The Republican Party is in desperate need of a Conservative Voice. They need true leaders to get them back on track and they need to attract younger and more inspired conservatives. Over the past several years they have lost their way and have allowed the party to become fractured. They are lead more by moderates, who while needed within the party, can not be expected to push the conservative views through.
Through the second term of George Bush, the party was allowed to become less conservative and move more to the middle. Face it, George Bush was more of and moderate Republican and he tried to force amnesty and open borders on the country, growing deficits, increasing government, a GOP sponsored takeover of banks. He was a President who refused to defend himself or conservatism publicly. It’s naive to believe that the Republican Party can simply ignore what the base wants on illegal immigration, fiscal conservatism, or the size of government. The party needs to return to it’s conservative roots. Hopefully Michael Steele can help them move in this direction.
The party does not need to fret about Spector leaving the party. He symbolizes more of what is wrong with the party than what is right. He ran on Ronald Reagan’s coattails to get into office, but as time went on he showed more and more of his moderate and more liberal views. If the Republican Party wants to win in the next elections, they need to return to the conservative roots the party was founded on and relate to the conservative base of voters who are searching for a leader.
Ronald Reagan once said in a speech:
....A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers.
I do not believe I have proposed anything that is contrary to what has been considered Republican principle. It is at the same time the very basis of conservatism. It is time to reassert that principle and raise it to full view. And if there are those who cannot subscribe to these principles, then let them go their way."
My opinion - my xplosion of thought...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Swine Flu - Facts
The CDC has determined that this swine flu virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It can also include diarrhea and vomiting. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
The Swine Flu viruse is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with the virus. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
To help curb the spread and help keep you from getting the virus it is most important to wash your hands. Plain soap and water is all you need, you should hum Yankee Doodle Dandee for the length of time to take to wash. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you do get sick, see your doctor. They may be able to prescribe an Antiviral drug. These are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
People with swine flu virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
There are no vaccines available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash
Myth - Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get the swine flu virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. This is a serious virus. One of the best ways to help curb the spread is to do the simplest thing - wash your hands. Not an opinion - this is useful information!
The Swine Flu viruse is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with the virus. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
To help curb the spread and help keep you from getting the virus it is most important to wash your hands. Plain soap and water is all you need, you should hum Yankee Doodle Dandee for the length of time to take to wash. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you do get sick, see your doctor. They may be able to prescribe an Antiviral drug. These are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
People with swine flu virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
There are no vaccines available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash
Myth - Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get the swine flu virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. This is a serious virus. One of the best ways to help curb the spread is to do the simplest thing - wash your hands. Not an opinion - this is useful information!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Spector
Specter is no big loss to the Republican Party, but changing parties at this time should not really be allowed. If you are elected a Republican you should stay so until your term expires. Here is a man who knew he was going to lose in the next election, more than half the Republicans polled in Pennsylvania said they wanted someone new in the senate seat. He is of the old guard with old ideas, the people want a fresh face.
Reid called Specter a "man of honor and integrity" who would be welcome in the Democratic caucus – switching parties in mid stream is not what most would call honor and integrity. I would relate this to the running back on a football team knowing he is going to lose switching teams at halftime. In more direct terms a traitor to his team. But he was not much of the team player recently as realized by his vote on the stimulus package.
Specter was expected to face a very tough primary challenge in 2010 from former Rep. Pat Toomey, who came close to defeating Specter in the Pennsylvania GOP primary in 2004. Why would the democrats want someone who switches teams when the cards are down on their team. I would say this of anyone who switches parties while they are in office. There should be a rule if you switch parties while still serving your term you must surrender your seat. The people who put him in office were not the Democrats; therefore he should do the honorable thing and step down. If he is confident he can win the seat as a Democrat he can run in the next election and see what happens. Again just my opinion – my explosion of thought!
Reid called Specter a "man of honor and integrity" who would be welcome in the Democratic caucus – switching parties in mid stream is not what most would call honor and integrity. I would relate this to the running back on a football team knowing he is going to lose switching teams at halftime. In more direct terms a traitor to his team. But he was not much of the team player recently as realized by his vote on the stimulus package.
Specter was expected to face a very tough primary challenge in 2010 from former Rep. Pat Toomey, who came close to defeating Specter in the Pennsylvania GOP primary in 2004. Why would the democrats want someone who switches teams when the cards are down on their team. I would say this of anyone who switches parties while they are in office. There should be a rule if you switch parties while still serving your term you must surrender your seat. The people who put him in office were not the Democrats; therefore he should do the honorable thing and step down. If he is confident he can win the seat as a Democrat he can run in the next election and see what happens. Again just my opinion – my explosion of thought!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Report on our President
A week or so ago in his speech in France, Barack Obama called America "arrogant." The French loved it -- And so did much of the liberal press.
But why would the president call us, the American people arrogant? Is that how he is portraying us to the world. Is it a good thing to go out to the rest of the world and put the people of you own country down?
This is the same person who was anointed "The One" by many of his supporters. I only know of one being I consider "The One" and that is the Lord God Himself. As a candidate he also boasted that his election would be remembered as "the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal." Does he consider himself a god. This is the man who indicated his disgust for small town and working Americans when he said they "cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them.” I hope he has changed his mind about this.
Talk about arrogant.
Is that how he will continue with his presidency? Lets hope not. He seems to take hold of the twisted "Blame-America First" mentality of the worst of the American far left.
He has demonstrated an absence of wisdom to criticize the United States while on foreign soil, and then join with some of the socialist Democrats in Congress to do everything possible to end American capitalism and create a weak, dependent socialist state patterned after the examples of Europe in the meanwhile showing so much arrogance.
He has taken steps towards nationalizing American auto companies; firing executives while leaving in power the same Union Bosses who funded his campaign and helped cripple the U.S.'s manufacturing base – this is arrogant!
He is refusing to let financial firms pay back taxpayer-funded bailout loans - is this to be able to have something to hold over them in the future?
The stimulus package has a good chance of crippling our free markets with expansive taxation and spending that will destroy our freedoms and puts even our grandchildren in debt.
Anyone who dares speak out against or challenge Obama's agenda, such as the hundreds of thousands of patriots who attended last week's Tea Parties, should now expect to be labeled "unhealthy" by this Administration - That is arrogance!
I hope that Barack Obama's charisma is not concealing inexperience and a lack of wisdom, that is something our country cannot afford in its president. Time will tell for him. He is a promising president but maybe trying to move too quickly and attack too many fronts at once. He is working at a burn-out pace and needs to sit down, relax and look at everything carefully. Don’t do things just to do things, plan things out and carefully examine all the facts. If he can do this effectively, he may have a chance. He was handed a mess and the best thing is to sit down and sort it all out, take things one and a time and fix what needs to be fixed using the right tools. As I turn my thought to razor blades again, don’t use a dull razor or you risk cutting or nicking yourself. My opinion – my explosion of thought.
But why would the president call us, the American people arrogant? Is that how he is portraying us to the world. Is it a good thing to go out to the rest of the world and put the people of you own country down?
This is the same person who was anointed "The One" by many of his supporters. I only know of one being I consider "The One" and that is the Lord God Himself. As a candidate he also boasted that his election would be remembered as "the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal." Does he consider himself a god. This is the man who indicated his disgust for small town and working Americans when he said they "cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them.” I hope he has changed his mind about this.
Talk about arrogant.
Is that how he will continue with his presidency? Lets hope not. He seems to take hold of the twisted "Blame-America First" mentality of the worst of the American far left.
He has demonstrated an absence of wisdom to criticize the United States while on foreign soil, and then join with some of the socialist Democrats in Congress to do everything possible to end American capitalism and create a weak, dependent socialist state patterned after the examples of Europe in the meanwhile showing so much arrogance.
He has taken steps towards nationalizing American auto companies; firing executives while leaving in power the same Union Bosses who funded his campaign and helped cripple the U.S.'s manufacturing base – this is arrogant!
He is refusing to let financial firms pay back taxpayer-funded bailout loans - is this to be able to have something to hold over them in the future?
The stimulus package has a good chance of crippling our free markets with expansive taxation and spending that will destroy our freedoms and puts even our grandchildren in debt.
Anyone who dares speak out against or challenge Obama's agenda, such as the hundreds of thousands of patriots who attended last week's Tea Parties, should now expect to be labeled "unhealthy" by this Administration - That is arrogance!
I hope that Barack Obama's charisma is not concealing inexperience and a lack of wisdom, that is something our country cannot afford in its president. Time will tell for him. He is a promising president but maybe trying to move too quickly and attack too many fronts at once. He is working at a burn-out pace and needs to sit down, relax and look at everything carefully. Don’t do things just to do things, plan things out and carefully examine all the facts. If he can do this effectively, he may have a chance. He was handed a mess and the best thing is to sit down and sort it all out, take things one and a time and fix what needs to be fixed using the right tools. As I turn my thought to razor blades again, don’t use a dull razor or you risk cutting or nicking yourself. My opinion – my explosion of thought.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Our depression/recession and recovery
My prediction in January of 2007 was that unemployment would reach 8% or more before the end of 2008, we have met that goal. It is my belief that 10% is not far out of sight. Economist are still holding on to the hope that things will turn around in the economy by the 3rd quarter of this year and things will start improving. My thought on this is phooey. We are in this for the long haul, like it or not. We still have to pay for all the money the government put out there. I don't see things looking better until at least the middle of 2010 or later. People in the government better get their heads out of the clouds or elsewhere.
Although thoughts vary it will take 2 to 3 years to really see a real recovery. With the money put out by the government in various stimulus packages we have a steep bill to repay. People have less money in their pockets to spend and the paltry tax break given to the middle an low income earners was more of an insult. In a capitalistic society, the economy will eventually correct itself. This correction is needed due to all the artificial influences applied to the economy. Housing prices will need to come inline so more people can afford them ($250,000 is not really affordable or reasonable for anyone earning less than $90,000/year), businesses will have to feel more comfortable about hiring and most important the public will need to feel more comfortable about spending. Prices will need to stabilize throughtout all industries all before we start to see a real recovery. My though goes back to razor blades, keep your eye on the price, when it starts to go down - the recovery will be started. Again just my opinion - my explosion of thought.
Although thoughts vary it will take 2 to 3 years to really see a real recovery. With the money put out by the government in various stimulus packages we have a steep bill to repay. People have less money in their pockets to spend and the paltry tax break given to the middle an low income earners was more of an insult. In a capitalistic society, the economy will eventually correct itself. This correction is needed due to all the artificial influences applied to the economy. Housing prices will need to come inline so more people can afford them ($250,000 is not really affordable or reasonable for anyone earning less than $90,000/year), businesses will have to feel more comfortable about hiring and most important the public will need to feel more comfortable about spending. Prices will need to stabilize throughtout all industries all before we start to see a real recovery. My though goes back to razor blades, keep your eye on the price, when it starts to go down - the recovery will be started. Again just my opinion - my explosion of thought.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Notes on the Economy
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told rescue overseers Tuesday America’s banks are still broken despite all their bailout billions. So was this a good plan? U.S. banks and other financial institutions could lose an outragous amount of money as much as $2.7 trillion.
They say that confidence in the bailout program is wearing thin on Capitol Hill. Even the bailout supporters are skeptical that Congress, still weary of bankers’ bonuses and still-scarce credit, would approve additional bank rescue money if requested. Why would they.
The government’s effort to stabilize the financial sector and unclog credit markets has come under heavy scrutiny by almost every sector now. Government officials must do a better job in carrying out and explaining its efforts to shore up the financial system. Things don't seem to be working as planned. I thought this whole process was too rushed to begin with and not thought out too well.
People that have consistently paid their bills on time and never missed a payment are seeing the their TARP-assisted banks raising their interest rates and/or slashing their credit lines. Many are getting their credit limits decreased without notice and then on their next bill they get an over limit fee and a notice telling them if they don't pay the over limit amount in full they will get additional charges and late payment penalties.
Some banks are saying they are now making a profit - well after receiving billions of dollars I would hope so. A bank gets $25 billion in bailout money, then taps into $45 billion more and announces they made 1.5 billion in profit. That math does not work with me, don't they need to repay the $60 billion before they can make a real profit? O, I see that profit is only on paper and that bailout money is not included.
Some banks want to pay back some of the bailout money, they are somewhat unhappy with the strings attached. But then Timothy Geithner said that doesn’t mean the government would necessarily accept the repayments- What! I am kinda lost in all this and I am just expressing my opinion - but I think some of our politicians are a little lost. I guess time will tell, but in the end - you and I the taxpayer will be footing this bill. Mr. middle class citizen, your taxes will be rising in a few years - you can bet on it. The country would have been better off and it would have cost less if they put the money in the hands of the people and let them spend it. The only way you get out of a recession is to spend your way out - but it has to be done in a thought out process. If they suspended the middle and lower income families taxes for 6 months, it would have put money in the right peoples hands and the economy would be showing more improvement. Better still it would have cost us less money. Again, just my thoughts and opinions - feel free to have your own - but look at history and study the facts.
They say that confidence in the bailout program is wearing thin on Capitol Hill. Even the bailout supporters are skeptical that Congress, still weary of bankers’ bonuses and still-scarce credit, would approve additional bank rescue money if requested. Why would they.
The government’s effort to stabilize the financial sector and unclog credit markets has come under heavy scrutiny by almost every sector now. Government officials must do a better job in carrying out and explaining its efforts to shore up the financial system. Things don't seem to be working as planned. I thought this whole process was too rushed to begin with and not thought out too well.
People that have consistently paid their bills on time and never missed a payment are seeing the their TARP-assisted banks raising their interest rates and/or slashing their credit lines. Many are getting their credit limits decreased without notice and then on their next bill they get an over limit fee and a notice telling them if they don't pay the over limit amount in full they will get additional charges and late payment penalties.
Some banks are saying they are now making a profit - well after receiving billions of dollars I would hope so. A bank gets $25 billion in bailout money, then taps into $45 billion more and announces they made 1.5 billion in profit. That math does not work with me, don't they need to repay the $60 billion before they can make a real profit? O, I see that profit is only on paper and that bailout money is not included.
Some banks want to pay back some of the bailout money, they are somewhat unhappy with the strings attached. But then Timothy Geithner said that doesn’t mean the government would necessarily accept the repayments- What! I am kinda lost in all this and I am just expressing my opinion - but I think some of our politicians are a little lost. I guess time will tell, but in the end - you and I the taxpayer will be footing this bill. Mr. middle class citizen, your taxes will be rising in a few years - you can bet on it. The country would have been better off and it would have cost less if they put the money in the hands of the people and let them spend it. The only way you get out of a recession is to spend your way out - but it has to be done in a thought out process. If they suspended the middle and lower income families taxes for 6 months, it would have put money in the right peoples hands and the economy would be showing more improvement. Better still it would have cost us less money. Again, just my thoughts and opinions - feel free to have your own - but look at history and study the facts.
American Idol - Adam Lambert
How can you deny this guy - He is one of the best the show has ever had:
http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/performances/adam_lambert_mad_world
http://www.americanidol.com/videos/season_8/performances/adam_lambert_mad_world
IT (Poem by David Reiner, Copywrite David Reiner)
We increase our simplification
By means of complication
We say it's multiplication
There is no explanation
Award it with starvation
There is no relation
As it suffers to damnation
As it has throughout creation
It suffered through cremation
It now seems like replication
All it wants is realization
Of its appreciation
By means of complication
We say it's multiplication
There is no explanation
Award it with starvation
There is no relation
As it suffers to damnation
As it has throughout creation
It suffered through cremation
It now seems like replication
All it wants is realization
Of its appreciation
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Don't Worry
I don't understand why everyone is so suprised that the economy crashed and everything is in such a sad state. Those who know me, know I predicted the fall of our economy at least 3 years ago when prices were going rampant on everything and employee wages at that time were being kept in check. All you had to do was look at history, housing prices were escalating at a greater pace than what the average wage earner could afford, instead of keeping things in check by increasing interest rates the dumb thinkers in our government let everyone get greedy and kept the rates artificially low. It put money in the Wall Streeters (my term)pockets. Then gas prices started to climb, grocery prices started to climb, clothing prices climbed. We got reports from the government that said inflation was not a worry excluding gas and groceries - WHAT - those two alone afffect more of the population than anything. seeing my grocery prices increase by almost 50% in 3 or 4 years tells me we have inflation. I look at razor blades, a good way to keep track of inflation. 7 years ago I was paying $3.59 for a pack of razor blades, yesterday for the same pack it cost me $14.99 - about a 24% increase. My salary over the past 7 years has not gone up that much. So anyhow - we are now in a semi depression/recession(my prediction). Everyone is frettting and acting suprised and upset. An old song came to mind I think we should all sing dailey - here are the words and a credit to Bobby McFerrin:
Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy.
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy.Don't worry, be happy now.
(Chorus) Don't worry, be happy.
Don't worry, be happy. Don't worry, be happy. Don't worry, be happy.
Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy.
The landlord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy.
(Chorus)
(Look at me -- I'm happy. Don't worry, be happy. Here I give you my phone number. When you worry, call me, I make you happy. Don't worry, be happy.)
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style
Ain't got no gal to make you smile
Don't worry, be happy.
'Cause when you worry your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
Don't worry, be happy.
(Chorus)
(Don't worry, don't worry, don't do it. Be happy. Put a smile on your face. Don't bring everybody down. Don't worry. It will soon pass, whatever it is. Don't worry, be happy. I'm not worried, I'm happy...)
Here's a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy.
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy.Don't worry, be happy now.
(Chorus) Don't worry, be happy.
Don't worry, be happy. Don't worry, be happy. Don't worry, be happy.
Ain't got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don't worry, be happy.
The landlord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don't worry, be happy.
(Chorus)
(Look at me -- I'm happy. Don't worry, be happy. Here I give you my phone number. When you worry, call me, I make you happy. Don't worry, be happy.)
Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style
Ain't got no gal to make you smile
Don't worry, be happy.
'Cause when you worry your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
Don't worry, be happy.
(Chorus)
(Don't worry, don't worry, don't do it. Be happy. Put a smile on your face. Don't bring everybody down. Don't worry. It will soon pass, whatever it is. Don't worry, be happy. I'm not worried, I'm happy...)
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