It's About the Economy

The Administration doesn't get it -- still.  It's about the economy.  They think the American public is a bunch of idiots.  The money they are throwing at "stimulus" packages is just designed to buy votes for another few years of power.  It certainly won't stimulate the economy.

Money is being tucked away by businesses who have the power to create jobs.  Why would they invest it with such an environment of uncertainty in Washington?  Or, perhaps, why invest when there is such certainty in Washington? -- certainty that those in power are out to take what isn't their's and throw it to those who would keep them in power.  Either way, the economy suffers.

It isn't something that is popular to mention, but, the War in Iraq was actually a stimulus to our economy.  Spending on military equipment and supplies created lots of jobs, as did troop recruitment.  It also cost less than the Obama Administration's "stimulus" spending to date -- which, by-the-way, did nothing to stimulate the economy.

I'm not much on "ranting" about every little thing that goes on in the world -- whether politics, economics or whatever.  There are just a handful of fundamental issues anyway.  They come back to differences in world-view.  Right now, mine is at a polar opposite to what I see in Washington.  Fortunately, mine includes a faith in something higher that sustains me through the valley of the shadow.......

Miracles Do Happen

It must be the end of the world because Congress is finally doing its job!  Interesting, an unrecorded voice vote -- they all know that it is the right thing to do.

House Approves $600M For More Drones, Agents at U.S.-Mexican Border

The bill is a step in the right direction.  Comprehensive Immigration legislation is still needed but, not blanket amnesty.  Nothing will do any good though until the border is secure.

The president Just Dosn't "Get" It On Jobs

Sustainable jobs are created by businesses, not by government.  There is a tipping point that will be reached in which there is not enough productivity by the private sector to support the public (government) sector.  Unless of course, the trend toward nationalization of businesses continues (bank bailout, automaker bailout, etc.) and we convert completely to the "dark side" -- er, I mean Communism/Socialism/State Ownership.

To create jobs, businesses need 1) adequate excess income to reinvest and 2) a stable regulatory environment in which risk is known.  The current Administration and Democrat controlled Congress has taken, or is taking away in the form of repealing the Bush tax cuts, both of these necessary ingredients.

In an AP article (Obama overtures to business fall flat ) out today, the president notes:

"This should be as American as apple pie," Obama told a Democratic fundraiser in Austin, Texas, on Monday. "And yet we can't get it moving through the Senate." He speculated that Republicans were blocking the bill because they didn't want to do anything to help him and were "thinking about the next election instead of the next generation."

The truth of the matter is better stated by Steve Forbes in the same article:

"The truth is that not even the Franklin Roosevelt administration was as hostile to and ignorant about free enterprise as this administration is," declared magazine publisher and one-time GOP presidential contender Steve Forbes.

So, is it all about politics, or is it about the economic policies of the Administration/Democratic Congress?  As a small-business owner/manager, I say it is about the economic policies of the Administration.  It appears that Mitch McConnell at least has a clue.

But Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky shot back in a statement, "For more than a year and a half, the president and his Democrat allies on Capitol Hill have pushed an antibusiness, anti-jobs agenda on the American people in the form of one massive government intrusion after another."

I wonder when the president will "get" the message?  After all, as noted in the same article, there isn't a single former CEO of a business in his entire cabinet or among his top economic advisers.  The outlook for an improving jobs situation given the shape of things in Washington is dismal.

Austin: Safe Haven City for Alien Socialists

Isn't it interesting, Governor Rick Perry (R-Texas) did the polite thing?  He greeted the president and shook his hand after applauding him as he left Air Force One.  But, the president wouldn't even accept the letter personally offered by the Governor.  I guess it was beneath his dignity.

Perry invites Obama to tour the border with him

I doubt very much that the president will tour the border with Governor Perry.  I'm actually a little surprised that he entered the state given the attitude of the majority of the people.  I suppose that Austin would be considered a "safe haven" city for alien Socialists though.....

Note:  I have placed the word president in a smaller font and without capitalization to make the point that I believe the office, as well as our country in the eyes of the world, has been significantly diminished under the current administration.

Protesting federal cops detain commander in Juarez

Until the law enforcement agencies in Mexico can clean up internal corruption, there will be little progress in the border war.

Protesting federal cops detain commander in Juarez

It is criminal elements along the border that are creating the real problem. Yes, unrestricted immigration must be addressed, but, the violence is coming from criminals. Control is necessary to stop the criminals -- and not just those from Latin America -- from crossing our borders. Islamic terrorists are coming in also.

Trying to Snuff the Light

It's not about religion as much as it is about power.  The Taliban doesn't want charity to reach the needy villagers of remote parts of Afghanistan because it would hurt their grip of power over them.

Charity: 6 Americans on medical team among 10 killed by militants in remote Afghanistan

They fear Christianity.  Light shining in darkness reveals the evil that lurks therein.

Feeding The World in the Face of Poverty

In the past, I did a lot of blogging about Agriculture (see Common Sense Agriculture, Conservation and Energy).  After all, agriculture is how I make my living.  The opinion article linked below is about the future of feeding the world.  I hope that you will take the time to read it and go to the linked information.  It is important.

Poverty and Lack of Research Block Path to a Well-Fed World

The lack of good governance is at the root of much of the poverty in the world.  Political corruption is one of the biggest problems in Africa and Latin America as well as parts of the Middle East, Asia and many of the former Soviet states.  It is a primary reason for the abject poverty of their people.

USPS Doesn't Get It

Ooo, Ooo, I know the answer!!!!

USPS posts $3.5 billion third quarter loss

Can anyone say Free Enterprise???

Keeping Distance

A politically shrewd move by Texas Democratic Gubernatorial candidate.

Bill White to President Obama: Call me
Candidate can’t meet with president, but would like to chat
 
Obviously, he realizes how unpopular Obama is in Texas.  Gotta keep that distance!

The "Pecking" Order

I thought that I would just "blow past" the article linked below in my Google Reader but, I couldn't.  Something kept drawing me back to it!

Fox News Receives Front-Row Seat in White House Briefing Room

How do they determine the pecking order?  Is it purely seniority?  If it was based on viewership/readership, Fox should have been on the front row before now.  If it was politically motivated, Fox would likely never hit the front row in the current administration.  I have to laugh.  It reminds me of a bunch of school children....

Partial Blockage on Arizona Immigration

It was not unexpected that the court would strike down at least part of the Arizona Immigration law.  This one will go all the way to the Supreme Court.  The trouble that I see is at the next level, Federal District Court, in the most liberal district in California.  Will Arizona appeal the items struck down AND the Administration appeal the items allowed?  This one has a couple of interesting iterations before it will land in the Supreme Court.  In the meantime, there continues to be no check on illegal immigrants (or, is that future Democrats).

Federal Judge Blocks Part of Arizona Immigration Law

The ruling is linked below:

http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/072810_ArizonaRuling.pdf

The law is linked below:

http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/SB1070-HB2162New.PDF

Meeting Arizona

I laughed when I read the following headline:

Arizona Hotels Thriving Despite Boycotts Over Immigration Law

Where do you suppose all those protesters stayed when they were in Arizona?  On the streets?

On a similar note, I've been doing all that I could to help boost their economy.  Last year I did not go to Arizona.  This year I spent a week there in May, I was there last week and I will spend a week there in August.  I spent on hotel, rental car, meals and fuel.  All of the travel was associated with business meetings so there was also rental on the meeting facility and other associated expenses.  I don't meet by myself, so there were others doing the same thing.

I wonder if maybe the whole Immigration Uproar is just a marketing ploy to raise the country's awareness of Arizona!

Shifting Power Through Regulatory Guidance

Sometimes, what sounds good in theory is bad in practice.  When it comes to decisions about the environment, permitting industry and other things of that nature, science should be the primary determining factor -- not the "feelings" of the community.  People carry a tremendous amount of "baggage" throughout their lives.  Some of it is based in myth and some is based on experience.

The EPA has just released new Guidance on the issue of "Environmental Justice."  It is the idea that everyone should have a say in any decision-making process that could affect the environment as well as any laws related to it.  In theory, it sounds like true democracy.  In practice, it drives out science and opens the door to popular whims that are often filled with ignorance.

The current Administration is using the guise of helping the "little people" -- those who are underrepresented or somehow repressed -- to effect their idea of "change."  It is really just a way of concentrating power.  The so-called social progressives are more nearly communist in practice.  They want power in the hands of a few who act in a manner that is designed to prevent power from migrating to other groups.  In other words, the liberal elite wish to take power away from industry and wealth.

The real problem is that power in the U.S. has traditionally been balanced by a strong middle class.  The middle class, in many ways, was the source of strength for Big Business and wealth.  They kept the money circulating.  The current political climate is one in which the middle class is being destroyed in order to shift the voting power to the poor.  The result will be a spiraling downward of our economy until it is either destroyed from the outside, or there is internal revolution.  (This would be a good place to insert some quotes from Aristotle's treatise on Politics but, I'm too lazy to look them up.)

EPA Releases Rulemaking Guidance on Environmental Justice

Below is the EPA's definition of Environmental Justice. (There is a link to it in the above linked article.)

"Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. EPA has this goal for all communities and persons across this Nation. It will be achieved when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work."

Water: A Critical Resource in Danger

Developed countries like the U.S. have, for the most part, done an admirable job of cleaning up water supplies -- such as lakes and streams -- of the pollution that was once common.  It is time for the same to occur in other countries.  Usable water is quickly becoming the number one limiting resource on the planet.  There continues to be plenty of water but, it isn't always in the right place and frequently is unusable.

Pollution makes quarter of China water unusable: ministry

Growing up in an area where water is considered precious, I have always known that it is a resource to be protected.  The rest of the world is beginning to see the issue for what it is.  Just ask those city dwellers who are increasingly placed on water rationing due to shortages.  Those shortages don't just occur in the desert Southwest -- just ask citizens of Atlanta.

Here's a related article:

In midst of river cleanup, supporters are divided

Texas Business and Arizona Politics

I realize that in an election year it is necessary to "toot one's horn" as much as possible.  Fortunately for the Governor of Texas, there is plenty to "toot his horn" about.

Gov. Perry: Forward Thinking Companies Invest in the Future and in Texas

Last night I heard Arizona Governor Jan Brewer speak.  Her message sounded a lot like a Texas-style approach to business and government.  Business friendly, shrinking state payroll, individual liberties, anti-Washington -- just a few of the things on the list.  She described herself as a pragmatic conservative.  It was the right message and it was delivered over the course of about 30 minutes of perfectly executed speech from memory while her prepared folder remained closed on the podium.  It makes me laugh to read the desperation in her opponent's complaints as you will read in the article linked below.

Ariz. AG: Governor a 'one-trick pony'

By-the-way -- I got to meet the Governor and tell her how much the people back in Texas support her stance on the border.

The image is a little dark -- cell phones don't always make the best cameras.  That's me wearing my "attitude" shirt.  The Governor is a very attractive and gracious lady.  Thank you Governor Brewer!

Disenchantment in Tennessee

I haven't researched Rep. Wamp from Tennessee, but, more and more, I'm hearing the subject of secession discussed as an option for those states who are disenchanted -- no, that's not the right word -- "fed up" with the federal government.

Tennessee Rep. Zach Wamp talks of secession

The last time states seceded from the Union was pretty bloody.  Let's hope a more peaceful solution can be found before it comes to that.  November is just around the corner.

Ocean Planning and Zoning

Once upon a time, not long ago, the oceans were still a frontier for exploration.  Today, we see many signs of unchecked exploitation.  Lest you react too quickly against regulating access, think back to the implementation of game laws.  Most game species and other species dependent on them for survival (both up and down the chain) were on the verge of disappearing from our country prior to the implementation of hunting and fishing regulations.  Today, many have rebounded beyond our wildest expectations.  I have difficulty with restricting rights, but this one makes sense from the perspective of sustainability.  The ocean is perhaps the most important source of food protein on the planet.

Obama launches policy to protect oceans

I must admit though, I am amused by the phrase...."marine spatial planning."

Below is a link to the Executive Order:

Executive Order--Stewardship of the Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Lakes

A Need For Speed

Scramjet engines have been on the drawing board for years.  It seems that Boeing has been able to get one launched -- with speeds up to Mach 5!  It is still a long way from being perfected as a more economical mode of propulsion, but this is progress!

New Technology has Creators Floating On Air

Imagine, 45 minutes from New York to L.A.....

The Prime Indicator

Energy consumption is the number 1 indicator of economic activity.

China Passes U.S. as World's Biggest Energy Consumer

Some interesting quotes from the article:

"Highlighting how quickly its energy demand has increased, China's total energy consumption was just half the size of the U.S. 10 years ago."

"The U.S. is still by far the biggest energy consumer per capita, with the average American burning five times as much energy annually as the average Chinese citizen...."

"...said China requires total energy investments of some $4 trillion over the next 20 years to keep feeding its economy and to avoid power blackouts and fuel shortages."

"...China is expected to build over the next 15 years some 1,000 gigawatts of new power-generation capacity. That is about the total amount of electricity-generation capacity in the U.S. currently...."

And this just in (updated 7-20-10)....

China denies IEA label as world's top energy user

I guess that want us to think they are making huge leaps in energy conservation measures.

The Stuff of Adventure/Mystery Novels

Archaeology is another interest of mine.  The story linked below also would make a great novel. 

Looted antiquities worth millions recovered from black market by Italian police

The value of antiquities to collectors is very high.  The value to history is often priceless.  When objects such as those in the article disappear into private collections, the historical value is lost because rarely are they available to researchers and when available, the lack of "context" is a problem.  They often provide a wealth of information when left in situ which is lost upon removal.

But, there's a bit of the "Indiana Jones" in me that fights with what I know is the right approach......