Dictionary.com defines it as: A forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim.
McCain defines it by suspending his current campaign for the Presidency to go back to Washington D.C. to work with the current President and the rest of Congress because doing his current job and role of Senator is more important than a campaign to be President.
Obama defines it by by suspending his current job as a Senator and representing the people who elected him and continuing to campaign and further his desire to be President.
Now, I ask which one of these two is acting closer to the true spirit of what the word means? Which one is showing they have the quality and strength of character you would prefer as a President?
I also have to point out and question something as reported by the MSM.
McCain in his announcement asked for Obama to join him in suspending his campaign. Obama responed with the following statement: “Presidents are going to have to deal with more than one thing at a time,” Sen. Obama said. “It’s not necessary for us to think that we can only do one thing and suspend everything else.”
My response to Sen. Obama is that while you are right in that Presidents do have to deal with more than one thing at a time, we the people expect them to do their job and deal with it! Not continue to campaign or further some legacy building project. We also hold these same expectations of our Senators and Congresspeople. Further, while I am not a registered voter of the great state of Illinois on their behave let me say: "Senator" Obama would you please get your personage back to Washington D.C. and do the job for which you were elected before campaigning for another!
Actually it may have been unfair of me to signal out Senator Obama so let me reiterate this statement in a more neutral fashion:
"Would all Senators and Congresspeople please drop what you are doing, get back to Washington D.C. and make sure the hard earned tax dollars of the people who elected you into office are used wisely and not squandered in a $700 billion goat rope. Set a side your partisan ship and safe guard not the CEOs, companies, committees, regulations, legacies that got us into this mess BUT the American people who will have to foot the bill!"
To those that are not in Washington D.C. because they have to campaign to keep their seat. Maybe you should think ask your self what the voters in your state/district are thinking when the person who THEY elected thinks holding on to their position of power is more important than doing the job the people gave them! Nov isn't that far away AND absentee voters are ALREADY in the process of filling out their ballots and sending them in.
I know from experience as I'm one of those absentee voters and to my Congress person: Rep. Ellen O. Tauscher I say the following: I received my ballot in the mail and will be watching the Daily Republic and Vacaville Reporter on-line editions to see how you "as a member of the NYSE and former Wall Street senior executive" handle this situation before filling out my ballot. On this is for sure, while I'm not going saying how I intend to vote what I will say is that the easiest way to LOSE my vote and guarantee I vote for someone else is for me to read about campaign events you attended in California while this mess is going on when you could be in Washington D.C doing the current job WE elected you to do. Especially since your NYSE and Wall Street experience would make you uniquely qualified to provide valuable input to the only going effort.
Ish
sacrifice. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved September 24, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sacrifice
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Why HR 6899 ( Proposed Energy Bill) should be stopped
Okay here are some details about this bill:
Bans 88% of domestic oil
Bans all oil shale (estimates are 1.8 trillion to 8 trillion barrels in CO, WY, UT)
Raises taxes on the evil oil companies
Doesn't allow states to share any of the revenues, only the Feds
While it allows offshore drilling, it only allows it more that 100 miles from shore and only between 50 and 100 miles with states permission. (So Cuba could tap certain oil pockets off OUR shore but not us.)
While we need a comprehensive energy reform bill, this is one we don't need. What we really need is a bill that opens up offshore drilling as close as 1 inch and exploration of oil shale production WITH states permission. That being said the States who have those oil/shale reserves should logically benefit along side the Federal Government.
Regardless of how close you drill at least 5% of the revenue from any new drilling should go directly into the pockets of residents of those states and 10% should immediately invested into X Prize type competitions to help jump start research, development, and mass market productization of cost effective alternative energy sources that do not impact the cost of food! These can include but not limited to better battery technology for plug in cars, lower cost ways to product solar/wind/geo-therman power, low cost efficient natural gas/methane powered cars, etc.
Ish
Bans 88% of domestic oil
Bans all oil shale (estimates are 1.8 trillion to 8 trillion barrels in CO, WY, UT)
Raises taxes on the evil oil companies
Doesn't allow states to share any of the revenues, only the Feds
While it allows offshore drilling, it only allows it more that 100 miles from shore and only between 50 and 100 miles with states permission. (So Cuba could tap certain oil pockets off OUR shore but not us.)
While we need a comprehensive energy reform bill, this is one we don't need. What we really need is a bill that opens up offshore drilling as close as 1 inch and exploration of oil shale production WITH states permission. That being said the States who have those oil/shale reserves should logically benefit along side the Federal Government.
Regardless of how close you drill at least 5% of the revenue from any new drilling should go directly into the pockets of residents of those states and 10% should immediately invested into X Prize type competitions to help jump start research, development, and mass market productization of cost effective alternative energy sources that do not impact the cost of food! These can include but not limited to better battery technology for plug in cars, lower cost ways to product solar/wind/geo-therman power, low cost efficient natural gas/methane powered cars, etc.
Ish
Earmarks and pork barrels
I'm not talking about the Piggy toy boxes here. I'm talking about the trend in Washington to earmark special projects in the budget bills. I'm home again baby sitting the Piggy while the wife is at the dentist again and listening to the McCain talk on Fox News.
Now I've been a big advocate of stopping earmarks for a long time now and while McCain has just said that he will Veto any bills with earmarks and loudly expose those people who are trying to force them through. All I can say to this is I'll believe it when I see it. Not saying he won't but I'm also a realist and unless WE the people start holding out Congressional and Senators accountable and start voting OUT the ones who do not live up to our expectations and campaign promises then earmarks are going to be alive and well for the foreseeable future. And by voting out our officials I mean voting them out regardless of party affiliation.
Though the one nice item in his talk today was it was the first time I have heard him or any other candidate say the words "Drill here. Drill NOW" and lets invest the increased earnings in technology and projects would create true energy independance.
So to the Maverick I say nice talk, I like what your saying. I hope you can follow through.
In this same vain to give equal time to Obama's talk:
I'm listening to this talk and for some reason all I keep hearing is I"m going to enact legislation to protect people who made bad decisions and use tax payer money to bail them out.
Although some of the regulatory ideas have some merit. Like force full disclosure by any agency/business who borrow from the government. I also completely agree that we need regulators to enforce the rule rather then over look them. But the key question here is WHY are we not holding the regulators feet to the fire when they don't aren't enforcing the rules. On that same note I would say lets start holding states, counties, and cities accountable to Federal immigration laws and withdraw Federal funding for the so called sanctuary cities. Don't get me wrong I'm all for people coming to this great country and taking apart int he American dream BUT DO IT LEGALLY!
This being said Obama has now said he is against corruption and against special interest group funding. But what about his ties to ACORN? I also have to cry foul when he says that he wants to reward people and small businesses with tax credits. But the very people who he is talking about generally fall into his above $250,000 yearly income and need to be taxed more category. Also economics 101: Businesses DO NOT PAY TAXES. Any tax burden a business has is passed directly on to the customer/consumer.
More if I get the time later.
Ish
Now I've been a big advocate of stopping earmarks for a long time now and while McCain has just said that he will Veto any bills with earmarks and loudly expose those people who are trying to force them through. All I can say to this is I'll believe it when I see it. Not saying he won't but I'm also a realist and unless WE the people start holding out Congressional and Senators accountable and start voting OUT the ones who do not live up to our expectations and campaign promises then earmarks are going to be alive and well for the foreseeable future. And by voting out our officials I mean voting them out regardless of party affiliation.
Though the one nice item in his talk today was it was the first time I have heard him or any other candidate say the words "Drill here. Drill NOW" and lets invest the increased earnings in technology and projects would create true energy independance.
So to the Maverick I say nice talk, I like what your saying. I hope you can follow through.
In this same vain to give equal time to Obama's talk:
I'm listening to this talk and for some reason all I keep hearing is I"m going to enact legislation to protect people who made bad decisions and use tax payer money to bail them out.
Although some of the regulatory ideas have some merit. Like force full disclosure by any agency/business who borrow from the government. I also completely agree that we need regulators to enforce the rule rather then over look them. But the key question here is WHY are we not holding the regulators feet to the fire when they don't aren't enforcing the rules. On that same note I would say lets start holding states, counties, and cities accountable to Federal immigration laws and withdraw Federal funding for the so called sanctuary cities. Don't get me wrong I'm all for people coming to this great country and taking apart int he American dream BUT DO IT LEGALLY!
This being said Obama has now said he is against corruption and against special interest group funding. But what about his ties to ACORN? I also have to cry foul when he says that he wants to reward people and small businesses with tax credits. But the very people who he is talking about generally fall into his above $250,000 yearly income and need to be taxed more category. Also economics 101: Businesses DO NOT PAY TAXES. Any tax burden a business has is passed directly on to the customer/consumer.
More if I get the time later.
Ish
Friday, September 12, 2008
Obama ad faults McCain for being injured Vet
Okay so my title may not be completely honest but its just as honest as many of the headlines in the MSM lately.
With that let me explain my logic. The recent Obama ad faults McCain for not being able to use a computer. Well Michelle Malkin user powerpro and others have uncovered an interesting fact: "McCain's severe war injuries prevent him from combing his hair, typing on a keyboard, or tying his shoes." and guess when this was written?
March 4 2000 by Mary Leonard of the Boston Globe. Talk about not doing your homework!
So when one takes this little fact into account you can easily understand my title. In case you can't follow my logic here goes step by step.
1. The lasting affects of the injuries McCain's suffered while a POW prevent him from using a keyboard.
2. Obama and crew fault McCain for not using a computer.
3. So Obama and crew's ad faulting McCain for not using a computer is really faulting him for being an injured Vet.
Unless they honestly suggest that he partake in an action that physically hurts him. What other message can we take from this? I mean would you bother learning to use a computer when it physically hurts you to do so? Or would you have others do it on your behalf?
Ish
Resources:
Goldberg, Johna (Sept 12 2008) Wonder no more. the Corner. Retrieved: 12 Sept 2008 site: http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OTliMTNiZjg5ZDEwZWNiZDYwZWFjN2JlNjNjNjkxZmM=
Leonard, Mary (March 4 2000)McCain character loyal to a fault. Boston Globe. Retrieved: 12 Sept 2008 site: http://graphics.boston.com/news/politics/campaign2000/news/McCain_character_loyal_to_a_fault+.shtml
With that let me explain my logic. The recent Obama ad faults McCain for not being able to use a computer. Well Michelle Malkin user powerpro and others have uncovered an interesting fact: "McCain's severe war injuries prevent him from combing his hair, typing on a keyboard, or tying his shoes." and guess when this was written?
March 4 2000 by Mary Leonard of the Boston Globe. Talk about not doing your homework!
So when one takes this little fact into account you can easily understand my title. In case you can't follow my logic here goes step by step.
1. The lasting affects of the injuries McCain's suffered while a POW prevent him from using a keyboard.
2. Obama and crew fault McCain for not using a computer.
3. So Obama and crew's ad faulting McCain for not using a computer is really faulting him for being an injured Vet.
Unless they honestly suggest that he partake in an action that physically hurts him. What other message can we take from this? I mean would you bother learning to use a computer when it physically hurts you to do so? Or would you have others do it on your behalf?
Ish
Resources:
Goldberg, Johna (Sept 12 2008) Wonder no more. the Corner. Retrieved: 12 Sept 2008 site: http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OTliMTNiZjg5ZDEwZWNiZDYwZWFjN2JlNjNjNjkxZmM=
Leonard, Mary (March 4 2000)McCain character loyal to a fault. Boston Globe. Retrieved: 12 Sept 2008 site: http://graphics.boston.com/news/politics/campaign2000/news/McCain_character_loyal_to_a_fault+.shtml
Three thoughts on the latest Obama ad.
As I sit here in San Antonio, watching piggy while the wife is at the dentist, and watching the news coverage of IKE and the constant replays of the new Obama ad, I can't but help wonder about three things about this ad:
1. What does pictures of McCain from the 80’s have to do with how he dresses and acts today in the 2000's?
Especially the picture of him and President Reagan. In my mind these pictures help reinforce the fact that McCain has more experience than Obama.
2. So what if McCain doesn’t like using a computer?
I’m an IT professional and while I will admit I love computers, networks, and technology, at the end of the day I would much rather meet with people in person or talk to them over the phone than exchange e-mails. In my opinion one can lose the closeness and real compassion/understanding that can only come from real in person human interaction.
AND last but not least (and in my opinion most importantly)
3. Why is Obama and crew picking on the Rubik’s Cube?
Is it that they don’t have enough brain power to figure one out, so many other things they would rather hate on it and disparage anyone who does like it rather then seek understanding and acceptance? I’m a geek and love logic and other brainy puzzles so in my eyes nothings wrong with playing with a Rubik’s Cube in fact it is quite good for at exercising not only the brain but flexibility in the hands and wrists. So, to me by Obama and crew say McCain plays with Rubik’s Cubes, means that McCain is an intelligent person who understands that it is important to stay mentally sharp and have fun doing it. Also the Rubik’s Cube also offers a physical and often over looked benefit: it helps exercise and maintain flexibility in the fingers and writs. Maintaining joint flexibility is very important, but is probably difficult for McCain with his POW injuries. So using a Rubik’s Cube would provide a good two-in-one activity for McCain.
Ish
(Note most of this post was taken from my posting/comment [#151] over at Michelle Malkin's blog)
1. What does pictures of McCain from the 80’s have to do with how he dresses and acts today in the 2000's?
Especially the picture of him and President Reagan. In my mind these pictures help reinforce the fact that McCain has more experience than Obama.
2. So what if McCain doesn’t like using a computer?
I’m an IT professional and while I will admit I love computers, networks, and technology, at the end of the day I would much rather meet with people in person or talk to them over the phone than exchange e-mails. In my opinion one can lose the closeness and real compassion/understanding that can only come from real in person human interaction.
AND last but not least (and in my opinion most importantly)
3. Why is Obama and crew picking on the Rubik’s Cube?
Is it that they don’t have enough brain power to figure one out, so many other things they would rather hate on it and disparage anyone who does like it rather then seek understanding and acceptance? I’m a geek and love logic and other brainy puzzles so in my eyes nothings wrong with playing with a Rubik’s Cube in fact it is quite good for at exercising not only the brain but flexibility in the hands and wrists. So, to me by Obama and crew say McCain plays with Rubik’s Cubes, means that McCain is an intelligent person who understands that it is important to stay mentally sharp and have fun doing it. Also the Rubik’s Cube also offers a physical and often over looked benefit: it helps exercise and maintain flexibility in the fingers and writs. Maintaining joint flexibility is very important, but is probably difficult for McCain with his POW injuries. So using a Rubik’s Cube would provide a good two-in-one activity for McCain.
Ish
(Note most of this post was taken from my posting/comment [#151] over at Michelle Malkin's blog)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
A little levity for this solemn day, word of the day, and question
Yes I know it's Sept 11, but I also know that some levity is needed to balance out the memorials. Unlike the Gilbert Gottfried Hugh Hefner roast, which took place shortly after that fateful day in 2001, I will not be doing the Aristocrats. (If you haven't seen it you should! Gilbert Gottfried the Aristocrats joke WARNING ADULT Language @ link :)
What I will do on the other hand is present a word of the day: tartuffery [tahr-toof-uh-ree].
Why did I pick this work you may ask? Well besides the fact that it is fun to say it it is really an appropriate word for some of the treatment of the Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin has been getting lately from the MSM (main stream media).
Can someone please explain to me how one can: support the position that a woman has equal rights in the work place, celebrate women who balance having a family and a career, and in the next breath question and criticize a woman for attempting who is doing the SAME thing as VP but happens to have an opposing view point?
Maybe I have just too much common sense and that think that all people regardless of gender should be treated equal. So in my mind if you celebrate/applaud one woman for balancing work and a family then you should be celebrate/applauding all women who can do this and especially one who's career may lead her to the second highest office in the US.
If its good for the gander it should be good for the goose. Or in this case if it is good for one goose it should be good for another!
In case you are wondering:
Tartuffery = A show or expression of feelings or beliefs one does not actually hold or possess: hypocrisy, pharisaism, phoniness, sanctimoniousness, sanctimony, two-facedness. See honest/dishonest.
Resource:
Tartuffery. (n.d.). Roget's II: The New Thesaurus, Third Edition. Retrieved September 12, 2008, from Answers.com Web site: http://www.answers.com/topic/tartufferyhttp://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tartuffery
What I will do on the other hand is present a word of the day: tartuffery [tahr-toof-uh-ree].
Why did I pick this work you may ask? Well besides the fact that it is fun to say it it is really an appropriate word for some of the treatment of the Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin has been getting lately from the MSM (main stream media).
Can someone please explain to me how one can: support the position that a woman has equal rights in the work place, celebrate women who balance having a family and a career, and in the next breath question and criticize a woman for attempting who is doing the SAME thing as VP but happens to have an opposing view point?
Maybe I have just too much common sense and that think that all people regardless of gender should be treated equal. So in my mind if you celebrate/applaud one woman for balancing work and a family then you should be celebrate/applauding all women who can do this and especially one who's career may lead her to the second highest office in the US.
If its good for the gander it should be good for the goose. Or in this case if it is good for one goose it should be good for another!
In case you are wondering:
Tartuffery = A show or expression of feelings or beliefs one does not actually hold or possess: hypocrisy, pharisaism, phoniness, sanctimoniousness, sanctimony, two-facedness. See honest/dishonest.
Resource:
Tartuffery. (n.d.). Roget's II: The New Thesaurus, Third Edition. Retrieved September 12, 2008, from Answers.com Web site: http://www.answers.com/topic/tartufferyhttp://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tartuffery
Monday, September 8, 2008
The conventions are finally over.
One thing I have noticed in the military blogging arena in specific and blogging sphere in general is that to be successful you need to either champion a cause of some sort or get political. Because it is a major election season, I would like to iterate two key points about this blog:
1. All opinions I express are just that, MINE, and in no way are that of the Air Force or any other US Gov organization/agency. I also take no responsibility for comments people post to this blog. While I will not out right censor postings because of differing opinions, I do however reserve the right to edit, censor, and/or delete comments that are liable and/or offensive in nature/content.
2. I will do my best not to champion/push any particular party but rather present issues that are important to me and that I wish to spread the word about.
Also the fall term is starting and looks to be a rough one, so while I may not post every day or every few days, I will endeavor to post at least once a week.
Until then check out some interesting happenings over at the EFF site.
Ish
1. All opinions I express are just that, MINE, and in no way are that of the Air Force or any other US Gov organization/agency. I also take no responsibility for comments people post to this blog. While I will not out right censor postings because of differing opinions, I do however reserve the right to edit, censor, and/or delete comments that are liable and/or offensive in nature/content.
2. I will do my best not to champion/push any particular party but rather present issues that are important to me and that I wish to spread the word about.
Also the fall term is starting and looks to be a rough one, so while I may not post every day or every few days, I will endeavor to post at least once a week.
Until then check out some interesting happenings over at the EFF site.
Ish
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