Relations between Pakistan and India have always been tense at best. For its part, the US has tried doggedly to broker understanding between the two countries, while trying to balance nuclear weapons policies and vital interests in the war on terror. With India looking closely into possible Pakistani involvement in the Mumbai terror attacks, the entire region looks prepped for a huge international disaster. Good luck with this one, incoming administration.
From the NYT:
Apprehensive about potential reprisals by India over the Mumbai terrorist attacks, the Pakistani government insisted Saturday that it had not been involved. It pledged to take action against Pakistan-based militants if they were found to be implicated.
Pakistani soldiers near the Afghan border. Pakistani security officials said they might divert troops toward the border with India.
“Our hands are clean,” the Pakistani foreign minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, said at a news conference. “Any entity or group involved in the ghastly act, the Pakistan government will proceed against it.”
The government called a crisis cabinet meeting on Saturday, a day after Indian officials suggested that a militant group with Pakistani ties, Lashkar-e-Taiba, was responsible for the attacks. Similar accusations after an attack on the Indian Parliament by another group, Jaish-e-Muhammad, brought the two governments to the brink of war in 2002.
But while the civilian leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari, called for calm on Saturday, Pakistani security officials warned that they were preparing to move troops toward the border if need be. The security officials, speaking at a press briefing in which the ground rules prohibited identifying them by name, said that if the situation worsened, troops stationed in western Pakistan could be moved within 72 hours. “We’re ready for any contingency,” one security official said.
The security officials also noted that such a move would be likely to upset the United States, because it would mean resources were being moved away from the fight against Islamic militants in the western areas bordering Afghanistan.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Look Up!
This is a bit off-topic, but it's nice to get away from politics, if only for a fleeting moment or two. So when you stop reading this post, go outside, and look up!
From the Washington Post:
Unwrap a bounty of night-sky gifts this holiday season: visible planets, glorious conjunctions, a close-up full moon and a change of season.
Jupiter and Venus begin December in conjunction at dusk in the southwestern sky. If the sky remains clear, the Jupiter-Venus conjunction, officially occurring tomorrow night, will be spectacular. Venus is the brighter of the two planets, and it remains high in the southwest throughout December, while the gaseous Jupiter descends the western horizon all month.
Venus, ever effervescent, is visible at negative fourth magnitude (ultra bright), and it is easily mistaken for a distant jetliner approaching Dulles International Airport with its landing lights on. Jupiter at negative second magnitude is bright enough to enjoy from the urban light-polluted sky. At month's end, Venus sets after 8 p.m., and Jupiter sets before 6 p.m.
Tonight, notice that the sliver of a young moon is below Jupiter and Venus, while tomorrow night the crescent can be seen above the planetary duo. Young moons always appear briefly in the western sky at dusk and early evening.
At the very end of December, the fleet Mercury (zero magnitude, or bright) joins with Jupiter at dusk in the southwest for another conjunction. The brighter Jupiter is to Mercury's left, and Venus is far above the fray.
From the Washington Post:
Unwrap a bounty of night-sky gifts this holiday season: visible planets, glorious conjunctions, a close-up full moon and a change of season.
Jupiter and Venus begin December in conjunction at dusk in the southwestern sky. If the sky remains clear, the Jupiter-Venus conjunction, officially occurring tomorrow night, will be spectacular. Venus is the brighter of the two planets, and it remains high in the southwest throughout December, while the gaseous Jupiter descends the western horizon all month.
Venus, ever effervescent, is visible at negative fourth magnitude (ultra bright), and it is easily mistaken for a distant jetliner approaching Dulles International Airport with its landing lights on. Jupiter at negative second magnitude is bright enough to enjoy from the urban light-polluted sky. At month's end, Venus sets after 8 p.m., and Jupiter sets before 6 p.m.
Tonight, notice that the sliver of a young moon is below Jupiter and Venus, while tomorrow night the crescent can be seen above the planetary duo. Young moons always appear briefly in the western sky at dusk and early evening.
At the very end of December, the fleet Mercury (zero magnitude, or bright) joins with Jupiter at dusk in the southwest for another conjunction. The brighter Jupiter is to Mercury's left, and Venus is far above the fray.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Cutting Out Contractors
Thomas Frank of the WSJ writes a revealing piece about one aspect of privatization that plays a crucial role in almost all facets of our lives, and the functions of our government. My interest in the subject was peeked by the bloody massacre in Iraq at the hands of private contractors employed by Blackwater Worldwide. Frank discusses the impact of the huge wave of contracts that are flowing from our government into the hands of drooling contractors, often with detrimental and horrible effects. Does anyone remember Haliburton?
As the George W. Bush presidency grinds to its close, we can say with some finality that the opposite is closer to the truth. The MBA president came to Washington determined to enshrine the truths of "market-based" government. He gave federal agencies grades that were determined, in part, on how abjectly the outfits abased themselves before the doctrine of "competitive sourcing." And, as the world knows, he puffed federal spending to unprecedented levels without increasing the number of people directly employed by the government.
Instead the expansion went, largely, to private contractors, whose employees by 2005 outnumbered traditional civil servants by four to one, according to estimates by Paul Light of New York University. Consider that in just one category of the federal budget -- spending on intelligence -- apparently 70% now goes to private contractors, according to investigative reporter Tim Shorrock, author of "Spies for Hire: The Secret World of Intelligence Outsourcing."
Today contractors work alongside government employees all across Washington, often for much better pay. There are seminars you can attend where you will learn how to game the contracting system, reduce your competition, and maximize your haul from good ol' open-handed Uncle Sam. ("Why not become an insider and share in this huge pot of gold?" asks an email ad for one that I got yesterday.) There are even, as Danielle Brian of the Project on Government Oversight, a nonpartisan watchdog group in Washington, D.C., told me, "contractor employees -- lots of them -- whose sole responsibility is to dream up things the government needs to buy from them. The pathetic part is that often the government listens -- kind of like a kid watching a cereal commercial."
Some federal contracting, surely, is unobjectionable stuff. But over the past few years it has become almost impossible to open a newspaper and not read of some well-connected and obscenely compensated contractor foisting a colossal botch on the taxpayer. Contractors bungling the occupation of Iraq; contractors spinning the revolving door at the Department of Homeland Security; contractors reveling publicly in their good fortune after Hurricane Katrina.
At its grandest, government by contractor gives us episodes like the Coast Guard's Deepwater program, in which contractors were hired not only to build a new fleet for that service, but also to manage the entire construction process. One of the reasons for this inflated role, according to the New York Times, was the contractors' standing armies of lobbyists, who could persuade Congress to part with more money than the Coast Guard could ever get on its own. Then, with the billions secured, came the inevitable final chapter in 2006, with the contractors delivering radios that were not waterproof and ships that were not seaworthy.
As the George W. Bush presidency grinds to its close, we can say with some finality that the opposite is closer to the truth. The MBA president came to Washington determined to enshrine the truths of "market-based" government. He gave federal agencies grades that were determined, in part, on how abjectly the outfits abased themselves before the doctrine of "competitive sourcing." And, as the world knows, he puffed federal spending to unprecedented levels without increasing the number of people directly employed by the government.
Instead the expansion went, largely, to private contractors, whose employees by 2005 outnumbered traditional civil servants by four to one, according to estimates by Paul Light of New York University. Consider that in just one category of the federal budget -- spending on intelligence -- apparently 70% now goes to private contractors, according to investigative reporter Tim Shorrock, author of "Spies for Hire: The Secret World of Intelligence Outsourcing."
Today contractors work alongside government employees all across Washington, often for much better pay. There are seminars you can attend where you will learn how to game the contracting system, reduce your competition, and maximize your haul from good ol' open-handed Uncle Sam. ("Why not become an insider and share in this huge pot of gold?" asks an email ad for one that I got yesterday.) There are even, as Danielle Brian of the Project on Government Oversight, a nonpartisan watchdog group in Washington, D.C., told me, "contractor employees -- lots of them -- whose sole responsibility is to dream up things the government needs to buy from them. The pathetic part is that often the government listens -- kind of like a kid watching a cereal commercial."
Some federal contracting, surely, is unobjectionable stuff. But over the past few years it has become almost impossible to open a newspaper and not read of some well-connected and obscenely compensated contractor foisting a colossal botch on the taxpayer. Contractors bungling the occupation of Iraq; contractors spinning the revolving door at the Department of Homeland Security; contractors reveling publicly in their good fortune after Hurricane Katrina.
At its grandest, government by contractor gives us episodes like the Coast Guard's Deepwater program, in which contractors were hired not only to build a new fleet for that service, but also to manage the entire construction process. One of the reasons for this inflated role, according to the New York Times, was the contractors' standing armies of lobbyists, who could persuade Congress to part with more money than the Coast Guard could ever get on its own. Then, with the billions secured, came the inevitable final chapter in 2006, with the contractors delivering radios that were not waterproof and ships that were not seaworthy.
Jaw Wired Shut!
Oh how this day just got better!
I have to say, I am not one to usually find pleasure in the suffering of others. But when that "other" happens to be Ann Coulter, and it just so happens that she's had her mouth wired shut, well, I am prone to throw a party.
Coulter apparently fell and broke her jaw. Maybe. I think she finally spoke her mind in public, without the protection of security. Either way, the world is now a better place.
If only she'd fallen on and broken Malkin's self-hating pie-hole. Still, this is the stuff that dreams are made of. Let's make the best of it.
I have to say, I am not one to usually find pleasure in the suffering of others. But when that "other" happens to be Ann Coulter, and it just so happens that she's had her mouth wired shut, well, I am prone to throw a party.
Coulter apparently fell and broke her jaw. Maybe. I think she finally spoke her mind in public, without the protection of security. Either way, the world is now a better place.
If only she'd fallen on and broken Malkin's self-hating pie-hole. Still, this is the stuff that dreams are made of. Let's make the best of it.
Running With Robert Gates
So it seems ever more likely that Robert Gates will retain his position for at least the first year of the Obama administration. I don't know how I feel about that. One the one hand, Gates has conducted business in an admirable way. He seems to be thoughtful and precise, with a tendency to work most of the feelings of the political spectrum into his decisions.
On the other hand, this move points to the fact that the foreign affairs promises that Obama made during the race are going to be relegated to the back-burner for a bit. To be fair, I realize that the economy is a prime disaster waiting to explode, but things like Gitmo and war crimes are important as well.
I for one am willing to endure a little more pain and global humiliation for the current state of affairs that plagues our world image. But not for too long.
From the BBC:
Mr Gates was nominated to the role by President George W Bush in 2006 and has overseen a change of strategy in Iraq.
ABC News and Politico.com quoted officials saying Mr Gates would remain in the job for at least the first year of Mr Obama's administration.
Mr Obama will give his third news briefing in as many days on Wednesday.
The focus will be the economy, an aide said. In the previous news conferences, Mr Obama - who takes office on 20 January - named the new leaders of his economic team.
ABC and Politico said that retired Marine Gen James Jones - a former commander of US and Nato forces in Europe - would be named as national security adviser.
Mr Obama is expected to announce his national security team early next week, Politico said, citing officials from both the Republican and Democratic parties.
Analysts had suggested that former CIA director Mr Gates, 65, might be asked to stay in his role because he was respected by both parties and would reflect a more bipartisan administration.
Mr Obama's office has not confirmed the reports.
It has been widely reported that former First Lady Hillary Clinton will form part of that team as Mr Obama's secretary of state.
Her office said last week that discussions were "very much on track" but that further reports were premature.
On the other hand, this move points to the fact that the foreign affairs promises that Obama made during the race are going to be relegated to the back-burner for a bit. To be fair, I realize that the economy is a prime disaster waiting to explode, but things like Gitmo and war crimes are important as well.
I for one am willing to endure a little more pain and global humiliation for the current state of affairs that plagues our world image. But not for too long.
From the BBC:
Mr Gates was nominated to the role by President George W Bush in 2006 and has overseen a change of strategy in Iraq.
ABC News and Politico.com quoted officials saying Mr Gates would remain in the job for at least the first year of Mr Obama's administration.
Mr Obama will give his third news briefing in as many days on Wednesday.
The focus will be the economy, an aide said. In the previous news conferences, Mr Obama - who takes office on 20 January - named the new leaders of his economic team.
ABC and Politico said that retired Marine Gen James Jones - a former commander of US and Nato forces in Europe - would be named as national security adviser.
Mr Obama is expected to announce his national security team early next week, Politico said, citing officials from both the Republican and Democratic parties.
Analysts had suggested that former CIA director Mr Gates, 65, might be asked to stay in his role because he was respected by both parties and would reflect a more bipartisan administration.
Mr Obama's office has not confirmed the reports.
It has been widely reported that former First Lady Hillary Clinton will form part of that team as Mr Obama's secretary of state.
Her office said last week that discussions were "very much on track" but that further reports were premature.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Is Citi Next?
From the Associated Press:
The government was weighing a plan on Sunday to rescue Citigroup Inc., whose stock has been hammered on worries about its financial health.
The Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve have been in discussions over the weekend to devise a strategy to stabilize the company, according to people familiar with the talks. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions were ongoing.
One option being considered is taking some of the risky assets held by Citigroup off its balance sheet, a move that would give the company more breathing room and put it in a better position to raise capital. It was unclear, however, exactly how that option might be structured, the people said. Another option would be for the government to make another cash injection into the company.
A spokesman for New York-based Citigroup declined comment.
The company has seen its shares lose 60 percent of their value in the past week, reflecting a crisis of confidence among skittish investors. They are worried all the risky debt on Citigroup's balance sheet will turn into losses as the economy worsens and the markets stay turbulent — losses that could be nearly impossible to reverse.
Citigroup is such a large, interconnected player in the financial system that if it were to collapse it would wreak havoc on already fragile financial and economic conditions. The company has operations stretching around the globe in more than 100 countries.
Analysts consider Citigroup the most vulnerable among the major U.S. banks — especially after it failed to nab Wachovia Corp., which was bought instead by Wells Fargo & Co. That was a missed opportunity for Citi to gets its hands on much-needed U.S. deposits that would bolster its cash position.
The government was weighing a plan on Sunday to rescue Citigroup Inc., whose stock has been hammered on worries about its financial health.
The Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve have been in discussions over the weekend to devise a strategy to stabilize the company, according to people familiar with the talks. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions were ongoing.
One option being considered is taking some of the risky assets held by Citigroup off its balance sheet, a move that would give the company more breathing room and put it in a better position to raise capital. It was unclear, however, exactly how that option might be structured, the people said. Another option would be for the government to make another cash injection into the company.
A spokesman for New York-based Citigroup declined comment.
The company has seen its shares lose 60 percent of their value in the past week, reflecting a crisis of confidence among skittish investors. They are worried all the risky debt on Citigroup's balance sheet will turn into losses as the economy worsens and the markets stay turbulent — losses that could be nearly impossible to reverse.
Citigroup is such a large, interconnected player in the financial system that if it were to collapse it would wreak havoc on already fragile financial and economic conditions. The company has operations stretching around the globe in more than 100 countries.
Analysts consider Citigroup the most vulnerable among the major U.S. banks — especially after it failed to nab Wachovia Corp., which was bought instead by Wells Fargo & Co. That was a missed opportunity for Citi to gets its hands on much-needed U.S. deposits that would bolster its cash position.
The Second $700 Billion Bailout
From the Washington Post:
Facing an increasingly ominous economic outlook, President-elect Barack Obama and other Democrats are rapidly ratcheting up plans for a massive fiscal stimulus program that could total as much as $700 billion over the next two years.
That amount, more than the nation has spent over the past six years in Iraq, would rival the sum Congress committed last month to rescuing the country's financial system. It would also be one of the biggest public spending programs aimed at jolting the economy since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal.
Hints of a massive new spending program began emerging last week. New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D), an Obama adviser, and Harvard economist Lawrence Summers, who Obama has chosen to lead his White House economic team, both raised the possibility of about $700 billion in new spending. Yesterday, Obama adviser and former Clinton administration Labor secretary Robert Reich and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) also called for spending in the range of $500 billion to $700 billion.
Transition officials would not confirm that they are considering spending of that magnitude, but they made clear that economic conditions are dire, and suggested Obama might be forced to delay his pledge to repeal President Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy.
Facing an increasingly ominous economic outlook, President-elect Barack Obama and other Democrats are rapidly ratcheting up plans for a massive fiscal stimulus program that could total as much as $700 billion over the next two years.
That amount, more than the nation has spent over the past six years in Iraq, would rival the sum Congress committed last month to rescuing the country's financial system. It would also be one of the biggest public spending programs aimed at jolting the economy since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal.
Hints of a massive new spending program began emerging last week. New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D), an Obama adviser, and Harvard economist Lawrence Summers, who Obama has chosen to lead his White House economic team, both raised the possibility of about $700 billion in new spending. Yesterday, Obama adviser and former Clinton administration Labor secretary Robert Reich and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) also called for spending in the range of $500 billion to $700 billion.
Transition officials would not confirm that they are considering spending of that magnitude, but they made clear that economic conditions are dire, and suggested Obama might be forced to delay his pledge to repeal President Bush's tax cuts for the wealthy.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Gulf War Syndrome and Our Vets
A common theme during this last election was John McCain's military service, and the importance of taking care of our veterans. That's nothing new. Every candidate for every elected office has to pay respect to our vets and their sacrifice; and all too often, they ignore that responsibility as soon as they are elected.Take the phenomenon of the Gulf War Syndrome, an affliction that affects veterans of the first Gulf War. How long do veterans have to fight for treatment and help for this condition?
How long before the people who benefit from our vets' service help those that are afflicted?
This is step one. From Reuters:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A report released Monday concluded that "Gulf War Syndrome" is a legitimate condition suffered by more than 175,000 U.S. war veterans who were exposed to chemical toxins in the 1991 Gulf War.
The congressionally mandated report could help veterans who have battled the government for treatment of a wide range of unexplained neurological illnesses, from brain cancer to multiple sclerosis.
The Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses concluded that Gulf War Syndrome is a physical condition distinct from the mental "shell shock" suffered by veterans in other wars. Some earlier studies had concluded it was not a distinct illness.
"Scientific evidence leaves no question that Gulf War illness is a real condition with real causes and serious consequences for affected veterans," said the committee, which has been looking into the problem since 2002.
The committee, composed of independent scientists and veterans, said Congress should boost funding for research on Gulf War veterans' health to at least $60 million per year.
"This is a national obligation, made especially urgent by the many years that Gulf War veterans have waited for answers and assistance," the committee said.
Congress set up the committee in 1998, but the U.S. Veterans Administration did not appoint anyone to serve on it until 2002.
Gulf War Syndrome affects at least one-fourth of the 700,000 U.S. troops who served in the 1991 effort to drive Iraq out of Kuwait, or between 175,000 and 210,000 veterans in all, the report found. Few have seen their symptoms improve over the past 17 years, the report said.
Symptoms include persistent headaches, widespread pain, cognitive difficulties, unexplained fatigue, skin rashes, chronic diarrhea and digestive and respiratory problems.
Many Gulf War veterans suffering these symptoms say they met with skepticism when seeking treatment.
The report further highlighted inadequacies in the medical care veterans have received from their government.
A 2007 investigation by the Washington Post found combat veterans in the current Iraq war faced rodent-infested housing and bureaucratic hurdles as they sought treatment at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the flagship military hospital in Washington D.C..
This is step one. From Reuters:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A report released Monday concluded that "Gulf War Syndrome" is a legitimate condition suffered by more than 175,000 U.S. war veterans who were exposed to chemical toxins in the 1991 Gulf War.
The congressionally mandated report could help veterans who have battled the government for treatment of a wide range of unexplained neurological illnesses, from brain cancer to multiple sclerosis.
The Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses concluded that Gulf War Syndrome is a physical condition distinct from the mental "shell shock" suffered by veterans in other wars. Some earlier studies had concluded it was not a distinct illness.
"Scientific evidence leaves no question that Gulf War illness is a real condition with real causes and serious consequences for affected veterans," said the committee, which has been looking into the problem since 2002.
The committee, composed of independent scientists and veterans, said Congress should boost funding for research on Gulf War veterans' health to at least $60 million per year.
"This is a national obligation, made especially urgent by the many years that Gulf War veterans have waited for answers and assistance," the committee said.
Congress set up the committee in 1998, but the U.S. Veterans Administration did not appoint anyone to serve on it until 2002.
Gulf War Syndrome affects at least one-fourth of the 700,000 U.S. troops who served in the 1991 effort to drive Iraq out of Kuwait, or between 175,000 and 210,000 veterans in all, the report found. Few have seen their symptoms improve over the past 17 years, the report said.
Symptoms include persistent headaches, widespread pain, cognitive difficulties, unexplained fatigue, skin rashes, chronic diarrhea and digestive and respiratory problems.
Many Gulf War veterans suffering these symptoms say they met with skepticism when seeking treatment.
The report further highlighted inadequacies in the medical care veterans have received from their government.
A 2007 investigation by the Washington Post found combat veterans in the current Iraq war faced rodent-infested housing and bureaucratic hurdles as they sought treatment at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the flagship military hospital in Washington D.C..
Obama and McCain
From the NYT:
WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama and Senator John McCain agreed on Monday, in their first meeting since the election, to work together on some of the nation’s most pressing challenges, from the financial crisis to national security problems.
After a private meeting in the Obama transition offices on the 38th floor of the Kluczynski Federal Building in downtown Chicago, the two men issued a joint statement saying that they agreed “that Americans of all parties want and need their leaders to come together and change the bad habits of Washington so that we can solve the common and urgent challenges of our time.”
The statement continued: “We hope to work together in the days and months ahead on critical challenges like solving our financial crisis, creating a new energy economy, and protecting our nation’s security.”
There were few other clues to the dynamics between the two men, who until two weeks ago were vying for the presidency, and whose relations during the campaign were at times a bit frosty. When a reporter asked Senator McCain at the outset of the meeting on Monday whether he would help Mr. Obama with his administration, he replied, “Obviously.”
If the candidates for the presidency can come together after all that was said and done in the race, why can't we?
WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama and Senator John McCain agreed on Monday, in their first meeting since the election, to work together on some of the nation’s most pressing challenges, from the financial crisis to national security problems.
After a private meeting in the Obama transition offices on the 38th floor of the Kluczynski Federal Building in downtown Chicago, the two men issued a joint statement saying that they agreed “that Americans of all parties want and need their leaders to come together and change the bad habits of Washington so that we can solve the common and urgent challenges of our time.”
The statement continued: “We hope to work together in the days and months ahead on critical challenges like solving our financial crisis, creating a new energy economy, and protecting our nation’s security.”
There were few other clues to the dynamics between the two men, who until two weeks ago were vying for the presidency, and whose relations during the campaign were at times a bit frosty. When a reporter asked Senator McCain at the outset of the meeting on Monday whether he would help Mr. Obama with his administration, he replied, “Obviously.”
If the candidates for the presidency can come together after all that was said and done in the race, why can't we?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Comedian of the Day: Vlad and His Friend, Boris!
This is probably the best satire of the now infamous "I can see Russia" comment this side of SNL. Palin 2012. I hope.
Customer Service
This is the second post about Circuit City in as many days, but I feel that it is important to realize what role good employees and their customer service plays in corporate strategy. I was angered by the way CC decided to fire its best, and I was even more annoyed by the lack of service in their stores after the fact. And to top that off, after firing his most dedicated employees in oder to "restructure" and stay competitive, CEO Philip Schoonover made quite a bundle. Anita Hamilton of Time had this to say:
For many consumers, however, Circuit City's most obvious failing was its customer service. In March 2007, it announced plans to lay off its highest-paid hourly employees, including salespeople, and replace them with cheaper workers. That same year, then CEO Philip Schoonover received some $7 million in compensation. It may come as no surprise, then, that a quick Web search on "Circuit City complaints" brings up hundreds of thousands of entries.
The big question now is whether Circuit City will go out of business altogether. The New York Stock Exchange halted trading when the stock hit $.10 a share (versus about $25 for Best Buy) on Monday. That's down from a peak of $30 in May 2006, and nearly $8 as recently as December 2007. By late afternoon on Nov. 10, a U.S. bankruptcy judge had granted the company permission to borrow up to $1.1 billion, which it will use to buy new inventory and pay workers. That should tide it over through the holidays. But its long-term outlook remains bleak.
The silver lining, for consumers anyway, may be discounted goods at the 155 outlets that the chain announced it would close late last week. J.P. Morgan's Christopher Horvers reported flush inventory and 10% off everything from TVs to notebook computers. Good luck finding a salesperson.
For many consumers, however, Circuit City's most obvious failing was its customer service. In March 2007, it announced plans to lay off its highest-paid hourly employees, including salespeople, and replace them with cheaper workers. That same year, then CEO Philip Schoonover received some $7 million in compensation. It may come as no surprise, then, that a quick Web search on "Circuit City complaints" brings up hundreds of thousands of entries.
The big question now is whether Circuit City will go out of business altogether. The New York Stock Exchange halted trading when the stock hit $.10 a share (versus about $25 for Best Buy) on Monday. That's down from a peak of $30 in May 2006, and nearly $8 as recently as December 2007. By late afternoon on Nov. 10, a U.S. bankruptcy judge had granted the company permission to borrow up to $1.1 billion, which it will use to buy new inventory and pay workers. That should tide it over through the holidays. But its long-term outlook remains bleak.
The silver lining, for consumers anyway, may be discounted goods at the 155 outlets that the chain announced it would close late last week. J.P. Morgan's Christopher Horvers reported flush inventory and 10% off everything from TVs to notebook computers. Good luck finding a salesperson.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Olbermann for Four
From the AP:
MSNBC announced Monday that Olbermann, its headlining prime-time star, has signed on to continue hosting "Countdown" each weeknight at 8 o'clock EST. MSNBC essentially tore up an existing contract Olbermann had, adding a year and a half and more money. (Exact terms of the deal were not disclosed.)
It's also four more years of cable television's most sizzling rivalry. Fox News Channel said last month that Bill O'Reilly, whose show airs opposite Olbermann's, had also agreed to a new four-year contract.
Olbermann's fans made him a folk hero during the campaign for his sharp-tongued criticism of John McCain and President Bush. The size of his audience has more than doubled, from an average of 776,000 in October 2007 to nearly 2.2 million this October, according to Nielsen Media Research. O'Reilly's audience hovered around 4 million a night in October 2008. (But the two were much more competitive among the 25-to-54 age demographic; Olbermann beat his rival seven nights in October in that category.)
MSNBC has built its prime time in Olbermann's image, hiring Rachel Maddow — a frequent Olbermann guest — for a successful 9 p.m. show. (Olbermann's telecast is repeated each weeknight at 10.)
MSNBC announced Monday that Olbermann, its headlining prime-time star, has signed on to continue hosting "Countdown" each weeknight at 8 o'clock EST. MSNBC essentially tore up an existing contract Olbermann had, adding a year and a half and more money. (Exact terms of the deal were not disclosed.)
It's also four more years of cable television's most sizzling rivalry. Fox News Channel said last month that Bill O'Reilly, whose show airs opposite Olbermann's, had also agreed to a new four-year contract.
Olbermann's fans made him a folk hero during the campaign for his sharp-tongued criticism of John McCain and President Bush. The size of his audience has more than doubled, from an average of 776,000 in October 2007 to nearly 2.2 million this October, according to Nielsen Media Research. O'Reilly's audience hovered around 4 million a night in October 2008. (But the two were much more competitive among the 25-to-54 age demographic; Olbermann beat his rival seven nights in October in that category.)
MSNBC has built its prime time in Olbermann's image, hiring Rachel Maddow — a frequent Olbermann guest — for a successful 9 p.m. show. (Olbermann's telecast is repeated each weeknight at 10.)
Ahmadinejad Holds On
Despite the recent events that culminated with an Ahmadinejad ally being impeached, the Conservatives in Iran seem to be standing with their leader. This is bad new s for Obama and his foreign relations plans; some saw the recent turmoil within Iran as a sign that Ahmadinejad may have been losing his grip on the country, or losing favor with the ayatollah.
From the NY Times:
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad received praise from Iran’s reformist politicians and withering criticism from its conservatives after he sent Barack Obama a letter last week congratulating him on winning the American presidential race.
But in a sign that conservatives fear their attacks might inadvertently strengthen a possible reformist candidate in Iran’s own presidential vote in June, their criticism has quickly shifted to early support for Mr. Ahmadinejad’s re-election.
The potential opponent is former President Mohammad Khatami, the moderate Mr. Ahmadinejad bested in the last elections in 2005. Mr. Khatami has not yet announced his candidacy, but is under pressure from his political allies to run.
On Friday, Mr. Obama offered a public reaction to the letter in his first post-election news conference, saying that he would review it and respond appropriately. But he also said Iran’s “support for terrorist organizations has to ease” and its suspected development of nuclear weapons was not acceptable.
On Saturday, reformist politicians offered praise for Mr. Ahmadinejad’s outreach. The letter “presented a humane, reasonable and peace-seeking image of Iran,” according to the daily newspaper Etemad.
From the NY Times:
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad received praise from Iran’s reformist politicians and withering criticism from its conservatives after he sent Barack Obama a letter last week congratulating him on winning the American presidential race.
But in a sign that conservatives fear their attacks might inadvertently strengthen a possible reformist candidate in Iran’s own presidential vote in June, their criticism has quickly shifted to early support for Mr. Ahmadinejad’s re-election.
The potential opponent is former President Mohammad Khatami, the moderate Mr. Ahmadinejad bested in the last elections in 2005. Mr. Khatami has not yet announced his candidacy, but is under pressure from his political allies to run.
On Friday, Mr. Obama offered a public reaction to the letter in his first post-election news conference, saying that he would review it and respond appropriately. But he also said Iran’s “support for terrorist organizations has to ease” and its suspected development of nuclear weapons was not acceptable.
On Saturday, reformist politicians offered praise for Mr. Ahmadinejad’s outreach. The letter “presented a humane, reasonable and peace-seeking image of Iran,” according to the daily newspaper Etemad.
Circuit City's Demise
I've watched Circuit City's fall for the past year or so. I can't say that I'm surprised by their filing for Chapter 11 protection.
The stores were horrible. After the sudden layoff of the most experienced people in their sales force, and their more-than-often shady return policies, this company was doomed to fail. The only bright spot for this holiday season will be the CC liquidation sales, as the stores close and their workers lose their jobs.
One thing to watch for: CEO compensation. Lets see how the executives of this gigantic foul-up reward themselves for Christmas.
Ho ho ho!
The stores were horrible. After the sudden layoff of the most experienced people in their sales force, and their more-than-often shady return policies, this company was doomed to fail. The only bright spot for this holiday season will be the CC liquidation sales, as the stores close and their workers lose their jobs.
One thing to watch for: CEO compensation. Lets see how the executives of this gigantic foul-up reward themselves for Christmas.
Ho ho ho!
Change is Coming
From Paul Reynolds at the BBC:
The announcement by President-elect Barack Obama's transitional team that once in office he will move quickly to countermand executive orders issued by President Bush is a signal that the change promised during the campaign is on the way.
It is certainly not unusual for a new president to change executive orders issued by the old. Indeed, it is quite normal.
But it is unusual for an announcement to be made so far in advance of inauguration (20 January, 2009) and to be so detailed.
In 2001, when George W Bush took office, his press spokesman Ari Fleischer said simply at the beginning of January that the outgoing President Bill Clinton had a been a "busy beaver" in issuing masses of executive orders and that these would be reviewed.
Change was promised. Change is coming. Relax people. He's not even had the chance to drop the "elect" from the title, and people are already looking at their watches, impatiently waiting for world peace and a surplus.
The announcement by President-elect Barack Obama's transitional team that once in office he will move quickly to countermand executive orders issued by President Bush is a signal that the change promised during the campaign is on the way.
It is certainly not unusual for a new president to change executive orders issued by the old. Indeed, it is quite normal.
But it is unusual for an announcement to be made so far in advance of inauguration (20 January, 2009) and to be so detailed.
In 2001, when George W Bush took office, his press spokesman Ari Fleischer said simply at the beginning of January that the outgoing President Bill Clinton had a been a "busy beaver" in issuing masses of executive orders and that these would be reviewed.
Change was promised. Change is coming. Relax people. He's not even had the chance to drop the "elect" from the title, and people are already looking at their watches, impatiently waiting for world peace and a surplus.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Why I support President-Elect Obama
As I woke up today, I had to take a look all of the conservative blogs, just to gauge their reaction to this historic day. For the most part, many acknowledged the fact that we need to come together, to support a new president, and to heal the country. However, a few still wanted to know why the whole country drank the Obama Koolaid. Let me explain.
This is why I support this president:
Reaction from the World 2
From the BBC:
ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY GENERAL AMR MUSA
"I stress the importance of the message that Mr Obama has never ceased to send, which is we all need change and that is what we do expect from the new leader of the United States.
"We need an American policy based on honest brokership."
INDIAN PRIME MINISTER MANMOHAN SINGH
"Your extraordinary journey to the White House will inspire people not only in your country but also around the world."
PAKISTANI PRIME MINISTER YOUSUF RAZA GILANI
"Your election marks a new chapter in the remarkable history of the United States. For long, the ideas of democracy, liberty and freedom espoused by the United States has been a source of inspiration. I hope that under your dynamic leadership, the United States will continue to be a source of global peace and new ideas for humanity."
AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI
"I applaud the American people for their great decision and I hope that this new administration in the United States of America, and the fact of the massive show of concern for human beings and lack of interest in race and colour while electing the president, will go a long way in bringing the same values to the rest of world sooner or later.
"I [hope] President Obama's coming into office will bring peace to Afghanistan, life to Afghanistan and prosperity to the Afghan people and to the rest of the world."
POPE BENEDICT'S SPOKESMAN REV FEDERICO LOMBARDI
"Believers are praying that God will enlighten him and help him in his great responsibility, which is enormous because of the global importance of the United States. We hope Obama can fulfil the expectations and hopes that many have in him."
RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER GRIGORY KARASIN
"The news we are receiving on the results of the American presidential election shows that everyone has the right to hope for a freshening of US approaches to all the most complex issues, including foreign policy and therefore relations with the Russian Federation as well."
FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY
"I give you my warmest congratulations and, through me, those of all French people. Your brilliant victory rewards a tireless commitment to serve the American people.
"By choosing you, the American people have chosen change, openness and optimism. At a time when all of us must face huge challenges together, your election raises great hope in France, in Europe and elsewhere in the world."
GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL
"The world faces significant challenges at the start of your term. I am convinced that Europe and the United States will work closely and in a spirit of mutual trust together to confront new dangers and risks and will seize the opportunities presented by our global world."
DUTCH PRIME MINISTER JAN PETER BALKENENDE
"The necessity for co-operation between Europe and the United States is bigger than ever. Only by close transatlantic co-operation can we face the world's challenges."
CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER
"I look forward to meeting with the president-elect so that we can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists between Canada and the United States."
CHINESE PRESIDENT HU JINTAO
"In a new historical era, I look forward to taking our bilateral relationship of constructive co-operation to a new level."
AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER KEVIN RUDD
"Forty-five years ago Martin Luther King had a dream of an America where men and women would be judged not on the colour of their skin but on the content of their character.
"Today what America has done is turn that dream into a reality."
NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER HELEN CLARK
"Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming.
"We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges."
JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER TARO ASO
"As the world faces many difficult issues, I am sure that the United States, under the excellent leadership of President-elect Obama, will move further forward while co-operating with the international community.
"With President-elect Obama, I will strengthen the Japan-US alliance further and work towards resolving global issues such as the world economy, terror and the environment."
INDONESIAN PRESIDENT SUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONO
"Indonesia especially hopes that the US, under new leadership, will stand in the front and take real action to overcome the global financial crisis, especially since the crisis was triggered by the financial conditions in the US."
PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
"We welcome his triumph in the same vein that we place the integrity of the US electoral process and the choices made by the American people in high regard. We likewise note the making of history with the election of Senator Obama as the first African-American president of the United States."
SUDANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN ALI AL-SADIG
"We don't expect any change through our previous experience with the Democrats. When it comes to foreign policy there is no difference between the Republicans and the Democrats."
SOMALI PRESIDENT ABDULLAHI YUSUF AHMED
"I am hopeful that [Barack Obama] will help end major crises in the world, particularly the endless conflict in my country Somalia.
"This was a historic election in which a proper leader was elected. This is a great moment for America and Africa."
SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT KGALEMA MOTLANTHE
"Africa, which today stands proud of your achievements, can only but look forward to a fruitful working relationship with you both at a bilateral and multilateral levels in our endeavour to create a better world for all who live in it."
AFGHAN TALEBAN SPOKESMAN QARI YOUSUF AHMADI
"There is neither joy, nor sorrow among our ranks by the election of Barack Obama.
"The question is not about a change in the face of the American President, but a change in American policy."
PAKISTAN TALEBAN SPOKESMAN MUSLIM KHAN
"I hope that Barack Obama will respect the mandate given to him, and instead of using the (US) public's taxes to convert the world into a pile of dynamite, spend it on their welfare and well-being."
ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY GENERAL AMR MUSA
"I stress the importance of the message that Mr Obama has never ceased to send, which is we all need change and that is what we do expect from the new leader of the United States.
"We need an American policy based on honest brokership."
INDIAN PRIME MINISTER MANMOHAN SINGH
"Your extraordinary journey to the White House will inspire people not only in your country but also around the world."
PAKISTANI PRIME MINISTER YOUSUF RAZA GILANI
"Your election marks a new chapter in the remarkable history of the United States. For long, the ideas of democracy, liberty and freedom espoused by the United States has been a source of inspiration. I hope that under your dynamic leadership, the United States will continue to be a source of global peace and new ideas for humanity."
AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI
"I applaud the American people for their great decision and I hope that this new administration in the United States of America, and the fact of the massive show of concern for human beings and lack of interest in race and colour while electing the president, will go a long way in bringing the same values to the rest of world sooner or later.
"I [hope] President Obama's coming into office will bring peace to Afghanistan, life to Afghanistan and prosperity to the Afghan people and to the rest of the world."
POPE BENEDICT'S SPOKESMAN REV FEDERICO LOMBARDI
"Believers are praying that God will enlighten him and help him in his great responsibility, which is enormous because of the global importance of the United States. We hope Obama can fulfil the expectations and hopes that many have in him."
RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER GRIGORY KARASIN
"The news we are receiving on the results of the American presidential election shows that everyone has the right to hope for a freshening of US approaches to all the most complex issues, including foreign policy and therefore relations with the Russian Federation as well."
FRENCH PRESIDENT NICOLAS SARKOZY
"I give you my warmest congratulations and, through me, those of all French people. Your brilliant victory rewards a tireless commitment to serve the American people.
"By choosing you, the American people have chosen change, openness and optimism. At a time when all of us must face huge challenges together, your election raises great hope in France, in Europe and elsewhere in the world."
GERMAN CHANCELLOR ANGELA MERKEL
"The world faces significant challenges at the start of your term. I am convinced that Europe and the United States will work closely and in a spirit of mutual trust together to confront new dangers and risks and will seize the opportunities presented by our global world."
DUTCH PRIME MINISTER JAN PETER BALKENENDE
"The necessity for co-operation between Europe and the United States is bigger than ever. Only by close transatlantic co-operation can we face the world's challenges."
CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER
"I look forward to meeting with the president-elect so that we can continue to strengthen the special bond that exists between Canada and the United States."
CHINESE PRESIDENT HU JINTAO
"In a new historical era, I look forward to taking our bilateral relationship of constructive co-operation to a new level."
AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER KEVIN RUDD
"Forty-five years ago Martin Luther King had a dream of an America where men and women would be judged not on the colour of their skin but on the content of their character.
"Today what America has done is turn that dream into a reality."
NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER HELEN CLARK
"Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming.
"We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges."
JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER TARO ASO
"As the world faces many difficult issues, I am sure that the United States, under the excellent leadership of President-elect Obama, will move further forward while co-operating with the international community.
"With President-elect Obama, I will strengthen the Japan-US alliance further and work towards resolving global issues such as the world economy, terror and the environment."
INDONESIAN PRESIDENT SUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONO
"Indonesia especially hopes that the US, under new leadership, will stand in the front and take real action to overcome the global financial crisis, especially since the crisis was triggered by the financial conditions in the US."
PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
"We welcome his triumph in the same vein that we place the integrity of the US electoral process and the choices made by the American people in high regard. We likewise note the making of history with the election of Senator Obama as the first African-American president of the United States."
SUDANESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN ALI AL-SADIG
"We don't expect any change through our previous experience with the Democrats. When it comes to foreign policy there is no difference between the Republicans and the Democrats."
SOMALI PRESIDENT ABDULLAHI YUSUF AHMED
"I am hopeful that [Barack Obama] will help end major crises in the world, particularly the endless conflict in my country Somalia.
"This was a historic election in which a proper leader was elected. This is a great moment for America and Africa."
SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT KGALEMA MOTLANTHE
"Africa, which today stands proud of your achievements, can only but look forward to a fruitful working relationship with you both at a bilateral and multilateral levels in our endeavour to create a better world for all who live in it."
AFGHAN TALEBAN SPOKESMAN QARI YOUSUF AHMADI
"There is neither joy, nor sorrow among our ranks by the election of Barack Obama.
"The question is not about a change in the face of the American President, but a change in American policy."
PAKISTAN TALEBAN SPOKESMAN MUSLIM KHAN
"I hope that Barack Obama will respect the mandate given to him, and instead of using the (US) public's taxes to convert the world into a pile of dynamite, spend it on their welfare and well-being."
Reaction from the World
From the BBC:
JOHN MCCAIN
"We have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken and they have spoken clearly.
"This campaign was and will remain the great honour of my life. My heart is filled with nothing but gratitude for the experience, and to the American people for giving me a fair hearing before deciding that Senator Obama and my old friend Senator Joe Biden should have the honour of leading us for the next four years."
US PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH
"Mr President-elect, congratulations to you. What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters.
"I promise to make this a smooth transition. You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations and go enjoy yourself."
UK PRIME MINISTER GORDON BROWN
"This is a moment that will live in history as long as history books are written.
"Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energising politics with his progressive values and his vision for the future."
EUROPEAN COMMISSION CHIEF JOSE MANUEL BARROSO
"This is a time for a renewed commitment between Europe and the United States of America. We need to change the current crisis into a new opportunity. We need a new deal for a new world.
"I sincerely hope that with the leadership of President Obama, the United States of America will join forces with Europe to drive this new deal - for the benefit of our societies, for the benefit of the world."
UN SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON
"This is, I believe, an historic opportunity.
"I am confident that we can look forward to an era of renewed partnership and a new multilateralism. If ever there were a time for the world to join together, it is now."
KENYAN PRESIDENT MWAI KIBAKI
"The victory of Senator Obama is our own victory because of his roots here in Kenya. As a country, we are full of pride for his success.
"I am confident that your presidency shall herald a new chapter of dialogue between the American people and the world at large."
FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA
"Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place.
"We wish you strength and fortitude in the challenging days and years that lie ahead."
ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER TZIPI LIVNI
"Israel expects the close strategic co-operation with the new administration, president and Congress will continue along with the continued strengthening of the special and unshakeable special relationship between the two countries."
PALESTINIAN LEADER MAHMOUD ABBAS
"President Abbas congratulates US President-elect Barack Obama in his name and in the name of the Palestinian people, and hopes he will speed up efforts to achieve peace, particularly since a resolution of the Palestinian problem and the Israeli-Arab conflict is key to world peace."
ADVISER TO IRAQI PRIME MINISTER NOURI MALIKI, SADEQ RIQABI
"The American people have presented a tremendous example to the world by ignoring racist attitudes - and this is an unprecedented example of democracy.
"We in Iraq, with our newly-born democracy, look forward to working with the United States."
AIDE TO IRAN'S AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, ALI AGHAMOHAMMADI
"The president-elect has promised changes in policies. There is a capacity for the improvement of ties between America and Iran if Obama pursues his campaign promises, including not confronting other countries as Bush did in Iraq and Afghanistan, and also concentrating on America's state matters and removing the American people's concerns."
JOHN MCCAIN
"We have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken and they have spoken clearly.
"This campaign was and will remain the great honour of my life. My heart is filled with nothing but gratitude for the experience, and to the American people for giving me a fair hearing before deciding that Senator Obama and my old friend Senator Joe Biden should have the honour of leading us for the next four years."
US PRESIDENT GEORGE W BUSH
"Mr President-elect, congratulations to you. What an awesome night for you, your family and your supporters.
"I promise to make this a smooth transition. You are about to go on one of the great journeys of life. Congratulations and go enjoy yourself."
UK PRIME MINISTER GORDON BROWN
"This is a moment that will live in history as long as history books are written.
"Barack Obama ran an inspirational campaign, energising politics with his progressive values and his vision for the future."
EUROPEAN COMMISSION CHIEF JOSE MANUEL BARROSO
"This is a time for a renewed commitment between Europe and the United States of America. We need to change the current crisis into a new opportunity. We need a new deal for a new world.
"I sincerely hope that with the leadership of President Obama, the United States of America will join forces with Europe to drive this new deal - for the benefit of our societies, for the benefit of the world."
UN SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON
"This is, I believe, an historic opportunity.
"I am confident that we can look forward to an era of renewed partnership and a new multilateralism. If ever there were a time for the world to join together, it is now."
KENYAN PRESIDENT MWAI KIBAKI
"The victory of Senator Obama is our own victory because of his roots here in Kenya. As a country, we are full of pride for his success.
"I am confident that your presidency shall herald a new chapter of dialogue between the American people and the world at large."
FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA
"Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place.
"We wish you strength and fortitude in the challenging days and years that lie ahead."
ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER TZIPI LIVNI
"Israel expects the close strategic co-operation with the new administration, president and Congress will continue along with the continued strengthening of the special and unshakeable special relationship between the two countries."
PALESTINIAN LEADER MAHMOUD ABBAS
"President Abbas congratulates US President-elect Barack Obama in his name and in the name of the Palestinian people, and hopes he will speed up efforts to achieve peace, particularly since a resolution of the Palestinian problem and the Israeli-Arab conflict is key to world peace."
ADVISER TO IRAQI PRIME MINISTER NOURI MALIKI, SADEQ RIQABI
"The American people have presented a tremendous example to the world by ignoring racist attitudes - and this is an unprecedented example of democracy.
"We in Iraq, with our newly-born democracy, look forward to working with the United States."
AIDE TO IRAN'S AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI, ALI AGHAMOHAMMADI
"The president-elect has promised changes in policies. There is a capacity for the improvement of ties between America and Iran if Obama pursues his campaign promises, including not confronting other countries as Bush did in Iraq and Afghanistan, and also concentrating on America's state matters and removing the American people's concerns."
For The Team
I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.
We just made history.
And I don't want you to forget how we did it.
You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.
I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.
We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.
But I want to be very clear about one thing...
All of this happened because of you.
Thank you,
Barack
We just made history.
And I don't want you to forget how we did it.
You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.
I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.
We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.
But I want to be very clear about one thing...
All of this happened because of you.
Thank you,
Barack
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!
At 11:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, FOX NEWS projects that Barack Obama has won the election, and is the new PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!!!!!
The Electroral Map at 9:20 pm
Obama has won the critical votes in PA and OH.
He also carries MD, DE, NJ, CT, RI, MA, NH, NY,VT,ME, ,MI, WI, MN,IL.
McCain carries SC, KY, TN, AL, AR, OK, KS, WY, ND.
Obama has a 195 to 61 lead.
He also carries MD, DE, NJ, CT, RI, MA, NH, NY,VT,ME, ,MI, WI, MN,IL.
McCain carries SC, KY, TN, AL, AR, OK, KS, WY, ND.
Obama has a 195 to 61 lead.
The New Black Panthers in Philadelphia
Proof positive that the American nation has a lot of healing to do on both sides. What in the blue hell were these guys thinking?
You're standing in the middle of Philadelphia. Who or what are you protecting in this solidly Democratic city? What did you just accomplish by looking like sloppy soldiers, holding sticks in your hand?
I can't speak to their exact motives, but I can guess. And I'm quite sure that whatever their intended goals were, they failed miserably. A word of advice to all paramilitary organizations: stop, think, and forget about it.
Thank you to the NBPP for setting back the image of voter rights for this election. Wonderful photo op.
You're standing in the middle of Philadelphia. Who or what are you protecting in this solidly Democratic city? What did you just accomplish by looking like sloppy soldiers, holding sticks in your hand?
I can't speak to their exact motives, but I can guess. And I'm quite sure that whatever their intended goals were, they failed miserably. A word of advice to all paramilitary organizations: stop, think, and forget about it.
Thank you to the NBPP for setting back the image of voter rights for this election. Wonderful photo op.
Monday, November 3, 2008
"Dear John"
Yet another gem, which goes a long way to explain why Johnny Mac loses most mock elections in our nation's schools. YES WE CAN!
A Sad Day
Barack Obama's grandmother has passed away form cancer in Hawaii. A statement from Obama and his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng reads:
"It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure.
"Our family wants to thank all of those who sent flowers, cards, well-wishes, and prayers during this difficult time. It brought our grandmother and us great comfort. Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer."
We all express our sincere condolences to the Obama family. We also thank Madelyn Dunham for helping create the leader we have come to love.
"It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring. Our debt to her is beyond measure.
"Our family wants to thank all of those who sent flowers, cards, well-wishes, and prayers during this difficult time. It brought our grandmother and us great comfort. Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer."
We all express our sincere condolences to the Obama family. We also thank Madelyn Dunham for helping create the leader we have come to love.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Comedian of the Day: You Decide!
I'll be the first to acknowledge that Fox News may not be "fair and balanced" when it comes to the election. In fact, it seems like Fox creates and continues to push sideline stories against Barack Obama. I don't fault them. It's their call.
But when something like this happens, it tends to stand out as a ray of sunshine in the middle of the verbal hurricane. I'm not sure as to which one of the two amazes me more. Joe "the plumber" with his glowing ignorance, or Shep Smith with his incredulous reaction to what he was hearing. Comedian of the Day toss-up. It's your call.
But when something like this happens, it tends to stand out as a ray of sunshine in the middle of the verbal hurricane. I'm not sure as to which one of the two amazes me more. Joe "the plumber" with his glowing ignorance, or Shep Smith with his incredulous reaction to what he was hearing. Comedian of the Day toss-up. It's your call.
What It's All About
Jonathan Curley of the Christian Science Monitor writes an elegant piece about his view of the campaign, and the importance of the presidential election:
There has been a lot of speculation that Barack Obama might win the election due to his better "ground game" and superior campaign organization.
I had the chance to view that organization up close this month when I canvassed for him. I'm not sure I learned much about his chances, but I learned a lot about myself and about this election.
Let me make it clear: I'm pretty conservative. I grew up in the suburbs. I voted for George H.W. Bush twice, and his son once. I was disappointed when Bill Clinton won, and disappointed he couldn't run again.
I encouraged my son to join the military. I was proud of him in Afghanistan, and happy when he came home, and angry when he was recalled because of the invasion of Iraq. I'm white, 55, I live in the South and I'm definitely going to get a bigger tax bill if Obama wins.
I am the dreaded swing voter.
So you can imagine my surprise when my wife suggested we spend a Saturday morning canvassing for Obama. I have never canvassed for any candidate. But I did, of course, what most middle-aged married men do: what I was told.
At the Obama headquarters, we stood in a group to receive our instructions. I wasn't the oldest, but close, and the youngest was maybe in high school. I watched a campaign organizer match up a young black man who looked to be college age with a white guy about my age to canvas together. It should not have been a big thing, but the beauty of the image did not escape me.
Instead of walking the tree-lined streets near our home, my wife and I were instructed to canvass a housing project. A middle-aged white couple with clipboards could not look more out of place in this predominantly black neighborhood.
We knocked on doors and voices from behind carefully locked doors shouted, "Who is it?"
"We're from the Obama campaign," we'd answer. And just like that doors opened and folks with wide smiles came out on the porch to talk.
Grandmothers kept one hand on their grandchildren and made sure they had all the information they needed for their son or daughter to vote for the first time.
Young people came to the door rubbing sleep from their eyes to find out where they could vote early, to make sure their vote got counted.
We knocked on every door we could find and checked off every name on our list. We did our job, but Obama may not have been the one who got the most out of the day's work.
I learned in just those three hours that this election is not about what we think of as the "big things."
It's not about taxes. I'm pretty sure mine are going to go up no matter who is elected.
It's not about foreign policy. I think we'll figure out a way to get out of Iraq and Afghanistan no matter which party controls the White House, mostly because the people who live there don't want us there anymore.
I don't see either of the candidates as having all the answers.
I've learned that this election is about the heart of America. It's about the young people who are losing hope and the old people who have been forgotten. It's about those who have worked all their lives and never fully realized the promise of America, but see that promise for their grandchildren in Barack Obama. The poor see a chance, when they often have few. I saw hope in the eyes and faces in those doorways.
My wife and I went out last weekend to knock on more doors. But this time, not because it was her idea. I don't know what it's going to do for the Obama campaign, but it's doing a lot for me.
There has been a lot of speculation that Barack Obama might win the election due to his better "ground game" and superior campaign organization.
I had the chance to view that organization up close this month when I canvassed for him. I'm not sure I learned much about his chances, but I learned a lot about myself and about this election.
Let me make it clear: I'm pretty conservative. I grew up in the suburbs. I voted for George H.W. Bush twice, and his son once. I was disappointed when Bill Clinton won, and disappointed he couldn't run again.
I encouraged my son to join the military. I was proud of him in Afghanistan, and happy when he came home, and angry when he was recalled because of the invasion of Iraq. I'm white, 55, I live in the South and I'm definitely going to get a bigger tax bill if Obama wins.
I am the dreaded swing voter.
So you can imagine my surprise when my wife suggested we spend a Saturday morning canvassing for Obama. I have never canvassed for any candidate. But I did, of course, what most middle-aged married men do: what I was told.
At the Obama headquarters, we stood in a group to receive our instructions. I wasn't the oldest, but close, and the youngest was maybe in high school. I watched a campaign organizer match up a young black man who looked to be college age with a white guy about my age to canvas together. It should not have been a big thing, but the beauty of the image did not escape me.
Instead of walking the tree-lined streets near our home, my wife and I were instructed to canvass a housing project. A middle-aged white couple with clipboards could not look more out of place in this predominantly black neighborhood.
We knocked on doors and voices from behind carefully locked doors shouted, "Who is it?"
"We're from the Obama campaign," we'd answer. And just like that doors opened and folks with wide smiles came out on the porch to talk.
Grandmothers kept one hand on their grandchildren and made sure they had all the information they needed for their son or daughter to vote for the first time.
Young people came to the door rubbing sleep from their eyes to find out where they could vote early, to make sure their vote got counted.
We knocked on every door we could find and checked off every name on our list. We did our job, but Obama may not have been the one who got the most out of the day's work.
I learned in just those three hours that this election is not about what we think of as the "big things."
It's not about taxes. I'm pretty sure mine are going to go up no matter who is elected.
It's not about foreign policy. I think we'll figure out a way to get out of Iraq and Afghanistan no matter which party controls the White House, mostly because the people who live there don't want us there anymore.
I don't see either of the candidates as having all the answers.
I've learned that this election is about the heart of America. It's about the young people who are losing hope and the old people who have been forgotten. It's about those who have worked all their lives and never fully realized the promise of America, but see that promise for their grandchildren in Barack Obama. The poor see a chance, when they often have few. I saw hope in the eyes and faces in those doorways.
My wife and I went out last weekend to knock on more doors. But this time, not because it was her idea. I don't know what it's going to do for the Obama campaign, but it's doing a lot for me.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Obama's Lead!
From the KC Star:
Barack Obama's lead over John McCain is now up to 10 points in both versions of Gallup's daily tracking poll.
The poll, which has been split into a traditional likely voter model and an expanded likely voter model had seen McCain cutting into Obama's lead earlier in the week, especially in the traditional model.
But in Saturday's results, the margin is the same, 52 percent to 42 percent.
With only three days left in this race, is that too much of a gap for McCain to hope to close?
Obama's camp would hope so, though Obama clearly is not resting during the final lap, as he's been pouring an enormous amount of money and energy into the campaign. He's in Springfield again today, and Joe Biden will be Missouri again Monday.
McCain meanwhile would put his hopes on the notion that polls can't trusted anymore. With a full 66 percent of all people called by pollsters now refusing to answer their questions, his hope would be those refusniks lean GOP. And, while almost broke (in campaign money terms) this past week, his camp has been camping in Missouri as well. Missouri is vital to any hope McCain has of victory. Without it, he loses. In fact, without it, he probably loses big.
But if he wins here, and in Florida, and in another couple swing states, then his camp thinks he has a chance.
In any case, this is simply a poll, and we're only days away from the vote. And this poll is national, not state by state, so it says nothing about the electoral votes.
For how long can McCain cover his ears and close his eyes? It's pretty much settled. Settled enough for his VP pick to be distancing herself from the ticket. People are already speculating about Palin 2012. I hope that happens, because that means 8 years for Barack. I mean, really, how much can this twit learn in four years? Maybe she should start by getting a passport, and reading about the world.
Oh wait. That's not very mavericky.
Barack Obama's lead over John McCain is now up to 10 points in both versions of Gallup's daily tracking poll.
The poll, which has been split into a traditional likely voter model and an expanded likely voter model had seen McCain cutting into Obama's lead earlier in the week, especially in the traditional model.
But in Saturday's results, the margin is the same, 52 percent to 42 percent.
With only three days left in this race, is that too much of a gap for McCain to hope to close?
Obama's camp would hope so, though Obama clearly is not resting during the final lap, as he's been pouring an enormous amount of money and energy into the campaign. He's in Springfield again today, and Joe Biden will be Missouri again Monday.
McCain meanwhile would put his hopes on the notion that polls can't trusted anymore. With a full 66 percent of all people called by pollsters now refusing to answer their questions, his hope would be those refusniks lean GOP. And, while almost broke (in campaign money terms) this past week, his camp has been camping in Missouri as well. Missouri is vital to any hope McCain has of victory. Without it, he loses. In fact, without it, he probably loses big.
But if he wins here, and in Florida, and in another couple swing states, then his camp thinks he has a chance.
In any case, this is simply a poll, and we're only days away from the vote. And this poll is national, not state by state, so it says nothing about the electoral votes.
For how long can McCain cover his ears and close his eyes? It's pretty much settled. Settled enough for his VP pick to be distancing herself from the ticket. People are already speculating about Palin 2012. I hope that happens, because that means 8 years for Barack. I mean, really, how much can this twit learn in four years? Maybe she should start by getting a passport, and reading about the world.
Oh wait. That's not very mavericky.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
