Archive for March, 2009
Is This What We Have Become?
Mar 28
WASHINGTON—In an effort to stimulate discussion, resolve party conflicts, and increase legislative productivity, members of the 111th Congress were once again required to watch an instructional video on bipartisan collaboration this week.
“Since both House and Senate seem unable or unwilling to compromise on several issues regarding tax money, earmarks, or even seating arrangement, we have decided to take drastic action,” Vice President Joe Biden told a special joint session of Congress Monday. “Hopefully this will give you some tools you can use to lend a hand, and maybe an ear, across the aisle.”
“And please, no talking on cell phones during the video,” Biden added. “I’m looking at you, Senator Reid.”
Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution specifies that the legislative branch must watch the instructional training film “A Vote For Understanding” once every six years. The 30-minute video was made in 1976 and stars former Sen. William Proxmire (D-WI), who guides viewers through a series of short lessons about the importance of listening to the opposition without interrupting, yelling, or filibustering.
PTSD
Mar 21
Post Traumatic Syndrome………what does that mean?
A infantry veteran from the sixties I wonder. Discharged in 1970 I went through at least 15 plus jobs, numerous relocation’s and two marriage’s.
I was 48 before I was able to hold a job for more then two years. At 58 I look back at what I was thinking and I draw a blank. My past is a blur. What I remember is that I came home, while others remained to struggle with the ravage of war and poverty.
So with the unemployment rate of veterans at 11.2 per cent I feel the pain that they must suffer. It’s difficult to adjust. Those that remain in a war torn country undergo pains that I can not imagine.
My hope and prayers go out to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the veterans of those wars.
We all suffer, and each experience is unique. What we have in common is the future.
For some the trauma never ends.
No Shame
Mar 15
The America International Group (AIG) is paying $165 million in bonuses to the same executives that brought the company to it the point of needing a $170 billion taxpayer bailout. We now own 80 per cent of the company.
The same individuals that created the mess by investing in mortgage backed securities are now being rewarded. Of course we have to pay them, it’s a contractual agreement. Some even argue that if they are not paid it may be hard to find talented executives to manage the company.
How do we equate running a company to the point of bankruptcy with being talented?
Kick them out, who could do worse?
No Help For The Responsible
Mar 13
Sad to say but if you’ve been prudent in your spending the government is not about to help you out, even if you need it. You’re on your own.
Had you been irresponsible, displaying greed and bad judgment, then the government will give you a hand. Banks that sold mortgages to people who really could not afford them. People who bought homes that they could not afford, or took out loans that they could not afford. They get assistance.
They get rescued at the expense of those that didn’t buy what they couldn’t afford. Us, the taxpayers will bail them out.