Americans have died in automobile accidents, after falls from balconies, after falls into open ditches, by drowning, and in water-sports mishaps, among others. In recent years, moped rentals have become very widespread in Cancun, and the number of serious moped accidents has risen accordingly. Most operators carry no insurance, do not conduct safety checks, and often demand high fees for any damages to the moped.

Prison conditions in Mexico can be extremely poor. In many facilities food is insufficient in both quantity and quality, and prisoners must pay for adequate nutrition from their own funds. In addition, most Mexican prisons provide poor medical care, and even prisoners with urgent medical conditions receive only a minimum of attention.

However, they now say that bankruptcy would cost Americans more so, Mr. Taxpayer, you can cough up to $30B now or, spend more when we go the B.K. route, which do YOU prefer?

I prefer that they go bankrupt and I prefer those in government (including Obama) stop being the horses asses they’re slowly (but, surely) being painted to be. Washington, WTF up and smell the coffee! If you agree to hand them up to $30B then you might as well just give every American a brand new car!

Yes, instead of a chicken in every pot, how about a new GM car in every American driveway!

I have an idea, let them go Bankrupt and since the taxpayers are footing bill, take all their assets (you know, the cars sitting around collecting dust) liquidate them and hand them over to the taxpayers. Give every state their fair share of FREE police cars, ambulances, buses, trucks and vans. Don’t stop there! You can even give away FREE hearses to funeral homes and short buses to “special learning” facilities. In fact, you can start handing out the short buses to those in Capitol.

 I tell you what I think is going on. Here’s my conspiracy theory of the week.

The Congress and Senate worked their fingers to the bone slicing and dicing the Stimulus Package and you know why? I’ll tell you why, because a round of phone calls were made to Larry, Moe and Curly and they were asked “Hey, guys, how’s it going up there? Are we gonna have to give you some more money?” The resounding answer from the Big Three was “You bet your sweet ass we will”.

So, in the end, the “sting” won’t be as bad as heck, those in Washington had some extra money to go around by cutting out some of the pork from their Stimulus Package. We are ALL sheep heading straight into a financial slaughter! You know why the Big Three will NEVER, EVER recover? Because none of us have any money to buy a new car. The banks aren’t lending money for cars, let alone, new homes or to those who are trying to consolidate their debt!

Mark my words, Obama was right, it will get worse before it gets better. You know why? Because he’s smart enough to KNOW (and knew) that the Big Three would be back for more. And this is NOT the end of the “porking” (let’s face it! the Big Three are pigs and they produce PORK), the list of who needs how much (and when) will keep on growing monthly (if not weekly).

I miss my mom and dad but, I’m glad they’re NOT alive to live through the suffering this country (and its people are about to endure). May they (and the economy) rest in peace…

Clyde

So, Madoff’s wife withdrew $15 million bucks at the end of November and hubby surrendered in December. Then Madoff had the audacity to even think of mailing jewelry and checks to friends and family. Does this daring duo even have a conscience? It’s like Bonnie and Clyde have come to town and have pillaged the neighborhood for all it was worth. Are we to believe that Madoff’s wife $15M withdrawals were simply coincidence? My opinion? No, these people appear to have set in motion a plan to fleece as many people as they possibly can.

Bonnie

Can a family be so bold, as to simply NOT care about the aftermath of victims they have left behind in the wake of a monumental financial disaster? It’s not as though Madoff just made some bad investments with OPM (other people’s money), he took a short cut and had a well-thought out plan to simply STEAL as much as could. It looks as though he just can’t get enough of OPM. Just how many off-shore accounts this guy has control of (or his wife) no one knows. It’s not clear why the wife has not been picked up and put on ice. While I can understand the wheels of justice turning ever so slowly, these people seem to be more and more like sociopaths. Maybe it’s about time that they be pulled down from their lofty tower apartment and be put behind bars for safekeeping. If not, there seems to be no end in sight as to how far they’ll actually go in socking away as much ill-gotten booty as they possibly can for future Madoff generations to come.

And maybe that’s what this SCAM is all about? Madoff is in his 70′s and sowed his oats and scammed billions. What does he care if he spends the rest of his life in prison? He’ll cut a deal of some kind and the wife will still keep her New York apartment and the house in Palm Beach.

Madoff Palm Beach Home

They’ll be millions to live off for the wife and kids (his sons) and their kids. Why NOT take ALL of their assets, seize them and then sort out who’s money is who’s. Don’t let these people (den of thieves) touch one dime of any money in any bank account until it’s crystal clear who’s money they’re spending. This scam was runnign  for sometime and there can be no doubt that ALL of their assets and everything they bought with salaries and bonuses are ill-gotten gains from a PONZI scheme. My opinion is that the entire family may be involved with shifting assets, setting up blind trusts and funneling money to off-shore accounts.

However, in the end, deals will be cut, as Madoff has something to offer – information. Maybe this case is so much bigger than anyone could have imagined. It’s possible there’s a long line of accomplices that helped this guy scam OPM. There should be no deals for any of them – if they’re over 18, send them ALL to jail, do not pass GO, do NOT collect 50 Billion dollars and pull the “Get Out of Jail Free” card from the deck!

Pulling a Vegetable from the Garden patch!

By now, many Americans have heard about the “right to die” controversy in Italy. The  case involves a young woman who’s been in a coma for 17 years. Doctors stated she’ brain dead, ain’t coming back so, let’s stop feeding her and send her on her way. The right to die opponents have another word for what ended this young woman’s life, they call it “murder”.

Now, I have to agree with that assessment, as pulling her tube and letting her starve death is akin to depriving “life” of sustenance. Maybe she was brain dead, maybe not. Who knows what she felt during the last 48 hours of starvation. What we do know is she died a slow and painful death, the exact opposite of what her father wanted, which was for her to die with dignity.

There’s nothing “dignified” in dying a slow painful death. Just because she can’t communicate, does not mean she did not suffer. Just because she could signal with her eyes, limbs or utter a word, does not mean she did not suffer. Let’s all stop eating for two days and see how we feel (in a healthy state) and then imagine being bed ridden for 17 years and all of sudden – sustenance STOPS!

There are some things in life that just don’t happen in time to stop an injustice (or in this case, murder). Just as the legislators were trying to pass a law requiring that doctors provide nourishment to incapacitated patients, Ms. Englaro’s time ran out. The hour glass was turned upside down and the sand of time just ran out.

I have known (as many have) human beings (friends and family) who were on the brink of death and asked for (pleaded) for every single second they had left to live. They made bargains with God and promised to cherish every second of the day if God would grant them more time. Then again, I’ve known more than a few friends who committed suicide over the stupidest reasons any one could ever have for killing themselves. How about girl leaves boy, boy can’t take it and shoots himself or, idiot buys motorcycle and thinks it’s cool to speed up the highway at 125 MPH and hits back of garbage truck. Yes, some deaths are by self-inflicted stupidity, while others are over “she doesn’t love me anymore” last words. However, in the case of Ms. Englaro, the father felt she needed some dignity and well, 17 years is a long time to be visiting a vegetable in the garden patch.

I don’t agree with the Pope on many issues, however, I do agree with the Pope (and the church) on the issue concerning euthanasia. The Pope states “euthanasia is a false solution to suffering” and I agree with that statement. In the case of Ms. Englaro, it may be that her being deprived of nourishment (over a 48 hour period) is the false solution imposed by her father for his own suffering.

As for her father telling the world that his daughter had expressed her wish to NOT be kept alive if she was ever in a coma, he’s simply full of crap. I think he lied to himself. He convinced himself over a period of 17 years that he had some type of conversation with his daughter in which she said “daddy, if I’m ever in a coma, just stop the food and let me die”. This is B.S., as I don’t anyone (let alone a 20 year old) who has ever sat down to have a heart to heart (with mom and dad) and spelled the “what ifs” associated with coma+car accident+17 years in coma = pull out my feeding tube – please.

So, here’s my living will…Please let me live as long as possible. If I’m on a ventilator, don’t pull the plug or, accidentally pull it out the wall. If I’m being feed through a tube, serve me up three meals a day and I also like a midnight snack. If I can blink, it’s not just a reaction like pinching a nerve, it’s really ME trying to communicate. If I can’t blink, look down at my toes as I’ll wiggle my right toe for “yes” and my left toe for “no”. Whatever you do, don’t transfer my bag of breathing bones to any private clinics. If any lawyers or judges or process servers show up in my room, show them the door, as they’re uninvited. If any long lost relatives show up claiming to have had any conversations with me in the past stating, “I wanted that or needed this”, they’re NO relative of mine. If the doctor ever says two words, “brain dead” yes, I was brain dead sometimes (when I was alive and moving about the place) but, I’m NOT brain dead now, I’m just talking a long nap. In other words, while I’d like to hear Ms. Englaro’s side of story some day, I’m in no hurry to get there - too quickly:-)

I’m not going to write about pretty ports of call or what do on a cruise. I’m going to write about how business (and safety or lack thereof) is operated on board these lines and why those who cruise may want to think twice about purchasing jewelry on board a cruise ship or, in ports of call such as St. Thomas and St. Maarten. There are quite a few horror stories concerning cruisers who purchased high-end jewelry on board a cruise ship (or in a port of call) and then arrived home to find out that the merchandise they purchased was not worth what they paid.

In fact, those who purchase art at Art Auctions on board cruise ships, are also at risk of losing money on purchasing works of art, which is price driven by the few that the control the art  production industry. I call it a “production” industry as the few who operate the art auctions pick and choose the artists and then drive the price. Get home and try to sell that piece art to a local art dealer and he’ll laugh in your face, as in many cases, you could have purchased that work of art at a lower price from the mall then on a cruise ship.

The cruise industry rarely manages its own retail stores on board. They contract to companies such as Harding Brothers and Starboard Cruises. These two companies pay the cruise lines a high percentage of their gross to the cruise line in exchange for the retail space. The employees in the shops are actually employed by the concessionaire (Hardings or Starboard) however, appear to blend in seamlessly with other shipboard personnel. If you’ve been on board an RCCL cruise, you’ve probably noticed all sorts of table displays hawking everything from costume jewelry, to gold being sold by the inch – to handbags and t-shirts. In many cases, these are known as trunk shows and the fees paid to hawk that product can be as high as 60% of the gross sales.

If a trunk show sells $50,000.00 in goods, in one week, the concessionaire takes in $30,000.00 for providing the space and then they may pay the cruise line 50% (or less) of their fee. In other words, it’s a tangled web of “vig” fees being paid all the way around.

This is why there is NO such thing as a bargain on a cruise ship. Jewelry has to be marked up so high as to provide a margin  for the seller and then a chunk goes to the concessionaire and the rest to the cruise line. Now we come to port of call shopping guides. These are sub-contracted employees wh0′s job it is to steer cruisers into jewelry stores in St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

One port shopping company (the largest one controlling most cruise ship port shopping) actually gets a piece of the action (10% of gross sales)  from the jewelry stores (in port). Imagine a jewelry store who pays to play? This is why Diamonds International gets a lot of the traffic and the small jewelry store (with the better deal) is never mentioned in port shopping presentations.

The cruise lines actually get a report at the end of each cruise as to the total gross amount (dollars) of jewelry sold by the stores. This way they can collect their 10% (or more) in referral fees.

How do they ensure their numbers are correct? Easy. The port shopping guides (and the company they work for) ask that all passengers register their purchases by listing them on a form before leaving the ship. The act of filling out the form (to get some quasi warranty on a purchase of jewelry) serves only ONE purpose – inventory control and accountability of land based jewelry retailers - to ensure they pay their “vig” to the cruise line.

Cruise Ships Built a Better Mousetrap…

One thing about cruise ships, they have a captive audience. Where cruise lines make their money is on beverages, over-priced jewelry (port of call or land based jewelry stores) and art auctions.

The cunning use of a shipboard ID card is all about how to rake in virtual dollars, which add up to “real” dollars - on the last night of a cruise. The worst cruise line in the world is Carnival. It’s ships are nightmare of neon lights and carpets. The service is about as bad as it gets and the food is no better than McDonald’s. Princess Cruises is a bit better but, nothing to scream about either and RCCL /Celebrity believe that bigger ships, bring in bigger dollars – they’re probably right.

Are Cruise Ships Safe?

Depends on what you think safe means. Many of the shipboard personnel have no clue how to say “no clue” in the English language. The front office staff are usually English speaking employees, however, the heart of the ship is nothing more than a mix of multi-language individuals working for peanuts. I’ve yet to find a cruise line willing to fly under an American flag (gee, I wonder why?). Have a claim against a cruise line? Go to Liberia and file a claim, as the cruise lines protect themselves from any and all claims under foreign entities, however, they have their corporate offices in Miami and Fort Lauderdale – huh?

The reports of people going missing have been on the rise. There are more than a few cases in which passengers simply disappeared without a trace. Another issue would be sexual assaults on passengers by crew members. Of course, we also have to mention on board illnesses spread by unsanitary conditions and murders. Yes, murders are committed at sea. In fact, in October 2008 a crew member was murdered on board the Queen Mary 2.

No, cruising is not as much as fun as it used to be. The ships have gotten bigger, as have the crowds and along with larger crowds, comes the possibility of injury or even death. In 2008, four passengers went missing. While this might seem like a small number of people, tell that to the families of those who went missing.

Let’s talk about drug smuggling. Imagine if a drug smuggler got caught with $7M dollars of drugs on board a cruise ship. No, you don’t have to imagine it. In 2008, drug smugglers were caught smuggling millions of dollars in drugs on various cruise lines. Just how much got past customs and entered the United States - will be a mystery. In fact, I think the cruise lines need some type of government oversight, as they seem to be a way in which to smuggle drugs into the United States. Norwegian Cruise Lines seems to be the most popular among drug smugglers.

So, there we have it. Cruise lines don’t appear to be doing much of anything to control crime at sea. The cruise lines will say (as they have in the past) “oh, that was an isolated incident” or “like any city at sea, we have a few problems with drugs, murders, rape, child abuse and crime – in general“.

The cruise industry appears to be an industry out of control, with little oversight and protection for its passengers. If they get sued, they run and hide under another country’s flag and I think that’s unacceptable. I believe that any ship, which seeks to pick up U.S. passengers in a U.S. port, should be required to fly an American flag. I believe there should be Federal Marshals on board every ship for every cruise (as required for U.S. airline carriers). I believe that the upper management of any cruise line (with offices in the U.S.) should be held accountable for any crimes against U.S. passengers.

In 2007, cruise lines reported an inordinate amount of bomb threats and potential terrorists attacks. The locations of these potential threats were in American ports. Just how many attacks or threats went unreported? We’ll never know.

I’ve been on dozens of cruise ships over the years and have been around the world on some of the world’s (so called) best cruise lines. I stopped cruising a few years ago, as the last cruise I took was a disaster in more ways than one. I dont’ have an axe to grind, just reporting what I’ve found online and my own personal experience. After my last cruise, I flew to a Caribbean island and stayed for seven days. I stayed in a four star resort (with meals included) and I paid far less than I would have on a cruise ship. Cruise are not cracked up to what they used to be. They’re all about cruising you somewhere you really don’t want to go (like Jamaica or Haiti) and they are nothing more than a way in which to scheme you out of money.

The next time I go on a cruise it will be on a ship proud to fly an American flag, however, I don’t think that will happen anytime soon:-)

Businesses are not interested in tax credits so, the other idea would be to credit back  the employee taxes paid by the employer/employee for a period of six months from the date of proposed unemployment. We can call this program a payroll tax- free re-employment program.

No, this idea is not perfect, however, if the lay offs continue, Americans will be displaced from jobs in the short-term. Those employers contemplating laying off Americans, will eventually re-employee workers, as the economy comes out of recession. Keep Americans working (whether part or full time) based upon the GEAP idea and we stave off increasing numbers of unemployed Americans.

If the layoffs are to continue, the best way to keep the economy afloat may be to subsidized salaries through GEAP and unemployment benefits.

Corporations are laying off employees to tighten their belts – nothing more. In some cases, these corporations are laying off employees to keep their books looking lean and mean (especially if they’re a publicly held corporation). It’s not as though all of those being laid off are being shown the door, as they’ve been replaced technology or their positions are no longer required. They are being laid off out of fear. When we watch these massive lay offs being announced on the news, the reason is NOT that the employees are NO longer needed, it’s always based upon corporations trying to save money.

Subsidize the employees/employer through unemployment benefits (which they’re going to get anyway), keep them at their job posts and get the employers to agree to pay the difference between the unemployment benefit received by the laid off worker and the salary and/or weekly take home pay that employee received.

OK, that’s my proposed GEAP Assistance Program, let’s hear some other ideas or, better yet, help me refine GEAP.

I was reading today about his fall from grace. He’s banned from swimming for three month’s and Kellogg’s is dropping him from its cereal boxes. Now, I think Kellogg’s is a lame ass company to begin with and I won’t buy their cereal for a number of reasons, one being price.

OK, out comes my can of Whoop Ass on Kellogg’s. Who gives a damn of Phelps is on a cereal box? Does Kellogg’s think were all stupid enough to believe that if we eat their cereal we’ll be able to propel ourselves through a pool at 90 miles per hour? Who cares? In fact, are American consumers so dumb as to be influenced by an image on a box Kellogg’s cereal? I hope not. I don’t buy food based upon who’s face, ass, legs or thighs are branded to the box or can. I buy fod based on price and Kellogg’s charges way too much for their sugar coated crap in a box.

Phelps is a young guy (a kid) and he’s sowing his oats (so to speak) and he has every right in the world to experiment with drugs, tobacco and alcohol. If Phelps can swim as fast as he does - and still get high – then all the power to him. I know guys who get high and who can’t even remember their names or, even walk more than a few steps to get food – when the munchies kick in:-)

Phelps did NOTHING wrong and whomever posted that picture of him should be drawn and quartered in the press (by the press) not the other way around. What about Phelp’s privacy?

Is Phelp’s entitled to some privacy here? What he does in the privacy of his own dorm and with other friends is his business. No doubt, someone who was sitting there (with Phelps) was passing round the pipe and he or she is just as guilty as Phelps, however, we don’t see the photo taker getting whacked by the press.

Does Phelps have sex before or after an event? Does he masturbate before or after an event? Does he eat Kellogg’s cereals while watching porno? Does he wipe his butt with his left or right hand?

See the point? Who’s business is it what ANYONE does when it comes to their own bodies? I think that people have gone far enough in rooting out celebrity vices. We all have vices and we all do strange things on a daily basis. No one is perfect.

The press have no place casting stones or, even reporting on this nonsense, as it’s nothing but nonsense. Kellogg’s should be out there handing out free boxes of cereal to the homeless and to under nourished kids, as opposed to worrying about what the public thinks about Phelps sucking on a pipe. In fact, how do we know the image is real? How do we know that there was pot in the pipe? In fact, if there was pot in the pipe, how do we know he even inhaled? Then again, who cares, move on America…

This is a case of suicide, some do it in the privacy of their home and others do it publicly. Some even take others with them, as they’re afraid to go into the unknown alone. Men will often kill themselves with guns, while women will take the “pill” approach. I don’t know how many people have ever contemplated suicide but, I bet the number is up there. Even if someone has ever had a fleeting thought of killing themselves (or others), it’s usually just a fleeting thought. Some wish others were dead until they found out the person died. You know, that “I wish so and so would just drop dead” and then they magically do? It happens.

How about those times when you wish you were dead and then all of sudden get a few chest pains and panic? You go to the hospital and find out is was just indigestion and then count your lucky stars. You chalk up the experience to that of a close call and now you won’t tempt fate in the future:-)

Have you ever had a moment when you just wondered if I wasn’t here, where would I be? It’s a deep contemplative moment that we might have but, shove it to a file drawer in the back of  our minds, as the thought of where we would be (if we weren’t here) is a bit too deep. What if all the oxygen got sucked off the planet tomorrow or all of the water was gone? What if an asteroid hit the Earth tonight and obliterated all of us to kingdom come? How about the Earth falling off its axis or the moon disappearing or better yet, the sun explodes? Happy thoughts huh? No, just wondering what would happen if we all knew we had 24 hours left on this planet and how people would react. Would we run to be with our families or stay put? We might call a bunch of people to say good-bye but, most of us would get that “circuits are busy” message and the usual “try your call again later“. However, later just might be too late.

Tonight, fifteen people in China won the Darwin Award when they blew themselves up by shooting off fireworks on a table (in a nightclub) to celebrate a birthday. One would think that everyone knows that it’s not a good idea to shoot off roman candles indoors when there’s a ceiling over your head. So, the angels came down and picked up another 15 souls – cause of death – stupidity. If it wasn’t so sad, it would actually be funny.

No, it’s funny and stupid at the same time. How many stupid things do people do without the intention of killing themselves – accidental suicide we’ll call it. In Florida, you don’t need a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Now, maybe the State of Florida thinks that no one would be so stupid as to drive a motorcycle without a helmet. Guess what? They’re wrong. There’s a highway a few miles from where I live and I can’t count how many 20 year olds have gotten on their crotch rockets and have raced down that highway at 100+ MPH. One kid hit a garbage truck so hard and so fast, there was nothing left of him to pick up but itsy-bitsy pieces. A few weeks later a fellow from the neighborhood picked up a brand new Harley. One problem, he had never driven a motorcycle before and on his way home from the dealership, he died in a motorcycle accident.

In Florida, the old west is alive and well. You can put a handgun in your car and keep it in your home or office – at the ready. Go to buy a gun in Florida and there’s just a three-day waiting period. The gun shop owner told me it’s a “cooling off” period. What if the person buying that gun is NOT cooled off in three days? On day four - he or she just might decide to unload their problems on an unsuspecting soul. You can set controlled fires in Florida and if some will remember (a few years ago), you could drive down route 4 in what could only be described as a thick fog, as a controlled fire got out of control.

What about car inspections in Florida? We’ll if emissions are ever to be controlled don’t look to Florida in leading the pack, as if you can start it, you can drive it! I saw a pick- up truck last week driving down Dale Mabry with six guys in the back, a tail light dragging in the road making sparks, black smoke coming out the back and of course, the guys in the back were drinking a six-pack on their way to work.  That’s about ten future Darwin Awards for that group alone:-)

Yes, life could end tomorrow if we make the wrong turn, are in the wrong place at the wrong time, buy fireworks (which seem to be as readily accessiable in Florida as a can of pop) and blow oursleves up or, simply stay at home and watch the Super Bowl:-) Then again, I just might go to church and count my blessings:-)

Robert Gibbs, Press Secretary for President Obama has GOT to STOP using uh, um, uh, um, uh during his press conferences. I tried to sit through his press conference yesterday and it was simply annoying to hear uh, um, uh, um at the end and in the middle of every sentence that’s uttered out of his mouth. Is there not some class or speech training course he could attend to kick the uh, um habit? Review the transcript below and you’ll find that “uh” and “um” have been replaced with two dashes (–). Robert, please cut down the uh, um, uh, um’s, as I don’t think it gives people much confidence in what’s coming out of your mouth:-)

One last thing, it seems to me that there’s many dashes (–) missing out the transcript below. Is it possible that the White House is editing their transcripts to keep the “uh” and “ums” to a minimum? Let’s have a replay of that press conference and have a recount:-)

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

James S. Brady Press Briefing Room
1:55 P.M. EST

MR. GIBBS:  Happy Friday.  How’s everyone today?  I have my trusty week ahead — though it’s not that detailed, you’ll find out.  (Laughter.)  Saturday, I have.  We’ll get it out a little bit later.  Again, I apologize, I’m still a little under the weather.

Let me give you a couple of quick announcements and give you a better answer to a question that was asked yesterday that I didn’t have any information on, and should have.

First of all, Director Blair conducted his first PDB this morning with the President.  So we’re glad to — glad that he’s been confirmed and glad to have him onboard.  The Obama administration today announced an emergency contribution of more than $20 million to relief efforts in Gaza, as part of the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund.  That was announced by Senator Mitchell in the region this morning.

The President has called and talked to President Hu Jintao of China, and we will have some more information and a readout on that a little later this afternoon.

And then lastly, let me go through just quickly the DTV question from yesterday, which as I said, I should have been better prepared for.

I think you all have copies of letters that were sent from the transition to both Houses of Congress in January.  The transition, obviously, in an agency — in the agency review process determined what it believed to be shortfalls in planning for the DTV transition.  For instance, it found that the coupon program for converters had 3.3 million requests sitting on a waiting list, and that the FCC told Congress that the call center that it had established could not handle the rate of incoming calls.

The transition asked that Congress delay the February 17th transition.  The House — I’m sorry, the Senate voted on that last week and passed that delay.  The Senate took — I mean, sorry, I’m confused today — the Senate voted on that, the House took the bill up under a suspension of the rules requiring two-thirds of those present supporting the bill.  The bill passed with an overwhelming majority, but not with the necessary two-thirds.  The Senate last night took the bill up again and passed it.  I’m told that the House will vote next week.  We anticipate that the House will pass a delay on DTV to June 12th.  If that gets to the President’s desk, and when that happens, the President will sign that delay into law so that we might undergo a little bit better planning process to ensure no interruption for people with televisions.

And with that, let’s get going.

Yes, ma’am.

Q    Thanks, Robert.  A couple questions on the economy.  Can you explain what the President’s strategy will be in the coming days to all these senators on the stimulus package?  What kind of meetings does he have planned?  Does he plan any sort of different-looking strategy than he did with the House, for whatever reason?  And then secondly, I want to clarify, or see if you can clarify, something that Vice President Biden said in an interview yesterday.  He said that any new money for the financial industry-type bailout would not be requested until all the $350 billion has been spent.  Is that accurate?

MR. GIBBS:  I don’t remember that part of the transcript but let me — let me check on that.  Obviously — I hate to do this, I think both of these answers are largely going to hedge toward answers that I gave yesterday to a couple of these questions.

As I said, the President will continue to reach out to Democrats and Republicans and seek ideas on ways to improve or strengthen the package if those ideas are out there.  I said he didn’t forestall the idea or close the door on sitting down with leaders in order to do that, from both parties.

You know, the President will continue to do whatever is possible to get this bill going and to get it moved quickly to his desk.

Q    Does he have anything on the schedule, in terms of calls he’s making?

MR. GIBBS:  I don’t have anything for next week, but I will — let me see what there is.  I know the President will work next week on an economic stimulus bill.  And as I’ve done here several days this week, you know, again we’ve got more statistics that remind us just how important it is to get something that stimulates the economy quickly to the President’s desk so that we can get relief to the American people.

The economy shrank at its fastest pace since 1982, according to statistics released just today.  In addition, those statistics demonstrated that consumer spending was down I think for the second quarter.  Sales of new homes — these were figures released yesterday — were their worst since the 1960s.  More companies announced mass layoffs.  And Ford Motor Company reported a huge loss in their quarterly earnings.

Again, I think all of these demonstrate the need for Congress and the President to work together to get something done as quickly as possible for the American people.

Q    Just putting aside the Biden interview, is it your understanding that the $350 billion needs to be spent before any other money might be requested?

MR. GIBBS:  Let me check on that.  I know that, again, the economic team met today with the President.  Christina Romer, our newly confirmed director of the CEA, was there to talk about the GDP numbers, some of which I just talked about.  Secretary Geithner and Dr. Summers were also there, in continuing discussions on what a financial stability package might look like.

I think you heard the President’s remarks yesterday.  Before focusing on what might come after the money that’s currently appropriated, the focus that we have right now is on how to spend that money differently, how to put together that type of plan, how to get that money back into the economy quicker through lending, how to ensure — as the President talked about  yesterday — that we don’t see the type of excessive compensation or bonuses that the President was outraged about yesterday, that we do this in a way that’s different and more transparent than was done before.

I think that’s the focus right now.  I know there have been different reports about different ideas and different money figures that have floated around that — the administration right now is focused on ways of changing the way that program has been administered for this set of money differently than that last set.

Q    Robert, a question about currency.  Secretary Geithner said last week that he supported a strong dollar policy, which the Bush administration said a lot, as well — although often at times when the dollar was not strong.  What does President Obama believe needs to be done about that policy differently than President Bush to keep the dollar strong?  And secondly, along those same lines, is the administration prepared to work with G7 countries on reducing currency volatility?

MR. GIBBS:  Let me get you some much better advice on those two questions from the Department of Treasury.  I think that’s probably the best place to answer those.

Q    Can you give — I mean, this is tied in, I guess, can you give us any details about that conversation with China’s Hu?

MR. GIBBS:  I was not in the conversation, but as soon as we can get a readout written up, we’ll make sure that you all have that.

Q    Do you know if currency was discussed?

MR. GIBBS:  I wasn’t in there and I don’t know the specifics of what they discussed.

Jake.

Q    There have been new revelations that call into question the ability of the FDA to keep our nation’s food supply safe with the salmonella epidemic.  More than 500 people are sick, more than half of them are children, eight people have died.  On the campaign trail last year President Obama said as the parent of two young daughters, “There are few issues more important to me than ensuring the safety of the food that our children consume.”

So what are you guys doing about this?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, obviously we’ve read reports, I think on the AP wire today, about trouble at FDA last year.  We’ve certainly read reports — and I think the Justice Department is looking into the business practices of the company in Georgia.  And I know the President hopes in the next few days to announce a pick for commissioner at FDA to address all of what you said.

I think the revelations have no doubt been alarming, that whether it was our own regulatory system or a company that repeatedly found salmonella in its own testing would continue to ship out that product is beyond disturbing for millions of parents.  The President, like I said, in the coming days will have a new commissioner at FDA and hopefully we’ll be able to announce also picks at things like the Consumer Product Safety Commission and places like that to put in place a stricter regulatory structure to ensure that the type of thing that happened in this case doesn’t happen again.

Yes.

Q    Senator Judd Gregg said he’s under consideration for Commerce Secretary.  Can you talk a little bit about that?

MR. GIBBS:  You know, I — let me give largely the answer I gave to some of you yesterday, which is — and some of you heard my ranting on this during the transition — I’m not going to get into the name-game or the final four of picks for this job or that.

I talked to the President specifically about a decision on the next Commerce Secretary, and the last time I talked to him this morning a final decision had not been made.  I know that’s something that he hopes to make a decision on and announce shortly.  But until the President tells me to make a personnel announcement from this podium, I’ll refrain from getting into individual names on that.

Chip.

Q    The February 13th target, is that still etched in stone?  Or with the difficulty on the House side with Republicans and resistance on the Senate side, is there any flexibility on that, or is that still absolutely the date?  And also, could you tell us a little bit about his schedule?  I mean, the conventional wisdom is he works well into the night.  Is he working nights?  Is he staying up late working on this?  Is he going to be working all through all the weekends?

MR. GIBBS:  I don’t have meetings on his weekend schedule at this point.  You know, he’s traditionally a night owl.  I’ll check and see what, if anything in particular, he’s doing.  I know he spent a lot of time reading stuff on — mainly as it relates to financial stability.

Your first question about the deadline, I actually don’t think we’ve had any delay.  I think — you know, we all get focused on what the vote count was, but we tend to forget that the bill by a pretty big margin took a big step forward this week in going through the House.  As I understand the schedule, the Senate will take the legislation up and vote on it next week.  And we hope the week after that, that differences will be ironed out and soon after a bill will be on the President’s desk.

Again, Chip, I don’t — we’re reminded in this town of statistics that this government and other entities produce relating to how deep and desperate this crisis is.  Many in America have felt it for quite some time.  I think they understand that Congress has to work expeditiously to get help to the American people, to save or create millions of new jobs, and to get the economy moving again.

I don’t think there’s been any delay.  I don’t think next week we’ll see any delay.  And I think we’re on a path toward getting the President something that he can sign before President’s Day recess.  I think leaders in Congress have said if we don’t meet that, then there may be a smaller or shorter recess than might have been previously planned.  I think that shows the willingness of all involved to get something, most importantly, out of Congress, out of the President’s hands, and into the pockets of the American people.

Chuck.

Q    Robert, today on the floor of the Senate, the President’s former campaign co-chair, Claire McCaskill, said — wants to make it illegal for any of these financial institutions that take government money to basically make any more money — any salary any higher than the President’s salary.  But is it — the President yesterday, he said it was shameful, this compensation.  Does he want to see it illegal; that this next round, that it is illegal for these companies who take government money illegal for them to compensate themselves –

MR. GIBBS:  You know, Chuck, let me not get ahead of what the team and the President will decide to make part of the next round of spending –

Q    Well, yesterday he said it’s shameful, so he must have wanted something to be done.

MR. GIBBS:  And I don’t think anybody should take away from those remarks that he doesn’t.  And I think it is very safe to assume that when a plan is outlined for financial stability, that it will include and address executive compensation and bonuses.  The President did it better than I could yesterday.  He found it outrageous.

I think many of you have covered him.  I have seen him upset at times.  He doesn’t really get fired up upset.  He is more like that disappointed parent, you know, that doesn’t embarrass you in the mall, but you feel like you’ve let somebody down.

So I think yesterday, when you see something like that from the President, I think you can understand that that was from his gut and that was real.  Nobody begrudges people that are successful and make money, somebody who’s running a very successful company that’s making its shareholders money and serving the American people responsibly.  Nobody would begrudge that happening.  But when the sixth largest year of bonuses fails in any appreciable way to match the huge losses, I think “outrageous” is probably just the beginning of words one might be able to intone, particularly if they’re on TV.

Q    So it’s fair to assume he wants some sort of action by Congress — an act of Congress to do something?

MR. GIBBS:  I think you will see — I think you will see the President and his economic team outline a plan to deal with what he found irresponsible yesterday.

Q    Can you describe the relationship between Senator Gregg and the President?  What is their friendship/relationship?  Do they play basketball together?

MR. GIBBS:  I don’t think they’re ever played basketball, that’s a good question.  Senator Gregg looks like he might have an inside game.  (Laughter.)

No, I think obviously he is somebody that the President has talked to recently about the economic crisis.  I know they spoke before the President was sworn in on a couple of occasions about financial stability and the recovery plan.  Obviously, the President shares his concern about the growing federal budget deficit.  So they — I mean, I — it’s somebody the President talks to on a host of economic matters.

Q    Is it fair to say he wants to work — he likes working with him?

MR. GIBBS:  I think that would be accurate.

Yes, Helen.

Q    You were you saying that the President intends to attach strings to any new money in the stimulus package, aren’t you?

MR. GIBBS:  I’m sorry, say that again?

Q    That you intend to attach a string — attached to any giving of any more money in the stimulus.

MR. GIBBS:  In the bailout money, right?

Q    Right.

MR. GIBBS:  Yes, I think that it is, again, very safe to assume that the way that the money will be used and what it can be used for will be different than what we’ve seen come before.  And I think that the President is anxious to have that — those decisions made and outlined.  And I think you’ll see those relatively soon.

Q    When is he going to hold his first news conference?

MR. GIBBS:  He is anxious and eager to do so, and we’re trying to find him a time to do that.  Will you have a question, if he does?

Q    Twenty-four hours a day, six days a week?

MR. GIBBS:  Are you busy around 2:00 a.m. this morning?  (Laughter.)  No, we’ll — I promise you, you’ll get — you’ll get your chance.

Yes, sir.

Q    A couple questions, but we’ll start with this one.  This middle — Middle Class Task Force that the Vice President will be heading up — beyond just meetings and sort of this listening tour that the task force will be going on, what solid — anything solid will come out of this?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, look, I think that one of the main purposes of a task force like this is to orient the policies of this government going forward more toward the demands and the needs of the middle class.  I think one of the critiques that the President had of the previous administration was a tendency to help those that already had done quite well while many in the middle class were seeing their wages either hold steady or, in many cases, decline.

So I think it’s important that a task force and a group be assembled to ensure that the policies of this administration are friendly to the American middle class.  I think the beginning of that is in this recovery and reinvestment plan, to ensure that the tax cuts that are contained in it are focused towards those that need it the most.

I know there’s been lots of discussion about that, but the President believes that that’s the best way to spend that money.

Q    And on another issue, I think it was yesterday or the day before yesterday, when you were asked about these outside groups that are running these attack ads — you said the President didn’t want to referee, I guess.

MR. GIBBS:  Still doesn’t.

Q    Well, let me — let me try to get at it at a different angle.  You have these groups going after people like Senator Gregg, a Republican, who has admitted that the President is looking at him for Commerce.  Is this sort of Washington old –

MR. GIBBS:  I’m wondering which question we’re trying to get at.  Are we trying to get at Ann’s question or are we trying to get — (laughter.)

Q    It’s not — I’m not trying to get at that question.  It’s just, is this sort of Washington as usual where you have the Democrat or liberal groups attacking Republicans, and this is someone who the President is reaching out to?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, I mean, as I said yesterday, the President has a lot on his plate.  I think refereeing what this group or that group is doing to this group and that group might not be something that encompasses a lot of the President’s daily schedule.

Q    But is this more Washington as usual?  It’s not the tone that the President wants to see here.

MR. GIBBS:  Well, I think the President feels like the efforts that he’s made, and will continue to make on this, will live up to what he wants to do to reach out to Democrats and Republicans.  Again, this is — it’s not just being nice to be nice; it’s being nice to get something done that’s important for the American people.  I think that’s what the focus of the President’s efforts are, and he’ll continue it.  I don’t know if we sent the list out — and he’ll have more members of Congress over here Sunday to watch the Super Bowl and, again, reach out to and get to know in a better way members on both sides of the aisle to see where we can work in concert to improve the lives of the American people.

Sheryl.

Q    Robert, a couple of questions.  First, Secretary Geithner, during his confirmation hearing, said that he would support specific limits on executive compensation beyond which executives would have to repay the government; in other words, if they got stock or bonuses or — et cetera, and they were receiving bailout money, they would have to — they would not be able to receive that until they had repaid the government its bailout money.  Is that something that the President supports?  Is that the kind of policy that we’re going to see announced next week?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, again, I don’t want to get ahead of the President or the Secretary.  I know that I wouldn’t dissuade you from anything that the Secretary said in that testimony.  I think that’s — I think those are strong beliefs of the Secretary.  And I think it’s safe to say that many of the Secretary’s views mimic those of the President.

Q    But how would you calculate the compensation?

 MR. GIBBS:  Well, again –

Q    Would it be a specific amount?  Would it be a percentage of or –

MR. GIBBS:  Again, since I’m not announcing — since I’m not announcing anything, it would be hard for me to enumerate the reasoning behind what I wasn’t announcing.  So again, let me not get ahead of that, except to say stay tuned, because something on that is coming soon.

Q    And separately — a different issue — you spoke earlier about the President would like to announce an FDA commissioner soon.  We’ve got a food safety problem right now that is ongoing and urgent without a commissioner.  You don’t have a Commerce Secretary yet.  How much of a problem is this that some of these key jobs in the administration are not filled?  And what’s your target for really having all of your top jobs filled?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, I mean obviously we want to get jobs filled as quickly as we can.  I think we want to make good decisions.  And I think the American people can be extremely confident in the professional level of the government that’s both in place, hopefully, at the White House and in the executive branch; but also each of these agencies and departments has loyal and dedicated career public servants that can ensure that the safety that needs to happen as it relates to the FDA or some other charge of government is being carried out in a way that meets the President’s expectations.  Again, trust me, as soon as we have announcements, you’ll hear me echo what the President says.

Major.

Q    Two questions.  First, talking to CEOs who met with the President earlier this week, they said the economy clearly has a structural problem, but they also said it has a psychological problem.  The President today called the economic statistics a continuing disaster.  Why does the President believe language like that is helpful when CEOs he met with said part of the problem is the psychology of the country and feeling a sense that things might get better?  Why is that rhetoric helpful in the President’s point of view?

MR. GIBBS:  Major, I think the President strongly believes that the only way that the American people are going to support what the President and the Congress are trying to do is if the President and the Congress are frank and honest with the American people about where we are.

I think it’s kind of hard to sugarcoat and spin an economy that shrank at a faster rate in any quarter except — or since 1982; or that consumer spending was down, and that drives normally two-thirds of our economy; or housing sales of new homes are at their worst since the 1960s.

The President also often says we didn’t get into these problems overnight, many of these were years in the making, and that it’s going to take us a while to get out of them.  I think the American people understand that.  I think what the American people also want to see is somebody who will level with them about the challenges that we face, and will give them a sense of where he hopes to take them.  But I don’t think he can do that if he is continually telling people that things are different than what they know to be true in their everyday daily lives.

Q    Second question.  The House has a “buy American” provision in it affecting steel and iron.  The Senate is expanding that.  How strongly does the administration support those?  And how does it react to criticism from some of the United States’ largest trading partners, that they fear this is a protectionist move?  And how does it square with the commitments made at the G20 meeting, that members of the G20 would not take steps viewed broadly as protectionism?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, as I think you’ve seen us respond in the paper, that because of what you’ve seen and concerns, that the administration is reviewing those provisions as part of the recovery plan.  And that review continues.

Q    Would it be fair to say that the administration does not currently support them?

MR. GIBBS:  I don’t think I said that.  I think it’s important that the administration review, and once we make a review we’ll have a better idea of the opinion that you just had.

Yes, sir.

Q    If I could just stay on “buy American” for a second, is the President aware of some of the anger, particularly up north, that this provision is causing?  And could that make for any awkward conversations in the upcoming visit?

MR. GIBBS:  Oh, Canada.  I didn’t know if you meant, like, New York, or — (laughter.)

Q    New York is still part of America last time I checked.

MR. GIBBS:  But you didn’t say up north, not in America, so I was — I was clarifying if we were, like, into southern Vermont or whatever.  (Laughter.)

Look, I think, as I said the other day, I don’t think there’s any doubt that trade is going to be on an agenda for a bilateral meeting between the United States and Canada.  I think that would have been the case regardless of who those two participants were.  But again, the administration will review that particular provision, and we’ll make a determination on that.

Q    But Canada said it specifically violates trade laws.  I mean –

MR. GIBBS:  Which is precisely why the administration is going to review that, and once it makes that review –

Q    Does he agree with that point of view?

MR. GIBBS:  Guys — let me — no, no, no.  Give me a second, let me — I’m going to say this for, like, the fourth time.  The administration is reviewing that provision.  It understands all of the concerns that have been heard not only in this room but in newspapers produced both up north and down south.  So let us undertake that review, and when we have something to announce as it relates to that review, I will be able to answer any number of your questions related to a review that has not yet currently been done.

Yes, sir.

Q    What kind of consideration is the White House going to give to this alternative stimulus proposal that is emerging from Senator McCain and other Republicans?  And if a full-blown alternative is out there, what are your concerns about it delaying the overall debate on reaching that deadline of yours?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, I mean, I think there was an alternative — if I’m not mistaken, there was an alternative that was voted on in the House that didn’t receive a majority.  I assume there will be amendments and alternatives in the Senate.  But again, I don’t — I don’t see that that will delay the process.  I mean, we have encouraged on the House and the Senate side ideas and amendments to be debated and voted on.  I think that’s part of a process that has been undertaken in this bill that allow everybody to take part.

But again, I don’t — the way we look at the legislative calendar, we don’t see delay on the horizon.  And I don’t think the American people want to watch Washington delay what they know they need.  I think we’re making progress towards the President’s timetable of the President’s Day recess.

Q    What else can you tell us about this Super Bowl get-together?  Is this going to be a big schmoozathon on the –

MR. GIBBS:  Bill is bringing the seven-layer dip.  (Laughter.)  No, I will –

Q    You better get the FDA on that one.  (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS:  Especially if it’s from Bill’s kitchen.  (Laughter.)  I mean, it’s a fairly straightforward deal.  Again, I don’t know if we’ve sent out the list of — we will hit “send” on that quickly.  You’ll see Democrats and Republicans.  You’ll undoubtedly see Steelers fans and Cardinals fans, once again bringing people together.

Q    What’s the viewing –

MR. GIBBS:  What’s that?

Q    Where are you going to watch it?

MR. GIBBS:  I think it’s in the theater, right?  I think that’s –

MR. BURTON:  It’s in the residence.
Q    Any coverage?  Is there pool on that, or is it closed press?

MR. GIBBS:  I think it’s closed press, but I will –

Q    Who makes up the guest list?

MR. GIBBS:  Or maybe we’ll do the Super Bowl on background.

Q    Who makes up the guest list?

MR. GIBBS:  I believe the Social Office and with input probably from many offices, including intergovernmental and legislative affairs.

Q    Will wagering be allowed?  (Laughter.)

MR. GIBBS:  No.  (Laughter.)

Q    I have two questions.

MR. GIBBS:  Sure.

Q    The first one is, over the last two days we’ve seen two measures that have — the labor community has welcomed — the bill signing yesterday and then today’s executive orders.  What — are you planning anything else further on the labor agenda?  And also, yesterday the Vice President said that he expected the Employee Free Choice Act to be acted upon this year.  Is that the White House’s position, that you would like to see action on that this year?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, I think the executive orders that the President signed today, as he said, restore some balance in the relationship and increase the transparency in the workplace, which he’s a big proponent of.  I think the best phrasing in terms of the President’s thinking on Employee Free Choice was part of the transcript from his visit to The Washington Post Editorial Board, which I won’t paraphrase; I’ll give to you to show the best thinking of the President on that right now.

Q    Well, just to remind those of us who weren’t at The Washington Post –

MR. GIBBS:  Well, that’s why we’ll send it out.

Q    Yes, okay, but was the Vice President speaking for the White House when he said he wanted to see action this year?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, let me get you this transcript so that everybody is in line.

Q    Well, no, wait, my second question was actually something different –

MR. GIBBS:  Oh, I’m sorry.

Q    — which is, what — in terms of bipartisanship, the SCHIP legislation was an example during the Bush administration of actual, real bipartisanship on the Hill, at least — maybe not with the White House, but there was a lot of Republican –

MR. GIBBS:  Right, I was going to say — (laughter.)

Q    — a lot of Republican support –

MR. GIBBS:  The reason that we hope to sign it next week is because that bipartisanship broke down at the point of the President’s signature.

Q    Yes, the President was not part of that.  But in fact in the Senate there was a lot of Republican support for that bill.  But, in fact, the final vote yesterday lost a lot of those Republican supporters, people like Hatch and Grassley, people who had been part of that.  And they complained that, hey, if we can’t even do this bill, in what they view as a bipartisan way, how are we going to do bigger bills like stimulus or health care reform in a bipartisan way?  Could you address that?

MR. GIBBS:  I don’t — I didn’t watch the debate.  Obviously, a 66-32 — I think that was the vote — I think is a pretty strong endorsement on a bipartisan — in a bipartisan fashion for a priority that as you mentioned has been shared by Democrats and Republicans, but never made it to the desk of the President — or I’m sorry, made it to the desk of the President, but never made it past that point.

It’s long been a priority of this President, and obviously this President’s Chief of Staff.  It’s a piece of legislation that will continue to cover 6 to 7 million children, and increase and expand that coverage by an additional 4 million more.  I think that you heard the President talk in the campaign about how important it was to cover — particularly cover children.

So the President looks forward to bringing Democrats and Republicans to the White House, hopefully soon, maybe as early as next week, to sign that bill into law and to expand health coverage for millions of currently uncovered children.

Yes, sir.

Q    What’s the President’s expectations for this weekend’s elections in Iraq?  And how much will they be a litmus test, in terms of security, as he makes his decisions on the draw-down of troops?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, obviously the President will watch the results, and believes that the provincial elections this weekend mark another significant milestone in Iraq’s democratic development.  There are a series of elections that will happen throughout the country throughout the rest of the year — an important year, again, for that democratic development to continue.

Separately, the President has met with military advisors, the Joint Chiefs, the Secretary, commanders on the ground in the region over the past almost two weeks, to hear from them and quite honestly, for them to hear from him about a way forward in Iraq, Afghanistan.  And also, I think as I mentioned yesterday, a fairly lengthy and engaged discussion at the Pentagon with the Joint Chiefs this week on the health of the military force that we have right now.  I think the Pentagon said this, and it’s true that we expect that we’ll have recommendations and decisions on moving forward on Iraq quite soon.

April.

Q    Robert, what are the guarantees of the stimulus package — as the last stimulus package made little impact, or so economists have said.

MR. GIBBS:  Well, I think if you look at the way that this stimulus package is structured, particularly as it relates to the last stimulus package, I think you’ll see that we took into account some of the shortfalls in both size, scope, and implementation.  I think it’s safe to say that the President wanted something that he believed would be big enough to get the economy moving.

We’ve talked about it in this room.  The government is out of a lot of options as it relates to monetary policy.  And that a fiscal stimulus targeted in the right way that puts money in people’s pockets and uses spending to create jobs can have, as Christina Romer said, an impact in lessening what we believe has already been and will continue to be a fairly deep recession.  And we talked yesterday about — in a couple of answers, changing, for instance, the way some of the tax cuts are structured to individuals in a way that is likely to see them receive and spend that money far more quickly than they would if we simply handed them one lump sum; instead to spread out an increase in that pay over a period of time in which people are likely to get more used to having that money in their paycheck and in their pocket and spending that money. 

So I think a lot of those issues were taken into account.  You see money for infrastructure, for projects that are proven and ready to go.  You see investments in a clean energy economy that we believe will stimulate job growth.  All of those I think are taken into account in order to get the economy moving again.

Q    So the question was, are there guarantees, is there a guarantee of some sort of stimulation for job growth for a loosening of the credit?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, I think the CEA chair has said that she believes and her estimation is that this is a piece of legislation that can save or create 3 to 4 million jobs.  Again, I think if you go back and look at those reports, we’re talking about graphs that cushion the downward blow some. 

But make no mistake that there are big challenges economically.  The President talked this week with Republicans in the House and Senate about not just a recovery plan but a stability package, and there will be some meetings next week at the White House relating to reregulation of the financial industry to greatly assure that the structure that enabled some of what happened — most recently to happen doesn’t come again on this President or another President’s watch; that that’s very important and that only by addressing each of those aspects of the challenges that we face in our economy will we be adequately — able to adequately address those challenges and move the economy forward.

Peter.

Q    Robert, for Americans who are looking at these GDP numbers, these unemployment numbers and who may be alarmed, may be worried about their own jobs, Americans who are unemployed, what is the — what is the White House’s message?  Essentially is it that if we pass this recovery package, if we reregulate the financial sector, if we take these steps, maybe in a year or two these numbers will reverse themselves; in the meantime, hang on?  What would the President say to folks who are just alarmed, frankly, by some of these economic trends?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, let me quote him.  I think he would likely tell you that if Congress and the President can work together across party lines, put aside differences, and get something good for the American people, then help would be on the way.

The President understands that people have hit hard times.  He spent two years on the road and heard about these problems, quite honestly, long before some of these statistics ever started being spit out by a government computer or out of an agency.

We traveled a long way and met a lot of people that had lost jobs or seen their jobs go overseas or were having trouble with mortgage payments for quite some time. 

The President in September of 2007, when it was a little lonely out there, went to Nasdaq and Wall Street to talk about reregulating the financial industry, something that didn’t seem as prescient at the time, but a year later we were probably emailing you drafts of that speech.

The President understands that people are hurting and believes that we have a unique opportunity in this town to bridge our usual partisan differences to get the economy moving again, and that that’s what the American people expect and, quite frankly, that’s what they deserve.

Q    Mr. Gibbs.

MR. GIBBS:  Let me see –

Q    Robert, Robert –

MR. GIBBS:  Yes.

Q    More and more people in Europe are demanding financial stability in the United States.  Is the President considering a conference of global solution to this crisis?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, as I said yesterday — and I know the G20 is going to meet in April — that unless or until we all act in some ways to address the problems that each of us has — not through some global solution, but each of us working together — that unless or until we do that, you’re going to see a solution only have a partial impact on the health of the global economy.  I know that — you know, one of the things that the President hopes to put on his agenda domestically is that reregulation that I just talked about.

I think that’s certainly important for this country and for other countries to have that kind of confidence in the economic system both here and abroad, to not just understand what happened, to respond to it and to get it moving again.  And that through the course of all those things — again, in September — this was a few days after the collapse of Lehman Brothers — one of the things that he specifically said is that we need to take actions together as part of the G20 to ensure that this doesn’t happen again and that we address a series of solutions that doesn’t cause capital to swing from one country to the other because one country is making improvements in their banking system while another doesn’t, and you see dramatic shifts in capital and swings in that way.

Steve.

Q    Robert, what is he going to do about the trial being — going ahead at — the fellow accused of blowing up the USS Cole?

MR. GIBBS:  Sure.  Well, as I said yesterday after the ruling, after we received the ruling, or read about it on — at news reports, that we were in consultation with the Pentagon and the Department of Justice as it relates to that, and we continue those consultations — just as we continue to review the cases at Guantanamo Bay, consistent with the President’s executive orders to do so, with the strong goal of ensuring swift justice.  That’s — and the safety of the American people.  That’s what we owe the families of those that were — that have been injured or killed as a result of terrorist activities, and that’s what we owe the American people in order to keep them safe.

Q    How does he approach this?  Does he approach this as an interested party filing a motion in court, as he did originally, or is the Commander-in-Chief, who can tell the military what to do?

MR. GIBBS:  I’m sorry, say that one more time?

Q    How is he approaching this?  You say he’s talking to both the Justice Department and Defense.  Is he approaching it as a lawyer who is going to file a motion and request something to happen, or as the Commander-in-Chief?

MR. GIBBS:  Well, let me not get ahead of that consultation.  I think that — it’s safe to say that the President has been a critic of this process, that it’s, in many ways, failed to meet that very test of swift justice.  So not just in this case but in reviewing all these cases, the goal is to bring about that swift justice and protect the American people.  I know the Counsel’s Office here, as I said, is in contact with the Pentagon and Justice to see what are the next steps that are involved, and at some point, before I get questions about what those next steps are, as soon as we finish those consultations, we’ll go forward.

Q    Robert, with the Iraqi elections coming up this weekend, how concerned are you that external forces, neighbors of Iraq, specifically Iran and Syria, might play a role that is not in the best interest of the democracy –

MR. GIBBS:  Well, let me not — I don’t want to go into hypotheticals about what may or may not happen other than to say that, you know, we’re going to obviously watch these elections, watch their outcome, and believe that Saturday marks just another — that Saturday marks a very important continued milestone for democratic development in Iraq, and that as the President laid out, that one of the — one of the goals of his review process as it relates to our forces in Iraq is to give more responsibility for security and governing to the Iraqi government.   And I think these elections, again, mark an important milestone towards achieving that and, we hope very soon, to giving them more of that opportunity and more of that responsibility.

Q    Thank you, Robert.

MR. GIBBS:  Let me do the week ahead real fast.

Q    Just one more, sir.

MR. GIBBS:  Let me — I’m going to do week ahead, and then I’m going to go try to get some tea for my throat, Goyal.

Saturday, the only thing I have right now on the President’s schedule — and I will double-check this — is he will attend the Alfalfa Dinner.  Nothing says change like the Alfalfa Dinner.  (Laughter.) 

Q    Will he be speaking?

Q    What would he like to say to Sarah Palin?  (Laughter.) 

Q    Will he be speaking there?

MR. GIBBS:  He will speak there.

Q    What’s the coverage on that?

MR. GIBBS:  And I think I just took his first joke.

The President will watch the Super Bowl here.  We will send out a list of friends and colleagues that will watch the game here.  The President — and I apologize, this is going to be somewhat oblique — will have meetings and announcements here at the White House Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.  (Laughter.)

Q    Will there be a press conference on Thursday?

MR. GIBBS:  Mine does not say that.

Q    Williamsburg excursion?

MR. GIBBS:  He will attend the Democratic Senate retreat on Wednesday.  On Thursday morning the President will speak at the National Prayer Breakfast, and will travel to Williamsburg for the Democratic House retreat on Thursday night.  So I will endeavor to see if there are any other additions to the schedule for the weekend.

Q    That’s not an overnight, is it?  Just there and back?

MR. GIBBS:  I do not believe — I think it’s just there and back.  Do we know — we’ll figure that out, but I think it’s just a night –

Q    And the topic on the radio address?

MR. GIBBS:  The economy.  (Laughter.)  We will get you guys — we’ll get you the address early so that you’re not up at 6:00 a.m.

Q    Thank you.

MR. GIBBS:  Thanks, guys.  Have a good weekend.

                            END                   2:46 P.M. EST

I have four half-brothers and one half-sister from my father’s previous five marriages. He separated from my mother just before I was born. Mom moved my brother and I to New York City and she made a life for herself as an executive secretary to a well-known architect. After a few years, she met another man, got remarried and we moved to the suburbs. In the meantime, my biological father was already on marriage number two. As in some cases, for those born in the mid 1950′s, “secrets of the past” are sometimes left unspoken. In my case, I was totally unaware that my father (mom’s second marriage) was NOT my biological father. I went through life (into my early 20′s) thinking that the man who raised me was indeed my bio-dad.

Then came the day my brother was to be married and that’s when the “secrets of the past” began to surface quickly. My brother needed to be told that he was NOT who he thought he was (in name – for twenty-five years) as he needed to be legally married and as he was not legally adopted by our stepfather, he was simply using the last name of our stepfather (as I had) for years without knowing that our mother had been divorced and remarried.

Our stepfather was a pretty powerful figure in our lives and in the corporate world. He had 100′s of employees and was a pretty stern fellow – all the way around. He was also very bright and decided that when he married a woman with two children, a few things had to be cleaned up before, during and after his marriage to our mother.

First, there were the birth certificates with the biological father’s name written on them, they had to go, so, the story is told that when were we one and two years of age, the New York apartment caught on fire and all of the important documents (like Birth Certificates) went up in flames.

Next, we could not go through life without a legal identity and dad had already thought this one through. He arranged to have us baptized and issued Baptismal Certificates. Let’s keep in mind that back then everything was on paper and one could get a driver’s license with a Baptismal Certificate if they did not present a Birth Certificate. However, one other piece paper worked in conjunction with the Baptismal Certificate and that was a Social Security Card, which acted as a second form of identification. With Baptismal Certificate in hand, we went to the Social Security Office (at age 14) to pick up our SSN cards and then with those two pieces of I.D. picked up our driver’s permits at age 17. Again, back then no one asked questions like “where’s your Birth Certificate?” It was the perfect storm to create the perfect storm 6 years later.

So, my brother falls head over heels for a beautiful woman, pops the question and she gives him the resounding “yes” tears and all. Mom and dad were none to happy with his choice in mates and they did whatever they could do to discourage the marriage. However, my brother was set in his ways and was not going to be told who to spend the rest of his life with (his mind was made up).

A few months after the marriage announcement, I was going to Germany for a three-month internship and needed to get a passport. Dad told me he would take care of getting the passport but, I decided to go get it on my own. Armed with Birth Certificate, DL and SSN card, I headed on over to the post office and they told me I needed a birth certificate, so, I got in the car and drove 75 miles to the Bureau of Vital Statistics. I presented all of my information to the clerk. As the clerk walked up to the counter (with birth certificate in hand), she asked me if I was sure of my last name. Huh?

She didn’t want to hand over the certificate. She told me to go home and talk to my parents. Now, I’m over eighteen years of age and knew I had a right to have it in my hands and I reminded the clerk that I had such a right. She reluctantly handed over the certificate and all the information was correct except for one minor detail. The name of my father was not correct. I looked up at the clerk and told her there must be some mistake and she informed me that all the information matched up except for the father’s name. I paid my few dollars for an original copy of the certificate and headed home to mother.

No doubt, many things ran through my mind during that very long ride home. My biological father had been in the marines and I wondered if he was killed in action. Interesting that my first thought of a father, I never knew, was that he was a hero of some kind and the thought that he died for my country gave me a feeling of both pride and sorrow. I could forgive my mother for the “secrets of the past” if my bio-dad had died in action and she re-married for reasons like love. However, there never seemed to be much love around our household growing up. The word was seldom used by father and always bestowed by mother. When I got home and confronted mom with the certificate, she  told me to go see my father. Interesting that she passed the buck back to step-dad.  

So, I get in the car and drive to his office and we got to lunch. He was an all business type fellow and this revelation needed to be handled at a lunch meeting. When I presented him with the facts, he denied it all. In fact, he denied it five times and then I pulled out the birth certificate and he turned a bit pale. He told me to go home and talk to my mother about it. OK, the buck goes back to mom.

Mom had a sorted tale of betrayal, denial and a few other things I won’t go into. What I found out is that the cover-up began before I was born so, what was the harm in not knowing? In other words, I was in the womb during the divorce wars and sheltered by the fluid of love.

In a nutshell (a large one) I find out bio-dad is alive and well, living 50 miles from our home. He was in the marines but, left after his first tour of duty (no hero), he was married and divorced five times since his marriage to mom. He had fathered a brood to rival any Mormon and his chosen profession was that of a plumber. One condition of his divorce (from mom) was that he would not have to pay child support if he stayed away. Nice deal if you can get and he took the deal, however, I learned (in later years) that he would drive up once a month to watch his two kids playing the front yard of their nice big house.

Yes, we came from money and he did not. We got all the perks that he could not provide and this was one of many reasons mom bolted from the first marriage.

After the long sorted stories, I knew there would be much more to learn, however, I was asked not to tell my brother what I had learned, as they planned to sit him down in a month and tell him themselves. Remember, the nuptials were close at hand but, my brother could not be married until he was legal.

Thirty days to the day, mom and dad sit my brother down and break the news. He goes nuts, storms out of the house and all goes to hell in a hand basket. Now, mom and dad did one thing I just can’t forgive them for and that’s when they told my brother that I had found out that step-dad was not bio-dad a month before. To this very day, 30 years later, he still does not talk to me. I guess add an extra does of betrayal to “all-out betrayal” and one can’t get over it.

Both mom and dad die (30 days a part) 10 years ago and we attend funerals and memorials, but, my brother and I never communicate again. Bio-dad on the hand, has his own story of what happened and I meet him a number of times, go through the hugs and kisses (expected) and then we drift apart, never to meet again.

Here’s where the story gets interesting:-) While mom and dad are slumbering in their crypts and my brother does not talk to me, my half-brothers and sister become my family. You see, while bio-dad was out producing broods, the half brothers and sister were also going through divorces and marriages (and betrayal). In the end, all we had were the “loose ends” the kids left behind to fend for themselves in this quagmire of deception. No, none of my fellow half-siblings knew I existed until my early twenties (when I showed up on their door-steps). With the advent of Facebook, I’m sure there’s more of us about the place and I’m still searching the past for clues and plan to put a family tree together - with broken branches:-)

This brings us to Obama’s brother George (where we started). Nothing is ever what it may seem to be and I can see why George reached out to CNN, as opposed to his half-brother. Obama should keep in mind that bio-dad’s have a way of creating their own reality and that “reality” is NOT always shared with (or by) the half-siblings. The beliefs of the bio-dad are NOT always shared with the children and the stories are varied in both number and facts, as to the why and how bio-dad leaves mom and then easily moves on to the next womb.

George is reaching out to one of the most powerful men in the world – his brother. Yes, he’s a half-brother but, his brother nonetheless. Maybe he did get caught with marijuana and he wanted to be picked up in order to reach out. No doubt, he’s an attention-getter. Again, there’s always a back-story and each side has their own “truths”. Hopefully, George and Obama will come together and share their own “truths” with each other. Foregoing George and Obama having their own intervention, I’m sure the story will eventually unfold through the tabloids, a book or a movie of the week. Gotta love family:-)

I think he’s a pretty good leader based upon his first few weeks in office. He’s seems to be charismatic to the point of disbelief. But, can we believe him? Will he do right by the American people or, is he just another President intent on coming out of the gate (quickly) and getting some high points during his first 100 days? I don’t know why we judge any President on his first 100 days in office but, it seems to be some type of tradition hyped up by the media. Is 100 days enough to judge any President? George Bush had many a hundred days to get something (anything) done and he spent more time putting out fires and raising the paranoia level of Americans to an all time high.

I think when history judges Bush, he’ll be known for the fight against terrorism but, little else. He won’t go down in history as being a President for the people. Obama, on the other hand, seems to have that mix of emotion and attitude that says, “Look, I’m the President of the free world, but, I’m not unapproachable”. In fact, he gives me a feeling that I could one day show up at the White House, run into him in a hallway and he’d shake my hand and maybe offer me a cup of coffee.

I look at Obama as a guy who watched movies like the ”American President” and “Dave”. We could all relate to Kevin Kline as “Dave” and I think we could relate to Michael Douglas as the type of fellow we’d want to see in the White House. We want (we need) a “regular guy” who orders hamburgers on Air Force One and tells a visitor to the White House “Yes, have a good look around but, don’t break anything”. We want to be able to relate to the man who’s the driving force behind “hope” and we want to be able to come to terms with sending our son’s and daughter’s off to war (when asked) and believe in the person who’s asking us to make that potential sacrifice.

I have a neighbor who told me that the First Lady is a racist and that she can’t stand white people. I nearly laughed in her face as I said to her “If the First Lady is a racist and does not like white people, I can see why, as there’s plenty of white people I don’t like either”.  Now, I find this statement hard to believe and quite frankly, where I’m from, the KKK is still alive and well in the neighborhood.  I think this is the fundamental problem we have in this country right now and it has to do with race. Time to get over it and move on.

I like the idea that Obama signed the bill for equal pay for women and, that was a long time coming. I think his stimulus package will do some good but, as with any “let’s get the economy going” scheme, there has to be some caution. Getting the troops out Iraq in 16 months, go for it and closing down Gitmo, no question about it. Bailing out banks on a weekly basis – I have my reservations on that idea, as do most Americans. But, for the most part, Obama has come out of the gate at a nice trot. He’s not sitting back and doling out his promises over a period of four years, hoping for another four, he’s acting on them now and that’s much more than what has happened in the last eight years.

All this said, I’m a tried and true Republican. However, I voted for Obama not because there was no one better than McCain or Palin “the butt of jokes”. No, I voted for Obama as my “gut” told me that he’s the one. I didn’t take his race, good looks or friendly nature into consideration when casting my vote. I voted for the “man” and his convictions. His message and his tone. In the end, I didn’t vote for him to make history – just to change it:-)

lbanez was the brains (no doubt) and knew when it was time cash in his medical license and cooperate with authorities. He was facing a twenty-year prison term but, with his cooperation he quickly shaved that down to four-years and a few months.

It’s been reported that one woman purchased (get this) $40,000.00 worth of the pills over the net for a 40 pill per day habit. The wife of lbanez did her pleading with the court in stating that her husband was a “good man” and that he stood by her when she was dying of cancer. My dad was a good man too and he died while caring for my mom who had cancer but, he never set-up shop on the net and sold $85M worth of painkillers (worldwide). His attorney stated that his client led an otherwise “exemplary life“. Sorry, but, that “exemplary life” included selling painkillers for more than a few years, which ruined more than few lives.

No doubt, the witnesses against the doctor were former patients, who told their stories of ruin and addiction. However, while the doctor was the enabler, what label does one place on the victims. Rush Limbaugh (for all of his nonsense) admitted his addiction to hydrocodone and oxycotin. The news date for the CNN article on Limbaugh’s “open talk about drugs” was in November of 2003 and Dr. lbanez was selling his wares in Florida at about the same time. I wonder if there’s any connection between the two cases. Limbaugh was quoted as stating “I’m no role model” and it’s the first thing out of Rush’s mouth I can agree with. No, sir, you’re NOT a role model for anything I can’t think of.

Nonetheless, the Tampa doctor is going away for a short stay (much less than he deserves) and more than likely much richer for the experience (in financial terms). Under specific laws concerning the sale of drugs, it was my understanding that ill-gotten gains from the sale of drugs (don’t know if this applies to prescription drugs) are forfeited. However, I see nothing on-line or in the local tabs that state anything other then the gross sales of $85M for the period ending November 2007. In other words, what about lbanez’ property and cash, where’s the money?

As for Rush, you’ve really become a bit of a wind-bag over the years and your latest statement concerning Obama and your “hope” that he fails, is what one could expect from a right-wing, know-nothing – recovering drug addict. I thought there were twelve-steps in that program you attended, maybe you skipped a few:-)

If the carriers don’t get their way, they simply cancel your policy or, refer you to another insurance carrier, which they have a stake in. Where does it end? First, they make it near impossible for homeowners to get the insurance they need and, if you can afford the premium, you’re still never fully covered, as the carriers are as slick as Wiley E. Coyote. 

They came into this State wanting to sell insurance, however, always seem to find a way to hike Floridians premiums and/or pull the old “fine, if we can’t get a 47% rate hike, we’ll just cancel the policies”.  This is no different then the big three going to Congress and throwing out the old “if we can’t get billions in a bailout then we’ll layoff how many Americans?”

It comes down to being held hostage. It’s akin to extortion and State Farm should be booted out of Florida and replaced with a state funded insurance plan. Homeowners could pay a flat rate of “x” and renters could pay a flat rate of “y”. It would cut down on insurance fraud, as specific limitations could be placed within each plan. If a hurricane comes by, the Federal Government will declare the area a disaster zone and pump in the additional money to re-build wait…didn’t they do that in New Orleans? OK, scratch the last part of that idea.

When my homeowners was canceled they did it based upon the near miss of a hurricane (or so they said), that was four years ago. The insurance carrier sent me a love note and referred me to Universal, an insurance carrier owned by who? The carrier who canceled me. Huh? My rates quadrupled and I live 20 feet in the air on the second floor of a condo. Huh? (again).

OK, so I cut back on insuring my personal items like furniture, you know, the basics and my rate

Florida Sinkhole Gophers - A State Farm Friend..

still did not go down. The reason for canceling my policy? Sink holes were found thirty miles away and I guess the carrier thought there was a giant mole (or gopher) making his way to Tampa. Please!

Here’s what I did. I have the most basic (I mean basic) coverage I could find. In order to afford my homeowners, I canceled my health insurance. I know what you’re thinking but, drastic times, call for unusual measures. I figured it this way. If I end up with cancer or some catastrophic disease, I can claim poverty and receive FREE health care until the day of my death. I can go on Medicaid. My condo will be protected against impending sink holes and the bank holding my mortgage (on my worthless condo) will be fully protected.

My point is – seems that insurance carriers want to pick and choose who they insure. They discriminate against policy holders based upon a number of factors such as geographical location and even demographics. They do not seem to feel any alligance to their customers – only to pocketbooks. The insurance commissioner of Florida did the right thing by saying NO to a 47% rate hike. If State Farm wants to be out of the State of Florida, so be it, however, once they’re gone out Of Florida (along with their agents and offices) dont’ let them ever conduct business in the State of Florida in the future.In fact, toss them out Florida and don’t even allow them to offer ANY TYPE of insurance.

The counter from the Insurance Commissioner (in a perfect world) would be for him to inform State Farm, you want to cancel Floridians insurance? Fine. However, you can longer sell auto, boat, health or life insurance to a Florida resident ever again. If State Farm wants to put Florida policyholders out on the limb by canceling their policies, send State Farm a message by canceling ALL of your State Farm insurance.

Pastor Ted has been busy leading a double life. This is nothing new when it comes to married men (with children) who like a man on the side. In Ted’s case, he was not only busy – getting bizy with other men – he was also covering up his tracks with a settlement agreement and payoffs for silence. I don’t have a problem with married men having an identity crisis, however, I do have a problem with married men who claim a devotion to God and go down on their knees for reasons other than simply praying.

What’s the little woman think about all of this? Who knows. She’s probably not surprised that her husband was into men and more than likely had a gut feeling that Ted was cuddling up with boys on the side.

Can we feel sorry for the men who have come forward and have claimed that Pastor Ted led them down the road to drugs, alcohol and depression? I think not. It does not appear that Ted was flirting with young boys and was smart enough to find consenting adults in which have his bit of fun. Those who have come forward, in an attempt to nail Ted to the cross, may have had some problems with their own sexuality and it certainly does not sound like Ted was tying people up and/or drugging them into submission. No, it sounds like Ted found willing men who saved up their stories for a rainy day.

No doubt, many may find it comical that Pastor Ted had the ear of George Bush and this is where the duality gets a bit interesting. The old administration had problems with gay marriage and even Bill Frist chimed in on defining (and supporting his buddy George) in keeping marriage defined as between a man and a woman. However, George was rubbing elbows (as was Frist) with Gay Republicans who thought they had found a sympathetic ear – they were wrong. The double cross on the gay marriage issue was brewing just before George’s second term was to be set in stone.

Ted’s three year affair with a male escort seems harmless enough. In fact, the male escort looks like he was worth every penny, however, if it had been a woman would there be such a big deal being made out of Ted’s past transgressions? 

When Jimmy Swaggart had his affair, he whined, moaned and cried on television - seeking redemption. However, if Jimmy had been buggering another man, the backlash from his flock would have had dire consequences for the future of his ministry. Another example of “when things can go very wrong” is Jim Bakker. Many may remember Jim bilking followers out of millions. While that was the BIG story, the back story was Jim’s hi-jinks in the steam room with other men (at least one we know of). Jim was having his own fun on the side and served his time. However, are we beginning to see a trend with these people of God? Seems to me that hypocrisy reigns supreme, when it comes to what the good book says you can and can not do and, what these men of God are doing behind closed steam room doors.

Pastor Ted claims he’s getting help. What type of help he could possibly be getting to help him overcome his sexual proclivities - is a mystery to me. Sorry, but you’re either gay, straight or bi-sexual. I think Ted falls into the BI category (if anything) as it’s his safest bet in keeping what dignity he has left – with both his flock and his family. On the other hand, he could be a gay closeted fellow (who’s no longer closeted) and was outed for he is.

Unfortunately, the gay world can be cruel and even crueler to those who do men on the side, lead a double life and are then outed by other gay men who hate hypocrisy and/or the double-standard.

The double-standard between gay men (and closeted gay men) comes to the surface when ”out” gay men, prey upon closeted gay men and screw them in more ways than just one. Add a touch of celebrity (to a closeted gay men) and you have a recipe for disaster. I don’t applaud the gay men who have come forward to tell their sorted tales about Pastor Ted. In fact, they’re deplorable (especially the one who took money for sex). As for the male escort, he was paid for his services and should have kept his mouth shut, as he was paid. The notion of gay men coming forward and offering to take lie detector tests, to prove they had sex with Pastor Ted, is about as bad as it gets in the gay world.

Pastor Ted probably asked for the taste of hell he’s currently living. He spoke out against gay marriage, picked uncaring bed fellows, paid for sex (and silence), betrayed his wife, family and his followers. Now, I ask anyone, if that’s not hell, I don’t know what is.

OK, I can agree (somewhat) that Zoos and Aquariums may need some help from the Stimulus Package, however, when it comes to swimming pools and golf course, I’ve got to say NO WAY!

When it comes to Casinos, just who do they think they’re kidding? Casinos across this country have been raking it in for many, many years. They have lived off every American class. They have contributed to making the poor – poorer and even the rich – poor.

While the casino industry may employ many more Americans than the auto industry, just where do we draw the line when handing out billions of dollars in bailout money? Does Wynn or Trump need a bailout? I don’t hear Trump running around thumping his fist at Congress demanding his fair share and I certainly don’t see Wynn asking for money. In fact, Wynn has just finished building his new Encore casino resort and he seems to be doing just fine. If those, at the super conglomerate who own MGM Grand, New York, New York (and about ten other casinos) need a bailout, they should be shown the door. CEO’s like Trump and Wynn appear to have managed their casinos to the point of NOT needing assistance, then again, if we see Wynn or Trump before Congress then it’s a different story.

If any portion is to be claimed by casinos, you can expect them to not only ask for money for their casino but, for their Swimming Pools and Golf Courses as well. In the case of a few of the Vegas casinos, you can expect those with caged up lions, tigers and bears to be attempting to qualify for bailouts under the Zoo category.

What’s next in line is the entire tourism industry. We might as well start handing out money to Disney, Universal Studios and Six Flags as well, they’re suffering too.

The one sector that does not seem to suffer are State Lotteries. They claim to have pumped billions into education over the years and I don’t doubt that claim. In fact, if Americans have a few extra bucks in their pocket, they’ll take that leap of faith and play the American Dream.

I’ve been to the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Florida a few times in the past year and they don’t seem to be suffering. In fact, they have a ”hold” on this community through mass mailings and advertisements. They offer free car drawings every week, free play and free food coupons. You can go in there any day of the week and find our seniors dumping their pennies into Hard Rock’s machines. Now, with the addition of table games, you can find college students playing Black Jack just about any day of the week. Small local business owners are taking their chances with the little money they have coming in and depositing it at the Hard Rock casino in Tampa.

What we need is NOT to bailout casinos. We need to shut them down and move them out of lcoal communities. They’re paying their employees minimum wage (if they can get away with it) and are reaping in billions per year.

Las Vegas hedged its bets on tourism and Vegas is a prime example of what can go wrong when the economy is in the dumps. However, Vegas is confined to the desert but, Indian casinos are springing up all over the country and/or expanding.  Are the Indians helping their own? I would think the answer to that question is a resounding NO! In fact, more than a few billion of the Stimulus Package is earmarked to help the poorest Indian tribes in this country. What this should tell Americans is that the prosperous tribes, operating casinos in this country, are NOT passing down any substantial portion of their gains to the poorest of tribes - at the poverty level.

While the inclusion of casinos within the bailout proposal was symbolic in nature, the thought that anyone could include the word “casino” within any proposal is an insult to the intelligence of Americans. In fact, casinos will more than likely realize increased revenues once the Stimulus Package is approved, as those at the poverty (or near poverty) level will head to their local casino and place their bets.

Yes, I spent a few weeks trying to get Super Bowl tickets. I figured that the stadium (at the very least) puts aside tickets for those in the local community. I figured wrong! I called up the stadium and waited for 35 minutes to get through to a real live employee. I asked if there wasa special day (or a way) in which to buy two tickets and he responded that “We’ll, it’s a bit difficult, as the NFL controls the majority of how the tickets are distributed. First, they go to the teams, then to the sponsors, then to more sponsors and then any other sponsors who want them. While our stadium holds 10′s of thousands of people, we simply can’t accommodate those from the local community – it’s out of our hands”.

After all was said and done, he offered me a package in which if I purchased season VIP passes, for a cost FIVE FIGURES, I could get two tickets to the Super Bowl. So, you have to spend $10,000+ in order to get a hold of the few coveted seats that Raymond James Stadium has set aside for those with MONEY!

Now, let’s talk about money. Who has money right now? I know I don’t have 10K to piss way (oh, BTW, you also get to pay $800.00 for each of the two tickets after forking out 10K) in order to get to the head of the line. What am I thinking? There is NO line! In other words, you could go camp out and be at the head of the line on Super Bowl day but, you’re not getting a ticket – no way – no how (unless the scalpers are out in force)!

Yes, you can buy nosebleed seats on line for $1600.00 but, who has $1600.00 on hand? Then  again, a parking pass alone will set you back $95.00!

Now, this brings up an interesting question, why can you buy them on line for $1600.00 up to $4600.00 per seat but, Raymond James is NOT selling tickets to the public? Could it be that the sponsors are out there selling tickets through on line ticket agencies? Just how are these on line companies getting  a hold of Super Bowl tickets and turning them for huge profits!

What’s no surprise is who’s sponsoring some of the pre Super Bowl events. Bank of America (a real Bailout favorite right now) is sponsoring (count em’) FIVE events! You can bet that Bank of America (with all of its financial troubles) will be sitting in the best seats the house to offer. Just where does B of A (in the present economic climate) get off spending money sponsoring FIVE Super Bowl events? Don’t tell me its good for business, no,  it’s good for the executives of B of A and their CHOSEN guests. Can’t convince me otherwise about B of A on this issue. In fact, B of A sponsoring FIVE Super Bowl events is akin to the big three flying in private jets to Washington, with hat in hand. People, do what I’m going to do, go close your Bank of America accounts to set an example. Don’t support a business (a bank no less) which seeks billions in bailout money but, has NO problem spending XXXXXXX for a Super Bowl presence.

While the Super Bowl may good for the local economy, it’s NOT good for the average Joe (in Tampa) who has never been closer to a Super Bowl game then his TV set.

The solution is simple. Next time the Super Bowl comes to town (which will be highly unlikely) Raymond James Stadium needs to put 10,000 seats aside (at the regular price of any Buccaneers game) for the locals. This is not only a time to revel in the Super Bowl coming to Tampa, it’s a time for those who can’t afford to fly around in private jets or afford to be a coveted sponsor, to have an opportunity to experience something in their own backyard - without being hosed for money they don’t have.

Thanks, Raymond James Stadium (and the NFL)  for NOTHING!

One more thing…Bank of America asked for their BAILOUT MONEY today! I guess Super Bowl tickets were more expensive than I thought:-)

What they leave behind is a mess. A financial debacle. A war (or two) and a recession (possibly a depression). I hope they find happiness and continued comfort in their various Texas digs.

I also found it interesting that when GW was announced, one could hear a pin drop, as opposed to the response of Jimmy Carter’s entrance.  You see, George, the two million on the mall were of a demographic that included the unemployed, disenfranchised, the poor, the minorities and those abused by a government, which was NOT what they had bargained for.

When someone gets a job (any job), the employer or, employers (the American people in this case) expect the employee (Bush) to do the job at the will of the people – not the other way around. Unfortunately, Bush got eight years (four years too many) and decided to do things his way. Yes, he had some help along the way (and the support of his party) and that was also part of the problem. 

Bush can take credit for stopping terrorists attacks on U.S. soil, however, his focus strayed from the needs of the people and their future. This is where Obama comes into the picture. Obama offers hope, which Bush was unable to do or, even tried to add to his short list of accomplishments. You see, if a man gives another man (or woman) hope for the future, they can live through all of the bad times to get to the good times. They’ll sacrifice for the man who offers them hope.

Obama (even if he does nothing else in the first four years) offers HOPE. Yes, maybe we’ve built him up to be a legend in our own minds, however, the fact that he has gained the absolute respect of the American people confirms the little respect many Americans had for Bush in his final years.

For myself, I am completely (and utterly) ashamed for ever having supported Bush and his Administration. I felt today as I though I had to ask for forgiveness for being biased to an Administration that had spent more time digging the hole for Americans deeper – then one could have ever imagined. I am ashamed of every time I thought that an African American was simply not good enough to run this country. I am ashamed of every racist thought I’ve ever had.

I live in all white neighborhood in a racist town. The African Americans, who work in local stores can’t afford to live here and have a long commute to and from work. Today, I went into the local pharmacy and the assistant manager (who I’ve never met) is an African American. He was manning the check-out counter and as I was checking out, my cellphone rang and he heard me respond to the caller with “Oh, happy day”. When I hung up the phone he asked me what I meant by “Oh, happy day”. I told him I was thrilled that Obama had just finished taking the oath and he smiled, leaned over the counter and gave me a hug and a pat on the back. Yes, a few people in line (not Obama fans) cast a look of disdain. Yes, even in South Florida, we have backwards thinking people who don’t see a future, as they have no hope.

So, I will do what Obama suggests and start first by purging thoughts of racism and discrimination from my mind. I’m 51 and I took an oath today as well – to support my fellow man, no matter his race, creed or color – Thank God, I’m free at last:-)

Let me put this into perspective. When I first met President Bush (after 9/11), I was checked out by Secret Service and walked right into a private function room with the President and First Lady. There were about 90 of us meeting the President and the First Lady. No one was patted down, we did not take off  our shoes and empty our pockets. In fact, we did not hand over our cellphones and no one (that I recall) had a metal detector (wand) waved over their bodies. In other words, getting through security was a walk through the park. 

It is my opinion that Bush (and the Administration) certainly used paranoia, as part of their overall plan to scare Americans into a state of submission. Keep Americans in fear of their lives (and security) and you can lead them in any direction you choose. The attention then turned to Iraq and the infamous Weapons of Mass Destruction search. While all of the attention was turned toward war, things at home went awry. Seems Mr. Bush was spending so much time (and money) looking for WMD’s, that in his own backyard, the biggest financial crisis of ALL time was brewing. In fact, it was festering like an open boil. Nonetheless, Bush continued his personal/private war against another nation, when his own country was slowly (but, surely) going into the abyss of a recession (some say a depression).

Enter Obama. Young, vibrant, accessible and clearly willing to listen to the people. The people (collectively) have had enough. However, can Obama deliver or, will he too be joining ranks of GW within the next twelve months? No doubt, 50% of the country did not vote for Obama for a number of reasons. One reason is his race. While many white Americans voted for Obama, many did not. No doubt, in the deep south, the rednecks (for lack of a better term) are not too thrilled to have a black President. That said, the “psychology of dislike” may be fueled more by race than by Obama’s actions or in-actions. Obama wants to be a President of the People (all people) however, he has to appease the left and the right in order to do so.  He’ll walk a slippery slope within the next twelve months, as he tries to up-start the economy. He will come under fire from both Democrats and Republicans and some will call for him to be impeached (the t-shirts are already being sold on-line).

However, Obama can stave off the “psychology of dislike” by simply being himself. Again, he’s accessible to the people. He’s also very charismatic. Then again, so was Kennedy. The Kennedy family has been able to overcome the “psychology of dislike” due to a number of factors.

John F. Kennedy was revered, never disliked and got away with just about anything - from screwing his mistresses - to backdoor dealings with mobsters. However, no one remembers any of these transgressions, as he was a likable fellow and told people what they wanted to hear. His coffin rambling down Pennsylvania Avenue, in a horse drawn carriage, is the memory that stays with many. His son, saluting his father’s coffin (as it went by) was another memory - set in stone.

While the funeral was choreographed by Jackie (to instill these memories within the American people), it also cemented the Kennedy name (and political legacy) for decades to come. To this very day, the Kennedy name and legacy survives due to Jackie’s funeral plans. She wanted an eternal flame and she got it.  In the end, I think that Jackie Kennedy truly deserves the credit for making the Kennedy name as popular as Coca-Cola. So, the Kennedy’s have advanced through decades of political posts in Washington. We can all forgive Ted Kennedy for driving a young woman to her watery death, as well…he’s a Kennedy and he now has a brain tumor. However, we might not put up with a Kennedy (with ZERO experience) taking over Clinton’s senate seat, as well…she has no experience and maybe that eternal flame is simply not burning bright enough to see her through to be seated.

Obama can take a lesson from all of this history and should NOT compare himself to JFK (or any of the Kennedy’s). Kennedy’s private life was a mess and we all found out (years later) about his philandering escapades. However, Obama is NOT that man. He shows very public displays of affection for his wife and children and he’s the consummate family man. If there must be a comparison between Kennedy and Obama, let it be that they’re simply Democrats.

Getting back to Bush. I do feel sorry for the man, as I think he simply did not get it. He took a job he never wanted and was never cut out for. His dad wanted a legacy and he got it – good, bad or indifferent, the entire Bush legacy was flushed - once GW decided that torturing prisoners was the way to go. His firing of prosecutors was simply a misuse of power, which he no longer has and Pelosi should keep pushing Obama to go get em’.

This brings us to Inauguration Day. I can say that when I first met President Bush, I was impressed. When I saw him in action - in the years to follow – he certainly changed my impression to that of a man without a country. It’s possible that we all voted for a man (Obama) based upon the “psychology of dislike” dislike of politics as usual, ousting a President (many disliked completely) and simply seeking to recreate Camelot. I hope that Obama is much more than just a likable fellow.

The Three Stooges?

How do you turn around a business model and make it profitable? This seems to be the question for Detroit automakers. They have lost their know-how and are stuck in neutral. When they should been looking toward the future, to alternative energy cars, they shied away. When they should have been downsizing their operations (and models) they just got bigger and then…got out of control. They kept their losses a secret – to a degree - and then, when faced with a final countdown to shutdown – they finally put the car in drive and headed to Congress with hat in hand.

Is this any way to run a company? How can learned men be so blind, as to NOT see the end of the road?

Personally, I think that the CEO’s (of near-defunct automakers) are no better than Madoff. What’s the difference if you steal money through a Ponzi scheme or, if a corporate giant runs amok in debt and keeps vital financial information quiet - until the near end? Just who is Chrysler to be running to Congress for a bail out? They’re a private company and chose to be private. No doubt, they kept their financial debacle private until they needed public funds. However, in order to receive these funds, they essentially put a gun to the heads of those in Congress and pulled one card out of their back pocket, which was as good as a credit card.

The cunning use of the threat in closing down plants, cutting production and laying off 1000′s of employees could not become a reality in our present economic condition. This said, the CEO’s of these mismanaged companies headed to Washington in private corporate jets. Yes, they learned quickly that it would have been better to drive one of their own vehicles to D.C. but, they truly believed that they had nothing to worry about, as they had that “credit card” in their back pocket. Congress gives them a slap on the wrist and they return in hybrids – what a show.

Speaking of shows…

Where to look for ideas?

What works in selling a car to Joe consumer? First, Joe wants a car that’s put together well, gets decent gas mileage and is of aerodynamic design. In addition, Joe would like a car that has a “look”. Put it all together (at an affordable price) and Joe might be willing to buy a new car. Offer Joe the same old – same old and Joe has no intention of parting with a dime.

The best place to buy a fuel efficient car, with looks and at a decent price is in Europe. Funny, Ford can build all these cool (small) efficient cars for the European markets, however, when it comes to building a “like” car (Americans will fall in love with), Detroit wags its fickle finger of fate and says “no”. Detroit says no, as the cars built for the European markets are for well…Europeans! Yes, that’s right, Europeans expect a well made car that’s fuel efficient and which looks like a rocket! Yes, Europeans have higher standards than Americans when it comes to buying a car. However, this is where Detroit went wrong. Americans (during the past five years) have wised up and will no longer put up with shoddy craftsmanship, cars that get 9 miles to the gallon and an interior in which the seams do not line up on the dashboard.

Could THIS be the Answer to Saving Detroit?

In others words, the CEO’s in Detroit, should get into their private jets and head over to Europe and see what Americans want to buy. A Ford Mondeo would be a good start. The Mondeo is a comfortable car and is actually fun to drive. It’s good looking and gets great gas mileage. I have another suggestion, watch the BBC show Top Gear and get yourself an education. In fact, I think the three blokes at Top Gear could all turn the big-three around by trading their BBC jobs in for the big-three CEO slots, which just might open up in the next few months.

Harrah's Tampa, Florida

I’ve been reading a few horror stories about the elderly (in Florida) who are losing their homes and proverbial shirts at Indian casino’s – namely, the Harrah’s Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, Florida.

There can be NO doubt that allowing the Hard Rock to escalate its bingo games to that of real Vegas style slot machines, not to mention, table games - is taking its toll on the elderly, the impoverished and lower class of the greater Tampa area. I don’t know what the Governor was thinking when he approved and/or made deals with the Seminoles to open up their little Vegas getaways (other than he figured he use the losses from the elderly and impoverished to balance the budget of Florida).

Harrah's Cherokee Casino

I have read a few articles that have stated that the Hard Rock  monitors its players and will pull them aside and counsel them if they (the Indians) perceive the patron may have a gambling problem. However, I’d like to know how many patrons they have actually pulled aside. I’ll bet (a bet) that you can count the number of patrons counseled for problem gambling  – on your fingers and toes. Let’s face it! No one is going to admit to any type of addiction unless they hit rock-bottom, when it may be too late. How many horror stories have we heard (or read) where an elderly person has mortgaged their home to gamble? How many have committed suicide, as they could not tell their children what they had done? Seems to me that if anyone has committed suicide due to a gambling problem then NO ONE is offering any counseling for these people.

Ban Casino Gambling In Florida

The State of Florida has the lotto, which is draining their citizens pockets and they have now introduced Powerball – where does it stop? How about a slot machione at every gas station and convenience store in the state? People buy lotto and Powerball tickets, as they’re tired and poor. They’re looking to cash in on a  dream, which essentially becomes a nightmare for themselves and their community. They lose everything they have and then claim bankruptcy or “off” themselves, as they’re done in this world and think that moving on to the next - is their only option. They do NOT seek out help, as they’re too afraid to admit they have a problem.

Gambling - A Cause of Death

Now, what do the casinos do to rope these poor souls in? Let’s see, they send them coupons for free play, which is anything but! They offer points for play (an incentive, which should be illegal),  they offer them gifts, discounts and free shows and events. In order to make the process of accessing money convenient, they have ATM machines all about the place and let people take money off their credit cards and will even let them write checks! They’ll even give you a credit line to drag you further down into the abyss of debt.

Florida's Seniors Most at Risk!

To top it all off, they have introduced penny slot machines – another B.S. ploy to play with the minds of their players (remember, pennies add up).

If that’s not good enough, they offer drawings for cars and cash on specific dates and times (specifically, when they know floor traffic counts will decerase). This has got to stop if this economy is to get back on track! If Harrah’s thinks they have an argument that they employ thousands of people – guess what? Yes, they employ people in the State of Florida at minimum wage! They have slaves working for them and have conned the American public into becoming slaves to their massive money machines. In most cases, Americans can drive one hour to get to a gambling establishment in this country and this is NOT acceptable.

Here’s what President Obama should do to clean this mess up:

a. Make it illegal to allow ATM machines in casinos.

b. Make it illegal for them perform credit advances on credit cards. In most cases, the patrons are paying high fees to access these funds, which they lose!

c. Make it illegal to offer incentives in exchange for gambling. No rewards programs should be allowed.

d. Make it illegal for casinos to send emails, letters, invitations and coupons to established or prospective customers.

e. Make it illegal to allow any casino to advertise on television or through mass media.

f. Make them establish “monitored” counseling programs for problem gamblers.

e. If a patron lives within 25 miles of any casino, they should only be allowed to enter that casino once in a 30-day period. The casinos can use those comp cards they pass out to monitor residential patrons. In Aruba, they have strict controls for their residents as to keep their citizens from gambling away their life savings. Aruba controls it POVERTY level with this program.

g. If casino’s do not monitor their patrons and it is found that an elderly person has maxed out their credit cards or have filed for bankruptcy, the casino should pay back every single penny to the patron – if it is found that the individual was NOT monitored nor counseled. One could look at this as a fine for failure to comply item F.

h. Credit card companies MUST stop allowing cash advances through casino cashier windows.

i. Banks should NOT honor checks made payable to casino’s under any circumstances.

j. Make it illegal for casino hosts to contact patrons. In most cases, they use buzz words and offer show tickets and free rooms to entice the “weak” into losing more money. Casino hosts may be one the lowest forms of life (career wise) on this planet.

k. Do not allow alcohol to be served to any patron who’s gambling – common sense on this one.

l. Make it illegal for any gaming company to manage an Indian casino. The size of the casino should be determined based upon the number of those who will work at the casino. In other words, Indians should NOT be allowed to grab some land and head over to a large casino management firm and cut a deal and live off residuals. If a tribe does NOT have enough members to operate a casino (or the funds), then they should be shown the door.

Pissing Money Away at Casino's

Now, think about it? Americans are paying outrageous interest on credit card debt acquired through gambling in casino’s. OK, I’m not the Governor but, I have brain and the billions being earned by the few - via the misery of millions - is simply wrong! If this country is to get OUT of debt and be prosperous, Americans have to say NO to gambling. Americans have to get back to basics. If you want to PISS your money away, think (first) about giving it to a good charity or, feed the homeless, however, don’t walk into another casino and PISS it away for nothing! You’re not helping anyone other than those who think they’re entitled to claim they have sovereign land.

Children, with parents in their 60′s on up - should be talking to their moms and dads and making sure they’re not pissing away money at a local casino. You have to take matters into your own hands, as mom and dad may spending your inheritance. They may also be contemplating putting the family car in the garage, starting it up and offing them themselves! Don’t think this happens? It does! Do some research on-line and you’ll find all sorts of horror stories.

While I’m NOT an advocate of alcohol abuse, I will say that a person with a drinking problem is limited to what they can do. When they drink too much, they simply pass out, however, when a person has a gambling problem, there’s no end in sight – until they’re broke. Add a drinking problem with a gambling problem and you have the ultimate addiction.

If we really want to get this country back on track – gambling has to be controlled and regulated to the extreme. No, the casino’s won’t like what’s written on this blog and that’s just too bad as they’ve been busy pillaging the pockets of the elderly, low income families and targeting the most vulnerable of our society – the POOR!

One last word…

Regulate ALL Indian Casino's

How many Indians do you see at Foxwoods in Connecticut? As Trump once said “not many” and he’s right on target. How many billions has Foxwoods earned and how much have they served up to other tribes in this country (the POOR once again come into the equation) not too many. They help themselves. As for the Indians, those who own casino’s, have made their fair share for past transgressions. If you don’t share your wealth with ALL other tribes, then you should be shut down – period. As for Americans, go check out just how “saved” Indian casino owners actually are. Those operating multi-billion and multi-million dollar casino’s get their prescription drugs from the Federal Drug Supply including, subsidies. For the elderly and poor, next time you go into one of these casino’s and think of putting one thin dime in a machine, ask yourself who’s going to SAVE you when you’re OUT OF MONEY!

Bush, Sr. has a library and museum in College Station, Texas. Now, I ask anyone, do we really need two libraries for the first-first family? It’s absolutely comical to think that Bush will also add that extra special touch by including a Policy Institute within his new world. Just what the hell is a Policy Institute?

The price tag for this venture is 300 million dollars and will be raised through donations. Is this some type of joke? If Bush is going to go out and raise 300M to build another Comedy Central then I certainly hope that Americans will NOT give their money to such a wasteful cause. If Bush was any kind of man, he’d double-up with dad at College Station and raise the 300M for the homeless or, better yet, GO RAISE 300M TO HELP RE-BUILD NEW ORLEANS!

Yeah, Mr. President, you remember New Orleans don’t ya? It’s that place you visited with your FEMA Director – the one you commended on doing such a great job. How about redeeming yourself Mr. President? How about doing GOOD work in your retirement years by going to New Orleans and helping the re-build effort? Oh, I forgot, out of sight – out of mind. All those homeless folks will just have to find a way to get by.

If you do build a library, maybe you should include some books about crisis management? Better yet, how about putting some of those weapons of mass destruction (found in Iraq), on display in your museum? Then again, there don’t appear to be any WMDA’s laying about the place to put on display – just thousands of dead American soldiers.

If it sounds like I’m a bit peeved at this nonsense, I am. What’s more disturbing about this Library idea is that if the Bush Library is actually built (and he manages to convince people to donate 300M) then the taxpayers of America can (once again) foot the bill by ponying up the money to operate this venture for many, many, many, many years to come.

When I met President Bush and shook his hand, I must say that his weak handshake did not instill any confidence in me nor my belief in his abilities. When I left the room, people asked me what it was like to speak with the President of the Free World and shake his hand. I said “we’re in a lot of trouble” and he didn’t prove me wrong in eight years. The Bush family should do the “right thing” and take some lessons from Jimmy Carter, go build something that actually does something for the human race – NOT for yourself - and your own vanity.

Just a head’s up - the world does not need another library – we have this thing called the Internet.

Obama..

I was reading today that Obama had his first real Air Force jet ride and ordered a burger and fries for lunch (once on-board). OK, maybe we don’t need to know his daily eating habits, but, I think he’s that type of guy. He’s the type of guy who will ask for a burger and fries, fish and chips or steak and potatoes. He does not seem to be like any former Presidents we’ve ever had. He rolls up his sleeves and digs right in.

One last word. I really don’t care what Obama spends (go for a trillion) to get people in this country back to work. Considering how much Bush and Company wasted during the eight years, whatever Obama spends to get this country back on track is fine by me – remember, you have to spend money to make money.

The Bush Clan..
I also read today that Father George thinks that Jeb is ready for the Oval Office. No, sorry George, you and your clan had your chance and screwed up any possible Bush legacy. I think when history remembers the Bush clan, it will be a lesson in what not to do when running a country. I think the Bush clan has reaped the rewards of politics for generations to come.

I also think that on the day that Bush has that ride in the limo with Obama (one last time) he can take a good long look at the man sitting next to him and maybe, just maybe, finally come to the realization that the world has finally changed. Then again, Bush is not known for coming to terms with his failures and will move to build a library and corral the cows (or whatever they do in Crawford).

Gazooks!
I don’t think there’s any hope for the Israel/Gaza conflict. When the killing is done, then it will finally be over, however, the killing never seems to end. Folks, you’re in the Holy Land, start acting a bit more caring toward each other. Both sides are in the WRONG – there’s no RIGHT in the killing of women and children (let alone, your fellow man).

Travolta…
I can’t think of anything worse than losing a child, let alone, your only son. Travolta is fine man with a lovely family. I think his best film (many may disagree) was “Michael” and he was not only endearing in that film but, I think that the character he played was spot-on, as to who he really is. Who he is “now” is a man who has lost a huge piece of his soul and I hope he recovers and continues his career, even in the wake of his loss. Condolences to the Travolta family.

OK, that’s my weekend take…

 Oh, woe is me. It’s about time you came down from your lofty towers into the real world of people who have serviced your needs, cleaned up after you and basically kissed your ass. Of course, youhad to kiss away $50 billion dollars but, that’s what happens when you pull a Forrest Gump selection of chocolates.

I think it’s fitting that a few Hollywood big-shots got their just rewards for a change as well. You make millions upon millions on the trash you produce and then handed over money to the greatest con artist of all time. Now, there’s a movie in there somewhere for you to produce.

Moving on…

How about this broad living above Carnegie Hall wanting $10 million for her rent controlled apartment? I don’t care how old she is (91) just where does she get off living for a measly $650.00 per month above Carnegie Hall and then asking for $10 million to vacate? They offered to move her ass to anywhere she wanted to go (basically) and she’s snubbed her nose at them.

Quite frankly, lady, wake up and smell the Starbuck’s, as your being 91 is no excuse for being a pain in the ass. Pack your crap (your Carnegie memories, as you call them) and get out! In this day and age when people are living in alleys and in cardboard boxes, you have your nerve.

Blago whatever…

Now, here’s a guy who’s digging in and giving everyone the ultimate dare. It’s a bit funny when you think about it. First, get rid of the “do” if you want people to take you seriously and don’t be a wise-ass. If you’re going to sell senate seats then do it the right way - in-private, in a back alley or a dark garage. Did you not learn anything from your time as Governor?

My New Year’s Resolutions..

• Won’t invest any more than $1.00 in any hedge fund.
• Won’t piss off my landlord.
• Won’t sell any seats to anyone.

This is what I think of when I read that U.S. deaths in Iraq are down 66% in 2008. While this number is impressive, who does it impress? Does it impress the survivors left behind who had to bear the death of their son, husband or brother? No, I’m sorry but, I don’t think 66% LESS DEATH is impressive nor even worth mentioning. I think that ZERO death tolls work well for all concerned.

Has any reader ever seen a dead body prepared for burial? I have. The eyes upon death are open and the life has been sucked away to a pale blue and the skin is cold and pale. If the body has been decimated by gunshot, explosion or some other man-made device, the pieces left behind are nothing but, remnants of an individual who loved and was loved.  Young men are the greatest loss, as they have not had a chance to be who they could be for 75+ years. They may have never had a family, had a chance to have a family and, what family they leave behind have lost something that NO ONE can relate to as each death is personal.

When I see caskets being carried by honor guard in pomp and circumstance, there is something very wrong with that picture. I can guarantee you that the honor guard carrying their fellow serviceman are extremely grateful they’re NOT the one being carried. One great line (by a great author) is Death Be Not Proud.

Someone (anyone) needs to stop the senseless killing. If I was the leader of this country, I could not sleep, eat or drink until I knew that the very last possible soul in Iraq was back on American soil with their families. My conscience would overwhelm me to the point of the absolute decision to NOT sacrifice MY people for any cause on this planet - that was not a direct threat to the soil on which I live and must protect.

The play for Iraq was nothing more than strategic real estate move to gain easy access to problematic areas. Weapons of mass destruction may have been nothing more than a ploy to gain that very expensive piece of real estate.

We allow others to create a scenario, which leads us to believe that America must fight or take a stand to right a wrong – even if those in control of the creation of that scenario are the ones who gave life to the wrong.

All I know is that every casket that comes back from that God forsaken desert with an American inside - is for nothing. You can’t convince with political rhetoric that it was the right thing to do or, that the end results will win peace and democracy. In fact, peace is nothing but an illusion, which can never be realized and democracy is only for those who wish to partake in its fruits without it being thrust upon them.

Throughout history, this country has sat back while millions were slaughtered by dictators and fascists. In some cases, the slaughtering went on for a long time and then we’d finally take the necessary steps to say “no more”.  However, in general, seems we were just fine with others slaughtering their own until it gets out of hand completely. When I see images of mass graves in Iraq recently uncovered, I think we can all assume that the slaughtering was going on for some time.

Now the Israelis and Palestinians are at it again. They’re just looking for any reason to “off” each other and we’ll sit back until it gets completely out of hand and we’ll  finally say “now, we won’t have any more of that” and have to decide the “side” that best serves our purpose. I say, stay out of it and let them have a go at each other. If both sides are fine with killing innocent women and children then I say, let’s not send any of our folks over there to defend any side, as I don’t want to see another parade of caskets coming home with Americans inside for a cause that can be never be won or even controlled. If people hate each other, they will continue to hate each other, destroy each, blow each other up and take as many innocents along with them to their God.

You see, if people do NOT want peace, want to fight and kill each other, then I say, let them have a go of it with EACH other. We don’t have to be peacekeepers for the world, as there’s no end in sight for peace in this world. There’s no control – just negotiations. You can send all the Rice you want to every part of the world and the result will be a bleeding band-aid.

So, here we are coming into 2009, with 66% less death in Iraq, Israelis and Palestinians killing and bombing and each other, caskets still making their way back from Iraq, with the bodies of young men who just began death before life and an economy, which is defined by the word “bailout”.

Have a Happy New Year.

I was watching CNN today and caught that lovely man, Anderson Cooper, interviewing one for and one against - gay marriage. It was a compelling argument and I thought it interesting that Cooper (an openly gay man) moderated the interview. However, at one point both sides of the argument got out of control and they started yelling over each other. It has become evident that those for gay marriage must speak louder or shout over the religious right - at every chance they get.  Gay men and women can’t even seem to get a word in edgewise, as the religious right keep pummeling away at them with the Bible. The “good book” is used at every turn to justify the “hatred” and the “foundation” of that “hatred” at those who have done nothing against God or country.

Went to God

As I sit and watch the “elders” of the religious right fade into the past (or die and join their God) I can only applaud that they are no longer among the living, spewing forth a “hate” message toward a people who simply want to be recognized as not gay, bisexual, trans-gender or anything else but, human beings who have every right to be who they are and live in peace.

Gay couples should not have to hold quasi-marriage ceremonies or partner parties in “secret” or in foreign countries (or only in states that allow gay marriage) to have that relationship be legally recognized. There is no supreme being or court in the land that can dictate who can marry whom.

It's not good when cousins marry

OK, don’t want cousins to marry? Well, there goes half the royal family and their blue blood. I can understand brothers and sisters not being able to marry or those who are underage, however, where does one draw the line? Let’s see, not too long ago in a land not far away, if you were a black man in this country and wanted to marry a white woman, you could be hanged from the nearest tree. If you were from the south, you might as well have strung yourself up from the nearest tree for even having the notion of entering an inter-racial marriage.
There’s a certain sect of Mormons that seem to have no problem with who they marry, just the amount of wives they can marry. Now, I can sit back and give 100′s of examples of questionable marriage ideas but, when it comes to gay marriage, it’s deemed an abomination by those who have a big mouth and small mind.

The hate emails and comments I have received concerning gay marriage, have numbered into the dozens and they are all from God’s people. God’s people? Just who are God’s people? Could those be the ones who dress up in their Sunday best and head to church every chance they get to be redeemed? Are those the ones who need a confessional to “get off” with their local pastor, priest or some other Godly individual who fills them full of fear for their mortal souls? How about those morons on television who spew the same crap each and every Sunday to a group of followers who’s only purpose is to supply the cash for satellite air time and a big ass temple for God?

That’s the problem with the religious right in this country, they are simply sheep. They can be herded to the left or, to the right. They have no mind of their own and therefore can be easily brainwashed with the “good book” and the lame interpretations of those passages - to a literal conclusion. They can sin all they want (in private) and simply be cleansed of their sins the very next day. Now, I’ve not even spoken about the Charismatic Christians and the fanatics, as we know what they’re all about. No doubt, these are the sinners, the righteous, the most pious and the highest of the high that go out and vote against an issue that has nothing to do with them. These are the people who stick together and claim they are “God’s People” and as such, they set policy.

Our German friend at the Vatican is helping things right along as well. Needless to say, one has to look no further than the Catholic Church for hypocrisy – they’ve got that one covered. The Catholic church has done nothing but, to drive its own people away from its own beliefs. Again, we have the “good book” at work and the man behind the curtain setting policy – excuse me, a former member of the party.

Sex is good, it’s righteous, it’s what we all do in the privacy of our bedrooms. Whether you’re straight, gay, bisexual or simply bananas, everyone does it and it’s about time that it’s taken out of equation of gay marriage. This is all about who’s diddling who. If you’re two men or two women, don’t diddle. In fact, if all gay people promised to never have sex with each other again, what would the outcome of the next vote on gay marriage be? Would it be OK if gay be people got married if they promised not to diddle each other? OK, we’ll masturbate but, we won’t diddle around – would that work for the hetero-religious right? No, I don’t think so. I think that in my lifetime I will see a black man in the White House but, that’s as far as we’ll progress as a society. I think that those who are black, who think they’ll advance because of Obama - will be sorely disappointed when they’re held back by those in this country - who will continue to dictate policy, who will decide what’s right, who’s wrong and that change is nothing more than an illusion.