Sorry for no posts the past few days. Minor health issue which will be corrected today. I should be able to post sometime the middle of next week.

Have a nice weekend.

Ciao.......Moe

Raising Cain.......

 

1 --- Herman Cain is a big brother type, very likeable and a square shooter. This space (me) initially thought Cain would have his fifteen minutes of fame and then fade away. Wrong as wrong could be. He is certainly in this race and a real player. He has outlasted former Minnesota Governor Tim Paulenty and may have outdistanced a few more over the coming weeks.

"With 9-9-9 (his tax plan) guess what? How many loopholes?" Cain said, tapping his fingers on the table like a drum roll. "None. Everybody gets treated the same. What a novel idea."

What experience does Herman Cain have? Far more than the incumbent and any of the other Republicans, including Mitt Romney.

He’s a black guy who had to fight and scratch for everything he has. He’s tough but compassionate. Herman Cain is a hands on management type with proven ability. To pull himself up by his bootstraps and he first needed to make the straps.

I like how he thinks and recently called B O’s rhetoric oomgalagala. Give ‘em heck Herman. Cain is Able…..

Which of the candidates would you want in a foxhole with you covering your backside?

2 --- In nearly 30 years in radio I made just about every gaff conceivable. I must however, tip my cap Big Barry O who managed to confuse a Jew with a janitor. ( I can hear my program director pulling his hair out and screaming at the top of his lungs if I made that gaffe on air.)

Most of my verbal gaffs came about because we seldom had a script to work from. Big B O uses a teleprompter to order breakfast for gosh sakes. How did he mess this one up.

Big B O has messed up many lines. Frankly he’s on a level with Vice President Joe “The Lip” Biden who seems to misfire each time he flaps his gums.

Only 482 gays left of this pair.

3 --- Question of the day, is Chris Christie a conservative or just another pretender. We certainly have enough of them beginning with Mitt Romney.

As we have discussed in the past, GOP primaries generally breakdown to conservatives versus moderates. After some mud slinging and blood letting one of each side will emerge.

4 --- We can thank Big B O for creating a healthy distrust for politicians in general.

I recall asking my granddad about some politicians and whether he trusted certain ones. A sheepish grin flashed and he answered my question with a question. “Is he alive?”

In that response he said it all: A resounding no.

Grandpa Lauzier was the proprietor of a small grocery store on Brightman Street in the north end of Fall River, Massachusetts. He gave credit to his customers who worked I the local mills. He granted credit and kept a complete set of books on who owed how much. In language that sounded remarkably similar to Ronald Reagan’s “Trust but verify” philosophy Arthur Lauzier explained counting the change regularly helped his clerks honest. He said it was better to create an atmosphere where dishonest behavior would not be tolerated.

Sadly we have not learned that philosophy. Most crooked politicians think their lies are OK because we (the voting public) want things belonging to others. Crooked pols and voters are cynics.

Where’s my grandpa when we need more like him.

C Ya tomorrow.

Ciao…….Moe

Liberals and conservatives and the I dunnos.......

Is there any chance Barack Obama will drop out of the race for president? Interesting thought to ponder.

In 1964 Lyndon Johnson was elected in a landslide over Barry Goldwater, 42-million to 27-million. A real drubbing. Four years later, in 1968, Johnson packed it in because he knew he was going to lose.

In 2008 Obama had a much closer race with John McCain than Goldwater/Johnson and struggled in many states which had gone to LBJ. I doubt there is any chance Obama would chose not to run for reelection? I suspect his withdrawing would not be his own choosing. He is beginning to listen to himself and I doubt he is willing to accept reality.

Since campaign money is central to an Obama strategy, anything less than an overwhelming amount in campaign cash would lead to an electoral disaster. I doubt the Obama ego would allow him to chose not to run. However the call might not be his to make. How far are his backers and money people going to go with him if his poling numbers continue to tank?

Who would replace Obama is a tough call. One possibility is Hillary Clinton. She would likely be the only “heavy weight” who could enter with a ready made support network. No one else could possibly step in at the last moment.

The bottom line is Democrats are in complete disarray. Their problems don’t end with Obama and the presidency. The same will be true in senate and house races, governor’s races everywhere, state and county races at all levels. This election year could bring on a sea change in the political structure. Even Massachusetts could pick up a seat or two as well as some state legislative seats.

This election year could do for Republicans what 1932 did for Democrats.

When the Republicans have gone through the selection process they will eventually chose one of two candidates. One will be from the moderate wing of the party and the other will be a conservative. That’s the nature of most GOP nominations. Occasionally a nomination is simply awarded on the basis of the most senior candidate. This year one of the finalists will be from the moderate wing which looks to be Mitt Romney while the conservative side could be any one of seven or eight candidates and some currently non candidates. What camp Chris Christie falls in is anyone’s guess.

Christie poses a dilemma for conservatives. They have been burned by Texas Governor on the issue of illegal aliens. Where does Chris stand? Don’t know and I suspect there is an effort to keep his positions under wrap as long as possible.

Fasten your seatbelt, we’re in for a wild ride.

Ciao…….Moe

TGIF.......

1 --- Who won the debate. Frankly, Sarah Palin. Certainly the favorite going in was Texas Governor Rick Perry. Then Mitt Romney nearly sounded like a man but came up short on the matter of record (especially Romneycare).

Newt Gingrich hit the ball hare and had a couple of hits including an endorsement of sorts to one of the elements of Obama's job proposals. Asked whether he would renew unemployment benefits for those out of work, he said they should be required to participate in a "business led" job training program. "I believe it is fundamentally wrong to give people money for 99 weeks for doing nothing." Score a big one for the former "Mr. Speaker".

Herman Cain became a sentimental favorite after telling about his battle with cancer. Cain comes off as someone most Republicans like to like. All the others on the stage had their moment in the limelight.

At the end of the day we come to the only person to make a serious gain was the former Alaska governor.

 

2 --- Warren Buffett has loudly and famously said he pays a lower tax rate than his secretary in arguing that the rich should bear a larger tax burden. He has inspired President Obama to institute a “Buffett rule” to guide his tax policies that says millionaires and billionaires should not pay a lower portion of their income on taxes than the poor and middle class.

Texas Senator John Cornyn questioned in a tweet Thursday. “Will Warren Buffett release his tax returns so we can see why he should be the standard for tax policy?”

Sounds an awful lot like the Texan is calling Buffett show us all his cards.

 

3 --- Will Solyndra have the same effect on Democrats as Watergate had on Republicans in the mid 70s?

 

4 --- According to a survey published Thursday by the Pew Research Center for The People & The Press, Fox News beat out local television and CNN as Americans' number one source of television news on national and international issues. Not bad for a bunch of yahoo conservatives.

 

5 --- Friends of Barak Obama immerse themselves in Fifth.

 

6 --- Have you ever wondered what the USA would be like today with a President John McCain and VP Sarah Palin? I bet things would be a lot different.

Later,

Ciao.......Moe

Lots of popcorn tonight.......

1 --- I messed up big time. I thought I published a rather lengthy blog yesterday. I didn't check the work and accidentally deleted the entire thing. I've tried all the tricks I know (as well as the tricks my children know) to recover it. Hence, no post yesterday. Sorry.

 

2 --- There's a stench emanating from the East River area of New York City. Yuckmed Achmandinijad is in town to add to the pollution of New York air. Many of those of my generation could not understand how a large number of Americans resisted taking strong steps against the scourge of Nazi Germany's expansion. Ditto for the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini and Tojo's Japan in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

The three monster regimes of Germany, Italy and Japan were allowed to run amok until it took a massive effort to crush them. In the meantime we watched as millions were slaughtered in the name of ideology and religious hatred and territorial hegemony.

Chinese and Europeans by the multi-millions were systematically annihilated by the hated regimes. Add to that the millions of civilian and combatants who died as a result of military efforts and we understand why WWII was often called the war to end all wars. Unfortunately the world didn't learn coexistence with monstrous regimes.

Instead of one, two or three powerful monster nations we are now faced with a large number of such despotic states. The similarity between today and the 1930s and 40s is the willingness of the modern world to turn a blind eye toward monstrosities such as Red China and many of the extreme Muslim regimes around the world.

What is the difference between Red China and Nazi Germany? None. Both were responsible for the killing of people in the 10s of millions. Toss in the systematic killing during the Armenian genocide among others and we know the 1900s were bloody beyond comprehension. No, the lesson of those atrocities was not really learned. Red China has been more bloody than Nazi Germany. What China has done to the peaceful Tibetans is on a grand scale.

 

 

Vladamir Lenin once jocked that the capitalist world would sell the rope to be used in their own execution.

 

3 --- Tonight's the big night for the Republican Party. Likely the biggest debate of this presidential season thus far will be on Fox. I don't think the ultimate GOP nominee has yet to officially announced her candidacy. Sarah Palin is remaining in position to make a move at a time of her choosing. There is no rush. Her strategy seems to be let the others bloody one another up first and then move in.

Palin's situation if fluid. Her name identification is nearly 100% among potential voters. She has been lowering her "negatives" over the last few months. He current position is improving by the week and is likely improving on a relative basis. It is a direct function of the other candidate's warts and weaknesses which are becoming more apparent by the day.

 

 

There is a growing feeling the presidential race will eventually break down to ABO, anyone but obama and that the GOP nomination will be tantamount to election in the general election.

 

 

If I had to handicap the race on the basis of my personal preferences (my biased opinion) would be Sarah Palin, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, Michelle Bachman, Heman Cain, to mention a few.

 

 

Will Palin get in the race, the smart money suggests yes. The question she needs to answer in her mind is whether she can win.

 

 

Consider a ticket of Palin and Marco Rubio.

 

 

The real battle for president is the GOP primary. With each passing day Barack Obama takes one small step forward and then falls flat on his face. I note the late night comedians are taking liberty with the president. They already appear to be in a full panic mode. Next step is cutting Joe Biden from the team. Biden is a bit of a knucklehead but is hardly the reason for the Obama dilemma.

 

 

In 2008 there was a serious amount of mystery over who the real Obama is. We now know. We elected an empty suit.

 

 

Tomorrow we'll look back on tonight's debate.

 

 

Ciao.......Moe

Bad day everywhere.......

1 --- I've got a sollution to our deficit problems -- soak the rich. 

2 --- In the dumb de dumb dumb category -- Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner insisted Monday that the administration’s proposals to raise taxes mainly on businesses and the rich would not further limit an already struggling economy. He also sees Obama’s tax proposals as an effort to make the tax code more fair -- an argument the administration is using to rally his base and fight back at GOP assertions that the tax hikes will hurt the economy.

Now we know where Daffy Duck has been hiding.

3 --- Now that it is OK to be in the military as an openly gay man will it ber very long before we have gay nuptials between two military men (or women) ans will chaplains be made to perform them?

4 --- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell doesn't think the President's new "Buffett Rule" to create a higher tax rate for millionaires makes sense.

On Sunday's "Meet the Press," McConnell said, "With regard to his tax rate, "If Buffett's] feeling guilty about it, I think he should send in a check."

Amen Mitch.

5 --- Keep an eye on Israel and the gang up by some Moslem nations in the United Nations. Turkey is trying to isolate the Jewish State and it is getting a solid reception from the Obama Administration.

Once again Israel's back is against the wall in its fight for survival. One wonders if the Big O is planning to blind side them during this session of the UN meetings.

It will be interesting to see whether Obama goes against (or drags his feet) Israel. Just look at the map of the Middle East and judge for yourself how long it can hold out on its own. The only free democracy in the entire region could be lost forever,

6 --- U.S. officials involved in a plan to let high-powered assault weapons fall into the hands of vicious drug cartel leaders deliberately kept their counterparts in Mexico in the dark about the plan.

Even the U.S. Embassy and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) offices in Mexico City were kept out of the loop, according to the LA Times.

Add to that, when President Felipe Calderon complained about the number of U.S. weapons crossing the border, the operation, nicknamed Fast and Furious, still was not revealed.

C U tomorrow.......

Ciao.......Moe

Fall can de beautiful.......

1 --- Columnist George F. Will, speaking on ABC’s This Week. “He went to Massachusetts to campaign against Scott Brown; Brown is now a senator. He went to New Jersey to campaign against Chris Christie, who’s now governor. He went to Virginia to campaign against Bob McDonnell, who’s now governor. He campaigned for the health- care plan extensively, it became less popular. He campaigned in 2010 for the Democrats, they were shellacked. He began, in a sense, his presidency flying to Copenhagen to get Chicago  the Olympics; Chicago was the first city eliminated. There is no evidence that the man has the rhetorical powers that he is relying on.”

 

2 --- The economy is in the tank so what is Barack Obama's solution to our fiscal woes? Simple, more taxes, $1.5 Trillion. Some suggest BO is among the worst presidents ever. I disagree, he is not among the worst, he is the worst.

 

3 --- Slick Williy Clinton has just given us a tip by denying the  Hillary for president idea floated by Dick Cheney has any merit. He went out of his way to shoot down the idea. Phrased differently, "Bill thou doth protest too much." If Hillary has any inkling of running for president this is crunch time for her. By election time she will be 64. That is not too old to run but waiting until she is 68 could be another matter entirely.

4 --- There is an interesting article in Agence France-Presse which dovetails with the failure of Obama's pals new Hi Tech outfit (http://lucianne.com/thread/?artnum=640163). Even the Red Chinese are having problems with a similar company.

 

5 --- I've tried to make mention of him only once a day but with Obama that's an impossible task. So starting today we will comment on anything and everything even if it means incorporating the president.

Ciao.......Moe

Good  morning.......

Last night we left off with these thoughts: I do not believe there is any way to continue with the Post Office as we know it. However it is still a necessary element in the country. We will make our recommendations tomorrow.

Well today has arrived: What is today's post office, a business or agency of the government?

Because of the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, the U.S. Postal Service functions as a regular, tax-supported, agency of the federal government. According to the laws under which it now operates, the U.S. Postal Service is a semi-independent federal agency, mandated to be revenue-neutral. That is, it is supposed to break even, not make a profit. Whoever created this nonsense should be horsewhipped.

The foundation of the modern post office is bureaucratic double speak --- nonsense. In 1982, U.S. postage stamps became "postal products," rather than a form of taxation. Since then, the bulk of the cost of operating the postal system has been paid for by customers through the sale of "postal products" and services rather than taxes. A skunk by any other name stinks as much.

Each class of mail is also expected to cover its share of the costs, a requirement that cause the percentage rate adjustments to vary in different classes of mail, according the costs associated with the processing and delivery characteristics of each class (oh my gosh there we go again, pure oomgalagala).

U.S. Postal Service rates are set by the Postal Regulatory Commission according to the recommendations of the Postal Board of Governors.

 

The USPS gets its authority as a government agency under Title 39, Sec101.1 of the United States Code which states, in part:

"(a) The United States Postal Service shall be operated as a basic and fundamental service provided to the people by the Government of the United States, authorized by the Constitution, created by Act of Congress, and supported by the people. The Postal Service shall have as its basic function the obligation to provide postal services to bind the Nation together through the personal, educational, literary, and business correspondence of the people. It shall provide prompt, reliable, and efficient services to patrons in all areas and shall render postal services to all communities. The costs of establishing and maintaining the Postal Service shall not be apportioned to impair the overall value of such service to the people."

Under paragraph (d) "Postal rates shall be established to apportion the costs of all postal operations to all users of the mail on a fair and equitable basis."

Then again there's another curve ball created in a manner only the US Congress can do.

No, the USPS is a Business!

The Postal Service takes on some several very non-governmental attributes via the powers granted to it under Title 39, Sec 401 in part states: 

--- power to sue (and be sued) under its own name;
--- power to adopt, amend and repeal its own regulations;

--- power to "enter into and perform contracts, execute instruments, and determine the character of, and necessity for, its expenditures";

--- power to buy, sell and lease private property; and,
--- power to build, operate, lease and maintain buildings and facilities.

All of these are typical functions of a private business. However, unlike other private businesses, the Postal Service is exempt from paying federal taxes. USPS can borrow money at discounted rates, and can condemn and acquire private property under governmental rights of eminent domain.

The USPS does get some taxpayer support. It receives round $96 million budgeted annually by Congress for the "Postal Service Fund." These funds are used to compensate USPS for postage-free mailing for all legally blind persons and for mail-in election ballots sent from US citizens living overseas. A portion of the funds also pays USPS for providing address information to state and local child support enforcement agencies.

Under federal law, only the Postal Service can handle or charge postage for handling letters. Despite this virtual monopoly worth some $45 billion a year, the law does not require that the Postal Service make a profit -- only break even. Still, the US Postal Service has averaged a profit of over $1 billion per year in each of the last five years. Yet, Postal Service officials argue that they must continue to raise postage at regular intervals in order make up for the increased use of email.

Under paragraph (d) of  Title 39, Sec 401, "Postal rates shall be established to apportion the costs of all postal operations to all users of the mail on a fair and equitable basis."

No, the USPS is a Business! The Postal Service takes on some several very non-governmental attributes via the powers granted to it under  Title 39, Sec 401, which include:

--- power to sue (and be sued) under its own name;

--- power to adopt, amend and repeal its own regulations;

--- power to "enter into and perform contracts, execute instruments, and determine the character of, and necessity for, its expenditures";

--- power to buy, sell and lease private property; and,

--- power to build, operate, lease and maintain buildings and facilities.

All of which are typical functions of a private business. However, unlike other private businesses, the Postal Service is exempt from paying federal taxes. USPS can borrow money at discounted rates, and can condemn and acquire private property under governmental rights of eminent domain.

The USPS does get some taxpayer support. Around $96 million is budgeted annually by Congress for the "Postal Service Fund." These funds are used to compensate USPS for postage-free mailing for all legally blind persons and for mail-in election ballots sent from US citizens living overseas. A portion of the funds also pays USPS for providing address information to state and local child support enforcement agencies.

Under federal law, only the Postal Service can handle or charge postage for handling letters. Despite this virtual monopoly worth some $45 billion a year, the law does not require that the Postal Service make a profit -- only break even. Still, the US Postal Service has averaged a profit of over $1 billion per year in each of the last five years. Yet, Postal Service officials argue that they must continue to raise postage at regular intervals in order make up for the increased use of email.

What began as a simple review of what the post office is today I found we needed to know how we got here.

I'll skip the fluff and get down to the brass facts. They will be in no particular order of importance. Let us keep in mind there is a strong desire to reduce the size and power of our government. I found it very compelling to pull the plug on what some believe is an anachronism. Than would be overly simplistic, a mistake. Here are the Issues of the Day position:

Getting out of the business of delivering mail is no small undertaking. Congress would need to set a time certain for the transition from the postal service we are familiar with today and make it more functional and restrict its services to those which are not reasonable to expect from a private service such as UPS or FedEx.  Getting the post office out of many of its current functions such as parcel post would encourage many private ventures to fill the void.

My first reaction to the above suggestion is what to do with the workers displaced in such an arrangement. What to do with the facilities? Well, there is still a substantial amount of work needed to be done. First class mail, second class and parcel post will always have a role in society. On the one hand there will always be a need for mail distribution and collection. The is true for special delivery and registered mail. There are numerous functions the post office fills which we may prefer to keep as a public function.

Buildings --  Many of our older post offices such as fall River and New Redford Massachusetts could become dual purpose with parts of each converted to commercial enterprises, apartments, business offices, etc. Most are centrally located in their respective communities. Lease back arrangements could be made between the new owners to meet the 'new' post office needs. It does not seem wise to eliminate one monopoly and merely create another. Most post offices are located in central areas of commercial activity. Some could be converted to meeting some of our school building needs, public medical facilities, etc.

There are numerous other functions the current postal real estate could be used for.

How to transition over to a slimmed down post office and convert the various properties and business functions to private industry. For starters the current postal workers union is manned with tens of thousands of mail delivery and pick up specialists. I recommend we convert the postal workers unions to reorganize into local companies for the purpose of filling the new needs for operation and delivery of the millions of pieces and parcels. If it sounds like an ISOP you're very perceptive.

The above would allow for a seamless transition from many government functions to private  industry. while at the same time utilizing the best assets of those already trained and working in the postal industry.

It is not easy to find people to replace thre tens of thousands of people necessary to transition away from public to private enterprise.

Besides all else, what would we be able to do with the millions of mail boxes  currently on our street corners and on our properties.

My Lady Fair has just informed me it has been an hour since she told me lunch is ready and I told her "just a couple more minutes." I've just about run out of my couple of minutes.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on what to do with the post office. mvl270@yahoo.com

Ciao.......Moe

Check in with us tomorrow. We will conclude item 4 of today.


1 --- Hold the presses, Barack will give us another policy speech. That speech and a dollar bill will get you a cup of coffee. Food stamps anyone.

2 --- I thought he was acting funny.

3 --- Lest we not forget.

4 --- Talk about a dilemma: What do we do with the Postal Service. If we're not careful we could lose it. Then again, we must decide exactly what we expect from the Post Office.

My conservative/libertarian side says get rid of it. After all if it can't survive on its own maybe it should go under. After all, in this cyber world where even little kids communicate electronically who needs the post office. The argument favoring the selling of Post Office assets is very compelling, especially during a near depression.

The United States Postal Service first began delivering the mail on July 26, 1775, when the Second Continental Congress named Benjamin Franklin as the nation's first Postmaster General. Yeah, that Ben Franklin. In accepting the position he dedicated his efforts to fulfilling George Washington's ideas. Washington supported a free flow of information between citizens and the government as a linchpin of freedom. He often spoke of a nation bound together by a system of postal roads and post offices. (We still have what is known as the "Old Post Road.")

Publisher William Goddard first suggested the idea of an organized U.S. postal service in 1774 as a way to disiminate the news past the prying eyes of British colonial postal inspectors. The Post Office was an early and necessary element in casting off the British yoke.

Goddard proposed a postal service to Congress nearly two years before we declared our independence from the Brits. Congress took no action on Goddard's plan until after the battles of Lexington and Concord in the spring of 1775. Finally on July 16, 1775, the revolution was brewing, Congress enacted the "Constitutional Post" as a way to ensure communication between the general public and the patriots preparing to fight for America's independence. Goddard was reported to have been deeply disappointed when Congress chose Franklin as Postmaster General.

In 1792 the Postal Act clarified the role of the Postal Service. Under the act, newspapers were allowed to use the mails at low rates to promote the spread of information across the states. To ensure the sanctity and privacy of the mails, postal officials were forbidden to open any letters unless they were undeliverable.

Until the adoption of the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, the U.S. Postal Service functioned as a regular, tax-supported, agency of the federal government. It may well be the time to consider returning to that.

When I began this monologue on ther post office it was with the intent of recommending its closure and an end to its role as we have known it. I do not believe there is any way to continue with the Post Office as we know it. However it is still a necessary element in the country. We will make our recommendations tomorrow.

If you have comments on the issue please email us at mvl270@yahoo.com . I should be up early Saturnday morning and would be please add you thoughst along with mine.

Ciao.......Moe 



I finally learned how to post photos on the blog.......

1 --- What kind of day is it? I'm sorry you asked. You will be too.

Header on Drudge says it all, err almost all.

'WAVE OF FORECLOSURES'...
BIG JUMP IN JOBLESS CLAIMS...
INFLATION RISES...

Happy days are here again.

2 --- Guess who is running for president again. Ralph Nader. He will beat the record for presidential campaign futility held by Harold Stassen.

3 --- Tired of summer? Here's relief or you....

Forecast for Elk Mountains surrounding Aspen. Snow is expected to begin accumulating above 12,000 feet in elevation at around 9 p.m. Wednesday. Snow levels could drop as low as 9,000 feet, the weather service said. By Thursday morning, 2 to 6 inches of snow are possible above 10,000 feet.
 

Bring back summer.

4 --- The US Senate's resident Mensa chairman, Harry Reid: "Well, for most Americans, [bike paths] are absolutely important. It's good for purposes of allowing people to travel, um, without burning all the fossil fuel on the highways. I got up this morning really early, and went out and did my exercise. I'm not exaggerating--scores!--at least 30 or 40 bikes--so scores may be a slight exaggeration--of people, not just for exercise, traveling to work. Backpacks on--they are going to work. That's what bike paths are all about!"

5 --- Obama: ‘If You Love Me, You Gotta Help Me Pass This Bill’. Yes, he did say that.



6 --- Would I be correct is asking whether the guarantor (us) in the Solyndra ripoff will be last in line to be paid from the remaining assets. There's usually a court ordered priority in bankruptcies. Bet we get the shaft.


Ciao.......Moe

Too good not to share........

New Hampshire Journal

Candidate Word Association with Andrew Breitbart

September 12, 2011

By Amelia Chasse

NH Journal interviewed conservative new media maven Andrew Breitbart today in advance of his upcoming New Hampshire event with Americans for Prosperity. With tonight’s debate in mind we asked Breitbart to play a little game with us. We said the name of each presidential candidate that was slated to participate in the CNN/Tea Party debate, and Breitbart had just a few moments to say the first phrase that came to mind.

Here’s how he summed up the 2012 contenders:

Mitt Romney: “Plays it too safe, need to stop acting like the Tea Party is beneath him.”

Rick Perry: “Quirky. Like him from afar, but getting excited to get to know him better.”

Michele Bachmann: “One of the most eloquent and intelligent political fighters I have ever seen.”

Newt Gingrich: “Kudos on going after the media, if you heard clapping that was me.”

Herman Cain: “Heroic, deserving of being on the stage, hopefully representative of a movement of not just black conservatives but entrepreneurs instead of lawyers.”

Jon Huntsman: “Darling. Perfectly coiffed. A noble one-percenter.”

Ron Paul: “[Insert something snarky and dismissive about his rabid followers who do much to hurt his cause.]”

Rick Santorum: “Being right on life isn’t going to be enough this time around.”

Stay tuned for more from our interview with Andrew Breitbart.

Amanda Markell contributed to this report

This fine publication can be found at http://nhjournal.com

Ciao.......Moe

Little man stands tall.....

1 --- The seat won by Bob Turner in the special election in New York has been Democrat since my Mom was six years old. It's been a couple of years the Democrats have had a strangle hold on the district. My Mom is ninety-four.

According to the New York Times: "The emergence of Israel as an issue was a surprise, the Times reported, because Weprin is an observant Jew and strong supporter of Israel."

Oh yes, Turner is 70 and Roman Catholic.

2 --- Guess who was in Massachusetts yesterday? If you said Texas Governor Rick Perry please step to the head of the class.

While he was there Perry turned his attention to the Bay State's former governor Mitt Romney. During the debate a couple of days ago Romney turned all his usual sweetness to pure venom.

Perry's Texas bluntness was used against him during that debate. He is likely the only candidate to "tell it like is" regarding what is considered the third rail of politics --- social security. While Perry misspoke calling social security a Ponzy scheme, the essence of what he said is accurate. 

Funny fact, the last major politician with the courage to tell it like it is about social security was another tough talking South Westerener, Barry Goldwater. In retrospect, Goldwater was right.

When Perry dared to speak truth regarding socisal security Romney pounced like a Rattle Snake on a rebbit.

Perry's lack if experience allowed him to get caught up in a p---ing contest with a master of the art. Now he's smarting by the Romney blind side. This sort of thing can destroy a lesser man or, as in Perry's case, present an opportunity to demonstrate what kind of stuff he is made of.

During his appearance he answered Romney (with out identifying by name):

"Other candidates in this race have used words like `fraud' and compared it to a criminal enterprise," Perry said, referencing language Romney used in his book to discuss issues involving Social Security. "Under the media spotlight, they change their tune and they start sounding like liberals."

Let's be clear (careful, Moe, that sounds like something the little president would use), the race is one of conservatives versus the socalled modertes in the race. The principal players on the conservative side are Perry, Michelle Bachman, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum. The choice is one of these candidates or  a choice of Romney and the moonbeam candidate Jon Huntsman moderates both (please don't ask for a definition for moderate since my answer would be offensive to most). Did I forget Ron Paul? No, he's a genuine libertrarin and will be mired at 10%.

Perry is looking better and better all the time. Who would Goldwater support?

One more reason to dump Romney is his Massachusetts chairman, Windbag Willie Weld.

3--- Do you know how to spell Watergate? Answer, S-o-l-y-n-d-r-a.

What began as a third rate burglary finished with the resignation of a president elected in a landslade in 1972. Slam dunk, no contest.

Watergate was billed as nothing much. What became "much" was the coverup. A great deal has been written about Watergate but the feeling here is it was the betrayl that mattered. Elected officials need the good faith support of the governed. When that faith is broken it is all down hill.

Nixon had been a popular president. The country was in the early stages of ending the Vietnam War. Nixon appeared to be on his way to having been one of the most popular and succeswsful presidents. All that changed with the "tro bit" burglary at Democrat headquarters in the Watergate building. Rather than acknowledging the wrongness of the breakin, Nixon tried to bury the crimd. The rest is history,

Now we have a president who began his term with high approvals and  popularity. The more we learn about Solyndra the more we smell Watergate.

Ciao.......Moe

The doo gooders will get us.......

The president is seeking to put Americans back to work ... at $250,000 per job. You don't have to read that again, you got it right.

The following was done by Tyler Durden and pretty much tells the story why even the most grandiose plans of the president are doomed to failure.

For those eager to put some math to the rhetoric coming from the White House over the president's jobs creation plan, and that should be everyone, here is a quick and dirty estimate based on the numbers being thrown around of a 2% GDP increase in year 1 and 1.9 million jobs created or saved... most saved, as in those you can't really quantify. Said otherwise, roughly a $300 billion increase in GDP yields 1.9 million jobs. So far so good. Now since the president is proposing to pay for the program over 10 years, let's assume the $475 billion in direct expenses is financed for 10 years at 2.5% which adds roughly $120 billion to the total cost of the program. In other words, as the calculations detailed and shown below elaborate, the overall AJA plan will cost $250,000 per job created (excluding the interest expense) and $312,500 per union job, er job created (including interest). And that's how much it costs for Obama to purchase one vote... created or saved. Keynesian efficiency strikes like a Swiss watch yet again.

In his signature speech, "A Date with Destiny", Ronald Reagan suggested we simply give money to all the  poor people and allow them to do as they wish with it. What would happen if we gave gave every unemployed person $15 thousand ---  $150 billion dollars would instantly be put into circulation. That action should take a huge bite our of poverty and ultimately unemployment.

The Gipper trusted the collective wisdom of unemployed Americans to do what is right for themselves and their families. They are better motivated to do the right thing than some bureaucrat in some far off place.

Have a nice day.

Ciao.......Moe

Get ready for 9-11 weekend.......

1 ---  So there is a threat to Gotham and DC.

Sunday will bring down the curtain on the incredible decade which saw us go from a comfortable society more concerned with domestic problems than a threat to our national security. Never again during the lifetime of those here that 9-11 will we relax our defenses against terrorism.

Can we survive very long living that way? You bet we can and will. Israel has an ongoing internal and external threat just as determined as our enemies. We will undergo many different stages of means of defense and protection.

We will succeed because we must. George Bush considered it his main obligation: After 9/11, keeping our citizens safe from attack was job one. Most of us agree with that policy. So here we go again.

We now hear from "government sources" an unnamed enemy is planning a major attack to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the most serious assault on America since Pearl Harbor.

Good police work and even better luck have kept us safe since that tragic day. Millions of American lives have been affected by 9/11.

Our innocence was lost that beautiful Thursday morning. May we never forget we are hated by the most extreme haters we've known since Adolph Hitler,s acolytes tried to change the world.

2 --- How did you react to the Barack Obama speech to the Congress last night? I came away knowing nothing more than I knew before the speech.

I got the distinct feeling the whole show was to set up the Elephants as naysayers.

If I am right we'll get nothing more than intransigence and foot dragging from Washington.

By the end of the speech I could only think of the old Patty Paige song lyrics, "Is that all there is?" The whole thing left me on empty.

3 --- Republican Bob Turner holds a six point lead over his Democrat rival David Weprin in the special election to replace the sexiest congressman of all time, Anthony Weiner. An interesting dynamic is taking place. Weprin is running like an incumbent. Now the overwhelmingly Democrat district is threatening in New York to make a change.

My congressional district was a historically Republican district until 1980. That all changed with the election in 1980 of Barney Frank. Since that defeat of Margaret Heckler there has not been a close race.

In even the most heavily Democrat districts there are few were already which are a "lock" for the Donkey candidates.

We could witness a major change in representation again this year. If the Republicans play their cards well they could have the power until recent times for establishment types.

Ciao-------Moe

Is Social Security a Ponzi Scheme.......?

You bet it is.......

Rick Perry created a stir when he said what most already know to be true. Social Security is a grand Ponzi Scheme. Frankly it is likely the biggest fraud ever perpretated on the American public.

Governor Perry called the grand scheme a lie. 



In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a Social Security recipient. I paid into the system from my teen years. I was fortunate in my lifetime and earned decent wages for most of my working years.

So why do I say it's a fraud? Because those of us currently receiving Social Security paid into the system in vastly more valuable dollars than we are currently receiving.

When I began "contributing" into Social Security the dollar in 1959 was far more valuable than the dollars I receive today. Back then for a dollar on Saturday afternoon I could take my favorite squeeze to the Durfee Theater in Fall River to see Ben-Hur, get a bag of popcorn and a soda with two straws. Oh yes, we could stay to watch the movie two or three times. The same fare today with a feature novie and the same popcorn and soda is close to much more. From 1959 to today prices for similar products and services compared to today is at about the same ratio.

The point is while we didn't put up an astronomical amount of cash in current dollars in 1959 we did pay a great deal when we view what we receive current dollars. Ben-Hur with popcorn and pop would cost us as much as $50. Ouch! When I went to see Ben Hur I wore a blue blazer with solid brass buttons I had acquired for less than $20. Same blazer today, $350.

The point of this exercise is to clarify how little the Social Security benifit has increased over the years. The recipients are getting no bargain, it certailny is not a big giveaway.

Enough of me, the president is about to speak. More tomorrow.

Ciao.......Moe

 

Here comes Barry......again.....

This will be Barry's big day....again. It should be a real test of the interest the public has in what He has to say.....again.The choice is tough --- Barack again or a pregame football show. If the pregame wins the ratings battle we'll have a better idea where the president stands with "his" public.

What had been ballyhooed as a major public announcement of the president's plans in dealing with our near depression has been downplayed to be nothing more than some suggestions.

Why a special session of Congress? I suspect it is because the president needs the reassurance that he is the gig boss, sort of the boss of bosses. In baseball we call a player who talks about himself a great deal as a fellow who "talks a good game". That fits the president to a "T". He talks a good game but his act is getting tired. Even many of his  ardent supporters are starting to tire of his act.

I have a Democrat friend who swears Barack is a Republican plant whose purpose is to bring ridicule down on Democrat functionaries. Gee, I would agree with that possibility but I doubt Republicans would have the creativity to do that.

The best news I've heard is that we are now at 500 days and counting of his administration. I think we're on safe ground in thinking President Obama is a "one termer". I suspect his most loyal followers are refreshing their resumes.

It will be interesting to learn what the president's reelection slogan will it be, "four more years"? There are only limited things he can say. As jobless claims continue to rise the White House excuse makers point out if not for Barack's handling the situation things would be worse. It's sort of like two kids arguing who is worse. Name call the GOP and blame Bush. I'm no Bush fan but enough is enough already.

I have a suggestion for Barry, Dump Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and replace him with one of the dumbest members of congress, Maxine Walters. Who else could suggest our fiscal woes are because we need to spend at least another billion dollars on stimulus. 

Can it ger worse? Easy answer, did anyone have any idea any president could be worse. He is a cross between the sinister side of Richard Nixon.

I am completely convinced Obama is indeed the Manchurian president.

What a choice tonight, a pregame show or the president addressing congress --- again.

Ciao.......Moe 



This entry was begun yesterday afternoon. I needed to stop because I didn't feel well. All is OK now. 1 to 6 was completed yesterday while the rest was just completed.....Moe

This and That is Back.......

I've been sifting through the news and there were many things to talk about. The idea of bringing back that column struck like a foul ball between the eyes. One of the popular things we had in Issues of the Day in the past was "This and That", commentary on many different topics. So here we go again......

1 --- On behalf of my Mom I resent what Pipsqueak Hoffa called me (BTW, he called many of you that as well).

2 --- Obama's fall from grace is at the rate George H.W. Bush went through. I suspect it could get even worse for the current occupant of the White House. The fact the Obamies are mud slinging this early tells us they are nearly out of ideas.

3 --- How does this sound for a presidential ticket????? Rick Perry of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida. Just picture Bamby versus Perry in three debates and Biden taking on Rubio. There are many other GOP combos, all of whom could clean the floor with the current occupants of the executive offices.

4 --- Wouldn't it be funny if the presidential TelePrompter got off cycle tomorrow night. I know, I know, that's sadistic.

5 --- The number of shootings in New York City I quoted yesterday for the last couple of days was wrong. Not 32, it's 58. Sounds like NYC was a shooting gallery. BTW, the old gangland badlands Chicago had only 8.

6 --- Don't look now but the Ford Motor Company is building a billion dollar plant which will employ 5,000........in India. The strike drums in Detroit are beating . Fox news summed it up this way: "It may seem a cruel irony that the one U.S. automaker that took no bailout money is now at greater risk of a national strike as it continues labor negotiations with union leaders."

7 --- Is she or isn't she running? The big question surrounding Sarah Palin is whether she is/will be a candidate for president. In this corner the betting is a flat no. Of course we hope she is considered for a post such Interior Secretary. With the new administration likely being more eco friendly Palin has the demonstrated expertise to get the most out of our natural resources.

8 --- Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown said Tuesday that Onyango Obama, President Obama's long-lost uncle, should be deported from the United States after being arrested last week on drunk driving charges. Brown has been so silent of late I forgot he was in the senate.

9 --- Has the Obama administration become nothing more that an bunch of Kool Aid drinkers?

10 --- Many of us are titillated by the candidacy of Governor Rick Perry for president. Does he have a chance too remake the US political landscape? Many of us think so. The national politicos will pick apart every facet of his performance tomorrow night so we will have a good chance to 'strut his stuff'. There at least a half dozen potential GOP nominees who would make fine candidates. The debate tonight is likely his most important.

Enjoy the debate.

Ciao....... Moe