I have a real problem with the government attempting to keep our financial system propped up, because I don't think it is possible. I believe that the mainstream understanding of financial crises is wrong on many crucial levels, so attempts to solve the problem won't work, but even more to the point, traditional analysis suggests we have to spend so much that I don't think we … [Read more...] about Enough!
Enough!
History Made
David Fitzsimmons, The Arizona Star … [Read more...] about History Made
Obama’s America
Today Obama announced … [Read more...] about Obama’s America
The Bail-Out and Stimulus Package
Every economist will tell you any time you ask that the Federal Government is a closed system. Whenever it gives out money to someone it has to take that money from somewhere else. This includes higher taxes, fewer programs or mortgaging the future through higher deficits. There is no free money. Politically, the Bush administration and the Obama administration and both … [Read more...] about The Bail-Out and Stimulus Package
Repossessing Patriotism
In the most important foreclosure of all, the White House will be taken back Tuesday by the majority of Americans who lost it to lawyers in 2000 and the legions who have joined them while watching in disgust as George W. Bush lowered American property values in the world neighborhood. Our new tenants, the Obamas, are holding an open house as they move in and, although … [Read more...] about Repossessing Patriotism
American Painter, Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009), RIP
I don't agree with assessments of Andrew Wyeth's work that label it "drab and kitschy" but toward the reviews of it as "profound reflections of 20th Century alienation and existentialism." This Washington Post obit includes a photo gallery of Wyeth and his work. Here's one of his most famous images, Christina's World: The Christian Science Monitor has republished its … [Read more...] about American Painter, Andrew Wyeth (1917-2009), RIP
The F-22 Raptor, Obama’s First Major Weapon Systems Decision
One of the first weapon systems-related decisions the Obama administration will have to make is whether to purchase additional Lockheed-Martin F-22 Raptors, after the last one of a 183 aircraft order has been delivered. As retired U.S. Air Force and retired Lockheed-Martin, this decision and this aircraft naturally interest me. According to The Hill, a group of 44 … [Read more...] about The F-22 Raptor, Obama’s First Major Weapon Systems Decision
Where to Watch the Inauguration Online
Andrew Nusca has helpfully provided a list for all of us. My picks from his: CNN has partnered with Facebook to provide live streaming of the swearing-in and Obama’s speech. A Facebook window on CNN.com’s Live channel will aggregate your friends’ related status updates. C-SPAN will debut its Inauguration Hub on January 20, featuring an online “control room” of various … [Read more...] about Where to Watch the Inauguration Online
Closing A Blogger’s Secret Bush Silly Photo File
It's no secret that bloggers save all kinds of images and use them when they need them. The most basic image to save is a silly photo of a politician, one that is so silly that it begs being used, or recycled. And Presidents are great -- and fair -targets. Silly or expressive photos of politicians are easy to collect, since few of them can stay in spin-perfect stances all … [Read more...] about Closing A Blogger’s Secret Bush Silly Photo File
Inauguration
David Fitzsimmons, The Arizona Star … [Read more...] about Inauguration
Vacating The Premises: The Bush Era Now All But Officially Over
As of Friday, many of the Bushies have left the building (and turned over their passes). … [Read more...] about Vacating The Premises: The Bush Era Now All But Officially Over
TMV’s Guide to Becoming Fabulously Wealthy
Following up on my earlier column, in which you learned to understand the basic concept of money, it is only natural that you would now wish to get a large supply of it for yourself. The problem facing many of you, of course, is that you haven't the first hint of an idea where to begin. You might be laboring under the tired, old "conventional wisdom" which seeks to convince you … [Read more...] about TMV’s Guide to Becoming Fabulously Wealthy
Debate Topic #2: Health Care Reform
Since we had a pretty good response to the environmental discussion last weekend I thought I would start a new topic for this pre-Inaugural weekend. Wanting to shy away from the more controversial subjects I thought I'd go with a tame one like..... Health Care Reform. I presume it goes without saying that we all agree that there is a problem, that our current health care … [Read more...] about Debate Topic #2: Health Care Reform
Presidential Inaugural Speeches: FDR’s 1933 Address
This is the second in a series of videos of inaugural speeches (this has excerpts). Franklin Delano Roosevelt's March 1933 inaugural address seems to apply to some of the same situation today. Another speech considered the gold-standard due to content and delivery: … [Read more...] about Presidential Inaugural Speeches: FDR’s 1933 Address
Barter or Buy
"Too many of us look upon Americans as dollar chasers. This is a cruel libel, even if it is reiterated thoughtlessly by the Americans themselves." Albert Einstein As both the preceding quote and illustration would indicate, our thought experiment for the weekend shall involve the nature of money and man's relationship to it. You are, as always, invited to explore this … [Read more...] about Barter or Buy
Just For a Moment, Rest: A Little Bedtime Story
This is a picture of Kinderdijk canal in the Nederlands with thousands of joyous ice skaters who descended on the frozen canal ...which last froze over more than twelve years ago. Long ago, in the time of the story of Hans Brinker and The Silver Skates, that is in Holland circa 1865, the canals in the Netherlands froze over every year. But gradually, with more and more … [Read more...] about Just For a Moment, Rest: A Little Bedtime Story
Obama Frees Science
Mike Keefe, The Denver Post … [Read more...] about Obama Frees Science
Poll: Bush Final Legacy Appearances Fail To Sway Thumbs Down Public
Despite a farewell address, a slew of interviews and a reported private meeting with conservative talk show hosts at the White House, President George Bush's approval ratings have not budged from what they were a few weeks ago: the public is continuing to give Bush a decisive thumbs down. Although one conservative talk show host today talked of being genuinely moved to tears … [Read more...] about Poll: Bush Final Legacy Appearances Fail To Sway Thumbs Down Public
The Best Conservative Movies In The Past 25 Years
The list is here. What -- no Michael Moore flicks? … [Read more...] about The Best Conservative Movies In The Past 25 Years
Fox News’ Latest
Bush "inherited" 911, he "inherited" the recession, and he "inherited" Wall Street's ills. Oh. … [Read more...] about Fox News’ Latest