President Obama did not attend the peace march rally as a show of solidarity in Paris after the terror attack but U.S. Ambassador to France Jane Hartley did. The republican noise maching as usual criticized the President for not attending. Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, Senators Ted Cruz and Mark Rubio said the President declined to show solidarity, symbolic of the lack of American leadership, we must never hesitate to stand with our allies and Obama should have sent a top official.
The New York Times reported France's President Francois Hollande's head of communications said that Obama did not snubb the march and that Obama supported France in their common struggle against Terrorism. Also that Obama's visit to the French Embassy was a rather exceptional gesture and that Mr. Obama's attentions have been very important to Mr. Hollande.
The Fox News Network tried to plant the seed that Obama's failure to be at the march indicated he was soft on terror. They also questioned the President's leadership. The usual junk that comes from conservative SOP. Like the conservatives in congress Fox can not articulate any accomplishments of the previous administration so they believe going negative on Obama will work . Of course they know most of the European leaders opposed George W. Bush's policies in the middle east, including France who Bush tried to have them contribute troops to Iraq in a war over WMD that did not exist.
The fact of the matter is that President Obama stood solid with France early after the attack on Paris and vowed to stand with France to oppose terror and help bring those responsible to justice. The President's record on fighting the war against those who use terror attacks is very clear. Bin Laden and many of his top people have found that out.
The bottom line is the President's policies have kept our home land safe for 6 years. The tough talking administration of President George W. Bush did not. And that is what really chaps republican conservatives.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Sunday, January 11, 2015
The U.S. Economy Continues Its Momentum Under The Obama Administration
The U.S. Labor Department reported the economy created 252,000 jobs in December, the 58th straight month of positive job growth. Unemployment fell to 5.6% from the 5.8% rate in November, the lowest unemployment number since 2008. Other good news: Those unemployed more than 6 months fell 27%; Those working part time fell 12%; 50,000 more jobs were created in October and November than was previously reported. 2.95 million jobs were created in the year 2014, the most in a single year since 1999. Another democratic administration was in office at that time. President Bill Clinton.
Over 10 million jobs have been created on the President's watch and more new net jobs in Obama's 6 years in office than was created in President Bush's 8 years in office who ended his two terms with the worst job creation record since the great depression of 1929. Middle class wages are still ahead of inflation but still need to increase on a steady basis to off set the losses that began under the previous republican administration.
The good news on the economy comes on the heels of the good news from the CBO that the budget fiscal year ending 9/30/14 saw a continued reduction of the federal deficit on the President's watch. The republican party in congress could have been part of and party to the progress the country has made on the economy but instead choose the road of doing nothing with the intent to obstruct. The republican controlled House failed a basis test when they refused to even take up the Senate passed bill to repair and rebuild the nation's infrastructure. That has always been supported by both parties in the past because it is an immediate job creator and good for the over all economy.
So what did the republicans in congress do this week after the latest numbers came in on the economy? They started their propaganda push that they are responsible for the great turnaround in the economy. Every one who follows politics know they have no shame. They also have no character or courage. Look for the conservative news media to push the same propaganda.
Its always great to have a democratic administration follow a republican administration in the White House. The change always works out for the better and progress will happen. History has confirmed that and so has "PolitiDose."
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Over 10 million jobs have been created on the President's watch and more new net jobs in Obama's 6 years in office than was created in President Bush's 8 years in office who ended his two terms with the worst job creation record since the great depression of 1929. Middle class wages are still ahead of inflation but still need to increase on a steady basis to off set the losses that began under the previous republican administration.
The good news on the economy comes on the heels of the good news from the CBO that the budget fiscal year ending 9/30/14 saw a continued reduction of the federal deficit on the President's watch. The republican party in congress could have been part of and party to the progress the country has made on the economy but instead choose the road of doing nothing with the intent to obstruct. The republican controlled House failed a basis test when they refused to even take up the Senate passed bill to repair and rebuild the nation's infrastructure. That has always been supported by both parties in the past because it is an immediate job creator and good for the over all economy.
So what did the republicans in congress do this week after the latest numbers came in on the economy? They started their propaganda push that they are responsible for the great turnaround in the economy. Every one who follows politics know they have no shame. They also have no character or courage. Look for the conservative news media to push the same propaganda.
Its always great to have a democratic administration follow a republican administration in the White House. The change always works out for the better and progress will happen. History has confirmed that and so has "PolitiDose."
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, January 8, 2015
UPDATE: The Federal Budget Deficit For Fiscal Year Ending 9/30/14
The Congressional Budget Office's final report for the federal governments fiscal year ending 9/30/14 shows a federal deficit of $483 billion, down from the previous fiscal year which was $680 billion. A $196 billion decrease and a huge decrease from President George W. Bush's last fiscal year budget deficit which was $1.4 trillion, which is still the largest single year deficit in the history of the United States.
The deficit of $483 billion represents 2.8% as a percentage of the GDP. Bush's $1.4 trillion deficit was 9.8% of the GDP. The CBO also reported total federal revenue of $3.021 trillion up 8.9% from the previous year. Total federal spending was $3.504 trillion, up 1.4% from the previous fiscal year. Total revenue from individual tax was $1.395 trillion up 5.9% and corporate tax was $321 billion up 17.3%
The democratic administration of President Obama continues to reduce the federal deficit and put the country on a parth to balance the federal budget once again as President' s Clinton and Johnson did. Federal spending is also under control on Obama's watch. The President's time in office has reversed the sad chapter of the previous republican administration and republican party's bankrupt policies.
And make no mistake about the republican party who now control both houses of congress. They will make a push to increase federal spending and reduce income tax for the wealthy and corporate America which would put the country back on the path of out of control deficit spending. They will now try to obstruct in a different manner but their goal is the same, increase federal spending so the government won't have the means to fund social security, medicare and medicaid.
And once again it is a democratic administration that is moving the country and its people forward while republicans are still the do nothing party. And if that sounds familiar its because you heard President Truman say that over 50 years ago. Some things never change.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The deficit of $483 billion represents 2.8% as a percentage of the GDP. Bush's $1.4 trillion deficit was 9.8% of the GDP. The CBO also reported total federal revenue of $3.021 trillion up 8.9% from the previous year. Total federal spending was $3.504 trillion, up 1.4% from the previous fiscal year. Total revenue from individual tax was $1.395 trillion up 5.9% and corporate tax was $321 billion up 17.3%
The democratic administration of President Obama continues to reduce the federal deficit and put the country on a parth to balance the federal budget once again as President' s Clinton and Johnson did. Federal spending is also under control on Obama's watch. The President's time in office has reversed the sad chapter of the previous republican administration and republican party's bankrupt policies.
And make no mistake about the republican party who now control both houses of congress. They will make a push to increase federal spending and reduce income tax for the wealthy and corporate America which would put the country back on the path of out of control deficit spending. They will now try to obstruct in a different manner but their goal is the same, increase federal spending so the government won't have the means to fund social security, medicare and medicaid.
And once again it is a democratic administration that is moving the country and its people forward while republicans are still the do nothing party. And if that sounds familiar its because you heard President Truman say that over 50 years ago. Some things never change.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
MSNBC's "All In" With Chris Hayes Is Out Of The Loop
Hayes, on his show of 1/5/15 asked the question, "Why is the economy where it is today?" (alluding to all the positive developments) He then notes that federal spending under the Obama administration is leveling off. If Hayes knew the history of the economy and federal spending he would know the best of both happen on the watch of Democratic administrations. Or he could simply read "PolitiDose" where this writer has articulated many times over it was going to happen on Obama's watch and the reasons why.
In fact total federal spending at the end of Obama's first fiscal year was down 1.6% from George W. Bush's last fiscal year. Hayes has had several years to find that out but I guess he had other things on his mind other than facts. No republican administration in the past 50 years has reduced year to year federal spending. The Obama administration has accomplished that more than once.
I wrote a commentary as far back as 2009 and predicted how the economy, job creation, reducing the deficit, reducing federal spending and lowering the unemployment rate would happen on Obama's watch because there was a road map known as "precedent" and those predictions have come true. There are other commentaries that explain why the country and its people always do better under democratic administrations in every category.
"PolitiDose" has been in the lead in educating the American people concerning the facts on the economy, job creation and fiscal matters. The republican party and the news media in general have no record of doing so even though they have the resources where they could actually do so. But their world is show business and sound bites and there is no probative value in their pronouncements. And that really says it all.
Note: Commentary dated December 14, 2009 titled, An economic turnaround: Job Creation, and Fiscal Stability, There Is A Precedent
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
In fact total federal spending at the end of Obama's first fiscal year was down 1.6% from George W. Bush's last fiscal year. Hayes has had several years to find that out but I guess he had other things on his mind other than facts. No republican administration in the past 50 years has reduced year to year federal spending. The Obama administration has accomplished that more than once.
I wrote a commentary as far back as 2009 and predicted how the economy, job creation, reducing the deficit, reducing federal spending and lowering the unemployment rate would happen on Obama's watch because there was a road map known as "precedent" and those predictions have come true. There are other commentaries that explain why the country and its people always do better under democratic administrations in every category.
"PolitiDose" has been in the lead in educating the American people concerning the facts on the economy, job creation and fiscal matters. The republican party and the news media in general have no record of doing so even though they have the resources where they could actually do so. But their world is show business and sound bites and there is no probative value in their pronouncements. And that really says it all.
Note: Commentary dated December 14, 2009 titled, An economic turnaround: Job Creation, and Fiscal Stability, There Is A Precedent
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Part II, The Fall Of The New Orleans Saints: A Look At Why It Happened.
There are a few reasons why the past three seasons revealed a Saint team that lost its so called "swager." First and foremost is bounty gate, a tale that the sports world and especially the New Orleans sports writers failed to tell the true nature of. The true story that was never told is that Sean Payton, head coach, acted irresponsible in allowing bounty gate to happen and was suspended for a full season.
The Saints were the only team that season to play with out its head coach. Two assistant coaches split the head coaching duties that season which was stupid. Continuity was lost and never returned when Payton came back. That irresponsible act on Payton's part affected the players even though they have not admitted it did so. As an organization, the Saints handled the Payton situation like nothing had happened. They should have disciplined Payton instead of giving him a big raise.
Mickey Loomis was also slapped by the NFL for allowing bounty gate to happen and the Times Picayune reported on 3/22/12 NFL commissioner Roger Goddel contended that Payton and Loomis orchestrated a web of lies to divert the attention of league gumshoes. Not a very flattering statement against two people with so much responsibility. The Saints organization failed the team big time. Every one concerned including the players continued to receive large salaries and said they were professionals, and would over come. Yeah, right. It never happened.
After the fiasco of the 2012 losing season New England showed the world how to control the Saints offense with a good defense and as of this writing the team has not been able to adjust when playing the teams with good defenses. Problems between the players and the coaching staff are evident and Payton's arrogance has rubbed off on a number of players. Individual stats have replaced the concept of team and it showed on the field of play.
The genius of Sean Payton (that is how sports writers describe him, not this writer) has worn off, only the arrogance remains. I wrote a commentary dated 3/22/12 titled, "The New Orleans Saints: A Tainted World Champion" and in the last two sentences wrote as follows: The Saints, their coaching staff and the players from this day forward will have an opportunity to demonstrate how well they will handle the future. The final chapter in this sad story will be written at a later date.
Will the ending of the 2014 season be that final chapter or will the Saints over come?
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The Saints were the only team that season to play with out its head coach. Two assistant coaches split the head coaching duties that season which was stupid. Continuity was lost and never returned when Payton came back. That irresponsible act on Payton's part affected the players even though they have not admitted it did so. As an organization, the Saints handled the Payton situation like nothing had happened. They should have disciplined Payton instead of giving him a big raise.
Mickey Loomis was also slapped by the NFL for allowing bounty gate to happen and the Times Picayune reported on 3/22/12 NFL commissioner Roger Goddel contended that Payton and Loomis orchestrated a web of lies to divert the attention of league gumshoes. Not a very flattering statement against two people with so much responsibility. The Saints organization failed the team big time. Every one concerned including the players continued to receive large salaries and said they were professionals, and would over come. Yeah, right. It never happened.
After the fiasco of the 2012 losing season New England showed the world how to control the Saints offense with a good defense and as of this writing the team has not been able to adjust when playing the teams with good defenses. Problems between the players and the coaching staff are evident and Payton's arrogance has rubbed off on a number of players. Individual stats have replaced the concept of team and it showed on the field of play.
The genius of Sean Payton (that is how sports writers describe him, not this writer) has worn off, only the arrogance remains. I wrote a commentary dated 3/22/12 titled, "The New Orleans Saints: A Tainted World Champion" and in the last two sentences wrote as follows: The Saints, their coaching staff and the players from this day forward will have an opportunity to demonstrate how well they will handle the future. The final chapter in this sad story will be written at a later date.
Will the ending of the 2014 season be that final chapter or will the Saints over come?
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Times Picayune Sports Writers Ron Higgins and Jeff Duncan: Better Late Than Never
In the Times Picayune of 1/2/15 both writers alluded to the defeat of Alabama in the Sugar Bowl by Ohio State and offered the following: Higgins reported Alabama's loss signals the end of SEC football domination. Jeff Duncan reported the SEC no longer rules the roost. The king is dead. If all that sounds familiar its because you read it here first in "PolitiDose" dated 8/14/14 in a commentary titled, "Will the SEC Continue its dominance?
I also wrote in another commentary that I thought the Saints and Alabama have already had their best years under Payton and Sabin. I said that because of the Saints poor performance the last few years and because the way Alabama lost several big games in the last few years was so unlike Alabama under Sabin. The magic is gone.
The decision to expand the SEC was a bad idea and will continue to dilute the talent and the teams. I also wrote about that in a previous commentary. Another factor is the new young coaches who are spreading out all over the land scape with new ideas on offense that are making the defense cover the full field of play. The defense has not made the necessary adjustments yet and the up tempo of the offense makes it that much worse.
The new BCS play off system took a hit in the Sugar Bowl and the Rose Bowl with the number 1 and 3 ranked teams loosing and the number 2 and 4 teams winning. The ranking order was a big mistake and the bowls proved that. It is obvious to this writer that the BCS system already needs an adjustment.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
I also wrote in another commentary that I thought the Saints and Alabama have already had their best years under Payton and Sabin. I said that because of the Saints poor performance the last few years and because the way Alabama lost several big games in the last few years was so unlike Alabama under Sabin. The magic is gone.
The decision to expand the SEC was a bad idea and will continue to dilute the talent and the teams. I also wrote about that in a previous commentary. Another factor is the new young coaches who are spreading out all over the land scape with new ideas on offense that are making the defense cover the full field of play. The defense has not made the necessary adjustments yet and the up tempo of the offense makes it that much worse.
The new BCS play off system took a hit in the Sugar Bowl and the Rose Bowl with the number 1 and 3 ranked teams loosing and the number 2 and 4 teams winning. The ranking order was a big mistake and the bowls proved that. It is obvious to this writer that the BCS system already needs an adjustment.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, January 1, 2015
TO THE READERS OF POLITIDOSE
I have been writing political commentary here in "PolitiDose" since its inception under the pen name of John Lucia. My grandson Patrick started "PolitiDose" during the Presidental campaign of 2008 because he thought there should be a venue for the average person to let his political feelings be know with out the usual filter of the news media.
Patrick, being aware of my interest in politics asked if I would like to contribute political commentary and I have been doing so ever since. After the 2008 election Patrick moved on to other endeavors while I continue to write commentary. I took an interest in politics as a teen ager and my father and grandfather were politically involved writing letters to elected officials, the newspaper, working at the polls and following politics in general.
As we all know, our political system has changed a great deal with money and the special interest people and in my opinion it has not changed for the better. I am a registered democrat and proud of it even though my state is not the strong hold for the party like it once was. I have no confidence in the leaders of the republican party who have taken control of the party since the Newt Gingrich era. In my judgement the party has nothing to offer the country and its people except personal attacks and division.
I try to use my commentary to break thru the myth of republican claims to being superior to democrats and the factual record proves they are not. Some of my commentary is redundant but some times that is what it takes to rebut the constant republican noise machine. I also write about the factual record of the democratic party and their accomplishments for the country and its people. The general news media has punted on that and seem to be satisfied to report non facts on important matters. My commentary covers opinions that I have on certain matters and I believe important such as opening up relations with Cuba, the transfer of wealth from the middle class to the wealthy and other issues.
It is my hope that the readers of "PolitiDose" enjoy my commentary and that they feel like they have gained knowledge and facts about the political parties they may not have realized before. I also hope my readers compare what they read here with other political commentary so they can be exposed to political views outside the regular news media and the cable news networks. Although "PolitiDose" is small compared to the majority of other commentary blogs, readers may comment if they so desire.
I would like to take this time to thank everyone who logs onto and reads "PolitiDose on a regular basis. The traffic has been healthy and growing and I hope to continue to earn your trust and respect. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. All future commentary will be written under my sur-name.
Yours truly and Happy New Years to All
Yours truly,
Joseph J. Lorio, Sr.
Louisiana's U.S. Representative Steve Scalise: An Apology, A Mistake and a Regret
Scalise, like many other elected officials who get caught, uttered those words 12 years after the fact of speaking at a conference of the European-American Unity and Rights organization known as EURO. David Duke, a former Ku Klux Klan member led and was the founder of EURO that has been described as a white nationalists and hate organization.
Scalise said he had no knowledge of the nature of EURO and had not vetted the group. The question is how could any one in Louisiana, especially a politician not know about David Duke's organization? Also, when did Scalise find out the true nature of EURO? Was it just this week when the story broke. Was it some time before and he just remained silent? Those who know Scalise discribe him as a sharp politician.
Hate is expressed in different ways other than through a group or organization. The conservative right wing of the republic party in congress has said many hateful things about President Obama and his policies since the first day he took office and continue to do so. Their personal attacks against the President saying the ACA contained "Death Panels" was a hateful thing to do. Other conservatives even said hateful things towards the President's daughters.
The conservative right wing of the republican party in congress said hateful things about President Clinton and his wife. They even hatefully impeached the President when there was no cause. They even knew the Senate led by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at the time could not convict the President because he committed no impeachable offense. The President was also called a "slimeball" and other hateful names. Is there any one out there that remembers that? The so called moderates in the republican party were silent and let the right wingers have their way.
The Fox News Network attacks President Obama in a hateful way almost every day. Conservative journalists are known to do the same thing. Doing and saying hateful things divide the country and its people and division is a trade mark of the republican party. Those organizaions and groups who were responsible for the hateful signs and hand outs put up in Dallas on November 22,1963 concerning President Kennedy's visit have been described as conservative right wingers. One hand out containing a picture of the President had the caption, "Wanted for Treason." Can it get any more hateful than that?
Hate and hateful talk does not only originate with organizations and groups out side of our political system. It also takes place in our political system by those who think of themselves as elite and superior. And sadly there is a long record of proof.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Scalise said he had no knowledge of the nature of EURO and had not vetted the group. The question is how could any one in Louisiana, especially a politician not know about David Duke's organization? Also, when did Scalise find out the true nature of EURO? Was it just this week when the story broke. Was it some time before and he just remained silent? Those who know Scalise discribe him as a sharp politician.
Hate is expressed in different ways other than through a group or organization. The conservative right wing of the republic party in congress has said many hateful things about President Obama and his policies since the first day he took office and continue to do so. Their personal attacks against the President saying the ACA contained "Death Panels" was a hateful thing to do. Other conservatives even said hateful things towards the President's daughters.
The conservative right wing of the republican party in congress said hateful things about President Clinton and his wife. They even hatefully impeached the President when there was no cause. They even knew the Senate led by Chief Justice of the Supreme Court at the time could not convict the President because he committed no impeachable offense. The President was also called a "slimeball" and other hateful names. Is there any one out there that remembers that? The so called moderates in the republican party were silent and let the right wingers have their way.
The Fox News Network attacks President Obama in a hateful way almost every day. Conservative journalists are known to do the same thing. Doing and saying hateful things divide the country and its people and division is a trade mark of the republican party. Those organizaions and groups who were responsible for the hateful signs and hand outs put up in Dallas on November 22,1963 concerning President Kennedy's visit have been described as conservative right wingers. One hand out containing a picture of the President had the caption, "Wanted for Treason." Can it get any more hateful than that?
Hate and hateful talk does not only originate with organizations and groups out side of our political system. It also takes place in our political system by those who think of themselves as elite and superior. And sadly there is a long record of proof.
This commentary written by John Lucia
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
A Perspective On The Coming New Year
President Obama will be starting his seventh year in office January 2015 and the country and its people have much to be thankful for dispite all the distractions. Our nation has come a long way from the worst recession in our history and the out look for the next two years is the most positive since that great recession.
The economy and job creation has reached a level that is self repeating; unemployment continues to go down; consumer confidence is rising; consumer spending is up and fueling economic expansion and job creation; consumer debt is down; the stock market at record levels; the war in Afghanistan has come to an end; gas prices are falling at the pump; America is still the world's best economy; the President has kept our nation out of unnecessary wars and kept our home land safe; median income is starting to increase; the federal deficit continues to go down; federal spending has been under control. The positives outweigh the negatives for the coming years.
The President's approval ratings are going up and will continue to do so. The manufactured scandal of Benghazi, the IRS and the ACA fizzled like 7up and lost its taste. The President's policies worked dispite the noise machine and the country and its people are now in position to enjoy the benefits that will take place in the coming year. The United States leads the international community to move forward on many fronts and America's leadership is still unchallenged in world affairs.
Barack Obama was one of the Presidential candidates who was elected President in 2008.
Who ever won that election would be dealt a horrific hand to manage. It happened to be Obama, a democrat who was not this writers first choice for the democratic nomination. However, he won that nomination and the general election to become President. Having a limited amount of political experience he learned and grew on the job and has gained this writers respect for bringing the country to where it is today. His policies have worked and he has never personally attacked his opposition like they did him.
There is no doubt in my mind that America elected the best Presidential candidate in 2008 and 2012. I look forward to seeing the nation reach full employment on his watch and a continuing economic expansion and advancement for the middle class.
Note: I often refer to the recession as a depression because there has never been a worse recession prior to the 2008 one.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
The economy and job creation has reached a level that is self repeating; unemployment continues to go down; consumer confidence is rising; consumer spending is up and fueling economic expansion and job creation; consumer debt is down; the stock market at record levels; the war in Afghanistan has come to an end; gas prices are falling at the pump; America is still the world's best economy; the President has kept our nation out of unnecessary wars and kept our home land safe; median income is starting to increase; the federal deficit continues to go down; federal spending has been under control. The positives outweigh the negatives for the coming years.
The President's approval ratings are going up and will continue to do so. The manufactured scandal of Benghazi, the IRS and the ACA fizzled like 7up and lost its taste. The President's policies worked dispite the noise machine and the country and its people are now in position to enjoy the benefits that will take place in the coming year. The United States leads the international community to move forward on many fronts and America's leadership is still unchallenged in world affairs.
Barack Obama was one of the Presidential candidates who was elected President in 2008.
Who ever won that election would be dealt a horrific hand to manage. It happened to be Obama, a democrat who was not this writers first choice for the democratic nomination. However, he won that nomination and the general election to become President. Having a limited amount of political experience he learned and grew on the job and has gained this writers respect for bringing the country to where it is today. His policies have worked and he has never personally attacked his opposition like they did him.
There is no doubt in my mind that America elected the best Presidential candidate in 2008 and 2012. I look forward to seeing the nation reach full employment on his watch and a continuing economic expansion and advancement for the middle class.
Note: I often refer to the recession as a depression because there has never been a worse recession prior to the 2008 one.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
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