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EXCESSIVE government spending did not cause the recession. It was caused by excessive deregulation of the financial industry that led to the creation of exotic financial instruments that no one understood, the housing crisis, the creation of so-called toxic assets and so forth. If the government cut spending now and implemented the Hoover model, the recession would evolve into a catastrophic depression. The government must spend money like crazy because no one else is spending any, give the economy a boost and, eventually, help get us out of this hole. At the same time, new and tough government regulations must be put in place so that the private sector never again drags us in to such a mess.
EIGHTY-ONE percent of Americans believe that we should reach out to the Muslim world. President Obama is reflecting this by speaking over TV to the Muslim world and visiting our ally, the Muslim country of Turkey. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you for ignoring the voices of divisiveness and right-wing demagoguery by making an effort to build a better relationship and not succumbing to the practice of stereotyping Muslims so as to stir up trouble for cynical partisan political gain.
FOR all those complaining about the high taxes and inflation that will result because of President Obama's stimulus package: Don't worry. Have you forgotten that he is going to have all the rich people pay the majority of the taxes? It'll be OK.
COMMENTS about President Obama's popularity miss the point. His personal rating remains high, but his policy ideas are taking a beating. That's both good and bad for him. But make no mistake, his numbers are no better than George W. Bush's were at this point, well before 9-11 in his presidency. Pointing to high popularity numbers is a coward's way of deflecting from the key issues that Obama will ultimately be evaluated on: 1. How well he manages through the economic problems. 2. How well he avoids major controversy in national security issues. So far, his national security actions have avoided controversy because he has largely continued Bush policies with only a rhetorical change. This has served him well. But his job in addressing the economic problems is abysmal, and fair-minded observers understand that. Obama doesn't deserve the blame for how the economy teetered last year, but his actions have only worsened the situation. Thankfully, he is a quick study, and he has an opportunity to improve his performance before the next round of elections.
I want to thank the Southeast Missourian for the TBY publication each month. It's always a good read. I particularly liked Steve Bender's story about Neely's Landing and all the uplifting profiles about older people doing exciting or good deeds. Cliff Rudesill's column in the paper said it best last week: We really have a great paper in the Southeast Missourian.
IT amazes me how great everyone feels about taxing smokers. I was bullied into smoking at 9 years of age. In less than two years the price of my $15 carton has doubled. I wonder if drinkers, cell-phone drivers and caffeine addicts would like prices to double. They cause health problems too.
NOT just the economy hit the Missouri State Employees Retirement System. system. The Daily American Republic in Poplar Bluff, Mo., discussed bonuses in the amount of $300,000 being paid to 14 employees of MOSERS. The Southeast Missourian didn't mention the senator serving on the board was the only one disagreeing with political leaders calling for reform in the current bonus policy. Read this direct quote: "Board member Jason Crowell, a Republican state senator from Cape Girardeau, disagreed that the bonus policy needed to be changed. 'The overall fundamental understanding of why we made the decision hasn't changed in a down market or an up market,' Crowell said. 'We judge them by the job they do.'" Wall Street is alive and well in Jefferson City. If AIG has to return bonuses, so should the MOSERS employees. Senator Crowell should be ashamed.
THE storytelling festival was outstanding. Thank you, Convention and Visitors Bureau, for bringing this to Cape Girardeau.
IT'S hard to remember a March and early April that have been so beautiful with all the flowering bulbs, bushes and trees. We need to be thankful for all the good we can find in this world.
Comments
That's ok if the rich pay more taxes in this administration; in the previous administration, all they did was get richer.
...good morning folks...
Beautiful spring : amen to that ! the only thing that may even be close are the changing of the trees in the fall ..
btw..Me'Lange , thanks for the pogo ....
Me'Lange
I will cal Aggie here in a bit and let them know I can not make it today the kids are all out of school.
Lovely weather for the holiday weekend!!!!
Me'Lange
I will take the company and you can come here and take the kids.....not to bad there is only 9 of them here.
I know Aggie and Twiggy want to see everyone they can the last few weeks have been rough and they need some laughs.
Good Morning, so where is lunch today and who's buying?
Aggie and Twiggy are in town!! Aggie
Aggie
was just fixing to call Twiggy to let her know Mexican by the mall at 11
Tough regulations: It is obvious that you are ignorant of Hoover's policies. I suggest reading "America's Great Depression" by Murray N. Rothbard. Roosevelt continued and expanded on Hoover's policies.
You can find Rothbard's book online at the Mises Institute.
Me'Lange
The no smoking is going well the caffiene thingwill end with lent! I am not that strong.
I wish the kiddos came with a case of wine, 2 more have showed up already and have a feeling by noon half the neighborhood wil be at my house.
semoangel;
Entertaining the neighborhood today, are we?
Remember the "secret formula": Part 1: Do mid- morning - 50 ft soft rope and two fingers Glenfiddich. Seperate. Tie children to tree in park. Drink Glenfiddich. Relax.
Part 2: Late afternoon - 5 lbs milk chocolate or 5 dz chocolate chip cookes, 1 cs Coke, one hot bath. Seperate. Divide chocolate or cookies and Coke equally and feed to each child. Send children home. Take nice warm relaxing bath. You can add an additional two fingers of Glenfiddich if you wish - you've earned it! Note: It is best to exclude your own children from Part 2...
semoangel;
Entertaining the neighborhood today, are we?
Remember the "secret formula": Part 1: Do mid- morning - 50 ft soft rope and two fingers Glenfiddich. Seperate. Tie children to tree in park. Drink Glenfiddich. Relax.
Part 2: Late afternoon - 5 lbs milk chocolate or 5 dz chocolate chip cookes, 1 cs Coke, one hot bath. Seperate. Divide chocolate or cookies and Coke equally and feed to each child. Send children home. Take nice warm relaxing bath. You can add an additional two fingers of Glenfiddich if you wish - you've earned it! Note: It is best to exclude your own children from Part 2...
Little Mac
Thanks for the laugh....just have to make it till 5 then hubby will be home and they can drive him nuts! But would rather have the here where I KNOW what is going on than to have them out running all over the place.
Good morning, I was just catching up on what's been going on.....glad to see ur back Rick & doing well! :)
SemoAngel, good luck today, sounds brutal! :)~
Turnip
Not brutal I have plenty of duct tape on hand lol. Advantage to basement send them all downstairs!
SemoAngel....can u spare some duct tape? My hubby's off today and the inlaws are coming anytime.....lol!
Wow that was some hard rain last night!
Tough regulations: Amen!
Reaching out: No wonder Obama is soo popular, he is mentioned everyday in SO.
Let the rich pay: It certainly makes me feel better.
Obama's popularity: Blah, Blah, Blah.
Thanks for TBY: How about starting something called...The 80s years? You know, for the forgotten generation. Sheesh...we're starting to get old too ya know.
Tobacco taxes: Bullied into smoking?
MOSERS bonuses: Jason should be ashamed of a lot of things. *snicker*
Outstanding stories: We need a folk festival. Something the community can really get involved with. Also...Any news of what they decided to do about our 4th of July?
Beautiful spring: ?? I hate it when a well meaning post really makes no sense at all.
Mel,
Sorry about lunch, sounded nice...haven't seen you folks in a while. I might be interested in something like that in a couple of weeks.
Ag/Twig,
I've got Texas fever, me and the boys have been watching a lot of "King of the Hill" as of late. Go Longhorns!
WOW, if I had any 'hang-ups' about sleeping thru a storm, I don't anymore. That **** Jackson siren woke me up from a dead sleep last night.....good thing! :) anyone else hear it?
Turnip
I feel for you, the hubby AND in laws, I will take every kid in the town first! I have plenty of tape and a few good bottles of wine I would be glad to share!
SemoAngel....fortunately I have a basement as well, with a lock...on my side! :)~
Me'Lange
Got the voice mail and left a message so as soon as she calls back I will let you know.
Me'Lange
Nicole just called me and they are going to lunch, they will be there around 11 after drop her older two off.
Hey Semo,
Tell Aggie and Twiggy I said hello!! How long are they in town for? If I wasn't in "we will be there between 8 and noon" limbo, I would have loved to seen them today. I know it's a bad weekend, family visits and all, but maybe tomorrow for lunch?? Have to work tomorrow night, but thought lunch could be an option??
Melange,
Again, sorry about having to cancel today!!
semoangel
all of those kids ? you are a much better person then i ever thought of being ....
Me'Lange
No problem you guys have fun at lunch
Pups
Twiggy said they would be in for a week or so so surely we can get another time together next week.
speaking of Easter..how do solid chocolate Easter eggs and bunny rabbits fit together to make a holiday ?
reckon i'm mixfused again ...
Rick
Good to see you back
Actually the kids do not bother me in the least they stay busy with the wii and x box just a very high noise level!
Rick
and how does the Easter bunny carry all of those big easter baskets. I mean at least Santa has hands...lol
Semo,
Thanks, and I look forward to it. I'll peak in now and then and check on the status.
Rick,
Think Rudolph and Frosty, and you'll figure it out.
Glad you are doing well, and did you get a chance to flirt with the nurses like you wanted??
Semo,
Not that I'm encouraging underage drinking, but if you slip the wine into the kids' drinks it might quiet them down. lol j/k
Let the rich pay? Don't you know, you are the rich.
Pups
I do not share the wine is all mine!!!!!
Pups
i tried flirting but i guess i'm losing the ol' touch..the nurses just looked at me like i was , or am , a bozo ...
Mega,
I've heard that one of the veteran's associations here in town are gonna take over the 4th of July festivities, but that's about all I know.
Turnip,
Did the Jackson siren really go off last night!?!? That kinda scares me, I guess I slept right through it
Semo,
Yeah, I thought about it after I posted. Probably a waste of good wine if use on the kids. Keep it all to yourself. Either way, after enough, the noise won't bother you. hehe
Rick,
They weren't ignoring your flirting. You just intimedated them with your charm. It sounds better that way. ;)
Producer1,
If it works out for them, I think that would be great for them to be in charge. One of the reasons to celebrate the day is because of who they are. Think that made sense.
Reaching out
"EIGHTY-ONE percent of Americans believe that we should reach out to the Muslim world."
Wonder where that number comes from!
Or maybe only 19% are aware of how appeasement is working out in Europe.
Producer1, yes the sirens went off last night, during the tornado warning, not sure of the time, perhaps midnight or so, it's all a blur....
Rick..how do solid chocolate Easter eggs and bunny rabbits fit together to make a holiday ?
dontchaknow, the bunnies/ducks crap the chocolate easter eggs all over the yard...that's certainly worth celebrating......:)~
RE: us hostage/pirates
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/P...
I can't believe other pirates w/other countries hostages are heading to the area...they demand an escape route, then they will negotiate for the captains' release.....what do u all think?
I can't believe we would allow them to do this? The captain attempted to escape but was recaptured. I say we just go in and take 'em down...whatever happens, happens. If we allow them to keep runnin' the show..this will never end. Just my thoughts!
Re: Pirates
Promise them anything you have to in order to get the Captain released and then blow every darned one of them out of the water. Any non military vessel in the area should be fair game. Then have armed security personnel on all transport ships in the future.
I don't think the negotiation of allowing them to rendevouz & go inland is a good idea.
I have been trying to figure out a way to share a recent email. It's a pic of a wild boar shot n Northern Louisiana, it weighed 1800lbs. The best I can figure is my avatar. There's like 3, I'm still amazed, not sure if the lil' pic will do it justice...any ideas?
Turnip,
I didn't know that was being considered, but I agree.
Nope, I don't think it does. The **** thing is freakin' huge...runnin' loose..geez..my nephew hunts down in Florida every year but I never heard of 'em being this big!
there is a man standing behind it, u can just barely see his lil' head...
TripleS, that's what I took from the AP article I posted...that's what 'the pirates' ideally want anyway...
Turnip,
I simply wouldn't know what to do then. It would be easy for me to offer an opinion, but it is not my son or father being held and whose life is in danger.
Gosh dang it..I lost my post again, anyone else having trouble...it's says i'm logged in but when I try to post, I have to login again and then I lose my post...gosh dang it...
anyway, good point, TripleS, I read that the crew said the captain offered himself to save them...it's definately a 'sticky' situation.
Turnip,
That was my understanding about the Captain, you really have to admire someone like that. We trained in all kinds of different scenarios, but most of the time you really never know how you will handle such a situation.
MOSERS Bonuses: So, Jason Crowell, was the quote taken out of context or what? State employees won't get even a one cent raise, but you feel it's appropriate to pay out bonuses to 14 MOSERS employees? Inquiring minds want to know!
$100 million dollars earned from ransoms by pirates last year. I'm sure the pirates figure if we can give billions we can give them money too. A few strategically placed Navy Seal sharpshooters would end this. For once, we should follow France's lead and not Norway's. (They paid a ransom today.)