TEA BAG BUST
In answer to the question “what if you threw a party and nobody showed?” the FOX News sponsored Tea Bag parties managed to garnish 618,000 protestors in about 800 American locales. That’s two tenths of 1% of the U.S. population, an average of 78 people per location (some sites had about ten people while others numbered in the thousands).
Put in perspective, Elton John, Simon and Garfunkel and Diana Ross each drew crowds of 500,000 in Central Park, New York, a city that drew 12,500 tea bag protestors (in Miss Ross’ case she drew the same crowd twice due to late rain out). New York is comprised of 8.36 million citizens, and borders Connecticut, New Jersey and Up State which can draw an additional 2 million from each area.
Sean Hannity of Fox News, who broadcasted from the Georgia party site of 25 to 30,000, often maligns the Million Man March hosted by Farrakhan claiming they only drew 400,000 people (the police department reported 800,000). Yet he claims the Tea Bag party to be a ground swell movement!
Where is this so called anger and uprising we were told to expect? Most viewers expecting to see the equivalent to an Abortion Rights or Pro Life march on Washington, or remember Anti War or Anti Nuke rallies, or the ground swell of the Civil Rights marches were severely disappointed.
Adding to the confusion is the mixed messages being delivered. While some were protesting taxes (although none have been raised yet and we are still under the Bush tax plan), others were against government bailouts of anybody. One sign read “Reverse NAFTA now” definitely not a conservative Republican theme, while many simply voiced their displeasure with Obama in not so polite terms.
The protestors were not the wealthy elite (they brainwash others do their dirty work) but average Americans who either retained their job due to a bailout, received unemployment benefit extensions and COBRA provisions, had their homes secured through new mortgage re-writes, and had their 401K’s further secured by TARP funding to banks. The result is we avoided a wave of bank liquidations and corporate failures along with 25% to 30% unemployment.
Not helping this “Day of Outrage” was recent polls that showed while 44% don’t want any bailouts, 39% did want some form of government intervention and 12% didn’t mind intervention at all. Add to this Obama is still polling in the low 60% favorability, and we have a new “silent majority” amused at the lost message and circus atmosphere of the Tea Bag Parties.
Of course Democrats can’t leave well enough alone. Jeanine Garofalo damned all protestors as racist, she who demands open mindedness as part of the radical liberal sect, and Pelosi belittles people who did show up as “Astroturf,” in case we needed to be reminded of what a foot in one’s mouth sounds like.
The Tea Bag turnout was laughable and reiterated most Americans are behind President Obama and the need to do what is necessary to correct the economy and economic injustice. Democrats, radical or otherwise, should have more self confidence, shut up and let the facts speak for themselves.
David DiBello
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Our Brother George Weber, "The News Guy"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNJ1qTmWHHI
George Weber was a good decent person, who easily became a fabric of news radio and thus NYC. He was without pretense, having a few brews with the gang at the Blarney Stone after work, not a place to go if you claim to have "airs" about you.
He was also most likely a homosexual, given the circumstances surrounding his death; a murder by someone he knew in his apartment late at night. He lived on Henry Street, which is Brooklyn's version of Greenwich Village.
That’s all irrelevant because what will remain is that he was a good and decent person, not his sexual preference, or the fact that he came to a demise that no one deserves, and no one, no matter whom they are, are immune. He was the kind of person that made you think of what it was like to be a New Yorker, and what a gift it is to live in NY - nothing else. He was a normal gentleman, the kind one would have to be told of his sexual proclivity because that was not how he was defined. He was a regular guy.
Of course we all want the same thing from life, most importantly - to love and be loved. Unfortunately in the depths of our despair or loneliness, we are vulnerable to people who prey on such desires. George probably hoisted a few with the boys after work Friday night, shared a few laughs and headed home to Brooklyn, and apparently later that night met up with the wrong person.
It does give us pause to know that a moments bad decision can lead to our demise, but no one - no one - should pay with their life because they opened up their heart prematurely.
And no one can steal what this man, George Weber, meant to so many New Yorkers. That he was a good and decent man who loved New York and New Yorkers loved him in kind.
George Weber was a good decent person, who easily became a fabric of news radio and thus NYC. He was without pretense, having a few brews with the gang at the Blarney Stone after work, not a place to go if you claim to have "airs" about you.
He was also most likely a homosexual, given the circumstances surrounding his death; a murder by someone he knew in his apartment late at night. He lived on Henry Street, which is Brooklyn's version of Greenwich Village.
That’s all irrelevant because what will remain is that he was a good and decent person, not his sexual preference, or the fact that he came to a demise that no one deserves, and no one, no matter whom they are, are immune. He was the kind of person that made you think of what it was like to be a New Yorker, and what a gift it is to live in NY - nothing else. He was a normal gentleman, the kind one would have to be told of his sexual proclivity because that was not how he was defined. He was a regular guy.
Of course we all want the same thing from life, most importantly - to love and be loved. Unfortunately in the depths of our despair or loneliness, we are vulnerable to people who prey on such desires. George probably hoisted a few with the boys after work Friday night, shared a few laughs and headed home to Brooklyn, and apparently later that night met up with the wrong person.
It does give us pause to know that a moments bad decision can lead to our demise, but no one - no one - should pay with their life because they opened up their heart prematurely.
And no one can steal what this man, George Weber, meant to so many New Yorkers. That he was a good and decent man who loved New York and New Yorkers loved him in kind.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Welcome to the Business World, Jake DeSantis!
Welcome to the Business World, Jake DeSantis!
Upon reading A.I.G.’s Jake DeSantis’ resignation letter one is almost moved to feel sympathy for a man who felt “duped” by company management, and anger towards a firm that did not fulfill its “commitment.”
As sympathy fades, one focuses on the fatal flaws with Mr. DeSantis’ logic, along with his isolation from a corporate world most of us live. Yes, Mr. DeSantis worked for a portion of A.I.G. that was profitable, but management views the whole in financial terms, not fragmented or decompartmentalized parts. This is why it is important for employees to consider themselves part of the whole, and concerned if a segment of their company is not performing well. As the saying goes, “we are as strong as our weakest link.”
In short, an employee is an agent of the entire company, and much like King Solomon’s test, cannot be cut in half. In dire situations, a company files bankruptcy not on a segment of their firm, but on the company as whole. As an executive Vice President, Mr. DeSantis should know he worked not for A.I.G. Northeast, or A.I.G. Southwest, but A.I.G. period; one Federal Tax ID number, one company.
It is understandable Mr. DeSantis’ pride is irked, but perhaps a few months’ reflection will set in on where he made his errors. First, being that he was able to work for $1.00 a year, unlike 98% of America, means he was well compensated in years past and has the luxury to be part of an ivory tower culture of waiting for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Has he any gratitude for A.I.G.’s past compensation, or is it all about “what have you done for me lately?” The fact Jake is in a position to “give back” his “bonus” attests to A.I.G.’s past benevolence.
As for A.I.G.’s “lying,” welcome to corporate America, the kind us working class have experienced for many years. However, in this age of enlightenment and spirituality, this could be construed as A.I.G. engaging in the power of positive thinking; management gave a rosy scenario because negative ones insure failure. Perhaps they felt past year’s extravagant remuneration deserved a level of loyalty, if not pay back?
If there is a lesson for DeSantis, he will learn, in financial terms, to reduce his exposure by joining us mere mortals, accepting a salary each and every week, forgoing the variability of a pay out in the end. Join workers who experience rainbows in black and white, if we enjoy them at all. As the clichés goes, “a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush.” Mr. DeSantis wants the best of both worlds: paid like an Executive, but when things go wrong, employing the rules of the working class?
However the most affronting assertion in Mr. Desantis’ resignation rant where he loses any popular support is he was due a “bonus” from a firm that was bankrupt; in short, he wanted his bonus to come from OPM; other people’s money, an ethic strongly adopted and utilized by the Wall Street elite (the reason we are where we are). This smacks of sheer arrogance bolstered by outright naiveté, and blind ego.
Or is this a measure of Jake’s one way commitment, and part of his lie?
David DiBello
Upon reading A.I.G.’s Jake DeSantis’ resignation letter one is almost moved to feel sympathy for a man who felt “duped” by company management, and anger towards a firm that did not fulfill its “commitment.”
As sympathy fades, one focuses on the fatal flaws with Mr. DeSantis’ logic, along with his isolation from a corporate world most of us live. Yes, Mr. DeSantis worked for a portion of A.I.G. that was profitable, but management views the whole in financial terms, not fragmented or decompartmentalized parts. This is why it is important for employees to consider themselves part of the whole, and concerned if a segment of their company is not performing well. As the saying goes, “we are as strong as our weakest link.”
In short, an employee is an agent of the entire company, and much like King Solomon’s test, cannot be cut in half. In dire situations, a company files bankruptcy not on a segment of their firm, but on the company as whole. As an executive Vice President, Mr. DeSantis should know he worked not for A.I.G. Northeast, or A.I.G. Southwest, but A.I.G. period; one Federal Tax ID number, one company.
It is understandable Mr. DeSantis’ pride is irked, but perhaps a few months’ reflection will set in on where he made his errors. First, being that he was able to work for $1.00 a year, unlike 98% of America, means he was well compensated in years past and has the luxury to be part of an ivory tower culture of waiting for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Has he any gratitude for A.I.G.’s past compensation, or is it all about “what have you done for me lately?” The fact Jake is in a position to “give back” his “bonus” attests to A.I.G.’s past benevolence.
As for A.I.G.’s “lying,” welcome to corporate America, the kind us working class have experienced for many years. However, in this age of enlightenment and spirituality, this could be construed as A.I.G. engaging in the power of positive thinking; management gave a rosy scenario because negative ones insure failure. Perhaps they felt past year’s extravagant remuneration deserved a level of loyalty, if not pay back?
If there is a lesson for DeSantis, he will learn, in financial terms, to reduce his exposure by joining us mere mortals, accepting a salary each and every week, forgoing the variability of a pay out in the end. Join workers who experience rainbows in black and white, if we enjoy them at all. As the clichés goes, “a bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush.” Mr. DeSantis wants the best of both worlds: paid like an Executive, but when things go wrong, employing the rules of the working class?
However the most affronting assertion in Mr. Desantis’ resignation rant where he loses any popular support is he was due a “bonus” from a firm that was bankrupt; in short, he wanted his bonus to come from OPM; other people’s money, an ethic strongly adopted and utilized by the Wall Street elite (the reason we are where we are). This smacks of sheer arrogance bolstered by outright naiveté, and blind ego.
Or is this a measure of Jake’s one way commitment, and part of his lie?
David DiBello
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
U.S., We have a Crisis!
How dare our new President tell the American public we are in a crisis? Doesn’t he know that the best tool any salesperson possesses is the power of positive thinking, to always look at the glass as half full and to put a positive outlook i.e. spin, on anything being sold?
Do capitalists and Wall Street, stuck in their Ivory Tower, think Americans don’t know things are bad, even after the layoffs, stagnating wages, crumbling home values and reeling stock portfolios. Has President Obama just shocked us like some naïve spouse who unveils the evidence of her/his cheating mate?
Haven’t we endured enough in 2008 of Wall Street analysts seeing through rose colored glasses telling us time and again that rebound is around the corner and we have just bottomed out, or that the fall is bound to pick up any day? Are we to listen to the Larry Kudlow’s of the world telling us not to panic on the “stimulating news” commodities haven’t fallen as much as in the past as reason to rejoice?
Perhaps we should adhere to the mind numbing positive self talk theory that’s allows us to walk around believing everything is wonderful because we want it to be so as we sit down for another dinner of Styrofoam we envision as filet mignon.
Here’s an idea: acknowledge the truth and identify the problem. Only then can we know what needs to be corrected and work on the solution.
However after eight years of a supply side economy that doubled the federal debt, outsourced American jobs for more favorable returns, and favored one class while forgetting about the rest, Republicans and Capitalist rather one didn’t look to hard at the root cause of the problem, choosing to continue playing upon the magical belief of keeping a stiff upper chin.
They want to stay the course and not upset the applecart that has benefited them, rather than facing the reality of what will need to be done – raising taxes, wage equity and treating Americans as if we are all created equal, one nation under God.
We’ve had enough of that; sometimes the fat lady has to stop singing and look in the mirror.
Do capitalists and Wall Street, stuck in their Ivory Tower, think Americans don’t know things are bad, even after the layoffs, stagnating wages, crumbling home values and reeling stock portfolios. Has President Obama just shocked us like some naïve spouse who unveils the evidence of her/his cheating mate?
Haven’t we endured enough in 2008 of Wall Street analysts seeing through rose colored glasses telling us time and again that rebound is around the corner and we have just bottomed out, or that the fall is bound to pick up any day? Are we to listen to the Larry Kudlow’s of the world telling us not to panic on the “stimulating news” commodities haven’t fallen as much as in the past as reason to rejoice?
Perhaps we should adhere to the mind numbing positive self talk theory that’s allows us to walk around believing everything is wonderful because we want it to be so as we sit down for another dinner of Styrofoam we envision as filet mignon.
Here’s an idea: acknowledge the truth and identify the problem. Only then can we know what needs to be corrected and work on the solution.
However after eight years of a supply side economy that doubled the federal debt, outsourced American jobs for more favorable returns, and favored one class while forgetting about the rest, Republicans and Capitalist rather one didn’t look to hard at the root cause of the problem, choosing to continue playing upon the magical belief of keeping a stiff upper chin.
They want to stay the course and not upset the applecart that has benefited them, rather than facing the reality of what will need to be done – raising taxes, wage equity and treating Americans as if we are all created equal, one nation under God.
We’ve had enough of that; sometimes the fat lady has to stop singing and look in the mirror.
Santelli Polls Den of Thieves
It was pathetically hysterical to watch Rick Santelli poll the floor of the Stock Exchange, home of all those "year end" bonuses, creators of derivative shenanigans and ironically beneficiaries of government bailout of the industries with which they trade.
Perhaps Mr Santelli would be more convincing had he walked down Main Street and polled those people. The only point made by Santelli's impromptu unscientific poll is the division in economic classes in our country, and how what is good for the goose ain't necessarily good for others in Wall Street's Ivory Tower.
Perhaps Mr Santelli would be more convincing had he walked down Main Street and polled those people. The only point made by Santelli's impromptu unscientific poll is the division in economic classes in our country, and how what is good for the goose ain't necessarily good for others in Wall Street's Ivory Tower.
Bravo Bernie!
I am delighted with the Madoff case and have absoultely no sympathy for people who invested with this man because their greed clouded their judgment to put all their eggs in one basket.
Never did they question why they were getting 10% dividend and interest income when everyone else in America received less than 5%. This is a saga of the "have's" thinking they know better, are smarter and have better connections because they are above us all.
As the old saying goes, "birds of a feather flock together," and "like kinds attract." Bernie Madoff was the perfect medicine to people who thought they were better than the rest.
HE KNEW HE COULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM BECAUSE HE COULD PLAY UPON THEIR GREED, A PREREQUISITE FOR ANY CON ARTIST.
May they stew in it, and may Bernie get pardoned, because in factual situations murder and rape are far worse crimes, but in this capitalistic society we are indoctrinated to think other wise. Tell that to someone who lost a loved one recently, or from survivors of the holocaust who saw their loved ones starve and get slaughtered.
Enjoy the stew; everyone got what they deserved!
Never did they question why they were getting 10% dividend and interest income when everyone else in America received less than 5%. This is a saga of the "have's" thinking they know better, are smarter and have better connections because they are above us all.
As the old saying goes, "birds of a feather flock together," and "like kinds attract." Bernie Madoff was the perfect medicine to people who thought they were better than the rest.
HE KNEW HE COULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM BECAUSE HE COULD PLAY UPON THEIR GREED, A PREREQUISITE FOR ANY CON ARTIST.
May they stew in it, and may Bernie get pardoned, because in factual situations murder and rape are far worse crimes, but in this capitalistic society we are indoctrinated to think other wise. Tell that to someone who lost a loved one recently, or from survivors of the holocaust who saw their loved ones starve and get slaughtered.
Enjoy the stew; everyone got what they deserved!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Bonus Scam
Wall Street and Pure Capitalists, like Larry Kudlow, keep up the canard of "attracting and keeping" executives. This is a scam theory not backed by facts.
Under the law of supply and demand, the very theorems Capitalists aspire, the market is flooded with talented people competing against one another, and Investment Houses, thanks to CEO's fine (greedy) efforts are disappearing or already gone.
Reggie Jackson was replaced. If all the CEO's on Wall Street perished on 9/11, the economy wouldn't have come to a grinding halt. The threat that they will be attracted by “lured away” by other entities is a fallacy. These are not the best of times, thanks to their failed strategies of high risk investments with no regard and reckless abandon.
If the Working Class negotiates with one's boss, the salary ceiling would be the amount that a boss would no longer pay because he can get cheaper workers elsewhere.
This is the way all companies should act regardless of federal funds, but fairness smacks in the face of capitalism.
And still, we have grown men and women putting in a hard week’s work, some back breaking, for minimum wage. What a National Disgrace that has now come back to harm our economy since "disposable income" makes the economic wheel go round.
David DiBello
Under the law of supply and demand, the very theorems Capitalists aspire, the market is flooded with talented people competing against one another, and Investment Houses, thanks to CEO's fine (greedy) efforts are disappearing or already gone.
Reggie Jackson was replaced. If all the CEO's on Wall Street perished on 9/11, the economy wouldn't have come to a grinding halt. The threat that they will be attracted by “lured away” by other entities is a fallacy. These are not the best of times, thanks to their failed strategies of high risk investments with no regard and reckless abandon.
If the Working Class negotiates with one's boss, the salary ceiling would be the amount that a boss would no longer pay because he can get cheaper workers elsewhere.
This is the way all companies should act regardless of federal funds, but fairness smacks in the face of capitalism.
And still, we have grown men and women putting in a hard week’s work, some back breaking, for minimum wage. What a National Disgrace that has now come back to harm our economy since "disposable income" makes the economic wheel go round.
David DiBello
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
"Hero" Goes Up In Smoke
Once again dudes, we have an image of society defined "hero" Mike Phelps engaging in heroic behavior. This is because in a celebrity induced society we assign the "hero" tag to achievements that look cool and popular. Our values are shallow: is Mike Phelps fast swimmimg as cool as the sacrifce of men and women in the armed forces fighting for democracy and freedom? Is it as cool as the countless number of Americans who do their job everyday, many times at serious risk, to no applause?
Mike Phelps has put to risk his financial product endorsements with his stupid behavior. Will we be giving any of our Military, or Law Enforcement those multi million dollar endorsement contracts?
Here we have assigned "hero" to a fast swimmer, a sport that is one step above "bathing," except bathing has more long term benefits. Come to think of it, I solve scrabble problems very quickly. I might be a hero?
Mike Phelps has put to risk his financial product endorsements with his stupid behavior. Will we be giving any of our Military, or Law Enforcement those multi million dollar endorsement contracts?
Here we have assigned "hero" to a fast swimmer, a sport that is one step above "bathing," except bathing has more long term benefits. Come to think of it, I solve scrabble problems very quickly. I might be a hero?
Saturday, January 31, 2009
14 Babies at Whose Expense?
It is true that Government should not interfere or restrict one's free speech or ability to legally do as they please, so the woman suffering from Mia Farrow disease is entitled to inseminate herself for purpose of giving multiple births.
However, when this woman cannot afford to nurture these children, who will she turn to for financial relief? The American taxpayer by virtue of Medicaid, food stamps and other government assistance, whether the taxpayers want to pay or not. What happened to their free speech?
The Governor of California and state legislature will have to confront the problem of women having children who they cannot financially support, and thus have the resources capable of nurturing them. The ethical issue will then be raised that only wealthy people can have as many children as they want (which has always been: having children to the point that one can afford), yet ignoring that these children will become wards of the state, or burdens to taxpayers.
A similar analogy is motorcyclists who refuse to wear helmets when riding, claiming "let those who ride...decide." When they have severe head trauma after an accident and don't have health coverage, who pays? The US Taxpayer, suppressing their free speech rights.
There is the suspicion this woman, who has made herself into a baby making machine (remember when women hated that image?) did this for the purpose of selling children, white babies in high demand due to low supply.
It seems while we all have first amendment rights, such a privilege comes with responsibility, and it has now come time that Government regulate ethics and respect.
David DiBello
However, when this woman cannot afford to nurture these children, who will she turn to for financial relief? The American taxpayer by virtue of Medicaid, food stamps and other government assistance, whether the taxpayers want to pay or not. What happened to their free speech?
The Governor of California and state legislature will have to confront the problem of women having children who they cannot financially support, and thus have the resources capable of nurturing them. The ethical issue will then be raised that only wealthy people can have as many children as they want (which has always been: having children to the point that one can afford), yet ignoring that these children will become wards of the state, or burdens to taxpayers.
A similar analogy is motorcyclists who refuse to wear helmets when riding, claiming "let those who ride...decide." When they have severe head trauma after an accident and don't have health coverage, who pays? The US Taxpayer, suppressing their free speech rights.
There is the suspicion this woman, who has made herself into a baby making machine (remember when women hated that image?) did this for the purpose of selling children, white babies in high demand due to low supply.
It seems while we all have first amendment rights, such a privilege comes with responsibility, and it has now come time that Government regulate ethics and respect.
David DiBello
Fox News, CNBC Spin
While most major news outlets have reported the worst quarterly GDP figures in 27 years, both Fox News and CNBC, for whom Big Business and the Market are their livelihood and passion, ”optimistically” viewed the results saying the 3.8% drop was far less than expected.
This is what’s seen as good news these days: the bad news isn’t that bad. It’s like saying to someone who just had one of their two cars stolen, “be happy both cars weren’t stolen!” Fortunately one astute voice on CNBC, Dylan Ratigan acknowledged the market ups and downs, and undefined bottom, exists because Wall Street sees no concrete “reason to rally.”
I am reminded of Elton John’s song “Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters,” which said “sons of bankers, sons of lawyers, turn around and say “Good Morning” to the night, for unless they see the sky, but they can’t and that is why, they know not if its dark outside or light.”
Fox News and CNBC resort to propaganda to paint a pretty picture due to self interest, all the while turning a deaf ear to the concerns and reality on Main Street, where the solution lies.
David DiBello
This is what’s seen as good news these days: the bad news isn’t that bad. It’s like saying to someone who just had one of their two cars stolen, “be happy both cars weren’t stolen!” Fortunately one astute voice on CNBC, Dylan Ratigan acknowledged the market ups and downs, and undefined bottom, exists because Wall Street sees no concrete “reason to rally.”
I am reminded of Elton John’s song “Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters,” which said “sons of bankers, sons of lawyers, turn around and say “Good Morning” to the night, for unless they see the sky, but they can’t and that is why, they know not if its dark outside or light.”
Fox News and CNBC resort to propaganda to paint a pretty picture due to self interest, all the while turning a deaf ear to the concerns and reality on Main Street, where the solution lies.
David DiBello
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Pope John Paul II, Economist
A few years back Pope John Paul II issued an encyclical covering the economies of the world. He wrote "Unbridled capitalism with no morale compass is destined for ruination."
Both Europe and the Western World scoffed and laughed at the Pope's naive advice.
Since that time we have stagnation of working class wages while costs rose, never addressed our health care crisis, or curtailed our gluttony at the pump. We purchsed with eyes bigger than our wallets.
Our tax policies favored the wealthy and the rich got richer. We created a wedge between economic classes as the middle class vanished. The rich, feeling it is never enough, sought out deregulation to thrive more, and resorted to outright corruption when not satisfied.
Well , no one is laughing at Pope John Paul now.
Both Europe and the Western World scoffed and laughed at the Pope's naive advice.
Since that time we have stagnation of working class wages while costs rose, never addressed our health care crisis, or curtailed our gluttony at the pump. We purchsed with eyes bigger than our wallets.
Our tax policies favored the wealthy and the rich got richer. We created a wedge between economic classes as the middle class vanished. The rich, feeling it is never enough, sought out deregulation to thrive more, and resorted to outright corruption when not satisfied.
Well , no one is laughing at Pope John Paul now.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Hollywood - Put up and Shut up!
I listened to the audacity of Hollywood elites like Sharon Stones and Justin Timberlake who have told Americans they need to buckle down and volunteer more while they dine on foo foo cuisine and fly from one mansion to another. What have they done?
Here are privileged people playing in their "make believe," fantasy world, on a sound set for three months, or touring the country singing, then lounging out poolside for another three, working on their physical image two hours a day.
The audacity of telling people who already work two jobs, or have multiple spouse working households they need to do more, or buckle down is audacious and absurd. Millions of people volunteer their time and/or service to local charities, food shelters and aid to the homeless, people who don't make multi million dollar salaries while others earn minimum wage, surviving on government subsistence.
What of Hollywood's collective conscience that one person makes so much money acting in their pretend world while others can't make ends meet? The pip squeak Timberlake who's blood, sweat and tears to date was to sing in a boy band and partially disrobe Janet Jackson has some nerve. He knows nothing of what real people do day to day being so far removed, so superficial and childish he claims to have a "swagger" because of the election of Obama, before the President has accomplished anything.
We have many soldiers giving the ultimate sacrifice in foreign lands protecting our freedoms and luxuries at home. I am reminded of those actors and actresses who stopped what they were doing to enlist during the World Wars, and of the Hall of Fame pitcher Sal Maglie who could have stayed in America and had greater numbers, except that he felt there were more important things then playing a ballgame. What has Hollywood done in this regard?
I am sure that many in Hollywood already give under the precipes set forth by Matthew 6:24: "sound no trumpet before you ...that you may be prasised by others." I know of many who are concerned with their fellow citizens plight, like Springsteen and Bono, and I will never forget Sandra Bullock's donation of one million dollars towards the families that died on 9/11. Pray this epidemic catches on.
The last thing we Americans need is a lecture. We are the masses who feel the economic pain first, and feel the benefit, if any last. Mesasage to Hollywood: put action to your words and preach by example!
Here are privileged people playing in their "make believe," fantasy world, on a sound set for three months, or touring the country singing, then lounging out poolside for another three, working on their physical image two hours a day.
The audacity of telling people who already work two jobs, or have multiple spouse working households they need to do more, or buckle down is audacious and absurd. Millions of people volunteer their time and/or service to local charities, food shelters and aid to the homeless, people who don't make multi million dollar salaries while others earn minimum wage, surviving on government subsistence.
What of Hollywood's collective conscience that one person makes so much money acting in their pretend world while others can't make ends meet? The pip squeak Timberlake who's blood, sweat and tears to date was to sing in a boy band and partially disrobe Janet Jackson has some nerve. He knows nothing of what real people do day to day being so far removed, so superficial and childish he claims to have a "swagger" because of the election of Obama, before the President has accomplished anything.
We have many soldiers giving the ultimate sacrifice in foreign lands protecting our freedoms and luxuries at home. I am reminded of those actors and actresses who stopped what they were doing to enlist during the World Wars, and of the Hall of Fame pitcher Sal Maglie who could have stayed in America and had greater numbers, except that he felt there were more important things then playing a ballgame. What has Hollywood done in this regard?
I am sure that many in Hollywood already give under the precipes set forth by Matthew 6:24: "sound no trumpet before you ...that you may be prasised by others." I know of many who are concerned with their fellow citizens plight, like Springsteen and Bono, and I will never forget Sandra Bullock's donation of one million dollars towards the families that died on 9/11. Pray this epidemic catches on.
The last thing we Americans need is a lecture. We are the masses who feel the economic pain first, and feel the benefit, if any last. Mesasage to Hollywood: put action to your words and preach by example!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Right Man For The Times
The Right Man For The Times
It is fully understandable and historical to witness a barrier finally broken that was long since overdue, the electing of our first Black President. Even more unifying is the fact that Barack Obama is biracial at a time when we trully need to realize we are all on the same side in solving the ills of this country.
Black Americans have had achievements that were not acknowledged in the distant past. Thanks to the struggle for Civil Rights, justice and equality enjoined by White Americans this road to recognition is realized.
It is also importatnt to acknowledge again, that a majority of White Americans voted for Barack Obama not because it was time for a Black President, but because President Obama was the right man for the job and for the times.
It is fully understandable and historical to witness a barrier finally broken that was long since overdue, the electing of our first Black President. Even more unifying is the fact that Barack Obama is biracial at a time when we trully need to realize we are all on the same side in solving the ills of this country.
Black Americans have had achievements that were not acknowledged in the distant past. Thanks to the struggle for Civil Rights, justice and equality enjoined by White Americans this road to recognition is realized.
It is also importatnt to acknowledge again, that a majority of White Americans voted for Barack Obama not because it was time for a Black President, but because President Obama was the right man for the job and for the times.
A Clear Vision in DramaticTimes
A Clear Vision in DramaticTimes
I am so proud today to have voted for Barack even though I supported Hillary. His speech was the best I have ever heard because it hit on all notes. Gone is the aberration of wealth redistribution, but stated better America as a whole can only prosper when all people, even the people who work hard to create profits for others, share in the good fortune.
I hope not lost in the aura of the moment was the substance of his message. This is going to be a long haul to recovery, especially after today's market downturn, and it is not going to be easy. It will require sacrifice, something my generation is not used to after the decade of greed in the eighties and another supply side crash and burn now. This is not the start of a Piñata from the goody tree.
Barack dramatically reminded us that we are a nation built on hard and sometimes unknown times, we never quit and did not fail, whether at the time of our founding, or during a depression and World Wars, or the Cuban Missile crisis and Cold war. We will not fail now provided we take the steps necessary.
Barack also reminded all countries that we remain at peace with all those who choose to do the same, and we will act more prudently and judiciously as we regain our leadership role. This too is a challenge to other countries to join us in peace, but to make no mistake that America will tolerate any less.
I can only add God Bless America, for we finally have a populist President and administration that will handle the problems as if we actually are all created equal and "one nation under God."
I am so proud today to have voted for Barack even though I supported Hillary. His speech was the best I have ever heard because it hit on all notes. Gone is the aberration of wealth redistribution, but stated better America as a whole can only prosper when all people, even the people who work hard to create profits for others, share in the good fortune.
I hope not lost in the aura of the moment was the substance of his message. This is going to be a long haul to recovery, especially after today's market downturn, and it is not going to be easy. It will require sacrifice, something my generation is not used to after the decade of greed in the eighties and another supply side crash and burn now. This is not the start of a Piñata from the goody tree.
Barack dramatically reminded us that we are a nation built on hard and sometimes unknown times, we never quit and did not fail, whether at the time of our founding, or during a depression and World Wars, or the Cuban Missile crisis and Cold war. We will not fail now provided we take the steps necessary.
Barack also reminded all countries that we remain at peace with all those who choose to do the same, and we will act more prudently and judiciously as we regain our leadership role. This too is a challenge to other countries to join us in peace, but to make no mistake that America will tolerate any less.
I can only add God Bless America, for we finally have a populist President and administration that will handle the problems as if we actually are all created equal and "one nation under God."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Economy by the Numbers
For those keeping track, stocks were up 262 on January 2nd and talk of a rebound was all abuzz, fostered by analysts who have an interest in instantaneous upswings i.e. CNBC and a return to the same old, same old unfetterred capitalism.
Then it fell 245, and after the first four days of trading in 2009, we have netted a growth of just over "3." Today we lost 125 points, and we are in the negative for the new year. This was based on bad profit numbers from major businesses. We have increasing unemployment figures still to hit the fan along with more mortgages in jeopardy since the sub prime "shock dates" mature this year, the final shoe to drop on this fraudulent industry.
Its time we stop putting stock in "impression" and start valuing the age old standards of hard work, savings and earnings. There will be no quick fixes and it is going to be a long year!
David DiBello
Then it fell 245, and after the first four days of trading in 2009, we have netted a growth of just over "3." Today we lost 125 points, and we are in the negative for the new year. This was based on bad profit numbers from major businesses. We have increasing unemployment figures still to hit the fan along with more mortgages in jeopardy since the sub prime "shock dates" mature this year, the final shoe to drop on this fraudulent industry.
Its time we stop putting stock in "impression" and start valuing the age old standards of hard work, savings and earnings. There will be no quick fixes and it is going to be a long year!
David DiBello
Blagojevich the Gambler
I wonder if Kipling and Tennyson had Gov Blagojevich in mind when writing their poems regarding enduring hardships. Surely if they had more foresight these poets would have added to their advice regarding life's trials, tribulations and injustices the caveat, "unless caught on tape."
My advice to Gov. Blagojevich for his next press conference is to quote from Kenny Roger's the Gambler song: "You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away, and know when to run."
David DiBello
My advice to Gov. Blagojevich for his next press conference is to quote from Kenny Roger's the Gambler song: "You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away, and know when to run."
David DiBello
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