward that has failed his responsibility to lead.
So the shut down continues over Trump's wall and McConnell's failure to say enough is enough Mr. President, the Senate will hold a vote and do what is best for the country and to open the government back up and running. Time for the GOP foolishness is over and the Wall is a separate issue to be taken up in future legislation that includes immigration reform.
There is no national security threat or crisis at the border except Trump's rhetoric and the GOP's failure to introduce immigration reform legislation. Adequate border security can be addressed without building a wall that sends the wrong message about America's values and ideals. Trump's wall rhetoric is another tactic to divert attention away from the Mueller investigation that is coming to an end and will likely implicate the President.
In the mean time, Trump and the GOP will continue their unAmerican shut down of the U.S. Government, and the Senate and Mitch McConnell will continue to be cowards and ditto heads for President Trump.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
So the shut down continues over Trump's wall and McConnell's failure to say enough is enough Mr. President, the Senate will hold a vote and do what is best for the country and to open the government back up and running. Time for the GOP foolishness is over and the Wall is a separate issue to be taken up in future legislation that includes immigration reform.
There is no national security threat or crisis at the border except Trump's rhetoric and the GOP's failure to introduce immigration reform legislation. Adequate border security can be addressed without building a wall that sends the wrong message about America's values and ideals. Trump's wall rhetoric is another tactic to divert attention away from the Mueller investigation that is coming to an end and will likely implicate the President.
In the mean time, Trump and the GOP will continue their unAmerican shut down of the U.S. Government, and the Senate and Mitch McConnell will continue to be cowards and ditto heads for President Trump.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Did The LSU Coaching Staff Learn Anything From Clemson's Big Win Over Alabama?
If not, shame on them. We know the present staff has learned nothing for the past three years they have played Alabama and this past season Alabama shut them out with a big zero. Last season LSU and Alabama both played Ole Miss, Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi State and Texas A&M. Alabama did not shut out any of those teams and those team's offense was not any better than LSU's offense.
LSU's problem with Alabama is their failure to challenge and attack Alabama's defense. Their game plans are timid and conservative because they are afraid to make a mistake. The same took place under former coach Les Miles. Clemson's coach said their plan was to attack Alabama's defense and they did it with a true freshman quarterback who passed the ball when his team had third and long even though they were backed up inside their own 20 yard line. LSU would never do that. They would run left or right and get stuffed.
Clemson's coach knew if he played conservative they would have to turn the ball over to Alabama in good field position. That was not a good option so he choose to attack Alabama with a freshman quarterback and it paid off. Can any LSU fan ever remember a time when LSU's coaching staff gave a true freshman quarterback such an opportunity? LSU's future will change against Alabama only when the coaches change their offense strategy.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Clemson has beaten Alabama two out of the last three national championship games and are now the nations number one team. Alabama's defeat may be the turning point to their past domination of college football.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
LSU's problem with Alabama is their failure to challenge and attack Alabama's defense. Their game plans are timid and conservative because they are afraid to make a mistake. The same took place under former coach Les Miles. Clemson's coach said their plan was to attack Alabama's defense and they did it with a true freshman quarterback who passed the ball when his team had third and long even though they were backed up inside their own 20 yard line. LSU would never do that. They would run left or right and get stuffed.
Clemson's coach knew if he played conservative they would have to turn the ball over to Alabama in good field position. That was not a good option so he choose to attack Alabama with a freshman quarterback and it paid off. Can any LSU fan ever remember a time when LSU's coaching staff gave a true freshman quarterback such an opportunity? LSU's future will change against Alabama only when the coaches change their offense strategy.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Clemson has beaten Alabama two out of the last three national championship games and are now the nations number one team. Alabama's defeat may be the turning point to their past domination of college football.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, January 10, 2019
The Times Picayune Sports Page of January 9
The Times Picayune published a 12 page sports section concerning Sunday's playoff game between the New Orleans Saints and the Eagles. It was the usual hype and clichés by the sports writers about the game and the stats of both teams. Most of all it was all apple polishing about the Saints and telling the readers the Eagles are not the same team that the Saints beat 48-7 earlier in the regular season. It gives the sports writers a way out if the Saints lose after all their Super Bowl predictions.
The bottom line is simple for Sunday's game despite all the hype and stats. If the Eagles play a loose defense like they did in the first game and allow the Saint's receivers to run wild, the Eagles will lose once again. If the Eagles play a tight defense against the receivers their chances of winning are good. The Saint's receivers do not like to be covered tight and they are always looking for a flag from the refs to help them out.
The Eagles are the weakest wild card team in the NFC and AFC playoffs They had a losing record going into their 15th game of the regular season so it is any ones guess what Eagle team will show up for Sunday's game. True, they had some early injuries to key players but that does not count for their poor play in several games including the loss to the Saints.
But the 12 page sports section is just a way for sports writers to keep their jobs and fill up space for the newspaper.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The bottom line is simple for Sunday's game despite all the hype and stats. If the Eagles play a loose defense like they did in the first game and allow the Saint's receivers to run wild, the Eagles will lose once again. If the Eagles play a tight defense against the receivers their chances of winning are good. The Saint's receivers do not like to be covered tight and they are always looking for a flag from the refs to help them out.
The Eagles are the weakest wild card team in the NFC and AFC playoffs They had a losing record going into their 15th game of the regular season so it is any ones guess what Eagle team will show up for Sunday's game. True, they had some early injuries to key players but that does not count for their poor play in several games including the loss to the Saints.
But the 12 page sports section is just a way for sports writers to keep their jobs and fill up space for the newspaper.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The U.S. Economy, Job Creation and Unemployment For December 2018
The economy created 312,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate came in at 3.9%, up from the 3.7% for November. It was the 99th straight month of positive job growth for the country. The job number were higher than predicted by economists but they were quick to respond that job creation, the economy and the GDP will all be lower in 2019 and so will the world economy. They also report that the federal deficit for fiscal year ending September 30 will exceed $1 trillion and bring the nation back to single year fiscal deficits of over $1 trillion which first began with the administration of George W. Bush.
For Trump's first 23 months in office the economy has created 4,349,000 new jobs for a monthly average of 189,086 jobs. In President Obama's last 23 months in office the economy created 4,636.000 new jobs for a monthly total of 201,560 jobs. No matter how one looks at the numbers, President Obama did a much better job than Trump. The Obama administration had to start by making up for the millions of lost jobs caused by the 2008 republican recession before any credit for creating new jobs. Where as Trump took over an expanding economy already creating jobs. There were no lost jobs to make up for before creating new ones.
To those who are confused about the stock market and falling oil and gasoline prices and use that as a barometer for the future, forget about it. Those two factors are manipulated by the money people. What matters most falls on the policies of the Trump administration and that tells this writer that the country will fall into a recession this year and the stock market will go south.
So this writer would advise those that own stocks and have made a profit to get out now and use that money when the market crashes to buy the good stocks at a lower price.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
For Trump's first 23 months in office the economy has created 4,349,000 new jobs for a monthly average of 189,086 jobs. In President Obama's last 23 months in office the economy created 4,636.000 new jobs for a monthly total of 201,560 jobs. No matter how one looks at the numbers, President Obama did a much better job than Trump. The Obama administration had to start by making up for the millions of lost jobs caused by the 2008 republican recession before any credit for creating new jobs. Where as Trump took over an expanding economy already creating jobs. There were no lost jobs to make up for before creating new ones.
To those who are confused about the stock market and falling oil and gasoline prices and use that as a barometer for the future, forget about it. Those two factors are manipulated by the money people. What matters most falls on the policies of the Trump administration and that tells this writer that the country will fall into a recession this year and the stock market will go south.
So this writer would advise those that own stocks and have made a profit to get out now and use that money when the market crashes to buy the good stocks at a lower price.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Democrat Nancy Pelosi: Speaker of The U.S. House of Representatives
Nancy Pelosi was elected and sworn in as speaker of the U.S. House less than a week ago and has already demonstrated that she is more of a woman than Trump is a man and that she would not allow herself or the HOUSE to be infected by Trump's malignant behavior. She reminded Trump of the constitutional function of congress on oversight nd the HOUSE's responsibility to legislate.
Pelosi has also adopted new rules for the HOUSE to be transparent and will now publish its decisions so the public can obtain the facts of legislation without individual elected members of the HOUSE passing out false information. The first batch of actions taken by the HOUSE since the democrats took over has already been published and released. The republican party can no longer lie about their positions on the matters that affect the public. What a difference compared to what comes out of the White House, Trump and the GOP with all their lies and falsehoods.
The HOUSE is also seeking a way to have those government workers paid who are affected by the shutdown while the shutdown continues. Those workers should not be used as pawns to satisfy Trump's ever changing wall demands that Mexico was supposed to pay for. Its a campaign promise already broken by Trump because Mexico has rebuffed him.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi has set the tone for the U.S. HOUSE to return to the American ideals that made our country great. It is an important happening since we have a malignant President. Nancy Pelosi and the democratic controlled HOUSE will do their part to restore the checks and balances that have been disregarded by a mentally unstable President.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Pelosi has also adopted new rules for the HOUSE to be transparent and will now publish its decisions so the public can obtain the facts of legislation without individual elected members of the HOUSE passing out false information. The first batch of actions taken by the HOUSE since the democrats took over has already been published and released. The republican party can no longer lie about their positions on the matters that affect the public. What a difference compared to what comes out of the White House, Trump and the GOP with all their lies and falsehoods.
The HOUSE is also seeking a way to have those government workers paid who are affected by the shutdown while the shutdown continues. Those workers should not be used as pawns to satisfy Trump's ever changing wall demands that Mexico was supposed to pay for. Its a campaign promise already broken by Trump because Mexico has rebuffed him.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi has set the tone for the U.S. HOUSE to return to the American ideals that made our country great. It is an important happening since we have a malignant President. Nancy Pelosi and the democratic controlled HOUSE will do their part to restore the checks and balances that have been disregarded by a mentally unstable President.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, January 4, 2019
What Goes Around Comes Around: And Donald Trump and the GOP Are Still One and The Same
It was the Newt Gingrich era that really started the republican party (as we know it today) out on its extreme personal attacks, lies and misinformation as a campaign tool and policy. They have used it well against the democratic party and managed to deceive a lot of American voters. The republican party followed Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment of never speaking ill about another republican until Donald Trump decided to seek the republican Presidential nomination in 2016.
Trump knew personal attacks, lies and misinformation worked well for the GOP and decided he would have to do the same in his campaign if he wanted to defeat his republican opponents for the nomination. So he set out on a personal attack campaign against his own party's candidates and used it effectively, especially during the republican debates and cut his republican opponents off at the knee. His party was not familiar with personal attacks from their own party members and could not handle Trump's attacks. Republican voters responded by making Trump the party's nominee.
PolitiDose posted several commentaries, included during the campaign how Trump and the GOP became one and the same and they have been one and the same ever since. It is evident by the party's support of Trump and his assault on America's democratic principals. There are several republicans who are leaving office this month that have criticized Trump, but they still voted to support most all of his positions while they served in congress.
Republican Mitt Romney is the latest one to speak out against Trump, but Romney was interviewed to work in Trump's cabinet and gladly accepted Trump's support for the U.S. Senate. But one can bet, Romney will support Trump's agenda when he takes his seat in the U.S. Senate. Romney also supported Trump and the GOP's tax cut even though the results of the tax cuts have not met the predictions made by Trump or the GOP.
And with few exceptions, Donald Trump and the GOP's personal attacks will continue against democrats and others that have little or no authority to make decisions as how to run the country. The present government shutdown is a good example of how Trump and his party are one and the same. This is the third shutdown to take place on Trump and the GOP's watch. So what ever goes around, still comes around for Trump and his party.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Trump knew personal attacks, lies and misinformation worked well for the GOP and decided he would have to do the same in his campaign if he wanted to defeat his republican opponents for the nomination. So he set out on a personal attack campaign against his own party's candidates and used it effectively, especially during the republican debates and cut his republican opponents off at the knee. His party was not familiar with personal attacks from their own party members and could not handle Trump's attacks. Republican voters responded by making Trump the party's nominee.
PolitiDose posted several commentaries, included during the campaign how Trump and the GOP became one and the same and they have been one and the same ever since. It is evident by the party's support of Trump and his assault on America's democratic principals. There are several republicans who are leaving office this month that have criticized Trump, but they still voted to support most all of his positions while they served in congress.
Republican Mitt Romney is the latest one to speak out against Trump, but Romney was interviewed to work in Trump's cabinet and gladly accepted Trump's support for the U.S. Senate. But one can bet, Romney will support Trump's agenda when he takes his seat in the U.S. Senate. Romney also supported Trump and the GOP's tax cut even though the results of the tax cuts have not met the predictions made by Trump or the GOP.
And with few exceptions, Donald Trump and the GOP's personal attacks will continue against democrats and others that have little or no authority to make decisions as how to run the country. The present government shutdown is a good example of how Trump and his party are one and the same. This is the third shutdown to take place on Trump and the GOP's watch. So what ever goes around, still comes around for Trump and his party.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Carolina Panthers 33 New Orleans Saints 14: Up Next, The Playoffs
The Saints ended the regular season with a loss to the Carolina Panthers in the Dome. The Saints and the Rams won-loss record was 13 - 3, best in the NFL. It was the Saints third winning season in the last seven years. The Saints also secured the home field advantage through out the playoffs and high expectations for the team to reach the Super Bowl has been on the fans mind for months. Ditto for the sports writers and sport shows in New Orleans.
This writer believes there are some objective thoughts that should be expressed so here goes: The NFL has produced only 15 teams with a winning record out of the 32 teams that competed. That takes place almost every year so there are too many poorly coached teams, especially on defense. The Saints beat only 5 teams with a winning record out of their 13 total wins. So the Saints beat a lot of poorly coached losing teams during the regular season.
When the Saints play teams that are well coached and especially know how to play defense, Payton and Brees offense become just an average offense. Dallas, Carolina and Baltimore proved that. The Saints averaged only 14 points per game against those three teams and Dallas is the only one of those 3 teams that have an opportunity to face the Saints in the playoffs. It remains to be seen just how tough the Saint's opponents play defense and how tight they play the Saint's receivers.
This writer believes the key to the Saints advancing in the playoffs lie in how their opponents play defense. The playoff should dictate that the defense should play the Saints tight. But as the record shows, there are a lot of teams who are poorly coached on defense. Time will be the judge if the Saints opponents learned anything.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
This writer believes there are some objective thoughts that should be expressed so here goes: The NFL has produced only 15 teams with a winning record out of the 32 teams that competed. That takes place almost every year so there are too many poorly coached teams, especially on defense. The Saints beat only 5 teams with a winning record out of their 13 total wins. So the Saints beat a lot of poorly coached losing teams during the regular season.
When the Saints play teams that are well coached and especially know how to play defense, Payton and Brees offense become just an average offense. Dallas, Carolina and Baltimore proved that. The Saints averaged only 14 points per game against those three teams and Dallas is the only one of those 3 teams that have an opportunity to face the Saints in the playoffs. It remains to be seen just how tough the Saint's opponents play defense and how tight they play the Saint's receivers.
This writer believes the key to the Saints advancing in the playoffs lie in how their opponents play defense. The playoff should dictate that the defense should play the Saints tight. But as the record shows, there are a lot of teams who are poorly coached on defense. Time will be the judge if the Saints opponents learned anything.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)