For eight years, Barack Obama was a state Senator in Illinois, yet you wouldn't know it based on his records from the time. There are none. Nothing. Nada. Eight years serving the good people of Illinois, and aspiring candidate Barack Obama has maintained not a single record. No notes, no letters, no memos or e-mails. Nothing about legislation he voted for or people whom he helped. Nothing.
Really? I find it hard to believe that someone who wants to be the Commander-in-Chief and the leader of the free world has no records from his tenure in office. Nothing about his accomplishments or legislative agendas for eight years? Maybe there were none.
John Edwards too is responding to calls for notes and records from his time in elected office. Try not to laugh. While I am surprised that there are no records from Obama's state senate career, I will be very surprised if there are any records from Edward's one term as a U.S Senator from the state of North Carolina. As a North Carolinian I can guarantee you there is nothing of prominence in that record. The only person Edwards helped during his one term in the Senate was himself. Oh, and a small collection of barbers and salon owners. It doesn't take many $400 haircuts to make a difference around here.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
We're all just sexist and racist anyway.
Over the past 6-8 months, very few days have passed where I haven't commented to someone about the liberals' new plan of vilification, and how they believe it will get them back into the White House. It might be just coincidence that the two front runners are either black or a woman, but it also is politically advantageous to the liberal attack dogs, and something that they are not above exploiting. Don't like something Obama stands for... you're a racist. Ask Hillary hard questions or don't trust her to become Commander-in-Chief... you're sexist.
If you haven't seen it happen yet... just open your eyes and wait.
And if you don't think it will affect the voters, then you don't know too many white males or guilt-driven liberals. This country is so full of apologists, political-correctness, and what some have called "white guilt". Its hard to quantify, but from college campuses, to pop culture, to church bake sales... listen long enough and you'll see it. People are so afraid of being labeled a racist or a sexist that they will go out of their way to prove the contrary. Ever heard the "but some of my best friends are black" defense?
If you think the Democrats aren't counting on people swaying their opinion towards the minority candidate because they don't want to appear to be a bigot... you are fooling yourself. In today's society, appearances really are all that often matters.
Just ask President Bush. When he put forth a solid plan to fix Social Security and privatize accounts for young Americans while leaving plans for upcoming retirees in place... the attack dogs were in full force. The truth didn't matter... people were intimidated and frightened. Bush was going to stop paying Seniors their retirement checks, and if you supported him you wanted to do the same. Of course none of it was true... but that didn't matter.
And look at the debate on illegal immigration. Has a single debate about this real issue regarding our sovereignty and security ever occurred where someone's legitimate opinion about enforcing our borders hasn't been diminished to racism?
There are analysts banking on the same politics of fear and over political correctness for the Presidential election, and it has already started. And even former President Bill Clinton is in on it. Last week, when speaking in Iowa, President Clinton talked about women in politics and the recent election of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and pondered “It’s hard to believe that America is more sexist than Argentina.”
On MSNBC last week, some "expert" was on Chris Matthews' show talking about the gender gap in the support of Hillary. According to her a much larger percentage of women than men support Hillary. Her conclusion, "obviously" sexism explains why she has fewer men supporters. Could there be another cause? Like maybe more women in the survey wanted to support another woman's advancement into a new area and overlooked Hillary's numerous flaws? Could it be that by our very nature men and woman are concerned about different issues and thus the gravitate to different candidates? I think its possible, but the "expert" surely didn't. To her, clearly it was gender discrimination.
And so it begins.
Why can't we choose someone based on their qualifications, experience, values, opinion and character? Until we're all colorblind I guess its inevitable. But its not because of his color that I don't like Barack Obama, and its certainly not because of Hillary's gender. If you want to believe otherwise, so be it. Dismiss me. Dismiss us. All of us conservatives are just sexist, racists anyway.
But remember, I don't like Al Gore either, and he's about as white as they come.
If you haven't seen it happen yet... just open your eyes and wait.
And if you don't think it will affect the voters, then you don't know too many white males or guilt-driven liberals. This country is so full of apologists, political-correctness, and what some have called "white guilt". Its hard to quantify, but from college campuses, to pop culture, to church bake sales... listen long enough and you'll see it. People are so afraid of being labeled a racist or a sexist that they will go out of their way to prove the contrary. Ever heard the "but some of my best friends are black" defense?
If you think the Democrats aren't counting on people swaying their opinion towards the minority candidate because they don't want to appear to be a bigot... you are fooling yourself. In today's society, appearances really are all that often matters.
Just ask President Bush. When he put forth a solid plan to fix Social Security and privatize accounts for young Americans while leaving plans for upcoming retirees in place... the attack dogs were in full force. The truth didn't matter... people were intimidated and frightened. Bush was going to stop paying Seniors their retirement checks, and if you supported him you wanted to do the same. Of course none of it was true... but that didn't matter.
And look at the debate on illegal immigration. Has a single debate about this real issue regarding our sovereignty and security ever occurred where someone's legitimate opinion about enforcing our borders hasn't been diminished to racism?
There are analysts banking on the same politics of fear and over political correctness for the Presidential election, and it has already started. And even former President Bill Clinton is in on it. Last week, when speaking in Iowa, President Clinton talked about women in politics and the recent election of Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and pondered “It’s hard to believe that America is more sexist than Argentina.”
On MSNBC last week, some "expert" was on Chris Matthews' show talking about the gender gap in the support of Hillary. According to her a much larger percentage of women than men support Hillary. Her conclusion, "obviously" sexism explains why she has fewer men supporters. Could there be another cause? Like maybe more women in the survey wanted to support another woman's advancement into a new area and overlooked Hillary's numerous flaws? Could it be that by our very nature men and woman are concerned about different issues and thus the gravitate to different candidates? I think its possible, but the "expert" surely didn't. To her, clearly it was gender discrimination.
And so it begins.
Why can't we choose someone based on their qualifications, experience, values, opinion and character? Until we're all colorblind I guess its inevitable. But its not because of his color that I don't like Barack Obama, and its certainly not because of Hillary's gender. If you want to believe otherwise, so be it. Dismiss me. Dismiss us. All of us conservatives are just sexist, racists anyway.
But remember, I don't like Al Gore either, and he's about as white as they come.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Saying Goodbye.
Last month we had to say goodbye to Maxwell, the Chocolate lab I got when still in Middle School. Maxwell had epilepsy, over the years had gone blind (retinal degeneration), and more recently started suffering from arthritis to the point he could hardly get up on his own.
He was the most loving and gentle soul you could ever meet.
I remember having a party at the house when Maxwell was eleven or twelve. Already old for his breed, and completely blind, Max walked around and greeted everyone who came. When a friend's toddler decided to pull on the hair of this back and walk him around like a show pony, Max happily obliged, even though I know he didn't care for it. When the same boy tried to get on him and take a ride, Max stood firm and kept quiet, seeming to know it was a child who didn't know better and needed special care. He never snapped, never was mean... even up until the end. Many old dogs withdraw and want to be left alone when they get old and weary... but not Maxwell. All he wanted to be close to you. All he needed was a gentle stroking of his coat or a few kind words "good boy Maxwell, that's my buddy."
It was tough losing him, but it was time to say goodbye. When it wasn't hard, but impossible for him to get up, when he began wincing in pain and no longer seemed interested in food or oatmeal cream pies... we knew his time was up.
That was last month.
He was the most loving and gentle soul you could ever meet.
I remember having a party at the house when Maxwell was eleven or twelve. Already old for his breed, and completely blind, Max walked around and greeted everyone who came. When a friend's toddler decided to pull on the hair of this back and walk him around like a show pony, Max happily obliged, even though I know he didn't care for it. When the same boy tried to get on him and take a ride, Max stood firm and kept quiet, seeming to know it was a child who didn't know better and needed special care. He never snapped, never was mean... even up until the end. Many old dogs withdraw and want to be left alone when they get old and weary... but not Maxwell. All he wanted to be close to you. All he needed was a gentle stroking of his coat or a few kind words "good boy Maxwell, that's my buddy."
It was tough losing him, but it was time to say goodbye. When it wasn't hard, but impossible for him to get up, when he began wincing in pain and no longer seemed interested in food or oatmeal cream pies... we knew his time was up.
That was last month.
Yesterday, my wife's childhood cat was also let go. It was Sonny's time. For 17 years everyone loved the “Kitty” and he loved everyone in return. He greeted my wife and her brother everyday after school and lovingly purred in their arms when they returned home from college or adult life. He didn't change much over the years; he was the same orange tabby who was always around the house. And while his movement got a little slower and his body a bit thinner, Sonny was remarkably similar in mind and spirit as he reportedly always had been... up until last week.
Last week Sonny had a stroke and everything changed. Unlike Maxwell who aged over time, Sonny's life changed rather sudden. The always self-sufficient friendly kitty grew old in an instant.
I wonder if he knew Will was about to graduate from Grad School, and Melanie was off married now. I wonder if he knew Peggy needed to spend time taking care of Tim during his recovery.
I wonder is he knew his job was done, and he wanted to let go when Will and Melanie were not around so they could always remember him in the same happy state.
After 17 years of greeting the kids home from school and being the talk around Christmas, it was Sonny's time to move on. It must be hard watching the kids grow up and move out... even for a cat.
As much as I hate that we have had to say goodbye to two pets who have shown unconditional love, I am thankful in how it happened. I find it remarkably divine that my wife got to know and love Max and saw how hard it was at the end. I believe in some small way that process and being there for me helped her to better cope and understand being there for Sonny. What otherwise would have been foreign to Melanie became a matter of fact, and while she still shed her tears and hurt over Sonny's loss, she was strong and confident knowing that the decisions were right.
God uses everything for good, even loss.
But it’s still hard to say goodbye.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Big Phoney
I have always had a distrust of the Clintons. I'd like to think its because I am a good judge of character. My wife will tell you its because I should be a lawyer. I pay attention to every word and nuance... which often leads me to comment to my wife when listening to people whose answers aren't definitive or whose tone and inflections don't match the response. Think I'm exaggerating? Just ask my wife... who constantly steps in to tell me sometimes the answer is just the answer and I don't have to read into everything.
After watching the Clintons for years, its hard not to read into everything. Since before 1992, long before I was really interested in politics, I have had a distrust of Bill and Hillary. Even the most mundane questions posed to them get legalese answers that are left up to interpretation. I'd be surprised if there are more than five occurrences in Bill Clinton's entire presidency where he ever said "Yes" or "No" to anything. Everything with the Clintons is grey. Even the definition of "is". And if you do manage to get them to answer something definitively, and it turns out to not be politically advantageous or suit them at a later date... they'll start more Clinton-speak to talk their way out of it. And if that doesn't work, then they'll just lie.
The populous now knows this about the Clintons. And the Clintons know we know. If only they could control the specific questions asked of them, then they could control the tone and message while limiting the amount of double-talk and non-answers.
And that is exactly what they are doing.
That's what they did recently in Iowa, when the Clinton campaign planted student questions ahead of a public appearance. Why worry about preparing for any number of possible questions you could be asked, if you can just control what will be asked ahead of time? Then maybe your canned response, in response to your canned question, can actually sound like a real answer and not some ethereal doublespeak.
But of course I'm a member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy. And I tip my waitresses too.
After watching the Clintons for years, its hard not to read into everything. Since before 1992, long before I was really interested in politics, I have had a distrust of Bill and Hillary. Even the most mundane questions posed to them get legalese answers that are left up to interpretation. I'd be surprised if there are more than five occurrences in Bill Clinton's entire presidency where he ever said "Yes" or "No" to anything. Everything with the Clintons is grey. Even the definition of "is". And if you do manage to get them to answer something definitively, and it turns out to not be politically advantageous or suit them at a later date... they'll start more Clinton-speak to talk their way out of it. And if that doesn't work, then they'll just lie.
The populous now knows this about the Clintons. And the Clintons know we know. If only they could control the specific questions asked of them, then they could control the tone and message while limiting the amount of double-talk and non-answers.
And that is exactly what they are doing.
That's what they did recently in Iowa, when the Clinton campaign planted student questions ahead of a public appearance. Why worry about preparing for any number of possible questions you could be asked, if you can just control what will be asked ahead of time? Then maybe your canned response, in response to your canned question, can actually sound like a real answer and not some ethereal doublespeak.
But of course I'm a member of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy. And I tip my waitresses too.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Always Tip, Always Deliver
Mom told me to always leave a tip. Dad told me to "under promise and over deliver". Seems like both Hillary and Obama could learn lessons from my folks. Always tip your waitress, and never offer to do something if you aren't going to do it. It's simple, really.
[thought: I wonder if this NPR story would have a different tone if covering republicans?]
[thought: I wonder if this NPR story would have a different tone if covering republicans?]
Andrew Cuomo is a traitor.
I hate it when people throw that word around, its lost so much of its meaning. But in this case, its entirely true.
I've said it before and been accused of yelling it in the office. Now is not the time to try and achieve political gains, especially when you don't know what you are talking about. Any politician who uses the current crisis in the mortgage industry as a way to make a name for themselves or play political leapfrog over rivals is evil. There are good people facing serious hurdles paying their bills. There are hard working Americans, who have never missed a payment, suddenly facing lates on their credit report and the potential for foreclosure. There are countless workers in the mortgage, construction, and real estate industries facing smaller paychecks or unemployment. And these things spread.
Now is not the time to "pile on".
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is coming out with both barrels against Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Washington Mutual, and the mortgage industry in general. And he's doing it with press releases and political maneuvering. You think there was a "credit crunch" going on now? Wait until Fannie, Freddie, WAMU, or some other large national outfit just decides to stop lending. That's what has already happened in the subprime market and with some smaller prime players. Just wait until the big boys in the conforming market follow suit. And you think getting a loan was hard now and foreclosures were bad.... if this kind of thing continues, you haven't seen anything yet.
The always animated Jim Cramer is right to use his platform to go after Cuomo. I saw him do it on tv last night, and he's continuing the drumbeat today. Cramer calls him a communist... I think he's even worse than that.
Politicians in Washington and around the country are coming up with new laws and regulations that will supposedly fix the mortgage industry. They are eliminating variable products, yield spread, stated loans, and other alternatives that helps consumers and their advisors structure a deal to make the purchase of a home a viable option. When the options left aren't attractive or feasible for the consumers out there who are trying to get out of a rental or trying to keep a home... they will have no where to go. Consumer confidence will continue to go down. Ownership rates will continue to go down. Credit scores will continue to go down. Other industries will be affected as people can't afford what they once could, or can't make minimum payments for what they now have. Prices and values will continue to fall. The only things that will increase will be the foreclosure rate and unemployment.
This is serious business, and a serious problem facing our country. While many in the media and elsewhere would rather discuss Rosie O'Donnell's job prospects or whether or not J-Lo is pregnant... our country is on the brink of a recession. And anyone who uses the backs of hardworking Americans facing tough times as a way to catapult into greater political capital is a traitor. Our country and its people come first. Don't sacrifice them and us... don't make the situation worse just because you think your political prospects will become better.
You want to make the situation better? Leave it alone. How many times can I say it... Lender's don't want to foreclose on a home. It is a zero-sum game at best. Changes need to be made, but they need to be made by the people who understand how this works... Washington, North Carolina and other state legislatures, and politicians around the country have proven they don't. The market can't work this out with the threat of lawsuits, increased regulation, and political posturing. The threat of bad debt is bad enough.
Keep meddling around and everyone will take their ball and go home... where do you think that will leave homeowners or the economy?
I've said it before and been accused of yelling it in the office. Now is not the time to try and achieve political gains, especially when you don't know what you are talking about. Any politician who uses the current crisis in the mortgage industry as a way to make a name for themselves or play political leapfrog over rivals is evil. There are good people facing serious hurdles paying their bills. There are hard working Americans, who have never missed a payment, suddenly facing lates on their credit report and the potential for foreclosure. There are countless workers in the mortgage, construction, and real estate industries facing smaller paychecks or unemployment. And these things spread.
Now is not the time to "pile on".
New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is coming out with both barrels against Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Washington Mutual, and the mortgage industry in general. And he's doing it with press releases and political maneuvering. You think there was a "credit crunch" going on now? Wait until Fannie, Freddie, WAMU, or some other large national outfit just decides to stop lending. That's what has already happened in the subprime market and with some smaller prime players. Just wait until the big boys in the conforming market follow suit. And you think getting a loan was hard now and foreclosures were bad.... if this kind of thing continues, you haven't seen anything yet.
The always animated Jim Cramer is right to use his platform to go after Cuomo. I saw him do it on tv last night, and he's continuing the drumbeat today. Cramer calls him a communist... I think he's even worse than that.
Politicians in Washington and around the country are coming up with new laws and regulations that will supposedly fix the mortgage industry. They are eliminating variable products, yield spread, stated loans, and other alternatives that helps consumers and their advisors structure a deal to make the purchase of a home a viable option. When the options left aren't attractive or feasible for the consumers out there who are trying to get out of a rental or trying to keep a home... they will have no where to go. Consumer confidence will continue to go down. Ownership rates will continue to go down. Credit scores will continue to go down. Other industries will be affected as people can't afford what they once could, or can't make minimum payments for what they now have. Prices and values will continue to fall. The only things that will increase will be the foreclosure rate and unemployment.
This is serious business, and a serious problem facing our country. While many in the media and elsewhere would rather discuss Rosie O'Donnell's job prospects or whether or not J-Lo is pregnant... our country is on the brink of a recession. And anyone who uses the backs of hardworking Americans facing tough times as a way to catapult into greater political capital is a traitor. Our country and its people come first. Don't sacrifice them and us... don't make the situation worse just because you think your political prospects will become better.
You want to make the situation better? Leave it alone. How many times can I say it... Lender's don't want to foreclose on a home. It is a zero-sum game at best. Changes need to be made, but they need to be made by the people who understand how this works... Washington, North Carolina and other state legislatures, and politicians around the country have proven they don't. The market can't work this out with the threat of lawsuits, increased regulation, and political posturing. The threat of bad debt is bad enough.
Keep meddling around and everyone will take their ball and go home... where do you think that will leave homeowners or the economy?
Thoughts on the Top 5
I've been struggling as of late with just who to support. It is a blessing to have such strong Republican prospects for the nomination... but with such an important election ahead (aren't they all), it is imperative that the decision of who to support isn't taken lightly. If the choice of the other side it Hillary or Obama, I will certainly vote for the Republican nominee, even if I have to hold my nose doing so. But the hope is that I don't have to hold my nose to do it... I'd like to hold my head up high and vote for someone whom I truly believe in. Thus, the decision of whom to support is still largely undecided... and time is running out.
Every time I lean towards Fred Thompson, I come up wanting more. I really, really like Thompson's message and thoughtfulness. We need someone who thinks and isn't just offering humorous quips or vicious one-liners. We need to get away from this entitlement society and strong, overbearing government. Our national government should protect our lives and liberty, but do little else. As much as Fred fits that bill, media reports keep pushing the thought the people are less than inspired after hearing Senator Thompson speak. Fred is right in all that he says... this is a crucial point in our history. In order to overcome this desperate hour, we need someone who is going to inspire us to continued greatness. That is where I fear Thompson falls short.
The obvious choice to fill the inspiration void should be Governor Huckabee. Every time I hear Huckabee I become a little more invigorated and energized. I like how the Governor explains most things and we agree on quite a bit. But every once in a while there is a glimpse of a man who might be disconnected from conservatism. Increased government regulation that prohibits customer choice of mortgage products is not conservative. And let's not even discuss the Governor's somewhat mythical ideas on illegal immigration... he doesn't seem to walk a fine line, but rather jump from one side to the other. That's fine... these are tough issues that require thought and deliberation... but they are also very important issues and I need to know we have some agreement, at least in principal. I think I know where Governor Huckabee is coming from when we disagree.
For me, after these two, there is everyone else. Giulini, McCain, Romney.
I was surprised to see Pat Robertson endorse Giuliani yesterday. I like the Mayor... but on social issues, gun rights, immigration, and so much else... we just don't see eye to eye, and that sentiment is certainly shared by many Conservatives and Christians alike. But does a Pat Robertson endorsement in 2007 really mean that much? Like the late Reverend Falwell, Pat Robertson isn't always treated fairly or honestly by the mainstream media, nor is he the Protestant version of the Pope as some leftists would have you believe. And just because Robertson picks the Mayor doesn't mean all of the other candidates' religious support will fade away. But if security and a nation in crisis is really the focus of the electorate, I wonder if Rudy isn't an appropriate choice?
John McCain is a hero. John McCain is a patriot. John McCain is someone who I would love to see as Vice President or more appropriately Secretary of Defense or State. But as much as I respect him, I don't want him to be President. He has certainly had his trouble with Conservatives and Christians in the past, and still seems to think Conservative Christians are just some far-right group whose support he begrudgingly needs comparable to MoveOn.org for the left. As far as I'm concerned, that's only a few steps away from Rosie O'Donnell comparing Christians to terrorists... and its miles away from the truth. Yes you need the Conservative Christian support to wage a successful Republican bid for the Presidency... but these are the same voices who this country was founded on... I don't think having their support is a necessary evil... its an honor.
Then there's Romney. I was absolutely enraged when the man who campaigned in Massachusetts by distancing himself from Republicans and Reagan decided to invoke his name and legacy so many times during last month's debate. While far from John Kerry, the Bush 2004 campaign showed how to successfully run against a flip-flopper... do we really need to hand the Democrats the winning strategy in 2008?
Every time I lean towards Fred Thompson, I come up wanting more. I really, really like Thompson's message and thoughtfulness. We need someone who thinks and isn't just offering humorous quips or vicious one-liners. We need to get away from this entitlement society and strong, overbearing government. Our national government should protect our lives and liberty, but do little else. As much as Fred fits that bill, media reports keep pushing the thought the people are less than inspired after hearing Senator Thompson speak. Fred is right in all that he says... this is a crucial point in our history. In order to overcome this desperate hour, we need someone who is going to inspire us to continued greatness. That is where I fear Thompson falls short.
The obvious choice to fill the inspiration void should be Governor Huckabee. Every time I hear Huckabee I become a little more invigorated and energized. I like how the Governor explains most things and we agree on quite a bit. But every once in a while there is a glimpse of a man who might be disconnected from conservatism. Increased government regulation that prohibits customer choice of mortgage products is not conservative. And let's not even discuss the Governor's somewhat mythical ideas on illegal immigration... he doesn't seem to walk a fine line, but rather jump from one side to the other. That's fine... these are tough issues that require thought and deliberation... but they are also very important issues and I need to know we have some agreement, at least in principal. I think I know where Governor Huckabee is coming from when we disagree.
For me, after these two, there is everyone else. Giulini, McCain, Romney.
I was surprised to see Pat Robertson endorse Giuliani yesterday. I like the Mayor... but on social issues, gun rights, immigration, and so much else... we just don't see eye to eye, and that sentiment is certainly shared by many Conservatives and Christians alike. But does a Pat Robertson endorsement in 2007 really mean that much? Like the late Reverend Falwell, Pat Robertson isn't always treated fairly or honestly by the mainstream media, nor is he the Protestant version of the Pope as some leftists would have you believe. And just because Robertson picks the Mayor doesn't mean all of the other candidates' religious support will fade away. But if security and a nation in crisis is really the focus of the electorate, I wonder if Rudy isn't an appropriate choice?
John McCain is a hero. John McCain is a patriot. John McCain is someone who I would love to see as Vice President or more appropriately Secretary of Defense or State. But as much as I respect him, I don't want him to be President. He has certainly had his trouble with Conservatives and Christians in the past, and still seems to think Conservative Christians are just some far-right group whose support he begrudgingly needs comparable to MoveOn.org for the left. As far as I'm concerned, that's only a few steps away from Rosie O'Donnell comparing Christians to terrorists... and its miles away from the truth. Yes you need the Conservative Christian support to wage a successful Republican bid for the Presidency... but these are the same voices who this country was founded on... I don't think having their support is a necessary evil... its an honor.
Then there's Romney. I was absolutely enraged when the man who campaigned in Massachusetts by distancing himself from Republicans and Reagan decided to invoke his name and legacy so many times during last month's debate. While far from John Kerry, the Bush 2004 campaign showed how to successfully run against a flip-flopper... do we really need to hand the Democrats the winning strategy in 2008?
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