What is the American public responsibility?

President Barack Obama seems to have an idea. It’s appealing, but it’s missing a few things. Still good excerpt.

Summer.

I will now sum up the summer of 2009 in a single post. You’ll find it a riveting, brazen analysis of everything I found important thats transpired in the season of sunny days:

I would have paid a significant amount of money to have this on videotape. Stealing from, or committing theft in the presence of a nun, regardless of your spiritual beliefs, seems about as smart as poking a sleeping bear with a stick while covered in honey and wearing flip flops.

Nothing short of bold. While you’re at it, say goodbye to your grandmother on her death bead via Twitter you tool.

As it turns out, Cristiano Ronaldo was roughly just as good as everyone thought he was. Manchester will have to find goals from other people. Like Shrek and a hopefully-not-too-washed-up Owen. The bench is as deep as any team in the world, so I’m not worried. Yet.

If the Afghan people don’t want to fight the Taliban, who will? On paper, it is one of the most just wars (if there is so contradicting a phrase) we have ever fought, and yet the world won’t send men to fight it.

Iraq seems as fun as ever. I say we make a gut decision between healthcare and this war. In a perfect world, Obama would eliminate a federal healthcare system altogether and shift all available forces from Iraq into Afghanistan and wipe the Taliban off the face of the earth. But, as a pragmatist, it is now a numbers game. Atop the lives, the money and the political capital the Iraq War has and will drain, President Barack Obama needs to decide if he truly wishes to further bankrupt the country through expanded healthcare without cutting costs.

Michael Moore thinks we have a capitalist system in the United States, and he aims to make it his scapegoat for all his problems. It’s like blaming a leaking roof on on the guy that built your foundation.

Tarantino and Nazis. Perfect.

The Gopher hockey team is loaded. Again. And Nick Leddy is going to become a hometown hero. No pressure bud.

EPIC.

I know people like this. I may have met a few this summer.

I’m sure I’ll find more things to critique and offer my invaluable advice on soon.

BOOM goes the dynamite

 

Note the 'mustache.' What a joke.

I did not want the Penguins to win the Stanley Cup. I wanted the euro-trash, hockey dynasty from Detroit to make Sidney Crosby cry. It didn’t happen. I’m bitter. 

In other news, Cristiano Ronaldo is evidently worth somewhere between a lot and way too much. I’ll say this much as a Man U fan–we sold him in his prime for more than any other player in history. We will be just fine.

World News:

Moussavi won the election. Lets be real.

Obama wants to bankrupt us. Or hospitals. Or save us money? Fix debt? Put us in debt? Kinda depends on what kind of mood you are or what/who you are reading.

I don’t know what Pakistan is doing on the best of days; usually it’s somewhere between driving US officials absolutely mad and freewheeling some kind of manhunt from a cubical in Islamabad. Good people. 

Israel has spies!? Thats ludicrous. That’s like saying the United States has a convoluted history with Native Americans. Can’t imagine it being true.

Why?

I don’t want to dwell on it. Barcelona and their boy Lionel have laid claim to the European throne.

Manchester! Wild! Twins.

The Red Devils lost out on the quint (who really cares about the FA Cup anyway), but I have faith Arsenal will get plowed on Wednesday so we can begin our march in the Champions League. Quick side note, Rafa Benitez seems like a little bit of a tool to me; I understand the manager rivalry but he just twists me the wrong way. All I know for sure is a team with forwards like Manchester always has a chance. Ronaldo, Rooney and Berbatov. ‘Nuff said. 

The Minnesota Wild gutted the front office and the coach. Goodbye Jaques Lemaire! Alright I tried being excited about it. I don’t see another coach doing any better with the collection of talent we put on the ice this year. Hossa time? I say we move and shake for Kovulchuck. I don’t know. I get depressed even thinking about next year.

And the Twins. Gotta love a scrappy team without their franchise player. Watching them play baseball is like watching NASCAR. Yeah. Piece that one together on your own. 

News!

My other blog will have my portfolio of design ideas and presentations; essentially a way to display my prowess in Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. You know. Staying sharp.

In other news, Manchester United stopped the bleeding. More distance with Liverpool would be nice.

Lets make some money. Literally.

I don’t know why the fed thinks this is something that will work, but I suppose they have to do something to make it seem like they know what is going on. I like the quote, “…[we will] employ all tools available to promote economic recovery and to preserve price stability…” So there you have it. The Federal Reserve still cares about inflation in the midst of a complete credit freeze. Then the dollar dropped 3 percent. This is not a situation that can be solved with the smoke and mirror tools of the Federal Reserve. At least we are better of than the Europeans. 

Also, this guy is a genius. Just make him energy secretary and get it over with.

How We Got Here.

We are witnessing a country tear itself apart. The Dow Jones Industrial Average has plummeted 25 percent since inauguration, banks are insolvent, the auto industry is quite literally on life support and mortgages are being defaulted by the millions—all of which have direct impact on us as students. And yet, the only reasons we have as to how we got here can be summed up in tidy sound bites and oversimplified catch phrases like “corporate greed” and “too little regulation.”

Even worse, we bought it. We took our newly appointed savior, President Obama and his army of advisors, at their word. Terrible corporate greed is to blame, regulation will fix it and my stimulus plan will pave the way to road to recovery.

Not so fast.

If you reach back into history to the aftermath of the Great Depression, you’ll find the implementation of some of the most powerful regulating measures in United States history: the rise of the Federal Reserve and the FDIC, the creation of the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and hefty government intervention that began to tax and subsidize various functions of the economy—including real estate—to ensure something as devastating as the Great Depression never occurred again.

While well intentioned, this regulation is directly responsible for the mess we are in. Tax exemptions and deductions for real estate encouraged unnecessary risk taking and loans to low-income buyers that led to rampant real estate speculation. Institutions such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae thrived off this artificially created real estate “bubble” of simulated real estate worth— manifested from government regulation.

When land values began to sag, the entire system came down like a house of cards, because a vast majority of real estate (both public and private) is mortgaged in some way. Banks no longer had revenue streams, businesses couldn’t secure capital to operate or expand, Wall Street crumbles and here we are. Right where the government put us.

Naturally, we looked to the government to pull us out of the mess. The “stimulus” plan passed by the Obama administration however, is a sham. It is not a tool of growth or expansion of our economy. It is a package of social programs as opposed to ambitious public works projects and tax cuts attempting to “prop up” the middle class rather than encourage investment. It is income transfer, a holding pattern, rather than a plan for explosive growth and rehabilitation.

It is fundamentally flawed as well. It is spending money in a way private industry could do just as well, or better, if the government made strides to effectively capitalize banks and offer a simple but binding roadmap to recovery. Grover Norquist, the president of Americans for Tax Reform, has a perfect way of describing the Democratic leadership thus far:

“If Barack Obama and Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi took three buckets of water out of a lake, ran to the other side of the lake, and poured those three buckets into the lake, do you really believe there’s more water in the lake? That’s their spending plan: Take money out of [the] economy, walk around, and hand it to the politically connected—800 billion times.”

President Obama’s budget is even scarier. In his address to congress last month, President Obama identified “$2 trillion in savings over the next decade.” Sadly, half of that $2 trillion is “found” in tax increases—“wasteful and ineffective” spending has been identified as letting investors, entrepreneurs and responsible businesspeople keep their money.

The tax increases he proposes for his new budget are sending shockwaves through the U.S. economy. Capital investors and entrepreneurs now stand idle, awaiting the government swung axe that will end hopes of any kind of expansion or growth starting as soon as 2011. Long-term growth is jeopardized as the president looks for more money in the budget to fulfill unrealistic campaign promises.

We should still be stinging from George Bush’s “passionate” conservative policies sinking us into ever increasing debt. Letting President Barack Obama lead our country down just as damaging “tax and spend” policies while convincing us that the government needs a bigger hand in regulation of the economy would be just as irresponsible. In the words of syndicated columnist Michelle Malkin:

“Enough. In a word, that is the message of disgusted taxpayers fed up with the confiscatory policies of both parties in Washington. George Bush pre-socialized the economy with billion-dollar bailouts of the financial and auto industries. Barack Obama is pouring billions more down those sinkholes. It isn’t just the camel’s back that’s broken. His neck and four legs have all snapped, too.”

Quit Blaming the Markets!

It just isn’t necessary.

Obamaconomy

Before President Obama gave his address to Congress, I noted that the nation, and the economy  as a whole, was going to respond based on the policy he laid out. The markets have drummed up an answer: it is not looking good. As the president continues to lay out his plans for an economic recovery, banking reform and heath care reform the markets continue to dive. The world is looking to the United States to make the right moves to reassure the markets: a $350 billion tax on business starting in 2011 is not what they were looking for. Serious changes need to be made: blaming George Bush will only take you so far.

Iranian Jews?

A piece everyone should read; especially those who are all gung-ho on invading Iran. There is no country in the world at such a tipping point as Iran–it could become our worse enemy in the Middle East or our very closest ally. We can’t ignore the people’s voice forever. This isn’t a call to go on some holy crusade to ‘liberate’ the Iranians. Rather, it is a simple point that lumping the people of Iran into the ‘Axis of Evil’ might be a bit of a stretch.

Answer the Question:

Tonight’s address of Congress will answer a lot of questions we all have about President Barack Obama’s vision for the role of government in not only this crisis, but in everyday lives of Americans in general. Given the passing of a major stimulus bill, the initial workings of further bank bailouts or even temporary nationalization and a mortgage deal, the president sees himself as the catalyst for government intervention. 

The president has taken the role of policy leader in this country, which is not necessarily a good thing; how can it be when only 37 percent of Americans approve of the stimulus plan and you still ramrod it through Congress? I know that you may think that we don’t know what is best for the country Mr. President, but perhaps that election ‘mandate’ you assumed doesn’t apply to every single policy idea you have. Do we live in a democracy or not? Just a thought.

Great. Just Great.

Nationalize our banking system and don’t tell us any details. Thats akin to pointing a gun at someone and telling them they are aiming for the invisible robber standing right behind them. If you are going to have  a $2.5 trillion takeover of the banking and financial system, then I think the least you owe us is an explanation Mr. Treasury secretary. I like to call him Big Timmy or Timmy G. 

Is it no surprise that when you fail to deliver a economic stimulus package worth two snots and then drop the banking aid plan without and details that the Dow drops 382 points? No.

Semester Blues

It has not taken long for Dowd to whip out her acidic pen and start the prose that will lead the way in criticizing President Barack Obama. I knew she would take a lead, as she did with Bush. You’ll have to search very hard indeed to find someone as bright and creative in their critique as she is. Her columns are fun to read.

In other news, college is difficult and I have no free time. Blast American higher education; if I were French or Italian I could just go to class when I felt like it.

Ooops.

Even Google screws up every once and a while.

The Shoe of…Life?

This is a story that is not reported in the United States. Obviously, you can make an argument that the man who threw the shoe at Bush is of no consequence to the everyday citizen of this country. However, I must point out that it could be seen as an attempt on our previous leader’s life, which, no matter how you look at it, is of serious consequence to everyday citizens of this country. I still think it is facinating that a man who probably will seek asylum in Switzerland is honored in Iraq by a bronze statue with a tree in it. I think a good alternative might be something along the lines of allowing him to stay in the country. But what do I know?

If an Arab news station says Iraqis love voting, then we should be utterly chomping at the bit for our midterm elections. Or the election of your local school board. Or neighborhood association president. I refuse to be out-enthused by a four year old democracy. Game on America.

Props to this guy. By all means, if you have an effective way to warn commuters of the dangers of zombies and other undead threats, then you should most definitely use that power to serve the common good.

These are the guys I’m going to hire to build my flux capacitor.

You can take away my freedom…

Thank God the House of Represenatives has their priorites straight.  I thought for sure they would pass along what the Senate did earlier this week: a four month delay on the digital transition of TV. BUT THEY DIDN’T! HORRAY! This promted a historically inspired thought: You may take away my representation, possibly even my livelihood by ignoring the real problems in this country; but you will never, NEVER take away my cable.

Joe Biden finnaly apologized for his cheap shot at Chief Justice Roberts. The YouTube video is hillarious; just watch Obama slowly come to the realization of who his Vice President is.

We should probably do something about our infastructure. Just a thought.

The Wild crushed Toronto 6-1…which means we have used up our weekly quota of goals in one game. Worth it? Absolutely.

An Interesting Look

A retrospective look into the Bush years.

Questionable Action.

I find it astounding that in an economic situation like this we can have our leader seriously considering action like this. It’s like whining about your basement being flooded when you refused to help plug the holes in the levee down the street. This is not a partisan attack, this is literal fact: higher regulation costs buisnesses money. Some regulation is neccessary in order to acheive a system that benefits its participants, but in a global economic environment that is three steps and a cough away from outright collapse, this just seems foolhearty.

There is also the issue about this legislation coming down on auto companies. As if Detroit wasn’t having enough troubles–they can’t even capitalize their own companies. So who thinks they have the capital to start the R&D and retro-fitting neccessary to produce automobiles that meet these requirements?

I have to point out how much this makes me feel like as a nation we haven’t learned a single thing about the past.

Before this ends I have to point out I am not an isolated idealouge.  It is here I sit and share with you the wisdom of Paul Krugman, a brilliant economist, progressive New Dealer and Nobel Prize winner. No one set of policies can single-handedly solve the problems in our system–no one system is right or wrong. There is a reason why very intelligent people can be on two sides of an argument.

There are no words.

There are only so many things you can blame something like this on. Video games, lack of parental involvement in a child’s daily activity, the blurring line between entertainment and news, Bono, bear attacks or even the careless disposal of watch batteries may all be at fault. One thing is for certain–I would sacrifice limbs to hear the conversation this kid had with cops after his apprehension.

Real Men Don’t Cry.

If you are in the mood for crying on a Saturday morning, go ahead and read this story about a basketball team and their coach. Most of the older generation in this country have a certain world-view when it comes to younger generations and our shenanigans. But this story is proof that you can expect great things if you believe it is something we are capable of.

I also challenge you not to weep openly when you read about Bill Simmons’s dog.  

On a lighter note, Manchester toasted Tottenham. But the real story was about how much of a baby Ronaldo is. I don’t care though. Name a soccer player who can score at will playing today other than Ronaldo.  

Why is this news?

And finally, a letter from the leader of Libya, Muammar Qaddafi, explaining the need for a ‘one state solution’ in Israel and Palestine. That name might ring a bell; he is the one who took responsibility for the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, which killed 270 people, most of them Americans. When you read between the lines in this letter, it is blatantly obvious why he is suggesting a single state: the current birth rate of Palestinians is almost 20 percent higher than that of Israel’s. The ability for the Israeli’s to have any power in a democratic government would be wiped out in no more than 40 years.

One thing nobody can deny.

Without a doubt, Barack Obama looks significantly more badass than presidents of old when sitting in the Oval Office. Along these lines, I think he should negotiate everything from free trade agreements to disarmament policy in the Oval Office. Just invite the folks in to have a seat and then start laying it out exactly how it is going to go down. I know I wouldn’t be able to say no, and I consider myself at least an expert on all things relating to the White House, foreign relations and military operations (note sarcasm). 

Front page news on the New York Times is Hillary Clinton reporting to work at Foggy Bottom. Two things: Foggy Bottom is an absolutely hilarious monicker for a geographic location. Secondly, congratulations Hillary. You accomplished what 150 million Americans accomplish every day: they get out of bed and go to work.

Slumdog Millionaire received 10 Oscar Nominations. Thats really cool; but if In Bruges doesn’t win Best Original Screenplay I will be more than slightly aggravated. This kind of unpleasantness should not be opened upon the world.

Last note: there is an open debate about the banking situation, which is far more widespread and critically crucial to the economic survival of the United States and her allies than any other problem we are facing today. We can take some serious action in reforming the system or cross our fingers and hope King Obama’s team of wiz-kids can make it all go away. 

My fingers are crossed, but if Obama’s team can actually put some solvency into the U.S. system I’ll do my ‘King Obama’ dance. I’m starting my practice sessions already. And believe me, you’ll really want to see it.

Inauguration: All Hail the King!

A great day to re-boot a blog: the day after the inauguration of a new president. Not only will President Barack Obama cure all of our economic woes, he will also allow all of us to feel pure euphoria, unfettered joy and teach us all to dance. This obviously in addition to fixing all of our problems internationally and a banking system that is exploding inward and outward at the same time. Don’t get me wrong, not only do I believe King Obama will accomplish all the above, I fully believe he has the ability to singlehandedly eliminate racism, poverty, cuts suffered from shaving while half asleep in the morning and be present at my nephews birthday party. 

On the flip side, say goodbye to Bush & Co.

I got sidetracked

Eventually, probably within the year, I will post my RNC pictures on this blog and have all of that material on its own portion of the blog, noted under ‘Convention’ in the categories widget below. In the meantime I’m hoping to bind this site together with my YouTube account so I can get things going with daily updates about media, current events and whatever else I deem interesting; this stuff will fall under ‘Current Events’ in the categories widget below.