Been a couple days. Finally got around to updating.
Well the action in Libya continues. President Obama gave an address last night and said that the mission was humanitarian and had nothing to do with getting rid of Kadaffi. This does not sound like a plausible explanation to me. How can you invade a country to stop a mass killing then leave that same dictator in power? It does not make sense to me and it leads me to believe that we will not leave Libya until Kadaffi is somehow out of power either by rebel action or our own actions. This action is very troubling to me at a time when we have so many problems here at home. It feels as though the Middle East is beginning to implode. There is unrest in Syria, Bahrain and Yemen. Are we going to invade those countries if those governments kill rebels? I don't think we are being told the truth about this mission. Something doesn't feel right. I can see this as potentially becoming another quagmire. I hope not, but I can see it. I also ready a story that said we spent 600 million dollars in six days. That is ridiculous. We can't afford this type of military spending anymore when we have so many problems here at home. Here is an easy solution: Get out of the Middle East and close overseas bases. Do it now.
Gas prices continue to remain high and it doesn't look like they are going down anytime soon. I can see them hitting over 4 dollars easily this summer which will put a major drain on consumer spending which drives the economy. There is also a good article in the Washington Examiner about potential inflation. Food and gas prices could take a huge toll on the economy and plunge us back even further. I seriously worry about the possibility of a higher standard of living. http://washingtonexaminer.com/news/nation/2011/03/inflation-worries-push-consumer-confidence-lower
Later
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Daily Dose 3.24.11
Well the airs strikes continue on Libya. I posted several times for a few weeks that some steps were needed to stop the carnage in Libya, but I never advocated using missiles and weapons. Somehow arming the rebels and dropping food and supplies would have seemed to be an easier way to go. Getting involved directly in another military conflict seems to be the wrong way to go. We are already involved in two other countries. We have high unemployment (probably 17 to 18 real unemployment), a mortgage crisis, a crumbling educational system and a 1.6 trillion dollar deficit and a national debt of over 14 trillion dollars. President Obama has yet to articulate exactly what the mission in Libya is. Is it to get rid of Gadaffi or is it a humanitarian mission to protect the rebels? Picking sides in these conflicts is always difficult. Killing by a leader on his own citizens is never an easy thing to watch, but to be honest we did the same thing during the Civil War. Those comparing it to Rwanda or Sudan are being far fetched in my view. Just because there is a problem in the world does not mean we should always act with military force. Many Congressman have raised the point that the President should have gotten Congressional authority to launch the attack on Libya. This is a valid point, but under the War Powers Act of 1973 the President has 60 days to carry out the necessary mission without that vote. Some may argue that the War Powers Act may not be constitutional since the Congress is supposed to declare war and be a coequal branch of government. It is a complicated situation, but it is clear that the President has not clearly articulated the mission. The larger point is what are we doing in all these countries? He has tripled the number of troops in Afghanistan and we have not gotten out of Iraq. With all of our economic problems it is troubling that the focus is firing cruise missiles. The White House referred to the action as a "Kinetic Military Action" (http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/2011/03/white-house-libya-fight-not-war-its-kinetic-military-action). So let me get this straight..Firing 200 cruise missiles into another country is not a war? Give me a break. It is a war and the White House is failing to admit that. This country needs to get its priorities straight. I have never seen things so out of sorts. We need leadership badly and it is clear we are not getting it.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Daily Dose 3.21.11
Been a few days. A lot of has happened. Here is my long awaited take on what is going on in Libya:
So I posted a few times on Libya before saying we had to do something in terms of humanitarian assistance. I still believe we have to help the people of Libya in some way, but doing it this way strikes me as utter stupidity. The problem is that based off of Obama's statement that "Kadafi must go" we are now engaged in a military action that cannot end until he is removed from power or killed. When I said provide assistance to Libya I meant possibly dropping medical supplies, food and water and maybe some arms to help them defeat Kadafi. Now what we have done is that we have put ourselves smack dab in the middle of the conflict. I said in my first post that it is about oil and IT IS. The reason the British and French are so eager to step in is because of their oil interests in Libya. They will not say this on TV and keep to the it's a "humanitarian mission" jargon. I don't know what humanitarian mission involves firing 112 missiles into a country for starters. Let's be blunt about it: WE ARE AT WAR WITH LIBYA. It is now too late to turn back since we are involved. If we cared so much about innocent civilians dieing why didn't we do anything in Rwanda or Sudan? It is because they do not have the oil Libya does. That is plain and simple. In Bahrain in Saudi Arabia protesters are being suppressed quietly because that is our #1 oil kingpin. The government of Saudi Arabia is as corrupt as they come, but yet we do nothing about them. Our hypocrisy and double standards are breathtaking. Does anyone really believe we will not have ground forces in Libya? Of course we will. A no fly zone will not be enough to defeat Kadafi which is now our mission. Who takes his place if he is gone? We have put ourselves smack dab in a civil war while we are already engaged in 2 overseas wars and where our entire economy is crumbling. The world is an evil and mean place, but we cannot stop every killing and every war. We can do our best to help and aid the rebels without directly getting involved. That is our best option, but yet again we take the wrong position. Yet again we are getting involved where we shouldn't. Something smells like Iraq all over again. March 20, 2003. March 20, 2011. Yes it is exactly 8 years later.
So I posted a few times on Libya before saying we had to do something in terms of humanitarian assistance. I still believe we have to help the people of Libya in some way, but doing it this way strikes me as utter stupidity. The problem is that based off of Obama's statement that "Kadafi must go" we are now engaged in a military action that cannot end until he is removed from power or killed. When I said provide assistance to Libya I meant possibly dropping medical supplies, food and water and maybe some arms to help them defeat Kadafi. Now what we have done is that we have put ourselves smack dab in the middle of the conflict. I said in my first post that it is about oil and IT IS. The reason the British and French are so eager to step in is because of their oil interests in Libya. They will not say this on TV and keep to the it's a "humanitarian mission" jargon. I don't know what humanitarian mission involves firing 112 missiles into a country for starters. Let's be blunt about it: WE ARE AT WAR WITH LIBYA. It is now too late to turn back since we are involved. If we cared so much about innocent civilians dieing why didn't we do anything in Rwanda or Sudan? It is because they do not have the oil Libya does. That is plain and simple. In Bahrain in Saudi Arabia protesters are being suppressed quietly because that is our #1 oil kingpin. The government of Saudi Arabia is as corrupt as they come, but yet we do nothing about them. Our hypocrisy and double standards are breathtaking. Does anyone really believe we will not have ground forces in Libya? Of course we will. A no fly zone will not be enough to defeat Kadafi which is now our mission. Who takes his place if he is gone? We have put ourselves smack dab in a civil war while we are already engaged in 2 overseas wars and where our entire economy is crumbling. The world is an evil and mean place, but we cannot stop every killing and every war. We can do our best to help and aid the rebels without directly getting involved. That is our best option, but yet again we take the wrong position. Yet again we are getting involved where we shouldn't. Something smells like Iraq all over again. March 20, 2003. March 20, 2011. Yes it is exactly 8 years later.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
NHL Final Standings and Cup Prediction 3.16.11
Yes the long waited predictions are here:
Final Standings in East:
1. Washington
2. Pittsburgh
3. Boston
4. Philadelphia
5. Tampa Bay
6. Montreal
7. Buffalo
8. Toronto
Final Standings in West:
1. Vancouver
2. San Jose
3. Detroit
4. Chicago
5. Phoenix
6. Los Angeles
7. Calgary
8. Nashville
I will wait for the actual playoff match ups by round for specific predictions, but I will make my Stanley Cup Final and Champion Predictions:
Stanley Cup Finals: Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Champions: Chicago Blackhawks
They have the offensive firepower to make a deep playoff run (Toews, Kane, Sharp and Hossa) and are peaking at the right time. They are also 2nd in the NHL in goals scored (227). They are 7-1-2 in the last 10 games and are showing the same signs they did last year of a deep playoff run. They are a physical team and Corey Crawford is a solid goaltender. I like their chances to repeat.
Why Vancouver and Detroit won't make the finals:
Vancouver has been a solid team all year, but their weakness always seems to be that hunger and fire in the playoffs. Kesler has had an amazing year and he may be a spark plug in the playoffs. I just do not see them winning this year. I think they are the new San Jose who dominates the regular season, but struggles in the playoffs. I really do believe if they do not win this year they will never do it. They had a good of a year as you can have. A good sign however is that they have only given up 79 goals all year. Luongo is a solid goaltender that could lead them to a run.
The Red Wings won't make the finals for a few reasons. I think they will lose in the 2nd or 3rd round. They are getting over injuries they had earlier in the year. Rafalski coming back will be a huge addition for them. I think that they have been weak offensively even though the numbers don't bare that out. Franzen leads the wings with 27 goals. With all the talent on that team to not have a goal scorer in the 30s is unacceptable. Franzen and Zetterberg should both have over 30 by now. I also believe that Howard lets in too many fluky goals with the defense they have. He has a 2.77 gaa and in my opinion that is not good enough to get it done in the postseason. With the defense they have to have a 2.77 gaa is absolutely ridiculous and inexcusable. He had a 2.26 gaa last year which is night and day with his numbers this year. If wings get a better goalie I like their chances next year to make a cup run.
Why Washington will make the finals:
I do believe this is Washington's year to make a run. Pittsburgh has finally been weakened to the point where Washington is the heavy favorite. Without Crosby and Malkin Pittsburgh doesn't have much of a chance. Crosby may come back, but what kind of condition will he be in? Ovechkin is really starting to play again and Backstrom is as solid of a player you will ever get. Ovechkin has 11 points in the last 8 games. Their defense has improved and they only have 83 goals against all year which is the 5th best in the league. I like their chances to make the cup. Philly is slumping and will not get it done in the postseason. With Pittsburgh weakened no team will beat Washington in the East.
In a few weeks I will make my first round predictions when the match ups are announced. Stay tuned...
Final Standings in East:
1. Washington
2. Pittsburgh
3. Boston
4. Philadelphia
5. Tampa Bay
6. Montreal
7. Buffalo
8. Toronto
Final Standings in West:
1. Vancouver
2. San Jose
3. Detroit
4. Chicago
5. Phoenix
6. Los Angeles
7. Calgary
8. Nashville
I will wait for the actual playoff match ups by round for specific predictions, but I will make my Stanley Cup Final and Champion Predictions:
Stanley Cup Finals: Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Champions: Chicago Blackhawks
They have the offensive firepower to make a deep playoff run (Toews, Kane, Sharp and Hossa) and are peaking at the right time. They are also 2nd in the NHL in goals scored (227). They are 7-1-2 in the last 10 games and are showing the same signs they did last year of a deep playoff run. They are a physical team and Corey Crawford is a solid goaltender. I like their chances to repeat.
Why Vancouver and Detroit won't make the finals:
Vancouver has been a solid team all year, but their weakness always seems to be that hunger and fire in the playoffs. Kesler has had an amazing year and he may be a spark plug in the playoffs. I just do not see them winning this year. I think they are the new San Jose who dominates the regular season, but struggles in the playoffs. I really do believe if they do not win this year they will never do it. They had a good of a year as you can have. A good sign however is that they have only given up 79 goals all year. Luongo is a solid goaltender that could lead them to a run.
The Red Wings won't make the finals for a few reasons. I think they will lose in the 2nd or 3rd round. They are getting over injuries they had earlier in the year. Rafalski coming back will be a huge addition for them. I think that they have been weak offensively even though the numbers don't bare that out. Franzen leads the wings with 27 goals. With all the talent on that team to not have a goal scorer in the 30s is unacceptable. Franzen and Zetterberg should both have over 30 by now. I also believe that Howard lets in too many fluky goals with the defense they have. He has a 2.77 gaa and in my opinion that is not good enough to get it done in the postseason. With the defense they have to have a 2.77 gaa is absolutely ridiculous and inexcusable. He had a 2.26 gaa last year which is night and day with his numbers this year. If wings get a better goalie I like their chances next year to make a cup run.
Why Washington will make the finals:
I do believe this is Washington's year to make a run. Pittsburgh has finally been weakened to the point where Washington is the heavy favorite. Without Crosby and Malkin Pittsburgh doesn't have much of a chance. Crosby may come back, but what kind of condition will he be in? Ovechkin is really starting to play again and Backstrom is as solid of a player you will ever get. Ovechkin has 11 points in the last 8 games. Their defense has improved and they only have 83 goals against all year which is the 5th best in the league. I like their chances to make the cup. Philly is slumping and will not get it done in the postseason. With Pittsburgh weakened no team will beat Washington in the East.
In a few weeks I will make my first round predictions when the match ups are announced. Stay tuned...
Daily Dose 3.16.11
It has been a few days...
Not a whole lot has happened. The Japanese situation is pretty severe and it is unclear how devastating the effects of this nuclear leak will be. It is unbelievable that so many have died. It is shocking with the technological capability of the Japanese that more warnings were not given and people didn't evacuate more inland. I feel that the United States is still ill equipped to dealing with a possible tsunami. I think nuclear power has some benefits, but the problem is that when something goes wrong the effects could be catastrophic. With oil there can be leaks that can be cleaned up, but a nuclear meltdown can cause great damage. America should continue to do everything it can to help them and to be quite honest our president should not be making NCAA picks and playing golf while all of these terrible world events are happening. When you take the oath to become president it should be a full time job. That's just my opinion.
I still can't believe what is going on with Libya. I am embarrassed at the leadership of this country. I've read a lot of comments about "minding our own business". I agree that Iraq and to a large extent Afghanistan have been complete disasters, but those saying never sending troops anywhere are dead wrong. Our country cannot stick its head in the sand every time. The people of Libya may appreciate us helping. We should not do this alone and the Arab League and the EU should go along. Gadhafi continues to attack and kill rebels using tanks and air attacks. We seem to be sitting around doing nothing. I am not a big believer in using force to solve problems, but it is obvious we should be doing things to help the people of Libya and prevent this carnage. I think the leadership in this country is dreadful right now. I think Bush was a terrible president, but what I am seeing right now is not much better. You can't sit back and let a dictator murder people like this. Something is terribly wrong about it.
That is all for today
Not a whole lot has happened. The Japanese situation is pretty severe and it is unclear how devastating the effects of this nuclear leak will be. It is unbelievable that so many have died. It is shocking with the technological capability of the Japanese that more warnings were not given and people didn't evacuate more inland. I feel that the United States is still ill equipped to dealing with a possible tsunami. I think nuclear power has some benefits, but the problem is that when something goes wrong the effects could be catastrophic. With oil there can be leaks that can be cleaned up, but a nuclear meltdown can cause great damage. America should continue to do everything it can to help them and to be quite honest our president should not be making NCAA picks and playing golf while all of these terrible world events are happening. When you take the oath to become president it should be a full time job. That's just my opinion.
I still can't believe what is going on with Libya. I am embarrassed at the leadership of this country. I've read a lot of comments about "minding our own business". I agree that Iraq and to a large extent Afghanistan have been complete disasters, but those saying never sending troops anywhere are dead wrong. Our country cannot stick its head in the sand every time. The people of Libya may appreciate us helping. We should not do this alone and the Arab League and the EU should go along. Gadhafi continues to attack and kill rebels using tanks and air attacks. We seem to be sitting around doing nothing. I am not a big believer in using force to solve problems, but it is obvious we should be doing things to help the people of Libya and prevent this carnage. I think the leadership in this country is dreadful right now. I think Bush was a terrible president, but what I am seeing right now is not much better. You can't sit back and let a dictator murder people like this. Something is terribly wrong about it.
That is all for today
Saturday, March 12, 2011
3.12.11
Not much today..
Pretty scary what is going on with Japan. Can't imagine what the people there are going through.
Lot to absorb lately with all the stuff going on in Egypt, Libya and now Japan.
I will have a big rant Monday or Tuesday stay tuned
And we should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once. And we should call every truth false which was not accompanied by at least one laugh. - Nietzsche
Pretty scary what is going on with Japan. Can't imagine what the people there are going through.
Lot to absorb lately with all the stuff going on in Egypt, Libya and now Japan.
I will have a big rant Monday or Tuesday stay tuned
And we should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once. And we should call every truth false which was not accompanied by at least one laugh. - Nietzsche
Friday, March 11, 2011
Daily Dose 3.11.11
Happy Friday
Thoughts and prayers should be with the people of Japan. Terrible tragedy. Still getting tired of so many people saying Libya doesn't matter. I've seen tons of people commenting online about this. I like Ron Paul and agree with him on most things. I don't think he is entirely right on this Libya issue. I do believe with all of our wealth and resources when tragedies happen we should help with food and supplies. The people of Libya will be grateful we helped them and in the long run it will help our country.We should not do this alone and other countries do need to step up to the plate. This story DOES MATTER. These are innocent people being slaughtered. In times of emergency we must help. It seems to be that as long as Quadaffi is in charge and bringing in the oil we don't seem to give a crap what happens. That is unfortunate. Again props to Rep. Keith Ellison. You are doing a great job and called out this mockery of an investigation. Let us get over this group think mentality regarding the 'war on terrorism'. It is a mockery. You cannot defeat terrorism just like you can't defeat drugs or poverty. Terrorism is a tactic. It can be quelled by intelligent police work, not through irrational generalizations on one group of people.
Charlie Sheen is starting a tour across the country. Whatever you make of the guy it is clear that he is still attracting a mass audience of people and will likely continue to be successful. For me personally, I have enjoyed many of his films and I do believe he is very talented. Often times our society denigrates people who seem a little different. I think he is a good person and quite articulate. He may have overstepped his bounds with some words against his boss, but his frustration is understandable. I wish ill will on no person and people hoping for his failure are a disgrace.
I may be posting NHL playoff predictions soon so stay tuned..
Later
Thoughts and prayers should be with the people of Japan. Terrible tragedy. Still getting tired of so many people saying Libya doesn't matter. I've seen tons of people commenting online about this. I like Ron Paul and agree with him on most things. I don't think he is entirely right on this Libya issue. I do believe with all of our wealth and resources when tragedies happen we should help with food and supplies. The people of Libya will be grateful we helped them and in the long run it will help our country.We should not do this alone and other countries do need to step up to the plate. This story DOES MATTER. These are innocent people being slaughtered. In times of emergency we must help. It seems to be that as long as Quadaffi is in charge and bringing in the oil we don't seem to give a crap what happens. That is unfortunate. Again props to Rep. Keith Ellison. You are doing a great job and called out this mockery of an investigation. Let us get over this group think mentality regarding the 'war on terrorism'. It is a mockery. You cannot defeat terrorism just like you can't defeat drugs or poverty. Terrorism is a tactic. It can be quelled by intelligent police work, not through irrational generalizations on one group of people.
Charlie Sheen is starting a tour across the country. Whatever you make of the guy it is clear that he is still attracting a mass audience of people and will likely continue to be successful. For me personally, I have enjoyed many of his films and I do believe he is very talented. Often times our society denigrates people who seem a little different. I think he is a good person and quite articulate. He may have overstepped his bounds with some words against his boss, but his frustration is understandable. I wish ill will on no person and people hoping for his failure are a disgrace.
I may be posting NHL playoff predictions soon so stay tuned..
Later
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Baffling 3.10.11
I am totally baffled. Thousands are being killed and slaughtered in Libya and were sitting around. Look I am not saying we have to start another war or use military force, but for our president to sit back and do nothing is an absolute disgrace. These incompetent, brain dead and egocentric leaders need to get out of their bubble. At least get together a humanitarian coalition and send food, water and other supplies. Innocent people are being killed. Other countries SHOULD help us, but what happened to leadership? Step up the plate and do something. I am tired of us sticking our heads in the sand for every problem. Typical attitude: Well if it doesn't affect America I don't care. I have read so many disgusting posts today regarding the Muslim investigation and the Libyan situation. SOLVE SOMETHING.
Remember the Truth will set you free
Remember the Truth will set you free
Bravery 3.10.11
I have just listened to Keith Ellison during these ridiculous racist hearings. He is visibly a good man and it is easy to see the pain he feels about all of this. He tears up talking about one of the first people killed on 9/11 who was a Muslim paramedic. I can't believe that my country has become so hateful and spiteful. NEVER lump an entire race into one category..ever. Those that claim all terrorists are Muslim. O really? Timothy McVeigh, the IRA. I could go on and on. Terrorism is a tactic not a practice used by one race. You can watch his testimony here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/20110310/ts_yblog_theticket/muslim-rep-keith-ellison-tears-up-during-hearings-on-islamic-radicalization
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theticket/20110310/ts_yblog_theticket/muslim-rep-keith-ellison-tears-up-during-hearings-on-islamic-radicalization
McCarthy for the new Millenium 3.10.11
I'm sick of hearing about Peter King. This guy is a total phony and hypocrite. Please do not question an entire race. Let's have a hearing going after all Italians or Polish. See how well that goes over. I am embarrassed that this kind of stuff is going on in this country. What the hell happened? Wake up America. 52% in a poll support this investigation? There are actually 52% of Americans who favor investigating an entire community of millions of people. As I stated in my very important post yesterday: Peter King you are a disgrace to your country and you must resign immediately.
Later
Later
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Lava in Libya 3.9.11
This Libya situation is perplexing. It is crazy how simplistic the issue has become to some of the reactionaries. It is clear we have been supporting a puppet in Libya in order to secure our blessed oil. Yes the oil. This is the only reason you hear about Libya or Egypt in the news. The people of Libya are being massacred and our prayers should be with them. I do believe some kind of intervention must take place. Not saying it has to be military force, but to at least ensure the people are getting proper medical care and food. Oil profits are the lifeblood of our politicians. Privately this high price of gasoline is fueling the special interests even more. It is utterly laughable that these so called "leaders" pretend to be looking to get off of our dependence on oil. We have been hearing this same lie since the 70s and it is time to put it to rest. Let us focus on the victims of this violence rather than worry about how "it will affect us". This egotistical thought process by many Americans betrays what us as humans should care about.
Daily Dose 3.9.11
I can't believe what our country is doing. Yesterday, President Obama quietly gave permission to continue the military tribunals of terrorists. It was previously the policy of the administration to try terrorists in federal court. This seemed like a very plausible idea to me.I thought we voted for change? I had hoped that B.O. would work to drastically change things in America. The more he does the more odious I feel about the whole situation. What are we doing continuing to police 2 countries while our educational system is collapsing? The Chinese have the capacity to overtake the United States in a few years if we don't get our act together. In other news, some are saying we need to have a gas tax to force the USA to get off of oil. This is not a terrible idea, but the problem is that as long as we are so reliant on oil in the short term it will do terrible damage to the economy. It is shocking in a country with so many brilliant engineers that we can't produce electric cars for a reasonable price. Ford and GM get your act together! The fact remains we have a bunch of bozos running this country. Their public show is nothing more than complete smoke and mirrors. The GOP will cut spending? Cutting NPR, and poor people's electricity will really bring down that deficit! I have an idea to cut the deficit. We can start with closing all of our military bases overseas, ending Iraq and Afghanistan and drastically reducing the department of Homeland Security in funding. The American people of course will be terrified! We can't touch homeland security or we will no longer be safe! So keep those crazy color changing alerts, full body scans and pat downs! It will keep us safe from those crazy extremists! Israel has the greatest security in the world, yet they cannot stop every single terrorist act. We need to spend money on it at the expense of our future and children..don't we? The stunning hypocrisy of this blasphemous agenda is enough to make you turn off your TV for good. These overly pretentious pompous charlatans will continue to suck the lifeblood out of the US economy behind the people's backs. They call it a recession? I call it a robbery,to the nth degree, by those corporate interests that care not if millions lose their jobs.
One more thing..Congressman Peter King from New York has started an investigation looking into the Muslim community in the United States. This overpaid pompous jerk is the modern day Joe McCarthy. It is clear he is using this "investigation" for the GOP to be the party of Muslim haters. I have friends who are Muslim and I am greatly offended by this. This investigation needs to be shut down immediately and King needs to resign from office.
Anyway later
One more thing..Congressman Peter King from New York has started an investigation looking into the Muslim community in the United States. This overpaid pompous jerk is the modern day Joe McCarthy. It is clear he is using this "investigation" for the GOP to be the party of Muslim haters. I have friends who are Muslim and I am greatly offended by this. This investigation needs to be shut down immediately and King needs to resign from office.
Anyway later
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)