Some of you have probably already seen this. I got it in an email a while back (thanks Lindsay) and have been meaning to post it here. Very interesting.......
A Tale of Two Houses
House #1 A 20 room mansion ( not including 8 bathrooms ) heated by natural gas. Add on a pool ( and a pool house) and a separate guest house, all heated by gas.In one month this residence consumes more energy than the average American household does in a year. The average bill for electricity and natural gas runs over $2400. In natural gas alone, this property consumes more than 20times the national average for an American home. This house is not situated in a Northern or Midwestern "snow belt"area. It's in the South.
House #2 Designed by an architecture professor at a leading national university.This house incorporates every "green" feature current home construction can provide. The house is 4,000 square feet ( 4 bedrooms ) and is nestled on a high prairie in the American southwest. A central closet in the house holds geothermal heat-pumps drawing ground water through pipes sunk 300 feet into the ground.The water (usually 67 degrees F.) heats the house in the winter and cools it in the summer. The system uses no fossil fuels such as oil or natural gas and it consumes one-quarter electricity required for a conventional heating/cooling system. Rainwater from the roof is collected and funneled into a 25,000 gallon underground cistern. Waste water from showers, sinks and toilets goes into underground purifying tanks and then into the cistern. The collected water then irrigates the land surrounding the house. Surrounding flowers and shrubs native to the area enable the property to blend into the surrounding rural landscape.
HOUSE #1 is outside of Nashville, Tennessee; it is the abode of the "environmentalist" Al Gore.
HOUSE #2 is on a ranch near Crawford,Texas; it is the residence the of the President of the United States, George W. Bush.
An "inconvenient truth".
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
No, Glenn, You Are Not The Only One
Quote of the day by Glenn Beck:
"Am I the only one who goes to the movies to be entertained and church to be preached to?"
Just think about it.......
"Am I the only one who goes to the movies to be entertained and church to be preached to?"
Just think about it.......
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
James Dobson vs. Barack Obama
This morning on his talk show, "Focus on the Family", James Dobson denounced Barack Obama for "distorting the Bible" and pushing a "fruitcake interpretation" of the constitution. Dobson has never been one for mincing words and he has been very liberal with his comments against John McCain, but these latest words focusing on the upcoming election have evoked criticism from both sides of the issue.
The speech which Dobson referred to this morning was given last year in June of 2007 to a liberal Christian group, Call to Renewal. According to reports, the speech was very warmly received as Obama focused on a call to tolerance and acceptance.
I have never really gotten on the whole "James Dobson Movement". I used to listen to him on the radio going to work and liked some of the things he would say. I agree with him when it comes to creating strong families and things like that. I have read a couple of his books and they are okay, but my opinion has really been that he is one of those experts who can talk, but has he really practiced any of the advice? I don't know, maybe he has. I don't know that much about him.
There is a new movement out led by Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell that is calling other pastors and Christians to support Barack Obama. They started a website called: http://jamesdobsondoesntspeakforme.com
This website outlines the quotes that Dobson used on his show this morning from Barack Obama and what Dobson's problem with the quotes were. I am asking my readers to click on the link and read the page. Then come back and comment about what you think. You don't have to register, just scroll down and read all the points that Dobson made. I will see what you guys think and then share my own thoughts.
The speech which Dobson referred to this morning was given last year in June of 2007 to a liberal Christian group, Call to Renewal. According to reports, the speech was very warmly received as Obama focused on a call to tolerance and acceptance.
I have never really gotten on the whole "James Dobson Movement". I used to listen to him on the radio going to work and liked some of the things he would say. I agree with him when it comes to creating strong families and things like that. I have read a couple of his books and they are okay, but my opinion has really been that he is one of those experts who can talk, but has he really practiced any of the advice? I don't know, maybe he has. I don't know that much about him.
There is a new movement out led by Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell that is calling other pastors and Christians to support Barack Obama. They started a website called: http://jamesdobsondoesntspeakforme.com
This website outlines the quotes that Dobson used on his show this morning from Barack Obama and what Dobson's problem with the quotes were. I am asking my readers to click on the link and read the page. Then come back and comment about what you think. You don't have to register, just scroll down and read all the points that Dobson made. I will see what you guys think and then share my own thoughts.
"Faith Of My Fathers" - The John McCain Book
I am going to start a short series on some of the books that I am reading to see if I can get to know the two presumed presidential candidates better. I plan on reading several on each man so if you have read any and want to suggest them, please let me know. I am a pro at the "Inter-library loan" process, so I can probably get my hands on a copy of just about anything. I started with the John McCain book, Faith Of My Fathers for no other reason than it was the first one that the library had available.
The book is primarily a memoir of three generations of McCain men. The first quarter of the book focuses on John McCain's grandfather and father, the second quarter, on John's growing up and time at the Naval Academy, and the last half of the book talks about his time as an American POW during the Vietnam War.
When I read a book, I generally will either like it from the beginning or will stop reading after the first chapter. If a book does not capture my attention, I don't waste my time trying to finish it. I had told myself that if I read some books for my blog (and myself) I would have to finish them or risk complete cyberspace ridicule. I had no problem with this one though. It was a really good book.
I have always had a hard time saying nice things about John McCain, and let me affirm as I will throughout this post that I don't think he is presidential material, but this book opened my eyes to another side of McCain, that I knew nothing about. John McCain was (and probably still is) a fun guy. Again, I don't want him as my president, but he would probably be a great guy to go have a beer with. He has got a pretty good sense of humor and actually seems to have a likable personality. Not that I want to help his campaign, but if he would show this side, he might gain some votes.
Though showing a likable side, this side is exactly why we don't need him as president. McCain's grandfather and father were both portrayed as rebels, who, as Naval Officers, followed instructions as long as they served them best. Most of the time their gambles worked, which gave them opportunities to rise in the ranks, both leaving the Navy as Admirals. John inherited this rebellious side which he showed, almost boasted, during the chapters about his education at the Naval Academy,
These chapters in a way really pushed my buttons for dislike of the man. He starts by saying rather arrogantly, that he was in the bottom five in his class during his entire time at the Academy. He makes the statement that he did not want to go there and did not even try to get in, but his father "made a few phone calls" and then "dropped me off for my plebe year". This statement angered me and I continued to think about it as I read about his education.
If you are not familiar with the military academy's here is a summary. The three US Military Academy's (Army, Navy, and Air Force), are the best, most elite education one can receive in the United States. Students must be nominated by their state representatives and must go through a testing process both with academic requirements and physical fitness requirements. The men and women sign a contract of military service after graduation as return payment to their country for providing such a great education. The academy's are military institutions and are run accordingly. There are extremely high academic and fitness standards that must be maintained to avoid expulsion. They are not party schools.
McCain blatantly and arrogantly told of his wasted time at the Naval Academy and boldly makes the assumption that if he was not the son and grandson of two Naval Admirals, he would never have graduated. This is very irritating because he took the place of another student who wanted to go to the Academy. He took the place of someone who might have taken full advantage of their opportunity. The way that McCain described all his pranks and how he broke all the rules "except the honor code" is very telling.
If you have read my other posts, you know that I have great respect and admiration for anyone who wears the uniform of the US Armed Forces. I believe that all of the men and women are heroes, and John McCain is no exception. I found the part of the book about his capture and years as a POW, very interesting and it is probably his rebellious attitude and reliance on himself that allowed him to survive. The POW's are amazing people who survived the worst circumstances, but being a war hero alone, does not automatically make a great president.
I think the ideas that I got from this book that bother me the most about John McCain are his total disregard for the rules, his arrogance, and the way he reacts when dealing with situations (kind of seems to punch first and ask questions later). Now, these are not negative characteristics in all situations. John McCain was a good warrior, no doubt. I do doubt his ability to be a great president.
I am really glad that I read this as it gave me a new side of John McCain to look at. It did however affirm my idea that this is not the guy for the White House.
The book is primarily a memoir of three generations of McCain men. The first quarter of the book focuses on John McCain's grandfather and father, the second quarter, on John's growing up and time at the Naval Academy, and the last half of the book talks about his time as an American POW during the Vietnam War.
When I read a book, I generally will either like it from the beginning or will stop reading after the first chapter. If a book does not capture my attention, I don't waste my time trying to finish it. I had told myself that if I read some books for my blog (and myself) I would have to finish them or risk complete cyberspace ridicule. I had no problem with this one though. It was a really good book.
I have always had a hard time saying nice things about John McCain, and let me affirm as I will throughout this post that I don't think he is presidential material, but this book opened my eyes to another side of McCain, that I knew nothing about. John McCain was (and probably still is) a fun guy. Again, I don't want him as my president, but he would probably be a great guy to go have a beer with. He has got a pretty good sense of humor and actually seems to have a likable personality. Not that I want to help his campaign, but if he would show this side, he might gain some votes.
Though showing a likable side, this side is exactly why we don't need him as president. McCain's grandfather and father were both portrayed as rebels, who, as Naval Officers, followed instructions as long as they served them best. Most of the time their gambles worked, which gave them opportunities to rise in the ranks, both leaving the Navy as Admirals. John inherited this rebellious side which he showed, almost boasted, during the chapters about his education at the Naval Academy,
These chapters in a way really pushed my buttons for dislike of the man. He starts by saying rather arrogantly, that he was in the bottom five in his class during his entire time at the Academy. He makes the statement that he did not want to go there and did not even try to get in, but his father "made a few phone calls" and then "dropped me off for my plebe year". This statement angered me and I continued to think about it as I read about his education.
If you are not familiar with the military academy's here is a summary. The three US Military Academy's (Army, Navy, and Air Force), are the best, most elite education one can receive in the United States. Students must be nominated by their state representatives and must go through a testing process both with academic requirements and physical fitness requirements. The men and women sign a contract of military service after graduation as return payment to their country for providing such a great education. The academy's are military institutions and are run accordingly. There are extremely high academic and fitness standards that must be maintained to avoid expulsion. They are not party schools.
McCain blatantly and arrogantly told of his wasted time at the Naval Academy and boldly makes the assumption that if he was not the son and grandson of two Naval Admirals, he would never have graduated. This is very irritating because he took the place of another student who wanted to go to the Academy. He took the place of someone who might have taken full advantage of their opportunity. The way that McCain described all his pranks and how he broke all the rules "except the honor code" is very telling.
If you have read my other posts, you know that I have great respect and admiration for anyone who wears the uniform of the US Armed Forces. I believe that all of the men and women are heroes, and John McCain is no exception. I found the part of the book about his capture and years as a POW, very interesting and it is probably his rebellious attitude and reliance on himself that allowed him to survive. The POW's are amazing people who survived the worst circumstances, but being a war hero alone, does not automatically make a great president.
I think the ideas that I got from this book that bother me the most about John McCain are his total disregard for the rules, his arrogance, and the way he reacts when dealing with situations (kind of seems to punch first and ask questions later). Now, these are not negative characteristics in all situations. John McCain was a good warrior, no doubt. I do doubt his ability to be a great president.
I am really glad that I read this as it gave me a new side of John McCain to look at. It did however affirm my idea that this is not the guy for the White House.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
American Arrogance Gone Too Far
In case you have forgotten, we are still occupying Iraq. We are still fighting a war. We still have brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters in harms way. We are continuing to send our troops on their 3rd, 4th, and 5th combat tours to Iraq. Our government leaders continue to fight about the war and use politics to force their agendas. I am sick of it.
I consider myself "pro-war". (Keep reading - don't turn away yet....) I believe that there is a time for war and reasons for war. I believe that if American is attacked, we must defend ourselves and our country. I believe that we, as a world super power, must help those who are being persecuted or abused. I believe that if there are evil people in power, we must help their country remove them from power.
I don't believe that we should force American democracy on every other country and remain in their country fighting them until they do it our way.
American democracy works in America (mostly). We have freedom in our country that fits our definition of freedom. Other countries on the other hand have different definitions of freedom. They have different religions, they have different customs. We cannot expect them to welcome us with open arms and allow us to make cookie cutter copies of America. It can't work.
I truly believe that most people want the same things in their lives. They want to have a job, have a place for their children to live and go to school. They want to be able to worship the way they see fit. Most people in the world are happy with a simple existence of basic human rights and dignities. We are no longer protecting the Iraqi people and helping them keep these dignities - we are denying them of their basic human desires. Let me be clear - the US government is denying them the desires. The soldiers are doing their jobs. I support the soldiers 100%, but the government is loosing my confidence.
We love our country, but the Iraqi's love their country too.
We are not allowing Iraq to return to business as usual. There will probably never be one united Iraq. The tribe separations go back as far as history. The American government and its over sized ego is not going to solve the problems of the Iraqi people. We simply do not understand the dynamics and we will not understand the dynamics.
Our soldiers were asked to remove Saddam from power, provide temporary security, and train and advise Iraqis. They have completed this mission and should be allowed to leave. Iraq must pick up and run it's country now.
It is estimated that long term occupation of Iraq will cost upwards of $4 trillion dollars. That is not including the $15 billion dollars that is unaccounted for by the Pentagon, the $9 billion unaccounted for by the Coalition Provisional Authority, and the $1.8 billion in seized Iraqi assets that has disappeared.
Let's just day dream and pretend that we left Iraq and brought our troops home. Where could we spend that earmarked $4 trillion? Well there is that issue with Social Security funds, providing Universal Health Care, alternate energy source research. We could fill a page. Or how about our first priority taking care of the men and women who have risk everything because their country ask them to go.
We need to ensure that disabled veterans are not denied or delayed medical care or funds while they are recovering. We need to ensure that spouses do not loose their jobs while taking care of their injured loved ones. An estimated 20% of troops returning are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injuries. Up to 1,000 returning troops are attempting suicide each month. Currently those representatives who supported the war are opposing a revised GI Bill that gives veterans enough money to complete a college degree. The current bill only provides a fraction of the cost.
America is broken. How can we justify any more money trying to "fix" another country when ours is in desperate need of repair?
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3
(Numbers and Facts from Texas Monthly, July edition)
I consider myself "pro-war". (Keep reading - don't turn away yet....) I believe that there is a time for war and reasons for war. I believe that if American is attacked, we must defend ourselves and our country. I believe that we, as a world super power, must help those who are being persecuted or abused. I believe that if there are evil people in power, we must help their country remove them from power.
I don't believe that we should force American democracy on every other country and remain in their country fighting them until they do it our way.
American democracy works in America (mostly). We have freedom in our country that fits our definition of freedom. Other countries on the other hand have different definitions of freedom. They have different religions, they have different customs. We cannot expect them to welcome us with open arms and allow us to make cookie cutter copies of America. It can't work.
I truly believe that most people want the same things in their lives. They want to have a job, have a place for their children to live and go to school. They want to be able to worship the way they see fit. Most people in the world are happy with a simple existence of basic human rights and dignities. We are no longer protecting the Iraqi people and helping them keep these dignities - we are denying them of their basic human desires. Let me be clear - the US government is denying them the desires. The soldiers are doing their jobs. I support the soldiers 100%, but the government is loosing my confidence.
We love our country, but the Iraqi's love their country too.
We are not allowing Iraq to return to business as usual. There will probably never be one united Iraq. The tribe separations go back as far as history. The American government and its over sized ego is not going to solve the problems of the Iraqi people. We simply do not understand the dynamics and we will not understand the dynamics.
Our soldiers were asked to remove Saddam from power, provide temporary security, and train and advise Iraqis. They have completed this mission and should be allowed to leave. Iraq must pick up and run it's country now.
It is estimated that long term occupation of Iraq will cost upwards of $4 trillion dollars. That is not including the $15 billion dollars that is unaccounted for by the Pentagon, the $9 billion unaccounted for by the Coalition Provisional Authority, and the $1.8 billion in seized Iraqi assets that has disappeared.
Let's just day dream and pretend that we left Iraq and brought our troops home. Where could we spend that earmarked $4 trillion? Well there is that issue with Social Security funds, providing Universal Health Care, alternate energy source research. We could fill a page. Or how about our first priority taking care of the men and women who have risk everything because their country ask them to go.
We need to ensure that disabled veterans are not denied or delayed medical care or funds while they are recovering. We need to ensure that spouses do not loose their jobs while taking care of their injured loved ones. An estimated 20% of troops returning are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injuries. Up to 1,000 returning troops are attempting suicide each month. Currently those representatives who supported the war are opposing a revised GI Bill that gives veterans enough money to complete a college degree. The current bill only provides a fraction of the cost.
America is broken. How can we justify any more money trying to "fix" another country when ours is in desperate need of repair?
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3
(Numbers and Facts from Texas Monthly, July edition)
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
If Ed McMahon Can't Pay His Mortgage, Things Must Really Be Bad!
It was released this week that Countrywide Mortgage Company filed a notice of default on February 28 for the $4.8 million dollar loan on a home belonging to TV personality Ed McMahon. The media is urging us to feel sorry for McMahon. They are giving plenty of reasons to hate the "big, bad" mortgage company and "save" dear old Ed. Maybe I am callused, maybe I am unable to invoke sympathy, but I have come up with the top five reasons not to feel sorry for Ed McMahon (I would have stayed in true Late Night form and put ten, but then this post would have been too long).
Reason Number 5: Most individuals at the age of 85 don't or can't work any more.
Spokesman, Howard Bragman, has said that the ideal situation would be if McMahon would heal from his neck injury (evidently he fell and broke his neck 18 months ago and has been unable to work) and be able to go back to work. Granted, I am a Dave Ramsey follower, so it makes no sense to me that you don't have any money to pay your bills at 85, let alone have a mortgage at the age of 85. What happened to all that money he has made in the 65+ years he has been working? Was none of it saved? Was none of it invested? I do feel sorry for the man working a minimum wage job who gets hurt and is unable to work to support his family. Ed McMahon has not been working minimum wage jobs. He should not have to work at the age of 85 to pay his mortgage.
Reason Number 4: Hollywood wives don't work.
I watched an interview last night with his wife, third I believe, who has to be at least 30 years younger than him (although it can be deceiving determining the ages of California women). Is her neck broken too? What is stopping her from getting a job? If we were in foreclosure and David was unable to work, do you think that I would be doing nothing? I would be waiting tables, sacking groceries, picking up trash, cleaning houses, anything I could find to make money to keep our heads above water. Maybe she could think of a reality show to pitch.....
Reason Number 3: He has a second mortgage out on the house.
Oh, Ed, never, never use the equity in your home for anything - leave it alone! Evidently in addition to the $4.8 million dollar loan, Ed took out a $300,000 loan against the value of the house. Oh I would love to hear Dave Ramsey talk to a caller with a story like this! That is one of the biggest mistakes a person can make dealing with finances. It would be better to sell everything, cash in 401K's (almost never recommended) or take out a personal loan than to borrow against the equity of your home.
Reason Number 2: He won a $7.2 million dollar lawsuit against a plumber when a bad plumbing job created mold that had to be removed.
I know that he probably spent some of the money to clean up the mold and I know that can be a costly job. I also know that he probably had more than half of the money left after the clean up took place, plenty to pay off the home loan. David and I sit around and day dream sometimes about if we won the lottery (pretty big dreams since we don't even play), but our plans start with giving some to the church, paying off our school loans, paying off our house, setting it up in mutual funds so we will never have to worry about anything, saving for kids college, then we start thinking about new cars, cruises, the really fun stuff. Now, we have never had that kind of money, but I cannot imagine peeing (I try to keep the blog rated PG!) all that money away and having nothing to show for it.
And the number 1 reason I do not feel sorry for Ed McMahon: His house has been on the market two years priced at $6.25 million dollars or half a million over what it is valued at ($5.75 mil).
Yes, I had to read that several times too. The house is valued at $5.75 million dollars. He is asking $6.25 million. Why not talk to Countrywide and negotiate a short sale or maybe listing at the amount owed on the house and see what that does? He is not in a position to gain from his investment. He is $600,000 behind on his loan for goodness sake! Get out from under the house and move on. I will not claim to be a real estate expert, but if a house doesn't sell in two years, isn't lowering the price one of the first things you do to move it?
I tried to put a comic light on this, but I do agree that there are problems in the housing loan industry. Three years ago, buying a home was almost like buying a car from a "no credit no problem" lot. "Do you have a job and a checking account? We can get you moved in this weekend!" Home lenders were offering loans to many people who had no business buying a home. Lenders were offering no money down, interest only, and adjustable rate mortgages that got people in the homes, but took advantage of the situations. Those lenders were wrong and they should have to answer for their actions. But this is not one of those situations. This is someone who did not pay his bills first and now is in a sticky situation. Ed McMahon was not affected by the weak economy or the bad housing market. If someone is working at the age of 85, there should be a plan on how to take care of things if they suddenly become unable to work. He made bad decisions.
Reason Number 5: Most individuals at the age of 85 don't or can't work any more.
Spokesman, Howard Bragman, has said that the ideal situation would be if McMahon would heal from his neck injury (evidently he fell and broke his neck 18 months ago and has been unable to work) and be able to go back to work. Granted, I am a Dave Ramsey follower, so it makes no sense to me that you don't have any money to pay your bills at 85, let alone have a mortgage at the age of 85. What happened to all that money he has made in the 65+ years he has been working? Was none of it saved? Was none of it invested? I do feel sorry for the man working a minimum wage job who gets hurt and is unable to work to support his family. Ed McMahon has not been working minimum wage jobs. He should not have to work at the age of 85 to pay his mortgage.
Reason Number 4: Hollywood wives don't work.
I watched an interview last night with his wife, third I believe, who has to be at least 30 years younger than him (although it can be deceiving determining the ages of California women). Is her neck broken too? What is stopping her from getting a job? If we were in foreclosure and David was unable to work, do you think that I would be doing nothing? I would be waiting tables, sacking groceries, picking up trash, cleaning houses, anything I could find to make money to keep our heads above water. Maybe she could think of a reality show to pitch.....
Reason Number 3: He has a second mortgage out on the house.
Oh, Ed, never, never use the equity in your home for anything - leave it alone! Evidently in addition to the $4.8 million dollar loan, Ed took out a $300,000 loan against the value of the house. Oh I would love to hear Dave Ramsey talk to a caller with a story like this! That is one of the biggest mistakes a person can make dealing with finances. It would be better to sell everything, cash in 401K's (almost never recommended) or take out a personal loan than to borrow against the equity of your home.
Reason Number 2: He won a $7.2 million dollar lawsuit against a plumber when a bad plumbing job created mold that had to be removed.
I know that he probably spent some of the money to clean up the mold and I know that can be a costly job. I also know that he probably had more than half of the money left after the clean up took place, plenty to pay off the home loan. David and I sit around and day dream sometimes about if we won the lottery (pretty big dreams since we don't even play), but our plans start with giving some to the church, paying off our school loans, paying off our house, setting it up in mutual funds so we will never have to worry about anything, saving for kids college, then we start thinking about new cars, cruises, the really fun stuff. Now, we have never had that kind of money, but I cannot imagine peeing (I try to keep the blog rated PG!) all that money away and having nothing to show for it.
And the number 1 reason I do not feel sorry for Ed McMahon: His house has been on the market two years priced at $6.25 million dollars or half a million over what it is valued at ($5.75 mil).
Yes, I had to read that several times too. The house is valued at $5.75 million dollars. He is asking $6.25 million. Why not talk to Countrywide and negotiate a short sale or maybe listing at the amount owed on the house and see what that does? He is not in a position to gain from his investment. He is $600,000 behind on his loan for goodness sake! Get out from under the house and move on. I will not claim to be a real estate expert, but if a house doesn't sell in two years, isn't lowering the price one of the first things you do to move it?
I tried to put a comic light on this, but I do agree that there are problems in the housing loan industry. Three years ago, buying a home was almost like buying a car from a "no credit no problem" lot. "Do you have a job and a checking account? We can get you moved in this weekend!" Home lenders were offering loans to many people who had no business buying a home. Lenders were offering no money down, interest only, and adjustable rate mortgages that got people in the homes, but took advantage of the situations. Those lenders were wrong and they should have to answer for their actions. But this is not one of those situations. This is someone who did not pay his bills first and now is in a sticky situation. Ed McMahon was not affected by the weak economy or the bad housing market. If someone is working at the age of 85, there should be a plan on how to take care of things if they suddenly become unable to work. He made bad decisions.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
What Will Politics Do Without Tim Russert?
The political world lost a great asset Friday, when journalist Tim Russert died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 58. Tim is best known for his strong political insight and his ability to make the complex understandable in the world of politics.
Tim was an extremely talented journalist who hosted the Sunday morning program, "Meet The Press" where he sent often sharp and pointed questions toward political figures and made them squirm with his well researched commentary as well as sound bites from their speeches. Though most candidates had been on his hot seat, he remained highly respected for the work he did.
As the lead political analyst at NBC, his untimely death has created an emptiness in NBC's political coverage that will be hard, if not impossible to fill less than five months from the presidential election.
Tim was a huge asset to the political world and he will be greatly missed.
Tim is survived by his wife, Maureen Orth, son Luke, and his father, Tim Sr.
Tim was an extremely talented journalist who hosted the Sunday morning program, "Meet The Press" where he sent often sharp and pointed questions toward political figures and made them squirm with his well researched commentary as well as sound bites from their speeches. Though most candidates had been on his hot seat, he remained highly respected for the work he did.
As the lead political analyst at NBC, his untimely death has created an emptiness in NBC's political coverage that will be hard, if not impossible to fill less than five months from the presidential election.
Tim was a huge asset to the political world and he will be greatly missed.
Tim is survived by his wife, Maureen Orth, son Luke, and his father, Tim Sr.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
President Obama, Vice President Clinton, and third wheel Bill...
It could be seen as a two for one deal, choose Hillary as your VP and gain Bill for free! Hardly seems the kind of deal anyone looking to be the President of the United States would want. As they say, nothing is free.
There is no way that Barack could ever compete with a vice president who would never respect him, accept his direction, or relinquish her agenda. It would be a disaster from the top and the unpredictable Bill would only cause more alarm. But can Obama clinch the win against McCain without the Clinton machine? Absolutely.
There is a potential deal breaker before the deal even begins. The Clinton's would have to release all financial records beginning with Bill's big donors to his presidential library. He has thus far refused to release those records and the complications that they could pose for an Obama White House. Those include dealings with the governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. That is more baggage than the Obama camp can afford to carry and they would probably, and rightly so, require a full disclosure, before naming Hillary as a VP candidate. It is highly unlikely that Bill would ever agree to that.
Another problem is that the Clinton's have been leaders in the Democratic Party and the Washington scene for more than 16 years. They are deeply meshed in the politics of the city and that completely undermines the Obama message of change and new blood into Washington.
Hillary does have the potential to bring some of her supports who have been reluctant to support Obama, but many believe that her public support for Obama will bring just as much support as a place on the ticket and after a cooling off period, those voters that said they would vote for McCain rather than Obama, will realize that McCain and his policies will only bring them more of the same and they will ultimately decide to remain loyal to the democrats.
It will be a rough next few months for Obama regardless, but I believe that the Clinton's will cause more of a headache and be more of a hindrance than help for his campaign. The democratic party is fragile right now with a lot of emotion, so Obama will have to tread lightly with the next few moves that he makes. He will have to move carefully, he needs the Clinton's, but not as running mates.
There is no way that Barack could ever compete with a vice president who would never respect him, accept his direction, or relinquish her agenda. It would be a disaster from the top and the unpredictable Bill would only cause more alarm. But can Obama clinch the win against McCain without the Clinton machine? Absolutely.
There is a potential deal breaker before the deal even begins. The Clinton's would have to release all financial records beginning with Bill's big donors to his presidential library. He has thus far refused to release those records and the complications that they could pose for an Obama White House. Those include dealings with the governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. That is more baggage than the Obama camp can afford to carry and they would probably, and rightly so, require a full disclosure, before naming Hillary as a VP candidate. It is highly unlikely that Bill would ever agree to that.
Another problem is that the Clinton's have been leaders in the Democratic Party and the Washington scene for more than 16 years. They are deeply meshed in the politics of the city and that completely undermines the Obama message of change and new blood into Washington.
Hillary does have the potential to bring some of her supports who have been reluctant to support Obama, but many believe that her public support for Obama will bring just as much support as a place on the ticket and after a cooling off period, those voters that said they would vote for McCain rather than Obama, will realize that McCain and his policies will only bring them more of the same and they will ultimately decide to remain loyal to the democrats.
It will be a rough next few months for Obama regardless, but I believe that the Clinton's will cause more of a headache and be more of a hindrance than help for his campaign. The democratic party is fragile right now with a lot of emotion, so Obama will have to tread lightly with the next few moves that he makes. He will have to move carefully, he needs the Clinton's, but not as running mates.
What Will He Do With Hillary?
Oh, Barack, I don't envy your position. One of the first points of business for the new democratic presidential candidate will be to figure out what to do with the Clinton's. He will have to decide how Hillary and Bill will give him the least heart burn in the next few months. It is not going to be an easy job.
I applaud Obama though for stepping back and allowing the tide to calm before he makes any major decision or announcement, and it comes with an extreme advantage to him. By waiting to make any announcement he will be forcing Hillary Clinton to make a decision with no guarantee of what she wants - a spot on the ticket. Could he outsmart the Clinton machine yet again?
Hillary has been over confidant from the beginning. Her major campaign financial difficulties started because she was so sure of walking away with an early victory, her campaign was only budgeted through Super Tuesday (February 5). She so believed that she would pull off a win that she offered Barack Obama the VP slot several months ago, while he was ahead, making voters laugh, when Barack responded by saying, "...the second place person doesn't offer the first place person the second place position. It just doesn't make sense."
And now, Hillary is so determined to gain a spot on the ticket that she is demanding some sort of "coalition government" between herself and Obama, something that is highly unlikely to appeal to the president. Because she wants to try to have her cake and eat it too, she has even been reluctant to concede the election and recognize Obama as the victor. If she did that, she would be forced to either throw her support to him or step out as an independent candidate - thus dividing the party and ensuring a McCain victory in the fall.
What a chance she had Tuesday night to speak about the historical primary that she and Obama fought so hard in. What a chance to appear gracious about the contest they both played. What a chance to congratulate such a major party victory and remark about something good in America, that made many including myself proud of our country and how far we have come to see past the racial divisions. No, instead of taking those chances, it was still all about Hillary. She delivered a completely self absorbed and somewhat delusional speech, seeming to still believe that she had a chance.
Hillary is not however going to get her wish to be immediately offered a position on the ticket. She was hoping she would know quickly so she could plan her next move, instead Obama has formed a committee to research a list of qualified people to ask to run with him. He doesn't have to name a VP candidate yet, in fact he can wait until the convention in August. Unlike Hillary, time is on his side, at least for now.
I applaud Obama though for stepping back and allowing the tide to calm before he makes any major decision or announcement, and it comes with an extreme advantage to him. By waiting to make any announcement he will be forcing Hillary Clinton to make a decision with no guarantee of what she wants - a spot on the ticket. Could he outsmart the Clinton machine yet again?
Hillary has been over confidant from the beginning. Her major campaign financial difficulties started because she was so sure of walking away with an early victory, her campaign was only budgeted through Super Tuesday (February 5). She so believed that she would pull off a win that she offered Barack Obama the VP slot several months ago, while he was ahead, making voters laugh, when Barack responded by saying, "...the second place person doesn't offer the first place person the second place position. It just doesn't make sense."
And now, Hillary is so determined to gain a spot on the ticket that she is demanding some sort of "coalition government" between herself and Obama, something that is highly unlikely to appeal to the president. Because she wants to try to have her cake and eat it too, she has even been reluctant to concede the election and recognize Obama as the victor. If she did that, she would be forced to either throw her support to him or step out as an independent candidate - thus dividing the party and ensuring a McCain victory in the fall.
What a chance she had Tuesday night to speak about the historical primary that she and Obama fought so hard in. What a chance to appear gracious about the contest they both played. What a chance to congratulate such a major party victory and remark about something good in America, that made many including myself proud of our country and how far we have come to see past the racial divisions. No, instead of taking those chances, it was still all about Hillary. She delivered a completely self absorbed and somewhat delusional speech, seeming to still believe that she had a chance.
Hillary is not however going to get her wish to be immediately offered a position on the ticket. She was hoping she would know quickly so she could plan her next move, instead Obama has formed a committee to research a list of qualified people to ask to run with him. He doesn't have to name a VP candidate yet, in fact he can wait until the convention in August. Unlike Hillary, time is on his side, at least for now.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Like A Puppet On A String
Hillary Clinton has announced that she will not concede the election immediately, stating that she believes she has "earned" the right to reflect on how to proceed. What is there to reflect on? She lost.
I'll tell you what she is reflecting. She still wants in the white house. She is just trying to decide if she has a better chance as a vice presidential candidate or as an independent presidential candidate. She wants to keep her options open so she can have leverage to negotiate with Obama. She has publicly announced that she would "consider the vice presidency if it was good for the party." What she meant was she would "consider the vice presidency if it was good for her."
Obama has a hard job ahead of him. If he does choose her as a running mate, it would almost ensure the big win in November by gaining the votes of Hillary supporters. If he does not, it will be a hard road to November and the win.
Sounds easy if you want to win right? Wrong. Would you want Hillary Clinton as your Vice President? I picture it something like a ventriloquist with a puppet. Hillary would stand behind Obama, moving his mouth and telling him what to say. Obama would truly become a "status president" with the VP taking charge. Hillary is not going to take a back seat to anyone. It would get ugly.
If she decides to run as an independent candidate, it will be the end of the democratic party as we known it. McCain will win in November. She will divide democratic supporters and probably cause irreparable damage to the party. If she loves her party and country, she will join with Obama either as a running mate or as a supporter.
She needs to make a decision and she needs to look at the best interest of her party and country, not herself, when she makes that decision.
I'll tell you what she is reflecting. She still wants in the white house. She is just trying to decide if she has a better chance as a vice presidential candidate or as an independent presidential candidate. She wants to keep her options open so she can have leverage to negotiate with Obama. She has publicly announced that she would "consider the vice presidency if it was good for the party." What she meant was she would "consider the vice presidency if it was good for her."
Obama has a hard job ahead of him. If he does choose her as a running mate, it would almost ensure the big win in November by gaining the votes of Hillary supporters. If he does not, it will be a hard road to November and the win.
Sounds easy if you want to win right? Wrong. Would you want Hillary Clinton as your Vice President? I picture it something like a ventriloquist with a puppet. Hillary would stand behind Obama, moving his mouth and telling him what to say. Obama would truly become a "status president" with the VP taking charge. Hillary is not going to take a back seat to anyone. It would get ugly.
If she decides to run as an independent candidate, it will be the end of the democratic party as we known it. McCain will win in November. She will divide democratic supporters and probably cause irreparable damage to the party. If she loves her party and country, she will join with Obama either as a running mate or as a supporter.
She needs to make a decision and she needs to look at the best interest of her party and country, not herself, when she makes that decision.
He's The Man!
Tonight America will go to bed having made history. For the first time in it's history, America has an African American presidential candidate. Barack Obama has gained the magic number of delegates and is now the presumptive democratic nominee for the 2008 Presidential Election.
The count is as follows:
Total Delegates:
Obama 2129
Clinton 1910
Pledged Delegates:
Obama 1750
Clinton 1624
Super delegates:
Obama 379
Clinton 286
In the next 24 to 48 hours remaining uncommitted super delegates are expected to make their choice known. Many, especially current senators, have been reluctant to publicly show their support for either candidate to avoid pushing voters one way or another.
History has been made.
The count is as follows:
Total Delegates:
Obama 2129
Clinton 1910
Pledged Delegates:
Obama 1750
Clinton 1624
Super delegates:
Obama 379
Clinton 286
In the next 24 to 48 hours remaining uncommitted super delegates are expected to make their choice known. Many, especially current senators, have been reluctant to publicly show their support for either candidate to avoid pushing voters one way or another.
History has been made.
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