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!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
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
Monday, December 1, 2008
Bailout a Catch 22
Whether or not one feels a “bailout” should be made, has to be made otherwise we will turn into the next great depression. To renege is to cut one's own nose to spite one's own face.
Capitalist purists want the marketplace to rule and self correct, which will mean business failures, bankruptcies and foreclosures and an unemployment rate that will jump up to the high teens.
Usually the purest are at the other end of the totem pole where an economic crisis is an inconvenience, not devastation.
The Citigroup "bailout" is a better crafted one in that the Government will be given preferred stock for its contribution (The U.S. can actually make money). This is our new economy, created by another supply side crash and burn, where our government has a financial share in many big businesses, rather than just a "say." A limited socialism, if you will, as the medicine for casino capitalism.
It was refreshing to hear the President elect’s honesty in stating our economy will get worse before it gets better. He left out we will no longer be able to resort to financial gimmickry - junk bonds, dot com's and real estate bubbles to over inflate our economy and its financial values.
Finally, I love the moderate and experienced course the President elect is taking on his Cabinet choices. Being a Hillary supporter, it’s nice to see the old Clinton gang together again.
David DiBello
Capitalist purists want the marketplace to rule and self correct, which will mean business failures, bankruptcies and foreclosures and an unemployment rate that will jump up to the high teens.
Usually the purest are at the other end of the totem pole where an economic crisis is an inconvenience, not devastation.
The Citigroup "bailout" is a better crafted one in that the Government will be given preferred stock for its contribution (The U.S. can actually make money). This is our new economy, created by another supply side crash and burn, where our government has a financial share in many big businesses, rather than just a "say." A limited socialism, if you will, as the medicine for casino capitalism.
It was refreshing to hear the President elect’s honesty in stating our economy will get worse before it gets better. He left out we will no longer be able to resort to financial gimmickry - junk bonds, dot com's and real estate bubbles to over inflate our economy and its financial values.
Finally, I love the moderate and experienced course the President elect is taking on his Cabinet choices. Being a Hillary supporter, it’s nice to see the old Clinton gang together again.
David DiBello
Top 12 Notre Dame Excuses for Loss to USC
Top 12 Notre Dame Excuses for Loss to USC
12. Nine total Yards Offense in First Half still an awful lot of running over thirty minutes
11. Players had Third Quarter in the First Down Pool
10. Stayed out Late night before at OJ Simpson Museum and Celebrity Bus tour
9. Supposed to be “the Harlem Globetrotters” of College Football, then all these tough schools showed up
8. Goal was six ties too so record could be spooky 6-6-6.
7. Team got swept up in “Bailout Fever” and expected to be spotted 32 points
6. Oh, that USC! (Players thought University of Southwest Connecticut)
5. Wanted to see if Knute Rockne actually could roll over from six foot under after all these years
4. Other schools have really cool alumnae, while all ND has is Regis Philbin!
3. “Win one for the Weiss Guy” just not as motivational
2. All the good players went to Ball State this year enticed by a Letterman autograph (NCAA violation?).
1. Hey we’re Notre Dame; they’re allowed to tackle us?
David DiBello
12. Nine total Yards Offense in First Half still an awful lot of running over thirty minutes
11. Players had Third Quarter in the First Down Pool
10. Stayed out Late night before at OJ Simpson Museum and Celebrity Bus tour
9. Supposed to be “the Harlem Globetrotters” of College Football, then all these tough schools showed up
8. Goal was six ties too so record could be spooky 6-6-6.
7. Team got swept up in “Bailout Fever” and expected to be spotted 32 points
6. Oh, that USC! (Players thought University of Southwest Connecticut)
5. Wanted to see if Knute Rockne actually could roll over from six foot under after all these years
4. Other schools have really cool alumnae, while all ND has is Regis Philbin!
3. “Win one for the Weiss Guy” just not as motivational
2. All the good players went to Ball State this year enticed by a Letterman autograph (NCAA violation?).
1. Hey we’re Notre Dame; they’re allowed to tackle us?
David DiBello
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