Another Huge First For "PolitiDose."

Sean Illing, an Air Force veteran who teaches political science at LSU wrote a "Point of View" commentary in the Times Picayune of 3/1 titled, "Beware of Candidates Talking About Obama Instead Of Louisiana."  The gist of his commentary is that Louisiana elected officials who continue to attack the President and not tell the people what they stand for and what they would do to move Louisiana forward mislead the people at best and deliberately deceive at worst.

He also said (1)  the current administration in Baton Rouge has been utterly dishonest, lying and that budget gimmicks have run their course.  (2)  Louisiana is facing serious problems and serious leaders are lacking.  (3)  Louisiana's future is in serious jeopardy if the state legislators do not force Jindal's hands.  (4)  If you are a republican voter you should demand more from your candidates.  If you don't like Obama, fine.  But don't give a free pass to politicians.

And if all of that sounds familiar its because you read it all here first in "PolitiDose" many times over in the last several years in many commentaries.  The attacks on the President by republicans with out offering any policies to move Louisiana or the country forward, the lack of serious public officials, Jindal's budget gimmicks, voters being hoodwinked by the personal attacks on Obama, state legislators rubber stamping Jindal's policies and Louisiana's future being in serious jeopardy have all been subjects of commentary in "PolitiDose."

Mr. Illing's "Point of View" commentary is a little late but is a welcome change from a political science teacher who understands what has been taking place in our political system.  Too bad the editorial writers at the Times Picayune are so blind and so far removed from political truths.

This commentary written by Joe Lorio

Benjamin Netanyahu Is No Friend Of The United States

The U.S. House majority leader John Boehner invited Israel's Prime Minister to address congress which will take place Tuesday March 3.  Boehner failed to speak with President Obama about this situation and disregarded protocal.  This administration and previous U.S. administrations have not met with foreign leaders close to election and Netanyahu faces reelection in the next two weeks.  As a result of Boehner's actions it was announced that the President would not meet with Netanyahu while he were here and many democrats in congress said they would skip the Prime Minister's speech.

Boehner said he wanted Netanyahu to tell America why Iran can not be trusted with an agreement even while the U.S. and other countries are in talks with Iran concerning their nuclear program at this very moment.  Netanyahu will oppose any agreement with Iran and so will most republicans.  They would rather no agreement and use that as an excuse to go to war.  Israel is the dominant military power in the middle east, has WMD and nuclear weapons and the delivery systems to hit Iran and has had that capability for many years.

Netanyahu said Iran wishes to destroy Israel and that they do not believe the holocaust took place.  Iran certainly does not have the capacity to destroy Israel and would not take on that challenge even if they possessed nuclear weapons because they know Iran would be wiped off the face of the map.  What Israel wants and already has is the ability to use their military power with impunity in the middle east and want to maintain the status quo.

In this writers judgement Netanyahu and Israel can not be trusted.  They would love to see the U.S. start another war in the middle east.  They would like to dominate the foreign policy of the U.S. and Netanyahu speech before congress will try to do just that.  President Obama should not let that happen.  And to think it was an American, John Boehner who invited Netanyahu to try and influence the foreign policy of the U.S.

In the book, Body of Secrets by James Bamford he documented that the leaders of Israel (at the time) ordered the attack of a U.S. Naval vessell Liberty that was operating in international waters killing 34 U.S. service men and wounded many others.  Damage to the vessell was several million dollars.  Israel lied and said they did not know it was a U.S. ship when they did know.  The book should be read by all Americans to understand the true nature of Israel and their military judgement.

President Obama should continue to run foreign policy without interference from Israel or Netanyahu/  The well being of our country and its people are at stake.

See my previous commentary on Israel dated December 1 and 19, 2007 titled, Nuclear Arms in The Middle  East and Israel's Sad Excuse For Leadership.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio

President Obama Vetoes Canada's Keystone XL Pipe Line Legislation

The President kept his word and cast a veto of the above pipeline.  Obama indicated congress's passage of the legislation was an act that conflicts with established executive branch procedures.  He also reported that the process to evaluate the pipeline is still in progress.

The republicans response was the same old story of how the President gave in to the environmental extremist and vowed to continue the fight.  Louisiana's U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy said Obama's veto shows allegiance to his supporters.  I guess that means the republicans vote to pass the legislation shows their allegiance to the oil and gas industry.  Is this supposed to be a checkmate game the republicans are playing?

This writer in a previous commentary pointed out how the pipeline, if built, will do nothing that the republicans claim it would do and why.  In fact the CEO's of the Canada pipeline still can not tell America how much of that oil will stay in the United States.  The Company also wants to claim eminent domain of the private property of land owners where the pipline will pass.  That is now tied up in the courts.

The bottom line is that the republican controlled congress failed to produce positive legislation at a time when the country should be moving forward on issues the President will sign into law.  Minimum wage, Immigration   Reform, rebuilding the nations infrastructure and etc., that will create more jobs than the pipeline and over a longer period of time.  And to make things worse the U.S. House has said they are ready to shut down the Home Land Security Department if funding is not tied to the repeal of the President's executive order on immigration.

Taking over control of Congress should be a humble experience for the republicans to produce for the country and its people but todays republican ideology is self defeating because they do not want this administration to be successful.  They can not articulate any positive economic policy that came out of the last republican administration so they lack any original thought as what to do now except obstruct.  And that really says it all.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio

The Past Week Exposed The True Character Of A Few Conservative Republicans

If you thought there was a bottom as to how low some conservatives can stoop, the past week has proven there is no bottom.  The latest was Louisiana's governor Bobby Jindal's comment that President Obama is unfit to be Commander In Chief.  The little boy is mad that the President will not use Jindal's words to describe Terrorists.  He, along with other Republicans want the President to call the terrorists, "radical Islamic terrorists."  Jindal like McCain and Graham are also mad that the President has ruled out American troops in an active combat role in Iraq.

Earlier, former New York City Mayor  Rudy Giuliani accused the President of not loving America which was the subject by this writer in a commentary in "PolitiDose."  The two little boys show just how cowardly they are and their lack of character for their unfounded attacks.  President Obama has a successful record in keeping America safe and fighting terror no matter what Jindal and his party call terrorists.  Bobby and Rudy still want republicans to run the country even though the people rejected their two republican Presidential candidates in 2008 and 2012.

The week also exposed Fox's Bill O'Reilly's claim of being in a war zone during the Falkland's war when he was no where near a war zone.  O'Reilly's news buddies at the Fox network tried to come to his rescue the last few days with phony platitudes that sounded like character witnesses.  But O'Reilly has put his own foot in his own mouth in his own book and in his own words and can not escape the facts.

Those three have no respect for the President, the truth and lack an understanding of the important role respect plays for people in their position.  What a waste.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio

Rudy Giuliani Promotes The UnAmerican Conservative Ideology Of The Republican Party

Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York City and candidate for the republican party's Presidential nomination in 2008 said he does not believe President Obama loves America.  He also said Obama does not love you or me and was not brought up through love of this country.  Giuliani made those remarks at a private dinner Wednesday night in New York.

There is nothing worse than a jealous conservative ideology that has to rely on personal attacks to try and discredit another person.  The American people made the right choice and decision in turning Rudy away in the 2008 primaries.  When a person trys to be judge and jury to another persons life that is an indication something is very wrong with the accuser.

The so called leaders of today's republican party are not leaders at all.  They no longer live the spirit of being an American and the responsibility of civil order.  They envy the President because he has moved the country and its people forward in a responsible way and rolled back the failures of the Bush administration.

Rudy is one of many republican conservatives who are unable to articulate any achievements they have accomplished for the country and its people.  So its personal attacks that excites their ill informed base.  The conservatives want America to live in fear and preach fear every day.  But America's true leaders understand we have nothing to fear but fear itself.

I feel sure Rudy was not brought up to practice the hate he preaches.  It is something he has chosen to do on his own.  It falls in line with his conservative ideology that is being used to divide the people and the country. If Hilary Clinton decides to run for President the personal attacks against her by the republican party will grow even louder.  And when that happens you will have read it here first in "PolitiDose."


This commentary written by Joe Lorio

The O'Reilly Factor, Still King Of The Spin Zone

O'Reilly's spin concerning President Obama's speech on violent extremism, ISIL and Iraq is a continuation of the networks long standing policy of never associating what has gone wrong in Iraq and the middle east with the George W. Bush administration.  Instead, keep a steady drumbeat on the Obama administration's policies and call them failures.

Bill is still chapped that the President has refused to make the same mistakes as Bush did and have American's fight a ground war in Iraq and else where in the middle east.  He is also chapped at Obama's position that those countries being terrorized by ISIL should defend their own lives and their cites and towns and join the war against ISIL with help from the U.S.  Egypt and Jordan did just that when their citizens were executed by ISIL just recently.

Mother Jones pointed out O'Reilly's big spin problem of writing in one of his books that he served in a "war zone" during the Falklands war.  Mother Jones says the war was over when O'Reilly arrived in Buenos Aires and witnessed only a riot in the streets of that city.  O'Reilly responded with personal attacks against the reporter who broke the story.  A usual trait of a person who feels inadequent.  (move over Brian Williams, you have company.)

This writer can recall during the run up to war in Iraq when the big O had Bill Maher as his guest.  The talk got around serving in the military.  O'Reilly told Maher he had a buddy that served in Viet Nam and when he came home he told the big O not  to serve in the military.  O'Reilly told Maher he did not serve in the military because his buddy told him not to.  You won't find a better cop out than that spin.

There is an old saying that opposites attract.  So when the big O says his show is the no spin zone and fair and balanced, you know it represents just the opposite.  And Bill proves it on a nightly basis.  Its hell when you have a top rated show and all you can offer is spin.  In fact, its a very sad way for some one to waste precious time.  And that really says it all.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio

McConnell and Boehner: Leaders, Who Fail To Lead.

Those leaders of the U.S. House and Senate said last November after the elections gave the republican party control of congress, they would lead and not shut down the government.  But just this week, both would not rule out doing just that if democrats do not go along with their legislation to block the President's executive order on immigration.

McConnell and Boehner are still bent on running the country and neither have ever received one vote outside of their own state.  Their ideology will not allow them to accept the fact that Obama won two national elections.  Their goal is still the same as day one, do all they can to oppose any policy the President proposes.

Steve Scalise, Louisiana's rep., in the U.S. House and third in command continues to show his ignorance and little boy attitude concerning the economy and legislation that would work best for the country and its people.  His actions show he has learned nothing from his time in the U.S. House during the G.W. Bush years in office when he rubber stamped Bush's failed policies.  He too is ready to shut down the government.

President Obama challenged McConnell and Boehner and their party on multiple fronts since the November elections and now holds the high ground.  The republican party is in a tizzy over the President's request for authority to fight ISIL.  They are pleading with him not to veto the XL Pipe Line legislation they passed.  They want desperately to pass something to hang their hat on even if it is bad legislation.  (like the 50 plus times they voted to repeal the ACA)

In Scalise's home state of Louisiana the latest figures show over 184,000 citizens have signed up for the ACA with the latest enrollment, close to 83,000 more than in 2014 according to a Times Picayune article dated 2/19.  And Scalise and his party still oppose the ACA and have nothing to offer in response and Scalise has been a member of congress since 2008.  Maybe he is waiting on instructions from David Duke.

The republican party controlled both houses of congress from 2002-2006 during the Bush 43 administration and everyone is aware how that administration ended up.  Federal spending was up every year and no one can remember any progress during that time.  They did pass a prescription drug benefit which ended up costing the tax payers over $1 trillion.  They said it would not cost over $400 billion.

This writer does not expect any thing progressive to come out of the republican controlled congress unless they believe it will help their party win the White House in 2016.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio

The News Media In New Orleans: A Failed Assessment Of The Jindal Administration. But "PolitiDose" Called It Early On

The news media in general, Television, Print and Radio and particularly talk radio are just now realizing how the states fiscal year budget deficit for fiscal year ending 6/30/15 is hurting the state because of a $300 million deficit.  And are now talking about devastating cuts to next years budget that is projecting a $1.6 trillion deficit.  Where have these people been?  Every budget Jindal has proposed has run a deficit that had to be closed before the end of the budget year with cuts but the media voices have been silent and actually said he was doing a good job.

Jindal has 11 months left in office and now the news media is sounding the alarm.  But "PolitiDose" was there early on in commentary to point out what was actually taking place with Jindal's fairy tale budgets, unemployment, the fiscal disaster he will leave the next Governor in January 2016 and a host of other actions that has hurt the state and its people.  The news media need not be nasty in their reports, just report the facts and why Jindal's policies have failed.

All of the signs were there early after he took office.  A broad reduction in taxes along with the massive give away of tax breaks for business that eroded Louisiana's revenue base.  Cutting government jobs for privatizing is not a job creator.  The news media should have know the outcome of those irresponsible acts because it is the same as "trickle down economics" that was tried and failed on the federal level by republican administrations.

In fact the Jindal administration along with the republican controlled state legislature is a mirror image of the G.W. Bush administration that ended in disaster for the country and its people.  Bush inherited balanced budgets and surpluses from the Clinton administration and blew it big time.  Jindal inherited a $877 million surplus when he took office from democratic governor Kathleen Blance and blew it big time.  That should have been the news media"s first key to understand just what Jindal was up to.

Cuts to state spending has not worked to improve Louisiana's fiscal house, its revenue base, job creation, lower unemployment or balance budgets.  According to a Times Picayune story of 2/14, two of three significant U.S. credit rating agencies moved Louisiana from a "stable" to a "negative" outlook based on the state's budget woes.  Jindal now blames the latest budget problems on the falling price of a barrel of oil but Jindal's past budget problems occured during a period of time when the price of a barrel of oil was sky high. It is his way of trying to escape responsibility for his own failed policies.

The $8 billion in tax cuts and incentatives for business is an albatross around the neck of the state and its  people.  It represents approximately 25% of the state budget and no state, especially Louisiana, can give up that amount of revenue and be productive.  It negates the natural benefits the state has to offer business.  So what do our political leaders do?  They dole out tax breaks that are not needed and to top it off the tax revenue for the state is not there that these businessess are supposed to produce.  Unemployment is up in Louisiana since Jindal took office.  It is down nationally but one would never know that from the news media.  But you do know that if you read "PolitiDose".  The media now smells MEAT in the water late in the game and will be on Jindal's case for the next eleven months.  But it is too little too late.  The die has been cast and Louisiana's fiscal house is in deep trouble.

Republican conservatives were giving an opportunity to run the state and they have failed because of a right wing ideology.  Past democratic governors and a democratic controlled legislature has always produced better results for the state and its people.  It is a matter of fundamental governing and a serious attitude toward policy.  Conservative ideology as practiced by Jindal and republican leaders have no probative value.

Understanding the past is still the key to a better future.  The news media, like the republican party have a blind eye toward the past and failed to learn from the past 7 years Of Jindal's time in office.  The news media can not force the people to believe but they still have an obligation to report the facts that are taking place in government and the reality of what is taking place.

"PolitiDose" your daily dose of political commentary fills that void.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio

Part III Algiers: State Representative Jeff Arnold Wants To Create A New Parish On The West Bank Of Jefferson And Orleans Parish

Algiers, the place of this writers birth and a life long resident.  Although located on the west bank it is an intergal part of Orleans Parish on the east bank.  It has been that way since I can remember.  The jobs are on the east bank, entertainment, Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, the seat of parish government, NOMA, cultural attractions, the Fair Grounds, the Jazz Fest and the list goes on and on.  No where else in the Metro area can you find the equivalence of City and Audubon Park or their four golf courses and all are public facilities.  Plus, as one person commented in Part I, Algiers is part of one of the great cities in the United States.

Yet, Louisiana's representative Jeff Arnold, who represents Algiers feels Algiers is neglected and needs to secede from Orleans Parish on the east bank.  The people do not elect their representatives to push such an agenda.  Especially when there is no outcry by its citizens to do so.  Algiers has problems like many cities in Louisiana but seceding is not the answer and no one can predict the results of such action.  Elected officials are expected to work things out when problems occur for the good of the people they represent.

Over the years crime in Algiers has not been a big problem.  A larger New Orleans Police Force which Mayor Landrieu is actively pursuing will help Algiers do more community police work.  Algiers needs street repairs like every city in the Metro area that has been neglected for years that has made the problem worse.  But this writer can see progress being made there and improvements to streets and drainage in Algiers especially along De Gaulle and MacArthur.

The new and improved shopping center at Village Aurora with its new stores and restaurant represents a large improvement after being dormant for years.  Walmart's move to Algiers on Behrman highway from its previous location in Gretna just up the street.  Walgreen's new store on Generay Meyer and a new walking path and bicycle path on the levee.

Federal City with the right management will be a great progressive asset when completed and bring new people into Algiers and more building.  The new Marine Base is a marvel and will be in Algiers for many years to come.  English Turn has brought people from all over to their community and has a great setting.

Mayor Landrieu has done a good job in reversing 25 plus years of neglect in Orleans Parish.  He is not a miracle worker and does not have all the tools yet to do all that needs to be done.  But he is actively working toward that goal.  Algiers has had good representation through out the years on the city council and on the state level and our state representatives have been able to secure finance for various projects in Algiers.  The state should help cities more but we have a legislature that is dominated by governor Jindal who's policies have been a fiscal disaster for the state.

Arnold wants the City of Gretna to be the parish seat of the new parish he proposes.  This writer is in total opposition to that fairy tale.  It shows a lack of though process on the subject matter and would be like moving the state Capitol from Baton Rouge to Gonzales, Louisiana.  Now, I want to say something about the  intention of bringing this matter up during the next legislature session.

I was born and raised in Algiers Point so I know a little about the ferry there and the vital part it has always played in the lives of the people who live there.  It is relevant to the notion of seceding.  Since Arnold wants the state to hear his case the people should remember that it was the state that allowed the bridge toll vote to go forward without first having a plan to finance the Algiers ferry operation if the vote to lift the tolls was passed.  Well it was passed and as of this date the hours of service for the Algiers ferry has not been restored to what it was before the vote.  The cost to ride the ferry was also increased.  The state did not handle that situation well.  The people of Algiers deserved better.  A source of revenue was eliminated.

Arnold's proposal lacks the support of the people in Algiers and this writer detects a failed relationship with the Mayor.  It is also possible that there are unnamed individuals who are behind this insane idea that would like to control the government of a new parish on the west bank and the operation of Federal City.  The answer to better service in the City of New Orleans and Algiers, including improvements that need to be made is a tax structure that is fair where every one pays his or her fair share.  The answer for the state to be able to provide financial help to cities across Louisiana who need it is a fair state tax structure that is fair where everyone pays his or her fair share.  Both the City and State lacks such a tax structure.  The $8 billion of tax exemptions for business on the state level is a dagger in the heart to state revenue.

The people of Algiers should make their voices known that they want to remain a part of one of the greatest cities in the United States.


This commentary written by Joe Lorio