Last season saw the pre-season coaches poll picking LSU to finish out of the top 10. Some sports writers in Louisiana thought they were wrong and that LSU would be in the top 10 and qualify for a playoff birth. It never happened and LSU finished out of the top 10 as predicted. At the time this writer wrote a commentary pointing out 3 possible reasons why the coaches poll may be on target. Those three reasons are still valid for this years LSU team and time will tell. The reasons are:
(1) LSU is starting off the season once again with an unproven quarterback. (2) A new defensive coordinator with a good history but no record of success at LSU yet or week to week experience in a conference as tough as the SEC. (3) The greatest challenge of all is head coach Les Miles eleven years at LSU and still runs the same old out dated offense and offensive play calling. Run right, run left even if the ball carrier gets stuffed.
This write4r will be surprised if LSU finishes the season in the top 10
Like LSU, the Saints will kick off the regular season with the same problems they had last year. It was the Saints third losing seasons in the last four years. Brees, Payton and the Saints players did not earn their salary. Payton lost control of the ball club and Brees is not the same Brees regardless what the New Orleans sports writers say.
The Saints are not a consistent winning team and do not show professionalism through out the season. Some times they do not even look like they belong. The New Orleans sports writers seem to think new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will turn the defense around. This writer is not so sure since Payton failed the hiring test with his last two coordinators. This year could well end up being another experiment on defense.
Payton and Brees are over rated at their positions and have failed to be the weapon that carry the team. They are not the pieces that fit the puzzle together and the last four seasons have proven that. Another big question has to do with the closeness of the team and the coaching staff. There was obvious friction between some players and also between some players and coaches the last two seasons. It showed on their faces on the sideline. That is a serious problem.
There are too many unknowns to see a winning season and only time will tell.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, August 12, 2016
Thursday, August 11, 2016
The Transition From The Previous Republican Administration To The Present Democratic Administration Has Been A Remarkable One
You won't hear the republicans, conservatives or the news media talking about it but once again it has been a democratic administration that has guided America's ship back on course in a positive way. The turnaround has been remarkable when one thinks about the deepness of the economic recession, the record job losses,
record deficit spending, two wars with many thousands of U.S. troops and thousands of U.S. deaths. A failed banking system not seen since the great depression and a unnecessary war started by a President over WMD that did not exist against a country who was no threat to the U.S.
President Obama with the help of the democratic controlled congress in his first two years took the challenge head on and passed legislation that put the nation back on course. A growing economy that has created over 15 million jobs and put America back to work. Deficit spending has been reduced, the unemployment rate has been lowered to 4.9%. Our troop level has been reduced in Iraq and Afghanistan and those countries are taking on most of their own fighting, a combination that has reduced the U.S. death toll. Much progress has been made against ISIS despite the negative tone of the noise machine. The ACA which has insured over 15 million people.
The banking industry is now better regulated with tough requirements. Our people at home and abroad have been safer from foreign terror attacks. Our military is the best in the world and serve the nation with honor, commitment, pride and never complain. The administration has a priority that continues to bring terrorists leaders around the world to justice. And America has a President who believes in inclusion not division, hope and not fear, civility and not extremism.
The accomplishments of the past seven and half years describe what America is all about. A nation that over comes, that deals with hardships and faces reality with determination to do better. The negative voices from the dark side are incapable of competing with the truth and that is why the country needs to elect a President in November that will build on and improve on the accomplished of the past seven and half years. We dare not let the future be like the failed policies of the past.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
record deficit spending, two wars with many thousands of U.S. troops and thousands of U.S. deaths. A failed banking system not seen since the great depression and a unnecessary war started by a President over WMD that did not exist against a country who was no threat to the U.S.
President Obama with the help of the democratic controlled congress in his first two years took the challenge head on and passed legislation that put the nation back on course. A growing economy that has created over 15 million jobs and put America back to work. Deficit spending has been reduced, the unemployment rate has been lowered to 4.9%. Our troop level has been reduced in Iraq and Afghanistan and those countries are taking on most of their own fighting, a combination that has reduced the U.S. death toll. Much progress has been made against ISIS despite the negative tone of the noise machine. The ACA which has insured over 15 million people.
The banking industry is now better regulated with tough requirements. Our people at home and abroad have been safer from foreign terror attacks. Our military is the best in the world and serve the nation with honor, commitment, pride and never complain. The administration has a priority that continues to bring terrorists leaders around the world to justice. And America has a President who believes in inclusion not division, hope and not fear, civility and not extremism.
The accomplishments of the past seven and half years describe what America is all about. A nation that over comes, that deals with hardships and faces reality with determination to do better. The negative voices from the dark side are incapable of competing with the truth and that is why the country needs to elect a President in November that will build on and improve on the accomplished of the past seven and half years. We dare not let the future be like the failed policies of the past.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
The Republican Controlled Congress Continues To Do Nothing.
The republican party has been in control of both houses of congress for almost two years and has no record of accomplishments for the country and its people. They are still drawing top pay and are out raising funds for their next campaign but have no respect for their office and feel no responsibility toward the people who elect them. They have even refused to hold hearings on the President's nominee to the Supreme Court as of this writing.
They have yet to approve the President's request for funds to fight ISIS. The highway bill to rebuild and repair the nations infrastructure, immigration reform, the minimum wage and many other issues raised by the President to keep the economy working. And to top if off the people of Louisiana were told by those republicans who represent Louisiana in congress they had a robust agenda on issues vital to the nation and the state. Of course it never happened and they are just marking time. They do not want to see anything positive to happen before the elections.
The combination of the republican party and Donald Trump are a disgrace to America's political system and a direct threat to the foundation of government. And worst of all, they seem to enjoy it. Those republicans who are now walking away from Trump can not separate themselves from him or his unAmerican rhetoric this late in the campaign after pledging their support because Trump is acting out their party's ideology of divide and conquer no matter what. That is what the leaders of the party in congress did when they refused to work with President Obama when he was first elected.
The democratic party is still the best hope for America, its people, our form of government and society. Trump and the republican party are proving that every day.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
They have yet to approve the President's request for funds to fight ISIS. The highway bill to rebuild and repair the nations infrastructure, immigration reform, the minimum wage and many other issues raised by the President to keep the economy working. And to top if off the people of Louisiana were told by those republicans who represent Louisiana in congress they had a robust agenda on issues vital to the nation and the state. Of course it never happened and they are just marking time. They do not want to see anything positive to happen before the elections.
The combination of the republican party and Donald Trump are a disgrace to America's political system and a direct threat to the foundation of government. And worst of all, they seem to enjoy it. Those republicans who are now walking away from Trump can not separate themselves from him or his unAmerican rhetoric this late in the campaign after pledging their support because Trump is acting out their party's ideology of divide and conquer no matter what. That is what the leaders of the party in congress did when they refused to work with President Obama when he was first elected.
The democratic party is still the best hope for America, its people, our form of government and society. Trump and the republican party are proving that every day.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
A Knight of Columbus Leader Tries To Divide The Country Over Religion.
According to a New Orleans Advocate story dated 8/6/16 by David Gibson of the Religion News Service, Carl Anderson, leader of the Knights of Columbus Fraternal Order and one of the most influential lay Catholics in the church said that abortion out weighs all other issues in the Presidential campaign and Catholics can not vote for a candidate who supports abortion rights. Anderson also said It is time to stop creating excuses for voting for pro abortion politicians. Mr. Anderson is a conservative republican who at one time worked for U.S. Senator Jesse Helms and served in various positions in the Reagan administration. He made his remarks at the Knights International Convention in Toronto last week.
Anderson seems to have forgotten he does not speak for or make policy for the Catholic Church, the Pope does. His attempt to divide Catholics using abortion is a signature of the extreme position of the republicans and goes against what Pope Francis said about abortion soon after becoming Pope. That was revealed in a previous commentary in PolitiDose at the time dated 9/25/13. Pope Francis said in his wisdom that the Roman Catholic Church had grown obsessed with preaching about abortion, gay marriage and contraception and that he has chosen not to speak of those issues. The Pope also put his remarks in the context that the Church is a big tent with many more important issues that have an impact on all phases of the Catholic Church.
Those elected officials who support a woman's right to choose does not mean they are for abortion. It means they understand the law and that it is legal for a woman to choose. Anderson and the republican party are trying to play the religious card and make it a religious issue. The leaders of the anti abortion crowd know a constitutional amendment is needed to change the courts decision but no republican President who has claimed to be against abortion has ever had the character or courage to push for such an amendment. In other words talk is cheap for those who say they are anti abortion. The only thing they are looking for is votes and to divide the country.
The Knights of Columbus are a respected organization but Mr. Anderson gave it a black eye with his divisive speech and ignored the Pope's speech and direction concerning the subject matter.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Anderson seems to have forgotten he does not speak for or make policy for the Catholic Church, the Pope does. His attempt to divide Catholics using abortion is a signature of the extreme position of the republicans and goes against what Pope Francis said about abortion soon after becoming Pope. That was revealed in a previous commentary in PolitiDose at the time dated 9/25/13. Pope Francis said in his wisdom that the Roman Catholic Church had grown obsessed with preaching about abortion, gay marriage and contraception and that he has chosen not to speak of those issues. The Pope also put his remarks in the context that the Church is a big tent with many more important issues that have an impact on all phases of the Catholic Church.
Those elected officials who support a woman's right to choose does not mean they are for abortion. It means they understand the law and that it is legal for a woman to choose. Anderson and the republican party are trying to play the religious card and make it a religious issue. The leaders of the anti abortion crowd know a constitutional amendment is needed to change the courts decision but no republican President who has claimed to be against abortion has ever had the character or courage to push for such an amendment. In other words talk is cheap for those who say they are anti abortion. The only thing they are looking for is votes and to divide the country.
The Knights of Columbus are a respected organization but Mr. Anderson gave it a black eye with his divisive speech and ignored the Pope's speech and direction concerning the subject matter.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Louisiana and The Times Picayune's Columnist Tim Morris
Tim Morris in a Times Picayune article of 8/7/16 does his best to document that Louisiana is a republican state and says most Louisiana voters believe that the republican party best represents their views on the role of government, moral values, religion, abortion, taxes, guns and national security. He also said it would take an asteroid event to stop Trump from winning Louisiana in November. Morris also uses comments by a UNO and LSU representatives to prove Louisiana is a ruby red state that leans toward the right.
The people of Louisiana have a free will to vote for the candidate of their choice but their opinions about who best represents the views of the people do not pass the fact checking test. And if Morris thinks Trump has a positive record on those views he needs to seek other employment. The people of Louisiana helped to elect George W. Bush twice and did elect Jobby Jindal twice but neither one has a positive record of accomplishments and both left office with a very low job approval rating, much lower than 50%.
Louisiana is still at the bottom or near the bottom in health care, the economy, jobs, balancing the budget and so many other areas compared to the other states so being a red state is not very persuasive. In fact democratic administrations are actually the best at representing the voters views but the voters can not bring themselves to admit it.
Louisiana may vote red in November but will still have a democratic governor who will out perform Jindal in accomplishing good things for the state and its people. And that is really what counts most for the state because it is Louisiana's actions on the issues that affect the people more than the federal government's actions. So in the end democratic blue will triumph over the republican ruby red big time.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The people of Louisiana have a free will to vote for the candidate of their choice but their opinions about who best represents the views of the people do not pass the fact checking test. And if Morris thinks Trump has a positive record on those views he needs to seek other employment. The people of Louisiana helped to elect George W. Bush twice and did elect Jobby Jindal twice but neither one has a positive record of accomplishments and both left office with a very low job approval rating, much lower than 50%.
Louisiana is still at the bottom or near the bottom in health care, the economy, jobs, balancing the budget and so many other areas compared to the other states so being a red state is not very persuasive. In fact democratic administrations are actually the best at representing the voters views but the voters can not bring themselves to admit it.
Louisiana may vote red in November but will still have a democratic governor who will out perform Jindal in accomplishing good things for the state and its people. And that is really what counts most for the state because it is Louisiana's actions on the issues that affect the people more than the federal government's actions. So in the end democratic blue will triumph over the republican ruby red big time.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Job Growth Continues Its Progress Under The Obama Administration.
The U.S. Labor Department announced 255,000 new jobs were created in July and the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.9%. It was the 77th straight month of positive job growth. The Department also announced hourly wages were up in July and 2.7% higher than a year ago. A good percentage of people looking for work are being hired and new workers continue to enter the job market.
The good news concerning the economy and jobs will only continue if a democrat is elected President in November. Precedent has backed that up time and again. Trump and his party continue to support the failed ideology of trickle down economics, that of massive tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy. And on the campaign trail Trump continues to attack the President's record on the economy and jobs. I guess he would like to take the country and its people back to the years of the George W. Bush administration. After all, Trump's tax proposals are a mirror image of what Bush pushed through congress.
Hillary Clinton is running on a plan and policy that would build on and enhance the positive direction of the economy, job creation, reducing deficit spending and better wages for the middle class that began under the Obama administration. On the other hand Trump is running against an economic recovery and job creation made possible by President Obama's policies and the democrats in congress who backed the President up when they controlled both houses of congress.
The truth of the matter tells us the issues that affect the country and its people the most are better off in the hands of a democratic administration with out a doubt. And the actions of Donald Trump and the republicans in congress give proof every day to that truth.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, August 4, 2016
President Obama Has Some Timely Words For The GOP
This week the President said that Donald Trump is unfit to serve as President and that he was woefully unprepared to do this job. The President also asked the GOP, "why are you still endorsing him if you are repeatedly having to say, in very strong terms that what he has said is unacceptable?" He also told the GOP, because of that their criticisms of Trump "rings hollow."
During the week there were two republicans that did say they could not support Trump and would vote for Hillary Clinton. The leaders of the republican party in congress and the majority of the republicans in congress still say they will support their nominee. Nothing has really changed concerning the republican party in general, their leaders and most conservative journalists. They are trying to play both ends but the truth is the republican party and Trump are one and the same. That has been the conclusion of this writer from the very beginning. New York Times journalist Paul Krugman reported the same conclusion in a Times Picayune editorial of 7/31/16. He pointed out that the only difference is that the substance is less disguised than usual under Trump.
Also, this week the latest poll showed President Obama's job approval rating is at 54%. That is much higher than the 20-30% range of President George W. Bush during the same time period of his administration. And when President Obama leaves office in January his administration will have out performed the Bush administration in every positive category.
So why is Trump pushing the same failed policies of the Bush administration? Lower tax rates for Corporate America and the wealthy and a go it alone policy in world affairs. Ideology is still not a plan even if the republican leaders name is Donald Trump. Our country has been there and done that and we dare not go there again.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
During the week there were two republicans that did say they could not support Trump and would vote for Hillary Clinton. The leaders of the republican party in congress and the majority of the republicans in congress still say they will support their nominee. Nothing has really changed concerning the republican party in general, their leaders and most conservative journalists. They are trying to play both ends but the truth is the republican party and Trump are one and the same. That has been the conclusion of this writer from the very beginning. New York Times journalist Paul Krugman reported the same conclusion in a Times Picayune editorial of 7/31/16. He pointed out that the only difference is that the substance is less disguised than usual under Trump.
Also, this week the latest poll showed President Obama's job approval rating is at 54%. That is much higher than the 20-30% range of President George W. Bush during the same time period of his administration. And when President Obama leaves office in January his administration will have out performed the Bush administration in every positive category.
So why is Trump pushing the same failed policies of the Bush administration? Lower tax rates for Corporate America and the wealthy and a go it alone policy in world affairs. Ideology is still not a plan even if the republican leaders name is Donald Trump. Our country has been there and done that and we dare not go there again.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
One Of America's Wealthiest Says It Best About Donald Trump
Warren Buffett spoke at a Hillary Clinton rally on Monday in Omaha, Nebraska, hometown to Buffett's business empire and was clear in his endorsement of Clinton. In fact he said on election day in November he would personally drive 10 people to the polls that needed a ride to cast their votes. Also that he would make transportation available all day to take the people to the voting places in Omaha's congressional districts and that he himself would be on the bus all day. What an endorsement of Hillary Clinton.
Buffett also challenged Donald Trump to make his tax returns public and said Trump was afraid to do so. Then he challenged Trump by saying, HE WOULD MEET TRUMP ANY TIME AND ANY PLACE IN PUBLIC AND BOTH COULD BRING THEIR TAX RETURNS AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT THE PUBLIC HAS ON ANY LINE ITEM ON THEIR TAX RETURNS. Buffett has character and courage and one can bet Trump will not take Buffett up on his offer.
Then Buffett said it all in a statement when he said the following: NO MEMBER OF THE BUFFETT FAMILY HAS GONE TO IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN AND NO MEMBER OF THE TRUMP FAMILY HAS GONE TO IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN. WE'VE BOTH DONE EXTREMELY WELL DURING THIS PERIOD AND OUR FAMILIES HAVEN'T SACRIFICED ANY THING. Ouch, that really hit Trump where it hurt.
Despite his wealth Buffett said long ago corporate America and the wealthy should pay more in taxes and that paying taxes is no excuse for a business not to be profitable. Buffett is also a critic of companies who claim to lose money but still pay their CEO's and executives huge bonuses while laying off employees and eliminating health insurance for the average worker.
Buffett's support for Clinton and his rejection of Trump come at a critical time in the campaign. The conventions are over and it is now one on one and less than 100 days to the November election. More people are starting to make up their minds and can see a clearer picture of the two candidates. This writer feels Buffett's comments and support will have a positive affect on Hillary Clinton's chances to win in November.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Buffett also challenged Donald Trump to make his tax returns public and said Trump was afraid to do so. Then he challenged Trump by saying, HE WOULD MEET TRUMP ANY TIME AND ANY PLACE IN PUBLIC AND BOTH COULD BRING THEIR TAX RETURNS AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT THE PUBLIC HAS ON ANY LINE ITEM ON THEIR TAX RETURNS. Buffett has character and courage and one can bet Trump will not take Buffett up on his offer.
Then Buffett said it all in a statement when he said the following: NO MEMBER OF THE BUFFETT FAMILY HAS GONE TO IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN AND NO MEMBER OF THE TRUMP FAMILY HAS GONE TO IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN. WE'VE BOTH DONE EXTREMELY WELL DURING THIS PERIOD AND OUR FAMILIES HAVEN'T SACRIFICED ANY THING. Ouch, that really hit Trump where it hurt.
Despite his wealth Buffett said long ago corporate America and the wealthy should pay more in taxes and that paying taxes is no excuse for a business not to be profitable. Buffett is also a critic of companies who claim to lose money but still pay their CEO's and executives huge bonuses while laying off employees and eliminating health insurance for the average worker.
Buffett's support for Clinton and his rejection of Trump come at a critical time in the campaign. The conventions are over and it is now one on one and less than 100 days to the November election. More people are starting to make up their minds and can see a clearer picture of the two candidates. This writer feels Buffett's comments and support will have a positive affect on Hillary Clinton's chances to win in November.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Monday, August 1, 2016
An Independent Voice At The Democratic National Convention
A very important endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President and a strong rebuke of Donald Trump's candidacy took place at the Democratic convention by speaker Michael Bloomberg. The former Mayor of New York City, an independent for some time and one time republican and democrat laid out his reasons why . He urged independents and others to support Clinton in the genera election and noted the importance of doing so.
The reasons for Bloomberg's position are powerful: He is a business man and a very wealthy one and is out of politics; He knows Trump and his nasty business dealings well: He is an independent and owes allegiance to no political party; He believes business and political leaders need to work together to solve problems and promote economic well being; His speech and thoughts were from his own free independent mind; He is well aware how Clinton worked with New York officials after the tragic results of 9/11 when she was a U.S. Senator and help from the federal government was greatly needed.
As a former elected official and active business man Bloomberg is well qualified for his strong support for Clinton as the next President and his rebuke of Donald Trump. It could turn out to be one of the most important endorsements of the 2016 Presidential campaign.
The people who know Donald Trump the best continue to reject him. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The reasons for Bloomberg's position are powerful: He is a business man and a very wealthy one and is out of politics; He knows Trump and his nasty business dealings well: He is an independent and owes allegiance to no political party; He believes business and political leaders need to work together to solve problems and promote economic well being; His speech and thoughts were from his own free independent mind; He is well aware how Clinton worked with New York officials after the tragic results of 9/11 when she was a U.S. Senator and help from the federal government was greatly needed.
As a former elected official and active business man Bloomberg is well qualified for his strong support for Clinton as the next President and his rebuke of Donald Trump. It could turn out to be one of the most important endorsements of the 2016 Presidential campaign.
The people who know Donald Trump the best continue to reject him. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, July 31, 2016
A Traitor Among Us: Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and Russia.
Donald Trump watched a good and successful democratic convention this week then took the step toward being a traitor to his country and its people with his anti American comments concerning President Obama and the hacking into people's private emails. He also lashed out at those who spoke at the democratic convention and said he would hit them back hard. He can not take the fact that those who know him best such as the former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg has endorsed Clinton and exposed Trump's dirty business dealings.
Trump praised Russia's Putin and said he is a better leader than President Obama. That is an anti American and un patriotic statement against the leader of the free world. Putin does not even know the meaning of the word, free. It is a classic example of Trumps lack of character and his support for the way Putin rules his country, so it is obvious Trump approves of Putin's tractics. That is a hint as to how Trump himself operates.
Trump also invited Russia to spy on American's private emails. When he asked Russia to hack into Clinton's private email server, that was espionage in any ones book and the author was Donald Trump. The same person who said he would order our military to engage in torture. So now Putin and Russia has a U.S. Presidential nominee who has invited them to spy on America. That makes Donald Trump a traitor to his country and its people and his motive is political and personal gain to do business with Russia.
Donald Trump continues to reject the America our people have known, loved and fought for in our 200 plus years of history and the republican party's leaders still refuse to reject his anti American actions. And to think this is the man the news media has a love affair with. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
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