I am tired of the double speak from Nancy Pelosi.
She continues to claim that the Bush administration used illegal torture methods to get information from terrorists and that the CIA lied to her about it. She claims that she was never briefed (only informed) and would not have approved of such "torture" methods to get information. But others including CIA Director Panetta say she knew.
The policy of the Bush administration was to use water boarding to get information from terrorists. It is non-lethal and that does not damage them physically. The process was supervisor by medical to help insure that terrorists were not hurt.
Yet, liberals claim that this is inhuman. My junior high physical education classes were worse than that yet I still had to go through them!
When you get down to the facts, the truth is the Clinton administration did things far worse than the Bush administration. Several key members of the Obama administration were part of Clinton administration that approved capturing terrorists in foreign countries and sending them to other countries.
These countries used real torture methods that would maim or possibly kill the terrorists. If their were medical staff present, they were probably administering drugs to help the interrogation.
The Clinton administration knew exactly what was going to happen to them. (And the worst part is that we had to trust these countries that they gave us the correct intelligence.) They did not want to get their hands dirty by getting the intelligence themselves.
The current administration continues to treat those who disrespect the rights of other (i.e. terrorists and convicted felons) better than law-abiding citizens.
It puts good people at risk of really getting hurt.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Another Prius Please?
The liberal agenda continues to be shoved down the throats of Americans...
Washington is now pushing higher gas mileage standards on automobiles and cap and trade on emissions. From the initial sound bites on the evening news its sounds okay. But the real truth is a lot darker.
Automobile gasoline standards are being raised to levels that mean most people will have to drive a Prius (unless you are politician who gets a chauffeur!). Not only will automobiles cost more, it will lead to more highway deaths. It is common sense that smaller, lighter cars are not as safe as the current ones we drive. But who cares about the safety of people, we need to save that extra gallon of gas.
The concept of cap trade means putting limits on emissions and "selling" rights to exceed them. This is basically another tax at the end of the day.
For our economy, it means more inflation as companies pass these costs to consumers. It will also mean more jobs will be shipped overseas where standards will not as strict (or as expensive). The Heritage Foundation estimates that this will:
I also doubt that it will really help global warming (if you really beleive it...). Scientists are now saying that we are entering into a cooling period over the next several decades. So do we need to take such a radical approach?
The bottom line is that liberals are trying to control Americans and expand their own agendas.
Washington is now pushing higher gas mileage standards on automobiles and cap and trade on emissions. From the initial sound bites on the evening news its sounds okay. But the real truth is a lot darker.
Automobile gasoline standards are being raised to levels that mean most people will have to drive a Prius (unless you are politician who gets a chauffeur!). Not only will automobiles cost more, it will lead to more highway deaths. It is common sense that smaller, lighter cars are not as safe as the current ones we drive. But who cares about the safety of people, we need to save that extra gallon of gas.
The concept of cap trade means putting limits on emissions and "selling" rights to exceed them. This is basically another tax at the end of the day.
For our economy, it means more inflation as companies pass these costs to consumers. It will also mean more jobs will be shipped overseas where standards will not as strict (or as expensive). The Heritage Foundation estimates that this will:
- raise electricity rates 90 percent after adjusting for inflation
- raise inflation-adjusted gasoline prices by 74 percent
- raise residential natural gas prices by 55 percent
- raise an average family's annual energy bill by $1,500
- increase inflation-adjusted federal debt by 26 percent, or $29,150 additional federal debt per person, again after adjusting for inflation.
- expand the drilling in the U.S. - There is plenty of oil in Alaska and offshore
- build more nuclear plants - it is a nearly limitless, clean source of electricity
- quite wasting gas from oil fields and dumps by simpling burning it - use it for energy. In Fort Pierce, the landfill has 4 or 5 gas exhaust stacks that are just burning it off
- use other innovative means like using the wind and tides to create electricity
I also doubt that it will really help global warming (if you really beleive it...). Scientists are now saying that we are entering into a cooling period over the next several decades. So do we need to take such a radical approach?
The bottom line is that liberals are trying to control Americans and expand their own agendas.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Will The Real Marlins Please Show Up
It's a good thing Freddie Gonzalez was already bald otherwise he would be pulling his hair.
The Marlins started the season red-hot. 11 and 1 out of the gate. Yes, it included six games against the Nationals but also games against the Mets and Braves.
They then proceeded to loose the next seven straight. Win three, loose four, win one, loose three. They seem to playing well in Colorado (a place were they have not done well). The strange thing to me is that the starting pitchers went 20 games without a win. This is the strength of the team!
The loosing streak has seen blown saves, bad pitching, bad defense, and bad luck a couple times. (I do have the opponents credit. I saw Volquez shut down the Marlins for 8 inning with a great performance.)
The starting pitching will be fine as long as the core (Josh Johnson, Chris Volstad, Ricky Nolasco) remains healthy. The bullpen will be up and down because we do not have experienced late inning stoppers. This is one are were some more moves will be made through he season.
Jorge Cantu and Hanley Ramirez are carrying the offense. John Baker and Jeremy Hermida are fine for now with some timely hitting and good OBP. Dan Uggla and Cody Ross have a decent amount of RBIs for their averages but more is expected from both.
Cameron Maybin and Emilio Bonifacio look overwhelmed at times at the plate. Both are providing good defense but their bats are hurting. I do not understand why Gonzalez bats them where he does. They should bat 2nd and 7th to have some protection / pressure on the pitcher. If one of them bats second, put Ramirez at the top to get on in front of them. They will see more fastballs. In the 8th spot they will be pitched around some in front of the pitcher. You need someone more experienced and patient.
The front office made a move to bring Chris Coghlan (3B, corner OF) to get another bat in the lineup. He was drafted out a Mississippi program that has produced some good major league the last decade. In the
I still stand by my earlier prediction of a 2nd place finish in the NL East. This is young exciting team to watch. They will frustrate you at times but it will be fun seeing them grow up.
The Marlins started the season red-hot. 11 and 1 out of the gate. Yes, it included six games against the Nationals but also games against the Mets and Braves.
They then proceeded to loose the next seven straight. Win three, loose four, win one, loose three. They seem to playing well in Colorado (a place were they have not done well). The strange thing to me is that the starting pitchers went 20 games without a win. This is the strength of the team!
The loosing streak has seen blown saves, bad pitching, bad defense, and bad luck a couple times. (I do have the opponents credit. I saw Volquez shut down the Marlins for 8 inning with a great performance.)
The starting pitching will be fine as long as the core (Josh Johnson, Chris Volstad, Ricky Nolasco) remains healthy. The bullpen will be up and down because we do not have experienced late inning stoppers. This is one are were some more moves will be made through he season.
Jorge Cantu and Hanley Ramirez are carrying the offense. John Baker and Jeremy Hermida are fine for now with some timely hitting and good OBP. Dan Uggla and Cody Ross have a decent amount of RBIs for their averages but more is expected from both.
Cameron Maybin and Emilio Bonifacio look overwhelmed at times at the plate. Both are providing good defense but their bats are hurting. I do not understand why Gonzalez bats them where he does. They should bat 2nd and 7th to have some protection / pressure on the pitcher. If one of them bats second, put Ramirez at the top to get on in front of them. They will see more fastballs. In the 8th spot they will be pitched around some in front of the pitcher. You need someone more experienced and patient.
The front office made a move to bring Chris Coghlan (3B, corner OF) to get another bat in the lineup. He was drafted out a Mississippi program that has produced some good major league the last decade. In the
I still stand by my earlier prediction of a 2nd place finish in the NL East. This is young exciting team to watch. They will frustrate you at times but it will be fun seeing them grow up.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Continuing De-Construction of Capitalism
On Monday, the Obama administration announced plans to change the tax code to (in their words) "close" international tax loopholes.
Part of it was closing done loopholes allowing individuals to create phony shell corporations in countries without income taxes. From a political sound bite perspective it sounds great and most people probably agree with it.
The second part was aimed at multi-national corporations who make profits overseas but do not repatriate the proceeds (bringing them back to the U.S.). This is the dangerous part that most people do not seem to understand.
As an example under the current tax law, let’s say you make a car in the U.S. for $15K and sell it in Brazil for $20K. You would charge the Brazilian subsidiary $15K for the car leaving $5K in profits in Brazil.
You would pay income tax on the $5K. If Brazil’s marginal tax rate was $10% that would be $500. If you re-patriot the profit (bring it back to the U.S.) you get a credit for the $500 paid to Brazil and pay the difference to the U.S. If the U.S. marginal rate is 35%, these means $1,750 in taxes less $500 credit for a net tax bill of $1,250 when you repatriate the profits.
In the global economy today, dealing with multiple tax jurisdictions is standard practice. Countries look at these transfer pricing agreements to make sure they are fair market value. I see this in my job as we deal with foreign taxing authorities. Some countries (including the U.S) require mark-ups on some of these transactions to insure that there will be some profit left in their country (and creating tax payments to the country).
Companies will leave profits in foreign countries for a number of legitimate reasons. The primary reason is to re-invest it and expand overseas operations. Sometimes they will leave it overseas at the lower tax rate and repatriate it during more favorable times (i.e. downturns when they might be operating at a loss).
The Obama administration sees it primarily as tax avoidance. Their message is that if you do not pay taxes on it you will not be able to deduct the expense to create the goods or services here in the U.S.
For service oriented companies, this will accelerate them move to offshore work. If tax conditions are not favorable they will move the work to more favorable locations. As a leader of a company, why would you allow a more costly scenario to continue to exist?
Manufacturing companies will not be able to react as quickly, but it will also drive jobs offshore over time as they setup new assembly plants overseas.
This administration continues to make moves that handcuff businesses and will continue to slow the economic recovery. Instead of making incentives for companies to create jobs, they continue to create rules they think will force companies to create jobs when in reality it will probably have the opposite effect. The bottom line it is another assault against capitalism.
Part of it was closing done loopholes allowing individuals to create phony shell corporations in countries without income taxes. From a political sound bite perspective it sounds great and most people probably agree with it.
The second part was aimed at multi-national corporations who make profits overseas but do not repatriate the proceeds (bringing them back to the U.S.). This is the dangerous part that most people do not seem to understand.
As an example under the current tax law, let’s say you make a car in the U.S. for $15K and sell it in Brazil for $20K. You would charge the Brazilian subsidiary $15K for the car leaving $5K in profits in Brazil.
You would pay income tax on the $5K. If Brazil’s marginal tax rate was $10% that would be $500. If you re-patriot the profit (bring it back to the U.S.) you get a credit for the $500 paid to Brazil and pay the difference to the U.S. If the U.S. marginal rate is 35%, these means $1,750 in taxes less $500 credit for a net tax bill of $1,250 when you repatriate the profits.
In the global economy today, dealing with multiple tax jurisdictions is standard practice. Countries look at these transfer pricing agreements to make sure they are fair market value. I see this in my job as we deal with foreign taxing authorities. Some countries (including the U.S) require mark-ups on some of these transactions to insure that there will be some profit left in their country (and creating tax payments to the country).
Companies will leave profits in foreign countries for a number of legitimate reasons. The primary reason is to re-invest it and expand overseas operations. Sometimes they will leave it overseas at the lower tax rate and repatriate it during more favorable times (i.e. downturns when they might be operating at a loss).
The Obama administration sees it primarily as tax avoidance. Their message is that if you do not pay taxes on it you will not be able to deduct the expense to create the goods or services here in the U.S.
For service oriented companies, this will accelerate them move to offshore work. If tax conditions are not favorable they will move the work to more favorable locations. As a leader of a company, why would you allow a more costly scenario to continue to exist?
Manufacturing companies will not be able to react as quickly, but it will also drive jobs offshore over time as they setup new assembly plants overseas.
This administration continues to make moves that handcuff businesses and will continue to slow the economic recovery. Instead of making incentives for companies to create jobs, they continue to create rules they think will force companies to create jobs when in reality it will probably have the opposite effect. The bottom line it is another assault against capitalism.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Congress Debates College Football Playoffs
So what was Congress doing on Friday while the rest of worked (and others looked for work) in this tough economy? They debated the need for a college football playoff system.
You read that right!
While the large automakers are failing, global nuclear arms issues with North Korea and Iran, the Taliban running wild in Afghanistan, and pirates off the coast of Somalia, Congressional leaders questioned the fairness of the current bowl system.
I think there are a number of other things they could be working on. We are not talking about a Saturday afternoon session on their own time, but full blown hearings with testimony from NCAA, conference, and bowl officials.
Okay, some smaller conference schools are complaining about the current system. They feel that they do not get a fair shot at the title. It may very well be slanted towards the larger conferences. But they also need to play tougher non-conference schedules to gain validity for their records.
Of course the other major factor is money. (It usually finds its way into the equation some how…)
Schools want “their” share of the multi-millions spread around the bowl games. In these tough times, they are doing whatever they can to balance their budgets and support the programs they want.
I think the current system should stay in place. First, it is healthy (and fun) to debate who is actually the best. Secondly, we are pulling collegiate athletes out of class too much already. They are not professionals – they are in school to get an education.
I think I could have found a more productive way to spend my Friday…
You read that right!
While the large automakers are failing, global nuclear arms issues with North Korea and Iran, the Taliban running wild in Afghanistan, and pirates off the coast of Somalia, Congressional leaders questioned the fairness of the current bowl system.
I think there are a number of other things they could be working on. We are not talking about a Saturday afternoon session on their own time, but full blown hearings with testimony from NCAA, conference, and bowl officials.
Okay, some smaller conference schools are complaining about the current system. They feel that they do not get a fair shot at the title. It may very well be slanted towards the larger conferences. But they also need to play tougher non-conference schedules to gain validity for their records.
Of course the other major factor is money. (It usually finds its way into the equation some how…)
Schools want “their” share of the multi-millions spread around the bowl games. In these tough times, they are doing whatever they can to balance their budgets and support the programs they want.
I think the current system should stay in place. First, it is healthy (and fun) to debate who is actually the best. Secondly, we are pulling collegiate athletes out of class too much already. They are not professionals – they are in school to get an education.
I think I could have found a more productive way to spend my Friday…
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Heat Lose Game Seven
The Heat lost a tough game today. The series went seven games but none of them were close. It was the anti-thesis of the Chicago Boston series.
So what went wrong for the Heat?
Look at the other teams in recent years that have made deep into the playoffs or won the championship. They are not single dimensional on offense. They have two or three consistent scoring options. This is something the Heat had in the past when they went deep in the playoffs (Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, and Jamal Mashburn) or won it all (Shaq, Dwayne Wade, and Antoine Walker)
The defensive scheme is another story. It is a difficult system that Riley developed and used by the Magic (with Stan Van Gundy) and the Heat (with Pat Spoelstra). With the right players (and opposition) it can be stifling to opponents. The Heat need big men who can rotate quicker. Beasley has the physical skills, he just needs to learn the system. Udonis Haslem and Jermaine O’Neil seem to struggle at times with the rotation assignments. Against a team like the Hawks (with quick bigmen like Josh Smith and Al Horford) it was a mismatch at times.
What Riley does not need to do is trade the young core away for another superstar to go with Wade. We probably have another superstar in the making with Beasley. There are rumors about trading him for Chris Bosh which I think would be a mistake.
We need to let the young guys play and bring in some quicker big men to help defensively. The league is becoming more speed oriented with point guards dominating play. The team needs to adapt and move that way as well.
So what went wrong for the Heat?
- The offense runs through Wade. It is too predictable at times. When Wade is off or the opposition can slow him down, the Heat are in trouble. They need a couple other scoring threats who can create shots.
- Their defense is not quick enough for some teams. The Hawks big men were just faster than the Heat. They were slow on their rotations which led to easy baskets.
Look at the other teams in recent years that have made deep into the playoffs or won the championship. They are not single dimensional on offense. They have two or three consistent scoring options. This is something the Heat had in the past when they went deep in the playoffs (Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway, and Jamal Mashburn) or won it all (Shaq, Dwayne Wade, and Antoine Walker)
The defensive scheme is another story. It is a difficult system that Riley developed and used by the Magic (with Stan Van Gundy) and the Heat (with Pat Spoelstra). With the right players (and opposition) it can be stifling to opponents. The Heat need big men who can rotate quicker. Beasley has the physical skills, he just needs to learn the system. Udonis Haslem and Jermaine O’Neil seem to struggle at times with the rotation assignments. Against a team like the Hawks (with quick bigmen like Josh Smith and Al Horford) it was a mismatch at times.
What Riley does not need to do is trade the young core away for another superstar to go with Wade. We probably have another superstar in the making with Beasley. There are rumors about trading him for Chris Bosh which I think would be a mistake.
We need to let the young guys play and bring in some quicker big men to help defensively. The league is becoming more speed oriented with point guards dominating play. The team needs to adapt and move that way as well.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Review of Dolphin's Draft
The draft is over and the pundits can now grade the picks (like I am doing).
So what do I think of the Dolphins draft? Here are my thoughts on the picks:
Overall I will give the team a grade of B-. We got help in the secondary, but not at LB or NT. The WRs are okay but not superstars. They could have gotten a WR with their first pick and still addressed the defensive needs with the two picks in the second round.
This draft class will probably be known for the OLB and WR positions. Both are needs for the Dolphins that they did not address.
So what do I think of the Dolphins draft? Here are my thoughts on the picks:
- Vontae Davis CB – Definitely a talented corner who is big and physical, but character questions are there. He was in the dog-house at times with his college coach. His brother Vernon Davis (TE SF) has had well publicized run-ins with coach Mike Singletary. If Sparano can get him to play to his potential, he will be a steal at #25. If not, it will be questioned because there were a lot of good CBs taken in the second round and the Dolphins could have a filled a need at WR or LB.
- Pat White QB – This is an interesting pick. Are they bringing him to run the “wildcat”? Or to compete with Henne? Or will they convert to a WR? He is very talented and very football smart. How he will be utilized will be the interesting story.
- Sean Smith CB – Another big physical corner. We need help with this position because of the teams in our division. He does not like to tackle but can cover and create turnovers.
- Patrick Turner and Brian Hartline WR – They are both tall, lanky possession receivers. They do not have great speed but have good hands. If they can contribute on special teams coverage, that will help their chances of making the team.
Overall I will give the team a grade of B-. We got help in the secondary, but not at LB or NT. The WRs are okay but not superstars. They could have gotten a WR with their first pick and still addressed the defensive needs with the two picks in the second round.
This draft class will probably be known for the OLB and WR positions. Both are needs for the Dolphins that they did not address.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Draft Day
Today is one of those days in the off season that NFL football fans can their fix - the draft!
The draft is important because this is the way successful franchises get talent. One of acronyms for the NFL is "Not For Long" because of the short careers players can have. It is the best way to add depth and fill holes.
The brain trust of Parcell, Ireland, and Sparano have done a good job so far. Parcells and Ireland have a history of picking the right players (when the ownership does not interfere).
The re-signings of Vernon Carey RT, Yeremiah Bell S, and Channing Crowder ILB keep some key positions filled with good talent. This help keeps the nucleus intact. The free agent signs of Jake Grove C, Gabriel Wilson S, and Eric Green CB and trading for Tony McDaniel DT help improve positions or provide depth. Free agents can address some needs but it is hard to build a championship this way.
Rounds one and two will be picked today with five more rounds on Sunday. The Dolphins hold the #25 pick in first round and #44 and #56 in the second round. These are the picks people expect to have an impact this season. So what do I think the Dolphins need this weekend:
Next week I will give my thoughts on the picks. However, it takes time with drafted players. You may not see the full impact for a couple years.
The draft is important because this is the way successful franchises get talent. One of acronyms for the NFL is "Not For Long" because of the short careers players can have. It is the best way to add depth and fill holes.
The brain trust of Parcell, Ireland, and Sparano have done a good job so far. Parcells and Ireland have a history of picking the right players (when the ownership does not interfere).
The re-signings of Vernon Carey RT, Yeremiah Bell S, and Channing Crowder ILB keep some key positions filled with good talent. This help keeps the nucleus intact. The free agent signs of Jake Grove C, Gabriel Wilson S, and Eric Green CB and trading for Tony McDaniel DT help improve positions or provide depth. Free agents can address some needs but it is hard to build a championship this way.
Rounds one and two will be picked today with five more rounds on Sunday. The Dolphins hold the #25 pick in first round and #44 and #56 in the second round. These are the picks people expect to have an impact this season. So what do I think the Dolphins need this weekend:
- WR - This was the most glaring need last year and continues to be. We need another play maker to go with Ted Ginn. Greg Camarillo and Devone Bess are nice slot receivers, but not the game breakers. We need a big physical receiver who will go get the ball. This can be addressed in the first or second round. Percy Harvin, Kenny Britt, Brandon Tate, Hakeem Hicks, or Brian Robiskie could be picked today. Rumors have been thrown around about trading for Anquan Boldin of the Cardinals or Braylon Edwards of the Browns, but both have baggage, injury history. and big contracts which does not sit well with Parcells or Ireland. Harvin scares me because he never played a full season without injuries.
- CB - The AFC East is rich in WR talent (Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Wes Welker, Lee Evans) and teams need to have depth at CB to cover them. The Dolphins have one very solid corner but need more talent. Teams will take advantage of this. This position could be addressed in the first or second round. The class this is not elite but very solid. Michael Jenkins, Alphonso Smith, Coye Francies, and Cory Harris are possible picks.
- LB - This is not a glaring need, but the draft is stocked with high quality players. Joey Porter is getting up in years and faded late last season. Plus the 3-4 needs active OLBs. I could see the Dolphins taking Ray Maualugua (if he falls), Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, Robert Ayers, or Larry English. I think one of these players will be the first round pick for the Dolphins.
- DL - The NT is the important piece in the 3-4. You need to solid 330lb+ body to occupy 2 (or 3) opposing lineman. Jason Ferguson fit perfectly but will turn 35 during the season. His replacement is probably not on the roster today. Look for the Dolphins to pick someone in the second or third round especially if somebody slips.
Next week I will give my thoughts on the picks. However, it takes time with drafted players. You may not see the full impact for a couple years.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Do South Florida Driver Know the Rules of the Road?
I wonder sometime if people really know the rules of the road or read traffic signs.
Over the last week I seen four incidents that have added to this.
Coming home from work last Tuesday evening, an ambulance was coming in the opposite direction. The light was red and there was only one car blocking the left hand turn lane. The driver of car was on his cell phone, not paying attention. The ambulance pulled behind him, honked their horn for him to move. The driver could not figure out what to do. All traffic was stopped in all directions. He needed to make his turn and get out of the way. But he sat there continuing to talk until the ambulance honked again. The driver next me and I looked at each shaking our heads.
Saturday morning I’m riding my bike on A1A headed south. As you approach Sunrise Boulevard, there is a sign for cars turning right to yield to cyclists. A car pulled up behind me, honked, and flipped his finger at me. I guess he did not read the sign or the state statues on cars and cyclists on the road.
Saturday night, I am out with friends eating off of A1A. On the way, we are stuck in traffic. A guy on a chopper is fed and decides to use the bicycle lane for his own. He cut back into traffic and nearly got side-swiped by another car making a legal lane change.
On Sunday, I was getting off I-95 when a funeral possession was going through the intersection. The light turned green, but they were still going through. The women behind me laid on her horn. She then whipped her car around me to be greeted by a sheriff’s car stopping traffic. She immediately proceeded to backup to where she should have been.
Examples like these cause me to wonder about drivers. Do they really know what to do? Are they paying attention? Do they realize they are breaking the law?
These are probably the same people who wonder why South Florida has a reputation of bad drivers.
Over the last week I seen four incidents that have added to this.
Coming home from work last Tuesday evening, an ambulance was coming in the opposite direction. The light was red and there was only one car blocking the left hand turn lane. The driver of car was on his cell phone, not paying attention. The ambulance pulled behind him, honked their horn for him to move. The driver could not figure out what to do. All traffic was stopped in all directions. He needed to make his turn and get out of the way. But he sat there continuing to talk until the ambulance honked again. The driver next me and I looked at each shaking our heads.
Saturday morning I’m riding my bike on A1A headed south. As you approach Sunrise Boulevard, there is a sign for cars turning right to yield to cyclists. A car pulled up behind me, honked, and flipped his finger at me. I guess he did not read the sign or the state statues on cars and cyclists on the road.
Saturday night, I am out with friends eating off of A1A. On the way, we are stuck in traffic. A guy on a chopper is fed and decides to use the bicycle lane for his own. He cut back into traffic and nearly got side-swiped by another car making a legal lane change.
On Sunday, I was getting off I-95 when a funeral possession was going through the intersection. The light turned green, but they were still going through. The women behind me laid on her horn. She then whipped her car around me to be greeted by a sheriff’s car stopping traffic. She immediately proceeded to backup to where she should have been.
Examples like these cause me to wonder about drivers. Do they really know what to do? Are they paying attention? Do they realize they are breaking the law?
These are probably the same people who wonder why South Florida has a reputation of bad drivers.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Dichotomy of Treatment
Over the past week we have seen two very different postures of the current administration and how they deal with people.
Last Sunday night, we saw the conclusion of the hostage situation with freighter off of Somalia.
According to an email account I received and a couple other blogs that I read (all of which were second and third hand accounts – so fairly close to what happened), the commander of the Bainbridge asked for permission to take out the pirates at least twice and was denied. The President wanted a “peaceful” solution.
The commander took his own initiative during a request for “proof of life” with the pirates. When Captain Phillips was brought out, the Navy’s plan was put into action and he was safely rescued.
At the Summit of the America’s, we see Obama embrace dictator Hugo Chavez. We also hear about re-opening relations with the Castro brothers in Cuba. Both of these countries do not allow the freedoms we enjoy. They have suppressed their people through intimidation, imprisonment, and violence.
We then have Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano allowing the release of a paper that defines potential threats to our national security as coming from conservatives, NRA members, and military personnel returning home from overseas. The paper classified military personnel as potentially turning into Timothy McVeigh (from the Oklahoma City bombing), yet does not provide tangible evidence that this is a reality.
NRA members are pointed out because they own guns which are allowed to be legally owned under the Constitution. I guess my 70-year father is a double threat since he is ex-military and an NRA member! Yet they failed to address the criminals and terrorists who commit illegal acts and represent the true threat to us.
The CIA was also thrown under the bus by administration through the release of papers and memos on their interrogation tactics. This puts field agents and the military at risk because the terrorists now know how we operate.
If you read through the methods used, a lot of people might change their minds about these forms of so-called “torture”. Would you rather have a terrorist be uncomfortable for several hours or watch them carry out their plans?
Junior high school students are treated worse by PE coaches than the way the CIA treated these terrorists.
The dichotomy is that we are treating these different groups in the wrong ways. For those who have showed a pattern of violence and disrespect of other rights, the administration wants to protect and befriend them. For those who have done the right things or have a differing opinion as allowed under the Constitution are branded a problem.
This is where the liberal left is trying to take our nation. As Bill O’Reilly says it is “culture war” of turning wrong into right and right into wrong. This is not what the founding fathers of our nation intended. We need to continue to speak out against this.
Last Sunday night, we saw the conclusion of the hostage situation with freighter off of Somalia.
According to an email account I received and a couple other blogs that I read (all of which were second and third hand accounts – so fairly close to what happened), the commander of the Bainbridge asked for permission to take out the pirates at least twice and was denied. The President wanted a “peaceful” solution.
The commander took his own initiative during a request for “proof of life” with the pirates. When Captain Phillips was brought out, the Navy’s plan was put into action and he was safely rescued.
At the Summit of the America’s, we see Obama embrace dictator Hugo Chavez. We also hear about re-opening relations with the Castro brothers in Cuba. Both of these countries do not allow the freedoms we enjoy. They have suppressed their people through intimidation, imprisonment, and violence.
We then have Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano allowing the release of a paper that defines potential threats to our national security as coming from conservatives, NRA members, and military personnel returning home from overseas. The paper classified military personnel as potentially turning into Timothy McVeigh (from the Oklahoma City bombing), yet does not provide tangible evidence that this is a reality.
NRA members are pointed out because they own guns which are allowed to be legally owned under the Constitution. I guess my 70-year father is a double threat since he is ex-military and an NRA member! Yet they failed to address the criminals and terrorists who commit illegal acts and represent the true threat to us.
The CIA was also thrown under the bus by administration through the release of papers and memos on their interrogation tactics. This puts field agents and the military at risk because the terrorists now know how we operate.
If you read through the methods used, a lot of people might change their minds about these forms of so-called “torture”. Would you rather have a terrorist be uncomfortable for several hours or watch them carry out their plans?
Junior high school students are treated worse by PE coaches than the way the CIA treated these terrorists.
The dichotomy is that we are treating these different groups in the wrong ways. For those who have showed a pattern of violence and disrespect of other rights, the administration wants to protect and befriend them. For those who have done the right things or have a differing opinion as allowed under the Constitution are branded a problem.
This is where the liberal left is trying to take our nation. As Bill O’Reilly says it is “culture war” of turning wrong into right and right into wrong. This is not what the founding fathers of our nation intended. We need to continue to speak out against this.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tax Day
It's April 15th - have you filed your taxes?
Taxes are due today if you did know. The government continues to demand more and more of money to feed their unending appetite to expand government programs.
All across America today, we saw citizens voice their opinion about the politicians in Washington through "tea parties". People are fed up with wasteful spending and handouts our government giving away. As a result, we are on a path of monumental debt levels and people are upset.
Personally, I attended the "tea party" in downtown Fort Lauderdale. There were probably a thousand or more people (and not one person from ACORN or MoveOn from what I saw).
Everyone was civilized, friendly, but definitely upset with our government. I have to admit that there were some pretty creative signs as well.
The liberal mass media is painting a different picture or disparaging it such as MSNBC and CNN did today.
Politicians need to take notice. It is not a Democrat or republican thing. People are genuinely upset about where the government is headed. I am too the point to where I will campaign against both of the Congressional incumbents in my district.
President Obama commented on tax day. He recognized that the tax code is far too complicated and he vows to setup a committee to look into it. He also commented that people need to keep more of their income. So far his actions in his first 100+ days show no such signs.
Across the country we are seeing all forms of government (federal, state, and local) raise taxes to cover their massive spending programs they started during the height of the economic boom.
Speak up against continued spending and expansion. We cannot allow this to continue.
Taxes are due today if you did know. The government continues to demand more and more of money to feed their unending appetite to expand government programs.
All across America today, we saw citizens voice their opinion about the politicians in Washington through "tea parties". People are fed up with wasteful spending and handouts our government giving away. As a result, we are on a path of monumental debt levels and people are upset.
Personally, I attended the "tea party" in downtown Fort Lauderdale. There were probably a thousand or more people (and not one person from ACORN or MoveOn from what I saw).
Everyone was civilized, friendly, but definitely upset with our government. I have to admit that there were some pretty creative signs as well.
The liberal mass media is painting a different picture or disparaging it such as MSNBC and CNN did today.Politicians need to take notice. It is not a Democrat or republican thing. People are genuinely upset about where the government is headed. I am too the point to where I will campaign against both of the Congressional incumbents in my district.
President Obama commented on tax day. He recognized that the tax code is far too complicated and he vows to setup a committee to look into it. He also commented that people need to keep more of their income. So far his actions in his first 100+ days show no such signs.
Across the country we are seeing all forms of government (federal, state, and local) raise taxes to cover their massive spending programs they started during the height of the economic boom.
Speak up against continued spending and expansion. We cannot allow this to continue.
"Man is not free unless government is limited.... As government expands, liberty contracts." Ronald Reagan
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Spring Is Here...
Spring is officially here. I tell by the smell of pine and rosin. (Does rosin actually have a scent??)Baseball has started the regular season!
The Florida Marlins are off to a good start at 5-1 already. There is hope on the horizon with a new stadium in downtown Miami and a commitment to build a contender through youth. Here is how I view the team:
- Starting Pitchers - They might have the one of the best overall rotations in baseball with Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Chris Volstad, and Andrew Miller. They match up with any other rotation in the majors and will keep the Marlins competitive through the season. You cannot have too many good starters in an organization.
- Relief Pitchers - The part of team was completely re-worked. Matt Lindstrom is now the closer. He has the stuff but does he have the mental make-up? The rest of the cast looks promising but has been mediocre early on. This is probably the key to making the playoffs.
- Hitting - With Mike Jacobs and Josh Willingham gone you would think there would be a power shortage, but they still have 30 home run potential with Ramirez, Uggla, and Cantu. Team speed is greatly improved with Cameron Mayben and Emilio Bonifacio. Mayben has the potential to be a super star like Ramirez. Cody Ross and Jeremy Hermida are the outfield corners and are adequate.
- Fielding - The changes here will be noticeable. Cantu at first is an upgrade over Jacobs. Bonifacio will be better than Cantu at 3B even though he is out of position. Mayben can already play major league defense in center. Moving Hermida from right to left helps to hide him. John Baker and Ronny Paulino are serviceable behind the plate.
So where do I think they will finish? I think they will 86-88 wins, finish second to the Phillies, and be in contention to the end for the wild card spot. The Mets, Braves, and Nationals round out the NL East.
I cannot wait to get out to some games this summer.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
