So, it is okay for the Obamas to make barrels of money, but the rest of us better not have the audacity to hope for such abundance in our own lives. Or maybe this is her way of warning us that if her husband is elected president he'll see to it that there are no corporate jobs left in America.As she has many times in the past, Mrs. Obama complains about the lasting burden of student loans dating from her days at Princeton and Harvard Law School. She talks about people who end up taking years and years, until middle age, to pay off their debts. “The salaries don’t keep up with the cost of paying off the debt, so you’re in your 40s, still paying off your debt at a time when you have to save for your kids,” she says.
"Barack and I were in that position,” she continues. “The only reason we’re not in that position is that Barack wrote two best-selling books… It was like Jack and his magic beans. But up until a few years ago, we were struggling to figure out how we would save for our kids.” A former attorney with the white-shoe Chicago firm of Sidley & Austin, Obama explains that she and her husband made the choice to give up lucrative jobs in favor of community service. “We left corporate America, which is a lot of what we’re asking young people to do,” she tells the women. “Don’t go into corporate America. You know, become teachers. Work for the community. Be social workers. Be a nurse. Those are the careers that we need, and we’re encouraging our young people to do that. But if you make that choice, as we did, to move out of the money-making industry into the helping industry, then your salaries respond.” Faced with that reality, she adds, “many of our bright stars are going into corporate law or hedge-fund management.”What she doesn’t mention is that the helping industry has treated her pretty well.
In 2006, the Chicago Tribune reported that Mrs. Obama’s compensation at the University of Chicago Hospital, where she is a vice president for community affairs, jumped from $121,910 in 2004, just before her husband was elected to the Senate, to $316,962 in 2005, just after he took office. And that does not count the money Mrs. Obama receives from serving on corporate boards. She would have been O.K. even without Jack’s magic beans.
February 29, 2008
Michelle Obama Steps in it Again
If I were an advisor to Barack Obama I would advise him to put a muzzle on his wife. She spoke at a Day Care center in Ohio.
February 28, 2008
Wanted: A Conservative Leader for the 21st Century
Who are today's conservative trail blazers? Who do we have that can carry the torch of the likes of William F. Buckley, Jr. and Ronald Reagan? Maybe you have someone in mind: we have politicians, pundits, radio hosts and writers, some of whom are very admirable and convincing. But who can you think of that can reach beyond their targeted audience and inspire the next generation of Americans?
The Democrats have Barack Obama. His oratory is unmatched by anybody on our side. It matters not that if brought to fruition his policies could be disastrous for our economy and our security. I disagree with Senator Obama on almost everything, but I must admit that he is out there every day giving people hope. It's false hope, but his supporters either don't know or don't care.
The irony here is that a recent survey found that more than 90% of Americans consider themselves to be happy. If we are all so happy why are we longing for hope and change? Is it the obvious - that gas and food prices are increasing? Are Americans just fickle - out with the old and in with the new? Is it the Media telling us that everybody else is miserable and constantly reminding us of the rising costs of gas and food?
So you ask, what do I want to see in a conservative leader? Certainly not someone who promises what cannot be delivered. We need someone who is eloquent, yet humble; tough, yet likeable and above all, honest. One who has the ability to convince the American people to believe in themselves and to have faith in each individual's unique abilities. That the hope that exists in all of us is not due to anything the government can do for us, but of that which we can do for ourselves - especially when the government gets out of our way. That American greatness is due to the citizenry rather than the government. I'd like someone that can deliver a knock-out punch in a debate while retaining the appearance of gentility and grace. And someone that believes that upholding the Constitution of the United States is more important than consensus and bipartisanship.
In the age of 24 hour news, the blogosphere, internet and satellite radio we may never again see a conservative voice able to rise above the constant squawk to deliver a message of hope which is grounded in reality and common sense. Maybe people simply do not want to hear reality, common sense and logic. Four to eight years of an Obama Presidency might change that, but I really don't want to go there.
The Democrats have Barack Obama. His oratory is unmatched by anybody on our side. It matters not that if brought to fruition his policies could be disastrous for our economy and our security. I disagree with Senator Obama on almost everything, but I must admit that he is out there every day giving people hope. It's false hope, but his supporters either don't know or don't care.
The irony here is that a recent survey found that more than 90% of Americans consider themselves to be happy. If we are all so happy why are we longing for hope and change? Is it the obvious - that gas and food prices are increasing? Are Americans just fickle - out with the old and in with the new? Is it the Media telling us that everybody else is miserable and constantly reminding us of the rising costs of gas and food?
So you ask, what do I want to see in a conservative leader? Certainly not someone who promises what cannot be delivered. We need someone who is eloquent, yet humble; tough, yet likeable and above all, honest. One who has the ability to convince the American people to believe in themselves and to have faith in each individual's unique abilities. That the hope that exists in all of us is not due to anything the government can do for us, but of that which we can do for ourselves - especially when the government gets out of our way. That American greatness is due to the citizenry rather than the government. I'd like someone that can deliver a knock-out punch in a debate while retaining the appearance of gentility and grace. And someone that believes that upholding the Constitution of the United States is more important than consensus and bipartisanship.
In the age of 24 hour news, the blogosphere, internet and satellite radio we may never again see a conservative voice able to rise above the constant squawk to deliver a message of hope which is grounded in reality and common sense. Maybe people simply do not want to hear reality, common sense and logic. Four to eight years of an Obama Presidency might change that, but I really don't want to go there.
February 27, 2008
The NY GOP Looks Bleak
There was a special election yesterday for a NY State Senate seat. The district included Oswego, Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties, not the sort of places that usually attract a ton of campaign cash. But this race was different and it was nasty. The Republicans hold a very slim majority on the NY State Sentate. The Governor is a Democrat and the Assembly is controlled by Democrats.
For what seemed like months the airwaves were filled with constant, nasty attack ads by both candidates. The Democrat won, so now the Republicans have only a 2 seat majority.
Our party is self destructing. Maybe it's necessary. I think the GOP in NY needs to purge itself of the old and bring in some new people with new ideas. Recently the Onondaga County Executive retired. The local Republican party picked their guy and he lost in the primary. But then what do you know? The Republican candidate won in the general election!
I think in the future, when the NY Republican party picks their candidate, I will vote in the primary for whoever runs against that candidate. That is the only way I can see Republicans ever succeed in NY.
For what seemed like months the airwaves were filled with constant, nasty attack ads by both candidates. The Democrat won, so now the Republicans have only a 2 seat majority.
Our party is self destructing. Maybe it's necessary. I think the GOP in NY needs to purge itself of the old and bring in some new people with new ideas. Recently the Onondaga County Executive retired. The local Republican party picked their guy and he lost in the primary. But then what do you know? The Republican candidate won in the general election!
I think in the future, when the NY Republican party picks their candidate, I will vote in the primary for whoever runs against that candidate. That is the only way I can see Republicans ever succeed in NY.
February 26, 2008
The Big Debate
There wasn't much on TV tonight so I tuned into the Democrat's debate. I came away from it thinking that both of the Democrat candidates! She said his health care plan was written by a Republican. He said she's a friend of health insurance companies. We found out that only the two of them can save us all. We are all too stupid to take care of ourselves and we need either Hillary or Barack to ride in on their white horses to save us.
I'm trying to go light on Hillary, because after watching her debate I would love nothing more than to have her be the Democrat's candidate. Come on, the woman is nuts. We should all lay off, so I'll keep it brief.
Hillary keeps talking about Upstate NY, where I live. Let me tell you that Hillary Clinton has not done one darn thing for Upstate, NY. (Although I can say that despite her, our housing market is doing very well, thank you very much!) But if AlGore were president, she would have created 200,000 jobs in Upstate NY. I'm still laughing about that one. That hypothetical is okay. But she doesn't like the hypothetical about what to do when Iraq erupts into complete chaos after she pulls our troops out of there.
When talking about NAFTA Senator Obama really needs to get his contintents straight. China is not part of the NORTH AMERICAN Free Trade Agreement. I'm sure he'll get a pass for that one due to his total inexperience, which according to some liberals is just what we need. They must have forgotten about Jimmy Carter.
BO thinks that we need more troops in Afghanistan but less in Iraq. But if all of our "friends" agree, if necessary he would re-invade Iraq after he pulls our troops out of there. That's so John Kerryesque of him.
BO also made some more lofty promises. He is the only person who cares about the American people. Certainly no living Republican cares about any of us. Barack will take care of us all. Your problems will end if Barack Obama is elected president. Don't worry. Have faith in the new Messiah.
There was a moment when I did a double take when BO said "Hope is not enough." Then he said something about change, so he got right back on track. Whew! What would we idiot Americans do without hope?
Barack said he has been a stalwart friend of Israel. There was no follow up question asking him when or in what capacity. This is the guy who will sit down with Ahmadinejad with no pre-conditions. You know, the guy that wants to wipe Israel off the map?
Obama was then asked about his liberal voting record. All I could think was "Thank God he is not running as the Straight Talk Express" because his answer had more loops than a roller coaster.
Finally, we heard from Hillary a lot of shoulda, woulda, coulda and Clintonesque triangulation when asked about taking back her vote on the Iraq war.
When Obama was asked if there ever was a vote he would change, I was hoping he would mention his vote as an Illinois state senator against having a doctor present when a partial birth abortion baby was born alive. But no, he won't change any vote. Just more shoulda, woulda, coulda.
I'm trying to go light on Hillary, because after watching her debate I would love nothing more than to have her be the Democrat's candidate. Come on, the woman is nuts. We should all lay off, so I'll keep it brief.
Hillary keeps talking about Upstate NY, where I live. Let me tell you that Hillary Clinton has not done one darn thing for Upstate, NY. (Although I can say that despite her, our housing market is doing very well, thank you very much!) But if AlGore were president, she would have created 200,000 jobs in Upstate NY. I'm still laughing about that one. That hypothetical is okay. But she doesn't like the hypothetical about what to do when Iraq erupts into complete chaos after she pulls our troops out of there.
When talking about NAFTA Senator Obama really needs to get his contintents straight. China is not part of the NORTH AMERICAN Free Trade Agreement. I'm sure he'll get a pass for that one due to his total inexperience, which according to some liberals is just what we need. They must have forgotten about Jimmy Carter.
BO thinks that we need more troops in Afghanistan but less in Iraq. But if all of our "friends" agree, if necessary he would re-invade Iraq after he pulls our troops out of there. That's so John Kerryesque of him.
BO also made some more lofty promises. He is the only person who cares about the American people. Certainly no living Republican cares about any of us. Barack will take care of us all. Your problems will end if Barack Obama is elected president. Don't worry. Have faith in the new Messiah.
There was a moment when I did a double take when BO said "Hope is not enough." Then he said something about change, so he got right back on track. Whew! What would we idiot Americans do without hope?
Barack said he has been a stalwart friend of Israel. There was no follow up question asking him when or in what capacity. This is the guy who will sit down with Ahmadinejad with no pre-conditions. You know, the guy that wants to wipe Israel off the map?
Obama was then asked about his liberal voting record. All I could think was "Thank God he is not running as the Straight Talk Express" because his answer had more loops than a roller coaster.
Finally, we heard from Hillary a lot of shoulda, woulda, coulda and Clintonesque triangulation when asked about taking back her vote on the Iraq war.
When Obama was asked if there ever was a vote he would change, I was hoping he would mention his vote as an Illinois state senator against having a doctor present when a partial birth abortion baby was born alive. But no, he won't change any vote. Just more shoulda, woulda, coulda.
Obama's Global Poverty Bill
So, our local, state and federal taxes aren't enough for Barack Obama and his band of merry men. Nope, he has a plan to wipe out world poverty by imposing yet another new tax on us.
Obama's Poverty Plan
The bill will force us to pay .07% of our GDP to the world. So now, on top of all of our federal entitlement programs, we can add a new global entitlement program. Good grief!
Obama's Poverty Plan
The bill will force us to pay .07% of our GDP to the world. So now, on top of all of our federal entitlement programs, we can add a new global entitlement program. Good grief!
Blinded by Clinton
There are some conservatives out there that are so blinded by their dislike of the Clintons that they are defending Barack Obama against Hillary Clinton's campaign tactics. Don't get me wrong, I am certainly no fan of Hillary Clinton. What I don't get is why these so-called conservatives don't stay out of it. Let the democrats beat each other up. Who cares?
Stop helping Barack Obama! For crying out loud, he has the media! Does he need conservatives to defend him, too? They say he's a great guy. They don't agree with him, but he's running a clean campaign.
What I'd like to know is this: How clean is a campaign that's full of complete lies? Do they actually believe that Barack Obama is going to eradicate poverty, solve the housing crisis, and bring forth peace on earth and goodwill to man? Do they think that the most liberal member of the US Senate will bring about a new wave of bi-partisanship in Washington DC? Where has Obama shown any compromise?
Selling snake oil to the masses is the most shameful form of campaigning I can think of.
I don't want Obama or Clinton to be our next president. But I would be much more comfortable with the devil we all know than one we don't.
Stop helping Barack Obama! For crying out loud, he has the media! Does he need conservatives to defend him, too? They say he's a great guy. They don't agree with him, but he's running a clean campaign.
What I'd like to know is this: How clean is a campaign that's full of complete lies? Do they actually believe that Barack Obama is going to eradicate poverty, solve the housing crisis, and bring forth peace on earth and goodwill to man? Do they think that the most liberal member of the US Senate will bring about a new wave of bi-partisanship in Washington DC? Where has Obama shown any compromise?
Selling snake oil to the masses is the most shameful form of campaigning I can think of.
I don't want Obama or Clinton to be our next president. But I would be much more comfortable with the devil we all know than one we don't.
February 25, 2008
Bad News for Barack
Finally, a little tiny bit of good news. Barack Obama's negatives are on the rise. Could it be that folks are starting to see beyond the rhetoric?
Thirty-four percent (34%) of all voters say they will definitely vote for John McCain if he is on the ballot this November. Thirty-three percent (33%) will definitely vote against him while 29% say their support hinges on who his opponent is.
Barack Obama has the same number who will definitely vote for him--34%. But, more people are committed to voting against him than McCain. Forty-three percent (43%) say they will definitely reject him at the ballot box. For 18%, their support depends on his opponent.
Sane Health Care Solutions
All we keep hearing about is the need for national health care. Unfortunately, the government has never been a very good steward of our hard earned money. And we all know that when the government gives birth to a new program, that program's life expectancy will far exceed that of any American citizen.
I'm just another blogger, but I also have a lot of experience in the insurance industry and I am very aware of the high price of health care and health insurance. What I'd like to hear from our politicians are more ideas for making health insurance more affordabe for American citizens, rather than bankrupting our children and grandchildren with a new entitlement program.
I've come across several ideas, that if taken together, seem to be quite promising. The first is the Heath Care Choice Act, sponsored by Congressman John Shadegg (R-AZ). http://johnshadegg.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=80722
This bill would allow consumers to compare insurance policies from across the country, rather than restricting them to the state where they live. I live in NY and if I were to purchase a policy for myself and my family it would cost more than $12000 per year. Wouldn't it be nice if I could go out of state and find a similar policy for 30% to 40% less? I sure think so.
Another way to help bring down the costs of health care is to put a cap on punitive awards in medical malpractice claims. All of the trial lawyers naturally hate this idea. But when medical care providers' malpractice premiums are astronomical they have to pass that cost along to the consumers.
And what about health savings accounts? In my last job they offered HSA's but you had to re-enroll every year, and any money left in the HSA at the end of the year was forfeited. That makes no sense to me. Why can't we set up HSA's like we do IRA's and 401k's and make them portable? Imagine the amount of money a young person could build up in an HSA over the course of his career? An HSA in conjunction with a high deductible health policy would be a very affordable option for a young healthy person.
These are just a few ideas I have found that seem to make sense. Why aren't all of the politicians embracing these ideas and finding ways to make them work? I can only believe that it is because these plans would take the power away from the politicians and put it back in the hands of the people.
I'm just another blogger, but I also have a lot of experience in the insurance industry and I am very aware of the high price of health care and health insurance. What I'd like to hear from our politicians are more ideas for making health insurance more affordabe for American citizens, rather than bankrupting our children and grandchildren with a new entitlement program.
I've come across several ideas, that if taken together, seem to be quite promising. The first is the Heath Care Choice Act, sponsored by Congressman John Shadegg (R-AZ). http://johnshadegg.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=80722
Another way to help bring down the costs of health care is to put a cap on punitive awards in medical malpractice claims. All of the trial lawyers naturally hate this idea. But when medical care providers' malpractice premiums are astronomical they have to pass that cost along to the consumers.
And what about health savings accounts? In my last job they offered HSA's but you had to re-enroll every year, and any money left in the HSA at the end of the year was forfeited. That makes no sense to me. Why can't we set up HSA's like we do IRA's and 401k's and make them portable? Imagine the amount of money a young person could build up in an HSA over the course of his career? An HSA in conjunction with a high deductible health policy would be a very affordable option for a young healthy person.
These are just a few ideas I have found that seem to make sense. Why aren't all of the politicians embracing these ideas and finding ways to make them work? I can only believe that it is because these plans would take the power away from the politicians and put it back in the hands of the people.
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