I am joyous, thrilled and excited !!! My darling is back in the news !! Oh, be still my heart !!! My cuppeth runneth over !!!! Rapture !!! I was lost and now I am found !!!

The Hooker of the Hinterlands is back in the news. Her "Going Rogue" autobiographical comedy has hit the book stores and the media is falling all over itself to share the fun. So far, about a dozen factual errors have been mined from her book. This caribou clown just had to rush out her book months in advance of when it was initially due to be published. God forbid she should have been more careful and taken her time and gotten her facts straight. Not our girl Sarah.....she just couldn't wait to get back in the limelight and continue to make a fool of herself. I guess she missed it. I know I missed it.

Because of my penchant for seeking out and telling the truth and nothing but the truth, this is just a mere expression of my initial excitement. Shortly, after my heartbeat slows down, I will happily blast this bitch !!!

Come on....admit it....you knew it was coming didn't you ???

Sometimes I just want to give up and move to a deserted South Sea island....with satellite t.v. and internet, of course. I will also need a source of good food including pastrami, tongue and chopped liver.

It seems as if the Incan year of cataclysm (2012) may not be just a wild exotic prediction. The world economy is in deep trouble, global warming is melting the icecaps, nuclear destructive capability is in the hands of madmen and worst of all....Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck and Fox News are the Conservative Tail wagging the Republican Dog and Sarah can be seen squatting in the background waiting to pounce again.

It's scary out there !!

American politics have become more polarizing than ever.....and it's not just Republicans vs. Democrats anymore.....the parties themselves are splintered. The American public doesn't know who to believe. The mood of the Country is turning negative; Obama is falling off the popularity charts....he's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. He is being exposed as no longer being a God....Moses the Deliverer. The people are losing faith that he can't actually lead them into the promised land.

In my personal reality Obama will not fail. I'm not talking about the economy or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan or global warming or health care reform. He has no real control over those issues. What I believe he is doing and will continue to do is to honestly and sincerely make every effort to solve these problems. "He" wants our people to be safe and secure, have affordable health care, jobs and a sound fruitful economy to live in. "He" has established goals and has asked the entities capable of meeting those goals to "go forth" and do it. Sadly he is forced to wait until Congress plays it's political games and strokes it's individual egos. So far, his standing as President has suffered due to the inter and intra political rhetoric. He's the one the people seem to be blaming for the lack of affordable health care, unemployment, a struggling economy and being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.... and let's not forget his shameful failure to bring the Olympics to Chicago.

People are like children.....give me, get me, buy me....NOW !!!! They vote like children, and, like children, don't always understand what they should or need to. They have no patience. They want health care now, but they don't want to pay for it. They don't want global warming, but they won't recycle. They want oil independence, but still buy the big SUv's and trucks. There is a lot of opposition to big Government and Big Government spending. I wonder about how many of the screamers and Tea drinkers are on Social Security or Medicare or Medicaid ???? You don't hear them screaming about getting rid of those programs do you ???

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are really pushing my hot buttons and I'm beginning to wonder if the Government shouldn't start thinking about that button also. Just a couple of small ones ought to do the trick plus maybe 1 or 2 or more in Iran and North Korea just to get some breathing room. I'm not much of a historian, but I don't remember reading about any Iraqis or Afghanis helping us and fighting side by side with us in WW 2 or Korea or Viet Nam.

The U.S. always seems in the forefront of these wars. No other country provides as many military men and funding. Sadly, it it's our Country that suffers the most injured and dead.....not to mention expense. Somewhere back in time somebody set us on the course of Savior to the World. Maybe at one time it was appropriate and meaningful as when we had the respect and admiration of the World. Times have changed.

Perhaps it's time to follow the leads of France and Germany and Italy and Poland and many other countries around the World who support the U.S. philosophy, but don't put as many troops at risk and don't rape their financial systems to do so.

Rethinking America's goals is not cowardly or a sign of weakness. Social attitudes are always changing....we are no longer in the Victorian era. The Supreme Court of the U.S. is always changing and modifying the law. Perhaps we ought to add another poll to the thousands being conducted every day and ask our fellow citizens if it's time to pull back and reconsider our place in this current Global situation. Maybe the Sunnis and Kurds and Taliban and all the others who'se history goes back before we were ever anything but Indian Territories ought to and should be able to handle their own issues without foreign intervention from do gooders who think all men/women should be part of a democratic society. Perhaps we need to concentrate more on protecting our own country and meeting the needs of our citizens....prioritizing.....putting the U.S. first for a change.

Everything is a gigantic debate today....more or less troops overseas, health care reform or not, save the Earth etc..... Perhaps it would be much easier if their was a clear body of agreement on these issues. However, it's obvious there isn't. How does Joe the Plumber know who's right ?? Everyone has an opinion...everyone has a crystal ball....everyone has an ego.

I say we have each side choose a representative and play rock, paper or scissors.....2 out of 3

REALITY "STARS".....is that a joke or what ?? Jon and Kate + Eight, The Biggest Loser, Iron Chef ??? Come on folks, these people are no more "stars" than the man in the moon. People have forgotten what a star is. Nowadays anyone who appears on any reality show is a "star" or a "celebrity". It simply reflects the depth to which our collective "taste" has sunk. There is only one big reality show on stage and that's American politics. Nevertheless, I am busily making the rounds of producers in Hollywood hawking my new show...Dorothy & Dick in Retirement. Now THAT'S a winner !!!!

HEALTH CARE.....The debate is making me sick !!!! Thank God for Medicare and IBM.

TEXTING.....laws are being passed to ban texting while driving. Isn't that the shame of society ??? Do we really need a law for that ?? Aren't we smart enough to see that it's dangerous ?? I have texted my Congressional representatives to consider banning jumping off roofs higher than 4 stories, driving while blindfolded, jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge...oh, wait....there is a law for that. :) :-) LOL ROTFL

SARAH PALIN...her book "Going Rogue" is coming out next month and is already a pre-release best seller. It took her only 2 months to write it which is understandable considering what she has to write about. I can't wait to read it. I've enrolled in a foreign language class and I'm learning the basics of speaking in tongues. I think Todd is the smart Palin....he quit his job in the oil fields and will live on his wife's royalties.

OLYMPICS....O.K. Chicago lost the Olympic bid even though Obama and the Mrs. were there to make their prestigious pitch. The was an immediate cry from "The Others" of Obama's political shortcomings. What is this Country coming to ??? He's actually being criticized for not getting the bid for Chicago and the U.S.A.. I say let's impeach the son of a bitch !! How dare he let us down !!! We thought he was God and could do no wrong. We should have sent Satin Palin. She would have gotten the Committee so confused they would have voted for Wasilla.

BLAME GAME.....let's stop playing the game of pinning the tail on Obama. The Repubs, except for Sen. Stowe, the one wise Repub, are still playing the nay game. No on Healthcare reform, no on reducing the troops, no on Mom and Apple Pie. They should be saying no to another term, no to accepting raises, no to accepting the Congressional Health Plan and no to Social Security or Pension Plans.

NOBEL PRIZE....o.k.. You got me there. I am one of the majority of nay sayers and critics. I think it was premature.....especially since it was voted on just after Obama took office. There is no doubt his election and ideals and philosophy have had a profound and positive effect on the World...for the most part. However, it seems as though he hasn't accomplished much in fact. There are still two wars going on, there has been no reform in Healthcare and the economy is still in trouble. Thinking good thoughts isn't enough for the Nobel Prize.

Here we go again....controversy and opposition to another war on foreign soil. Vietnam, Iraq and now Afghanistan. It seems the American people have, in the end, come down hard against war anywhere. Far too many young men and women have been maimed or killed while fighting for our Democratic way. Included is the right to say "enough" to foreign wars.

We should not proselytize our values and way of life. I am quite sure the American people would resent and rise up against any who would attempt to impose Communism.....or Islam.....or whatever. Who are we to say what's right for Iraq or Afghanistan ?? Who are we to prop up and support a Government in those Countries ? Ah yes....terrorism.

We will never forget or forgive 9/11. We never want to experience anything like it ever again. How do we avoid it ?? Therein lies the problem.

The Government, or more correctly, the War Machine thinks in terms or "winning". The Military and Pentagon believe we must fight terrorists "over there" to keep them from coming "here". We are dealing with a Middle Eastern philosophy and set of beliefs that is totally different from our own and our brothers in the West. Winning for them is blowing themselves and innocents and enemies to Kingdom Come thereby stamping their passports to the Land of Virgins.

There are oppressed People all over the World. Many Nations are not Democratic. Are we expected to send our troops in every Country that doesn't think or govern as we do ?? I, personally, think not. We've already got our noses in too many places around the Globe. Fortunately, we haven't deployed to Somalia, Iran, or N. Korea...yet.

It is not, as many think, a matter of "respect" or "standing". It is not our "job" to fight the World's battles.....other than by virtue of Treaty. After 2 wars in Iraq are the people better off ?? Are they happy now ?? Not really. They're still killing each other and our troops and allies. Are they still learning the ways of terror ?? Of course. After decades of fighting in Afghanistan the Taliban and tribal "gangs" are still around..and getting stronger. They've learned how to fight in their mountainous country and have long ago adapted to it. They are still teaching their people the ways of war and terror. Continuing a military campaign will not stop that. More troops means more deaths and casualties among our troops, the enemy and the innocents. Nothing will change. We will not and cannot effectively stamp out terrorism as long as our troops contine to remain "in country" and our Government plays Godfather to the World.

So what is the answer ?? Naturally there are wiser men than I and they undoubtedly know the real facts. However, I have an idea that feels right for me.

I say pull out all but about 5000 troops from Iraq and Afghanistan and call them the Freindly Teachers of America Schools and send the Iraqi and Afghani military and police to our classrooms. If they pass our courses, they may go forth and kill and maim anyone they want....just not the teachers. We will provide minimal funding for this endeavor, but our expenses will be paid by the sale of Iraqi oil and Afghani ??? (I haven't figured that out yet, but supporting 5000 troops will be a lot cheaper than it is now). We agree to stay for a period of 1 year and then we're out of there.

Now, I realize that we will not kill all the terrorists and wipe out their training camps. We will not Democratize their Countries. There will continue to be unrest. The"bad guys" may win. We're just there to lend the good guys a helping hand by teaching them some of what we know. Of course, the natives know how to fight already....they could probably teach us.

Our Government will save a great deal of money. Much of that money will go into security measures and intelligence gathering technology. The goal is the same as it was....keep America safe. However, we would be protecting ourselves from within. Maybe we could even reduce the National Debt and provide appropriate Health Care and better education too. We'll go back to the good old days of spies and espionage agents and infiltrators and learn the enemy's plans before they can put them into effect. More lives would be saved, less walking wounded and family grief and hardship.

So, I say this to my many readers....all 3 of you....go forth and proselytize my solution. O,K. so I don't practice what I preach. Sue me !!!

By Jove, we've turned into Paliament....everyone yells anything out....boo...yay....kill the bastard ....liar liar pants on fire !!! It's a totally disrespectful zoo.

Never fear, however. I have the answer. It's simple. 1st of all you tie Rep. Joe Wilson down to a gurney and slip in an intravenous feeding tube laced with Xanax and Lithium. Then you slip some Prozac into the drinks the Repubs seem to enjoy...a lot. Put them all in a big room with an Imax screen and lock all the doors. Start projecting all of Jerry Lewis's MD Telethons starting from year one. Don't let them out until they cry real tears and agree to sign a Health Reform Bill.

O.K. maybe that won't really work.

In my humble opinion it seems that for some reason emotions surrounding the issues have escalated out of control. This is not a time for emotion. It's a time for measured reason. Obama ran on a platform of health care reform and the people agreed it was needed and voted for him. Now some loud mouth ignorant rabble rousers seeking self aggrandizement have fanned the flames of dissent and the media, as usual, has piled logs on the fire.

What is so sad is that while the politicians play their games the basic need for reform gets lost in the shuffle. It's a given that our Country should be providing affordable health care for everyone. What isn't so clear is if it will happen. With all the vitriolic arguments and wild charges going back and forth, the atmosphere conducive to reason and compromise is lacking.

It's true that both Parties generally agree that reform is necessary. They just don't agree on how to finance it. That's understandable. No one really knows what effect the legislation would have on the national debt. Who will gain....who will suffer ?? These are extremely complex issues and it seems no one has an answer. Oh yes, plenty of theory and rhetoric, but no real answers.

If Obama gets his reforms, only the future will prove it's efficacy. At this point in time it's an educated guess. You can line up experts on both sides. However, the voters spoke their minds in November and Obama has an obligation to do whatever he can to fulfill the hopes and trust of the voters that put him in office.

If the Republicans can't do anything more than throw water on the fire and not step up and show some balls or ideas to get legislation passed, then the Democrats have to do it on their own. They have the majority...right ?? Well, maybe not. You've got liberals, centrists, leftists and rightists all pulling in different directions within the Party so there goes the majority....maybe.

In other words....????????

Because of the ultra emotional approach to the issue, the people who need help may not get it. If everyone takes a step back and allows reason to prevail, it can and should become a more objective approach. The President feels the voters have elected him to pass health reform among other things. He has made his proposals. It is not his place or responsibility to write the legislation....that's the responsibility of Congress. He has asked them to come up with a bill and has indicated provisions he thinks are important. There have been meetings and discussions, but no bill. That's the nature of our Government. It passes legislation when the majority of Congress can agree on the provisions of a bill and the President will sign it if he deems it appropriate.

The media is making far too much of the current situation. It's erroneously emphasizing the emotions. Congress is doing what Congress does. It doesn't have to take on a personality...it's an objective process and everyone is entitled and should be encouraged to speak his mind. Let's not make it a test of personalities. If the media would spell out the process as being one of normal debate then maybe Congress would get back to an honest rational debate without the screaming and yelling.

Bring on the telethons !!!!

If it weren't so sad or scary it would be fascinating fun. Predicting the market and/or explaining it's ups and downs is nothing but a mass mind f**k !!

Have you ever read (and paid attention to)the pundits' reasoning behind a shift in the market ?? Everyone has an opinion and most of the time they're different. That is, except when they are good friends, drink at the same bars and trade tips in the men's room.

One guy at Reuters today had the following report:

NEW YORK, Sept 1 (Reuters) - "Investors dumped U.S. stocks on Tuesday, spooked by uncertainty over the health of financial companies and concerns that the explosive rally since March may have run ahead of economic reality". (Rodrigo Campos)

MarketWatch adds this educated professional info :

"So, while historical tea leaves suggest that the rest of the month won't be very good for stocks, it won't necessarily be any worse just because today is such a downer for the market."

After having read these intellectual tidbits I have vindicated my belief in fatalism. Well, that and my unfaltering faith in Madame Zorba's crystal ball as well as the 8 Ball I got as a kid. Being spooked by uncertainty and reading tea leaves are theories I must have missed when I cut Economics 101.

I'm the 1st to admit that I don't understand the market and what makes it tick. Sadly, I'm not alone in that. However, too many so-called experts are being paid big bucks to explain that the market fell due to "uncertainty" or the reading of historical tea leaves. Ah yes, thank you....now I know why I lost $10k today....not really...I hope. I feel much better about it because I know the market was uncertain and the tea leaves resembled a Rorschak test gone bad. That's one reason I drink coffee.

Yes, it's true that our nest egg is in that uncertain market. We have entrusted our future to an advisor we are confident is honest and compassionate and would cry if we lost it all. He's also very religious which we are hoping will gain us a few extra points. He is very fortunate to have us as clients because we don't know anything about the market and we never understand him when he "suggests" that he do something for us. I'm not sure I even have his phone number. However, we've been with him for years and we still have a balance in the black. Also, he doesn't drink tea.

My point, of course, is that it's scary to think that we and so many others bet our futures on investing in the market. It's not a pure science. It's a big gamble just like betting on a horse race or a craps game. The difference is that it's usually not just a $2 bet to win. There's quite a bit more at stake. Nevertheless, we are relying on supposedly knowledgeable experts in an area fraught with uncertainty and tea drinkers.

Once again (or still) I am confused. This time it's about the health care reform battle raging throughout the Country. Much of the flack is directed toward Obama. Isn't he simply the conductor of the orchestra ? If the orchestra plays off key is it his fault ? His campaign for health care reform resonated with the voters and he was elected, in large part, because the public recognized the need for changes in our health care system. He has asked or cajoled Congress to pass a bill to accomplish this goal. They're trying to.....in their inimitable way. They may even be able to do it if they're not lynched or impeached first.

Historically, this issue has been raised since the days of FDR. Successive administrations have either tried and failed or not tried at all. The fact is that our current system has been around a long time with no major changes. The main reason for that is politics. The type of politics that is born out of greed, power and ego. Very few politicians are willing to step up and do the unpopular thing. Once they're elected they don't want to change the status quo....far too risky. Doing nothing doesn't rock the voting boat.

Today's major concern, as in most cases in the past, is money. How to pay for the new plan? John Q. Uninsured Public needs and wants insurance. Sadly, he doesn't seem to realize that it will cost money to have that plan. More sad, however, is his belief that he shouldn't have to pay for it. Getting something for nothing is no longer a reality....if it ever was.

I wonder if the arguments against health care reform would be as loud and vitriolic if these were "good times" with no economic or financial crises. I kind of doubt it. Of course, there will always be those who still want something for nothing. However, the angry citizens today are fearful that their Government will keep them working their entire lives to pay off the costs of today's big spending programs. Different segments of the population want or don't want various changes.... senior citizens, baby boomers, parents of young children, those with and without insurance at the present time etc etc. However, it is safe to say that no one wants to pay more than they already do or lose any benefits they already have. That sounds like staus quo to me. So...to those who voted for Obama in the belief that he would push Congress to pass laws that would get them the health insurance they need and want......how did you think it would be paid for ??

Those of us that own homes know that a large portion of our tax burden goes to support the public school system. People who have no children in school have complained about that forever, but to no avail. It was an issue that was begrudgingly abandoned to the public need and public good. Is health care really any different ?? The citizens of this Country are entitled to proper and affordable health care. This is in the public's interest and it is, in my humble opinion, an obligation of our Government to provide the best program possible.

It seems that the issue of wider and affordable health care has become more political than educational.....more angry than reasoned. There are groups of people at each end of the spectrum and at all points in between. Unfortunately, their positions are not always sound or factual. If the so called experts can't agree, how can we lay people agree ?? The question of how to best provide for health reform is perhaps one of the most perplexing of this time in our history. It is at the confluence of one of the historically worst financial and economic downturns and the progressive principle of fair and affordable health care for all.

I believe in health care reform. However, I think we 1st need a way to reduce the costs associated with big Government. Ours is a Government of bureaucracy....monstrously large employee bases that can't keep up with the work. How about 500 pupils per teacher ?? That certainly would be unacceptable. I have to think the situation at Medicare and the Government Spending Office and the Pentagon etc etc is no better. We've all heard about the $600 toilet seats. There's no oversight and those in their jobs apparently don't care enough to blow the whistle. Maybe job security is just too powerful an influence. Maybe they'll get lost in the crowd and be safe. Dorothy I are personally familiar with one tiny example of Medicare waste/fraud and she has tried to bring it to the attention of the appropriate parties, but to no avail.

So....if you multiply these 2 examples of wasteful Government spending by thousands, at least, that's a lot of money down the drain that might otherwise be used to reduce costs. At first, you might think that the cost to the Government (read as taxpayer) for personnel to review the expenditures would be prohibitive. However, as my wife has pointed out....that might not be true. Years ago, while she was actively working in the telephone industry, there were individuals and companies who specialized in reducing communication costs. At no cost to the employer, they would review all telephone costs and expenses in an effort to find ways to effect savings. If they were unable to do so, they would not receive any compensation. On the other hand, if they did effects savings, they would be paid a fee....usually a percentage of those savings.

If the general concept could be applied to Big Government it wouldn't cost the Government any out of pocket expense and they would be saving money at the same time. Seems to me like a win win situation. I would probably even apply for one of those jobs. I've got to think that I could buy a toilet seat for a few dollars less than $600. I KNOW I could save Medicare money on the cost of sleeping aid devices such as CPAP machines.

I realize that there may be technicalities and legalities I'm not familiar with. I know there are contracts let out for bid that could control cost. However, someone should be able to review the contract as well to insure that there aren't any provisions in the bid documents that would allow for a $600 toilet seat.

The point is that if we stop with all the rhetoric and bullshit and allow time (yes Mr. President...time) for reasoned minds and reasonable people to discuss the health care issues calmly and meaningfully, outside the political consequences, maybe...just maybe....we can do the right thing. Maybe there's an idea or proposal on the tip of someone's tongue that will help move this needed Legislation forward WITHOUT hurting the status quo.

I, along with countless others, recently had the pleasure of viewing a performance of one of this Country's foremost thespians reciting what is destined to become a piece of prose as equally moving and famous as our Declaration of Independence or Gettyburg address.....just mercifully shorter in length. Wllliam Shattner, who is as lovably spacey as the final frontier he explored, gave true depth and meaning to our favorite Alaskan's farewell speech as Governor. If you didn't watch Conan the other night or see it on the web, you owe it to yourself to Google for it and view this piece of literary genius.

It's almost like an e.e. cummings poem. It's either an example of a piece by someone who never passed English in High School or it's so advanced and brilliant that a college grad misses the point. I've watched the tape of her and Shattner a few times. I still don't get it. I have no idea of what a "merciless" river is. Her remarks were disjointed, rambling, unstructured and quizzical. I have no idea what her point or points were. I know she was unhappy with starlets, media, Hollywood, media and media. She said the summer was 150 degrees warmer than the winter...really ??? She said some other things, of course, but these were the only things I understood.

Although I may have mocked this Witless Wasilla Wench in the past (really ??) I find it may be something that could happen again in the future.....many many many times !! I'll consider this "Farewell Babble" speech the start of her "After Office" phase.

Here is a woman with a unique constitution. Virtually the entire World considers her a joke and an idiot, but she seems oblivious to it. It appears, however, that there are still enough hard core Republican Right Wing Christian Conservatives who support her and are whispering in her ear.."you are the one...you are the one". These are the voices she hears....along with some other extraneous ones that talk to her from the Twilight Zone.

In truth, I don't really have serious concerns about her. She marches to her own drummer. Unfortunately for her, he's playing without sticks. Yet...she actually hears him ..... how weird is that ?? I'm far more concerned about that segment of our society that hears the same drums. I just read somewhere that her "fans" are anxious to know her future plans. "Fans" ??? There are actually "fans" out there??? God, how scary is that ??

This phony, homespun, ignorant, red neck hick is a Svengali in skirts. She has managed to hypnotize far more people than I'm comfortable with. This Siren could actually be deluded enough to set herself up as a future Presidential Candidate. Perhaps that's understandable in light of the number of idiots who voted for her last year. Once again, her running doesn't scare me. I'm more afraid of those other idiots who actually vote. I say bring back literacy tests and add an I.Q. test while they're at it.

Oh woe is me....our dear friend Sarah is no longer Governor of Alaska.

In one of her patented disjunctive, homespun speechifiers she said goodbye to the people....supporters and detractors. That was to be expected since the Quirky Queen of Controversy could do no less. True to form, she had her blame gun cocked and loaded.

She reminded me a little of Tricky Dick Nixon when he told the press, basically, "you won't have me to kick around anymore". However, he at least had a reasonable command of the English language. After all he was a Duke Law alumnus. Another difference is that Sarah is much sexier than he could ever hope to be. I realize that's almost blasphemy, but I know I'm not alone in that. So....why the comparison ?? Mainly because one of her central reasons for leaving office 18 months early was because of all the ethics complaints thrown at her and that the cost of defending herself was becoming too much of a financial burden and it all detracted from her being able to be an effective Governor. I don't quite understand that since she never was an effective Governor in the first place. It has been said that when there's smoke, there's fire. I think that the fire was burning her butt and she began choking on the smoke. Innocent my ass !!

Another core reason for leaving was that she wanted to leave....and I quote..."to avoid becoming a 'politics-as-usual' lame duck leader as her term ends". Well....that's an interesting crock of shit. It doesn't really fit the classical definition of a lame duck because she voluntarily created the situation by deciding not to run for another term. Now if Bushie did that the day after his second term Inauguration it would have been more significant. As soon as he took his hand off the Bible he was a lame duck. Of course, he always was lame anyway.

Her refusal to let anyone know her plans for the future reminds me the old Saturday morning serials in the movies. You had to come back the next week to find out what happened...and the next week etc..Or when they open the Oscar envelope and say..."and the winner is...". Every nominee is on the edge of their seat waiting for the name of the winner.

However, Sneaky Sarah dropped a couple of hints....write a book and campaign for Conservative causes. I can't wait for the book to come out. Actually, the rumor is that it will be published in two versions. The major release will be in the Country Bumpkin Red Neck Hick version since that will be the big seller. The other version will be in English, but only five books will be printed to meet the expected demand.

I welcome her campaigning for Conservatives. First of all, those idiots deserve her. Second of all, it will make it easier to elect everyone else. Thirdly, it should be a hoot and, incidentally, give the media and bloggers more than enough material to write about.

In the meantime, as she prepares for her future and seeks her true calling...whatever that might be....the moose herds and schools of salmon can rest easy.

I'm confused ... as usual. I don't understand all the bullshit that's tearing down Obama's approval rating. John Q Putz...I mean public....isn't happy with the deficit and Government spending. However, I seem to remember them standing firmly behind OBama's pledge for a change. They elected him so I have to assume they were in favor of the expansion of healthcare to millions of Americans and of reducing the cost to those who already have it. He convinced the voters that the status quo was unacceptable...we needed to take drastic measures to save the economy, to provide alternative energy sources and improve education along with numerous other social programs.

Once Obama was elected and sworn in he assumed the burden of a failing economy and a rising deficit brought about mainly by years of Republican mismanagement. So what was he to do ?? The American people had let him know that they were behind his efforts to change the way things had been done. In an effort to fulfill his mandate he took bold steps to stop the economic and financial free fall. He spent money...lots of it. As a result he increased the deficit, but did so in his firm and honest belief that it was necessary.

In addition to his attempt to cure those problems, he began pushing another of his campaign pledges......to provide health care to almost everyone that doesn't have it now and to keep down or reduce the cost to those who do have a health plan. Apparently, it was much easier to convince the millions of people who elected him of the need for health care reform than it is to convince the few hundred members of Congress....in both Parties. I wonder why that is ? Only kidding...I know the answer....the members of Congress are politicans...that's why !!!

The job of a politician is to obtain and retain power and influence and get re-elected. The politician is an egotistical phony who speaks with forked tongue as he smiles his fake smile, kisses the babies and the ladies and slaps the back of his "boys" to prove to them that he's "the man"...the answer to their needs. He can provide jobs to his people and cure their ills. He's a snake oil salesman, a Bible salesman and a used car salesman all tied up in a neat little package of bull shit. He's a blivet....ten pounds of shit in a five pound bag.

Do they care if the people want health reform ?? Well,probably.... maybe...perhaps..in general...depending ...etc.. Sounds a little wishy washy doesn't it ? That's because the issue has to be framed in the political light of their next election. They "might" be in favor of "some" things provided it won't ruin their run for office the next time around. They're afraid to take a step or make a decision. Stall, find fault, do nothing. Wait until after the next election or the one or two after that.

The politicians shouldn't get all the blame, however. While it's true that if they vote to spend money on health care reform, they run a risk of being unelectable. People just don't want to spend more of their money when money is already tight. Very few people are happy to pay more taxes and I don't believe them anyway.

Much of the problem is actually due to human nature. People generally want something for nothing. I can't imagine anyone not wanting health care. Those who don't have it now certainly want it and there are millions of them. Those who have it certainly don't want their costs to keep going up. So we probably voted for Obama because that was a major plank in his platform. Like Mom and Apple Pie. However, a revelation has taken place. People have begun to realize that health care is going to cost them money !! "Hey...wait a minute...I voted for Obama's health care plan, but I didn't know I would have to pay for it". Duh !! Shame on you !!

Now Congress is scurrying around to meeting after meeting, talking behind closed doors, talking on the phone... all in an effort to figure out what to do. How to get medical coverage for their constituents without blowing the next election. A formidable job......maybe even impossible....maybe not until after the next election.

Of one thing we can be certain....Obama is not Moses nor Jesus. He can't part the Red Sea or make wine out of water. He wants to fulfill his pledge and fervent belief that no one should be denied health coverage. He is pushing Congress to enact legislation to accomplish that. He shouldn't be blamed for the costs necessary to provide that care. He shouldn't be blamed for the slow progress and contentious arguments for and against it. His favorability rating shouldn't be going down for trying to fulfill his campaign pledges. He was elected on his need for change campaign and he is pushing hard to have his agenda succeed.

Obama can't pass the Legislation that is necessary. That's the job of Congress. Congress is made up of elected politicians. Politicians want power....they want to stay in Congress. It's a cool job and they get cool benefits. They get great ego massages and travel benefits and health care and illicit sex if they want it. They're not going to give that up if they can possible help it. They love to see their names in the embarrassingly expensive Congressional Record and send copies home to the voters with free mailing perks. It's a sure vote if they can get Joe Blow's name in the Record for all to see. They can make grandstand speeches on TV so the voters can see and hear how hard he's working for them.

I feel so sorry for them. They must be under such stress trying to figure out how to hold on to all that, win the next election and still fool the voters into thinking that they are working for John Q Peckerhead...Public. Health insurance....what's that ???

The reality is that everything costs money. The sooner Congress accepts that and can explain that to their constituents, the sooner the people will have health coverage. Stop all the bullshit, put your big girl panties on and do your jobs. Just don't blame Obama for pushing hard to accomplish what he was elected to do. It's not his fault. It's simply politics meeting reality.

Dear Sarah

Please accept this little note as my apology to you for joining with the numerous "Palin Bashers" who have unjustly criticized you since you were chosen by that brilliant John McCain as his running mate. We have been unfair and unthinking in our knocking you and your qualifications for V.P. or even President. I am so pleased that your popularity has increased since your extremely clever and appropriate resignation as Governor of the great State of Alaska. Maybe you will finally be able to stop wasting your time trying to govern those salmon heads and moose hunters. Now you have time to write your book and make some real money. More importantly, you have time to establish yourself as the Republican frontrunner for the next Presidential election.

We need a good looking down home experienced leader like you in the White House. The American people made a terrible mistake in not understanding you or your philosophy. We want another chance. No more unfounded criticism of your political, social and moral ideology. We know now you speak for all of us. I support you whole heartedly and am saving as much money as I can so I may contribute to your next campaign.

Please let me know what I can do to help you and the Republican party. You may contact me as follows:

D. Schwartz
c/o Hernando Psychiatic Center
Lobotomy Ward
Hernando, Fl.

I usually just blog about politics or things that make me angry enough that I need to dissipate that anger through words. Michael Jackson's passing and subsequent media exposure doesn't make me angry....just disturbed or maybe a little confused. Enough to cause me to put thoughts into words.

I certainly am in agreement that MJ was a GREAT talent and entertainer. I enjoyed his music and his dancing. He was one of the best of all time. However, and there always seems to be one of those, after a certain point I felt that his talent was overshadowed by his metamorphosis into a weirdo. The more his color bleached out and the smaller and pointier his face became, the more I turned away from his talent. His outrageous choice in clothing didn't help either. Then came the stories and charges of sexual misconduct. Nothing was ever proven, but the doubt remains. Unfair ?? Probably. However, when someone chooses to look and act as he did, creating an image of being a little outside the norm (understatement of the year) I feel that the charges coupled with his lifestyle were not beyond the realm of possibility.

Another "turn off" with Michael was the public display of grabbing his crotch. Now I must say that I am not a prude, but their are limits. What was the message in the gonad grope ??? I never got it. The moon walk was entertaining, but not so the ball game. As an icon and role model for so many kids, it never seemed appropriate to me. I don't recall ever hearing or reading anything negative about it. It was just accepted. Today, of course, hip hoppers and rappers have made the crotch caress an integral part of their dance routines. I have to admit I'm not a fan of that music. I haven't understood the lyrics to anything I've heard in that genre and I don't understand why or when it's time to handle your junk. Are they dancing so hard they're afraid they misplaced the package ?? Do the little fellas need some TLC ??? I'm afraid we have to thank MJ for this and that doesn't make me very happy.

Finally, I feel that the media has overly emphasized the darker half of MJ's life and career. Understandably, they have shown a fairly complete picture of his life...warts and all. My concern is that I think they went too far with the warts. Too many images of his color and facial changes. If you want to honor the man's achievements then emphasize the good and de-emphasize the negative. Yes, I realize it's all part and parcel of the big picture, but I would have preferred to say goodbye to a true talent with positive images. I didn't need or want to be reminded of the weird side of MJ....it detracted from my memory of the man who made musical history. He was best known for his talent, not the hideous pictures resulting from his plastic surgery. I want to remember MJ from "before"...not "after" pictures.

Well, well well....the Wasilla Wacko has struck again !!!

This yutz Palin needs deep psychiatric intervention.

In a hastily called off the cuff announcement that was so sudden that half the reporters never made it there on time, Scary Sarah resigned as Governor. If I had a dollar for every theory as to why she did it, I'd be driving the big Hummer !! Everyone wants to know. Of course, Trig and Trapper and Tonto ..or whatever the hell their names are....know the score. Even her hairdresser doesn't know for sure. I tried to call her as soon as I heard, but can you believe it...that bitch didn't even pick up the phone !! Here I thought we were BFFs.

As usual, the Repubs were caught with their fingers up their butts....again. They never saw it coming. Of course, based on her V.P. campaign, they could have expected as much. She definitely marches to her own drummer or whatever other music psychos prefer. Stravinsky, maybe.

So, here we are all playing 20 questions trying to figure out what she was thinking...this time. It's fun and it doesn't cost lives or money....and it keeps the mind functioning. ....no doubt better than hers. Even I have some thoughts on the subject. Of course, there are so many theories out there that it's difficult to come up with an original idea. So, I guess I'm more or less relegated to either agreeing or disagreeing with the theories of others. Since none of us know the truth, at this point my guess is as good as anyone's.

I say......pay attention now.....she's an alien shapeshifter put down here to Earth for the amusement of all. Think about it. The intergalactic council knew over a year ago that it was time for the Democrats to be in control, so they sent her down to Earth along with a bug inserted into McCain's brain causing him to choose her as his running mate. Together they would easily bring the Republican Party to ignominious defeat.

O.K., maybe that's a little too far out there (pun intended). Seriously...although discussing Palin and the use of the word "seriously" don't go together....it is a given that the Witch of Wasilla knew what she was doing. Of course, "her" reality is rarely reality at all.

She could be stepping down because of some kind of bad news about to break, taking time to study for the Presidency, preparing a run for the Senate or Congress, writing her book, mothering her kids, going on a lecture tour or even turning her life over to God. Whatever the true reason may be, we can all be assured it will be public and interesting food for comment. Personally, I hope she makes a run for the Presidency ensuring another Democratic victory. She is truly good for the Party....the Democratic Party, of course.

Needless to say, we will all know soon enough what Her Royal Highness of Hype has in store for the World. Whatever it is, we are waiting.

O.K. we've withdrawn from the cities to the sandbox beyond their limits. Now what ???

As of writing Part 1 I didn't realize that Sovereign Day was made a National Iraqi holiday. Pictures of singing, dancing and flag waving in the streets of Baghdad have been published. There is much rejoicing. I have read a few "thank yous", but it doesn't appear to be a widespread or sincere sentiment expressed by the Government. Of course the Government has been quick and emphatic in declaring their Army and Police ready and competent to secure the Country. How wonderful for them....ha !! It's nothing more than hashish inspired braggadocio. The politically ignorant insurgent leaders must be hoarse from praising Allah for their good fortune. They probably have as many undercover infiltrators in the army and police as there are loyalists.

I believe it's going to be a free for all....Sunnis vs. Shiites vs. Kurds...yahoooo !!!! Watch the fur fly !!! Does the Iraqi Government really believe a Democracy has been forged in their "Sovereign Nation" after thousands of years of religious, political and tribal warfare ??? Sadly, many of them probably do. How pitiful. I feel so sorry for the poor innocent citizens that will continue to suffer.

Since that fateful day when Trigger Finger Cheney convinced DumDum Dubya to send in the troops, a country has been destroyed and many many lives have been lost or maimed. The financial cost to the American people has been almost overwhelming. For what ??? Verification that there were no WMDs....punishing the terrorists for 9/11...keeping our Country safe ???? I think most Americans and future historians will say....for nothing !!! Even the conspirator theorists expecting to open the oil flow have been proven wrong. What oil have we gotten from this oil rich desert wasteland....nada !!! However, the Iraqis have amassed billions of dollars of oil profits and are still sitting on billions more in the ground while the Americans pay $2.70 a gallon for gas.

So....what's our plan now ???? What are today's Rules of Engagement ??? It seems that basically there are going to be a lot of military personnel sitting around their camps raking sand traps and playing cards or shooting craps. Naturally there will be some of them on active duty and working in an advisory capacity. However, there won't be any more patrols through the cities and, of course, that's a good thing. So....what will they do for the next year as they wait to leave Iraq by August 2010 ????

I say start leaving right now. Start re-deploying troops , if necessary, to Afghanistan. Stop spending/wasting money when we need that money at home. Stop re-building their cities and infrastructure. Let the sovereign Iraqi people do it. We've done our thing....they're now a Democracy. Whoo hoo....how great is that ???? Allah be praised !!!

I was always under the belief that it wasn't wise to be where you're not wanted. They don't want us....isn't that clear enough ??? What do they expect us to do .... wait in camp for them to call us in again when they find out they can't change history ??? Sorry...we have pressing matters at home to attend to.

We also have to prepare for troop deployment to N. Korea and Iran and in the Sudan and in Zimbabwe and to fight piracy off the African Coast....maybe even to Russia and China. We also have to fight Rush and Fox News and that Wasilla Wacko.

Come on Big O get us the hell out of that desert hellhole ...NOW !!!!

Dumb, Dumber and Dumbest

That’s us....the U.S. (pre Obama).

Today is the deadline for U.S. troops to pull out of Baghdad and other Iraqi cities. News reports indicate that Iraqis are rejoicing...happy to have back their sovereignty and happy the “military occupation” is over.

That just makes me sick and really really angry !! How many American lives were lost trying to help these ingrates rid themselves of Hussein the Oppressor ??? How many American tax dollars did we spend to help them rebuild their Country ??

There has been Iraqi pressure on the U.S. to reduce our troops for quite some time. They have made it abundantly clear they didn’t want us there anymore. The Republican idiots didn’t want us to go quickly....and especially didn’t want us to set any departure date for fear chaos would befall those poor helpless people. Obama made it clear he wanted the U.S. out of there as quickly as “feasible”. Ostensibly, we’re on our way.

The sad reality is that we should have been out of there a long long time ago (as in never there in the 1st place). They didn’t want our help....just our lives and money. I say the hell with them....they don’t want us there ?? Let’s not stop outside the cities. Let’s just keep on going out of their “sovereign territory” altogether. I would hate to see another soldier even scratch his arm or us to spend another penny on the Iraqi people and their Government. Let them blow themselves up if that’s what they want. They have apparently been happy fighting among themselves for thousands of years. Why should we stand in the way of their happiness for the next thousand years ?? Give ‘em what they want...their destiny.....virgins !!!!

It's budget time, so pigs are once again at the top of the Pseudo Ethical Do Gooders' Top Ten Most Unwanted List. Led by St. McCain, his phony nay saying Republican Senate buddies have decried the addition of earmarks to this latest budget. Seizing the opportunity, they are skewering Obama, as well, for pushing the budget and not using his veto pen as he said he would.

Pork barrel legislation (earmarks as they are now called for the benefit of newly enlightened sophisticates) has been around almost as long as Congress. It is a time honored Congressional tradition designed to keep the folks at home happy and voting for them in the next election. Naturally, that includes a campaign contribution along with the vote. Does that mean these guys are buying votes ??? Of course not....how preposterous is that !!

Being for or against pork (I'm not one of the sophisticated) depends on the Party in power. If you're in, so is the pork. If you're out, it is blasphemous and disgraceful and should have been included in Bush's axis of evil. Right now the Repubs are out so they are blasting Obama's budget and Obama himself for supporting this wasteful spending proposal. Of course, the shoe was on the other foot for the last 8 years and pork was in for them. How about Scary Sarah's bridge to nowhere ??

Pork is really a much more complex and sophisticated issue. I don't consider myself totally naive. I have to admit that much of the criticism is warranted. Not so much as to the concept, but as to the content of the line items themselves. This proposed budget contains many "bridges to nowhere"....a rose is a rose is a rose.

I am. quite frankly, and, perhaps shockingly, not totally adverse to the concept of pork. If one accepts that it's become a long standing tradition, one can see that it's not likely to go away any time soon. Santa Clause is still with us and will be for generations to come. I cannot believe politicians will give up their tradition either. I think we have to accept the reality that pork is here to stay...hooray for Oscar Meyer !!

The real problem is trying to separate the good pork from the bad....which brings up many sub-issues. I think most people (except the glamorous Governor Granny) would agree that the bridge was a boondoggle of the worst kind. The cost benefit ratio of money spent to benefit gained was non-existent. Unfortunately, not all pork is that obvious. The concern is when pork has some redeeming value.....who's to say when pork is pork ??? Where and how do you draw that line ?? Many proposals have benefit to the public (as well as the politician) and the cost may not be out of line. Of course, when you add up all the "reasonable" pork items it comes to billions of dollars. A big problem is defining "reasonable". Hell, the U S Supreme Court has been trying to do that forever. Lawyers hate that word !!

Here's the scenario. Each Senator (maybe not each) contributes his little pork patty to the bill after deciding, in his mind, who in his or her State will get the most benefit from the pork.... including himself. After all the little patties are added to the pan, each Senator has to vote on the overall budget....including his own patty. Who of them is going to vote no ? Who of them is going to say his pork is better than his neighbor's seated next to him ? At the moment virtually all the Repub and a few Dem Senators are voicing their opposition to this year's pork. Ah hah.....does that mean they will all vote against the pork??? Hell no !! There's the difference....headlines vs. reality.

Someone somewhere estimates that there are 7991 pet projects included in the various budget bills adding up to about 5.5 billion dollars. Others are more general and indicate that pork is less than 1% of the full budget. I'm getting dizzy from all the spinning. Yet another interesting tidbit of a tradition is that the minority Party only gets 40% of the pork pie.

This year's economy exacerbates the problem. Wasteful spending is a bigger issue than it normally is when the economy is good. Complaining about pork resonates louder and longer this year. Even I am hearing the call. I haven't read the Bill and I have no idea of what those 7991 pork projects entail. However, I am totally confident that too many of those little pork sausages should be taken out or cut back. 3 slices of bacon is healthier than 6.

However, pork is here to stay ....so come on people....get over it and move on !!! The good old boy tradition won't go away in your lifetime...or your grandkids either !! The campaigns of McNumnuts and Obama (I'm a Dem so I can say it that way...and...it's my blog and it's a free Country) were full of rhetoric about getting rid of or vetoing pork, but that's all it was...political rhetoric. Once everyone accepts that concept, then maybe we can get around to redefining pork and limiting it in the Congressional diet. There should be an attempt to set standards and conditions that Congress can live with. Let them have their cake and eat it too. Trying to set standards is far more realistic than doing away with earmarks altogether. Politicians are meat eaters by nature.....they won't accept being vegetarians.

The Washington Whirlwind is blowing full force. Can you remember when any President in recent memory has moved as quickly as Obama to implement his agenda ?? He has gone from campaign promises to definable action in less than two months after he took the Oath of Presidency. He campaigned long and hard about his vision and hope for the future and how he intended to change the direction of the Country. Well, folks, it looks like that's at least one promise he's keeping. It seems he is moving on all fronts, and, for the most part, is doing what he said he was going to do. Will he, or better yet, can he fulfill every promise ? Of course not. Nevertheless, he is attacking what was the status quo with vigor, establishing his priorities and laying out his campaign visions.

Perhaps the most glaring turnabout from his campaign is the "business as usual" earmarks contained in the stimulus bill. Obama said he would veto them line by line if necessary. It seems that is not going to happen. Congress needs to keep the people at home happy so they can be re-elected. That philosophy is so entrenched it may never disappear. I can't believe Obama is that naive that he thinks he could sustain a line by line veto. At least this is an issue that both Parties are guilty of supporting. Obama can say "my bad" and move on to more realistic goals.

Other than the earmarks, Obama has shown he is pushing to fulfill his other campaign promises. He is pushing a Bill that would enable millions to keep their homes safe from foreclosure. Of course, there are complications and legalities involved. Standards have to be set concerning eligibility. In addition, he is pushing legislation that will require competitive bidding on Government contracts. That's going to disturb many contractors, but it would certainly save the Government a great deal of money. Maybe they will be able to buy a commode for less than $5000. Also, Obama is pushing to reduce the tax write offs and charitable deductions for those making over $250,000. The Repubs don't like that much because they might lose some campaign financing support. The Dems could too, of course. Obama's also trying to get offshore tax legislation that would limit hiding income from taxation thereby putting more money into the Government coffers. There are many more examples. The bailouts and stimulus package have been passed and proposed to turn the economy around. Everyone wants to see that happen....except maybe for the Repubs who appear negative and spiteful and selfish. There's a lot of spending involved and a large debt is being placed on future generations. However, the public was aware of what Obama wanted to do if he was elected, and he was elected and is doing what he said he would....or is certainly trying to. Only time will tell. Many of Obama's proposals will generate money to defray that debt. At least, that's what he and his advisors believe.

One of the lofty goals Obama will fail to reach is his hoped for working relationship with the Republican minority in Congress. It's not going to happen. After getting their butts kicked in November they are in limbo or is it Limbaugh ?? Clever pun don't you think ?? It seems now that Bobby Buffoon from the land of the Mardi Gras clowns has stepped up to the plate and struck out, the next batter on the Republican roster is Rush Limbaugh from the land of the UltraConservative Christian Right clowns. You may recall one of his disciples...Sarah, the terror of the Tundra, from the land of the wilderness clowns ?? or Dick Cheney, dick of the Bush clowns ??? Or Dubya from the land of the ... well, you fill it in.

The Republicans are looking for a face. At the moment, the idiot of choice is Rush. He thinks God chose him. His beliefs....one of which is that he "hopes Obama fails"... are shared by a small (minded) group that is seeking to become the voice of the Party. This is a very fortunate happenstance. He could be hated not only by the Democrats, but the majority of his own Party. The new Chairman of the Party called him an "entertainer".....the Press couldn't print what he really thought about him. Yet, he has apologized for his remarks !!! He backed off his criticism like a scolded puppy. Does that now reflect the current position of the Party ? I hope so. It tells me the Republicans are still staggering around with blindfolds in a black hole. The Democrats have realized this and are campaigning to paint in his face as the leader of the lost boys. That's great....it further confuses the Republicans. Who are they ? Who is their leader ? Where are they going ? What are they doing ? So far, it seems, they support the philosophy of "just say no". They're caught between a rock and a hard place. Should they fight this popular Administration and risk losing even more support than they lost in November ? Should they support the Administration and lose the support of their own Party ??? They have BIG problems and I, for one, couldn't be happier.

I guess it's still politics as usual for both parties.

In the Democratic corner we have Ron Kirk the nominee for U. S. Trade Representative. He oop'sed in forgetting to pay some taxes. Sounds familiar doesn't it ?? He's now the 4th nominee of Obama who has amnesia when it comes to earned income. I think it's time to vet the vetters and maybe we can help reduce the National Debt. Hell, they just picked up $10,000 from this new guy.

In the Republican Party we have Howdy Doody Bobby Jindal. As is their penchant for making poor choices, they pick Mr. Rogers as the Republican's front man to rebut Obama's non State of the Union State of the Union speech last week. If it weren't so sad, the choice of the Louisiana Lightweight and his performance were laughable. McCain was bad, Palin was pitiful and, now, Jindal was just plain Creole crappola !! If he's the future of the Republican Party, then Obama can increase the debt to a zillion dollars and STILL be re-elected in 2012 !!!

Now I don't want to give the Repubs any helpful advice, but they collectively need to get their heads out of their collective asses. I really do believe in the 2 party system and checks and balances. Of course, I don't want someone like Collin Powell facing off against Obama. I just want somebody semi-real with a semi-real brain, but someone as easy to laugh at as these three thorazine addicted pseudo politicians.

As I sit here contemplating the worst economic and financial crisis I've ever experienced I have many mixed emotions. I have deep empathy for those out of work, losing their homes, seeing their life savings and retirement nest egg eroding, unable to pay their bills etc.. I shake my head in disbelief that I have thus far been spared from those calamities....I thank God for his blessings and our good fortune. I am helpless to solve the problems and frustrated by having no control of the situation. I have no choice but to look to our President and Congress to make decisions for me...and the Country.

I read and listen, but I just don't have the knowledge or experience to understand it all. Nevertheless, I totally believe that those in power have this Country's best interests in heart and mind. No one should believe otherwise. The big problem, of course, is deciding between conflicting opinions as to which program/philosophy/plan/theory is the right one. Theorists, economists, educators, financiers (and far too many self important and phony know-it-alls) differ as to how to correct these catastrophes. Most are highly educated and experienced people yet have vastly different theories. This is a natural and human phenomenon. It's why we go for second medical opinions, why Appellate Courts reverse lower courts, why the Supreme Court often splits on a decision, why we have a multi-party political system.....you get the idea.

So....who do we believe ??...trust ?? Who's plan is the right one ??? Well, it seems to me that I, and many like me, can only hope that the decision makers make the right choice. If the experts disagree, who am I to trust ???

Unfortunately, I think, politics will make the decision for us. Despite the millions who voted for McCain and a continuation of the Bush policies, many more millions voted for Obama and a new approach to these major crises. With unprecedented speed and commitment Obama has pushed through legislation which HE and HIS advisors believe is the correct approach to stabilizing and growing the economy. There are many who disagree with him and the Democratic majority in Congress. Sadly, the House vote on the recovery package was split along Party lines with not one Republican voting for it. So much for a new approach and movement away from their failed policies. The Republicans lost the election because of the economic and financial crises that came about, festered and burst while they held control.

The voters sent a strong message on Election Day that they wanted a change. Obama and the Democratic Congress have determined that their Recovery package is the best and right answer to bring about that change. That decision will be debated for a long time to come, but, at the moment, no one can know if it was the right decision. If it fails to bring about the "hoped for" recovery there will be a lot of pompous "I told you so's" and the Repubs will be energized and maybe Palin will get another chance to show off her ignorance. If it works, the Dems stay in for another 4 years and Palin has to wait.

Only time will tell if this drastic Dem initiative will slow down the crises and turn the economy around. Obama and Congress are being guided by the experts they believe in. They have taken bold action. Criticism is defiant and strong and will continue until history reveals the answer. We must have patience and hope.

I just read where Joe the Plumber is scheduled to address a group of Republican strategists and policy makers tomorrow. After returning from a short stint as a reporter in Iraq he remains in the public eye. He is "preparing" remarks on the current financial crisis. OMG !!!!!!!!!!

I don't know whether to laugh or cry. I'm just glad I was sitting down when I read that. I keep shaking my head from side to side in disbelief. These are real people.... Repub strategists and policy makers.... who actually plan to attend the meeting and listen to that asshole. When the brightest minds in the country aren't sure how to handle this complex crisis, this jerkwad has the balls to agree to address this group on the issue. O.K....I realize Sen. McWhat'shisname made him an instant celebrity so maybe the schmuck actually believes he's a Repub icon...meant to be heard. Maybe not having a plumber's license has put him out of work so he feels he he can speak on the subject with authority and firsthand experience.

All that is bad enough, but for allegedly intelligent Repubs to actually plan on going to a meeting to listen to HIM is appalling !! What a disgrace !! Shame shame shame on them !! Who are these idiots ?? The public needs to know !!

Well, I suppose I shouldn't really be shocked or upset since the Repubs got trounced in this last election because of people like these. They haven't learned anything. Pouty Palin is still bitching and moaning that the media hurt her by their mean spirited and unfair interviews and press coverage. Sarah the Stupid is another Joe the Plumber. She's too dumb to know how stupid she really is. At least McWhatever has been smart enough to slink off into the darkness to lick his wounds. There's been more publicity about Cindy the Society Chick possibly going on Dancing With the Stars than there's been about the Presidential candidate himself.

These are difficult and scary times. There is basically nothing but bad news reported by the media every day. However, perhaps we owe them a debt of gratitude for making us laugh once in a while as they report all this Repub nonsense. How about Sarah and Joe in 2012 ???? Idiots unite !!! Your time may be near !!