Friday, August 21, 2009

Oil Hits 2009 High Above $74, Eyes Fed Speech

Oil Hits 2009 High Above $74, Eyes Fed Speech - FOXBusiness.com

Now, this doesn't make any real sense to me. I understand that the economy is on the mend according to analysts and that the dollar is stronger against the euro. However, I don't understand why gas prices are going up again.

According the Fox News article, "As yet, there were few signs of recovering U.S. fuel demand. Freight traffic across North America fell 17.9% in the week ended Aug. 15 from the same 2008 week, a trade group said on Thursday in a weekly report." Given that, Americans haven't started driving all over the place and they aren't buying SUV's like crazy again.

Everyone agrees that our economy is driven by petroleum. If the gas prices continue to go up, the so-called recovery in the economy will stall and falter. It will drive us further downward. I feel that the economy has to be nurtured along for a bit before gas prices go up. If this trend in gas prices continues its upward climb like last summer, the economy will tank again. (No pun intended.)

Posted using ShareThis

Democrats Host Few Traditional Town Hall Meetings During August Recess

Democrats Host Few Traditional Town Hall Meetings During August Recess - Political News - FOXNews.com


I honestly believe that no matter what the political affiliation of the host at a health care reform town hall meeting, they will get an earful.

Guys, how different times and ways do we as Americans need to say it? Americans want a say in what is going to happen. Most elected officials believe that they know what the people want. They are delusional. They don't even have a clue.

Now, they are afraid to talk with their constituencies. This is a sad day.

Posted using ShareThis

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Federal Deficit to Hit $1.58 Trillion This Year

Federal Deficit to Hit $1.58 Trillion This Year - Political News - FOXNews.com

Some economists have said that the number isn't too bad. Let's look at the national debt. The nation's debt now stands at $11.7 trillion.

With all of the money going out, we are saddling our children with a massive debt. The only way for the government to continue all of their programs is to raise taxes. I honestly don't see any other way.

If we tax the wealthy and corporations, we will only be taking away from investment capital. I suggest that spending needs to be capped at the government level. All expenditures need to be reviewed.

Senator Arlen Specter, during his last televised town hall meeting, was asked about term limitations and if he would support it. He didn't answer the question. He simply said that term limitations already existing and the voters can exercise it during elections.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, we need to exercise our rights and remove those free-spenders from Congress and send people who are fiscally responsible and are there to serve the nation rather than themselves.

While I have been unemployed for almost 9 months, I have volunteered at a local retirement community. I have cleaned tables, helped lead exercises, teach computer classes, lead Sunday morning worship services and Bible studies and a host of other things. In all cases the needs of the residents have always come first.

When people start putting others ahead of themselves, things get down.

Posted using ShareThis

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Buffett Warns of Threat of Rising U.S. Debt

Buffett Warns of Threat of Rising U.S. Debt - FOXBusiness.com

The Oracle of Omaha has spoken and I believe that he is right in what he is saying. The government is spending money at an unprecedented rate and is running up a huge debt that we will be passing along to our children and their children.

What will future generations say about our spending? They will call us irresponsible and wonder why we didn't put our foot down with our elected representative.

If we have any concern for future generations, we need to put the brakes on all spending and work to reduce the deficit by acting fiscally responsible. We need to be good stewards of our money and "secure the Blessings of Liberty (financial liberty) to ourselves and our Posterity."

Posted using ShareThis

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Girl Fined $50 For Selling Lemonade Without Permit in NYC Park

Girl Fined $50 For Selling Lemonade Without Permit in NYC Park - Local News News Articles National News US News - FOXNews.com

This is sad. I honestly can't believe it. Children have always had lemonade stands. When I was driving in my neighborhood, I saw children with lemonade stands. They were selling lemonade for 10 cents a glass. I always stop and buy.

I guess this situation will sour the child's decision to open up a business.

Posted using ShareThis

Auto Dealers Paid for Just 2 Percent of 'Clunkers' Claims, Congressman Says - Political News - FOXNews.com

Auto Dealers Paid for Just 2 Percent of 'Clunkers' Claims, Congressman Says - Political News - FOXNews.com

The government needs to get those checks to the dealers quickly. I have talked with some dealers and they say that they need the cash NOW and can't wait too much longer. Some are having to consider laying off some of their sales people to make ends meet.

Come on, guys, send those checks!

Posted using ShareThis

N. Korea Threatens Retaliation on U.S., S. Korea Over Sanctions - North Korea | Map | Government - FOXNews.com

N. Korea Threatens Retaliation on U.S., S. Korea Over Sanctions - North Korea Map Government - FOXNews.com

Yes, North Korea is once again rattling its saber and trying to prove to the world that they are superpower. Talk about delusions of grandeur. I honestly believe that they will never risk an attack and know that the United States will never strike against them for fear of world opinion.

The best way to handle North Korea is to leave it alone.

Posted using ShareThis

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Some Auto Dealers Still Await Reimbursement From Uncle Sam Despite Refueled Clunkers - Political News - FOXNews.com

Some Auto Dealers Still Await Reimbursement From Uncle Sam Despite Refueled Clunkers - Political News - FOXNews.com


In my earlier posting, FOXNews pointed out that Americans want some of the stimulus package money returned to them because the program isn't working.

The cash for clunkers program is another fine example of government bureaucracy at work. It will take a considerable amount of time for the government to get around to sending out the checks to the dealers. I can't wait to hear the reasons.

Posted using ShareThis

FOX News Poll: 52 Percent Say Town Hall Protesters Expressing Authentic Outrage - Political News - FOXNews.com

FOX News Poll: 52 Percent Say Town Hall Protesters Expressing Authentic Outrage - Political News - FOXNews.com

After weeks of congressional debate and significant media coverage of the recent town hall meetings being held around the country, more Americans continue to oppose health care reform.

Posted using ShareThis

FOX News Poll: Most Americans Want Unused Stimulus Money Returned to Taxpayers - Political News - FOXNews.com

FOX News Poll: Most Americans Want Unused Stimulus Money Returned to Taxpayers - Political News - FOXNews.com

Like most economists, many Americans think the worst of the nation's economic troubles are in the past. The latest FOX News poll finds that 44 percent say the worst is over -- up significantly from 27 percent who thought so in April.

Posted using ShareThis

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Senator Arlen Specter Hosting Town Hall Meeting

I'm watching Fox News' coverage of a town hall meeting on health care hosted by Senator Arlen Specter. People are upset with more than just the health care. The people are upset with government's decisions that have been made in a vacuum.

In response to a question regarding the writing of bills at a Junior High School reading level, Senator Specter responded by saying, "I'll try."

Americans are tired of hearing those words from our government. The Congress has not listened to the American people for quite some time. TARP, the Stimulus Package and the continued discussion on health care are just examples of the government's failure to listen to the people. A gentleman talked about trust. The American public no longer trusts the government and is growing tired of this.

I have been unemployed for over 8 months and have talked with many people who are actively looking for jobs. The Stimulus bill hasn't done much for me or others. I have had to apply for extension to my unemployment benefits. I have sent out over 800 resume and almost 400 applications. The American people have no confidence in the economy or the government.

Monday, August 10, 2009

In a Tight Spot, Pelosi Calls Health Care Critics 'Un-American' - Political News - FOXNews.com

In a Tight Spot, Pelosi Calls Health Care Critics 'Un-American' - Political News - FOXNews.com

Name calling is something we should be avoiding. I believe that most Americans are upset by Congress' lack of responsiveness to the American people. Most seem content by not listening to their constituents and are acting as puppets or doing what they think is best. I honestly believe that Congress needs to work with the American people to determine what is needed.

Posted using ShareThis

AP: Sanford Used State Planes for Personal Trips - Political News - FOXNews.com

AP: Sanford Used State Planes for Personal Trips - Political News - FOXNews.com

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford used state aircraft for personal and political trips, often bringing along his wife and children -- contrary to state law regarding official use, an Associated Press investigation has found.

Ouch! This is going to cost the party in South Carolina dearly. The party that made an issue about morals and holding people to a higher standard is having a mirror placed in front of it.

I sincerely believe the Republican party is doomed if it doesn't change its ways. It needs to be more conservative and less moderate. It needs to work to reduce the size of government. It needs to represent fiscal responsibility and control spending.

Posted using ShareThis

Friday, August 7, 2009

Health Care Town Halls Turn Violent in Tampa and St. Louis - Political News - FOXNews.com

Health Care Town Halls Turn Violent in Tampa and St. Louis - Political News - FOXNews.com


I talked with some friends about this. The one thing that stands out in my mind is that the officials elected by the people ARE NOT listening to their constituents.

Health care will be one of the major items on the scorecard for the next election. If something doesn't get done soon, there will be a voter backlash like we have never seen before.

Posted using ShareThis

Poster Outrage - FOXNews.com

Poster Outrage - FOXNews.com

I ran across this interesting article about a poster depicted President Obama as the Joker and all of the outrage that has come from it.

Last year, President Bush was depicted as the Joker in Vanity Fair. There was very little outrage. In fact, very little was said by most Republicans and it was taken in stride.

To be quite honest, I really don't appreciate this type of poster of a President. But, I do realize that people are entitled to say what's on their minds. I am a firm believer of the 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Over the past couple of months, I have had more and more abusive comments about my observations of politics. I have refused to post those that have been extremely abusive and obscene. I have also realized a few that been very good in stimulating debate. I really appreciate those. The best thing we can do as Americans is to openly discuss problems and work to a solution without being mean-spirited.

For those of you who have been submitting your comments in the spirit of intellectual debate, I thank you.

Posted using ShareThis