Showing posts with label Reaction to Headlines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reaction to Headlines. Show all posts
Friday, November 25, 2011

Complete lack of common sense...

9:18 PM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
I'm sure most of you, by now, have heard of the acts of lunacy and violence that accompanied this year's "Black Friday" shopping extravaganza. Across the nation, people were shot, stabbed, pepper sprayed, trampled, and robbed. These were not isolated incidents by a few "bad apples", this was a reflection on the what our nation is hurtling towards. While I know that not every shopper fell into this sort of idiotic behavior, it is shocking to see that so many incidents occurred across the nation. Have we gotten to such a low point in our nation that we are willing to harm our fellow citizens for an Xbox? Has our economy gotten so broken that we are willing to pepper spray children for a discounted game system? This is ridiculous. In such a short time we have fallen so far off the wagon of human decency that we are able to shrug this type of incident off as "just a couple crazies".

While these were not "politically motivated" incidents, it underscores the shift in priorities we as a society have seen. Our politicians have sacrificed their sworn oaths to serve the very people that elected them. Our citizens are becoming more disaffected by the day. These individuals committed violent acts in the name of self rather than the good of the masses. These individuals trampled on the rights of their fellow Americans to buy a holiday gift with force and complete disregard for the safety and well being of everyone around them. Our politicians are no different. How often have the wishes of the nation been pushed aside for the sake of a politicians pocket book? How long have our politicians been squandering the wealth and prestige of this nation on personal agendas and the agendas of special interest groups? We are facing a national "Black Friday" scenario. Our nation is going on sale, at a deeply discounted price. Who will buy our nation? China has already started. Who is next? Which nation will unleash their own brand of pepper spray just to get at the "good deal"? We have got to take back that which is rightfully ours. We, the American people, MUST take back our government. We, the American people, MUST take back our right to adequate representation in our government. We have to do better ladies and gentlemen, our futures, and the futures of our children and grandchildren depend on us.
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Saturday, November 19, 2011

"Lazy" America?

7:35 PM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From CNN Opinon Section:

Yes, Mr. President, Americans can be "lazy"

This article on CNN's Opinion page caught my eye. And I'll admit, it was the teasing tag line "Obama "lazy" remark hits mark" that drew me in. I had heard about this briefly, but didn't pay it much attention. Perhaps I should have. As you all know by now, I am not a fan of our Commander in Chief, nor Congress, and not much on the candidates currently moving towards the primaries. However, I wholeheartedly agree (ok, 99.9%) with the president's comment. Many were angered when they heard the second hand story on this comment. The president, in all of his flaws and ineffectual policies, did NOT call the American worker lazy, in any sense of the word. He did say, and correctly state, that American commerce has gotten lazy in its ability to compete with the rest of the world. Specifically, American companies do not sell American products, or America to the rest of the world compared to, let's say, China. This is a true statement. We have been at a trade deficit with China, and many other countries for a while now, and it shows no sign of changing. Kudos to you Mr. President for telling us the truth for once. Now, on to the critical comments.

Part of the reason we are not globally competitive is that through the policies of the current and former presidents we have restricted our companies, driven them overseas, and over-valued our labor force. Our committment to unions has placed American labor out of the price range of many companies that may have considered America as a new manufacturing location, but instead, reverted to the cheap, unskilled labor that can be found throughout the rest of the world. Do not misunderstand my words on this topic. Unions have, in the past, served a valuable purpose, and should be commended for that work. However, in such a competitive world economy, demanding higher wages and more and more benefits on top of an already decent work environment is killing American manufacturing. This may anger many, but it is true. What incentive does any company have to hire heavily unionized Americans at a wage two to three times higher than they can get in an overseas factory, or even half again as high as a non-union American? The times come when you have to pick your battles, and demanding more in a rough economic situation may not be the smartest move on the part of the unions. Is a $15 an hour paycheck better than a $25 an hour check; no, of course not, but is it better than a $0 an hour check, you bet your sweet bippy it is.

As far as our government, over regulation is killing American production, especially in smaller businesses. I know I sound very Tea-Party-ish on this stance, but I do believe some deregulation would encourage growth as opposed to implementing additional regulation which will do nothing but slow down what little we can foster.

In Trenton, NJ, one of the bridges has as sign that says, "What Trenton Makes, The World Takes". That used to be true. Today, well, it seems that slogan is nothing more than a reminder of a bygone era. One I desperately wish we could get back to.
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Friday, November 18, 2011

Bailout loss estimate increased

2:20 PM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From Facebook:

The Treasury Department has significantly increased its estimate of losses from the $85 billion auto industry bailout by over $9 billion, bringing the total it expects to lose to $23.6 billion. This new estimate increases the overall cost of the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program costs to taxpayers. The government spent $425 billion to bailout banks, insurance companies, and automakers and $45 billion on housing program assistance. The government now expects to lose $57.33 billion, including the entire cost of the housing program. Like this post if you do not think the government should bail out companies.

The "Being American" facebook page/person/community (whatever it is) posted this today.

I, like many Americans, got more than a little irate when I heard about the TARP thing (bailout) and railed against it. However, since it is now in the annals of history (sort of), I figured it would be OK to address this initiative. Many Americans said "let them fail" (referring to the auto industry). Many said "let them fail" (referring to banks and insurance companies). No one (that I have encountered) said "let them fail" in referrence housing assistance. Folks, I for one, agree that companies that are mismanaged should not be "rescued" from themselves. I agree that companies who offer huge bonuses to senior level folks while their company spirals down the drain should receive any assistance from the government. However, we MUST understand, that by bailing out these companies, the government saved some American jobs. Not as many as we would have liked, but there are Americans employed today because of that bailout, and that is something I will NOT rail against. However, I will say that I think we (America) could have managed the TARP better. What if we had invested in smaller business instead of the big ones? Could we have employed more Americans? I'd have to say yes. I am not trying to detract from the automakers who employ Americans, they should be applauded (and do a heck of a lot more in my opinion). But our government focuses on big business so much that often the little guys get left out. Ladies and gentlemen, our government is estimating a loss of $102B dollars on TARP (not to mention the money that was paid back that never made it back into the "kitty"). Could we have stimulated small business with $102B dollars? I'm pretty sure we could have put a decent little dent in unemployment in the small business sector with that. Kinda seems like the old saying about hindsight proves, once again, to be true. Another example of a lack of common sense in our government. Are you ready to say "enough is enough" yet?
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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

CNN poll: Americans doubt super committee will reach deal before its deadline

5:53 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From CNN:

Americans doubt super committee will reach deal...

I, for one, am not surprised by this poll. Granted, I take these polls with a grain of salt, but every American can conduct their own poll, just ask the person sitting to your right and left at some point during the day, see what they say. When the super committee was formed, I was skeptical that a bipartisan group would be able to come to any sort of agreement since they had been unable to do so thus far. I applaud the incorporation of the automatic cuts if a deadline is not reached, but only to the extent that should they be enacted, BOTH parties will face the ire of the American people. This is not a Democratic problem, nor is it a Republican problem. Regardless of the finger pointing that is so common in our government, neither party has been willing to compromise with the other in order to serve the American people. This is the fundamental problem with our government, the 536 members that make up our legislative branch (100 Senators, 435 Representatives, 1 President) do NOT represent the interests of the people that elected them. That being said, the Senators and Representatives often attempt to funnel money into their districts, but at the same time, do not listen to what the entire district needs or wants. Money for insane projects will not pay the bills of the unemployed factory worker. This is why America needs to stand up, and in one loud unified voice say "enough is enough". Ladies and Gentlemen, they work for US. WE are their employers. WE pay their salary. And WE reserve the right to give them a pink slip if they no longer serve our interests.

My favorite three words in the US Constitution are the first there. "We the people". This means us. Everyone of us, regardless of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or religious preference. We the people are responsible for our own destiny in this country. From where you attend church, or choose not to attend church to where you buy your groceries. This is our choice. This is our country. They are our representatives to our government. Its time they be reminded who they work for. It's time for our representatives to get right, or get left.
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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Wisconsin Must've Heard CSS say "Fire Them All"..

5:09 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From FoxNews:

Democratic Effort to Recall Wisconsin Governor Begins Tuesday

Following the Wisconsin budget debacle early this year, in which nearly all of the state's Senators fled the confines of America's Dairyland in order to prevent a vote on the state budget, Wisconsin residents are unhappy with the governor.

Recall elections have already been held for the state Senators, and now, the citizens of Wisconsin are looking at firing Gov. Scott Walker.

This should serve as a lesson to the US Senate, House of Reps, and President, do your job as you were hired to do, or get a pink slip.
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MA Law Professor on Care Packages for Troops: "Shameful"

5:04 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From Fox NEWS:

MA Law Professor Calls Care Packages for U.S. Troops "Shameful"

In order to remain fairly objective on this topic, in keeping with the goals I had in mind when I created this blog, I will simply say I do not personally agree with it, and frankly it angers me, but he is entitled to his opinion, and protected by the Constitution in his ability to express that opinion, whether popular or unpopular. Just as the Westboro Baptist Church is protected in their rights to protest funerals. We don't have to agree with it, we just have to respect his right to have it.
Labels: | 1 comments

Gingrich Tied with Romney in polls.

4:57 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From CNN:

What's behind Gingrich's jump in the polls

Gingrich is now essentially tied with Romney after Cain's poll numbers have dropped amid sexual harrassment/assault allegations.

Give us your opinion, will Gingrich become the "anyone but Romney" candidate?
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Is the 99% tired of the 99%?

4:52 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From CNN:

Police evict Occupy protestors from New York park

First in Oakland, now New York with other cities joining the ranks of those growing weary of the Occupy movement. Early this morning, NYPD officers in full riot gear moved into Zuccoti Park and began evicting the protestors who had taken over the park nearly two months ago. The eviction was ordered by NYC Mayor, Michael Bloomberg. According to a statement from the Mayor's office, the move is temporary.

After the park has been cleaned, the protesters were informed they would be allowed to return, but are prohibited from camping. The prohibition stems from the law that created Zuccoti Park, which states the park must remain open 24 hours a day in order for citizens to enjoy "passive recreation". The OWS movment's takeover of the park has made the park unavailable to citizens wishing to enjoy the park. The owner of the land on which the park is situated requested the eviction citing health/sanitation and fire hazard concerns. The protesters have vowed to return and continue the protest.
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Monday, November 14, 2011

Supreme Court to hear challenges to Obamacare

7:28 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From CNN:

Supreme Court will hear challenges to Obamacare

Evidently there is enough behind these challenges to get the SC involved. Oral arguments by Feb-Apr 2012, ruling by June 2012 (hopefully). This will make an interesting election/campaign topic for the President.
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WH to unveil $1 billion dollar plan to expand health care workforce

6:48 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From FoxNews:

WH to unveil $1B plan to expand health care workforce

Holy cow! Another $1B that we do NOT have! The Super Committee is seriously considering taking the "automatic across the board cuts" away since they cannot agree, which means, all we have done is moved right back to square one. I agree that health is a field that is short on workers in virtually every state in the nation. However, instead of using this money to train additional RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and a host of other acronyms I cannot remember, they plan to give the money to doctors and organizations that deal with Medicare and Medicaid. Wait, what? The government is going to give this money to the folks who take this insurance to "offset" the reduction in payments instituted by the government? Give me a break! If you want to expand the healthcare work force, then do it by investing in people who NEED jobs, not organizations. How many people could we put to work by taking that $1B and training unemployed Americans in the health care field? And remember, they get jobs, they pay taxes, giving you a return on your investment. Come on Washington, WAKE UP!
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Pelosi fires back at "60 Minutes" report...

6:37 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From CNN:

Pelosi fires back at "60 Minutes" report...

First Headline of the day. The basic jist of this story is that Pelosi, in a report on "soft corruption" in DC is accused of investing in stock while legislation was being discussed that would have a significant impact on the value of that stock. The legislation in question; Credit Card Reform, the stock; Visa. Before my conservative and Republican readers get too excited, also named in the 60 Minutes report are Speaker of the House John Boehner and Rep. Spencer Bachus. Both are also implicated in investing in stocks that would be impacted by legislation under debate in Congress. Bachus, at the time of his purchase, was a ranking member of the House Committee on Financial Services. With his position, the report alleges, he was able to get information concerning the US financial situation prior to the public. In the case of Bachus, he bought market options betting the market would decline. His office has denied these allegations. Boehner meanwhile, purchased health-insurance stocks during the debate over "Obamacare". His stocks significantly after the death of the "public option", which Boehner fiercely opposed.

Here is your interactive question of the day. Should lawmakers be forbidden from purchasing stock that could be DIRECTLY impacted by a piece of legislation they are debating. Is this insider trading? Could they manipulate the legislation for financial gain? Let us hear from you!
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Sunday, November 13, 2011

Lawmakers aim to block bonus pay at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

1:14 PM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From CNN:

Lawmakers Aim to Block Bonus Pay at Fannie and Freddie

All I can say is IT'S ABOUT TIME! Please note, this is the first glimpse of common sense we have seen in a long time come out of DC.
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Saturday, November 12, 2011

Debate Result?

7:05 PM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
Let's forget the pundits and analysists and their double-speak and facts and figures. Who do YOU think did the best in the GOP debates tonight? Did anyone move ahead? Did anyone flounder? Let us know!
Labels: | 10 comments
3:08 PM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
The Price of Political Bickering

As many of us are aware, somewhere in the bowles of Washington, a "Super committee" comprised of members from both parties and both chambers of Congress are struggling to find an additional $1 trillion dollars-plus in spending cuts by the fast approaching November 23 deadline. If this committee fails to find these cuts on their own, automatic cuts that were instituted as part of the budget deal struck this summer will be instituted, with half of the cuts coming from the Department of Defense.

In the shadow of these cuts, $600 billion dollars in tax breaks, Medicare coverage, and unemployment bennies are scheduled to go the way of the dodo on January 1, 2012. Happy New Year Senior Citizens, Happy New Year Unemployed Americans, and Happy New Year American Workers! Your government can't get it together enough to do what they promised you they would do. Are any of us really shocked by this? I'm betting a majority of you will say "no". Everyone except the politicians will be touched by this inaction, unless of course the politicians are getting Medicare or unemployment. Perhaps it is time we give them a taste of the latter.
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Romney as FDR?

10:37 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
Romney: War almost "out of sight, out of mind" From CNN

This headline today from the CNN political ticker bothers me a little bit. While I realize that current wars are unpopular with a large portion of America, has America ever really been at war? A photo that circulated around the internet a while back showed a white board with the statment "America is not at war, America is at the mall" was displayed alongside US Marines at an un-named Marine installation. This sentitment is and has been true since 1946.

Not since WWII has America, as a nation, been asked to make sacrifices for the war effort. Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Haiti, Desert Sheild/Storm, Somalia, and even the current conficts in Iraq and Afghanistan have not required the United States to shift its economy to a war-time posture. It is often said that wars stimulate the economy, but only if the economy is supporting the war. WWII saw a halt in the production of civilian automobiles, with Ford and GM producing tanks, jeeps, trucks, and planes. Unemployment virtually vanished as the ablebodied marched off to war and those back in the States took their places in the factories, including women and minorities (for the first time in our history on such a large scale). This boosted our economy, but at a terrible price. I'm not advocating a world war to fix our economy, but I am advocating an admission from our government that coincides with the sentiment on that white-board. America is NOT at war, the US Military is at war while the rest of the nation (aside from military families and friends) conduct business as usual.

Mr. Romney says he wants to increase wartime communication with the American people. Folks, in this day and age there is NO reason that you cannot get information if you desire it. We have an overload of information at our fingertips. The reason that the wars have dropped off the national radar is that America doesn't want to think about it, nor acknowledge that it is still going on beyond "it costs money" or using the war for political gain, one way or another. I applaud Mr. Romney for wanting to put the war back on the front burner, but once the wars are over, and they will be eventually, what does he have after that? Hopefully something to get America growing once again aside from political double talk and a maintenance of the status quo.
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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

USA Today Reports On A Wide Variety of Balanced Budget Amendments

6:30 PM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
Proposals For Balanced Budget Amendment Vary

This popped up on Facebook today. The thumbnail blurb describing the article stated "LIKE this if you think that a balanced budget amendment would be a step in the right direction in order to reign in the federal government’s excessive spending."

I tried not to laugh too hard, but our government's ability to pass ANY sort of budget bill/law/amendment is nothing short of impossible.

Not a bad article overall, just states the obvious.
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Herman Cain's Accusers and Their Impact on the Election

11:09 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
From today's headlines:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/08/politics/cain-allegations/index.html

In case you haven't been paying attention to the news, Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain is under fire for several alleged incidents of sexual harassment that occured in the late 90's. The most recent accuser, Sharon Bialek, has accused Cain of groping and "forcing her head towards his crotch" following a dinner they both attended.

Firstly, if these allegations are true, and these incidents did happen, they are reprehensible and not befitting of a presidential hopeful. However, if these incidents are, as Cain insists, fabricated and part of a smear campaign in an attempt to derail his run at the White House, then the accusers are in for a trial by public opinion.

What I find interesting, and many of you have probably said the same thing, is that why are these accusations coming out only now? The first accusers are apparently bound by a confidentiality agreement that prohibits them from speaking about the alleged incidents. The latest accuser, Ms. Bialek however, is not bound by any such agreement, which allows her to speak freely about the incident. In her case, I'm extremely disturbed by the amount of time that has elapsed between the incident and her accusations. I'm sure this will all play out in the media in the coming weeks, and the outcome is up in the air.

I'll touch on this topic as the story unfolds, but my gut feeling is that Mr. Cain is going to get roasted by public opinion. If the accusations are false, then I suspect we shall see a repeat of the "Duke Lacrosse Rape Case".
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Former Heavyweight Champion Boxer Dies

7:44 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
Today, the world lost a champion, Smokin' Joe Frazier.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/07/sport/joe-frazier-obit/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Rest in peace Champ.

Labels: | 2 comments
Monday, November 7, 2011

"Senate Democrats offer veterans' jobs bill without millionaire surtax" From CNN

7:43 AM | Posted by CSS4America | | Edit Post
CNN.com today posted this story:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/04/politics/senate-democrats-jobs-plan/index.html

As well all are now aware, President Obama's Jobs Bill is being defeated in both the House and Senate by both parties, (neither of whom will admit to it). I have noticed, and this has been over an extended period of time, that Democrats will tack on something for Vets quick, fast, and in-a-hurry in order to pass it through the Republican opposition. While I understand this tactic (slimy as it may be, and let's not get confused, Republicans do it as well), I can't help but laugh a little at this article. I find it a point of irony that they mention vets and millionaires in the same article. Anyone who has ever served our country KNOWS that the odds of being a millionaire and serving our country are slim. I'm sure there are a few, but they didn't make their millions FROM their service. Secondly, having to address the fact that unemployed vets are becoming more and more common is ludacris in its own right. As the military starts its traditional "Democrat drawdown" (I say this because historically, Democrats have cut the military more often than Republicans) our veterans, are returning to a nation that say they "Support the Troops", but elected a government that is slashing the few remaining benefits the military still has. The traditional 20 yr retirement pension is on the chopping block, as is education, medical coverage, pay, housing, post exchange and commissary access, and a myriad of other benefits that are figured into a military members "annual compensation report". I won't delve into the slashing of benefits, I'll save that until later this week, but I find the use of veterans as political power to be vile and repulsive. For those out there who don't support the military, that is your right, but just think, at some point in time, a demographic YOU fall into will be in the same position, and how will you take it? I know that politics involves the use of "political pawns" and posturing, etc, etc. But only because we as the voters allow it.

Read the article, think about how this jobs bill has NO chance of passing unless they scrap it completely and start again, and in the back of your mind, think about the "Super Committee" that is looking for an additional $1 trillion in budget cuts. That deadline is looming. If it doesn't happen, then automatic cuts will be implemented with half of that $1 trillion coming from the defense budget. Don't think it will all be "fat" spending cuts either, but that's another rant for another time.

Let me know what you think about this jobs bill, in ANY form and whether or not it can be saved.
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