Nikki Haley, the republican governor of South Carolina gave the republican response to the President's speech and was the typical fairy tale lacking reality that she and the party are married too. Some in her party have talked about the governor being a candidate for the party's Vice President position and that hype must have gone to her head. Her remarks tell the real story.
The governor said, "President Obama appears either unwilling or unable to deal with the terrorists threat." That is the Donald Trump and republican fear factor the President spoke about. Nikki can not handle the truth that the President has kept America safe. Perhaps she would like to go back to the Bush era. Like her party she is unable to acknowledge any success the President has achieved.
The governor also said, the nations problems also include (1) an economy that has not boosted family income; (2) a national debt that is too high: and (3) and the Affordable Care Act. Lets answer one at a time. (1) over 13 million new jobs have been created on the President's watch so far. Over 8 million people lost their jobs on Bush's watch so all those millions of new jobs created boosted those family's incomes when they were put back to work. (2) If Reagan, Bush 41 and Bush 43 would have balanced the federal budget like President Clinton did the federal government would not have a debt problem. (3) The ACA has insured over 15 million Americans while the governor's party has not offered any alternate plan.
Haley went on to say, (1) Under a GOP President republicans would lower taxes; (2) curb spending; and debt; and (3) strengthen the military. The governor can't even get the facts right on this. President Obama did (1) lower taxes after he took office and then let the Bush tax cuts expired for those making over $500,00.00 a year: (2) The republican party does not have any record of curbing spending or debt since President Eisenhower: and (3) The Obama administration has already strengthen the military. Haley wants the GOP to go back to trickle down economics that has already proved to be a failure with the largest tax cuts going to corporate America and the most wealthy. It should be noted here that the smallest increases in federal spending and the national debt took place under the administration of President Clinton and President Obama while the largest increase in both happened on the watch of President Reagan and President Bush.
The governor was right when she said the GOP must do a better job of appealing to Hispanics and minority voters and tone down the angriest voices. But the governor and her party do not walk the talk. Theycriticize Trump because of his attacks but Trump learned from the party. Nothing Donald Trump has said could be as extreme as the republican party refusing to work with the President after the mess they left the country in. Donald Trump is no worse or better than the republican party and its leaders.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, January 15, 2016
Thursday, January 14, 2016
The State Of The Union Address
President Obama's last state of the union address Tuesday night touched all of the bases with the right tone. It was not the usual type address, but one that was in order because of the mood of the country. The President rightly spoke of his accomplishments and that he does not plan to rest in his final year.
The speech rejected fear and the extreme attitude being used by some Presidential candidates and others who use those tactics and make matters worse. The President also laid out how important raising the minimum wage, equal pay and other key issues need to be addressed. That medicare and social security is necessary more today than in the past and should be strengthen and not weakened. And he reminded the viewers that the people in congress enjoy good health care coverage and retirement benefits at the same time the middle class are trying to move forward.
Republican speaker of the U.S. House Paul Ryan who sat next to Vice President Biden hardly cracked a smile and even smirked at times. He and his republican members looked so out of place while the President was speaking. Ryan looked the part of one of the republicans who long ago said they wanted to see the President fail. It is no wonder Trump continues to lead their party's Presidential candidates.
The President stood tall at the state of the union and the people who cast their votes for him twice made the right decision. He has shown his character and political understanding by rejecting the lame duck status. That is a good precedent for future Presidents to follow.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The speech rejected fear and the extreme attitude being used by some Presidential candidates and others who use those tactics and make matters worse. The President also laid out how important raising the minimum wage, equal pay and other key issues need to be addressed. That medicare and social security is necessary more today than in the past and should be strengthen and not weakened. And he reminded the viewers that the people in congress enjoy good health care coverage and retirement benefits at the same time the middle class are trying to move forward.
Republican speaker of the U.S. House Paul Ryan who sat next to Vice President Biden hardly cracked a smile and even smirked at times. He and his republican members looked so out of place while the President was speaking. Ryan looked the part of one of the republicans who long ago said they wanted to see the President fail. It is no wonder Trump continues to lead their party's Presidential candidates.
The President stood tall at the state of the union and the people who cast their votes for him twice made the right decision. He has shown his character and political understanding by rejecting the lame duck status. That is a good precedent for future Presidents to follow.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
The New Orleans Saints Management Decides To Retain Sean Payton As Head Coach: A Bad Decision For The Team and The Fans
After the official announcement that Payton would be staying with the Saints a Times Picayune editorial and two articles written by Jeff Duncan and Larry Holder praised the decision and said to the effect it was the best thing that could have happened. All three articles were "apple polishing" in its content which has become SOP for New Orleans sports writers despite the fact there has been no progress made during the last four seasons.
All of the speculation the past few weeks of 4 or 5 teams looking with favor to talk about a head coaching job with Payton was a fairy tale. Those other teams remember "bounty gate" and could see the affect it has had on the team. Payton and the Saints are still in denial but the record tells the true story. In this writers judgement, retaining Payton was a bad decision and will play out that way.
The hype has already started by sports writers: defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has done a good job: that much used word keeps popping up again, "the foundation is there." One report in the TP of 1/10/16 reports on Drew Brees' 10 individual records that still stand. (He has more individual records than he has winning seasons) Is that supposed to improve the Saints record next year? The off season and preseason should be comical to watch and listen too but it won't change a thing.
Saint's management is well aware of the problems caused by "bounty gate" but too many people in the organization still turn their head rather than face the facts. It's hell when you can not admit your own failure. Greed consumes the NFL so don't rock the boat.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
All of the speculation the past few weeks of 4 or 5 teams looking with favor to talk about a head coaching job with Payton was a fairy tale. Those other teams remember "bounty gate" and could see the affect it has had on the team. Payton and the Saints are still in denial but the record tells the true story. In this writers judgement, retaining Payton was a bad decision and will play out that way.
The hype has already started by sports writers: defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has done a good job: that much used word keeps popping up again, "the foundation is there." One report in the TP of 1/10/16 reports on Drew Brees' 10 individual records that still stand. (He has more individual records than he has winning seasons) Is that supposed to improve the Saints record next year? The off season and preseason should be comical to watch and listen too but it won't change a thing.
Saint's management is well aware of the problems caused by "bounty gate" but too many people in the organization still turn their head rather than face the facts. It's hell when you can not admit your own failure. Greed consumes the NFL so don't rock the boat.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Louisiana State Senator John Alario Has Lost All Credibility Concerning The State Budget
Alario, senate leader in the Louisiana legislature should step down in favor of a democrat. The present state budget that runs through June 30th was declared balanced by Alario, Jindal and the republican controlled legislature and now we find out is already out of balance by $750 million. Now in a Times Picayune article by Julia O'Donoghue dated 1/8/16 Alario is recommending action be taken by the new governor that Alario failed to recommend during Jindal's administration that created the budget problems in the first place.
Alario was a democrat who turned republican because he wanted the top senate job and that was the only way he would become leader of the senate. In doing so he became Jindal's rubber stamp for his failed policies and the state's fiscal disaster. Alario has ignored the state's real budget problems of revenue short fall and the billions given away to business concerning tax exemptions, tax give aways and tax favors. "PolitiDose" was the first to break the real budget problem story several years ago concerning revenue short falls and tax give aways and now Alario claims to see the light.
Bobby Jindal, Alario and the republican controlled legislature have been getting in the pockets of Louisiana's middle class in 100 different ways under the guise of not raising taxes and cutting the budget. Yes, a comparison can be made between the fiscal and economic mess George W. Bush left to Barack Obama and what Jindal and company is leaving to John Bel Edwards, the state and its people. Alario should step aside, he had his chance and failed. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Alario was a democrat who turned republican because he wanted the top senate job and that was the only way he would become leader of the senate. In doing so he became Jindal's rubber stamp for his failed policies and the state's fiscal disaster. Alario has ignored the state's real budget problems of revenue short fall and the billions given away to business concerning tax exemptions, tax give aways and tax favors. "PolitiDose" was the first to break the real budget problem story several years ago concerning revenue short falls and tax give aways and now Alario claims to see the light.
Bobby Jindal, Alario and the republican controlled legislature have been getting in the pockets of Louisiana's middle class in 100 different ways under the guise of not raising taxes and cutting the budget. Yes, a comparison can be made between the fiscal and economic mess George W. Bush left to Barack Obama and what Jindal and company is leaving to John Bel Edwards, the state and its people. Alario should step aside, he had his chance and failed. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Saturday, January 9, 2016
A Democratic Administration Continues To Create Jobs With Good Numbers For December
The U.S. Labor Department announced that 292,000 jobs were created in December and the unemployment rate stayed at 5%. It was the 70th straight month of positive job creation. And the republican party in congress continues to play no role. Instead, they voted to kill the ACA and defund Planned Parenthood. It was the 62nd time the republican controlled House voted on the matter. President Obama vetoed the legislation and the republicans do not have the votes to over ride.
More jobs have been created under President Obama in 7 years than were created by Bush 41 and Bush 43 in the 12 years they ran the country. It is no surprise to this writer and who's commentary made note it would happen when Obama was first elected. Democratic administrations have set a precedent when it comes to job creation. Republican administrations don't even come close. Over 13 million new jobs have been created on Obama's watch so far while less than 4 million were created on the watch of Bush 41 and Bush 43 in the 12 years they served.
Republicans talk a good game but Democrats deliver results. And who are the republican party's Presidential candidates trying to identify with? Well, Reagan and G.W. Bush. They have no original thought on how to keep the economy running or on foreign policy. President Obama has been successful despite the negative attacks and blame game played by the republicans and the conservative news media.
Hang in there Mr. President. Only one more year to go. Use it wisely and go out swinging.
Note: See my previous commentary titled, Job Creation for Presidential Terms: 1929-2008, dated 11/5/2010
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
More jobs have been created under President Obama in 7 years than were created by Bush 41 and Bush 43 in the 12 years they ran the country. It is no surprise to this writer and who's commentary made note it would happen when Obama was first elected. Democratic administrations have set a precedent when it comes to job creation. Republican administrations don't even come close. Over 13 million new jobs have been created on Obama's watch so far while less than 4 million were created on the watch of Bush 41 and Bush 43 in the 12 years they served.
Republicans talk a good game but Democrats deliver results. And who are the republican party's Presidential candidates trying to identify with? Well, Reagan and G.W. Bush. They have no original thought on how to keep the economy running or on foreign policy. President Obama has been successful despite the negative attacks and blame game played by the republicans and the conservative news media.
Hang in there Mr. President. Only one more year to go. Use it wisely and go out swinging.
Note: See my previous commentary titled, Job Creation for Presidential Terms: 1929-2008, dated 11/5/2010
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
The New Orleans Saints 20 --- The Atlanta Falcons 17
The Saints won their final game of the regular season Sunday by beating the Falcons on the road. The Falcons finished their season with an 8-8 record while the Saints finished 7-9. It was the second straight losing season for the Saints and the third in the last four years going back to bounty gate season of 2012.
Although going out with a win in the final game is positive, it serves as no indication how the team will respond next year or beyond. This writer still feels the Saints are in trouble because there has been no real progress in the last 4 seasons where their combined record is 32-32. Throw in the playoff loss to Seattle in 2013 and it is 32-33.
This year Brees continues to set individual records but real leadership is not there, the won-loss record speaks for itself. Payton's leadership since bounty gate has collapsed and his handling of the Rob Ryan issue was unprofessional. I believe Payton knows very well he screwed up with bounty gate and wants out. There is no way he can recover with the Saints and the last 4 years are a good example why. My feeling is Payton should go, one way or another. Brees value to the future of the Saints should be questionable. Sure, he may still be able to set or break future individual records, but will that help the team win all of a sudden where the Saints can compete again for the championship.
The New Orleans sports writers will spin and hype a lot of stories this off season about the Saint's future but will offer no original thought. One sports writer has already said the Saints could do without Payton but not Brees. Maybe Brees has convinced him he will really still be playing when he is 45. The consequence of bounty gate is still very much present four years later.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Although going out with a win in the final game is positive, it serves as no indication how the team will respond next year or beyond. This writer still feels the Saints are in trouble because there has been no real progress in the last 4 seasons where their combined record is 32-32. Throw in the playoff loss to Seattle in 2013 and it is 32-33.
This year Brees continues to set individual records but real leadership is not there, the won-loss record speaks for itself. Payton's leadership since bounty gate has collapsed and his handling of the Rob Ryan issue was unprofessional. I believe Payton knows very well he screwed up with bounty gate and wants out. There is no way he can recover with the Saints and the last 4 years are a good example why. My feeling is Payton should go, one way or another. Brees value to the future of the Saints should be questionable. Sure, he may still be able to set or break future individual records, but will that help the team win all of a sudden where the Saints can compete again for the championship.
The New Orleans sports writers will spin and hype a lot of stories this off season about the Saint's future but will offer no original thought. One sports writer has already said the Saints could do without Payton but not Brees. Maybe Brees has convinced him he will really still be playing when he is 45. The consequence of bounty gate is still very much present four years later.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Monday, January 4, 2016
The Guessing Games Begin Concerning The New Administration Of Governor Elect John Bel Edwards
We are 7 days away from the inauguration of Governor elect Edwards and a Times Picayune article dated 1/3/16 by staff writer Kevin Litten is a grab bag by various pundits about what the Edwards administration policies might be. Will it be conservative, liberal, steer away from national policies, will social issues be dominate, etc, etc. Litten talks about how the democratic party lost control of the state legislature like as if the republicans can point to any real accomplishments after they took control.
Litten and the pundits are still stuck on ideology to solve problems which has failed the test in the last 8 years. What Edwards needs to do is pursue policies that answer and solve the real short and long term problems of the state, especially fiscal matters. Some decisions will be hard choices and offend some and maybe even all, but they will have to be made. The policy does not need a name tag.
According to a Times Picayune article dated 11/30/15 Louisiana ranks 48th in terms of quality of life. Only Virginia and Mississippi are worse. Louisiana has the 11th lowest rate of population growth, the 18th highest unemployment, the third highest poverty rate and the 4th lowest rate of life expectancy at birth. A policy based on ideology will not and has not solved any of those problems.
The people of Louisiana will find out that the republican party in the legislature and the Times Picayune editors will continue to push a conservative ideology that has proven to be a failure. The Times Picayune in a article of 2/13/12 titled, IT FIGURES, showed that the state budget for fiscal 2007/2008 was $34.3 billion and the proposed Jindal budget for fiscal 2012/2013 was $25.5 billion and makes the remark, ADJUSTING TO REALITY. The editors of the Times Picayune thought those cuts would reflect reality but every one now knows how those cuts have hurt the state and its people.
Governor elect Edwards will have to move the state in a different direction with hard choices that work and policies that have no name except "success." Conservative, liberal, bla, bla, bla, just disregard that political nonsense governor Edwards and do what is right for the state and its people. PolitiDose will be paying attention and reporting.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Litten and the pundits are still stuck on ideology to solve problems which has failed the test in the last 8 years. What Edwards needs to do is pursue policies that answer and solve the real short and long term problems of the state, especially fiscal matters. Some decisions will be hard choices and offend some and maybe even all, but they will have to be made. The policy does not need a name tag.
According to a Times Picayune article dated 11/30/15 Louisiana ranks 48th in terms of quality of life. Only Virginia and Mississippi are worse. Louisiana has the 11th lowest rate of population growth, the 18th highest unemployment, the third highest poverty rate and the 4th lowest rate of life expectancy at birth. A policy based on ideology will not and has not solved any of those problems.
The people of Louisiana will find out that the republican party in the legislature and the Times Picayune editors will continue to push a conservative ideology that has proven to be a failure. The Times Picayune in a article of 2/13/12 titled, IT FIGURES, showed that the state budget for fiscal 2007/2008 was $34.3 billion and the proposed Jindal budget for fiscal 2012/2013 was $25.5 billion and makes the remark, ADJUSTING TO REALITY. The editors of the Times Picayune thought those cuts would reflect reality but every one now knows how those cuts have hurt the state and its people.
Governor elect Edwards will have to move the state in a different direction with hard choices that work and policies that have no name except "success." Conservative, liberal, bla, bla, bla, just disregard that political nonsense governor Edwards and do what is right for the state and its people. PolitiDose will be paying attention and reporting.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, January 3, 2016
America Enjoys Another Safe Holiday Season.
The American people turned out in force over the Christmas and New Years holidays and enjoyed another holiday season free from any terror attacks directed by a foreign country. New York's officials said over a million people jammed Time Square on New Year's eve to ring in the new year.
Shopping malls all across America were full with shoppers and football stadiums were full to capacity to see the football bowl teams in action. The American people turned off the scare tactics of the Fox News Network and the republican Presidential candidates who constantly reported the American people were living in fear of terror attacks.
Elmer Davis, one of Americas most respected journalist who also served his government during WWII said, THIS NATION WILL REMAIN THE LAND OF THE FREE ONLY SO LONG AS IT IS THE HOME OF THE BRAVE. The Fox News Network and today's republican party and its candidates have no idea what the word BRAVE means.
The American people stood tall and shook off the scare tactics. They are well aware of the terror problems but are not going to give in and surrender their freedom to terrorists and those who use scare tactics as a political tool.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Shopping malls all across America were full with shoppers and football stadiums were full to capacity to see the football bowl teams in action. The American people turned off the scare tactics of the Fox News Network and the republican Presidential candidates who constantly reported the American people were living in fear of terror attacks.
Elmer Davis, one of Americas most respected journalist who also served his government during WWII said, THIS NATION WILL REMAIN THE LAND OF THE FREE ONLY SO LONG AS IT IS THE HOME OF THE BRAVE. The Fox News Network and today's republican party and its candidates have no idea what the word BRAVE means.
The American people stood tall and shook off the scare tactics. They are well aware of the terror problems but are not going to give in and surrender their freedom to terrorists and those who use scare tactics as a political tool.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Drew Brees And His Self Serving Statements
In a Times Picayune article dated 12/30/15 titled, "Brees Confident He, Payton Will Be Back For 2016" written by Larry Holder and Christopher Dabe allude to an interview Brees gave to the NFL Network in which he said, " he did not see any scenario where he or Payton would not be back next year." That is a self serving statement that Brees has no control over if management has other ideas.
Brees also said, "I think we, a plan was put in place throughout last off season as to how we were going to build a foundation which to make a run at it in the future." That statement contradicts what Brees has been saying for the last few years when he said more than once the foundation was already there. Now he says they just started the foundation last off season.
It was also mentioned in the article Brees feels like the Saints have great character and leadership. After the end of last season Payton and several players said the Saints lacked leadership. (sports writers in New Orleans should remember that.) This writer has a hard time finding any positive change in the team since last season. With one game left to play the Saints can not improve on last years won-loss record of 7-9. Former Saints coach Jim Mora's famous coulda, woulda, shoulda is a good description of this Saints team since bounty gate.
The echos of bounty gate continue: We have the players, we have the foundation, we are all professionals, we know our jobs, we have good young players and etc, etc and etc. Still, there has been no progress over the last four seasons. Self serving statements are the foundation for failure. When you can not walk the talk, one should remain silent.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Brees also said, "I think we, a plan was put in place throughout last off season as to how we were going to build a foundation which to make a run at it in the future." That statement contradicts what Brees has been saying for the last few years when he said more than once the foundation was already there. Now he says they just started the foundation last off season.
It was also mentioned in the article Brees feels like the Saints have great character and leadership. After the end of last season Payton and several players said the Saints lacked leadership. (sports writers in New Orleans should remember that.) This writer has a hard time finding any positive change in the team since last season. With one game left to play the Saints can not improve on last years won-loss record of 7-9. Former Saints coach Jim Mora's famous coulda, woulda, shoulda is a good description of this Saints team since bounty gate.
The echos of bounty gate continue: We have the players, we have the foundation, we are all professionals, we know our jobs, we have good young players and etc, etc and etc. Still, there has been no progress over the last four seasons. Self serving statements are the foundation for failure. When you can not walk the talk, one should remain silent.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Paul Krugman, Economist And Editorial Writer For The New York Times Confirms Once Again, What Was Published Much Earlier In "PolitiDose"
In two recent editorials published in the Times Picayune dated 12/22 and 12/29 titled, "Republicans paved the way for Trump" and "Trumps absurdisms camouflage GOP extremism, Krugman points out what "PolitiDose" has been saying about Trump since he announced he was entering the republican Presidential race, that is the republican party created Trump and is responsible for the atmosphere Trump works in.
Krugman also points out how those republican candidates who are proposing tax cuts for the wealthy as George W.Bush did would be out of favor (because its harder than ever to claim tax cuts are the key to prosperity.) because they failed the economy, job creation, balancing the federal budget and etc. Ditto those same republican candidates would pursue the Bush foreign policy in the middle east. That also has been covered in "PolitiDose" many times over. Krugman also pointed out there are no moderates in the republican primary.
Paul Krugman is no pundit who goes with the republican talking points like so many journalists do. He and E.J. Dionne are two of the best informed writers concerning political facts, truths and substance. "PolitiDose" has been right there with them and on many occasions was the first to report the real story to its readers. Stay tuned, there will be more republican extremism coming out of the republican candidates as the campaign moves closer to the primaries.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Krugman also points out how those republican candidates who are proposing tax cuts for the wealthy as George W.Bush did would be out of favor (because its harder than ever to claim tax cuts are the key to prosperity.) because they failed the economy, job creation, balancing the federal budget and etc. Ditto those same republican candidates would pursue the Bush foreign policy in the middle east. That also has been covered in "PolitiDose" many times over. Krugman also pointed out there are no moderates in the republican primary.
Paul Krugman is no pundit who goes with the republican talking points like so many journalists do. He and E.J. Dionne are two of the best informed writers concerning political facts, truths and substance. "PolitiDose" has been right there with them and on many occasions was the first to report the real story to its readers. Stay tuned, there will be more republican extremism coming out of the republican candidates as the campaign moves closer to the primaries.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
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