The Peasants are Revolting

No, I don't mean 'revolting' as in making one sick. I mean the peasants are taking to the streets today, throughout the nation, to express their anger over the arrogance and greed of the financial royals.

The congressmen conducting the congressional investigation of AIG are playing to their public. "I'll show my voters that I'm watching out for them. Should get me some more support and campaign contributions." But they are yet again a day late and a dollar short. They are expressing their anger at the wrong person.

The current head of AIG was in the hot seat yesterday as the congressmen chewed into AIG. What needs to be kept in mind is that the current CEO was talked into coming out of retirement and taking on this gawd awful job at the request of the government. The senators are singing to the choir. Sigh. But its a good show. And I'm sure many voters are glad there was some yelling going on.

I'm kind of hoping there is a HUGE number of protestors so its overwhelming in its numbers. (I say 'kind of' because it would be a traffic nightmare.)

I'm yaking about this because several months ago I was saying that the peasants should revolt... and now they are.

I Wonder if the "News" Will Report on This?

This is worrisome....

Reporting from Washington -- Senior military leaders took the exceptional step of briefing President Bush this week on a severe and widespread electronic attack on Defense Department computers that may have originated in Russia -- an incursion that posed unusual concern among commanders and raised potential implications for national security.

Defense officials would not describe the extent of damage inflicted on military networks. But they said that the attack struck hard at networks within U.S. Central Command, the headquarters that oversees U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, and affected computers in combat zones. The attack also penetrated at least one highly protected classified network.

The full article from The Los Angles Times can be found here.

This is or could be a biggy, something very serious, something a bit unnerving. To someone who is not familiar with the possible fallout from a cyber infection, it might not seem like much. (I'm thinking McCain, here.) It could be BIG.

The article leaves a sense of unknown.... what was the extent of harm and are we protected from it happening again. If a virus got in, was it able to send info out or do internal harm. I just didn't get a feeling of "don't worry, all has been taken care of." Not an ounce of feeling.

Now That's What I'm Talking About!

President Elect Obama just held his first press conference. That's what a leader looks like. Unfortunately, he also looks like he's aged 10 yrs and its only been three days. And he hasn't even been sworn in yet. Today was his first time of sitting in on a daily security briefing and I couldn't help wonder if he heard things that made his stomach churn. (I also wonder if McCain is, under it all, feeling relieved that he wasn't elected.)

Bill Moyer's Journal... It had me sputtering.

The pbs program had me sputtering like a merchant marine tonight, but to be honest the information was not shocking in and of itself. It was putting it all together and laying it out there and having someone say it out loud...to see how badly government has been raping and pillaging our country, our citizens, for their personal gain... them and their "cronies" as mccain likes to phrase it. I want to hit somebody. I want to take a bat and beat the crap outta someone. Bush. Chaney. Get up here!! You go first!!! And you know what else? I wanna take this information and cram it into Hasselbeck's tiny little pea sized brain... that's how angry I'm feeling.

I know you're tired of all this dirty politic-ing. I am too. So please don't read it if you don't feel like it ... why ruin a perfectly okay day. I just have to get it out here so I can walk away from it. Otherwise it will pester me and pester me.

(the whole transcript can be found here and you can also see the program instead. See 'watch & listen' tab. I would recommend watching it. Its easier than reading.)

James Galbraith is an economist and his current book is titled The Predator State... no shit, Sherlock.

Here's an excerpt of the program transcript:

BILL MOYERS: You call your book THE PREDATOR STATE, what do you mean predator?

JAMES GALBRAITH: What I mean is the people who took over the government were not interested in reducing the government and having a small government, the conservative principle. They were interested in using these great institutions for private benefit, to place them in the control of their friends and to put them to the use of their clients. They wanted to privatize Social Security. They created a Medicare drug benefit in such a way as to create the maximum profit for pharmaceutical companies.

They used trade agreements to extend patent protections for various interests or to promote the expansion of the corporate agriculture's markets in the third world. A whole range of things that were basically political and clientelistic. That's the predator state.

BILL MOYERS: You call it a corporate republic.

JAMES GALBRAITH: It is a corporate republic.

BILL MOYERS: Which means that the purpose of government is to divert funds from the public sector to the private sector?

JAMES GALBRAITH: I think it's very clear. They also turned over the regulatory apparatus to the regulated industries. They turned over the henhouse to the foxes
in every single case. And that is the source of the decline in, the abandonment of environmental responsibility, the source of the collapse of consumer protection, and the source of the collapse of the financial system, all trace back to a common root, which is the failure to maintain a public sector that works in the public interest, that provides discipline and standards, a framework within which the private sector can operate and compete. That's been abandoned.

The introduction to the show pointed out that the United States is fourth in the world for having the largest span between the Haves and the Have Nots...we even beat out Mexico and Turkey. Imagine that, she said sarcastically.

How About that Colin Powell!! Way Ta Go, Dude!

Oh my, Oh my. Powell's endorsement of Obama has me feeling surprised. Now there's a man of personal integrity. Powell's been a friend of McCain for 25 yrs, or so I've heard. He's a republican. He's not just endorsed a democrat... he stood up and ENDORSED Obama AND he laid out the whys of his decision. (all of which I agree with. He's a smart man.)

The Universe has been working on getting Obama elected for a while now. I had wondered what would be the next external thing to happen in Obama's favor... I didn't consider an endorsement from across the isle. Very well done, Universe.

The Final Debate... Thank Gawd! (Updated)

And a few more weeks of ads and then it will be over. The campaigning will be over. The politics will continue, but it won't be in our living rooms as much.

So... whadda think about the debate?

Now you Republicans, please don't hurt yourself if you should faint, but I thought McCain did very well. Much much better than the other two debates. However, I still prefer Obama. I thought Obama did better than McCain in the debate, provided more details, conducted himself well, and he holds the same opinions as I do on many many things.

Those who want McCain to be president probably feel the same way.... only the names were changed to protect the mistaken. hahahaha I'm just kidding. You probably feel McCain won the debate, that he conducted himself well, and that he holds the same opinions as you do on many many things. The only thing left to do is vote.

We're still friends, right?

Update: Public TV's Frontline is currently showing a program on Obama and McCain and their biographies. I found it very interesting. Check your local listings to see if/when it will show again in your area... or you can see it online here.

A Republican Speaks Out

Frank Schaeffer voices his opinion.

I checked his book out, Crazy for God, on amazon... sure sounds like its a good one.

Skip this Post if you're sick and tired of political BS

Since we can't even find out what newspapers or magazines Palin reads (perhaps she doesn't read... I don't know) we need to try to find out about her in other ways.

Go here to see a video on the subject of Palin. About 9 minutes worth. Click on the "Congratulations" picture to start the video. At the end of it one of her supporters says he thinks God has put Palin on the ticket. You know what? I do too. Only I think she was put on the ticket to help make sure McCain is not elected.

Added later: I happened to see a clip of a Palin speech where she was again talking about Obama and a so called terrorist. From the audience comes a scream of "kill 'em"... it seemed to surprise Palin. She turned a moment to look at the audience, probably a little shaken, then she turned back and continued her speech. She said nothing. Her experience must not include knowledge of mob rule and how that comes into being. Its getting a little scary out there folks.

Not Bad Compensation for Incompetence

Some highlights:

Countrywide CEO Mozilo got $361.7 million dollars between 2005-2007.

Lehman Bros. CEO got $187.5 million in earnings for the previous three years and Lehman filed for bankruptcy.

And AIG... those arrogant bastards... AIG's chief, Martin Sullivan, collected $25.4 million over three years. AIG got a $85 million bailout in June and in Sept. the execs spent over $400,000 for a weeks retreat. The arrogance is mind boggling!! Take the frigging money back and if 'bastardy' was a crime, put them all away for 30 yrs.

The Debate

My bias is with Obama, so let that be known.

Not too much different than the first debate, but enough for some people to make up their minds.

I appreciated Obama listing out what or how he plans on doing some of the things he spoke of... McCain kept saying he knew how to fix things, but apparently he's keeping it secret cause he didn't share with anyone. He also knows how to get Bin Laden. I kept wanting to scream out "then why haven't you done it yet!!" Some of the students watching also mentioned they appreciated Obama mentioning education because that's where they are right now. McCain didn't say anything about education.

Once again Obama had to explain how he would redistribute the tax burden to give middle class a break and to let the wealthier people (above a quarter of a million dollars) contribute their share. As much as its been explained, I would have thought McCain would have understood by now, but my bad. McCain wants to freeze the tax programs the way they are right now.

I did cringe when McCain referred to Obama as "that one". A slip of the tongue often shows the true character. I've heard that its the phrase that is used when one is somewhere that they can't use the N word. Not good. Not good at all. McCain also took a shot at the moderator that seemed to be totally from left field. What was that all about? A sad attempt at being funny?

As soon as the debate was over, McCain beat cheeks and left while Obama and wife talked with the "town hall" audience and took pictures and shook hands with them. I think McCain sees the writing on the wall. (McCain didn't shake hands with Obama after the debate, but let his wife do it for him. Was it because he was flustered or was it intentional. We little people may never know.... but McCain has been in politics long enough to know what is appropriate behavior and what isn't. Maybe its dementia. Who knows.)

There are still Republicans out there that believe McCain is the best candidate. They are probably the same Republicans who thought Bush was the best man for the job, too, and we all know how that's worked out.

Please feel free to leave your comments, even if you're still for McCain. Everyone has a voice. And everyone has a vote. Sometimes it works in your favor, sometimes it doesn't.

PS: During the night I had an aha moment of sorts. I'm not sure the term 'aha' is the correct phrase to use, but if not, its close enough. I was in the place between sleep and wakefulness, and I felt the concern people have about personal tax burdens. Getting an idea into a feeling makes it more understandable. I'm not sure why I'm sharing this, but to those who are concerned about taxes, I can better state "I hear ya." Its too bad we can't get rid of most of the waste and misuse of the taxes already being collected. I have no doubt that if we knew only part of what goes on behind closed doors, it would make the blood drain from our faces.

If The World Could Vote

Considering how much the USA interfers in other countries ("Damnit, you're going to be a democracy whether you want to be or not!!") I found this poll very interesting. I wanted to see just how the world was voting. I wasn't sure what to expect when I clicked the "view results" button, but I was very surprised.

Are You as Tired as I Am?

I wish we could vote now and be done with it. All these political ads are wearing on my nerves.

We have a neck and neck race for senator here in my state and ohmygawd... STOP THE ADS!! Please stop with the negative smear campaign!!

The incumbent has been in politics a very long time and every time I just hear his name I cringe. I have his name associated with dirty politics, although I can't speak of a specific thing. But he's a really dirty campaigner.... and apparently that seems to work. At least that's what the "party" representatives say (as though that excuses it.) The challenger has had to step up with as many ads, too. His ads didn't start out to smear anyone. He started out talking issues, but he's had to fight fire with fire. The latest poll has one at 46% and the other at 44% with a 5 point margin of error. That's just how tight a race it is. And now we get back-to-back ads every ten minutes or so. Where are they getting the money for all of this???

I will be very glad when its all over. I might be sad at the outcome, but I will definitely be glad its over. I wish I drank. I could use something.

Ethics? I Don't Need No Stinking Ethics! I'm Likable.

BWAH HA HA HA STOP!! You're Killing Me!! HAHAHA

An excerpt from an msn political news article. The quote is from a republican strategist and they're talking about that infamous bridge to no where:

John Feehery, a Republican strategist, said the campaign is entering a stage in which skirmishes over the facts are less important than the dominant themes that are forming voters' opinions of the candidates.

"The more the New York Times and The Washington Post go after Sarah Palin, the better off she is, because there's a bigger truth out there and the bigger truths are she's new, she's popular in Alaska and she is an insurgent," Feehery said. "As long as those are out there, these little facts don't really matter."

BWAH HA HA HA HA Oh... my sides hurt. 'Facts don't really matter.' HA HA HA HA HA yeah... facts don't really matter. What was I thinking?!

The full msn article can be found here.

Warning: Political Stuff

This article is a bit worrisome to me. Its written by people I'm not familar with so the accuracy or accountability is up in the air (accuracy of mainstream news media is up in the air too). However, the article might explain why the republican party is trying to keep Palin from doing interviews. (Are you really trying to tell us she was fully vetted?)

You can find the article here.

Just the Facts, Ma'm

Why would people make false or misleading statements when we can check on the statements to verify them? I'll tell you why. Its not because they are dumb. Its because we are the dumb ones!

Fact or lies... you tally it up. AP news article found here.

Oh No!! No, no no no... that will never do!!

Sarah Palin is a book burner!! A book ban-ner!! That will never do.

When Palin became mayor of Wasilla one of the first things she did was go to the public library to try to get some books banned. The librarian balked at the idea and Palin fired her. WTF?!?

She promotes ignorance. What the hell......

I don't need to hear any more. That says it all to me. 'nough said.

How the Tune Has Changed... or WTF?

Is it a shoe-in for the democrates? Has McCain sealed his fate or has destiny simply taken the wheel?

For a while I have had the feeling that McCain, deep in his heart, does not really want to be president of the United States. I think the republican big-wigs put pressure on him to run because they couldn't find anyone else who could withstand the close scrutiny that comes with campaigning.

And now McCain, or his campaign committee, has chosen a no-name, a no experienced female to be his vice president. Can you say "WTF?!"

What does this say to the republican argument that Obama doesn't have enough experience... Sarah Palin has been Alaska's governor for two years. Prior to that she was on the city council. Where's the experience in that? A move to the female in an attempt to garner all the females who voted for Hillary? No doubt.

When someone says McCain has served his country in the armed forces, I want to scream well what does that mean.... junior didn't serve at all!!

Prediction: Obama is, indeed, a shoe-in. I just hope Bidden doesn't have to end up serving as president.

Post Script: I just went to check my stats to make sure my visits weren't being counted and I noticed someone from "Talk America" visited this entry. Probably gathering information about people's responses to Palin. Checking blogs is a great way of getting feedback. Kewl Idea. Oh, and by the way... Palin has a small controversy going on... seems she tried to get her ex-brother-in-law fired. He's a cop. She'll fit nicely into the republican agenda.. you know, personal influence and stuff.

added later: on the other hand, it was a risky choice but who knows... it just might work. (there... I think I've covered both sides of the issue.)

PPS: ooops. Apparently Talk America is a telephone company who ripsoff people, at least according to google searches.

WHAT?!?

WTF?!?! On the local news they said to expect the price of gasoline to go up again because the oil refineries are cutting back on production. Why? Because their profit margins are declining. Their BILLIONS AND BILLIONS of dollars in profit aren't enough?

If the feds don't jump in here and put some stinking regulations on the oil industry ALL OF THEM NEED TO ... well, I better not say outloud. Home Land Security doncha know.

Did you see the interview with the big Shell Oil honcho? When asked about the huge profit margins his answer was that all the numbers associated with oil products are big. Cost of business is huge so profit margins are huge. That was suppose to be an acceptable answer. Can you say WTF? again!!

How can those people be so greedy? My gawd, is there no limit?

(and if one more politician tells us to cut back on driving to solve the problem I'm going to scream!!)

Hey... How 'bout those profits!

$655 million dollars in profit for the year. That's $2 million a day in profits, folks. Where's this, you ask. Providence Hospitals, that's where. And I suspect other hospitals are right there, too. (This is for the entire Providence network of hospitals and clinics in several states.)

The spokesperson sounded as though this high profit margin is completely acceptable because it doesn't go to shareholders. It gets put back into their health care system since they are a non-profit organization. It must not have anything to do with them OVER CHARGING FOR EVERYTHING!!! I wonder how their employees are feeling after hearing how much profit they made... the low wage employees.

And since they are a non-profit organization they would be tax exempt.

As I was looking for a written article about this (I was unsuccessful) I came across something about a litigation:

Providence discriminates against the very patients who are supposed to benefit most from its charity care by engaging in a pattern and practice of charging inordinately inflated rates to its uninsured patients, including Plaintiffs and the Class they seek to represent, that are far higher than the rates it charges its insured patients for the same services.

The rich get richer and the poor get ripped off. On the other hand, there is good news. This is a prime example that there is money to be made out there. It just takes a ruthless heart and the right choice of industries. (And don't let anyone ever tell you that health care is not an industry.)

I'm not sure what to think about this, but I find this news is a bit uplifting. There is money out there to be made, there are folks out there who can afford to purchase things, and this makes me feel a little better. Go figure.