Outnumbered is a cable show that lacks fundamentals necessary to be creditable. It usually consist of four ladies and one male panelist who make up the panel. The Show is overwhelmingly dedicated to negative reporting, placing blame and usually about the President.
The mainstay is a right wing conservative dialog and projects messages on the bottom of the TV screen concerning the subject matter and uses the word scandal to describe a hosts of issues. Scandal is used as a plant word to influence their viewers even though no scandal is involved.
Theother mainstay is four attractive lady panelist that show a lot of legs that the camera man makes sure the camera angle is just right so that the home viewers get an eye full. It reminds this writer of a show that has nothing of value to offer the public so it becomes a beauty contest. Journalism is in short supply but the name of the show "Outnumbered" accurately describes the show because falsehoods and a lack of the truth "Outnumber" the facts.
The panel must be paid well by Fox News to subject themselves and their viewers to this kind of tabloid television. The sad part is they seem to really enjoy it. And that really says it all.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Common Core And Common Sense
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu in a Times Picayune editorial of 7/16/14 concerning "Common Core" illustrated his knowledge of the subject matter and projected how a "serious public servant" could deal with a serious issue without personal attacks or placing blame.
The Mayor articulated how "Common Core" was not a government take over and in fact pointed out that it was developed and independently adopted by the states and not from President Obama. The Mayor also pointed out the development of "Common Core" was started in 2007 through a state led initiative from the National Governors Association. Over several years, the governors, education experts , teachers and administrators built consensus and created these standards. In fact the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association not only support "Common Core" standards, they helped write them with the governors.
In one brief editorial Mitch Landrieu debunked all the misinformation out there by many of Louisiana's so called leaders and he did so in a civil tone, the true mark of a leader. A "serious public servant" is like a breath of fresh air with all the noise going on and the placing of blame by some. Mayor Landrieu let it be known he supports adopting "Common Core" and thinks it is vital to continue the improvements and success that is taking place in New Orleans public schools today.
Louisiana and the nation needs more "serious public servants" like Mitch Landrieu.
This commentary written by John Lucia
The Mayor articulated how "Common Core" was not a government take over and in fact pointed out that it was developed and independently adopted by the states and not from President Obama. The Mayor also pointed out the development of "Common Core" was started in 2007 through a state led initiative from the National Governors Association. Over several years, the governors, education experts , teachers and administrators built consensus and created these standards. In fact the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association not only support "Common Core" standards, they helped write them with the governors.
In one brief editorial Mitch Landrieu debunked all the misinformation out there by many of Louisiana's so called leaders and he did so in a civil tone, the true mark of a leader. A "serious public servant" is like a breath of fresh air with all the noise going on and the placing of blame by some. Mayor Landrieu let it be known he supports adopting "Common Core" and thinks it is vital to continue the improvements and success that is taking place in New Orleans public schools today.
Louisiana and the nation needs more "serious public servants" like Mitch Landrieu.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Another Foolish Vote By The Republican Party
The Republican controlled U.S. House once again exposed their foolishness and at the same time their committment to Corporate America rather than the middle class. They voted to make permanent several tax breaks for business that are set to expire by years end. Most of those tax breaks were to write off depreciation over a shorter period of time. The legislation will add $287 billion over 10 years to the federal deficit. The White House says the President will veto the bill if it gets to his desk.
The business community has enough tax breaks and etc. to last a lifetime. We know from the Bush tax cuts and tax breaks first hand how they did nothing to keep the economy moving or create jobs during the Bush years. They only added to the large bonuses of CEO's and their executives. The FICA tax reduction that has expired was not renewed and that was the right thing to do. Now that the economy is generating more revenue and jobs other measures would do better to continue to move the country forward. The minimum wage, immigration reform and the highway construction bill are a few examples.
We always hear how the republicans hate deficit spending but they are at the forefront in doing so. And just remember any time you add to the deficit that raises the national debt and interest has to be paid on that national debt. And guess who benefits from that interest, yeah you are right, the banks. And who are their largest supporters? Right again, the republicans.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
The business community has enough tax breaks and etc. to last a lifetime. We know from the Bush tax cuts and tax breaks first hand how they did nothing to keep the economy moving or create jobs during the Bush years. They only added to the large bonuses of CEO's and their executives. The FICA tax reduction that has expired was not renewed and that was the right thing to do. Now that the economy is generating more revenue and jobs other measures would do better to continue to move the country forward. The minimum wage, immigration reform and the highway construction bill are a few examples.
We always hear how the republicans hate deficit spending but they are at the forefront in doing so. And just remember any time you add to the deficit that raises the national debt and interest has to be paid on that national debt. And guess who benefits from that interest, yeah you are right, the banks. And who are their largest supporters? Right again, the republicans.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin And The Day Of Judgement.
The 10 year sentence given former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin brought a swift reply from the community and from all walks of life. Most seem to think the judge erred on the low side of what should have been a longer sentence. Some said it would do nothing to stop political corruption.
The real story is never told about political corruption and bribery and that is why it continues. It is business that is envolved with corrupting and bribing elected officials. Yet no one, especially the news media is willing to put them front and center. That is the real story. The briber is worst than the elected official and they should be treated as such. The slippery slope that many business operate on should be exposed. There could be no bribing any one without some one willing to pay the bribe.
Every one knows the hanky panky that goes on between elected officals and Corporate America concerning campaign contributions. Its a system that is used by special interest groups for special favors. The U.S. tax code that favors special interest groups with massive tax breaks, loop holes and other tax give aways is a good example. Yet, the public and the news media just go with the flow.
Term limits is not the answer as some think. A two term elected official can be bribed just like a 20 term official. Political corruption and bribery will not end by convictions. It will end when the news media and the public hold business and their corrupt practices accountable
This commentary written by John Lucia.
The real story is never told about political corruption and bribery and that is why it continues. It is business that is envolved with corrupting and bribing elected officials. Yet no one, especially the news media is willing to put them front and center. That is the real story. The briber is worst than the elected official and they should be treated as such. The slippery slope that many business operate on should be exposed. There could be no bribing any one without some one willing to pay the bribe.
Every one knows the hanky panky that goes on between elected officals and Corporate America concerning campaign contributions. Its a system that is used by special interest groups for special favors. The U.S. tax code that favors special interest groups with massive tax breaks, loop holes and other tax give aways is a good example. Yet, the public and the news media just go with the flow.
Term limits is not the answer as some think. A two term elected official can be bribed just like a 20 term official. Political corruption and bribery will not end by convictions. It will end when the news media and the public hold business and their corrupt practices accountable
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
The U.S. Federal Budget Deficit: Still Going Down On The Democratic Watch.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) announced that the federal budget deficit for the first 9 months of the present fiscal year which ends 9/30/14 was $366 billion, down 28% from the first 9 months of the previous fiscal year. It also projected that when the present fiscal year ends the federal budget deficit would be approximately $492 billion, down from last years $680 billion.
It has been pointed out in "PolitiDose" many times how republican administrations increase deficit spending and democratic administrations reduce deficit spending and balance the federal budget. The projected federal deficit of $492 billion at the end of this fiscal year is a far cry from the Bush administrations last fiscal year budget deficit which hit a whooping $1.4 trillion. And that my friends is still the largest single year federal budget deficit in the history of the United States.
Late comer Forbes Magazine has pointed out that federal spending under the Obam administration has had the smallest increases since the Eisenhower administration, and that was over 50 years ago. Readers of "PolitiDose" already knew that because it was reported here long ago. Forbes Magazine is the Corporate America magazine that continues to feed the public inaccurate information on just about anything to do with democratic administrations, but was finally forced to admit the facts.
There have been so many experts who have been so wrong on the economy, job creation, unemployment, federal spending and etc., leave no doubt why the public is so misinformed and why the public needs to check out the facts elsewhere. "PolitiDose" has been in the forefront of doing just that.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
It has been pointed out in "PolitiDose" many times how republican administrations increase deficit spending and democratic administrations reduce deficit spending and balance the federal budget. The projected federal deficit of $492 billion at the end of this fiscal year is a far cry from the Bush administrations last fiscal year budget deficit which hit a whooping $1.4 trillion. And that my friends is still the largest single year federal budget deficit in the history of the United States.
Late comer Forbes Magazine has pointed out that federal spending under the Obam administration has had the smallest increases since the Eisenhower administration, and that was over 50 years ago. Readers of "PolitiDose" already knew that because it was reported here long ago. Forbes Magazine is the Corporate America magazine that continues to feed the public inaccurate information on just about anything to do with democratic administrations, but was finally forced to admit the facts.
There have been so many experts who have been so wrong on the economy, job creation, unemployment, federal spending and etc., leave no doubt why the public is so misinformed and why the public needs to check out the facts elsewhere. "PolitiDose" has been in the forefront of doing just that.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Only Two Thirds Of The U.S. Government Is Functioning
The executive branch and the democratic controlled U.S. Senate are functioning while the republican controlled U.S. House is not and is polarized by the Tea Party republicans and the establishment republicans. (See Note 1.) The Tea Party republicans want to be know as the true conservatives and say so, and the establishment republicans who represent the majority in their party are afraid to use their authority to bring the important issues facing the country to a debate and vote in the U.S. House.
A new immigration problem is in progress concerning thousands of children from Central America crossing the border to seek refuge in the U.S. The republicans answer is, "its Obama's fault." This new problem would be a flea if congress would have passed immigration reform long ago. It existed under previous administrations and the Bush administration built a partial fence in a section of the border between Mexico and the U.S. But congress did not see fit to pass immigration reform during that administration even though the republicans controlled the White House and both houses of congress during Bush's first 6 years in office.
The President is asking congress for $3.7 million in emergency funding to handle the children's problem that is taking place now. Congress should approve this quickly and then John Boehner should reverse his decision not to take up immigration reform until after the end of the year and pass the U.S. Senate's bill that is a tough and fair bill. That bill does not have amnesty in it like the republicans would like the people to believe. Another immediate problem concerns the Veterans Administration. The U.S. Senate passed the Veterans Care Act by a whopping 93-3 vote that takes care of many of the disclosed problems at the VA, but the republicans in the House is also sitting on that bill becAuse of the cost involved. Never mind that they did not care about the cost of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that started on their watch. Those wars are the reason so many new veterans flooded the VA system and now House republicans say they are concerned about the cost of the Veterans Care Act. Let John Boehner sue those U.S. officials who told the American people the Iraq war would be paid for by Iraq's oil. Does any one remember that?
The republican party has a chance to do the right thing on the President's $3.7 million request. It is not too late for them to do something positive concerning this problem.
Note 1: The Tea Party defines the establishment republicans as those who came into congress before they did.
This commentary written by John Lucia
A new immigration problem is in progress concerning thousands of children from Central America crossing the border to seek refuge in the U.S. The republicans answer is, "its Obama's fault." This new problem would be a flea if congress would have passed immigration reform long ago. It existed under previous administrations and the Bush administration built a partial fence in a section of the border between Mexico and the U.S. But congress did not see fit to pass immigration reform during that administration even though the republicans controlled the White House and both houses of congress during Bush's first 6 years in office.
The President is asking congress for $3.7 million in emergency funding to handle the children's problem that is taking place now. Congress should approve this quickly and then John Boehner should reverse his decision not to take up immigration reform until after the end of the year and pass the U.S. Senate's bill that is a tough and fair bill. That bill does not have amnesty in it like the republicans would like the people to believe. Another immediate problem concerns the Veterans Administration. The U.S. Senate passed the Veterans Care Act by a whopping 93-3 vote that takes care of many of the disclosed problems at the VA, but the republicans in the House is also sitting on that bill becAuse of the cost involved. Never mind that they did not care about the cost of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that started on their watch. Those wars are the reason so many new veterans flooded the VA system and now House republicans say they are concerned about the cost of the Veterans Care Act. Let John Boehner sue those U.S. officials who told the American people the Iraq war would be paid for by Iraq's oil. Does any one remember that?
The republican party has a chance to do the right thing on the President's $3.7 million request. It is not too late for them to do something positive concerning this problem.
Note 1: The Tea Party defines the establishment republicans as those who came into congress before they did.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
"PolitiDose" And The Huffington Post (Belatedly) Are On The Same Page.
Every one who reads "PolitiDose" is familiar with the theme I have used many times in my commentary, UNDERSTANDING THE PAST IS THE KEY TO THE FUTURE. Now comes former U.S. Senator, Gary Hart whose first sentence in a commentary for the Huffington Post dated July 7 says: THOSE WHO CANNOT LEARN FROM HISTORY ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT IT. Hart's words, although not the same as mine have the same meaning and convey the same message. It is not the first time the Huffington Post has carried theme the same as mine, after the fact. See my commentary titled: Ariana and the Huffington Post: Looks like an copy cat job dated 4/22/10.
Hart's commentary was about leaders both American and foreign who did not learn from History and because of that was doomed to repeat that history. He mentions George W. Bush's failure in Iraq as one example. It is a stark reminder from a person who has been out of politics for many years who has gained knowledge and understanding how America can determine its own fate in a positive way if only we can learn from the past mistakes of history to make a better future.
The Sumerians have been proven right about what they were taught about the past and the future. It is a simple road map to guide America concerning the problems we face. Our decision makers just have to stand up and reject all the negative noise out there, be leaders with understanding and wisdom so that future generations can proudly declare, those that came before us recognized the mistakes of the past (or history) and therefore provided us with a better future.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Hart's commentary was about leaders both American and foreign who did not learn from History and because of that was doomed to repeat that history. He mentions George W. Bush's failure in Iraq as one example. It is a stark reminder from a person who has been out of politics for many years who has gained knowledge and understanding how America can determine its own fate in a positive way if only we can learn from the past mistakes of history to make a better future.
The Sumerians have been proven right about what they were taught about the past and the future. It is a simple road map to guide America concerning the problems we face. Our decision makers just have to stand up and reject all the negative noise out there, be leaders with understanding and wisdom so that future generations can proudly declare, those that came before us recognized the mistakes of the past (or history) and therefore provided us with a better future.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
June's Economic And Jobs Report Points To Steady Progress
The U.S. Labor Department announced that the economy created 288,000 jobs in June, more than was forecast. It also said that job creation in April and May were higher than reported, 304,000 in April and 217,000 in May. The unemployment rate in June fell to 6.1% the lowest since September of 2008. Manufacturing expanded for the 13th straight month.
The U.S. economy continues to improve steadily. It was the fifth straight month of job creation over 200,000, the best run since the 1990's. A report from the Associated Press quoted Patrick O'Keefe, director of economic research to the consultaney Cohn Reqnick as saying, this has now become a text book jobs expansion and is both broad and accelerating. While the good news continues, the republican party stays on the sidelines and the U.S. House continues to block legislation passed by the U.S. Senate that would help the economy and job creation even more. The party of Lincoln is still committed to see the country and its government fail.
The Dow Jones average hit its highest peak ever, over 17000. Corporate America and the wealthy continue to do well and it is past time that the average American to see his wages increase on a steady basis. That is the bottom line of a shared economy. It is hopeful that will start happening soon if unemployment continues to go down and the economy and job creation stays at a healthy level.
Once again a democratic administration and its policies are moving the country and its people forward. And yes, it was here in "PolitiDose" that you read when Obama was first elected President that it would be a democratic administration that would end the second great republican depression.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
The U.S. economy continues to improve steadily. It was the fifth straight month of job creation over 200,000, the best run since the 1990's. A report from the Associated Press quoted Patrick O'Keefe, director of economic research to the consultaney Cohn Reqnick as saying, this has now become a text book jobs expansion and is both broad and accelerating. While the good news continues, the republican party stays on the sidelines and the U.S. House continues to block legislation passed by the U.S. Senate that would help the economy and job creation even more. The party of Lincoln is still committed to see the country and its government fail.
The Dow Jones average hit its highest peak ever, over 17000. Corporate America and the wealthy continue to do well and it is past time that the average American to see his wages increase on a steady basis. That is the bottom line of a shared economy. It is hopeful that will start happening soon if unemployment continues to go down and the economy and job creation stays at a healthy level.
Once again a democratic administration and its policies are moving the country and its people forward. And yes, it was here in "PolitiDose" that you read when Obama was first elected President that it would be a democratic administration that would end the second great republican depression.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Another Foreign Policy Achievement Of The Obama Administration And Its Allies
The United States, its allies, along with the United Nations has achieved its goal of destroying Syria's chemical weapons stockpile. That is one WMD threat removed in an unstable middle east. Pressure from the President and its allies after Syria used some of its chemical weapons on the rebel fighters took hold. International inspectors entered Syria and inventoried their stockpile.
The Associated Press in a report released on July 3 reported the U.S. Cargo Ship MV Cape Ray loaded with hundreds of tons of Syria's chemical weapons left an Italian port Wednesday to destroy the weapons at sea. The ship is equipped with special machinery in its cargo hold that will neutralize the chemicals. U.S. officials say no vapor or water run off will be released into the atmosphere or the sea.
Diplomacy at the right time can accomplish much to advance the cause of keeping people safe from the use of WMD. It should be the first step to address problems that confront the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. tried the opposite approach in 2003 against Iraq with threats and then an invasion and occupation of that country over WMD that did not exist. That resulted in the deaths of over 4400 Americans plus the wounding of over 30,000. Too high of a price to pay for an unnecessary war and a failed foreign policy decision.
The diplomatic effort of the Obama administration with Iran concerning their weapons program is the right avenue. We do not yet know how that effort will turn out but it is a major step in determining where we will go if diplomacy fails. Iran is not the only country in that part of the world that could cause problems. Israel, Pakistan and India all have established nuclear programs and nuclear weapons who's sites have not been inspected by outside sources and they are not a party to the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty like the United States and the major nuclear powers. Iran is also a party to that treaty. I wrote a commentary years ago that said if nuclear war ever comes to that part of the world do not be surprised if on of those three nations start it.
American Presidents need to have wisdom and understanding when dealing with the problems that confront our country. A lack of wisdom and knowledge cost lives, a terrible price to pay for bad decisions, especially those inspired by ideology. Syria is just one of the many perils the world faces, there are more to come and President Obama and future Presidents need to be equipped to face the challenge.
This commentry written by John Lucia.
The Associated Press in a report released on July 3 reported the U.S. Cargo Ship MV Cape Ray loaded with hundreds of tons of Syria's chemical weapons left an Italian port Wednesday to destroy the weapons at sea. The ship is equipped with special machinery in its cargo hold that will neutralize the chemicals. U.S. officials say no vapor or water run off will be released into the atmosphere or the sea.
Diplomacy at the right time can accomplish much to advance the cause of keeping people safe from the use of WMD. It should be the first step to address problems that confront the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. tried the opposite approach in 2003 against Iraq with threats and then an invasion and occupation of that country over WMD that did not exist. That resulted in the deaths of over 4400 Americans plus the wounding of over 30,000. Too high of a price to pay for an unnecessary war and a failed foreign policy decision.
The diplomatic effort of the Obama administration with Iran concerning their weapons program is the right avenue. We do not yet know how that effort will turn out but it is a major step in determining where we will go if diplomacy fails. Iran is not the only country in that part of the world that could cause problems. Israel, Pakistan and India all have established nuclear programs and nuclear weapons who's sites have not been inspected by outside sources and they are not a party to the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty like the United States and the major nuclear powers. Iran is also a party to that treaty. I wrote a commentary years ago that said if nuclear war ever comes to that part of the world do not be surprised if on of those three nations start it.
American Presidents need to have wisdom and understanding when dealing with the problems that confront our country. A lack of wisdom and knowledge cost lives, a terrible price to pay for bad decisions, especially those inspired by ideology. Syria is just one of the many perils the world faces, there are more to come and President Obama and future Presidents need to be equipped to face the challenge.
This commentry written by John Lucia.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Gun Violence: Reasonable People Can Make A Difference For A Safer America.
The M-1 garand rifle is a semi-automatic weapon that was standard equipment for the infantrymen during WWII and the Korean war. That rifle holds a clip containing 8 rounds of 30 caliber ammo in which to defend themselves and their positions from all directions. The infantrymen and his M-1 rifle got the job done. If you were in the Marine Corps, that rifle stayed next to you the whole time you served on active duty whether you were in combat or not.
So why do rifles in the hands of civilians have to hold more rounds of ammo than an M-1 rifle, especially during such dangerous times? Is it a macho thing? Is it just because we believe the second ammendment gives us the right? Does it make us feel big? Do hunters really need more rounds and if so how do you justify that when gun violence is out of control in civilian life. Why should any rifle or hand gun hold more rounds of ammo than a military or law enforcement weapon?
I believe reasonable people would recognize that they should not. The NRA, politicians and those that oppose this reasonable concept are at odds at what has been taking place in America. Everyone has to give up something for the common good. The NRA's statement that the answer to a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun sounds good but has not stopped the gun violence even though there are more good guys with guns than bad guys.
One day some one with "standing" will challenge the second ammendment in court. When that day comes this writer is not so sure the Supreme Court, no matter its make up, will interpret the ammendment with as liberal a decision as the NRA believes. The NRA believes the second ammendment is so liberal, any one can own and carry a gun with out restrictions.
It takes reasonable people with understanding to face the gun violence problem and come up with a reasonable solution that works. Tough talk has not and will not solve the problem and we know the NRA's position never will.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
So why do rifles in the hands of civilians have to hold more rounds of ammo than an M-1 rifle, especially during such dangerous times? Is it a macho thing? Is it just because we believe the second ammendment gives us the right? Does it make us feel big? Do hunters really need more rounds and if so how do you justify that when gun violence is out of control in civilian life. Why should any rifle or hand gun hold more rounds of ammo than a military or law enforcement weapon?
I believe reasonable people would recognize that they should not. The NRA, politicians and those that oppose this reasonable concept are at odds at what has been taking place in America. Everyone has to give up something for the common good. The NRA's statement that the answer to a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun sounds good but has not stopped the gun violence even though there are more good guys with guns than bad guys.
One day some one with "standing" will challenge the second ammendment in court. When that day comes this writer is not so sure the Supreme Court, no matter its make up, will interpret the ammendment with as liberal a decision as the NRA believes. The NRA believes the second ammendment is so liberal, any one can own and carry a gun with out restrictions.
It takes reasonable people with understanding to face the gun violence problem and come up with a reasonable solution that works. Tough talk has not and will not solve the problem and we know the NRA's position never will.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
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