Planned Negligence or Endemic Stupidity?
Posted by Ercille Christmas at 4/7/2011 1:01 PM 
Categories: Political
Tags: Obama US budget US debt Middle East Libya Obama reelection ad
Categories: Political
Tags: Obama US budget US debt Middle East Libya Obama reelection ad
Understandably, the world's attention is focused on the Middle East, on that fascinating game of "Regime Change." It is like a worldwide board game in which contestants/competitors decide which piece/country to move around or off of the board. Or, it could be likened to a Middle East "Dancing with the Regimes," with the US deciding which partner to engage in a political Paso Doble. So far, Libya is the "lucky" partner, and the US appears to be the dance partner for both the regime and the rebels. Kumbaya Komrades!
Here in the US, "we the people," who will pay the price, had better pay attention and "keep our eyes on the ball" -- and chain of debt, unprotected borders, unemployment, and rising prices of goods. I have been scratching my head, pulling out my hair, all in an attempt to understand the policies of the president of the US, why almost all, if not all of his policies, somehow end up having a deleterious effect on Joe and Josephine Citizen Ordinary. Is this a matter of "planned negligence or endemic stupidity"? Is it, as many seem to think, that the country and its citizens are deliberately being set up to fail and fall? Is it a case of a president and his posse who cannot shoot straight? Could a country founded and guided along with so much wisdom, now be deteriorating to the point where, if we are not careful, it could devolve into a low rent version of the Roman Empire?
The president swept into office with promises of "hope and change." The hope has apparently dissipated, in a fog of hype. Where do I begin with the laundry list of changes? I may as well begin with the oil/energy/gas enigma, which is a case of (lack of) change. Long gas lines formed in the 1970s from what I heard and read. I was not in the country. I did not even yet know how to drive. One would have thought, that after that experience, subsequent administrations would declare "enough is enough -- no one or no country will continue to hold us hostage to foreign oil." Maybe the use of the word "thought" is key here. There doesn't seem to have been much thinking going on regarding US energy policy. I need to correct that speculation. Tucked into the article is this little nugget attributed to Energy Secretary Chu:
"Because it was Chu who, in the name of environmental radicalism, stated in 2008: 'Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.'"
Mr. Chu, tell that to the lady who told me that she is paying about twenty dollars a day driving from one town to another for her job. I am sure that since you must have studied the history of the US, you do know the following quote from the third president, Thomas Jefferson:
"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe."
It was anathema to him and the other Founding Fathers, for the US to become like Europe. Today, we are on our way in attaining the corruption level. If I hear one more time about the US being more like Europe or attaining any "levels in Europe" -- never mind -- this article is being written for a PG readership.
Senator Mike Lee minced few words in his description of the White House energy policy as "suicidal." Senator Lee is described as a freshman senator who succeeded with Tea Party backing. It will be interesting to see if Senator Lee succumbs to "Beltway-itis," a condition concentrated in political DC, wherein up is down, the moon is made of cheese, and the phrase "balanced budget" elicits guffaws of laughter! The doodling and fooling around with the budget and related spending had better stop -- and soon. Cost of living hits record should hopefully be enough to get the Beltway boys and girls, including the president -- moving and solving. While they are busy spending, exercising, dining, being chauffeured around, down in the valley, there is real suffering.
"Suffering" on the executive level, is not a change ushered in by this president. He appears remarkably detached from the realities of real life. That is a real gift. I do not remember any other president being so blatant in spending the people's money, and so practiced in the art of "do as I say, not as I do." The rounds of golf, especially during times of national stress, the vacations, coincidentally timed whenever times get tough, have all been documented. The fitness folly got my attention. This 2,200 calorie meal did not whet my appetite. A big part of my survival strategy is not to indulge on a daily basis. Which part of "shared sacrifice" do these folks not understand? It is after all their slogan, or at least his. Does "let's move" mean let's move -- our mouths, and gobble down sumptuous meals, if one is dining at the House, but not so much for the less privileged classes?
Members of the privileged class will have to be the ones coughing up $35,800 per person for dinner with the president, when he visits the sunshine state of California, later this month. Almost $39 thousand dollars in exchange for more talk of hope and change, is a good bargain. I wish that I had more notice. I could have saved up over the past ten years and be able to attend. I fully expect my president to enjoy the finer things of life, and entertain in the style becoming a president. Just do not be hypocritical and hypercritical. You live your life. Stay out of mine and stop preaching at me. I no longer want to hear "let me be perfectly clear!"
The president's version of "let's move" could be a continual move to open the pocketbook of taxpayers for continued reckless spending. Dr. Sowell is a recognized economist, so I will take his word. There are no reports of his records sealed beyond scrutiny. So far, no one has come forward to claim that his books were written by someone else. China is sure not being reckless in its approach to eventually controlling the US. "China's holdings of US debt larger than reported"? That was bad news? It gets worse.
Here is a money manager who does know a thing or two, or three about money. Government debt has been dropped from PIMCO's Total Return Fund. Mr. Gross probably figured out that if he continued to keep government debt in this fund, the fund could have the words "total" and "return" dropped from its results. $223 billion is the record setting amount for the federal deficit. To be honest, I cannot even begin to visualize that amount of money in every day terms. All I know is that the federal government is spending much more money than it is taking in -- and the country is either being ruined by stupidity or deliberate intentions. Either way -- the result is the same -- destruction.
At least one Democrat Senator jumped into the budget debate by stating that the president "failed to lead on the budget." The article describes Senator Manchin as a "freshman Democrat." Don't worry, Senator Manchin. Your freshman "misstep" will probably not happen again. "Dem good old boys" will set you straight, about how things are done in "our chamber." Lucky for you, there is no Tower of London involved.
So who is this man occupying the White House? Is he as smart as he is reported to be? If he is, why do so many of his actions appear to be "stupid and uninformed"? A failure in vetting is the opinion put forward by this writer, who concludes:
"On the other hand, Barack Obama's background remains nearly a blank slate. His school records, from kindergarten to law school, remain hidden. The story of his financial support is hidden -- his private elementary and high school in Hawaii, his international travel, his graduate and undergraduate tuition and living expenses, and more. And these are just the beginning of the Barack Obama vetting failure."
I am relieved to know that I am not alone in being puzzled at the bona fides of the president. "Weakest president in history" should probably be omitted from the presidential resume. Wherever this writer had her tingle, it is apparently gone, as shown by the tone of the article? I suppose it is comforting that she did not name him weakest ruler in recorded history. As indictments go, the following paragraph is devastating:
Yes we can was a noble and powerful mantra which secured for Barack Obama the leadership of the free world. Those than can, do. It is time he started doing.
Many Americans are apparently losing the hope and change tingle also, according to this Quinnipiac University poll, which is showing that "President Barack Obama's approval rating and prospects for reelection have plunged to all-time lows." But, the president can turn to his Christian faith, that "sustaining force," that allows him to be "true to our conscience and true to God." That is the wonderful thing about the Christian faith. While it does not teach anyone to go out and kill for unlimited sex in the afterlife, it does hold one accountable for one's transgressions. Those who were allowed to ascend to a position of leadership, have to give an extra accounting.
Speaking of accounting with the One True God, authorizing the use of $23 million or more, "of U.S. taxpayer money to influence voters in Kenya" to pass an amendment to that country's constitution to allow abortion of babies on demand, is going to make for an interesting conversation for this Christian president. Another bit of conversation around the heavenly buffet could be about the US gun smuggling operation in Mexico. The excuse proffered that the US government is "a pretty big government," which has "a lot of moving parts," may not fly in that celestial sphere.
Whether intentional or the result of ineptitude, under this current watch, America is going downhill, and is being out-innovated and out-performed by other countries. Don't believe it? Ask the writers of these articles. Flunking students, "decoupling of ECB and Fed policies," China on course to overtake US in scientific output -- are among the signs that paint a picture of a crumbling world power. Coincidentally, these and numerous indicators are right under our noses, but we rely on sources that do not have our best interests at heart. Let us be honest here. The majority of us are the civilian equivalent of "cannon fodder." Our "role" is to shut up and pay the requisite taxes, and spend money to consume goods to keep the economy going. Instead of fighting the bog, we should really learn to accept our role as dutiful ATMs (American Taxpayer Machines).
"It begins with us"? I looked at the president's 2012 campaign ad, the nice vignette of the appropriate striations of color, with the testimonials intended to convince us that we cannot possibly live, unless we receive another injection of "change." The first thought that came to mind is that the ad reminded me of one of those drug commercials, except the bucolic scenes of fields of flowers reaching as far as the horizon, were not included. In addition to the missing fields of flowers through which the actors usual carouse, as they try to convince us that the particular drug is good for us, also missing was the usually exhaustive list of side effects. I supplied my own side effects -- witnessed over the past two years. Count me out of the "us crowd." I respectfully decline to be part of the projected $1 billion reelection effort. I neither believe nor trust.
General Douglas MacArthur wished for a son "whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be." I wish the same in a president. I wish for a president who, when he speaks, two-bit dictators know that his word is his bond. I also wish for a president who is not addicted to spending other people's/taxpayer's money. It would be really pleasing to have a president who remains in town when potential crises loom. Simply granting those wishes of mine, could knock off all $1 billion of that reelection campaign. Send the $1 billion to China as repayment towards the trillions owed, and in the next ad, I will tiptoe, actually gallop, through the tulips, or red sea of debt that will have been parted!
I almost forgot. I did not state my conclusions as to whether current presidential policies are because of "strategic negligence" or "endemic stupidity." Should I allow myself a choice of "all of the above"? It does not matter. The end results -- fall/failure of the US constitutional republic -- will be the same.
Here in the US, "we the people," who will pay the price, had better pay attention and "keep our eyes on the ball" -- and chain of debt, unprotected borders, unemployment, and rising prices of goods. I have been scratching my head, pulling out my hair, all in an attempt to understand the policies of the president of the US, why almost all, if not all of his policies, somehow end up having a deleterious effect on Joe and Josephine Citizen Ordinary. Is this a matter of "planned negligence or endemic stupidity"? Is it, as many seem to think, that the country and its citizens are deliberately being set up to fail and fall? Is it a case of a president and his posse who cannot shoot straight? Could a country founded and guided along with so much wisdom, now be deteriorating to the point where, if we are not careful, it could devolve into a low rent version of the Roman Empire?
The president swept into office with promises of "hope and change." The hope has apparently dissipated, in a fog of hype. Where do I begin with the laundry list of changes? I may as well begin with the oil/energy/gas enigma, which is a case of (lack of) change. Long gas lines formed in the 1970s from what I heard and read. I was not in the country. I did not even yet know how to drive. One would have thought, that after that experience, subsequent administrations would declare "enough is enough -- no one or no country will continue to hold us hostage to foreign oil." Maybe the use of the word "thought" is key here. There doesn't seem to have been much thinking going on regarding US energy policy. I need to correct that speculation. Tucked into the article is this little nugget attributed to Energy Secretary Chu:
"Because it was Chu who, in the name of environmental radicalism, stated in 2008: 'Somehow we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to the levels in Europe.'"
Mr. Chu, tell that to the lady who told me that she is paying about twenty dollars a day driving from one town to another for her job. I am sure that since you must have studied the history of the US, you do know the following quote from the third president, Thomas Jefferson:
"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe."
It was anathema to him and the other Founding Fathers, for the US to become like Europe. Today, we are on our way in attaining the corruption level. If I hear one more time about the US being more like Europe or attaining any "levels in Europe" -- never mind -- this article is being written for a PG readership.
Senator Mike Lee minced few words in his description of the White House energy policy as "suicidal." Senator Lee is described as a freshman senator who succeeded with Tea Party backing. It will be interesting to see if Senator Lee succumbs to "Beltway-itis," a condition concentrated in political DC, wherein up is down, the moon is made of cheese, and the phrase "balanced budget" elicits guffaws of laughter! The doodling and fooling around with the budget and related spending had better stop -- and soon. Cost of living hits record should hopefully be enough to get the Beltway boys and girls, including the president -- moving and solving. While they are busy spending, exercising, dining, being chauffeured around, down in the valley, there is real suffering.
"Suffering" on the executive level, is not a change ushered in by this president. He appears remarkably detached from the realities of real life. That is a real gift. I do not remember any other president being so blatant in spending the people's money, and so practiced in the art of "do as I say, not as I do." The rounds of golf, especially during times of national stress, the vacations, coincidentally timed whenever times get tough, have all been documented. The fitness folly got my attention. This 2,200 calorie meal did not whet my appetite. A big part of my survival strategy is not to indulge on a daily basis. Which part of "shared sacrifice" do these folks not understand? It is after all their slogan, or at least his. Does "let's move" mean let's move -- our mouths, and gobble down sumptuous meals, if one is dining at the House, but not so much for the less privileged classes?
Members of the privileged class will have to be the ones coughing up $35,800 per person for dinner with the president, when he visits the sunshine state of California, later this month. Almost $39 thousand dollars in exchange for more talk of hope and change, is a good bargain. I wish that I had more notice. I could have saved up over the past ten years and be able to attend. I fully expect my president to enjoy the finer things of life, and entertain in the style becoming a president. Just do not be hypocritical and hypercritical. You live your life. Stay out of mine and stop preaching at me. I no longer want to hear "let me be perfectly clear!"
The president's version of "let's move" could be a continual move to open the pocketbook of taxpayers for continued reckless spending. Dr. Sowell is a recognized economist, so I will take his word. There are no reports of his records sealed beyond scrutiny. So far, no one has come forward to claim that his books were written by someone else. China is sure not being reckless in its approach to eventually controlling the US. "China's holdings of US debt larger than reported"? That was bad news? It gets worse.
Here is a money manager who does know a thing or two, or three about money. Government debt has been dropped from PIMCO's Total Return Fund. Mr. Gross probably figured out that if he continued to keep government debt in this fund, the fund could have the words "total" and "return" dropped from its results. $223 billion is the record setting amount for the federal deficit. To be honest, I cannot even begin to visualize that amount of money in every day terms. All I know is that the federal government is spending much more money than it is taking in -- and the country is either being ruined by stupidity or deliberate intentions. Either way -- the result is the same -- destruction.
At least one Democrat Senator jumped into the budget debate by stating that the president "failed to lead on the budget." The article describes Senator Manchin as a "freshman Democrat." Don't worry, Senator Manchin. Your freshman "misstep" will probably not happen again. "Dem good old boys" will set you straight, about how things are done in "our chamber." Lucky for you, there is no Tower of London involved.
So who is this man occupying the White House? Is he as smart as he is reported to be? If he is, why do so many of his actions appear to be "stupid and uninformed"? A failure in vetting is the opinion put forward by this writer, who concludes:
"On the other hand, Barack Obama's background remains nearly a blank slate. His school records, from kindergarten to law school, remain hidden. The story of his financial support is hidden -- his private elementary and high school in Hawaii, his international travel, his graduate and undergraduate tuition and living expenses, and more. And these are just the beginning of the Barack Obama vetting failure."
I am relieved to know that I am not alone in being puzzled at the bona fides of the president. "Weakest president in history" should probably be omitted from the presidential resume. Wherever this writer had her tingle, it is apparently gone, as shown by the tone of the article? I suppose it is comforting that she did not name him weakest ruler in recorded history. As indictments go, the following paragraph is devastating:
Yes we can was a noble and powerful mantra which secured for Barack Obama the leadership of the free world. Those than can, do. It is time he started doing.
Many Americans are apparently losing the hope and change tingle also, according to this Quinnipiac University poll, which is showing that "President Barack Obama's approval rating and prospects for reelection have plunged to all-time lows." But, the president can turn to his Christian faith, that "sustaining force," that allows him to be "true to our conscience and true to God." That is the wonderful thing about the Christian faith. While it does not teach anyone to go out and kill for unlimited sex in the afterlife, it does hold one accountable for one's transgressions. Those who were allowed to ascend to a position of leadership, have to give an extra accounting.
Speaking of accounting with the One True God, authorizing the use of $23 million or more, "of U.S. taxpayer money to influence voters in Kenya" to pass an amendment to that country's constitution to allow abortion of babies on demand, is going to make for an interesting conversation for this Christian president. Another bit of conversation around the heavenly buffet could be about the US gun smuggling operation in Mexico. The excuse proffered that the US government is "a pretty big government," which has "a lot of moving parts," may not fly in that celestial sphere.
Whether intentional or the result of ineptitude, under this current watch, America is going downhill, and is being out-innovated and out-performed by other countries. Don't believe it? Ask the writers of these articles. Flunking students, "decoupling of ECB and Fed policies," China on course to overtake US in scientific output -- are among the signs that paint a picture of a crumbling world power. Coincidentally, these and numerous indicators are right under our noses, but we rely on sources that do not have our best interests at heart. Let us be honest here. The majority of us are the civilian equivalent of "cannon fodder." Our "role" is to shut up and pay the requisite taxes, and spend money to consume goods to keep the economy going. Instead of fighting the bog, we should really learn to accept our role as dutiful ATMs (American Taxpayer Machines).
"It begins with us"? I looked at the president's 2012 campaign ad, the nice vignette of the appropriate striations of color, with the testimonials intended to convince us that we cannot possibly live, unless we receive another injection of "change." The first thought that came to mind is that the ad reminded me of one of those drug commercials, except the bucolic scenes of fields of flowers reaching as far as the horizon, were not included. In addition to the missing fields of flowers through which the actors usual carouse, as they try to convince us that the particular drug is good for us, also missing was the usually exhaustive list of side effects. I supplied my own side effects -- witnessed over the past two years. Count me out of the "us crowd." I respectfully decline to be part of the projected $1 billion reelection effort. I neither believe nor trust.
General Douglas MacArthur wished for a son "whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be." I wish the same in a president. I wish for a president who, when he speaks, two-bit dictators know that his word is his bond. I also wish for a president who is not addicted to spending other people's/taxpayer's money. It would be really pleasing to have a president who remains in town when potential crises loom. Simply granting those wishes of mine, could knock off all $1 billion of that reelection campaign. Send the $1 billion to China as repayment towards the trillions owed, and in the next ad, I will tiptoe, actually gallop, through the tulips, or red sea of debt that will have been parted!
I almost forgot. I did not state my conclusions as to whether current presidential policies are because of "strategic negligence" or "endemic stupidity." Should I allow myself a choice of "all of the above"? It does not matter. The end results -- fall/failure of the US constitutional republic -- will be the same.
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