This week will start the trial that will decide BP's penalty for the Macondo well blow out and oil spill. Judge Carl Barbier has decided the evidence supports 3.19 million gallons of oil spilled in the Gulf Of Mexico during the disaster. The Clean Water Act allows a fine for each barrel of oil spilled and in this case the maximum fine would be $13.7 billion. This writer believes BP should be fined the maximum allowed for the pollution it caused for the following reasons.
A) The oil industry's position prior to the spill was that the industry had the equipment and technology available to timely plug an offshore blowout, cap the well and remove any spilled oil in the waters of the Gulf before it reached shore. The fact was that they had no such equipment or technology to timely do any of the above and oil flowed into the Gulf for 87days.
B) 11 Rig workers lost their lives in the blowout and Judge Barbier has ruled that several of BP's actions leading up to the spill were negligent and that each of those negligent acts amounted to "gross negligence" when taking together.
C) The BP blowout was the worst such disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and the oil industry should be sent a message that any such future accidents federal regulations will be enforced to the maximum.
The blowout was a sad chapter in offshore drilling in the Gulf. The disaster went on too long for an industry with over 40 years of experience of drilling in the Gulf who would brag about its offshore technology, safety awareness and ability to operate safely. BP should bite the bullet, pay the fine like a responsible corporation and move on. The Exxon Valdez tanker spill dragged on in litigatin for 20 years after the disaster.
That should not happen concerning the BP situation.
Note: See my previous commentary titled, "The Untold Story of The BP Oil Spill In the Gulf of Mexico" dated 5/6/10
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Another First For "PolitiDose"
The chairman of the Republican National Committee confirmed once again what "PolitiDose" has been saying for years that republicans have no accomplishments so they will personally attack any democrat to avoid talking about their own failures. Now comes Reince Priebus, Chairman of the RNC who publically said the republicans will personally attack former President Clinton's personal life if Hillary runs for the democratic nomination in 2016. Its the same old republican con game.
The republican party campaign of 2016 will use personal attacks against any democratic candidate but will be more hateful if Hillary runs because their party fear her the most as an opponent. The republican's hateful attacks against President Obama is only a prelude to the 2016 campaign. This wirter believes if Hillary runs she will be able to take care of herself. Republicans are still burning that they could not defeat Bill Clinton and that he left office with an approval rating so much higher than any republican President. They met the same fate against Barrack Obama. They could not defeat him so they are still trying to destroy his time as President.
The Fox News Network and other conservative news outlets have already begun their attacks so the republican noise machine will stay noisy for the foreseeable future. Its hell when you are a republican and conservative and feel you have to decieve your own supporters with such trash talk. Is there any republican out there who feels he should just stand up and be an American and tell the right wingers in his party to go take a hike? This writer is not holding his breath.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
The republican party campaign of 2016 will use personal attacks against any democratic candidate but will be more hateful if Hillary runs because their party fear her the most as an opponent. The republican's hateful attacks against President Obama is only a prelude to the 2016 campaign. This wirter believes if Hillary runs she will be able to take care of herself. Republicans are still burning that they could not defeat Bill Clinton and that he left office with an approval rating so much higher than any republican President. They met the same fate against Barrack Obama. They could not defeat him so they are still trying to destroy his time as President.
The Fox News Network and other conservative news outlets have already begun their attacks so the republican noise machine will stay noisy for the foreseeable future. Its hell when you are a republican and conservative and feel you have to decieve your own supporters with such trash talk. Is there any republican out there who feels he should just stand up and be an American and tell the right wingers in his party to go take a hike? This writer is not holding his breath.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Friday, January 16, 2015
Mayor Mitch Landrieu: A Serious Public Servant: The Story Continues.
Accomplishments that really matter and make a difference. This writer believes that is the criterion that defines a "serious elected public servant" and sets him apart from those who are just there and always trying to divide.
The Mayor made a committment to end homelessness in New Orleans and is keeping that pledge. The city has partnered with the VA, HANO and non profits to provide housing for those who have been homeless and have made real progress especially with our veterans in getting them off the streets and into housing. As a veteran, I commend the Mayor for his committment. It has been said New Orleans is the very first city to do that. The Mayor is accomplishing this while the city is in need of more revenue.
Landrieu has shown his dedication to reducing the city's crime rate and to upgrade the NOPD and because of his leadership the city is on the move and making much progress. And you will not hear the Mayor attacking other elected officials and trying to place blame. His approach to governing and taking responsibility is in sharp contrast to the republicans failed leadership of personal attacks and blame.
The last paragraph of my commentary noted below reads as follows: The theme of Landrieu's campaign when he was first elected Mayor was ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT, ONE VOICE AND ONE CITY. The Mayor has been loyal to that theme and has focused on those things that is making it come true. Mayor Mitch Landrieu is a true "serious public servant."
Note: See my commentary dated 2/7/14 titled, Mayor Mitch Landrieu: A Serious Public Servant.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio.
The Mayor made a committment to end homelessness in New Orleans and is keeping that pledge. The city has partnered with the VA, HANO and non profits to provide housing for those who have been homeless and have made real progress especially with our veterans in getting them off the streets and into housing. As a veteran, I commend the Mayor for his committment. It has been said New Orleans is the very first city to do that. The Mayor is accomplishing this while the city is in need of more revenue.
Landrieu has shown his dedication to reducing the city's crime rate and to upgrade the NOPD and because of his leadership the city is on the move and making much progress. And you will not hear the Mayor attacking other elected officials and trying to place blame. His approach to governing and taking responsibility is in sharp contrast to the republicans failed leadership of personal attacks and blame.
The last paragraph of my commentary noted below reads as follows: The theme of Landrieu's campaign when he was first elected Mayor was ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT, ONE VOICE AND ONE CITY. The Mayor has been loyal to that theme and has focused on those things that is making it come true. Mayor Mitch Landrieu is a true "serious public servant."
Note: See my commentary dated 2/7/14 titled, Mayor Mitch Landrieu: A Serious Public Servant.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
President Obama And The Paris Terror Attack
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
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
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
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