The Political Commentator

Iran: More Tail Wagging The Dog News

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:55:00 +0000

The Problem

Ahmadinejad in a speech Tuesday Says Imposed Deadlines Don't Matter Referring To The Year End
Says United States Must Change It's Attitude
Balks At IAEA Plan To Deal With Enriching Uranium
Dismissed Written Reports That They Are Working On A Nuclear Trigger
These statements are just more of the same from this country that also was found to have secret nuclear facilities.

The Problem

Robert Gibbs, mouthpiece for the administration, threatened on Tuesday that the end of this month is "a very real deadline for Iran".
Admiral Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that while we need to have a military option ready, a military response to Iranian nukes would have limited success, and that a diplomatic solution is the best option.
President Obama says that he will review current diplomatic efforts with Iran with an eye towards going back to the United Nations for new sanctions.

The Solution

As in many self help programs, you can't begin to adequately deal with a problem before you can admit to yourself that a problem truly exists. The Iranian government is playing the world, utilizing the age old technique of the reverse carrot and the stick. They will bring us to the edge of what some consider to be punitive actions in the form of U.N. sanctions. The Iranians on the other hand, consider the threat of sanctions when dealing with its attempt to become nuclear ballistic missile ready as a joke and a sign of weakness that they have no fear of, or respect for. They will play along with it though, because it is in its own best interests.

They will no doubt resume diplomatic efforts to placate the world, drag them out for a little while, "consider" them, and possibly even agree to them. This will buy both sides of the argument time. The Iranians to continue along its nuclear way, and the world community to profess that it is dealing with the problem. The reality, however, is that this is a win-win for Iran. They will violate whatever agreement is made, and the discussion of diplomacy and sanctions will begin all over again as the clock continues to tick.

While military force is not an ideal solution on many levels, when will the world draw a line in the sand that it will adhere to. While this option may not be desired, a situation even less so is a nuclear ready Iran. President Obama needs to be the the leader that he was hired to be, and not just another face in the leadership crowd. While healthcare remains his number one priority, it is national security that is supposed to be.

We have unwilling "allies" in this fight, so it is time for the President to realize that more than just his beautiful speechmaking and rhetoric is ultimately going to be required. As we all know, the results of inaction could be explosive! While protests and unrest in Iran seem to be growing, they will most likely be beaten back. Even if government change was achieved in some form, who is to say that the new public face of this theocratic dictatorship would be any different.

Inaction is not an option!

The Iranian Take On The Trigger: They Are Innocent Of Course

The Art Of Buying Votes

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:57:00 +0000

The pre-vote wrangling appears to be over, and Harry Reid looks like he has the 60 votes in the Senate to move the healthcare bill forward. I suppose it is typical Washington, but those Democrats who held the bill hostage got the payday that they wanted in order to swing their votes over to the yay column.

In the meantime, only about 36% of Americans are behind this bill that will change the way healthcare is managed in the country. I believe that the cartoon below by Bob Lang depicts well the story behind the voting.

Who Are We Fighting Against?

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Children's Story Time

We are all familiar with story time in school. This is when the children gather round the teacher, and a book or short story is read that entertains them, and that sometimes offers a moral in such a way that the young minds can take it in and understand. Children are like sponges so that the message will typically be absorbed to some extent. Some children will get it totally, while others to a lesser degree.

The following video clip is story time of a different type. It was posted on Memri TV, and has a man telling a tale that has the children mesmerized. It is about a young woman, Wafa Idris, whose desire is to become a suicide bomber and of how she is permitted to do just that. The children are mesmerized by the story, and have many questions. The questions are not, however, asking why she would want to do this. The fact that she does seems to be accepted as a good thing.

Are these children going to grow up tolerant of those with different ideas or way of life? Or will they want to follow in the footsteps of Wafa Idris? Watch the video.

Copenhagen: Obama's Waterloo At Home And Abroad?

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:13:00 +0000

Obama Pulling "Victory" From The Jaws Of Defeat

Question: If The Concern On The Left Is Truly Climate Catastrophe, Why Would Obama Compromise The Ultimate Safety Of The World With This Farce Of An Agreement Which Holds Nobody's Feet To The Fire?

Answer: Political Expediency, A Term Used Frequently In Washington. This Phrase Seemingly Makes It Acceptable To Forfeit Any Core Beliefs Or Values, All In The Name Of Remaining In Office. That Or When Trying To Get Signature Legislation Passed When Non-Passage Could Sound A Political Death Knell!

It was billed as a global summit that would result in a binding resolution to control and reduce emissions from countries around the world. Ultimately though, President Obama was forced to run from leader to leader in an effort to attempt to salvage some political face, lest this go down as one more failure for the administration.

With the healthcare bill gutted and on some form of life support, one more policy and diplomatic failure was the last thing that this President, or his party, needed.

Loss of "Face", Loss of Global Standing

At the end of the day, after attempting to use whatever political clout he has left, President Obama walked away with a "non-binding" agreement from only five countries that asks them only for an explanation as to how they will go about reducing emissions. The countries are the United States, India, China, South Africa and Brazil. The other 100+ countries at the Summit refused to sign.

Aware of the strength that even a "binding" agreement would have, this is a transparent political attempt by the President to salvage what is his quickly dwindling popularity and political capital in the U.S. and around the world. This at a time when passage of the unpopular healthcare reform bill needs all that he has got.

Impact At Home On The Obama Domestic Agenda

While the left is predictably calling this a great diplomatic success, nobody is fooled. The need for spin of the Summit debacle is that much greater as the healthcare bill at home faces a self-imposed Christmas deadline for passage. The weaker and less popular that President Obama becomes within the U.S., the greater the chance of voting defections in the Senate where there is no margin for error. As it is, the bill has not completely seen the light of day as the Democrats have cobbled it together behind closed doors. Even in the dysfunctional Senate, there will be holdouts that will refuse to allow a bill whose contents are not fully known to go to a vote. For a bill whose size and impact on the economy and populace would be immense, reading and understanding the content is the least that these Senator's can do for us.

The loss of the clout of the President not withstanding, all polling data shows that the American public does not want this legislation to be enacted. Had the President maintained his 70% approval ratings, the members of his party would be willing to blindly follow him and vote for healthcare reform. As he has slipped below 50% approval, and his leaders in the House and Senate much lower than that, the leverage to force a yes vote has slipped, although still strong.

While most will still go along, particularly given the full-court press being applied by Reid and Pelosi, these are still politicians after all whose main concern is not necessarily legislation and the good of the people, but merely being allowed the privilege to remain in office through the next election cycle.

At least in the case of this healthcare bill, let's hope that political expediency will win out, as it typically does.

(Picture courtesy of the NY Post)

Drunk 4 Year Old, and If You Are Very Quiet, You Can Hear The Healthcare Debate Begin To Wither Away

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:30:00 +0000

First, Could This Happen In Your Town?

There are not too many places this could happen. Whatever happened to good old fashioned parental supervision and responsibility? This kid not only got at the beer, but got into the neighbors house to steal a dress as well.

In The Senate The Public Option Is Out, Medicare Buy-In Is Out, What's Left?

As the chart below shows, the majority of the American people do not want this healthcare bill, the majority of people in Washington have not read this healthcare bill, and as we move closer to the self-imposed Christmas break deadline it appears that a vote on this bill will not occur. So what remains in this bill that would be the size of 1/6th of the U.S. economy? Is it worth rushing it through, or should our representatives in Washington go back to square one?

This is not the place, in this economy, with the amount of debt the Obama administration is racking up, to attempt to save political face by pushing through bad and unwanted legislation. You can view a discussion on the topic by David Mark of Politico below.

ate	Favor	Oppose
Dec 12-13	40%	56%
Dec 4-5	41%	51%
Nov 29	41%	53%
Nov 21-22	38%	56%
Nov 13-14	47%	49%
Nov 7-8	45%	52%
Oct 30-31	42%	54%
Oct 24-25	45%	51%
Oct 16-17	42%	54%
Oct 10-11	44%	50%
Oct 2-3	46%	50%
Sep 24-25	41%	56%
Sep 16-17	43%	56%
Sep 15-16	44%	53%
Sep 14-15	42%	55%
Sep 13-14	45%	52%
Sep 12-13	51%	46%
Sep 11-12	48%	48%
Sep 10-11	47%	49%
Sep 9-10	46%	51%
Sept 8-9	44%	53%
Aug 25-26	43%	53%
Aug 9-10	42%	53%
Jul 26-27	47%	49%
Jul 20-21	44%	53%
Jul 10-11	46%	49%
Jun 27-28	50%	45%

Iranian Missile Launch: Video From The Dark Side!

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Sejil-2 Missile Launch On Wednesday - 1200 Mile Range

You do the math in terms of where this surface to surface missile could strike if launched with a nuclear warhead. You know the warhead that Iran is not attempting to develop? Fired under the premise that this missile is for deterrence and not for offensive purposes?

Pardon the use of colorful language, but when will the collective political leaders around the world take their heads out of their collective asses, and approach this impending, if not immediate threat the way that it needs to be approached.

This regime, and regimes like it, do not respond, understand or respect the diplomatic approach to crisis resolution. They understand one thing, and one thing only. Military force. This is the cold reality, and the games we are playing now are just a prelude to that inevitability. Why don't we cut out the dancing while there is still time to prevent a catastrophic event.

Hey B of A, Can You Spare A Dime?

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:55:00 +0000

As an involuntary current owner of residential real estate that I am trying to sell, I know only to well how shaky the market is, as well as how reluctant the banks are to lend the money that they have in their coffers. We all know about the bottom basement level of mortgage rates, as well as all of the so-called bargains that are available in the marketplace. But, unless the banks loosen the purse strings and allow buyers and sellers to meet on a price with the full expectation that qualified buyers will be able to obtain a mortgage, the real estate will continue to sit unsold.

At the peak of the market, the term of qualified buyer was for the most part a misnomer. No doc mortgages were prevalent, meaning that with a wink and a nod the mortgage applicant told whatever story was required to qualify for the desired mortgage. Typically these were no income check, so many of these sub-prime mortgages were made to people who had no real way of paying it back. Given that the mortgages made were in many cases adjustable, after the initial teaser rate the homeowner ran the potential of not being able to make the payments. Because the market was going in one direction, up, the plan would be to then flip the house for a profit, pay the lender back and pocket the difference. This was a great plan, until a new direction for prices, down, was discovered.

Now that those days are over, underwriting has moved to the opposite end of the spectrum, with banks instituting onerous requirements that even the most qualified of buyers have trouble meeting. While it is understandable that the banks are bit gun shy, many are TARP recipients, sitting on money provided by the government at little cost intended to loosen up the incredibly tight credit markets. Instead, the taxpayers are providing this money so that the banks can earn the spread instead, some making record profits.

This reluctance to lend goes for refinancing as well, a transaction that could save current homeowners hundreds of dollars a month, money that could be used to help stoke the rest of the economy. While approximately 60% of the homeowners in the United States have mortgages at rates above the current 4.8% average rate, refinancing applications have declined, with many borrowers unable to qualify.

Bottom line, while nobody is looking for the rampant excess of the past few years, some happy medium for lending needs to be found or the economy will remain in limbo.

Tick, Tick, Tick, Tick...

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000

We Are Entrusting The Safety Of The World To A Comedy Show Masquerading As Something Else!

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me the third, fourth and fifth times and I am either a complete moron, oblivious to the impending or existing danger, or a politician. The fact that leaders of the free and sane world are doing the United Nations sanctions dance is a joke, but the punch line of the joke could very well be a mushroom cloud. The fact that some of these nations, China and Russia specifically, are not even sure they want to impose new sanctions is an indication of how the worlds countries are sticking their collective heads in the sand.

Second Set Of Sanctions Ready For North Korea, And A Fourth Set For Iran

As we look back and review the year that was, Iran and North Korea have continued to move ahead on their nuclear programs. North Korea has not been "negotiating", threw the IAEA out of the country, restarted nuclear facilities, tested ballistic missiles and conducted a nuclear test. Iran is moving along on its merry way to the development of a nuclear capability, purely for peaceful purposes of course, thumbing its nose at the world community that pretends that this country, which has professed its desire to wipe Israel off of the face of earth and that works hand in hand with terrorist groups, is capable of negotiating in good faith.

What else is Iran up to? What are the events that leave the world comfortable playing charades with this country? Sanctions or diplomacy? Neither! Iran does not comply and uses the discussion as a tactic to stall, which the West seems more than okay to go along with. How about this story out of Britain. Does this add any urgency to the equation? The population of the world is having it's future existence managed by certain countries that care little about the citizens and much about their own political and financial well being, and other countries, the United States included that are run by those whose political futures trump the need to make obvious choices on national security.

Read this story, and you make the call regarding whether we continue to have the luxury to sit on our hands and let the United Nations run the show, or if some more direct action is required.

(Times Online) "Confidential intelligence documents obtained by The Times show that Iran is working on testing a key final component of a nuclear bomb.

The notes, from Iran’s most sensitive military nuclear project, describe a four-year plan to test a neutron initiator, the component of a nuclear bomb that triggers an explosion. Foreign intelligence agencies date them to early 2007, four years after Iran was thought to have suspended its weapons programme.

An Asian intelligence source last week confirmed to The Timesthat his country also believed that weapons work was being carried out as recently as 2007 — specifically, work on a neutron initiator..."

How Safe Are We?

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Are We Proactive Or Still Reactive?

Two incidents on Thursday, the memory of one that occurred on December 7, 1993 and another earlier this week got me thinking about how secure, in a free and democratic society, that we can really ever be.

This is not a commentary on freedom, because that is what makes this country and our society great. It is more a commentary on the fact that no matter how much better security is today than it was on 9/11, it can really never be good enough to make us safe from one maniac, or a group of maniacs, who have an agenda that they want to fulfill. It can be due to insanity or based on ideology, or both, but unfortunately where there is a will there is a way. Specific acts can be thwarted, but as the saying goes we have to be right 100% of the time, and the terrorists only once. We have to stay vigilant 24/7, while the terrorists can knock off for a while as they did between the first World Trade Center attack and the second.

Earlier this week five U.S. students were arrested in Pakistan, charged with attempting to join al-Qaeda. At least four of the five are U.S. citizens. The scenario of homegrown terrorists is particularly frightening, as one major problem in the puzzle would have already been solved. That of getting into the country. These five apparently showed no outward signs of radicalism, which creates a nightmare for those charged with homeland security and for tracking jihadist's.

Sixteen years ago a man, Colin Ferguson, in a racially motivated attack killed 6 and wounded nineteen on a Long Island railroad train. He had waited until the eastbound train had gone through the Jamaica station, because he thought all black passengers would get off there. Clearly he was and is insane, but was there a way to prevent this man with an agenda in his mind from committing this act?

Thursday, as I left a meeting and was walking towards Times Square, a man trying to con tourists was approached by an undercover cop. He squeezed off 2 rounds from his semi-automatic weapon until it jammed, leaving 20+ more rounds in the gun. He was then shot and killed. The fact remained, however, that there was really no way to stop him from either possessing this gun in a crowded street, or from using it. Luckily it ended well with only the shooter being killed.

Finally, this is what got me thinking in this direction in the first place. Taking the train into Manhattan, I watched the myriad of people getting on and off of the train. Some had backpacks, others had briefcases and some were carrying bags. No security. No monitors. Just free access as it should be. Because 99.999999999999999% of the people have no agenda other than going to or from work, shopping or seeing a play, there is really nothing to worry about.

The worry comes from the miniscule percentage of people whose agenda includes a wanton disregard for human life, and in some cases the desire to perpetrate an act that will claim as many as possible while inflecting devastating wounds on the rest. In New York, we all go over the bridges and through the tunnels that have "security" around them. The two cops at the entrance who pull over a suspicious looking truck every now and then while thousands of others go through. How can someone with an insane desire practically be stopped. I fear the answer is that it is very difficult. As an example, the picture above is a map of the New York City subway system. How can a network this vast possible be monitored 100% of the time.

Law enforcement does a great job with the resources that they have. The bottom line, as cliche as it sounds, is that we as citizens are also responsible for our own well being. The Kitty Genovese mentality where someone else will take care of it is not sufficient. This doesn't mean that we are all to become Rambo taking care of business ourselves. But as trite as the saying "If you see something, say something" sounds, it is the new fact of life. We have to stay vigilant, aware and involved.

Our lives just may depend on it!

Protect Us From The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Screening Management: Standard Operating Procedures for the TSA

The Transportation Security Administration posted it's SOP Manual for airport screeners on the Fed Biz Ops website for all to see, although on every page of the document there was the following warning:

SENSITIVE SECURITY INFORMATION

WARNING: THIS RECORD CONTAINS SENSITIVE SECURITY INFORMATION THAT IS CONTROLLED UNDER 49 C.F.R. PARTS 15 AND 1520. NO PART OF

THIS RECORD MAY BE DISCLOSED TO PERSONS WITHOUT A "NEED TO KNOW," AS DEFINED IN 49 C.F.R. PARTS 15 AND 1520, EXCEPT WITH THE

WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OR THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION.

UNAUTHORIZED RELEASE MAY RESULT IN CIVIL PENALTIES OR OTHER ACTION. FOR U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, PUBLIC DISCLOSURE

GOVERNED BY 5 U.S.C. 552 AND 49 C.F.R. PARTS 15 AND 1520

How Does This Happen?

Although the TSA has said that this document has been updated many times since the release of the one that was leaked, does it contain any items that could be of use to a terrorist? The TSA says no. Of course. But can we believe this from an agency that would allow sensitive material to get out in the first place? That is questionable.

Investigations have been called for to see how this leak could have happened and how to stop it in the future, but 8+ years after 9/11 this type of breach is unacceptable.

The irony is that yesterday the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held a hearing on stopping terrorist travel. Perhaps a good place to start would be in the internal operations of the TSA.

Iran: A Video Look At The Future?

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:33:00 +0000

The Violent Crackdown In Tehran Serves To Help Unite The Protestors

Is this the sign of change in Iran? As the crackdowns continue, and as the resolve of protestors increases, will the desire for a new way of government gain traction, or be beaten down?

To View the video of the demonstrations, please visit this link.

Cruel and Unusual Punishment For The Victims!

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:29:00 +0000

The Controversy Over What Constitutes Cruel and Unusual Punishment

While the crimes subject to the death penalty varies slightly by state, rest assured that those who are ultimately convicted have committed a heinous crime, some of which may have left the victim scarred for life while inflicting lasting physical and psychological damage. Either that or dead.

These men and women put onto death row are provided full access to due process, while their victims were certainly not afforded that same luxury. At the point in time that they are denied the last minute appeal from the governor of the state and they walk the "Green Mile", they have most likely spent years on death row, enjoying the benefits of life if not freedom. For the family of the victim that they murdered or of the child that they raped, this is the justice that they had waited years to receive.

The Biros Case In Ohio
(AP) "Biros, 51, killed 22-year-old Tami Engstrom near Warren in 1991 after offering to drive her home from a bar, then scattered her body parts in Ohio and Pennsylvania."

While Kenneth Biros awaits death for the crime described above, the controversy does not revolve around his victim, it revolves around what it is that constitutes cruel and unusual punishment for his death.

Romell Broom, a convicted rapist and murderer had 18 attempts made to put the needle into his arm, all unsuccessful until finally the execution had to be called off. They hit muscle and bone and they still could not find a vein. It apparently got so "painful" for this man being put to death for unspeakable acts that the Governor of Ohio said no mas (Broom is appealing to stop the State from trying again).

Ohio is now going to go to the one shot method instead of three, because it lessens the chance of pain and suffering for the dying man, although it may take 15 minutes of a peaceful deeper and deeper sleep before death, rather than the 7 minutes when using the current process.

The lawyer for Biros is looking to get the execution stayed because Ohio would be the first state to use this method, it has never been used before in any "civilized" country and would amount to human experimentation. The United States Supreme Court said that the three shot method should only be changed if a new method lessened the potential for pain to the dying man.

Seven minutes or fifteen minutes makes little difference to the victims or victims families of the people who through years of appeal and the presence of DNA testing have made it to this final step. Who protected the victims from cruel and inhuman punishment. How painful was the death of Tami Engstrom, and what steps did Biros make to ensure that his mutilated murder victim did not suffer? For the past 18 years this man lived and fought for his life, while callously taking that of a woman who today would be a 40 year old, possibly married and possibly with children.

Seven minutes or fifteen minutes? Some potential pain or discomfort? Is this a discussion that needs to be in our courts? Is this a debate that serves the victims families or in the case of rape the victims themselves? Who is protecting them?

Photo courtesy of NowPublic.net

September 11, 2001 - December 7,1941: Dates That Will Live In Infamy

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 13:18:00 +0000

Dates That Serve To Define The World

Tomorrow, December 7, marks the anniversary of "a date that will live in infamy", the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This was the event that brought the United States into WW II, ultimately leading to the defeat of what was then a overwhelming threat to the security of the world. Had the Japanese not committed this act, and had the United States not entered the war, who is to know the state of the world today.

That hypothetical gives way to the actual reality of the day, that of the global threat of both terrorism through "conventional" means, as well as through nuclear weapons that could bring global devastation in seconds. Let us never forget that those who wish to control and dictate through the belief that all in the world should be a certain way, whether ethnically, religiously or both, can only be defeated in one way.

As seen with Hitler, and as we are trying to accomplish through appeasement today, a negotiated promise through a signature on a piece of paper is meaningless. The totalitarian desires of these factions know no level of compromise. It is win at all costs and those who wish to attempt to pacify through third parties such as the U.N. or through diplomacy and the threat of sanctions are merely playing into the hands of those who seek to destroy us.

Our enemies believe that the world does not have the stomach or the will to stop them, much as Hitler knew as he marched into country's and made therm his.

As the philosopher George Santayana wrote, and which rings as true today as at any point in history, 'Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it." Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea are merely symptoms of a much greater problem. But as any doctor will tell you, these symptoms need to be treated, or like a cancer they will continue to flourish and will eventually take over the body.

Photos courtesy of Britannica and Write On New Jersey

Jobs: Did The Obama Summit Find A Solution? and Public Opinion On Afghanistan

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000

By The Time You Read This, The Mother Of All Numbers Will Most Likely Have Been Released
At 8:30 this morning the employment numbers will be released, and the expectations are for 125,000 jobs to have been cut and for the headline unemployment rate to hold at 10.2%. Any surprises to the downside will send shivers through the markets and throw water on what may already be a dour holiday season. The key to the whole shooting match is jobs, as people who are unemployed, underemployed, have given up or who are in fear of losing their jobs do not make for motivated consumers. The ripple effect through the economy and government coffers will be crippling in quite a number of ways.

There's No Need To Fear, Underdog Is Here!
In what can hopefully generate worthwhile ideas, but is more likely a political exercise, President Obama held a job summit looking for ideas on how exactly to create them. If it sounds a little like pie in the sky it is, but hey, you never know. As if to acknowledge the desperation that holding this event would seem to indicate, Obama said the following:

"I don't mind skepticism...If I listened to the skeptics I wouldn't be here." How lucky would that have been if the President had only been a better listener.

"I am open to every demonstrably good idea, and I want to take every responsible step to accelerate job creation." I suppose that the secretary at the meeting taking the minutes will form a working committee to ferret through the list, decide on the keepers and implement them. This meeting which will generate "ideas" that the best minds in government couldn't come up with.

Here is a thought from a neophyte whose invitation to the summit must have been lost in the mail. Stop raising taxes on the engine of jobs creation, the small business owner. Take the stimulus money that is left and direct it squarely into job creating projects. Mandate that the institutions who received the billions in TARP money actually lend it out, rather than looking for reasons not to lend it out. All the while taking these extremely low cost funds and recording record profits. And finally, limit the intrusion of government into the day to day operations of business so that they can focus on the things that they should be focusing on...the bottom line.

Lastly, take the domestic agenda that has been laid out and put it on the back burner for now, and quite possibly forever. The problems facing the country and the world are not about one man and his legacy, but about the people. Worry less about your face time, and more about the real problems at hand.

In any event, they came, they met, they discussed and they went home. And tomorrow while those in the Ivory Tower digest the numbers when they are released, the pain felt by rank and file citizens will be palpable.

Gallup Poll

The question is:

The Obama Doctrine: What Does It All Mean And Was It Worth The Wait?

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:49:00 +0000

The Long Awaited Speech Is In The Books And 30,000 Troops Will Be Heading To Afghanistan With Date Certain Withdrawal

Some tough sounding rhetoric with a smattering of date certain withdrawal. What does it all mean for the United States, our military, homeland security and the world. Do the words of this speech have any bite? Is it a halfway measure? Is it tough sounding talk with plans for date certain withdrawal in order to attempt to placate both his political base and political adversaries? Is the discussion of our coalition of partners reality or fantasy? Who is coming along with us for this ride as President Obama alludes? China? Russia? France? Germany? Anybody?

The Cost Of War
There was a long discussion of the cost of war to this point, going forward, our responsibilities to the world and how it all ties together. How the price of the conflict is a critical factor and cannot be an open ended commitment. This from a president who has done more to expand the deficits of our country on domestic programs in less than one year than presidents have been able to accomplish over the course of full administrations and beyond. The current healthcare bill could add another $1 trillion to our debt. Yet there are limitations to the cost that we are willing to bear on the terrorism, the nuclear front and the security of the world. Interesting.

Date certain in Iraq or Afghanistan will lead to one result. The terrorists sitting on their hands until the proverbial coast is clear. They are not going anywhere. They do not have artificial deadlines they need to abide by. They know that the world and President Obama do not have the stomach for the conflict and they will play the waiting game. Will Afghan youth sign on to be the police when they know we are leaving? It is an old and tired story. The rhetoric of the President is equally worn. These are dangerous times and politics and checkbook budgets do not have a place in the decision making process.

Interesting Thoughts From War On Terror News On The Speech And It's Content

First off: Stop blaming the CinC that was decisive enough to overthrow the Taliban in less time than it took you to decide to half-step.
Secondly: Compromise belongs to politicians, not war. The General needs 40,000 Troops. 30,000 is a half-step compromise.

Third: Be grateful for allies. This is OUR fight and they are helping. The General asked YOU for 40,000 Troops, plus whatever the Allies could muster.

Fourth: Pakistan victories are not YOURS. They stepped up but you did not. Had you decided when the General asked, the Taliban could have been crushed as the Pakis pushed them out of their safe havens.

Fifth: This is not the "fastest" deployment of troops. It is the culmination of the slowest decision in modern history. A half-step decision at that. Had you decided to support the General that you sent to implement the "strategy" you "concluded" in March, the lead elements would already be on the ground, not getting their marching orders for May of next year. They'd be ready when the spring thaws for the new fighting season, rather than waiting on a plane in the US to go kick in the doors of an enemy that emplaced themselves while you consulted political advisors.

Sixth: Victory should be the goal, not a timeline for withdrawal. What cost do you put on lives and liberty? What dollar amount is too much to pay to prevent another attack? What dollar amount do you put on the life of a young Afghan girl that just wants to learn to read?

Seventh: Quit allowing Congress to cut the Military. Recruiters are turning away the few recruits that are qualified.

Eighth: Leadership would have been decisiveness, before NATO leaders got tired of your dithering.

Too Much MSG Leading To An Unclear Thought Process?

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000

You Know That Woozy Feeling You Get?

I know that in the United States there are often signs in Chinese restaurants that claim there is no MSG in the food. That light headed feeling you get during and after lets you know that there really was. Having spent 3 weeks in Mainland China I can tell you that, as a rule, there is no MSG in the food. My question is, therefore, where is the woozy mind coming from that leads the Chinese government to believe that diplomacy, not sanctions or force, will convince the Iranian government to not only stop production of enriched uranium, but to put off apparent plans to build more facilities?

Could it be that the Chinese have an idea that they will not be a target of either an Iranian ballistic missile with a nuclear warhead or of terrorists with suitcase nuclear devices? Or could it be that the commerce China is doing with Iran makes it economically unfeasible to jeopardize the relationship? Either way, the Chinese pose an impediment to the next logical step of tougher sanctions which would still not be effective, but would then open up the potential for the endgame of force to take the nukes out.

Given the apparent Chinese stance of complete appeasement, in the end (the end not being to long from now) it will only lead to a pre-emptive strike by a country that has much to lose from Iranian nukes. Here is a statement from a member of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. In China, the diplomats do not speak out of turn, but are directed in their comments.

(New York Times) "A China Foreign Ministry spokesman told a regular news conference Tuesday that sanctions ''are not the goal'' of new U.N. pressure on Iran.

''We should properly resolve this issue through dialogue,'' spokesman Qin Gang said. ''All parties should step up diplomatic efforts.''

Crisis Summation

Written by Con Coughlin of the Telegraph, these thoughts spell out clearly that the James Bond clock is getting perilously close to 0:07, and unless someone steps up the world will face danger that makes the danger in the world today seem like a kindergarten class. Unless someone or some country develops the gumption to do what needs to be done, ending the charade, that clock might just get to 0:00.

( UK Telegraph) "Time is clearly not on the side of those attempting to talk Iran round. For the past six years, the West has been involved in intensive negotiations with Tehran to resolve this dispute, but all that has happened is that Iran has dramatically increased its nuclear capability while the West has received nothing in return.

This is a situation that can no longer be allowed to continue. If Iran wishes to persist with its defiant attitude, then it must face the consequences.

Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, has argued in favour of "crippling" sanctions being imposed against Iran, and urgent action should now be taken to implement them as soon as possible, in a last-ditch effort to bring Tehran to its senses. Otherwise the consequences are too dreadful to contemplate."

Picture courtesy of HubPages

The Megalomaniacal President and the Impotent IAEA

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Exercise For The Kids Starts in One Place: The President Of Course

Regardless of whether we speak of healthcare, elections, the Olympics or the health of our children, it is all Obama, all of the time. NFL Play 60 is a program designed to get kids off of the couch and out exercising. As if NFL players are not enough, President Obama is out there catching a pass in slow motion for inspiration.

Big Bad IAEA

(Tehran Times) "...Twenty-five members of the 35-nation board, including Russia and China, voted in favor of the resolution. The resolution criticized Iran for beginning construction of a new uranium enrichment facility at Fordo, which is near Qom, and demanded that it immediately halt its construction. It also criticized Iran for defying a UN Security Council call for it to suspend uranium enrichment..."

Russia and China are now supposedly on board for some nebulous criticism against Iran that covers the rogue nations refusal to cease uranium enrichment and construction of a new enrichment facility. In response to this resolution which does not even represent sanctions, Iran has said that it will no longer cooperate with the IAEA.

(NewsRoom America) "...IAEA Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei, said last week he had reached a "dead end" with Iran, noting that there had been no movement in over a year in resolving outstanding issues related to its nuclear programme..."

So here the world sits, twiddling its collective thumbs while blowing smoke at a regime that is laughing in all of our faces. How much longer will this be permitted to continue? Until we see the red glare of a ballistic missile being launched? I hope that the Obama administration does not point to the actions of the Chinese and Russians as an example of some kind of foreign policy victory, because it is far from that. Just more toothless rhetoric from a toothless organization (United Nations) that passes for the proxy police for the nations of the world which do not have the gumption or the stomach to deal with the problem at hand.

Will the one year mentioned by El Baradei stretch into two, three or more while we threaten, cajole and pray that this regime does not develop, pass on and/or use the nuclear technology they are so close to possessing? Not with Israel in the wings. They will do the worlds dirty work and then be condemned for it. As that country knows, however, inaction is not an option.

Picture courtesy of Tehran Times

Insane, Got No Brain

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Shout Out To That Special Duo Of Obama/Holder For Bringing Us THE TRIAL

Let The Games Begin!

The only two people in government (plus a few yes men and women) who seem to have thought that bringing these five terrorists to New York for a criminal trial would be as swift and clean as a military tribunal are those kings of political comedy, the President and his Attorney General. Critical for this to happen they said.

Never mind the fact that a military tribunal is run according to strict rules and disciplines. Or that a criminal trial is run by smoke and mirrors and the duck and feint of a boxing match where the emotions of one juror or a legal technicality can free a guilty man. Or in this case five terrorists complicit in the murder of thousands of Americans. Or that these tactics can cause a proceeding to drag on in the public spotlight for a very long time. Or that it has the potential to reveal State secrets. Never mind that these five terrorists have no peers who can judge them on a jury (unless of course Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Idi Amin, possibly Ted Bundy, Manson, etc became available). Never mind that it will be a bully pulpit for these men to scream their ideals and opinions to the rest of the world, making an absolute mockery of the United States.

Swift Justice? You Make The Call!

This story from The Wall Street Journal which makes the claims of a trial as swift and efficient as a military tribunal seem questionable.

"...Justice Department spokesman Dean Boyd declined to comment specifically on the mental-capacity issue but said the government expects "a host of motions" to be filed. "It's the job of prosecutors to anticipate these challenges and plan their cases accordingly, and that is certainly being done in this case," he said.

A strong defense case for mental unfitness may force prosecutors to choose between unappealing options. They could sever Messrs. Binalshibh and Hawsawi from the joint conspiracy trial, allowing the case against the defendants whose capacity isn't at issue to proceed.
That would deprive prosecutors of a favored tool in conspiracy cases, because a joint trial allows the alleged guilt of one defendant to be imputed to the others. In this case, where the notoriety of alleged 9/11 organizer Khalid Sheikh Mohammed far exceeds that of his co-defendants, the separation could be beneficial to Messrs. Binalshibh or Hawsawi should they contest the charges.

If federal prosecutors decide to pursue a joint trial, proceedings will have to wait until each defendant's fitness is established..."

There is, however, no need to worry as both the President and Attorney General have publicly announced the guilt of the five defendants. Wait. Isn't that grounds for the defense to claim charges should be dropped?

Image courtesy of Law Student Code

Live From West Point...It's President Obama

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

As If Making The Afghanistan Announcement From West Point Fools Anyone

It has been close to 90 days since the demands made by General McCrystal were aired, and the leisurely process seems to be finally winding down despite itself. The healthcare plan has passed the initial hurdle to get to the Senate floor, so the field is clear to make an announcement on troop strength and strategy.

Now if this was a war the way that WWII was a war and President Obama was a general, we would have been in big trouble. If every decision that is "critical" takes 90 days of gnashing of the teeth to be made, his title could easily be changed from Commander to Procrastinator-in-Chief. The world has seen the President in action and they smell his weakness and indecision the way that a dog smells his dinner. It is obvious to all that he is a master of rhetoric and a failure at prioritizing the needs of the country.

Dealing with the war in Afghanistan or politicking and lobbying for the Olympics? Jobs creation or healthcare? Less taxes on those who can least afford it or more? Tax breaks to small business, one of the primary engines of job creation or more insidious regulation and tax obligations to choke off recovery? The needs of the rank and file or the building of some grand tapestry that he and his cronies envision for the country the same way that Mao envisioned it for China?

Master Of The Metaphor

Now that the wait is winding down, it is obviously no time to announce this long awaited war strategy decision from the Oval Office. That would be a somber way to let the country and the world know. No, this announcement is to big a photo op to let go to waste that way. For the prime time president, his ego and his handlers, the perfect spot needed to be found which would provide the backdrop for a president of this stature.

Where else but in front of young cadets at West Point. What President Obama needs to try and remember is that this decision is not about him. It is about our country and the overall security of the world.

Obama Creates Jobs; Just Not American Jobs

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Stimulus Creates A Limited Number Of "Real" New Jobs

When The President Can Lead By Example, He Chooses Not To

We have all heard the cries of success from the Administration on the supposed success of the Stimulus Bill in creating new jobs for the American people who are so desperate to find them. As it turns out the statistics that have been trumpeted have been hyped and are prone to political hyperbole.

Even members of his own party, so loathe to step out of line, have questions. This from David Obey, D-Wisconsin:

‘‘Credibility counts in government, and stupid mistakes like this undermine it,"

‘‘Whether the numbers are good news or bad news, I want the honest numbers - and I want them now."

This statement referred to testimony being provided by Earl Devaney, chairman of the Recovery and Accountability Transparency Board.

Obama To The Rescue - Sort Of

Tuesday night the President held his first State dinner with the guest of honor the Prime Minister of India. Although times are hard in the United States with a true unemployment rate approaching 20%, this event provided the opportunity for up to 50 Indian citizens to find employment, although it may only be temporary.

As many of you may have seen in the newspapers or on television, the First Lady was wearing a gown that was created by an Indian designer, and which up to 50 people at the workshop of Naeem Khan toiled over to get it done for dinner.

While a good example of jobs creation Mr. President, perhaps next time the gown should be made in the United States, or possibly bought off of the rack to save a little money.

Aren't The Politicians Watching The Polls?

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Healthcare: At The Best 50% Approval, Now 38%

Nothing means more to politicians than the polls. Polls are the lifeblood that let them know what they should be for, what they should be against and what they should stay away from. If some action is in the best interest of national security, but the polls say that public opinion is against it, most, not all, politicians will be swayed. This, despite the fact that popular opinion is not a reliable gauge of right and wrong, particularly when it comes down to facts that only politicians may be privy to.

That said, Democrat representatives should take a hard look at the series of polling data below from Rasmussen, which clearly indicates the steadily declining view of the American public regarding the healthcare reform that has become the focal point of the Obama administration. A word of advice to the Democrats might be to not allow the President to put an end to their political ambitions with legislation that is not only wrong for the country, but their careers as well.

Don't let this be the one time you become thinkers independent of the polls. Stick to your guns and vote career. This time though, it would be consistent with the best interests of the country.

Public View Of The President's Healthcare Plan? Yay Or Nay For The Democrats?

Date	Favor	Oppose
Nov 21-22	38%	56%
Nov 13-14	47%	49%
Nov 7-8	45%	52%
Oct 30-31	42%	54%
Oct 24-25	45%	51%
Oct 16-17	42%	54%
Oct 10-11	44%	50%
Oct 2-3	46%	50%
Sep 24-25	41%	56%
Sep 16-17	43%	56%
Sep 15-16	44%	53%
Sep 14-15	42%	55%
Sep 13-14	45%	52%
Sep 12-13	51%	46%
Sep 11-12	48%	48%
Sep 10-11	47%	49%
Sep 9-10	46%	51%
Sept 8-9	44%	53%
Aug 25-26	43%	53%
Aug 9-10	42%	53%
Jul 26-27	47%	49%
Jul 20-21	44%	53%
Jul 10-11	46%	49%
Jun 27-28	50%	45%

2012? With Our Leadership We Should Worry Today!

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Relax Everybody: Healthcare Was Cleared For Debate In The Senate

Home from an Asian trip that was a waste of presidential time and taxpayer money, the President is back on his laser point of healthcare reform and Afghanistan procrastination, national security be damned.

Returning from his recent trip to Asia with very little to show for it, particularly from the Chinese, the situation with the Iranians continues to just float by as nothing is done, and our two main allies show little interest in doing anything, sanctions included.

In the meantime the Iranians are conducting military and air force war games designed to illustrate it's capabilities at fighting back any attempts to take out it's nuclear plants, most likely by the Israelis.

(Post-Gazette)"If the enemy tries its luck and fires a missile into Iran, our ballistic missiles would zero in on Tel Aviv before the dust settles on the attack," said Mojtaba Zolnour, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's representative in the Revolutionary Guard Corps, told state news agency IRNA on Saturday."

What exactly is the Obama plan. Obviously Russia and China have little chance of being coerced into joining us in our attempts to stop Iran. Did President Obama articulate to the leaders in China that we will deal with this problem, with them preferably, but without them if they refuse? That is doubtful, and goes with the commander in chief style of Obama which is to appease and placate, while accomplishing absolutely nothing.

What is his loyalty to our ally Israel? Does he have it's back? Will Israel be hung out to dry having to do the worlds dirty work in Iran and then pay the consequences?

While On The Subject, What's Up With This Terror Trial?

It is still hard to fathom what the President and his Attorney General are thinking with the decision to hold a criminal trial in New York rather than a swift and efficient military tribunal at Gitmo. Is it to show the world how fair the United States is? Is it to give the terrorists the ability to hammer the United States during the course of a trial? Is it to put the people of New York in danger once again? Is it to provide the potential to expose covert operatives? Or maybe it is to have the opportunity to have these terrorists released on a technicality.

Any way you slice it, it is just one more example of how inexperienced and ineffectual this President is. That, to the detriment of a nation and the world. Not that polls matter, but the American public is not behind the decision to have this trial (see above).

SNL: Mainstream Media Has Obama's Number

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

The Bastion Of Bush/Palin Bashing Has Seen The Obama Light

For those of you who go to sleep early on Saturday nights, or who are out late having a good time, Saturday Night Live had a great opening skit of a press conference between the leader of China and President Obama. In it, the questions are raised as to how China is going to be paid back the hundreds of billions that they have lent to us, given the huge level of deficit spending already done, and that which is in the pipeline such as the new healthcare plan.

The tape lasts about 4 minutes, and is well worth the time. In it, one of the questions asked of President Obama is if he will kiss his Chinese counterpart, because he likes to be kissed before having sex done to him. Very funny, but definitely to the point.

Terror Trial, Iran, Afghanistan, etc. Are Not Independent Events

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:35:00 +0000

Hope and Change or Truth or Consequences

What Credibility Does Mr. Obama Think That He Has?

He Talks of Consequences In Iran While Allowing Terrorists To Go On Trial In Civilian Court In The United States

Talk and rhetoric are cheap as the nation and the world has witnessed since the campaign that brought President Obama into office. Actual experience and actions in the election unfortunately took a back seat to speechmaking and smear campaigns. What was the reality for those who fell over each other to pull the lever for Obama was the incessant use of the phrase Hope and Change. Great marketing created from the bowels of a high priced wordsmith hired by the campaign and tested in focus groups for effectiveness.

While that smoke and mirrors may well have fooled those who put him in office, countries such as Russia and China eat his words for lunch. These leaders understand one thing and one thing only. It is not the well turned phrase, but the assumed willingness to back up those phrases with action.

More than flowery speech, those who pass for our allies are keenly aware of the reality behind the Obama words. Statements such as:

"begun discussions with its international partners about the importance of having consequences" "It is going to take time and part of the challenge that we face is that neither North Korea nor Iran seem to be settled enough politically to make quick decisions on these issues."

fools no one into actually believing them. Statements made regarding the fact that the leadership in Iran has only so much time before the United States loses its patience are dismissed out of hand. What credibility does Obama have? As the leader of the worlds last superpower he is holding all of the cards. He has pocket aces with the other two on the table. Unfortunately he is playing it out as if he has no hand with 8 as his high card. Russia and China understand strength. They understand the making of tough, firm and globally unpopular decisions that serve their own countries best interests and they see the United States wanting only to appease.

President Obama is not viewed as decisive or tough. To the contrary he is viewed as extremely weak. He will make decisions to placate other countries to the detriment of our. The recent decision by Eric Holder/Obama for reasons that only the two of them understand could be viewed metaphorically as the straw that broke the camels back in terms of the ultimate insult to the American people and butt kissing to the world. Or at least certain parts of the world. The decision I speak of is the one to try the terrorists involved in the 9/11 bombing in a civilian court in New York as opposed to a quick and easy military tribunal resulting in a quick execution.

Can you imagine for a second that the Russians or Chinese were faced with the same choice? They look at this decision and laugh. That the United States is affording a trial with a jury of peers to these terrorists. Who will comprise this jury of their peers might be one question. Another would be that these mass murderers of American civilians and military are being given rights of any kind. We have the ability to mete out swift judgment while offering these terrorists due process. It is called a military tribunal. After all, is this not where they belong?

At the end of the day our standing in the world has been severely diminished under this administration to the detriment of our national security. The left will say that we are now liked around the world, reversing the damage done by President Bush. The logical thinker will say that we as a nation are much less secure after only a little less than a year of President Obama. It is all well and good to be liked, but if you are not respected, you put the country you were put in office to protect in grave danger.

Hope and Change or Truth or Consequences

Nixon: Manson Guilty

exetertraining@aol.com (The Political and Financial Markets Commentator) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Is The Administration Trying To Lose This Case?

It certainly seems like it. Did Eric Holder and Barack Obama learn nothing from the Charles Manson trial and the statements made by President Nixon? Apparently not. As if it is not bad enough that AG Holder decided to try these terrorists in a civilian court as opposed to a military tribunal, both he and the President seem to have both failed Trial 101, and the more advanced How Not To Prejudice a Jury and Risk an Acquittal 315 in school.

(http://bovinabloviator.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html)

Is the idea to do everything possible to get these 5 off, or to insure that they are put to death as they should be. How much more fuel can they possibly provide to a defense attorney than they already have? Wait and see.

(AP) "...In one of a series of TV interviews during his trip to Asia, Obama said those offended by the legal privileges given to Mohammed by virtue of getting a civilian trial rather than a military tribunal won't find it "offensive at all when he's convicted and when the death penalty is applied to him...

...Asked what might happen if the suspects are acquitted, Holder replied: "Failure is not an option. These are cases that have to be won. I don't expect that we will have a contrary result."

Afghan Decision: Still Waiting [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:25:09 PDT

The Politicians In The White House Continue The Military Debate

Security of our homeland begins in Iran and Afghanistan [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:34:40 PDT

Article talks about the danger of appeasement and the Iranian missile crisis.

Jimmy Carter: One Term Wasn't Enough? [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:56:55 PDT

No, this former peanut farmer from Georgia wants to make sure that his name goes down in history as a destructive career diplomat as well, both foreign and domestic. His current diatribe concerns the fact that any criticism of the new administration must have its foundation in racism. ...While blatantly untrue, why is this ex-President playing the race card, particularly when it is so far off base? Why is he making statements at all?...

The FBI Is The New CIA: Where Is The Public Outrage? [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:22:55 PDT

For President Obama, The War On Terror Is Now Over. Excuse me. For President Obama "violent extremism," "overseas contingency operations" and "man-caused disasters" is no longer of concern (politically correct verbiage)...

The Hypocrisy Of The Phrase: Failed Policies Of The Last 8 Years!! [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 03:27:35 PST

I know the rules of Washington. What you say in front of the cameras today is the new reality that wipes out any of your actions that have actually occurred through the years (i.e. Chappaquiddick, sorry couldn't help myself). Even though I know these rules, you reach a point where you just can't listen to it anymore without expressing some outrage. Remember some of the players and situations from before Bush took office? Bill Clinton, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Melvin Watt, the expansion of the Community Reinvestment Act in 1995, the political clout of Fannie Mae, the political contributions made by Fannie Mae (now President Obama was a substantial beneficiary), sweetheart mortgage deals, the attempt to reign in the problem that was blocked by the Democrats when Bush was in office and so on and so on.

The Stimulus Bill Simplified [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:00:47 PST

The Stimulus Bill Explained Shortly after class, an economics student approaches his economics professor and says, "I don't understand this stimulus bill. Can you explain it to me?" The professor replied, "I don't have any time to explain it at my office, but if you come over to my house on Saturday and help me with my weekend project, I'll be glad to explain it to you."...

Obama Mortgage Modifications: Life Preserver or Something Else? [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 03:36:23 PST

Politicizing The Problem President Obama gave the speech today outlining a plan to curtail the volume of home foreclosures in front of a cheering crowd in Arizona, thereby politicizing a problem that might have been better discussed in a speech from the White House in prime time to a national audience. That would have been Washington business as usual at its best. Quote: The government infected us with the disease (starting with Clinton and continued by Bush), and now they are trying to kill us with the cure.

Democrats: The New Age Of Plausible Deniability [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:22:27 PST

What Is Plausible Deniability? "The term plausible deniability was introduced into the English language in 1975 when the Church Committee, a US Senate committee, conducted an investigation into the intelligence agencies. Plausible deniability has been honed since in government and private enterprise, into an art form. We all do it, at home with the kids, at work, with our mates from our club and sometimes sadly, with ourselves. The problem for me is that plausible deniability is a phrase that equates to lack of accountability." (ChangeFactory.com)

Time For Hillary Clinton To Start Proving Her Mettle [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:29:33 PST

This is the quandary of opening a dialogue with the leaders of Iran. Talks in good faith would be terrific but cannot be one sided. We can not allow ourselves to be used as pawns by the Iranian government who will no doubt say and promise one thing and do another. Now one argument is that the ordinary citizens of Iran have become disillusioned with the government and want change. Can they force change? Maybe, but doubtful. How long do we wait for the change to happen? Conventional wisdom, or at least my wisdom, would say that we need that to happen before Iran has the nuclear weapons making capability.

Are You Part Of The "Chattering Class?" [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:56:30 PST

Chuck Schumer: Pork? Americans Don't Care I think the reality is a little bit different in that Americans care about pork and don't care much for the politicians in Washington. To attempt to set the record straight for Senator Schumer, who for full disclosure happens to be my Senator and who also appears to be slightly out of touch with his constituency, I am giving the results of a recent ATI-News/Zogby poll.

The Political and Financial Markets Commentator: Illinois Being Illinois [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 03:56:36 PST

Maybe The Senators Who Opposed Seating Roland Burris Had A Point And Should Have Stuck To Their Guns As an update to the soap opera that is Illinois politics, Roland Burris may have perjured himself in testimony to the Ilinois House impeachment committee in the investigation of Governor Blagojevich.

The Political and Financial Markets Commentator: How To Communicate With Your Senators or Congress People [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:05:19 PST

Do you want to contact your senators or congressman or woman? Is their something about the stimulus bill you don't love? There are proper and improper ways to do this, and I am providing some recommended guidelines below courtesy of CongressMerge.com. If you would like the contact information for your representatives the following link will provide that for you. I hope this helps.

Rhetoric Versus The Reality Of Office [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:10:51 PST

During the campaign candidate Barack Obama had much to say about the way that Washington has been broken, and how the failed policies of the last eight years have brought us to the economic point we are at now. He spoke of how the political insiders needed to go, and that with Change we would have fresh, non-Washington beholden blood in office free to operate without the ties that bound the Bush administration...

The Political and Financial Markets Commentator: Morality Is Still Under Attack [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 03:21:02 PST

The Decline Of Society Continues Back in November of 2008 I talked about morality and our kids, but some of the commercials on T.V. for Valentines Day I'm watching has brought it all back.

The Political and Financial Markets Commentator: Congressional Testimony: Take The Train [del.icio.us]

halthouse1 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:18:17 PST

Knowing that our leaders in Congress would focus on public relations and face time back home first, they knew that even taking a commercial plane to Washington might provide the ammunition to get blasted for squandering public funds. Taking no chances, they decided even Amtrak might be considered frivolous waste.