Looking back at 2008 it wasn’t the best of times. The year was marred by greed and a lack of accountability. The collapse of the stock and real estate markets affected everyone and caused businesses to fail. Jobs were lost as people faced the reality of a new life of sacrifice. The U.S. was going into a recession after years of uninterrupted prosperity and growth.
History will judge government on how they managed and dealt with the 2008 economic crisis. The word bailout will strike a chord as government’s strategy to rescue the money market and auto industry. Time will tell if the bailouts were good or bad for a capitalistic society. We will learn about the deals and cronyism that existed between government and various business leaders. The failures of business leaders will be studied in classrooms.
Books will be written on how prominence and payoffs led to many of the problems of 2008 through the abuse of power and position. The story would not be complete without an analysis of the public’s inability to keep informed and how they are influenced to vote.
The year 2008 echoed the words, Change and Hope. The people elected its first black president, Barack Obama. The election process seemed to be never ending with countless debates and tons of money spent to win office. Much of the public debt could have been paid with the monies collected to finance campaigns. 2009 will determine how much influence rhetoric and image had in electing the President. Getting good candidates to run for public office is getting more difficult. The public loses when only the rich and influential run. The election process is broken and the question is: can we fix it? Again it’s up to the people to force the change needed to maintain a free and democratic society.
The Iraq War was the major issue at the beginning of 2008, it faded as the elections came and the economy worsened. As the tide turned and victory became imminent the focus turned to other issues. The Iraq debate is not over and time will tell if our actions were worthy of the lives and dollars spent to spread democracy in the Middle East. The focus in 2009 will turn to Afghanistan.
The world remained unstable as we watched Iran push its quest for nuclear power. The Russians started to reheat the cold war with its push to realign itself with Boliva, Cuba and Iran. The Russian aggression into Georgia was an indicator that this is a power to be watched and reckoned with. China’s strength and power continued to grow as it advanced its economic strength with cheap labor. As the year was ending we watched with anticipation the conflicts between India and Pakistan and Israel and the Palestians. Europe seemed to be moving to the right towards a more free and democratic society. It continued to face threats from Russia and Al Qaeda. The world’s economy is now in crisis and will create new world tensions for the new President.
Oil was the big story through most of the year as prices fluctuated from over $120 a barrel to under $40. The world’s oil producers raked in the money and rode high until demand and prices fell. The Russians, Bolivians and Iranians flexed their muscles as prices soared. Once prices fell they found their economies in turmoil. Oil was their leverage. The U.S. was in conflict to drill or not drill. After an outcry to drill, we still have not seen any positive action to end our dependence upon foreign oil. With lower prices, the question is: do we again become complacent and do nothing? When will we learn?
The relevancy of newspapers faded as revenues shrank and many shut down. Was it because of the internet or bias and poor reporting? To me it was its failure to provide fair and equal reporting. It failed to scrutinize and provide unbiased analytical reports on all issues.. After the election, the Chicago Tribune tried to regain credibility by providing in-depth analysis of the issues. People looked to the internet for quick information. The problem is, where do you get good reliable information? The sources are many, but great care is needed to select the most reliable and credible coverage?
The issue of illegal immigration took center stage for part of the year. The battle continues with the politicians catering to the minorities for votes instead of applying the law. As the economy weakened we began to see many of the illegal’s return home. With the New Year the battle will continue and we can expect the politicians to cave and grant amnesty to the illegals. With the threat of terrorism and not securing our borders we are in danger of another 911. Our culture and attitudes are changing. We appear to be losing some of the patriotism and spirit that made America great. Government wants to run our lives and we must resist, we must maintain our independence and keep our minds free.
Many of the problems we faced in 2008 were due to the lack of leadership and foresight to deal with issues. Government wants to be everything to everyone. They wanted everyone to own a home. They promoted free credit and it boomeranged and created the banking crisis. They sponsored and promoted their friends to high positions at Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Government leaders will not accept responsibility for bad decisions. There is no accountability. Unions are praised even though their contacts and demands add to our economic woes. The UAW and Teachers Unions use blackmail as a tool to get what they want. Our Washington politicians gave themselves raises and more perks as the country fell into recession. Have they no shame? Pork is prominent in passing legislation. “If you want my vote this is what I want”. This is the greed and attitude that brings our country down. It’s not about you and me, it’s become about them. We must hold all elected official accountable. Who created this mess, we did by electing and re-electing the people who represent us. We the people must keep government in line.
2009 brings many challenges. With a new President who promises hope and change we can only pray for the best.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
THE ECONOMY
President Elect Obama has assigned John Podesta of his transition team to get input into solving the nation’s problems. The President Elect yesterday issued a statement regarding establishing an intiative to add 2.5 million jobs by 2011. My input to Mr. Podesta was as follows:
I agree, we need jobs and more jobs. Jobs are what drives the economy Where's the money?. Suggestion, take the balance of the 300 billion from the bailout and use it for creating and fixing the nations infrastructure.It's a start. 350 billion was more than enough for the Financial industry. That money was needed to fix the credit market. Banks need to resolve their own problems. Renegotiate mortgages and sell what people can't afford. There is a limit to bailouts Hopefully they learned a lesson in how to manage money and when to and when not to give credit.. They got into the mess, now work yourself out of it. You heard of tough love. Plus, get government out of the financial markets. Chris Dodd and Barney Frank have no clue what the're doing. Get your new Treasury Secretary to start carrying the ball when it comes to the Fiinancial Markets.Everyone needs to be accountable. Stop treating everyone like a baby.
Received an email describing Ford's shopisticated factory in Brazil.. Somethings wrong with the picture. If they can be successful in Brazil they can be successful in the U.S. They've got the talent and ideas. You need to transfer the Brazil model to the U.S. Get the politics out of the U.S. market. They need to go into receivership and dump the executives that were cajoling with Reid and Pelosi. Scrap the Board of Directors and have a complete reorganization of leadership. Find the people who made it work in Brazil and put them to work at fixing the problem.
Just heard, on the news ,some economists stated our cars were too good. Yes, my Toyota's a great car and will last 10 years. I expect it to last, it was a major investment. I stopped buying US when Olds , Chevy and Saturn became a pain to maintain. Make sure you don't listen to that economist. The prediction is that people are waiting for more fuel efficient cars. That's what I'm waiting for. Why should I buy when I can wait and demand to expect the technology to save money at the pump. We need to be energy independent. The publics not dumb, everyone wants value for their money. Government also needs to want value for their money, excuse me, the people's money.
The future of the auto industry is bright. The economies of China and India will need millions of cars. If we can compete with quality, fuel efficient automobiles we can capture that market. Don't look on the dark side look to the light. You need to get the right leadership in Detroit who are willing to solve problems and who will stop feeling sorry for themselves and continually run to government for help.. They're making big bucks, earn them. No bailout. We need to be leaders in innovation, not followers.
Your reps in the Senate and Congress, Reid and Pelosie are a disaster. I said it before and I'll say it time and time again, you need to manage their actions. Your team is doing a good job in providing direction and skills in trying to deal and identify solutions to the nations problems. Keep the politics to a minimum. We need common sense to solve economic problems. Different skills and abilities are needed to solve different problems.
Contact the Obama Biden Transition Team and provide your ideas to solve our nation's problems.
I agree, we need jobs and more jobs. Jobs are what drives the economy Where's the money?. Suggestion, take the balance of the 300 billion from the bailout and use it for creating and fixing the nations infrastructure.It's a start. 350 billion was more than enough for the Financial industry. That money was needed to fix the credit market. Banks need to resolve their own problems. Renegotiate mortgages and sell what people can't afford. There is a limit to bailouts Hopefully they learned a lesson in how to manage money and when to and when not to give credit.. They got into the mess, now work yourself out of it. You heard of tough love. Plus, get government out of the financial markets. Chris Dodd and Barney Frank have no clue what the're doing. Get your new Treasury Secretary to start carrying the ball when it comes to the Fiinancial Markets.Everyone needs to be accountable. Stop treating everyone like a baby.
Received an email describing Ford's shopisticated factory in Brazil.. Somethings wrong with the picture. If they can be successful in Brazil they can be successful in the U.S. They've got the talent and ideas. You need to transfer the Brazil model to the U.S. Get the politics out of the U.S. market. They need to go into receivership and dump the executives that were cajoling with Reid and Pelosi. Scrap the Board of Directors and have a complete reorganization of leadership. Find the people who made it work in Brazil and put them to work at fixing the problem.
Just heard, on the news ,some economists stated our cars were too good. Yes, my Toyota's a great car and will last 10 years. I expect it to last, it was a major investment. I stopped buying US when Olds , Chevy and Saturn became a pain to maintain. Make sure you don't listen to that economist. The prediction is that people are waiting for more fuel efficient cars. That's what I'm waiting for. Why should I buy when I can wait and demand to expect the technology to save money at the pump. We need to be energy independent. The publics not dumb, everyone wants value for their money. Government also needs to want value for their money, excuse me, the people's money.
The future of the auto industry is bright. The economies of China and India will need millions of cars. If we can compete with quality, fuel efficient automobiles we can capture that market. Don't look on the dark side look to the light. You need to get the right leadership in Detroit who are willing to solve problems and who will stop feeling sorry for themselves and continually run to government for help.. They're making big bucks, earn them. No bailout. We need to be leaders in innovation, not followers.
Your reps in the Senate and Congress, Reid and Pelosie are a disaster. I said it before and I'll say it time and time again, you need to manage their actions. Your team is doing a good job in providing direction and skills in trying to deal and identify solutions to the nations problems. Keep the politics to a minimum. We need common sense to solve economic problems. Different skills and abilities are needed to solve different problems.
Contact the Obama Biden Transition Team and provide your ideas to solve our nation's problems.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A PERSPECTIVE OF THE 2008 ELECTION
The 2008 Presidential Election is over. The winner was Barack Obama. It was a long and drawn out campaign. Massive amounts of money were spent to finance and run the campaigns. Debates were conducted for both parties until it came down to Obama vs. McCain. Obama was eloquent in his presentations and provided a Presidential image. The media took to Obama and lost their perspective. The internet was a major source for information and news. Obama’s background was glossed over. His background and associations lost their importance as the economy went into a tailspin. The people were mad and wanted change. They felt that the Bush administration was to blame for the economy and Iraq War. It was an historical election in which a black man was to become President and a woman, Sarah Palin, was to run for Vice President.
Looking back we can recount the issues and promises made by the new President:
· Economy – Give 95% of Americans a tax cut.
· End the Iraq War.
· Provide Health Care for all Americans.
· Bring peace to the world.
· Change Washington.
· Quality education for our children.
· Create jobs.
· Balance the budget.
Those were general talking points, how they will be resolved is the issue. Will we have more government and more controls? There is a fear that we will adopt socialistic policies. Will the government get too intrusive in the free market and bring down the traditional hallmarks of a capitalistic society? Will our military strength and security be sacrificed to provide more self gratification? Will we lose our freedoms to express ourselves and to disagree with government? How will Washington change when we continue to hear and see the same old rhetoric and actions of business as usual?
The people voted and must now trust that President Elect Obama will keep America safe and strong. The rhetoric has ended and the real work begins. We are entering into a new period in history and await its story.
Looking back we can recount the issues and promises made by the new President:
· Economy – Give 95% of Americans a tax cut.
· End the Iraq War.
· Provide Health Care for all Americans.
· Bring peace to the world.
· Change Washington.
· Quality education for our children.
· Create jobs.
· Balance the budget.
Those were general talking points, how they will be resolved is the issue. Will we have more government and more controls? There is a fear that we will adopt socialistic policies. Will the government get too intrusive in the free market and bring down the traditional hallmarks of a capitalistic society? Will our military strength and security be sacrificed to provide more self gratification? Will we lose our freedoms to express ourselves and to disagree with government? How will Washington change when we continue to hear and see the same old rhetoric and actions of business as usual?
The people voted and must now trust that President Elect Obama will keep America safe and strong. The rhetoric has ended and the real work begins. We are entering into a new period in history and await its story.
FAIRNESS DOCTRINE LETTER TO PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA
Congratulations on your victory. Now, it's up to you to produce. You stated you would not support a Fairness Doctrine. Some of your colleagues: Schummer, Reid and Pelosi are plotting to introduce and pass this UnAmerican legislation. This would not create fairness it would create dictatorship. The purpose of such legislation is to eliminate political criticism. We need different views, would they limit the jokes on Leno and Letterman. Would they legislate what you could and could not laugh at. If a politician can't take criticism and defend him or herself they should not run for office. There are more important issues to attack: jobs, the economy, national security, defense, education etc. They waste so much time on taking care of themselves they neglect the real work that needs to be done. If this a major priority of a Democratic Congress it does not speak well of how they support your priorities. Let's remember this is America not Russia. You need to talk to Schummer, Reid and Pelosie and explain your priorities. This is a step in the wrong direction and needs to be taken off the Congressional agenda. Schummer, Reid and Pelosi are not your friends they have and will continue to hinder progress. Let's face it they certainly are not the smartest nor the brighest people to speak for the American people. By saying that, would I be chastised under their Fairness Doctrine?
Sunday, October 12, 2008
DESTROYING AMERICA
Destroying America is a topic, I don’t believe anyone wants to bring up or think about. It’s a devastating thought that America would no longer exist as a world power.. Our enemies have talked and prayed for our demise. Terrorist wrecked havoc on 911 and showed that we were no longer invincible. It’s not the terrorist or our enemies that I fear; it’s the enemies from within: the greed, blind ambition, and power hungry individuals that work for their selfish interest that worry me. Too many people look to government as their savior. Government has become the cause of our problems.. Government has lost site of the traditional values that made America great: hard work, ingenuity, self reliance, family , freedom of expression, and love and pride of country. Our founding fathers set the example and fought for independence in creating the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution as the blueprints to guide our nation. If we do not return to these principals and traditions, we will be the cause for the destruction of America.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
THE ORGANIZATION MAN
I have a question for the CEO's, Board of Directors, and managers of our largest corporations. How did you ever get your job? With large salaries, stock options, and buyouts you should be genius'. You should possess great wisdom and leadership in directing your organizations. With the discosure of so many business failures you need to examine yourselves and your positions of responsibility. It's not about you, it's about the success of your organizations. What happened to the Organization Man?
Monday, September 8, 2008
CHANGING WASHINGTON
We describe someone running for political office, “A Politician”: Mayors, Aldermen, Representatives, Senators, and Presidents. The politician shines at election time. They smile, shake hands, kiss babies, make great speeches, there’s no problem too big or small they can’t solve. They reflect great energy and insight into our lives. They spend large sums of money to win our favor and votes. Many times the messages are negative and deceiving. They employ strategists and workers to prepare and pitch their message. It’s great theatre. They make us take sides and argue. They breakup long standing friendships.
The ones with the best theatre, money and organization normally win. Many politicians are veteran campaigners and continue to win year after year... A new candidate has the undaunting challenge to battle well heeled organizations that have the money and power of an incumbent. Something seems to happen after a person is elected. The words and promises of the campaign are lost. They take on a new personality and independence. They really don’t need us for another 2 to 4 years. Most seem to follow party lines and forget the problems of the people they serve. Every year a number of politicians will be caught for misdeeds and start a term in prison. Some will be disgraced and forced to resign. The position of power seems to create new egos and arrogance that lead them astray. The good intentioned person is transformed by a system that has forgotten its mission; Serve the People. Money abounds and opportunities arise to make great wealth. They charge large fees for speeches, they write books, travel by private jet and limos, get great pensions and free health care. When it comes to reviewing budgets they don’t cut, they increase... Why are they allowed great perks? They should have the same perks we have: social security, buses, subways, coach for air travel, use their own car, pay and pump their own gas, pay for health care, get merit raises and two week vacations. Something is wrong. When we elect people the intent isn’t to create a ruling class, but to get service to lead and solve problems. We need people who will maintains the standards and values that made America great. Instead of going forward, government seems to be going backwards. It doesn’t listen and has risen above the will of the people.
Don’t get me wrong, not all politicians are bad; many fight and serve us well. They have good values and work for the people. Everyone talks about changing Washington; I say we need to change all governments: cities, towns, counties, states, not only Washington. We need a cure for this disease and it’s not going to come from politicians, it must come from us, the voters. We need sincere candidates who will fight and work for good government. We the people have let it get out of control and we the people need to correct the problem. Each and every election is important and change will only come by electing people who believe in the mission of serving their constituents, not themselves or their party.
The ones with the best theatre, money and organization normally win. Many politicians are veteran campaigners and continue to win year after year... A new candidate has the undaunting challenge to battle well heeled organizations that have the money and power of an incumbent. Something seems to happen after a person is elected. The words and promises of the campaign are lost. They take on a new personality and independence. They really don’t need us for another 2 to 4 years. Most seem to follow party lines and forget the problems of the people they serve. Every year a number of politicians will be caught for misdeeds and start a term in prison. Some will be disgraced and forced to resign. The position of power seems to create new egos and arrogance that lead them astray. The good intentioned person is transformed by a system that has forgotten its mission; Serve the People. Money abounds and opportunities arise to make great wealth. They charge large fees for speeches, they write books, travel by private jet and limos, get great pensions and free health care. When it comes to reviewing budgets they don’t cut, they increase... Why are they allowed great perks? They should have the same perks we have: social security, buses, subways, coach for air travel, use their own car, pay and pump their own gas, pay for health care, get merit raises and two week vacations. Something is wrong. When we elect people the intent isn’t to create a ruling class, but to get service to lead and solve problems. We need people who will maintains the standards and values that made America great. Instead of going forward, government seems to be going backwards. It doesn’t listen and has risen above the will of the people.
Don’t get me wrong, not all politicians are bad; many fight and serve us well. They have good values and work for the people. Everyone talks about changing Washington; I say we need to change all governments: cities, towns, counties, states, not only Washington. We need a cure for this disease and it’s not going to come from politicians, it must come from us, the voters. We need sincere candidates who will fight and work for good government. We the people have let it get out of control and we the people need to correct the problem. Each and every election is important and change will only come by electing people who believe in the mission of serving their constituents, not themselves or their party.
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