Less than a year ago, August 29, Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain chose her as his vice-presidential running mate. You know to whom I refer.
Unfortunate or not, but most likely viewed as inconsequential to many Americans, Sarah Louise Palin made the controversial decision to abandon her elected post as Governor of Alaska. Considering her apparent interest in seeking higher political office at some point in the future, it’s a rather shocking action that mistakenly warrants extensive dialogue, news analysis and talk show blithering.
Actually, the short but oh-so-swell exchange between Fox News host Bill O’Reilly and Karl Rove was priceless in that, although they disagreed on the political ramifications of Palin’s resignation, Bill was very respectful and “unargumentative” of their conflicting views. If a Democrat had spoken Rove’s words, the verbal exchange would have been entirely different – you know, the attitude and over-speak tantrum that Bill reverts to with premeditated animosity.
While O’Reilly appeared optimistic that Palin’s course of action might eventually lead to a Palin bid to head the Republican ticket for president in 2012, Rove was decidedly at odds of her having the support of influential party leaders.
Palin’s actions, or rather inactions, leading up to the annual fundraising event for the National Republican Congressional and Senatorial Committees in Washington in early June did much damage to her standing among other Republicans.
Back in March, she was given an invitation to headline the political event but, gosh darn it, she couldn’t give a timely RSVP and, wouldn’t ya know it, by the time she decided she had the time to attend, the alternate keynote speaker, Newt Gingrich, who’s another 2012 presidential hopeful, wouldn’t have it. As a matter of fact when she made a less than grand entrance on the night of the event, in fear she’d upstage the older dude, she and hubby Todd were seen but Sarah wasn’t heard.
Well, that’s quite enough about Sarah. I wish! I foresee me flickin’ the remote fast and furious for the next couple of years searching for anything – commercials, cartoons, game shows, even reality shows – anything to limit the length and frequency of times of seeing that face pop up before my eyes with those senseless words crackling in my ears.
I do admit that I’m rather relieved that doctors were able to remedy the winkin’ and blinkin’ malady she experienced during campaign season last year. It may have been dry eye syndrome but I suspect it was a case of Marcus Gunn Phenomenon, whereby the movement of the upper eyelid moves in a rapid rising motion each time the jaw moves, which is not to be confused as an act of coordination. Anyway, medical wonders never cease to amaze me.
Actually, Hockey Mom Palin needs a time-out and take a seat in the penalty box for being at odds with mainstream conservatism. Her no “politics as usual” doesn’t ring true. For one thing, she and other Republicans continue to question, disregard and spew green house gases over scientific conclusions that global warming and climate change are in fact of grave concern for the health of the planet, thus and an immediate and progressive danger to all living things on land and in the sea and air.
The ignorance that belies the findings of the Mineral Management Service, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is belligerent of views of countries around the world. An American Association for the Advancement of Science study released in 2005 reported that carbon dioxide levels were 27% higher than at any time in the past 650,000 years.
The findings were taken from the analysis of air bubbles trapped in an East Antarctica area monitored by the European Project for Ice Coring (EPIC).
I sincerely commend Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson for softening the company’s stance on climate change and carbon emissions. But his January announcement in support of a carbon tax to be a fairer option than the cap-and-trade system came only after a shareholder revolt at last year’s annual meeting, led by none other than the Rockefeller family.
Republicans as a whole must change their tone on nearly every political front. They have no leader. Certainly not Palin. The retreads of Gingrich and Dean, and the inflexible views of Cheney don’t cut it either. Ron Paul would have my solid support if he were given the opportunity to head the Republican Presidential ticket in 2012 but the Party isn’t likely to stand behind his Libertarian views. Besides, by Election Day he’ll be 77 years old, 5 years beyond McCain’s 72 years in 2008.
Charlie Crist, the lamest rubber ducky governor in the nation, isn’t any better than the rest with his recent cop-outs to the people of Florida as self-interest groups saddled him up for a ride to Washington in next year’s Senatorial race. He had to make up with Party leaders for supporting Obama’s stimulus package. The same goes for Colin Powell for abandoning McCain in last year’s Presidential election.
In the economic climate of everybody porking handouts from Obama’s stimulus dollars, regional political interests won’t enhance any particular politician. Especially Palin whom, after family and friends, will continue to put Alaska’s interests above all else.
Party leaders must have scripted Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal’s GOP response to Obama’s State of the Union Address in February. I say this because just two days prior, on Meet the Press, Jindal’s interview with David Gregory was very impressive with assured, coherent statements, a veritable smooth talker and quite a 360-degree turnaround from his delivery two days later.
Disastrous. That’s the Republican Party right now. I pray, but not with religious fury, that the Party can realign themselves with the American people. It’s important not only to me but for the whole of the United States.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Obama, Sally and Stimulus Attitudes
Sally Rae has an attitude. In but the fewest of words there was a flare of disgust and a tinge of anger about the overindulgence homeowners had exercised during the sublime years of sub-prime loans and second-mortgage frenzies.
Although typically calm, cool and in control, Sally’s uncomely attitude was spurred by the Making Homes Affordable Plan. She grumbled for a moment but, quicker than Obama can swat a fly on the back of his hand, her demeanor returned to the sweet, charming little lady she is.
The Home Affordable Refinance Program targets 4 to 5 million homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to lower their monthly payments. The Home Affordable Modification Program aims to keep an additional 3 to 4 million Americans from facing foreclosure.
The $75B allocated to the programs intends to lower interests rates to as low as 2% and/or give loan extensions up to 40 years – anything to bring the payment below 31% of pretax income, thus stemming the flow of bankruptcies and short-sales – but only applicable to owner-occupied, primary residences, not speculators or house-flippers, for up to $729,750 in unpaid balances. How sweet it is! For some, not all.
Sally has a problem with her tax dollars being given to irresponsible people who, with just a bit of common sense should have known the bottom-line monthly payment shown on the closing papers was unaffordable with their given incomes. An oversized house is nice to live in but when there’s a family to consider you not only have to plan for retirement but also consider college costs for the kids and, accept it or not, emergencies.
You can only blame lending practices so far because, in the end, it’s the person who signed the loan papers who are just as much at fault. Irresponsible indeed, dear sister, but I can top your angst with lenders who were too eager to give unsecured loans in the form of credit cards with little oversight of the individual’s ability of repayment.
A recent article in The NY Times related a cardholder who had been contacted by a lender that offered a 20% write-off on a $5,486 balance to which he declined but whose counter-offer of 50% was immediately accepted. An elderly gentleman who owed $112,00 on four credit cards, through a third-party settlement company that charged him a 12% fee, was able to reduce the balance to 35% of the outstanding balance, thus whittling down to 47% the outstanding balances.
In neither case was there a hint of them having to relinquish any of their assets. They had their cake and ate it too, and the rest of us are left with the crap that came out in the end – paying for the tasty morsels of their consumerism in the form of credit card companies jacking up interest rates much too quickly and all to often, even to those who continue to make on-time payments.
Obama’s Congress passed the Credit Card Act in May but the rule on 45 days advance notice of major changes won’t take affect until September and the majority of the new rules don’t apply until February next year. Consumers are of little concern compared to the demands of the corps or corporations.
The actions people took to enhance their immediate lifestyles were shameful. Whether by means of uncontrolled credit card usage or double-mortgage abuse, they set aside common sense for the good-time feeling of keeping up with other consumers who went on swanky spending sprees.
They beset themselves on the most difficult of futures with purchases of joyful trinkets like big screen TVs and monstrous vehicles that lose value the moment they’re taken off the showroom floor. Phantasmagoric vacations too, I’m sure.
There’s also the woman whose arrogance came out in full bloom when she bragged about the home equity loan she took, knowing the additional payment couldn’t be met. She pocketed the money. Despicably American.
The ones deserving of compassion, which doesn’t help them one bit, are those who became indebted due to health costs. I could make a wager and be fairly certain that, minus their conditions, their homes would still be secure investments, their stomachs less empty, their electric bills paid and they’d in be in much better off than the ones who pillaged their financial security for earthly pleasures.
Perhaps against Sally’s recommendation but in reader interest, particularly those faced with foreclosure, I suggest you visit www.financialsecurity.gov for information and www.makinghomeaffordable.gov to start the process that could ease your weary mind from the fears of losing your home. The entitlement was given by Obama. As far as other debt, call the number on the back of your credit card(s) and cry, “Fools!” You and them but the rest of us most of all.
Although typically calm, cool and in control, Sally’s uncomely attitude was spurred by the Making Homes Affordable Plan. She grumbled for a moment but, quicker than Obama can swat a fly on the back of his hand, her demeanor returned to the sweet, charming little lady she is.
The Home Affordable Refinance Program targets 4 to 5 million homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to lower their monthly payments. The Home Affordable Modification Program aims to keep an additional 3 to 4 million Americans from facing foreclosure.
The $75B allocated to the programs intends to lower interests rates to as low as 2% and/or give loan extensions up to 40 years – anything to bring the payment below 31% of pretax income, thus stemming the flow of bankruptcies and short-sales – but only applicable to owner-occupied, primary residences, not speculators or house-flippers, for up to $729,750 in unpaid balances. How sweet it is! For some, not all.
Sally has a problem with her tax dollars being given to irresponsible people who, with just a bit of common sense should have known the bottom-line monthly payment shown on the closing papers was unaffordable with their given incomes. An oversized house is nice to live in but when there’s a family to consider you not only have to plan for retirement but also consider college costs for the kids and, accept it or not, emergencies.
You can only blame lending practices so far because, in the end, it’s the person who signed the loan papers who are just as much at fault. Irresponsible indeed, dear sister, but I can top your angst with lenders who were too eager to give unsecured loans in the form of credit cards with little oversight of the individual’s ability of repayment.
A recent article in The NY Times related a cardholder who had been contacted by a lender that offered a 20% write-off on a $5,486 balance to which he declined but whose counter-offer of 50% was immediately accepted. An elderly gentleman who owed $112,00 on four credit cards, through a third-party settlement company that charged him a 12% fee, was able to reduce the balance to 35% of the outstanding balance, thus whittling down to 47% the outstanding balances.
In neither case was there a hint of them having to relinquish any of their assets. They had their cake and ate it too, and the rest of us are left with the crap that came out in the end – paying for the tasty morsels of their consumerism in the form of credit card companies jacking up interest rates much too quickly and all to often, even to those who continue to make on-time payments.
Obama’s Congress passed the Credit Card Act in May but the rule on 45 days advance notice of major changes won’t take affect until September and the majority of the new rules don’t apply until February next year. Consumers are of little concern compared to the demands of the corps or corporations.
The actions people took to enhance their immediate lifestyles were shameful. Whether by means of uncontrolled credit card usage or double-mortgage abuse, they set aside common sense for the good-time feeling of keeping up with other consumers who went on swanky spending sprees.
They beset themselves on the most difficult of futures with purchases of joyful trinkets like big screen TVs and monstrous vehicles that lose value the moment they’re taken off the showroom floor. Phantasmagoric vacations too, I’m sure.
There’s also the woman whose arrogance came out in full bloom when she bragged about the home equity loan she took, knowing the additional payment couldn’t be met. She pocketed the money. Despicably American.
The ones deserving of compassion, which doesn’t help them one bit, are those who became indebted due to health costs. I could make a wager and be fairly certain that, minus their conditions, their homes would still be secure investments, their stomachs less empty, their electric bills paid and they’d in be in much better off than the ones who pillaged their financial security for earthly pleasures.
Perhaps against Sally’s recommendation but in reader interest, particularly those faced with foreclosure, I suggest you visit www.financialsecurity.gov for information and www.makinghomeaffordable.gov to start the process that could ease your weary mind from the fears of losing your home. The entitlement was given by Obama. As far as other debt, call the number on the back of your credit card(s) and cry, “Fools!” You and them but the rest of us most of all.
Freedom - Let It Fill the Air
As important the word is to America’s heritage, ‘freedom’ appears not once in The Declaration of Independence. Nor does the word appear in The Constitution of the United States.
The Declaration of Independence was delivered on July 4, 1776. The Constitution was ratified on September 17, 1787. It wasn’t until the Bill of Rights was amended to the Constitution on December 15, 1791, that the word appeared in Article III, stating ‘Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press’.
The fortitude with which the Founding Fathers proclaimed and fought was for the very freedoms we cherish, however forsaken they seem to many Americans. Today, our affirmation of freedom is taken for granted. It wasn’t so for the Men of Liberty and other Patriots of the American Revolution.
Many of the Founding Fathers were left indigent as their homes and properties were ransacked and burned. Some were tortured and killed as they were captured by British soldiers and Loyalists to King George III of England. And yet, with lost fortunes and lives, with shattered hearts and broken will, they stood by the closing words of the Declaration: “And for the support of this declaration, with the firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
A song that honors the principles of the Declaration of Independence was written by Kris Kristofferson and affectively delivered by Janis Joplin in 1971 with the prolific phrase from ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ – “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose…”
The lyrics should give us pause to consider that which we have today and for what were true actions of desperation that forged brave men to claim what no other peoples in the known history of mankind had fought with shear determination and fierce resolve: the freedom of a new nation.
Don’t think for a moment there weren’t contentious debates among the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Think of it as the first legislative compromise in the history of the United States, a truly bipartisan effort of Congress. It was a give-and-take of politics without the dishonorable blight of lobbyists and self-interest groups.
An important omission in the final draft of the Declaration of Independence was a passage that contained 168 words which, if they hadn’t been deleted, would have alienated delegates representing plantation owners in southern states to the extent that they would have sided with the Loyalists and effectively doomed the efforts of the Patriots.
Specifically, the omitted text assailed King George III for waging “cruel War against human Nature itself, violating its most sacred Rights of Life and Liberty of a distant People who never offended him” and “…for Suppressing every legislative Attempt to prohibit or to restrain an execrable Commerce, determined to keep open a Market where Men should be bought and sold…”
It wasn’t until 89 years later that the equality of men of all colors was declared in the then-current 36 United States. The 13th Amendment, ratified on December 6, 1865, which abolished slavery, has no mention of ‘freedom’.
I suppose each of us could name a song or two that we feel justly represents the feel of freedom. A song written by crooner-turned-folk singer, Bobby Darin that still makes my heart yearn for peace, love and understanding among all men is “Simple Song of Freedom”. Originally released in 1969 by Tim Hardin, it still evokes in me a sense of faith and hope for man. It attempts to put to rest the politics of government, racism, religion and the misgivings of war.
As the music and lyrics flow, the feeling of want and desire grow. Goose bumps well for camaraderie among all peoples. I tend to put the song on repeat as if such action might bring the notion to fruition.
The song strongly suggests freedom might be an attainable goal, if only those who keep us from achieving the compassion and harmony of human consciousness had no claim to dampen and control the will of the people.
Space doesn’t allow the printing of the entire lyrics, but a few lines express the want of freedom:
No doubt some folks enjoy doin' battle
Like presidents and ministers and kings
But let us build them shelves where they can fight among themselves
and leave the people be who like to sing
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you've never sung before
Let it fill the airTell the people everywhere
That we the people here, don't want a war
Please, check out these links for each of Bobby’s and Tim’s versions of ‘Simple Song of Freedom’ and join in what should be a Global Anthem. And let it fill the air.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvY99BJzN-M [Bobby]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uVcr7LIusc [Tim]
*You may also check out my Parcel Post 07 blog for a tribute to Bobby Darin for his contributions to music, social awareness and his song of freedom.
http://parcel-post.blogspot.com/search?q=global+anthem+
The Declaration of Independence was delivered on July 4, 1776. The Constitution was ratified on September 17, 1787. It wasn’t until the Bill of Rights was amended to the Constitution on December 15, 1791, that the word appeared in Article III, stating ‘Congress shall make no law… abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press’.
The fortitude with which the Founding Fathers proclaimed and fought was for the very freedoms we cherish, however forsaken they seem to many Americans. Today, our affirmation of freedom is taken for granted. It wasn’t so for the Men of Liberty and other Patriots of the American Revolution.
Many of the Founding Fathers were left indigent as their homes and properties were ransacked and burned. Some were tortured and killed as they were captured by British soldiers and Loyalists to King George III of England. And yet, with lost fortunes and lives, with shattered hearts and broken will, they stood by the closing words of the Declaration: “And for the support of this declaration, with the firm reliance on the protection of the Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”
A song that honors the principles of the Declaration of Independence was written by Kris Kristofferson and affectively delivered by Janis Joplin in 1971 with the prolific phrase from ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ – “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose…”
The lyrics should give us pause to consider that which we have today and for what were true actions of desperation that forged brave men to claim what no other peoples in the known history of mankind had fought with shear determination and fierce resolve: the freedom of a new nation.
Don’t think for a moment there weren’t contentious debates among the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Think of it as the first legislative compromise in the history of the United States, a truly bipartisan effort of Congress. It was a give-and-take of politics without the dishonorable blight of lobbyists and self-interest groups.
An important omission in the final draft of the Declaration of Independence was a passage that contained 168 words which, if they hadn’t been deleted, would have alienated delegates representing plantation owners in southern states to the extent that they would have sided with the Loyalists and effectively doomed the efforts of the Patriots.
Specifically, the omitted text assailed King George III for waging “cruel War against human Nature itself, violating its most sacred Rights of Life and Liberty of a distant People who never offended him” and “…for Suppressing every legislative Attempt to prohibit or to restrain an execrable Commerce, determined to keep open a Market where Men should be bought and sold…”
It wasn’t until 89 years later that the equality of men of all colors was declared in the then-current 36 United States. The 13th Amendment, ratified on December 6, 1865, which abolished slavery, has no mention of ‘freedom’.
I suppose each of us could name a song or two that we feel justly represents the feel of freedom. A song written by crooner-turned-folk singer, Bobby Darin that still makes my heart yearn for peace, love and understanding among all men is “Simple Song of Freedom”. Originally released in 1969 by Tim Hardin, it still evokes in me a sense of faith and hope for man. It attempts to put to rest the politics of government, racism, religion and the misgivings of war.
As the music and lyrics flow, the feeling of want and desire grow. Goose bumps well for camaraderie among all peoples. I tend to put the song on repeat as if such action might bring the notion to fruition.
The song strongly suggests freedom might be an attainable goal, if only those who keep us from achieving the compassion and harmony of human consciousness had no claim to dampen and control the will of the people.
Space doesn’t allow the printing of the entire lyrics, but a few lines express the want of freedom:
No doubt some folks enjoy doin' battle
Like presidents and ministers and kings
But let us build them shelves where they can fight among themselves
and leave the people be who like to sing
Come and sing a simple song of freedom
Sing it like you've never sung before
Let it fill the airTell the people everywhere
That we the people here, don't want a war
Please, check out these links for each of Bobby’s and Tim’s versions of ‘Simple Song of Freedom’ and join in what should be a Global Anthem. And let it fill the air.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvY99BJzN-M [Bobby]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uVcr7LIusc [Tim]
*You may also check out my Parcel Post 07 blog for a tribute to Bobby Darin for his contributions to music, social awareness and his song of freedom.
http://parcel-post.blogspot.com/search?q=global+anthem+
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