Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Where's Lee Iaocco when you really need him...

Now we don't want Obama to get bogged down in micromanaging each issue --- set the tone and move on.

Maybe this is a job for the Mittster.

"The government is not in the auto business. lol."

But they can oust the CEO of GM, and state all GM, and Chrysler warranties are back by the full faith of the US government. Fact is , the government is in the auto business.

I just love influence at the highest level.
Just keep a watch on the strings.

And gosh what is an American Car? OK - no rehash but lets be clear on the definitions.

I don't understand why GM and Chrysler don't merge and then limit their models so they don't overlap in type.

Of course the one thing none of the world's leaders want to say, is that there aren't enough jobs to go around and we've been artifically propping up the unnecessary population for a couple of generations.

well.... after my post to buford.... I did come to the realization that there is a big difference between Wall St and the auto companies..... that being that the auto companies actually make something.... my bad for not realizing that before....

Ping.... we've been over what constitutes an American car before..... as you said no rehash.... at this point I'd say.... buy whatever car you want..... it might have been assembled over here.... have parts made over here.... and at the very least.... the dealership is in the US.... and it will be serviced in the US....

Found a site for serious movie nuts. Full scripts for lots of movies grouped by type, director, or film maker

http://corky.net/scripts/

"If you buy a car from Chrysler or General Motors, you will be able to get your car serviced and repaired just like always. Your warranty will be safe. In fact, it will be safer than it’s ever been because, starting today, the United States government will stand behind your warranty."

I can't believe I'm still shooting off my mouth, but ...
I have to admit. That above paragraph was a stroke of genius, imo. The warranty worries are one of the things stopping most people from thinking about buying cars right now, I would imagine, more than anything else. That and being able to get a good loan. I got one recently from GM (financed with GMAC) at 1.9%. That interest rate was my number 1 deciding factor. That, and a great warranty. And qualifying was downright easy.

Good blog site for all environmental concerns. Gathers articles by type i.e. global warming, pollution, water etc.

http://www.mindfully.org/

A great warranty with no parts supply?

Again Barack comes with the simple answer that does not address the depth and complex nature of each situation.

Most likely as he himself does not understand and has never peeled the onion.

Pogo:

"Warren, interesting link, but I suggest you take a look at the "Net ODA in 2007 as percent of GNI" and "Quality-adjusted aid and charitable giving/GDP (%)"charts in your link before you get too sanctimonious about US foreign aid. For that matter, I'd read the entire article if I were you. We do good stuff, but we could do much better as a proportion of GDP. I'm not defending Krugman's article from today's times - I frankly found it mundane."

I was aware of the stat that we are not near the top of the list in terms of percentage of GDP. But I still think it is significant that we are far and away the largest contributor of foreign aid - especially when that number does not factor in the even larger amount donated by private individuals.

And btw - I think my sanctimony is quite justified. You can engage in knitpicking - and ignore the larger point of my post -all you want (a lot like your boy Krugman ; )

I am not saying that America can't improve. I was simply giving the other side of the story in the face of all the American bashing going on.

Chrysler and Fiat just reached a deal.

Gosh Ping you don't have much faith in the American entrepreneur ..

I'm sure parts won't be a problem if the Feds are standing behind the warrenty.

Warren
American bashing???
What are you talking about...

I'd really like to go to the post office....
but my front yard is full of wild turkeys again.... I don't want to disturb them....

and I agree with Ben Franklin.... they really should be America's bird....

"Most likely as he himself does not understand and has never peeled the onion."

Ping,
As you know, I am always respectful of your thoughts and beliefs. And I often agree with you.

Lately, you seem to be more critical than necessary, imo.
I'm sure Obama has 'peeled the onion' and made what he thinks are the best decisions. He's got to start somewhere, so why not with instilling confidence. We can only take this one step at a time. We have to plug some of the holes and slow down the sinking somehow.

KGC

Plus a lot of parts are "industry standard" and not specific to car maker

"I agree with Ben Franklin.... they really should be America's bird....Posted by: RebelliousRenee"

God luv ya, RR, for leavin your turkeys in peace

Now, if Ben had gotten his way, does that mean we'd be eating bald eagles for Thanksgiving? Sounds expensive.

Now that the gov't has taken over .....If we all hurry we can get in line for our brand spanking new " ZIL"....I can hardly wait.....

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215294

Hey Jax.
Don't just say that and run. Give us some suggestions. :)
We try to be open minded here.

"Now, if Ben had gotten his way, does that mean we'd be eating bald eagles for Thanksgiving? Sounds expensive."

Craig..... ROFL!
fortunately for bald eagles..... raptors cannot be domesticated.....

they've moved off to the neighbors...... time to go get my mail....

"...suckered punch by their competition"

tir, competition? which type?

"Destructive competition seeks to benefit an individual/group/organism by damaging and/or eliminating competing individuals, groups and/or organisms; it opposes the desire for mutual survival. It is “winner takes all”, the rationale being that the challenge is a zero-sum game; the success of one group is dependent on the failure of the other competing groups. Destructive competition tends to promote fear, a "strike-first" mentality and embraces certain forms of trespass."
or
"Co-operative competition is based upon promoting mutual survival - “everyone wins”. Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” is a process where individuals compete to improve their level of happiness but compete in a cooperative manner through peaceful exchange and without violating other people."
[wiki]

competition implies a goal, a reward, glory or territory to be won..... who is fighting over what?

Chloe,
I'm not one to rehash my opinions but I felt like bankruptcy was the best solution 6 months ago. Nothing has happened that's changed my mind.

dang, warren, I didn't realize that we had gone back to a love it or leave it stance - your use of the first amendment doesn't seem to extend in kind to those who criticize the government, or inj this case, to those who acknowledge a diminished role of the US in world economics - which was the purpose of the first amendment after all (and yes, I realize it limits government, not private citizenswho, like you, are certainly free to express your own opinion about Krugman's views). And while I do agree with Krugman more often than not - and certainly defer to his far superior understanding of the discipline of economics than my own, today ain't a day I have a strong opinion one way or the other,aminly because I don't see a particularly strong message in his column - aside for the need for cooperation among governments to avoid a global depression - which btw, I do agree with.

I will say that I hardly see this as America bashing:

" I don’t believe that even America’s economic efforts are adequate, but they’re far more than most other wealthy countries have been willing to undertake. And by rights this week’s G-20 summit ought to be an occasion for Mr. Obama to chide and chivy European leaders, in particular, into pulling their weight.

"But these days foreign leaders are in no mood to be lectured by American officials, even when — as in this case — the Americans are right.

"The financial crisis has had many costs. And one of those costs is the damage to America’s reputation, an asset we’ve lost just when we, and the world, need it most."

In fact, it doesn't sound so different from what you were saying. I'm not under the illusion that America is viewed by the rest of the world as the modern day equivalent of the great and powerful Oz.

"So Krugman - if you don't like America - get the f*ck out! "

Now, Warren....let's not join the "America: Love it or Leave it" crowd. I had enough of them during Vietnam.

The thing is, Krugman is an economist. If he firmly believes what he says, then he should say it. People can agree or not.

And are you sure America gives more foreign aid than anyone?

Thanks Jax,
To tell the truth, I agreed with most of that stuff you said back then, and I miss the varied opinions now. I don't have anything but a very simplified understanding of all of this, and am sure I am not qualified to even give an opinion. But, don't you think, that after the fact, now that the government has an investment in these things, that they need to protect it.

"I'm sure Obama has 'peeled the onion' and made what he thinks are the best decisions."

And you would base that belief on what? More than likely you meant to say, the people he has surrounded himself with, but certainly not based on any real life work experience.

Well, in from the garage. Only partially done with my chores. The Sidekick's radiator is shot. So, I've just ordered a replacement, $105 shipped, which isn't too bad. Did change the coolant in the Tracker. But didn't change the oil in either of them--the old fool didn't have any oil filters--I always try to keep a few around, but... Oh, well.

I learned many years ago that if I'm going to enjoy older cars, I always have to have to keep a spare car in the garage for days such as today.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215304

Patsi in pure charitable "dollars" particularly when public and private are combined. You would have to drill down the numbers to see whether they went to keep Americans employed by buying products here for transfer there rather than direct payment to government or individuals.

Then there is support of governments, military etc that countries would have to supply for themselves if we weren't there.

Of course all of that support does create jobs for Americans that wouldn't exist otherwise.

""So Krugman - if you don't like America - get the f*ck out! "

Now, Warren....let's not join the "America: Love it or Leave it" crowd. I had enough of them during Vietnam.'

Patsi, I chuckled when I saw that. If Warren only realized that his stridency is almost identical to that of the Republicans back then.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215306

TIR

Very few executives have what amounts to "real life experience". There is a talent in being able to delegate to others in their field of expertise.

"More than likely you meant to say, the people he has surrounded himself with,"

Tir, You're exactly right!
That's what I meant.

Chloe,
Bankruptcy is often misunderstood. It allows a company time and a certain amount of latitude to reorganize. It in no way limits the gov't ability to help. Like " guaranty warantees". My guess is that the unions are behind the reluctance to declare bakruptcy. Bankruptcy would give the company wide discretion on labor contracts.
I absolutely have no doubt that the route we are taking now will cost more to the taxpayer than bankruptcy would. If possible it also further erodes whatever reputation we have left regarding our free market system.

"Bankruptcy would give the company wide discretion on labor contracts. "...which is why Obama needs to focus on health care and other issues -these are just as important to fixing the economy as anything else.

As far as Obama goes....I'm concerned with what sounds like a "we've gotta win this" attitude in Afghanistan and with what appears to be a willingness to make unions cut their retirement benefits. I don't know if those worries will be well founded. I DO know that we have a better world now with Democrats in charge.

I admit that Krugman was more the flash point for a lot of discussion I have been hearing on the TV machine. His article in the Times was by no means the worst example of what I have witnesses... Although the one line I cut and pasted from his article (comparing the US to Madoff) was pure nonsense.

As far as the 1st Amendment - I was simply expressing a counterpoint as opposed to advocating any type of censorship. My line telling Krugman to get the F-out - was simply fighting hyperbole with hyperbole...

And one last point - I think progessives would be well-served by demonstrating some strident patriotism for issues they strongly believe in. I realize there is a delicate balance between stidency and fanaticism... But that is why I have you people to keep me in line!!

(And I mean "you people" in the best possible light ; )

KGC:

Here is what I was talking about:

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/obamas-ambitious-trip.html#comment-215262

Looking a little closer at the aid figures from warren's OEDC link, one of the things that might be easy to overlook is that over 1/3 of the US foreign aid dollars go to Iraq and Afghanistan, with 8 of 9 of those dollars going to Iraq. That strikes me as somewhere toward the darker end of the gray scale of transparency in reporting foreign aid. Since the numbers in the OEDC website warren linked don't go back beyond 2004, it's hard to say what we were doing before we started making hash of the middle east. Also of note is that US aid expressed as a percentage of GDI dropped from .23% in 2005 to .16% in 2007, and in constant dollars, US aid declined by 10% between 2006 & 2007 (2005 is not provided.). As a comparison, Germany, the next highest foreign aid donor, gives about 13% of its foreign aid to Iraq & Afghanistan (I guess Merkel liked GWB's shoulder rubs after all) and their percentafge of aid rose by 6.1% from '06 to '07. Note that this was all before the stock market lost half it's value, so it's difficult to say what the current picture looks like without doing more research than I'm inclined to do.

"My line telling Krugman to get the F-out - was simply fighting hyperbole with hyperbole..."

ROFL, Warren...that's why we love you!

I love the way conservatives seem to think that the president hasn't done anything. His entire life coming from a broken home home has been a walk in the park. That he just fell ass backwards into college, and that it's all been one silver platter after another. He could have gone to work for on Wall Street, but there was more opportunity around the dying steel towns south of Chicago.
Then they trot out "Joe the Plumber", and tell us there's where the real virtue lies.

CBob

You just know the President had one of those legacy kids writing his college papers for him.

Pogo -
Lord Mockington & the plant food argument.
He's right, and when all this carbon was buried by nature she must have done it for a reason.

Water is good for you too, but if you drink enough it'll kill ya.

Pogo -
They've cooked up a new one, it's a long the lines of as follows :

God, swell fellow that he is made all this , and he would never let us do anything wrong to screw it all up, therefore ..... "Party on Garth".

The Obama War: Afghanistan, the graveyard of many nations. Having said that I am totally in favor of the POTUS decision to send in more troops. Although this administration won't use the word "surge', similar to the word "terrorist", this is exactly what this military action amonts to, and hopefully will be as successful as the Iraq Surge. If not, we will be in Afghanistan for some time.

Yes, Bob, invoking the deity for our screwups is particularly compelling dontcha think? The next line would be that since we were created in his image, we can do no wrong.

California quake 4.3 near Santa Clara. Barely worth looking up but you never know if its a precursor. Even the oil companies now pump water in to replace oil taken "just in case". Different viscosity, but might help ... or not.

Was going to drink my lunch,,,,but..changed my mind after reading this,,,

This is Blasphemy

NY company to launch Mexican-made kosher tequila

NEW YORK — A New York businessman is launching a new kosher tequila in time for Cinco de Mayo. Martin Silver says Agave 99 will be on the market in time for the holiday that celebrates Mexico's defeat of French forces on May 5, 1862. Silver, president of Long Island-based Star Industries, says he wants to satisfy the craze for high-end tequila with one that observant Jews can drink.

Silver says a half million cases of the 99-proof kosher tequila are being produced at a Mexican plant using methods certified by a rabbi. It will retail for $41.95 a bottle.

The product launch — with Mexican songs sung in both Yiddish and Spanish — is set for May 5, but it will also be sold earlier for Passover, which starts at sundown on April
8 this year.

Lets see them compare to this song,,,Tracy Byrd,,ten rounds with Jose Cuervo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z16jVKrk2s#

Pogo,,just m issed you

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/obamas-ambitious-trip.html#comment-215274

Planting in New Mexico - March 29
From Blonde & Bart Wino

http://cbhopibluecornexperiment.blogspot.com/

Off to Buddy Holly's grave, got to pay some karma forward.

solar - I saw that.

Now, I got a question. While I will acknowledge that most Mexicans Christians are Catholic, I can't help but believe that there are Mexicans - whether indigenous or immigrants, who are Jewish, and some of whom are probably kosher. Do they not already have kosher foods in Mexico that are "Mexican"?

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsus/Maps/US2/36.38.-123.-121.php?tsp=1

http://search.twitter.com/search?q=earthquake&tsp=1

AHA.Sam Stein on the WH-Krugman relationship.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/30/obama-officials-think-kru_n_180702.html

Charges of naivete are flying - I'd keep my head down or it could be knocked off.

Pogo

There is a fairly large Jewish community in Mexico
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_Mexico

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3289/is_n11_v163/ai_16396850

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215290

Chloe - Not sure why it sounds harsh but I am clearly against many of the directions of this new government.
Look at today - Obama talks and the Market crashes again.

It is a dangerous world when the President of the USA starts to determine who should run a company.
That should scare everyone !!!!
ANd the Peel the onion - The Man has had little time to learn and understand for himself. He must rely on others which I am not saying is bad in and of itself but none the less OBama has few Fundamental Business experience and is being supported by a very liberal group.

This scares the )&^*(&%(& out of me

Pogo

Yes they do,( I don't know the names of them,,,but will find out,,if it;s of interest to you),a lot of Jewish people that escaped torture,,went to Mexico,,,(along with them,,and the Irish,,and Greeks,,for many generations,that were there already),and that is why there are ( my family included) very fair skinned...blond, and blue eyed Mexicans.

SolarCrete,

I had no idea that you believed in blasphemy. And, whoever would have thought that Orthodox Jews would yearn for tequila ? Tequila has always seemed to me to be a very Roman Catholic liquor. I learn something new every day. Sometimes even twice in the same post.

Patsi,

When I wrote, "I'll be damp", it was just a late night smart-assery for "I'll be damned". While I have know doubt that Ms Cracker is worth 'coming on to,' I am not quite goache enough to use language like that. Also, Sweetie is as much family as I am allowed to take on, and she's more than I deserve, too. So, no, as fantastic as Ms Cracker undoubtedly is, I was not meaning to be flirtinaceous.

don1one,

Your comment about not taking sides was hilarious. ROFL&TID ! Kind of like oreilly calling himself an independent.

And yet clueless Republicans who wave empty documents make you sleep better a night????????????

xr

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/12/01/illegal_immigrants_toiled_for_governor/

kgc. thanks for linking the twitterquakes. fascinating

KC - I couldn't imagine a country as large as MX didn't have at least a modicum of jewish folks in it - and I'm betting that the observant don't limit their diet to foods from NY. Thanks. Solar, no need to do that - I was just curious.

Pogo

And the neat thing for the Jews of Mexico ... there are lots of Chinese restaurants. :-)

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215338

Ping
I believe Barry Ritholtz ,over on his blog Gave this answer to your statement

"Private enterprise? How do you figure? Once they asked for and got $30 billion from the government, they gave up all pretenses of being a private firm. The “G” in GM now stands for government, as in Government Motors.

As soon as you become dependent upon the biggest guy in the cell block for protection, you become his bitch."

Pogo,,,,I think,,that there are also about 10% black,,,and another few % of Asian,,,recently there also has been quite a few Canadians that found the 72-80 year round whether near Jalisco,,quite tempting

SolarCrete,

I had no idea that you believed in blasphemy. And, whoever would have thought that Orthodox Jews would yearn for tequila ? Tequila has always seemed to me to be a very Roman Catholic liquor. I learn something new every day. Sometimes even twice in the same post.

XR,,,,Not funny,,,,specially when the bottle of tekill-u- is $42.00 that's even more blasphemous,,no?

Patsi,,,don't let XR off with that little bit of side stepping,,,he said what he said, last night :-)

heheheh

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/26/gop-budget-plan-fizzles-a_n_179660.html

Those wascally wepubwicans.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215347

Solar,

There is a huge community of American expatriates from Roasarita south in Baja.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215345

jamie, LOL. I know Mexico's where I head when I want good kosher Chinese.

Craig
More proof that people read this blog

On Rick Sanchez,,,,they are just now getting around to playin the tape,,of Sen Charles Grassley,,,replying to Sen Kent Conrad,,when he said " you are good",,and Grassley's reply of
" youre wife said the same thing",,,

jamie, I've given more than a passing thought to becoming an American expat in MX - of course I'm partial to the Yucatan (although the medical care there goes begging, but it's just a 2 hr. flight to Miami, so it could be much worse.)

Jamie,,,,yes, there is,,but I haven't kept up with all of that,,,Im willing to say that you,,and a lot of others here are more familiar with Mexico than I am now....thanks

Pogo, the kosher sephardic jambon is supposed to be especially good; it's only served on Friday's during Lent.

So...Obama agrees with Iggy..."In the Death Car..We're Alive"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG2Vj86B2hg

Symore Hearst,,,on cnn situation room,,,accuses D Cheney of running an assassination ring in Iraq,,I think he said,,,must see this one.

I have to confess to being an ethnic food idiot beyond the most obvious and most basic, and knoow so little about kosher foods (again, except for the most obvious and basic) I wouldn't know a kosher dish if it hit me in the face. F'rinstance, I didn't realize that any ham could be kosher. Buth this one did look good to me.

http://www.astray.com/recipes/?show=Jambalaya%20(kosher)

It's about time that we have a President who will start kicking corporate ass. GO President Obama ! Don't forget to do the same to the corrupt corporate culture of the money and power junkies taking hyper-bonuses for doing very little.

Solar , they were talking about Sy's iece on that last week. Glad it's out - I'll have to catch it. Thanks for the heads up.

Sy's PIECE (damn typos).

1. That'd be a sheep's jambon, of course.

2. Thanks for the heads up on slick willard's contribution to the tidal wave of illegal immigrant, Ms Cracker. Maybe the INS should turn his and Taggart's establishments inside out and detain everyone for questioning.

3. Warren's "fighting hyperbole with hyperbole" reminds me, we should all be aware that since Obama took office, America has fallen far behind even puny nations like Iran, north Korea, and Zimbabwe. Just how does the President propose that we close this dangerous hyperbole gap ?

huffo launches investigative team of journalists
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/mar/30/huffington-post-analysis

wapo on huffpo
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/30/AR2009033001853.html

Hi Pogo, hi Warren, Hi everyone. Well just something I want to comment on... "America Love it or Leave it"... That is such crap !! The idea that we demand higher standards, a paradigm shift, don't agree with a lot our country does or maybe HAS done, it doesn't me we are hating our country. Ok, when I got tired of politicians gay bashing verbally all the time, and the rise of the religious right, I decided to get the hell out only because I felt -- correctly -- that I would find more peace, love and contentment in a country that protects the people first (although there are also corporate money junkies and bankers running amuck here as well). It's not perfect, but it's better than how I lived before.

Going back to America, Love it or Leave it... Blind adherence is love, it is like being a member of Adult Children of Dysfunctional Parents. Blind adherence demands you don't think, you don't look outside the borders, you don't consider changing the direction of our infrastructures, economic, corporate and political foundations. It is silly and it is a way to further dumb down people.

I love this quote by James Baldwin. EVERYONE, please remember it. He was an important African American writer...

"I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually."

-- James A. Baldwin

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29944834/?GT1=43001

Now we have a director - as the New Government wants to define the solution and control all elements possible.

This is absolutely insane - we have process in place and to think the Federal Government adds value other then $$. Oh my we are in trouble.

Jamie - I think I am with you - the Fed needs to focus on the Safery net and allow natural process to take it course.

This is insane - this is driving the market down in a big way.

Would he just stop

XR, now THAT makes sense to me. Although a quick scan of the google results for kosher jambon suggests that ham is also used - who knew?

Hyperbole is so not cool, calm and collected - it's just not Obama's style. Now Joe could pull it off in a heartbeat - I say turn Joe loose.

"The Huffington Post, an internet darling known for links and commentary, not in-depth reporting."

paidcontent.org's tartakoff being snarky in today's article just linked above

Ping, I think I'm witcha on that - of course Americans (well the media anyway) have been screaming for conditions to be placed on the corporate bailouts. Moderation in all things.

sorry forgot to post name and link of tartakoff's article:

paidContent.org - HuffPost's New Foray: Investigative Journalism
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/30/AR2009033001853.html

ET, Baldwin is absolutely right. It's what the first amendment's freedom of speech clause is about.

I give up people - I give up. Paul Krugman can stay in the freaking Country...

(Can't I just "wish" out loud he would shut up without being accused of torching a library ; )

XR, Pogo, et al.,

After the incredible mess that corporate america has made of our affairs, why do you think the government will do worse?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215364

Wrong Ping, this is just the beginning... Let the money junkies stew all they want; the country is not going to accept the Repug ideology of "anything goes for the super rich and the corporations" anymore.

I got back from Viet Nam, and was sobering up over coffee at a lunch counter - a long semicircular affair - telling two pals about my experiences, when some arschloch yelled that I should love it or leave it. I shouted back that I couldn't love Viet Nam, so I left it.

Of course, I didn't mention that I had developed an addiction to the little deep-fried rollups of spicy ground-up water buffalo, dipped in garlicy nuac mam sauce, and washed down with bottles of 33 and tequila. Just thinking about it makes me oink with pleasure.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215352

Pogo, The heyday for moving south was the late 70s, but I'm sure there are still some bargains given the current economics. Be careful if you plan to buy, there are some very strict laws about purchase of land by non citizens.

It's like any situation, scout around first. Medical care is actually quite good particularly in expat areas. (Doctors like to retire too)

well gang I am back to Facebook... I'll drop in from time to time

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215372

ET - How does that have anything to do with the fact that Washington and The New Government has no business trying to run a business - Talk about Waste

"Can't I just "wish" out loud he would shut up without being accused of torching a library ; )"

warren, since we've recently been accused of running a hate blog here, your wish falls somewhat short of torching.

the government is 12trillion in debt soon to be 14 or15
the government can't run the government must less a business'

Golly, XR, you must have been the high rent district. Personally I preferred biere Larue (the bottles were larger) over ba mi ba.

jamie, I'm aware of that - they have a bunch of gizmos to get around the more draconian foreign land ownership proscriptions - and they have lawyers who specialize in end-running them. And as usual, when it comes to buying a residence, I'm 30 years behind the times.

Flatus, I don't necessarily think Obama (or Summers or Geithner) or anyone they put in place will do worse, but it's a bit of a dangerous and slippery slope to start down. I'd be more supportive of more direct management of healthcare or other activities whose purpose is (or IMHO should be) to benefit the populace's more basic needs, but when it comes to just making and selling stuff, no matter how big the industry, I don't want government involved beyond infusions of money with strings attached - and in broad strokes rather than more "granular" ones.

I guess pong just had another hyperbole eruption.

One moment he doesn't think government can do anything right, the next he thinks the bush government's war and counter terrorism enterprises have been successful.

It must be tough living with multiple personality disorder.

Just teasing.

Bye, yall - gotta scoot.

Thanks for that, Pogo.

What was going through my mind were thoughts of the mess we had during the late 50s with trans-nationals screwing us because of antiquated tax codes, which we fixed, resulting in multi-nationals which kind of kept the social compact.

Then things got screwed-up again in the 80s when people like Sir John (Templeton) decided say up-yours America, I'll go to Bermuda, take a knighthood, and say to hell with American taxes despite that country having provided me with my wealth.

Now, here we are back with the trans-nationals again and people using their super-computers solely for the purpose of gaming the tax codes of the various sovereignties in which they operate with the ultimate goal of screwing them all out of their rightful tax burdens.

I say let the miscreants who got us into this mess move to Dubai. Let them reap the benefits of their craft over there.

I've had enough of them. And, I'm a capitalist.

You go Flatus.

"When I wrote, "I'll be damp", it was just a late night smart-assery for "I'll be damned". While I have know doubt that Ms Cracker is worth 'coming on to,' I am not quite goache enough to use language like that."

I knew it was a typo and was joking, X.....

But I do need to say one thing. My original criticism of Krugman from a few days ago - was not that I always disagree with him in terms of substance. And that I think he could be using his brilliant mind in a much more productive manner.

I disgree with his tone. He - like most pundits and politicians - use around 80% of their time in the public eye (i.e., writing or speaking) - to criticize "the other side." And little, if any, time putting forth their own ideas.

Democrats, Republicans, pundits and yes - even Nobel prize winners - fall into this technique. I think it points to a larger - "cultural" or "intellectual" problem. Often times, in order to appear "smart" - you need to attack someone else who is regarded as smart.

Mind you - I am not saying that we need to ban criticism. It is necessary and useful - to a certain extent. I am just saying people way over do it.

The mail today was a treasure trove.

OSH - The Holy Mole! arrived. First batch - excellent, but the chocolate is predominant. Second batch - Hello!! It may end up as substitute for the chili and chocolate in a sauce for Chicken Mole. Need to play with it: Very good, but people should be warned. :-)

Combine in a blender jar 2 tablespoons chile powder, 20 whole blanched almonds, 1/4 cup diced green tipped banana, 1 teaspoon each ground cinnamon and salt, 2 corn tortillas (torn in pieces), 2 tablespoons sesame seed, and 1 tablespoon pine nuts. Whirl mixture, adding enough reserved chicken broth (see above) to blend smoothly. Add 6 tablespoons butter, and 1 ounce semi-sweet or dark chocolate. Heat to simmering over medium heat, stirring. (If made ahead, cover and chill, then reheat.)

Colorado Bob - The Seeds arrived. I'll wait until next week to tackle the ground and just make sure things aren't going to freeze again. Can I start them in containers?

Jamie-
I'm stumped about containers, probably just wait till she gets a little warmer up there.

Craig -
Did you get your package ?

Jamie -
We're in 15 locations now, ........... anybody care to make it 16 ?

" His entire life coming from a broken home home has been a walk in the park. "

Hmm...does that mean my two college grad kids should be deified as well? Raised by a single mom...no grandparents stepping in for private schooling? That part of the story doesn't impress those of us who didn't have the option of turning our kids over to someone who could send them to "good" schools.

Sory -- but those of us who really raised kids on our own sometimes shake our heads at this poor little kid tale....doesn't have anything to do with what kind of a president I think he might make. But please -- this is not a ghetto kid.

"Craig - Did you get your package ? -- Posted by: Colorado Bob"

YES CBob, our Video guru/producer Andrew picked up the package for me (I don't get to the office much, and he's a SW native, knows all about blue corn). We're pondering a video for the official planting in my yard. Would be nice to get pics of everyone's harvest (whenever that is) and make something of it.

I don't know what the heck this blue corn business is all about, but, like I say, Andrew does, so I'll do what he says

BTW, you should see if Lardass Liberal wants some, he's a gardening man

Flatus,

You have me stumped. We had Tiger beer, as in...

"Hic, gimmee nuther bolluh tiger, Hic."

Tiger was reputed to maintain a much higher standard of purity. Old hands told the new kids,

"Don' ever take an open bolluh Bombibom, 'cuz ya never know whuz gonna be in it."

Then they'd add,

"An' wenya get a bolluh Bombibom, allus hold it upta the light, 'cuz ya never know whuz gonna be in it." One guy claimed it was made from fermented rice bugs.

One night the alarm sounded as my best friend, who had drunk a gallon or two of the stuff, was staggering back to the barracks. He tumbled down into the nearest shelter, and passed out to the sound of mortar rounds thudding in. Several hours later, my pal awoke to the normal sounds one always heard on base during the daytime. However, being down in the hole, everything was black. He was absolutely certain that the Bombibom had blinded him until he reached out, felt the wall of sandbags and figured out where he was.

We were always more reverential about Tiger Beer.

Craig -
Cool -
The ladies at the PO keep fingering the envelopes, and I assure them the machines aren't eating the envelopes.
Don't let Andrew make off with your "gimme' cap".

" Besides being the backbone of their diet, blue corn represents an essential part of the Hopi culture. It represents the Eastern rising sun, the beginning of life, wisdom & understanding. The Hopi of Arizona use blue corn in the naming ceremonies of infants, who might not receive their name for 6-to-8 months. They believe that blue corn represents a long life; Hopi men ate blue corn before undertaking long journeys because they believe it gives them great strength. To this day, the Hopi believe in the power of blue corn, as demonstrated by their story of creation.

As the Hopi moved from the third to the fourth way of life, Maasawu, the Creator, presented the gift of corn to all those who emerged. The other peoples took the largest ears of corn and Hopis were left with the small blue ear. The Hopis knew that their fourth way of life would be would not be easy, but that overcoming hardships would make them strong. The themes of humility, cooperation and respect became the lifeway of all Hopis. "

WARNING _BANDWIDTH EXCEEDS ATTENTION SPAN

Seems some here have taken Warren out of context. For instance, our founders embodied federalism and two-party rule in the Constitution. Where do you think the 2nd has its roots? Live Free or Die, yes? Some people on both the far left and far right have a twisted view of what America is. They fail to grasp what Liberal Democracy is. They want a one-party system controlled by a central government. They want their notion of political order to be the "right way to look at the Constitution". To these people I say, either change the Constitution through legal means or find a better place to live in. I am tired of hearing talking heads, actors and bloggers pretend their positions reflect our legal and political tradition. I am sick of the tearing down of America and blaming strawmen in weak and ideological "opinions" on the internet and in media. I don't care that Krugman won a Nobel, I don't think he's all that as an economist. The Huff and Kos crowd see a Zinnian reality that at best is half of America's story. They deny the other half. And how many hear won’t read Totten?

Today Assad and other Arab leaders embraced Bashir. They want Bush tried as a war criminal before their heroic Bashir. Want to bet Rosanne, Sean and Moore agree? Stone is in love with a South American dictator. Russia wants to stake out the Artic with military outposts and China wants to place military space stations above our heads. Who are these people’s enemies? Us?

Wake up people. Backchannel has it all wrong. Let us speak the truth here. There is nothing personally insulting about Obama when we judge his record or history, question his strategy or reversals. He is my President and I want him to find the way towards victory. Under American leadership more countries are Democratic than in all of human history. We are a generous nation and our "empire" was always predominately invited because of the liberty and prosperity it achieves, even given this lastest blip on the growth chart. China and Russia had to copy some our essential features to save themselves. Glenn Beck and Sean Penn can go live on some fantasy island for all I care.

Yes, Craig, Obama is above all the consummate salesperson. Funny watching him sell the Big Three. Same problem with the content of some other things he’s selling. May he find the right strategy, product and balance to sell. His ability in the past to throw anyone under the bus is a good thing I think. His inexperience and ideological inclinations have lead him to a confused and over cooked and under vetted act so far. He is getting bad advice at times, runs without back up options and is reactionary rather than shrewd.

I didn't read every comment in the Warren exchanges, but I understand the import. I don't think Krugman is half as brilliant as he thinks he is. Let's look at his insight many months ago. Maybe he should be firing on Dodd or Franks. Maybe Geithner should start printing more money. The tone of about everyone sucks. I heard radio mock the Japanese for threatening to blast Kimmie's Dong. I heard the Chinese act shocked at claims of their cyber terrorism. People here have lost their sense of gravity, partly from an administration without much gravitas. Maybe Obama change that a bit in Europe, or maybe not.

Perhaps we Americans should regroup in the center of a world tumbling into chaos and remember the principles intrinsic to our Constitution that have steadied our ship. As Craig said, perhaps Obama should not not race towards some imaginary utopia always failing those more Left, but reestablish the historical stability of humanity's best attempt so far of self-governance. The Left will scream, the Right will foam, but who gives a shit? The majority is closer to center and our President must understand that. He needs to sell that single idea.

XR, Tiger is a new one to me. They only had two where we were--33 and Larue.

I was in a battalion hq. And I knew the system and I knew when beer was coming in off the ships in the harbor. We would go to the beach where the stuff was coming in on BARCs, with a sack full of money and a deuce and a half.

They would ask how many people in your outfit. I'd say, there are 827 people, as of this morning, in our battalion. They'd say, okay, you can get four pallets of beer. We'd give them a couple hundred bucks and we'd be in the suds for another couple of weeks.

Of course, in the hq, we had something like 50 people. But they didn't need to know that and they didn't ask the right question.

We did our best to make the old tent just like home.

http://counterterrorismblog.org/2009/03/print/forging_a_new_alliance_pursuin.php

Obama needs to sell that above too, much to horror of the anti-war crowd. I give points to Obama when he deserves them....lol

the federal government does'nt really know how to make anything''''they can't make a car '' computer chip' or even a light bulb
re-read the U.S. constitution today '' didn't find where the federal government should or could take over and run any
private business '' maybe its in there some where 'i'll look again

Was Obama saying that the federal government make something? Right now, much of the auto three make crap. The Japanese make better cars in America while paying employees less.

Solar - thanks.

I guess I'm really out on a limb here, but I think I understand what Obama is doing.

This is going to sound even sillier, but it's a tecnique I used with some of my more boisterous classes. It works best if you start off that way, but it can come in any time.

I can't explain it, but I hope it's what he is doing. If I'm wrong, I will gladly admit it. After all, the only way to be right all the time is to admit it when you're wrong.

Too bad about the back channel, but I suspect they're all happier there anyway. It shows why they didn't fit in here.

Where is Lampe? She can't be there.

What is wrong with my font? It has become small !

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215398

Max, you really said that quite well. The only thing I would consider adding is a suggestion that people live on at least three continents before characterizing any economic or political system as being absurdly wrong or most assuredly superior; there are nuances to each system that has made it seem better than the alternatives in any particular location.

Once again, good job, sir.

Bethy, your font may be small, but your cup runneth over.

My font is suddenly very small when typing comment..

I like Paul Krugman ..always learn something by listening to him or reading his writings..

One of the most irritating things about many Obama disciples during the election was the vitriolic response to any criticism of the annointed one..

The Quiet Coup - The Atlantic

If you weren't scared before .....

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200905/imf-advice

Thanks again George (and Ronnie and George) and even Bill.

Bethy

Hold down control and roll your little wheel on your mouse forward until the font is the right size again.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215401

mqw,
I believe that may fall under the Founding Fathers giving the national government power to regulate the economy. When these companies took that money from the government, they invited them to be involved in their business. I don't think the government could have interfered to the extent they did, if they hadn't given these companies the money, and if these companies weren't doing everything they can to get more money.

I always wondered how those Toyota, USA workers making $15/hr.
are able to afford a Rav4 ($25K), let alone a 4Runner($35K).

Jamie

Here is some basic info about Blue corn.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/49666/

It says there that it is 100days to maturity so if you plant a week after the last frost and it gives you over a 100 days to the average first frost in your area then you should be OK. For those who have a shorter growing season than that they might try starting them in pots.

Jack

The font has been typing smaller in the comment box for me too Bethy. But is the correct size when it posts. weird.

'One of the most irritating things about many Obama disciples during the election was the vitriolic response to any criticism of the annointed one..'

LOL Oregon... that ought to piss someone off. :)

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215411

May wait a couple of weeks then. That would give me harvest at the end of July/beginning of August.

Trying to imagine blue popcorn. :-)

What does GM stand for?
of the whole long list in the comments section, my favorite
"Goodby Michigan"

http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2009/03/gm-stands-for/#comments

Jack

A little humor for tonight:

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

Hokey Pokey Anonymous: a place to turn yourself around........

. Lincoln Logs were invented by John Lloyd Wright, Frank Lloyd Wright’s son. The original instructions included a how to construct a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s cabin, but also how to construct Uncle Tom’s cabin.

(Stacy Conradt)

Now I've got the teeny tiny letters. Weird. Also computer acting up with multiple windows popping up. Just managed to get that one straightened out. In case I haven't mentioned it for the thousandth time --- I HATE VISTA I HATE VISTA I HATE VISTA

I feel better now.

Tony

Did you work today??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqW3zGeeIUU&feature=related#

HOUSEKEEPING: Hey all, i've forwarded the tiny font issue in comment boxes to tech, they'll sort it out soon.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215402

Max
I disagree! I worked for GM on the assembly line for 24yrs and we do not build CRAP(JD Power& Assoc.)...I am however used to this bullshit having been called a Shoprat for so long by many anti-union folks...Hey doesn't matter what I know though because the elites got it all figured out....

REDUCING BANDWIDTH>>>>>

Congress could have threatened forms of legislative retribution and reminded banks that the Commerce Clause and the General Welfare Clause are alive and kicking. Hell, the "people" demand it....lol Congress just showed they were willing to use tax as retaliation despite the likely deleterious effect in the mind game of money. A cure may be worse than the disease.

Without perverting our Founders intentions, government this last decade could have reformed regulation without necessarily expanding it. Wasn't a giant auditing company the first huge sign of WALL STREET danger? Without verification you ain't got nothing. And don't major auditing companies verify the bank books? Who audits the auditors? The stock books? The values of things? Don't the insurers? Capitalism is built upon third party verification like arms control. Two crooks don't constitute verification anymore than Russia should verify a US/Iranian agreement.

Let's strengthen the Patriot Act and include mandatory auditing of banks and their transactions. Let’s keep the auditors honest and regulate them. It would seem credibility is exactly what a centralized part of federalism is supposed to do. What is private is what individuals do with their time and money. Inc is not man. Third Party Verification is the fairest way to monitor financial scams and contain terrorism. The way to fix systemic problems need not be so complicated nor alter the general checks and balances so intelligently concieved.

Yep, once you beg for money, there are "conditions". Always were and probably always will be. Again however, the “conditions” should not be more challenging than the disease.

Yep, once you beg for money, there are "conditions".

Max

Let's hope one of the conditions is getting back the regulations Congress was bribed into removing over the last 30 years.

http://www.rqriley.com/xr3.htm

In truth, the ideas and images in men's minds are
the invisible powers that constantly govern them.
--John Locke

Compared to what you should be building, the Big Three is making mostly crap. Fuel efficiency, innovation, cost effectiveness, safety, green............

By the time Teslas are thirty thousand, you might figure it out.

Jamie- that was quick! The first batch was way too subtle for me and my testers here didn't notice the chili heat, just the smoky flavor. As for the 2nd batch, when a real california girl thinks it is too hot, I've got to listen up! Would you say half the amount of chili? I liked it, but I put hot sauce on most anything I can, so I'm probably not the best judge in this case.. We go through a bottle of Cholula every 3 weeks. I will most definitely make the Barrocky Road Fudge and Yes I candy, I just can't stand the thought of Hilary coming to my stand with all that without something in her honor so am thinking of some kind of cluster called "Hillary Rocks!"

Cbob-Couldn't get to the PO today, hoping tomorrow will be the day!

Just put up a trivia question on Twitter. This one is for the movie buffs. You have until April 4 when I write a blog about it to get the answer.

Who is the only nun to be an active voter in the Academy of Motion Picture ARts and Sciences and yes she does watch All the nominated movies. :-)

the constitution says
to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations,and among
the several states, and with the Indian Tribes

does that translate into taking over commerce ?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215421

Hey Solar
Yes I did.I just got home and got myself caught up.I'm sorry you have to go through so much to get your exercise taken care of but as you know its worth it.Isn't it nice to get a little wisdom as we age and listen to are selves.I have myself learned the hard way regarding injuries and exercise and were farther ahead for it.What about you any new work besides all that snow you been shoveling?I'm hoping things in housing are changing a little for the good.Maybe that will translate into some new business for you?Thanks for the Chain Gang but I'm not there yet.....HA HA

Were you aware there is a tax secret for certain American citizens who live and work abroad. Their first $85,000 is exempt from US taxes. I am sure their attitude about the tax rates would do a 180 if Congress ever changed the laws governing what they made.

Sorry my post was so long.

I guess "verification" of banking statements and books are trade secrets...lol. What if Gorby told Reagan military hardware was a trade secrets. Or the number of MIRV warheads> And what if I told the IRS my records were private?

There is a way to fix this mess and I suggest using the very tools capitalism is constructed with and which neither Party has a very good grasp of at the moment. This direction avoids the pitfall of political ideology serving as a template. It seeks to stabilize a balance rather in a cohersion seeking political goals. Let us agree on our Constitutional framework and intent. Make sure the gears are working as concieved.

And the State obligation to verify true value and legal transaction is no less a responsibility, either intelligently or negligently preformed.

mqw google

Commerce Clause

and then google

General Welfare Clause

You'll be surprised what you find. Try Wiki first.

Update on Obama Vineyard Visit- looks like Obama isn't staying in Oak Bluffs this year. Good sources tell me that he will be here the 1st two weeks of Aug. and staying at the Friedmans house, the same house the Clintons stayed in while he was President. Michelle and the girls will be here off and on during the summer and staying at Jackie O's . Wish the press would report this-the islanders could desperately use some confidence building.

Jamie- Dolores Hart. What did Elvis do to her?!

OSH

Very Good. She is Mother Superior now. Worked with Paul Newman to establish an education arts program for the area surrounding her nunnary. Testified before Congress a few years ago about ideopathic neuropathy. Interesting woman.
She made a few movies after Loving You and King Creole, so I don't think it can be blamed on Elvis. :-)

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215427

OSH, I think it may be too hot for an eating candy. I liked it a lot but there was a definite sinus clearing factor. I just think it would work great as a cooking chocolate. I'm going to experiment. Either that or as the base for a true Mexican Hot chocolate with cinnamon.

Hillary Rocks - You must have a good Chocolate covered toffee that would work.

Jamie- thank you for your help! Need to save all my chocolate for the bunnies but will go back to experimenting after Easter. Butter crunch is my best seller,think I better keep that neutral! Would like to find out what her favorite nuts and dried fruits are and don't have a clue how someone would contact Huma now.

Compared to what you should be building, the Big Three is making mostly crap. Fuel efficiency, innovation, cost effectiveness, safety, green.......

Smart,condescending but smart just the same...We built what some consumers wanted.I worked many a 10 hour day keeping up with the demand for trucks until the demand vanished because of high fuel costs....We build great vehicles maybe not your definition of great but great just the same....IMO

Hey Sea
I'm enjoying your delicious candy now,wonderful work...Thank you

'Wagoner's ouster is a message to the rest of corporate America and all its constituent parts: If you're going to accept billions of dollars in government bailout money -- taxpayer money -- you'd better earn it'

http://tinyurl.com/cmf8u7

OSH

Hillary's My Space profile isn't specific, but it does say:

Worst habit: Chocolate.

Slate article says she loves Ethnic Foods and spices. For desserts Dove Bars and Drumsticks and Raspberry Malts and Snickers Blizzard. "with a weakness for the hot and spicy and the cool and sweet,"

Sounds like something with raspberry, chocolate and nuts for the Hillary Rocks. Though with her love of hot foods and chocolate, she might take to the Holy Mole! as well.

Wagoner's ouster is a message to the rest of corporate America and all its constituent parts: If you're going to accept billions of dollars in government bailout money -- taxpayer money -- you'd better earn it'
Jack
I very much agree.I just wish this would have started many bailouts ago.....

Thank you Tony ,glad you like it.
Jamie- Hmm, have to think about that. Don't think I've ever seen dried raspberries, probably not affordable if they do exist. Don't know what a drumstick is but will investigate that. I make some pisser cocktail nuts with cayenne and maple syrup, but wouldn't dare rename them, love the name as is- over the the yardarm nuts.

I got a new idea. How bout everytime someone says "more regulation" - either here or in DC - they actually follow it up with specifics so we can figure out some good ones.

"More regulation" is like the Democratic version of the GOP's "cut taxes and decrease the size of government."

In other words - it is meaningless without any details...

The tiny comment font is worldwide! Mine looks like I am flying over it at 40,000 feet.

I am in the camp that says ALL the CEOs and COOs and Head Comptrollers of the New York financials MUST GO, since Waggoner was bullied out. No wonder Mulally told Obama to keep his filthy bailout cash.

That is nonsense. If they go - they we kick out Congress and the Senate too.

Who is going to replace all these CEOs and COOs - some non-greedy altruistic executives from....where exactly?

Dex

He did tell Obama , he told Bush. That was last year

Jack

That should say "he didn't tell Obama , He told Bush

testing

One thing that everybody is not paying attention to is what Team Obama forced on Chrysler. The private equity group Cerberus(a bunch of bushistas btw) has lost their stake in Chrysler.
http://tinyurl.com/dfhye2

So in essence Chrysler is being taken from the current owners and sold to Fiat.
I look for Fiat to close most of Chrysler keep the dealership network and jeep.

Jack

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215453

I'm ready,
2 #2 lead pencils
Sharp and ready
I hope it is open book, I forgot to study

Jack

Like you need to study Jack...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215456
True , but lets just keep that between ourselves.

Jack

C-Bob,

When I read Jamie got her corn seed I ran out to the mailbox and low and behold my corn seed was here. I have my planting project planned for the Easter weekend, a long weekend.

Gee I see what you guy were talking about. My font is now very small. I can't even read what I am writing anymore. Whats going on? Is this an April Fools joke or did that worm get me?

Speaking of worms, is there anything we need to do to protect from that worm they are warning about?

Carol

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215446

OSH

A Drumstick is a waffle cone with vanilla ice cream covered in milk chocolate and sprinkled with chopped peanuts.

How about raspberry cream covered in chocolate with nuts? Too expensive?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215447

What's to detail. Repeal Graham Leach Bliley. There were other laws undone before that one dating back to the 1980s, but that is the one that unleashed the rabid hounds.

I'm sorry Tony. The workers in Detroit aren't the problem.They fight for the best life they can negotiate but they don't design the cars or think ahead in design. I was just angry with the leadership and that the Union doesn't put more pressure on strategy instead of their pocketbook. And guess what? Their pocketbook suffers when the leadership screws up. People have been saying that for years.

You guys make the best tank in the world. Research cars are amazing. I have gone to the car show in NYC. The Vet and Viper are great. Some great big trucks and construction machines. Tractors and trains. I didn't mean to say we lack some magic, just that the Big Three drove down a stupid road.

In any case I don't question your work ethic and pride. Yeah, some good stuff, but a lot of stupid stuff. And that went back to the Pinto...Now the car I linked you to is just one of many new designs. We should be designing the future instead of trying to catch up with the past. 57 Chevy, great car. Thunderbird....69 Grand Prix......

I agreed Warren and I won't say I told you so. And watch out for the new "Israeli" policy.

But for the moment, I actually hope Obama breaks from the mantras. That would be a change I could believe in. We do need details. I think you can appreciate the use of "verfication" in this regard.. It is crucial to all foreign agreements, but equally important to capitalism. Somehow, no one verified the value of loans, the capacity to pay them back, the transactions, the books, the statments etc. No regulations are required really, just the requirement that our financial prosperity depends on third party verification. If the dillheads in Washington don't get that and can't get it done, they're in bed with the crooks.

I am surprised the GOP doesn't run with that concept. They can promote this kind of regulation without really increasing central power per se and without doing anything capitalism doesn't demand to function. They can connect present confusion domestically and foreign to the lack of any clear concept of verification. What is the data? What do we know and not know?

Jamie:

Good idea - but I am not so sure you would want to do that right now.

I suspect most banks make a heck of a lot more off of there investment entities than our ATM fees and interest payments.

If you do that now you may force the banks to engage in a fire sale at bear market prices. And of course - given the conflict of interest, i.e., the billions of tax payer dollars invested in these banks - this could jeopardize our ability to get back the bailout money. (It could also send the market even lower.)

I suppose that the investment arms of banks may be able to be spun off into stand alone entities. Ones that could continue to manage those assets and ones that the American tax payers would also have a stake in...

That could also be why everyone in Washington is talking about stabilization first - then regulation.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215464
Yep , it is kinda late to be worried about installing fire sprinklers when the fire trucks are in front of your house.

Jack

Max:

I told you so?? My main push for Obama was - and still is - Foreign Policy. I think he has been "spot on" on that front.

Remember - my mantra is that what a President does with respect to Foreign Policy has a lot more influence over the economy than any of the economic policies of the Administration.

Peace and prosperity under Reagan and Clinton was related to the fact that there were relatively few "hot wars" as compared to the Bush clan...

Moreover, I heard John Burns say this morning on Mojo that Obama's personal qualities give him a lot more sway at the G-20 conference. I don't think he would have been saying the same thing about McCain.

In defense of Graham Leach Bliley (from wiki):

In response to criticism of his signing the bill when President, Bill Clinton said in 2008:

"I don't see that signing that bill had anything to do with the current crisis. Indeed, one of the things that has helped stabilize the current situation as much as it has is the purchase of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America, which was much smoother than it would have been if I hadn't signed that bill ... On the Glass-Steagall thing, like I said, if you could demonstrate to me that it was a mistake, I'd be glad to look at the evidence." [22]

In February 2009, one of the act's co-authors, former Senator Phil Gramm, wrote in its defense that:

"...if GLB was the problem, the crisis would have been expected to have originated in Europe where they never had Glass-Steagall requirements to begin with. Also, the financial firms that failed in this crisis, like Lehman, were the least diversified and the ones that survived, like J.P. Morgan, were the most diversified.
" Moreover, GLB didn't deregulate anything. It established the Federal Reserve as a superregulator, overseeing all Financial Services Holding Companies. All activities of financial institutions continued to be regulated on a functional basis by the regulators that had regulated those activities prior to GLB." [23]

The economists Brad DeLong (of the University of California, Berkeley) and Tyler Cowen (of George Mason University in Virginia) have both argued that the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act softened the impact of the crisis.[24] Atlantic Monthly columnist Megan McArdle has argued that if the act was "part of the problem, it would be the commercial banks, not the investment banks, that were in trouble" and repeal would not have helped the situation.[25] An article in National Review has made the same argument, calling liberal allegations about the Act “folk economics”.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gramm-Leach-Bliley_Act#Controversy

(I don't really have a position on this one way or the other right now. But I do think it is an important debate to have...)

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215461

Max
You are the man!! I agree with everything you espoused and your anger is well placed.I think your also correct in saying we should be designing for the future,its been my main criticism and that of many of my fellow workers.After all the handwriting has been on the wall regarding oil and the possibility the price of fuel would rise out of control since I hired in.GM should have built and been striving to build the most fuel efficient cars they could but instead concentrated on the the trucks and SUV's because of high profit margins.It was also a mistake years ago to build legacy costs into a system that ultimately cannot be sustained....Sadly they would have to have foreseen foreign competition and the loss of market share to have put the brakes on years ago...Thank you for the dialog on this subject and your points are well taken...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215376

Having worked in both the public and private sector, I have found very little "bragging rights" by the private sector's performance, in comparison with efficiency and/or ethics.

This is an interesting paragraph from wiki:

"Also prior to the passage of the Act, there were many relaxations to the Glass-Steagall Act. For example, a few years earlier, commercial Banks were allowed to get into investment banking, and before that banks were also allowed to get into stock and insurance brokerage. Insurance underwriting was the only main operation they weren't allowed to do, something rarely done by banks even after the passage of the Act."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gramm-Leach-Bliley_Act#Controversy

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215471

Hey Tom
I guess I have to join Facebook to find out what's up with you these days? Hope your doing well,your man too.Oh and the new place is hopefully coming along splendidly....

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215464

Warren,

You are right for actions at this instant. They have to get things stable. I just hope to hell that this time Krugman is wrong or that these b******s didn't float as much bad paper as he suspects they might have.

Basically what they have been doing is kiting checks. Unfortunately, it appears that in international money shenanigans, unlike the real world, this is legal, therefor they have to buy up the bad stuff as if it were real so that the real stuff can count again.

Once the bad stuff goes away, if there is enough money from somewhere to buy it all, then the international money exchanges can start shuffling real stuff again.

At that point if the country is still standing, we can divide and regulate.

Foreign policy? What foreign policy? The only thing positive from the Obama side is a lowered expectation version of sticking Afghanistan out. Iran? Sudan? Gaza? Syria? Lebanon? Somalia? Hugo? Columbia? Mexico? Pakistan? NK, China, Russia, India, Yemen.

Will we see real foreign policy by Obama in Europe, or a salesman with a set of wares our allies are not so thrilled about. What details will emerge? What bold plan will emerge. What arguement will Obama broadcast in his all too ready for prime time manner? Will it generate the popular will to shape our times in concert, or serve as a sad prelude to our being shaped instead by the exponential forces around us? Will we make history or be victim to chaos and competiton?

If it is just more fluff and pitch with little inspiring gravity, how credible anyone's confidence in our success?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/salesmaninchief.html#comment-215472

Warren, Those were the ones going back to the 1980s that I was talking about. This has been a slow steady slide into hell over the past 30 years thanks to a cozy little arrangement and revolving doors between the money manglers and Congress. I believe the divide was 51% Republican 49% Democrat. Now to chase down the names, who went from Congress to banks, who went from Banks to Congress and who shuffled the coin of the realm while passing in the halls.

NEW THREAD.. http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/03/cheney-aide-confirms-killer-sq.html

Energy production and transmission, aerospace, transportation and construction machinery, MIC, material science, communications and computers, Biotech, agriculture, construction are leading US edges and for good reason. They are vital to our security and our continued leadership. We need to excel in all of these and then some. Education IS critical. But the exodus of production is downright dangerous.

Most of these sectors above need the best factories and material science. R and D is critical. Obama talks about these high tech jobs. Detroit needs to retool. Government should be concerned about the quality of our production capabilities, The machines that make chips are the key to computer success. Our military superiority depends on the synergy of successful manufacturing and design.

We never should have fallen off our lead but CEOs report to stockholders that demand profits. Miltiary contractors depend more on success. Few Pintos over at DOD.

Government can help through investment and taxation policy to drive bad corporate policy towards national priorities. It can seed projects with private investment to advance critical benchmarks. It is however individual enterprise, the innovative skills of Americans at work that lead growth. Government needs to promote this, not alter the key equation. Frankly it is rather pathetic Putin reminded us of that months ago.

On the other hand, a private and wealthy leadership culture in Detroit seemed never to go to the movies. I'm sure DOD would love Batman's ride. Nope, Detroit wasn't wrong that Americans love SUVs and need trucks.They were idiots in not creating an affordable scenario with Big Energy CEOs where SUV and larger cars make economical and enviornmental sense. Decades of sci fi makes Americans see in Detroit an unrealized dream.

But the day will come and America will be better for facing the systemic problems now. Eventually we will build a new energy transmission system, green technologies, more sustainable organization of resources and waste. It will just take decades instead unfolding this hour. We will have our flying cars and solar farms, but we will need to remove the obstacles in our way first without disrupting the Liberal Democratic balance of things.