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July 30, 2009
"Beer Summit" Suggestion
If Obama has another 'beer summit,' this should be on tap:
Cheers!
Cross-posted at The Greenroom
Posted by slublog at 10:38 PM | Comments (27) | TrackBack
July 29, 2009
Democrats: You're Stupid, So We're Going to Blame Bush
With President Barack Obama's poll numbers falling to earth, he's decided to embark on a bold new initiative - blaming former President Bush for the country's woes.
Didn't see that coming. Democratic strategists are supporting the president in the only way they know how - engaging in mind-numbing spin:
"I'm not convinced that Obama and his supporters are bashing Bush as much as they are quite rightfully reminding people that our current economic mess and the wars were inherited from the Bush administration," said Democratic strategist Bud Jackson. "It's important to remind people of this because Republicans are now criticizing the Obama administration as if they had no role in how we got here."Read that bold section again. You've got to wonder how much cranial fecal impaction it takes for someone to believe that statement. First off, she implies that all of you are idiots who can't remember what life was like three or four years ago. Second, her implication that the current economic conditions are worse than what we 'suffered' under George W. Hooverbush.Democratic Party strategist Liz Chadderdon said the strategy of blaming the previous team has been effective.
"I think Bush-bashing has been alive and well since '07 and, since it keeps working, why not use it?" she said. "Voters have short memories. The administration needs to remind people that things were way worse over the last four years than in the last six months."
Let's look at the facts, shall we?
The unemployment rate went from 5.2% in January 2005 to 7.2% in December 2008. Overall, the average in that time was 5.03% President Obama signed the stimulus package in February of 2009 when the unemployment rate was still at 7.6% He promised the spending would keep the rate from going above 8%. It is now 9.5%, with no signs that it will improve in the near future. The state numbers are even worse.
2.6 million people lost their jobs in 2008. 2 million more have lost jobs since Jan 09.
Obama has repeatedly blamed the high deficits on the Bush administration, but his policies will only increase the nation's debt.
Average GDP from Jan 05 to Dec 08 was 1.68% In the first quarter of Jan 09, it's -5.5. There has been some moderate growth from the last quarter of Dec 08, but still far below the level warranting the level of hyperbole used by Ms. Chadderdon.
The Obama administration says we have to 'spend money to keep from going bankrupt.' They're basing their faith in spending on the Keynsian multiplier effect, but even Keynes himself warned against combining recovery with economic reform:
...even wise and necessary Reform may, in some respects, impede and complicate Recovery. For it will upset the confidence of the business world and weaken their existing motives to action, before you have had time to put other motives in their place...Full text of Keynes letter here. Obama's two signature proposals are cap-and-trade and healthcare reform. Neither will help the economy, and in fact, they may actually hurt it.
Had Ms. Chadderdon been less enamored with Bush-bashing and capable of more restraint in her speech, she could have said the first six months of the Obama administration have been better than the last six months of the Bush. Even that would have been something of a stretch, but it would have made her spin a bit more believable.
I say a bit because none of the spinners take into account what Obama's policies will necessitate: higher taxes on the middle class. Candidate Obama may have promised that your taxes wouldn't go up, but remember that every Obama promise comes with an expiration date.
Cross-posted at The Greenroom
Posted by slublog at 08:23 PM | Comments (76) | TrackBack
July 28, 2009
A New Post is Up...
I'd like to thank David Frum and his hyperbole for once again making that possible.
Posted by slublog at 08:53 PM | Comments (120) | TrackBack
July 24, 2009
Obama, If you've lost Peggy Noonan...
In today's Wall St. Journal, Peggy Noonan pronounces ObamaCare 'mostly dead:'
This is big, what’s happening. President Obama appears to have misstepped on a major initiative and defining issue. He has misjudged the nation’s mood, which itself is news: He rose from nothing to everything with the help of his fine-tuned antennae. Resistance to the Democratic health-care plans is in the air, showing up more now on YouTube than in the polls, but it will be in the polls soon enough. The president, in short, may be facing a real loss. This will be interesting in a number of ways and for a number of reasons, among them that we’ve never seen him publicly defeated before, because he hasn’t been. So we may be entering new territory, with new struggles shaped by new dynamics.Noonan's theory is that it is not the Republicans or the moderate Democrats who are killing ObamaCare, but American common sense; the growing realization that we're carrying unprecedented levels of debt and the only possible repayment plan is higher taxes on all taxpayers. That realization is leading to uncertainty and anger, and some Democrat politicians are finally beginning to see just how angry some of their constituents are. The same politicians who dismissed the tea parties as a bunch of racist, right-wing 'teabaggers' are now being openly mocked when they try to flack for the president's policies.His news conference the other night was bad. He was filibustery and spinny and gave long and largely unfollowable answers that seemed aimed at limiting the number of questions asked and running out the clock. You don’t do that when you’re fully confident. Far more seriously, he didn’t seem to be telling the truth. We need to create a new national health-care program in order to cut down on government spending? Who would believe that? Would anybody?
It's not just conservatives who are angry. Judging by Obama's falling ratings, independents are starting to turn against the president's policies as well. I think the main reason for the anger is that they feel deceived. The voters were promised a moderate and they got a hard leftist. And when those already-angry voters see their own Democrat Congressperson passing 1000+ page, budget-busting bills without reading them, they see an outlet for that frustration.
I disagree with Noonan’s assertion that Obama misread the national mood. I think Obama is smart enough to know there was some growing opposition to his bill. The simple fact that he held a press conference and schedule a number of interviews was evidence of that. Obama's problem was not a lack of insight, but an overabundance of hubris. Obama wrongly assumed he could counter the opposition by going on television. He overestimated the power of his charisma, and that miscalculation is taking its toll.
It will be interesting to see how this affects the White House political strategy. Two paths are before the president. Which one will he take?
Cross-posted at The Greenroom
Posted by slublog at 08:38 PM | Comments (70) | TrackBack
July 22, 2009
Obama: To Save Healthcare, I must Impugn the Motives of those who Provide It
At the end of his primetime press conference, President Obama was asked whether national health care would lead to reduced service and whether doctors would continue to make health care decisions. After a bit of rambling, Obama said this:
Right now, doctors a lot of times are forced to make decisions based on the fee payment schedule that's out there. So if they're looking and you come in and you've got a bad sore throat or your child has a bad sore throat or has repeated sore throats, the doctor may look at the reimbursement system and say to himself, "You know what? I make a lot more money if I take this kid's tonsils out."Earlier today, my wife and I visited the offices of a pediatric surgeon. We were there to get a surgical consult for my younger daughter, who was born with an umbilical hernia. Basically, it's a condition in which the intestine sticks out through a small hole in the abdominal muscles. It's not life-threatening, but does sometimes require surgery to repair.
The doctor who examined my daughter did profit from our visit, but could have made a lot more money if she had recommended surgery. She did not. The doctor told us that the hernia would most likely resolve itself in a few years and that there was nothing to worry about, which came as an incredible relief to me and my wife. The thought of my daughter under anesthesia and the knife is terrifying. The doctor made a decision based on her experience and medical judgment, not on whether she would financially benefit. Little did I know that her decision would preemptively disprove a presidential statement.
My wife works in the healthcare industry, and when I showed her the video of Obama's statement, she reacted with incredulity, because she knows the truth - those in healthcare work hard to earn the RN behind their name or the Dr. in front of it. The vast majority of them do not do so because of the paycheck they'll earn, but because they know their work will help save or improve the lives of others. When the president suggested otherwise, he slandered the motives of every doctor and nurse who treats patients on a daily basis.
And for what? To support his ideological belief that government should pay for health care. In short, to save health care he has to demean the motives of those who provide it.
Nice work, Mr. President.
Posted by slublog at 10:41 PM | Comments (25) | TrackBack
July 20, 2009
The Best Moon-Landing Related Video You'll See
Don't mess with Buzz. He may be in his 80s, but the man clearly knows how to throw a punch.
And if you're of a certain age, you'll remember the existence of a lunar landing game that is both maddening and addictive. Now you can relive the endless frustration online!
You're welcome.
Posted by slublog at 11:28 PM | Comments (73) | TrackBack
Free the Budget!
Most transparent, administration EVER EVER.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House is being forced to acknowledge the wide gap between its once-upbeat predictions about the economy and today's bleak landscape.In other words, 'don't worry about the budget, just pass my craptastic bills.' Normally, such behavior from an administration that promised historic levels of transparency would be something of an outrage, but it's becoming par for the course these days. If the fabled Blue Dog Democrats actually exist, this would be a perfect time for them to start making noise. The White House is hiding information they need to do their jobs in a responsible fashion and they should refuse to vote on any bill that has a significant fiscal impact until the budget update is released.The administration's annual midsummer budget update is sure to show higher deficits and unemployment and slower growth than projected in President Barack Obama's budget in February and update in May, and that could complicate his efforts to get his signature health care and global-warming proposals through Congress.
The release of the update - usually scheduled for mid-July - has been put off until the middle of next month, giving rise to speculation the White House is delaying the bad news at least until Congress leaves town on its August 7 summer recess.
The administration is pressing for votes before then on its $1 trillion health care initiative, which lawmakers are arguing over how to finance.
Still, this does raise an interesting question. If, as Obama claims, the healthcare bill will actually save money, why hide the budget figures until after it's passed instead of presenting the plan as a strategy toward greater solvency?
Posted by slublog at 08:36 AM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
July 14, 2009
Hey, Where's the Blogging?
It has been light lately, hasn't it? Sorry about that.
Honestly, I just don't feel as though I have a lot to add to the conversation most days. That, plus a busy work schedule and a lot to do in the real world are limiting my writing time. I'm taking the next few days off work to recharge and spend some time with the family in the limited sunshine this summer has offered thus far.
I may also post the odd commentary on Ace of Spades HQ or the Greenroom that I don't cross-post here (because I'm lazy). Both sites are worth your time if you're not visiting them already. At the Greenroom, anything by Doctor Zero or Karl is highly recommended.
Posted by slublog at 10:10 PM | Comments (12) | TrackBack
July 11, 2009
Obama Chooses to Ignore Your Reality and Substitute His Own
President Obama: The stimulus is working!
The economy: No, it's not:
This chart was created by Obama's economic team to show what would happen if the stimulus was not passed. So judging by the Obama administration's own yardstick, the stimulus has already failed to achieve its goals. Which makes the president a rather shameless and brazen liar.
In related news, the market seems less impressed with Obama's economic strategy than Bush's.
Posted by slublog at 08:55 PM | Comments (57) | TrackBack
July 08, 2009
Crime Spree, Maine-Style
PORTLAND, Maine — Police in Maine's biggest city are on the lookout for a thief with an eye for roses.There are more serious crimes in Maine, unfortunately, but stuff like this reminds me why I like living here.Gardeners at Portland's Deering Oaks Park noticed Monday that someone had snipped 100 blooms from the rose bushes. The same thing happened last year but not on the same scale.
Posted by slublog at 07:35 PM | Comments (57) | TrackBack
July 06, 2009
Sacrifice, Obama Style
President-Elect Barack Obama, January 10, 2009:
"And eventually sacrifice from everyone?" I asked.President Barack Obama, June 1, 2009:"Everybody’s going to have to give. Everybody’s going to have to have some skin in the game," Obama said.
I know you've already seen more than your fair share of hard times. We saw 400,000 jobs lost in the auto industry in the year before this restructuring even began. I will not pretend the hard times are over. Difficult days lie ahead. More jobs will be lost. More plants will close. More dealerships will shut their doors, and so will many parts suppliers.Politico, today:But I want you to know that what you're doing is making a sacrifice for the next generation -- a sacrifice you may not have chose to make, but a sacrifice you were nevertheless called to make so that your children and all of our children can grow up in an America that still makes things; that still builds cars; that still strives for a better future.
President Barack Obama and his family plan to vacation next month on Martha's Vineyard, Democratic sources said.I'm sensing a pattern here: your sacrifice makes the Obama's indulgences possible. Keep up the good work, people. Obama's expensive tastes are counting on you.The trip has long been rumored on the island, where federal agents were reported to be checking out property last spring.
The plan puts the Obamas in one of America's most diverse resort areas. The enclave of Oak Bluffs has long been a favorite vacation spot for the nation's African-American elite.
So...how's your cake?
Posted by slublog at 11:21 PM | Comments (41) | TrackBack
July 04, 2009
Happy Independence Day
Hope all of you have a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Posted by slublog at 02:51 PM | Comments (64) | TrackBack
July 03, 2009
The Palin Shocker?
Yes, it was a shocker. I figured she wasn't going to run for re-election, but the news of her resignation came as a complete surprise. My gut reaction? She's tired of politics, and is out of the game for good. Even if that's not her intention, I agree with Ed M. that it's the ultimate effect of her speech today.
To be honest, though, if she is leaving for good I can't blame her. After she was named as the vice presidential nominee, the press and the left savaged her and her family. Their behavior was abhorrent, and no doubt left its mark. Recently, Democrats have gone after her daughter and her infant son, and I think that's what broke the proverbial camel's back. I can take a lot of abuse, but if someone started insulting my daughters because they disagreed with me politically, my sense of protectiveness for my kids would lead me to make the same decision. I don't know what Palin is thinking, but it seems to me that she doesn't want to sacrifice her children's chance for a normal life on the altar of her own ambition, and that is ultimately an admirable decision.
Or, to put it in starker terms, David Letterman should be ashamed of himself. If I had to guess, I would say it was his "jokes" about her daughter that helped start Palin down the road to today's decision.
If she did this because she wants to run for president, though, the view gets murkier. As Ace said today, "you can't resign from a governorship and then run for higher office." One cannot jump out of a frying pan to prepare to run for an office that is mostly fire. I personally don't believe that's what Palin is doing, however, and her departure really is a loss for the GOP, which has few truly magnetic personalities.
I went to see Palin when she came to Bangor during the campaign. I've seen a few politicians give speeches and the only person I can compare Palin to was Bill Clinton. She was magnetic. Part of it is the fact that she really is stunning in person, but also extremely charismatic - she had the crowd eating out of her hand by the end. It was something to see, and so far, I have yet to get a similar vibe from anyone else who aspires to the GOP nomination for the presidency.
But if our loss is her family's gain...good for her.
Cross-posted at The Greenroom
Posted by slublog at 09:32 PM | Comments (76) | TrackBack
July 01, 2009
"Soul Mates"
Looking for some summer reading?
Coming soon to a bookstore near you. Or a television station. Or radio interview. Basically, wherever Mark Sanford decides to spill his guts again.
I agree with Doctor Zero. It's time for Sanford to leave the stage.
Cross-posted at The Greenroom
Posted by slublog at 10:44 PM | Comments (61) | TrackBack