Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

"It might make more sense in this election for voters to think about what presidents can control, like how best to defend the nation against people who want to kill us."

And Supreme Court Justices

Democrats took the lead away from Republicans in Washoe County voter registration for the first time in 30 years Monday, a shift that has the potential of fundamentally changing statewide politics for the next several election cycles.

http://news.rgj.com/article/20081014/NEWS19/810140350/1232

Wow things have changed,,,, Maybe a sign of CHANGE EVERY WHERE....

Brain and AP first?
TRILLIONS and TRILLIONS made in RECOVERY
Gas Prices Down....

???
What is next in this silly season...?

McCain recovers?
Obama goes in Panic mode?

Short news cycles maybe the name of the game afterall.

McCain To ACORN: You Are 'What Makes America Special'

Marc Ambinder digs up a pretty damning video, given McCain's current line of attack on Barack Obama. In 2006, McCain told members of ACORN, UNITE HERE, SEIU, and PAW that they were "what makes America special."

http://www.jedreport.com/2008/10/mccain-to-acorn-you-are-what-m.html

Craig - Thought provoking -- so an A for the day

"politicians, and even presidents, are almost irrelevant to the economy's ups and downs unless really big things are done" And I add.....or when they inject social political policy over sound policy!

then is it merely coincidence that usually the repugs are in power when we get into these messes and dems are in power when we get out of them?

Patd.. True paradigm only if you are a Dem or Bush hater

What will the October surprise bring forth?

Acorns falling to feed the squirels
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-felonmain1408oct14,0,839574.story

Hmmmm, special announcements from housing deals -- but in the local Chicago Market?

???
What will October bring?

Patd.. True paradigm only if you are a Dem or Bush hater
--Ping Pong

Ping......put me down for one of each..........

Bill Mahar on Imus

Sturg..... Got it.... I can give double points on one aspect if you like..!!

I gotta head out to the evils of my capitalistic world to fight for jobs and growth despite the fear of increased corp tax that could send jobs out of America.

Wish me the best !!! if not for me but for trying to keep jobs.... some words just words are scary on their project impact -- facts just facts

Craig, dreadful oversimplification.

It would be more useful to consider the economic tools available to presidents, and the time lag between use of a particular tool until measurable effect can be determined.

And, it would be useful contrasting the tools available to the Fed and to the president, and their differing effects if they aren't used in concert.

And, a president has the power to veto--something with both immediate and, perhaps, quite different long term effects.

Would add more, but am off to my Remicade.

sturge, we seem to be all by ourselves on this empty info highway like the characters in waiting for godot.

... quaquaqua...

Hey Sturg,patd
Here's a little article
"Iraq VP: U.S.,Iraq won't reach accord on troops this year"
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/53881.html

"New voting system for Florida"

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24495714-5013948,00.html

Yeah, that's what we need to fix the economy. We need to start us another war.

Then we'll go into munitions manufacturing.

The labor will be too expensive to actually do the manufacturing here, so we'll have to outsource it to other countries.

Yes, jobs are a good part of the answer. You can't collect taxes unless you have an employed tax-base from which to collect.

Craig, I don't think the American mindset is due to political psych games. Maybe if the gov't injected some money into work programs to rebuild our decaying bridges, etc., that would help. But we can't just patch up roads; that's not gonna generate economic growth. We've got to become innovators, again.

"The Republican National Committee, growing nervous over the prospect of Democrats’ winning a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, is considering tapping into a $5 million line of credit this week to aid an increasing number of vulnerable incumbents, top Republicans say."

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14549.html

The rats are at the railing.

RNC ditches recruits to save incumbents

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14552.html

Gas prices down, not the best thing. It gives temporary economic relief, but we need a good energy policy and... people need to really change their driving habits, just like they need to change their spending habits.
Maybe this is the decade that America quits living in Mom & Dad's basement, or at least gets a job, starts paying rent and grows up a little bit.

"Can Green jobs save us?"
"Obama's promise of millions of new jobs stems largely from his proposal to pump $15 billion dollars a year into research and development of cleaner fuels"
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14551.html

"McCain: The risky choice for President"
http://www.salon.com/opinion/walsh/?last_story=/opinion/walsh/election_2008/2008/04/25/olbermann_apologizes/

patd:
2 characters in search of an author?

but at least not alone anymore......lol

Craig- neat post, it is indeed thought provoking. Wouldn't it be advantageous for the candidates to announce their finance secretary now?

I can't presume to know how to resolve this economic problem, . I just hope I survive it all. Am glad I make chocolates, people always eat.

Chloe
I tryed to substitute for you with some reading links...Ha, miss you and your a.m. reading links..
Have a great day all....

Sorry, should have said good morning to you all!

verry nize:

Waiting for Godot follows two consecutive days in the lives of a pair of men who divert themselves while they wait expectantly and unsuccessfully for someone named Godot to arrive. They claim him an acquaintance but in fact hardly know him, admitting that they would not recognise him were they to see him. To occupy themselves, they eat, sleep, talk, argue, sing, play games, exercise, swap hats, and contemplate suicide — anything "to hold the terrible silence at bay". "Silence," says Beckett, "is pouring into this play like water into a sinking ship", arguably both true and ironic, given the play's wordy banter and patter.

--wiki

"I tryed to substitute for you with some reading links...Ha, miss you and your a.m. reading links..
Have a great day all...."
Posted by: tonyb39 | October 14, 2008 8:06 AM

Tony,

I'm always so glad to hear from you! I miss you too, wish you were here more.

I can't read all the posts and links yet, as I have many morning chores, but I will when I'm done. Thanks Tony!

"Mom & Dad's basement, or at least gets a job, starts paying rent and grows up a little bit."

Posted by: blueINdallas | October 14, 2008 7:50 AM

That would work if salaries were compensating for the ever increasing cost of living. I would be better off I if I didn't go to college and graduate in this mess.

"As fast as this thing changed 10 days ago, it is just as volitile to change back-"
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/obamas-slippery-landslide.html#comment-158097

"Wow things have changed,,,, Maybe a sign of CHANGE EVERY WHERE.".
Posted by: Ping Pong | October 14, 2008 6:17 AM

Ping,

Your post reminded me of Frans yesterday morning (I quoted the part I'm talking about above).

You're both right. What a different a day can make.

While a president does not directly control the economy , all commerce, tax , regulations, research and ecological policies (just to name a few) can help and/or hurt the economic health of our country......please don't be fooled into thinking it isn't all related.

Re: lower gas prices, very temporary and dangerous to the development and sales of more efficient vehicles.

(imo)

off to the bow wow park....good day!

Sturge- love that play, prefer it in French though.

Here's another post- probably not to everyone's liking
Negative Advertising
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/10/negative_advertising.html

"Gas prices down, not the best thing"

Spoken like a true left winger, pardon me if I don't agree.

Craig good point. But remember that perception counts for a lot. And sometimes the way you all react is a self fullfilling to your fears.

My sister told me an interesting thing about the economy. She is a cardiac care nurse, business is down. Things in her hospital are slower than usual. People seem to regard healthcare as a luxury that can be cut back on.

I'm out of here, got a kitchen remodel that has expanded into a total strip to the studs project. I've still got to get it done by the end of the month.

I'm running late the crew will be there at 8 I need to be there 20 min early.

Not much time to waste around here.

Later

Jack

Jack,

I am so glad you're back! Good to see you here.

Yeah, justatroll ,

The other day my husband and I roughly calculated that it would take 33 years in order to make enough money to pay for college before going.

*Based on a job a high school grad could get and a college at 20k per year....lol...no adjustment for inflation...and to top it off you'd be 51 years old....lol....

ok see ya!

Craig...sounds a bit like the "guns and butter" scenario

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guns_versus_butter_model

Perhaps the best known actual usage (in translation) was in Nazi Germany. In a speech on January 17, 1936, Minister of Propaganda Joseph Goebbels stated: "We can do without butter, but, despite all our love of peace, not without arms. One cannot shoot with butter, but with guns." Sometime in the summer of the same year, Hermann Goering announced in a speech, "Guns will make us powerful; butter will only make us fat."[2]

Another use of the term was Margaret Thatcher's reference in a speech that, "The Soviets put guns over butter, but we put almost everything over guns."[3]

Good morning Jack! I missed you!

Sup Jack......
All good over here

Fortis bank is killng the upswing from yesterday in stock land. The bak is making the AEX index going nearly break even.

And Craig, I totally disagree with the first sentence from your last paragraph.... Totally not correct. Should candidates be just cermonial gangbangers?

Craig,
New to the blog but couldn't agree more. I've started 2 businesses, both during supposed recessions and I'm starting a third in January. (non-compete is up).
I'm hoping this recession works as well for me regardless of who is president. Despite the retoric I don't believe that the dems will raise taxes on small biz....

Craig....
yes..... out with the bums!.....

the Dems are in control and overreach...... out with the bums!
the Reps are in control and overreach...... out with the bums!
the Dems are in control........ etc.... ect.....

and so it goes......

at least it gives meaning to the cliche...... human beings are creatures of habit...... especially if you're a nun..... ;)

Gas prices down, Oil going up!

Personally, good news

Renee,
Laughs....you're right....It's interesting though how many people are so passionately for one party or the other. It's almost like it's a personal affront to mention the numerous shortcomings that their particular party may have...

Well Craig, you sure have the Repugs happy with what your posted. I personally don't believe a President is irrelevant in the ups and downs of the economic situation. Given Bush's lust for rewarding the rich with money junkie tax cuts and spending billions on a stupid war, that has to have a direct effect on the economy, not to mention loosening all regulations and letting the money junkies roam wild in their insatiable wants for more and more and more and more and more...

This is the first time I really disagree with you. Glad to see Jax (who is planning to fire two of his "good workers") and PING (who is a Repug ideologue) are in total synch with your post. But hey it's ok. If I feel that I am always agreeing with someone, then something is wrong. :-)

In this particular post, I think you are wrong.

"The United Nations mandate that authorizes the U.S. military presence in Iraq will expire on Dec. 31 and without a so-called status of forces agreement, it's questionable whether the U.S. will have a legitimate right to maintain its troops in Iraq, Vice President Tariq al Hashimi told McClatchy."

thanks for the 7:36 post, tony. if no "status of forces agreement" comes about, do we immediately start withdrawing on jan 1 or is there a grace period allowed? what can a pres-elect do in the 20 day interim until inauguration? further how will this impact the economy?

then is it merely coincidence that usually the repugs are in power when we get into these messes and dems are in power when we get out of them?

Posted by: patd | October 14, 2008 6:25 AM

Patd, no reason to argue with Ping... he's a lost cause so blinded by his love of Republicanism that he can't see the forest for the trees...

Euro
Who knows, I'm feeling a little more optimistic today. Maybe they keep their jobs. Either way It's my risk and my decision. Don't expect you to relate. Can't understand unless you've been there.

Jax, I doubt that I am in the same calibre as you, but I am a business owner and I employ 2 people.... And yeah, sometimes it annoys me that the costs and salaries for these employees are set by the government, negotiated via them, unions, and business. And while I personally am glad that most people get 4 weeks paid vacation, I am less so over having to pay a 13th month as bonus. But at the end of the day, the health care system is strong here, people have homes (to be "foreclosed" one would almost want it to happen and work hard to make sure it did).

Here is a tip for you all: When visiting Western Europe, (forget England, they are not part of the mainland), you do NOT need to tip people. All workers, whether part or full-time, college professor or McDonald's workers get a guaranteed salary on basis of age, and work experience. All workers are required to have health insurance !! It's a great system. My only frustration is that, when I want a vacation, I have to pay for it myself, without any vacation money and I don't get a 13th month. Plus, I have to hire someone to work for me so not only am I not getting the money, I am paying out for someone else.

All in all, I think it's a healthy system... far more so that in the USA.

"I totally disagree with the first sentence from your last paragraph.... Totally not correct. Should candidates be just cermonial gangbangers?"

Jason,

reg. "Although inevitable in tough times, choosing a president based upon their economic plans is a bit like expecting your doctor to fix your car." , which I think is the sentence you were referring to, I was left not knowing what to think about that statement. I don't know for sure I disagree with it yet, still trying to understand exactly how Craig meant it..

I assume he is saying the President is over qualified to have to take up his time working on the economy, but should be responsible for more important things, like the safety of our nation (if I'm not over simplifying). That the economy should be left to the economists.

My employees get up to 4 weeks vacation but only after years of service. They start at 1 and go to 2 after the first year. I do provide health care and insurance but I encourage and support them to establish HSA's (health savings accounts). This allows them to pay for there own health care (BLASPHEMY I KNOW). But I try to get them to quit relying on the government and to rely on themselves. It's an antiquated mind set i know but it works for me. As for bonuses, when the company does well so do they. When it doesn't neither do they.
Nothing is Guaranteed.

I think Craig meant that a president is not capable of fixing the economy or shouldn´t be held accountable for that.
Now, with that I fully disagree.
This is exactly why we are in this mess and why (almost two weeks ago) I said that neither BO nor JmC - try to - show knowledge. The one is talking after the other and both are trying to find a way out of this mess without trying to burn themselves. Screw this.... You are a president to be, you need to fix it. And if you don´t kno how to, then shut the hell up!
You know how many peopels lifes are at stake here.
When BO gets elected (and of course he will) the 1st thing he will do is cry foul and say what he inherited from the bush presidency and that is the way he will run the country.
It is sad that candidates are not given the grind as to what their knowledge is, instead being asked civil nice questions and let off the hook by infamous journalists...
We, the epople, are choosing, a presiednt that has nice words and very good vibes, but not the one who has the credentials and the wisdom to lead us out of this disaster that we are in!
America is bankrupt, only BO and JmC don´t know it yet....And one of them is about to lead this country...

God Have Mercy!

Craig, E- minus for your last paragraph. Sorry..... :-)

"I'm feeling a little more optimistic today. Maybe they keep their jobs." jaxtrader | October 14, 2008 9:09 AM

Jax,

It sounds like you may have to have play it by ear and wait to see what happens.

Craig's blog today points out how quickly things change. But he also seemed to be saying that the President, whoever he is, is irrelevant to the economy: "politicians, and even presidents, are almost irrelevant to the economy's ups and downs unless really big things are done. Even Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal programs were doing little to get the nation out of depression." CC

Don't know if you agree with him, but he did say " Massive federal spending in the manufacturing sector for World War II is what got the job done", so the decisions they make regarding spending and war sure do affect it.

was it just dumb luck for us that bill clinton, who made a study of global economics, was elected at a time when the economy sucked?

"I think Craig meant that a president is not capable of fixing the economy or shouldn´t be held accountable for that."

You know Jason, I didn't see that as his point.
I don't think he was saying they're not responsible, as much as he was saying they're somewhat powerless.

Chloe,
Sometimes I temporarily let the retoric from politics affect me more than it warrants. Neither of these candidates for president will likely have any effect on my business plans. I don't rely on any gov biz or gov handouts. I'll figure a way to counteract any stupid moves they may make and who knows...maybe they actually get something right. Either way I'll deal with it when it comes. I imagine most small businesses will do the same.

"America is bankrupt, only BO and JmC don´t know it yet....And one of them is about to lead this country..."

Jason, I think they both do know it already.

Right now they're focused only on winning this election and doing whatever they consider important in achieving that. Telling people what they want to hear.

That's the problem I've always had with Obama. He talks a good line, but I wish there was more background to back up those words. We have to take him at his word on most everything.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/is-the-economy-a-political-dis.html#comment-158563

Jax,

I totally agree with every word in your post.
We have a small business too (smaller than yours, I'm sure).
It's always a balancing act, but it always works out.

"was it just dumb luck for us that bill clinton, who made a study of global economics, was elected at a time when the economy sucked? Posted by: patd | October 14, 2008 9:52 AM

pat,

I think the result of all the decisions he made while in office are what affected the economy in such a good way. Wasn't the deficit his number one priority?

He did use his knowledge of the economy to get elected to though. "It's the economy stupid" was his best selling point.

What's 'in' is now 'out'
By MARK J. PENN
"As Monty Python used to say, “No one expects the Spanish Inquisition” — which is another way of saying that no one expects the unexpected. And recent unanticipated political and financial events are a good reminder that everything could change in one fell swoop........big change is indeed coming."
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1008/14531.html

Ok, I know. Blog hog. I'm outta here.
Have a good day!

I see that Tina Fey is threatening to quit playing Palin and leave the earth if the ticket wins. Laughs....I doubt that she has anything to worry about but how come so many hollywood types threaten to leave and then regardless of the outcome never do.....

"I think Craig meant that a president is not capable of fixing the economy or shouldn´t be held accountable for that."

You know Jason, I didn't see that as his point.
I don't think he was saying they're not responsible, as much as he was saying they're somewhat powerless.

Posted by: chloe | October 14, 2008 9:53 AM

More SHOCK!
Powerless?
We are the biggest economy in the world and the president of that economy may be powerless? Come on Chloe......
We are hiding behind curtains that are not there.
We need to own up as a country to our truth and that is being responsible for who we choose. We deserve G W Bush, that is why we voted for him. We will deserve Barrack Obama because we will vote for him. When he is in office we wish we had voted for someone else...
Deborah Cox has a song: My radio you keep playing that same old song It goes on and on. :-)

We keep making the excuse that we vote for someone because the other one is worse... So we settle for less, just because we have not other option. Come on America, the clock is ticking, take life into your hands and demand that the one who will be the one, will be elected.
BO has totally no substance, JmC is just plain wrong on his social principles and have totally no feeling about the green party...Me will not vote, because I never settle for less....(well, as of this election). I voted for Kerry eventhough I thought he was a worm :-)

Chloe, this is no rant at you. You are to sweet to have a rant aginst. It is also not against Craig. It is against the system and the american people who will settle for less, and when less has ascended we complain.

I see that Tina Fey is threatening to quit playing Palin and leave the earth if the ticket wins. Laughs....I doubt that she has anything to worry about but how come so many hollywood types threaten to leave and then regardless of the outcome never do.....

Posted by: jaxtrader | October 14, 2008 10:22 AM

LOL LOL LOL
because it sells Jax.... It is hip to be like that....
But your analysis is very true. I mean...Eddy Murphy is sadly still around mother earth.... :-)

Behtyboo---------No no,

Don't be pessimistic about life, don't be sad,not you, or people like you. Things are better today than in the past,( remember the good old day's-----not) while we have a very long way to go as how humans treat other humans, there has been much improvement.

You say that the native American didn't believe any humans owned the earth----exactly, this comes from the Aborigine's that I believe were the first people in North America through the spread of the out of Africa migration, and probably a close second, or at the same time the Clovis people, but the early people of the thinking world were very spiritual, and believed that we were all connected, animals, plants,etc, like it or not, we all come from the earth, and breath the same air. only in the very earliest of times was there cooperative true sharing of all things, including labor, and rewards. This is where i disagree with you a little---The American indian's did take competing tribes, if cought in battles, the women or men that they defeated in battle, but were allowed to assimilate,but the were slaves until.

To me the problems come when the powerful ( the chiefs of the tribes) decided that they were the(president Bush's of that time )and the indians were the ones that had to do all the work.With the seperation of these ideas, Religion, and poloticians have done a good job of making us believe we are just units of this world. I asked a friend once, how many oceans are there, he said seven, how many continents?( oops i forgot) any way, there is only one world, one ocean, one form of human, on, and on, my answer was that we with maps, grids, topography etc. made it into units of the earth and it's inhabitants. I would like to have my head frozen, and thawed when we live, humans live in another planet in the continuing migration out of Kansas strike that Africa. you and i will be talked about as ancients, and think how silly these early humanes were to think one did not depend on the other,thanks you are nice.

Posted by: SolarCrete Author Profile Page | October 14, 2008 10:30

Deborah Cox My radio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB4vaAoxLD0

Two points regarding your post today Craig,

First while yes it's true that the Depression didn't end till the war, it's also true that things were getting better. And a great many people who would have otherwise been unemployed and homeless were helped by New Deal projects.

Second this current economic crisis has show just how each candidate reacted, voters seem to prefer Obama's over McCain.

"William Ayers: Funded by Republicans

The Annenbergs-- Republicans. Bankrolled William Ayers with $50 million

But Walter and Leonore weren't just giving money to educational foundations started by William Ayers. They were also giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Republican National Committee and various other Republican groups, as well as to a whole host of Republican candidates, including the following:

George W. Bush $4000
Mitt Romney $5000
Strom Thurmond $1000
Fred Thompson $500
Rick Santorum $3000
Rick Santorum-- former Republican Senator. Received $3000 from Ayers' backers.

Why would billionaire Republican philanthropists give millions of dollars to a program that was working with William Ayers? Why would George W., Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson and all those other Republicans accept money from the people who were funding this William Ayers-associated group? Why won't McCain discuss these connections between the Republican Party and Ayers?

Here's the icing on the cake: just yesterday, the McCain campaign put out a press release bragging about the fact that Leonore Annenberg has endorsed him for president. Yes, you heard it-- a McCain backer bankrolled William Ayers with millions of dollars.

More icing: You know that Republican Arnold Weber I mentioned earlier? The one that served on the board of the CAC with Barack? Not only did he work with William Ayers in the 90's, he has also donated at least $1000 to the McCain campaign. That's right-- McCain is accepting money from associates of William Ayers, and so far has not given the money back.

I'm feeling a little cheated. Months ago I was promised an October surprise. It's already October 9th, and all I've heard is that Barack knows a guy who's been working with McCain supporters and Republicans since the mid 90's."

More: http://www.republicansforobama.org/?q=node/3027

Deborah Cox My radio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tB4vaAoxLD0

Posted by: chloe | October 14, 2008 10:37 AM

Chloe, ya killing me today..... :-)

I was in Moscow last week and I heard this song after some years, I fell in love again with it.....

Anyway, back to topic.
Another sad day for the stock market here in Holland. We are about to close and again we are in the minus column, not heavy but still.......

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/is-the-economy-a-political-dis.html#comment-158568

Jax, That was half of her statement. The reason she gave wasn't very political. She said she couldn't stand the idea of playing "that character" for the next four years and would leave the earth so no one could ask her to do it.

She was being the funny person she always is.

Jason posted: "When BO gets elected (and of course he will) the 1st thing he will do is cry foul and say what he inherited from the bush presidency and that is the way he will run the country."

I agree. I can hear it coming already.

"I was in Moscow last week and I heard this song after some years, I fell in love again with it....."

I'm not even supposed to be here, but....

Jason, you have such an amazing life. Moscow? Holland, etc. No wonder you have such an interesting and clear view of American politics. You're not blinded by the trees.

Obama Widens Lead in Four Key States

Obama holds double-digit margins over McCain in Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin and carries a nine-point advantage over his Republican rival in Colorado, according to polling conducted by Quinnipiac University for washingtonpost.com and the Wall Street Journal.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/14/AR2008101400524.html?hpid=topnews

I just saw a demographic/race poll that shows african americans are supporting Obama by 92%...can that be right???? The last people I saw with that kind of support was Sadam Hussien -98.6% and Kim Song Il - 99.2%...whats up with that? its got to be overstated even with McCain being a bozo

Another point Craig, Americans know that in times of economic crisis the Democratic Party is the party that is going to look out for the "little guy", not the GOP. If this morning's news reports are true about McCain's planned address on the economy later today that will be made quite clear.

It have been living out of suitcases the past weeks, all due to the credit crisis. Meeings meetings and then some. Sometimes I go to these meetings and I am not even well prepared....On one hand it is fun (you meet so many different people and get to see other cultures), on the other hand it is sad, because the state of the world is very bad now, and I have an ill feeling that it may drag on for some time.

Moscow is a nice place to be, but extremely expensive.

And the US will probably not see me very soon, I plan to stay in Holland for at least one more year...

Jax

I had 28 workers at one time , only a few now, instead of letting anyone go, we are going to try to tuff it out together.

I visited every one of them (like quality control) and saw, asked how they really really lived no bs, saw a lot of waste in many form, from misuse of water, left overs that were being thrown out because it one of worker would only eat fresh made meals, down to one fast shower per day in warm water, not hot,etc etc, I take them to costco once a month to buy in bulk--the same flea head did not like this at first, but now all have not seen to much of a lifestyle change, but if it absolutely needed to let one of them go it will, for the good of the rest. ET is a good guy and is very passionate about certain things, he like Warren started a little rough here, so stick around, me i kinda new too, snuke in here when none were looking,

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/is-the-economy-a-political-dis.html#comment-158582

I'll take Absurd Analogies for 100 Alex.

I just saw a demographic/race poll that shows african americans are supporting Obama by 92%...can that be right???? The last people I saw with that kind of support was Sadam Hussien -98.6% and Kim Song Il - 99.2%...whats up with that? its got to be overstated even with McCain being a bozo

Posted by: jaxtrader | October 14, 2008 11:02 AM

I think it is rather accurate Jax.
I am an AA and I know my people. They have the feeling that this is it, this is our only chance, if ever, to get a black man into office... And they will vote for him...no matter what...Sad, but I can understand it a bit....
I am happy to say, one of the 8% who will not vote for him.

Jason,
I can understand the sentiment I guess. I don't know what they think he's going to do for them? My sense is that if the percentage is that high and the expectations are that high that a good number are going to be disappointed in a few years....he's a politician...

Jax, for most of them, the goal is for a black man to be president.... They don´t care if he will do anything for them, as long as our guy is president..
Of course after a year they will feel let down, but then again...they let him fool them...Remember SC and moreover NC...

But I can feel the sentiment of them, I only wish they showed more common sense. But that is only MY opinion...

He can do something very important for them. The day after Obama secured the nomination I was riding the subway here in NYC. At one stop a bunch of young black boys got on the train, and I thought for the fist time these children can think to themselves "the president of the United States looks like me". If you don't see or understand that value of that for our society I think that's pretty sad. I can only assume a similar reaction for young girls had Hillary won the nomination.

Hopes Quickly Fade For a Postpartisan Era
"Pollster Peter Hart has found some startling new evidence of high tensions. In surveying voters over the weekend, Mr. Hart found that more than a third of each candidate's supporters say they have grown to "detest" either John McCain or Sen. Obama so deeply that they would have a hard time accepting the one they don't support as president.....

How do you knit a nation back together with this kind of animosity?"

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122393387064230201.html

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/is-the-economy-a-political-dis.html#comment-158568

There are some rather conservative Repugs in the Hollywood scene. Usually if I know they are, I stop watching their films, or records or what have you, but in the best of worlds I should be able to accept them and respect their talent. But since the Repugs hate Gays so much, it becomes VERY personal for me.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/is-the-economy-a-political-dis.html#comment-158579

But didn't Dumbya do the same thing when he took office, and President Clinton before him, and Ronald Reagan after Jimmy Carter? I don't disagree, but I think it is a normal rite of passage.

i can just see it now. After he's elected everyone is going to look around and go....ok we did it.... now what.....

Posted by: jaxtrader | October 14, 2008 11:34 AM

Jax....I agree...This is exactly what I mean.

Solar, how did you know I started rough here? it's true of course... but I am sort of amazed. Anyway, lately I have been a bit more snippy again which is partially due to the fact that as it gets closer to election, I get more wound up about it. I am one of those guys who actually believes that there will be dire ramifications in my life if the Repugs win, and positive results in my life if the Dems win. I should be less engaged, living in Europe and all, but America is my homeland, so it's still a part of me.

Solar, did you use a different nick back then? Also, you were a marine I read??
I can't imagine how difficult that must have been. I respect the men and women in the armed services (and that was not always the case, but I have matured). I know that I am such a wimp, i would have flipped out the moment I had to share a room with someone. LOL.

Extended (23 minutes) interview with Philip Berg about his lawsuit against Obama/DNC. From Toledo TV station:

http://www.myfoxtoledo.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=7637919&version=1&locale=EN-US

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/is-the-economy-a-political-dis.html#comment-158582

No major surprise. The black vote is already one of the largest voting blocs the Democrats have. The Republican party has done darn near everything possible to drive blacks from their party except for the most die hard financial conservatives. When you add in the chance to vote for the first black President in a history totally owned by white males, pride in that person is an understandable inclination.

Jason I do understand what you are saying to a point. But the dominant culture has held down certain groups of people throughout our country's history and the importance of a woman President or black President is the change in mindset throughout the populace! Look at England. Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister, another glass ceiling shattered. Ok she was rot, but the fact that a woman became the UK's leader took away the common belief that Parliament and Prime Ministership was reserved for males (and white males at that).

When Congress got its first openly Gay congressman, I was happy because helped to change perceptions of people which is made on the basis of affectional orientation. I remember when Challenger blew up. I was attending an intercity community college and I remember hearing the director of the humanties division (a black woman) say to a black faculty that "one of the astronauts is black". I don't think she meant to say the others didn't matter, but that the (first?) black astronaut going into space opened yet another door and the disappointment of losing him was felt in the hearts of most of the AA community.

Anyway, I blather.

Does GORDO disappear when the election is over?

"I am an AA and I know my people."

Jason,

Sorry guy, but to me that's saying a lot about you. No arguements, just a curious comment from my POV.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/is-the-economy-a-political-dis.html#comment-158601

We can only hope.

ET

No it's my first time on a blog, and still catching with all the meanings of the blog lingo, saw other blogs, they did not even come close to this one, i evaluated. none, and i liked what i saw of craig. I am have been lurking for a year before posting, and saw that you had a hard time, as did Warren but it was of your own making and his also, you guys came in kinda strong and settled down to make good blog relationships,you and Warren both are good at not getting into situations about Obama that require a food fight, i was aware of that. so i introduced myself in the Crawford tavern scene, with a little humor, man this is a tuff crowd, with my written diction, and lousy grammar i would have been spotted a mile away, but i do know all here well.

From the Berg Lawsuit
------------------------------
Philip Berg wants the following documents:

1. A certified copy of Obama’s “vault” (original long version) birth certificate;

2. Certified copies of all reissued and sealed birth certificates of Obama in the names:
BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, a/k/a :
BARRY SOETORO, a/k/a :
BARRY OBAMA, a/k/a :
BARACK DUNHAM, a/k/a :
BARRY DUNHAM?

3. A certified copy of Obama’s Certification of Citizenship;

4. A certified copy of Obama’s Oath of Allegiance taken upon age of majority;

5. Certified copies of Obama’s Application and Admission forms for Occidental College, Columbia University and Harvard Law School; and

6. Certified copies of any Court Orders or legal documents changing Obama’s name from Barry Soetoro to Barack Hussein Obama

My closest AA friend is so conservative he squeaks but he staunchly votes dem. Everything in his life is contrary to most dem postions but he still votes that way. We have argued and laughed about it until we don't even bother anymore. I thought it was just him being him but maybe its deeper than that. he's extremely successful, bright, well educated and has absolutely no explanation for why he votes this way....he just does....laughs

Quiet Political Shifts as More Blacks Are Elected

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/14/us/politics/14race.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

ET

About being a Marine---I was brought here at a young age, saw it as my duty to serve in 1968, I should have enlisted in the Air Force, of the Navy and stayed in for a good education, i did not so no complaints, became a citizen and take my vote seriously, I liked Pfof. Haglen's the natural law party and have been an ind, since, I just don't get into the box scores of politics that much, since i know it won't change that much just a diff party up to bat.

oh God. EuroTom, you're not (shudder) French are you?

New York Times Spins Obama Muslim Ties

http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/obama_muslim_times/2008/10/13/140143.html?s=al&promo_code=6D07-1

Now explain to me how the right isn't using bigotry and hate to try and win votes.

Euro,
That may be the one good outcome of this election. Notwithstanding any good or bad policies that she may have had. I simply could not stand to hear Hillary's voice....it was absolute unnatural torture for me...like nails on a chalkboard....I never could get around that......I'm having chills just thinking about it...laughs

I took the dogs to the park while he was speaking. I'm assuming it was more of the same

ET

From Mexico, my dad was here a few year working for the railroad, after finally get our visa (green cards--I do understand this argument about waiting your turn) we came to chicago to live, and been here since, went to catholic schools, where i picked up a good dislike for anything that resembled a f----n penguin with a stick, or a promise, some of my family very very good catholic at the time---i learned that religion steels families at a very early age....fast forward we are a very large group of ????? Mexicans that have spanish, indian, greek,blood,within our family there are Irish, polish, italian, and now my godson rick is getting married to a beuty of a black girl----there simply will not be anyone for us to hate(we never did) won't bore you with any more. and yeah I remember when you did get along with Rodney, i wonder what it's going to be like after the election, after Obama wins, I bet some are going to say-----can we just get along---me i will still try to learn, from the others that are the sharpest.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/is-the-economy-a-political-dis.html#comment-158601
---------------------

I, for one, hope Gordo doesn't leave ... enjoy reading the articles he links too .. as do I, everyone elses on here ... might not get to all of them, but I do try ...

I believe ... you never stop learning .. everything you see, hear, read, touch, feel,.. teaches you something .. no matter how small .. it all adds to your knowledge make up .. for without it, how can you make a good decision in all things in your life ...

I read alot .. whatever catches my eye .. love learning new things everyday .. plus, it helps keep my memory from failing as much, lol

Viv

Very cool, MSNBC is reporting that Obama is advertising on xbox. genius.

ET

Im 59, but feel 45-50 i stay in shape with my bow flex, and run, march 3 miles at least 3 times a wk if not working. I still work next to my workers, and spend hrs at night with the needed paper work that is more and more complicated to keep things going, it's hard i tell you it's hard but wouldn't have it any other way

Have a problem with the TRUTH?
---------------------------
Call to Prayer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXSlBjiKioY

And what do you learn from reading GORDO's posts Viv?

"http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2008/10/is-the-economy-a-political-dis.html#comment-158618"

Viv, Great post!
Speak up for freedom of speech and speak against discrimination in the true sense.
Well done.

Solarcrte
It's all about how you are raised. I'm Scots-black-Native American(and anything else they could catch running through the woods) but I'm about as WASPy as one can be. You wouldn't know about Rezdog either unless you read his blogs. That's why this is so cool, 'cos you really have to judge people by the content of their character 'cos you can't see the color of their skin.

ET

Thanks for asking, i forgot to tell you that i come from a family of 11, and had to work, we now have a cple Doctors, Nurses, etc etc, no nuns, and thats good,

I don't like talking about myself, or my family but will to show the lurkers (6000-i like reaching them) we share the same experience that most others that came to America.

"It looks like Jeremiah Wright was just the tip of the iceberg. Not only did Barack Obama savor Wright’s sermons, Obama gave legitimacy — and a whole lot of money — to education programs built around the same extremist anti-American ideology preached by Reverend Wright. And guess what? Bill Ayers is still palling around with the same bitterly anti-American Afrocentric ideologues that he and Obama were promoting a decade ago. All this is revealed by a bit of digging, combined with a careful study of documents from the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, the education foundation Obama and Ayers jointly led in the late 1990s."

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YTQ0YjhlOGVhYjQ0OWRhZjI2MmM4NTQ4NGM5Mjg0MzU=

If any of you folks have facebook profiles or myspace profiles or photobucket, how about sharing? I'd love to see more friends that I chat with here.

Solar your story is intriguing and heartwarming really !! I am honored to chat with you.

Rosiethecat

I hear you,it is how you were raised and how you decided to raise yours, My dad was a little bit of a bully, i have never touched my son, except to pull his ear a few times, he knew not to push thing to far, my worker know that also, we all have choices don't we, I have some big choice mistakes, but some of the good ones carry me through.

I like Gordo's stuff. It reminds me of the kind of stuff you tell kids around the campfire at night to scare 'em. ( And did you hear about the escaped crazy guy with a hook instead of a hand?)

To Rosie, no, I am not French. I am American. My Great grandfather was an immigrant from Germany and my Great grandmother was a second generation Norwegian. They had like 10 kids in Northern Minnesota where they homesteaded, and all those kids had kids and more kids from those kids... My Gram was the best of the bunch. She had more of the Norwegian side of the family. They were all boisterous crowd and damned hard working. I was Gram's shadow growing up... always wanted to be with her. Anyway, she was kind, accepting, fun and intelligent. She worked many years of overtime at Honeywell so that we kids would have enough money. She was stronger than I have ever been...

Btw, Rosie, I live only 2.5 hours away from paris by car, and the parisians are LOVELY people.

oh yeah, on my dad's side, we are a mix of so many things no one can really pinpoint it down.

Gasoline is a dollar less per gallon than when I last filled up, which cost me way more than a hundred dollars.
Never has gasoline dropped in price like that so quickly, and no matter what I hear or see on TV , or read in The Times, I just KNOW it's because an election is coming in three weeks, and I also feel very strongly it will climb in price a dollar quicker than it went down, within mere days post-November 4.

Aw---ET

Now you have gone and done it---huh,,,, I don't take compliments well. If your looking for a fight just keep that up, hahaha

What I don't get about SNL is why they would have Palin on with Tina Fey. (Just a rumor?) She was boo-ed when dropping the puck at the hockey game. I can't imagine that the SNL audience would be any warmer.

Geeze ET, I was only kidding. You ex-patriot types are SO sensitive. :)

blue,

She got booed in Philly, a city that is proud to have booed, every one of their sports stars, they booed santa claus and I suspect they would boo Jesus Christ were he to come back to earth during a phillies or eagles game and not help the home team immediately take a lead.

Yep, Dex. Doesn't that just tell you that the folks who manipulate the price of fuel are Repugs? Weasels.

ET

Im going to look for the information that i have about a you prof. that gave up his family life for a study about genetics he followed through dna from present time withthe help of millions of sample to the past, and proved that we are all the same. this conversation is also needed for lurker to see-----im way over the limit of posting for a new guy on the block, and will pull back now. thanks

about a young prof,,,, that is

Blue,
I never have been able to reconcile how George Bush...
who apparently isn't too bright has been able manipulate the global oil market.....I'm no big fan but if what you say is true i'd like a dose of that stupidity please......laugh

"His trickle-down, ideological recipes won't strengthen our economy and grow our middle-class." Burton added that the McCain plan provides "no tax relief at all to 101 million hardworking families, including 97 percent of senior citizens, and it does nothing to cut taxes for small businesses or give them access to credit."

Obama Slams McCain's Economic Plan: "A Day Late And 101 Million Middle-Class Families Short"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/14/obama-slams-mccains-econo_n_134461.html

rosiethecat..... I'm of French Canadian descent....... wanna make something of it.... :0)
and you'd better watch out for Tylenol..... she lives in Montreal and has real spunk!...... I do LOVE cats.....

Solar..... I really love your posts...... thanks for unlurking.....

Blue..... I bet the people who manipulate the price of fuel are laughing their asses off at all this stupid "it must be the Repugs"..... "no... it must be the Dems"....... type of stuff...

Rosie I wasnt offended... I have to say the French do live up to their reputation as romancers... :-D

In case anyone missed David Frum on Rachel Madow last night:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/14/rachel-maddow-battles-dav_n_134508.html

". I have to say the French do live up to their reputation as romancers.."

Don't know about the romance issue, since I was a newlywed....but when I lived in Germany, the people I hung out with and liked the most were the Italians and Spaniards living in Kassel. I related to them so much more than the Germans....nothing personal to your German ancestors, ET!

Rebellious Renee

I have always liked your posts----- you are almost as sweet as Bethyboo---oops,,,,solllllly.

Patsi

Thats another thing that is so attractive about this blog, thru yours and prof Strug's travels here and abroad, ET's Jason's, Flatus,LL and others, we can get a feel for what it is like, or was like in other places. Whats not to like?

Here the ONLY thing that counts vis-a-vis the Stock Market.

HEMLINES!

http://www.investmentpostcards.com/2008/06/02/what-is-the-hemline-theory-telling-us-about-stock-markets/

"Hemlines are up; will economy follow?"

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/features/6030614.html

Always check the Fashion Section for your latest stock news.

tt

SolarCrete

The Great DNA Hunt

http://www.archaeology.org/9609/abstracts/dna.html

NEW THREAD

Plumbers against Obama, and Journalist for Obama too funny.

http://sarah-palin-2008.blogspot.com/2008/10/cant-believe-its-not-earned.html

"I am an AA and I know my people."

Jason,

Sorry guy, but to me that's saying a lot about you. No arguements, just a curious comment from my POV.

Posted by: Rezdog | October 14, 2008 11:48 AM

And if you wished to elaborate on why it says something about me, maybe we could learn a thing or another about it. But seen as this is just a curious comment without any substance; it also says something.....