The first 100 days!!!

Before I dive into President Obama's first 100 days in office and his press conference earlier this evening, I would like to make a quick observation.  I do not believe a single word that comes out of Barack Obama's mouth.  In fact, his demeanor is arrogant and borderline insulting.  "Wash your hands", was his suggestion for battling the Swine (H1N1 to be politically correct) Flu.  You may be able to fool some of the drones that follow you Mr. President, but there is no way you can keep on deceiving the knowledgeable and the informed.  

We use the milestone of 100 days as a general measuring stick of how a president is doing policy wise, popularity wise, etc.  The overly balanced media (and I say that with a grin from ear to ear), suggests Obama is doing a better job in his first 100 days then both George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.  And how do you figure that?  What has Mr. Obama really accomplished in his first 100 days?  Change? Yes we can? Please.  He has managed to close Guantanamo Bay, expose and condemn top secret intelligence gathering methods that aid in national security, incur on behalf of the American people a $3.6 trillion national debt, has ok'ed public funding for stem cell research, what else? What has this president done that is so unbelievably mesmerizing?  When will we stop treating this president as a candidate and as a historical achievement, but instead as a leader of this nation, not as savior but as the most influential and powerful man in this country and arguably in this world.  What bothers me the most is how some of the younger generation has reacted to Obama's term thus far.  I can understand why they voted for him, they were looking for change, it was trendy, Obama was the way to go.  But what about now?  A 20 year old today, who is planning on retiring at age 70, is going to pay over $114,000 in interest incurred in their lifetime.  I am going to pay $114,000 to President Obama and the government that he claims he is shrinking and does not want to expand.  See the common drone may believe this.  But I don't.

President Obama, the way your administration and policies are laid out, you will have increased the size and scope of the U.S. Government by 25%.  But hey, there is some good news (not really) because the U.S. economy has decreased in productivity by 6.1%.  The United States economy has shrunk by 6.1% under Barack Obama's watch. That's the most lost productivity in over 50 years. Change.  Yes we can.  But, of course, it was George's fault, right?  That's what the propaganda media has implanted into the heads of every drone programed to spit out senseless facts and nonsense.  While we are on this note, I can't believe some of the media I have seen lately, both conservative but more so liberal.  It's disgusting.  So we have a debt created by a one president that is larger than all 43 previous presidents who preceded Mr. Obama.  He has increased our taxes.  He has expanded government, which is now invading the private sector and corporate realm.  And last, but most certainly not least, he is changing the gear on the United States steamboat, he's moved it from free capitalism to a socialist agenda.  Are the United State's best days behind her?  Sadly, I think they may be.  

I listened to the Presidential press conference today on the radio.  I turned it off after about 25 minutes.  I found myself in awe.  Not because of Mr. Obama's verbatim or his "enchanting" diction and suave, but at how this man is actually our President.  He was dodging more questions than Ben Stiller was in Dodgeball the movie.  He was consistently beating around the bush, and deviating from the main focus of the question by rambling on some tangent or making a little joke. Haha.  Well played sir.  And I want you all to know something, I don't write this or think this way to spite Obama or because I hold a grudge.  No.  I would write this exact same thing if George Bush or Ronald Regan were doing the same thing.  I think the way I do because I disagree with this mans mentality, with his policies, with his values, and I truly believe he is putting this country on the wrong track.  

Lastly, Obama appeared at a town meeting just after the tax-day tea parties in order to discuss the health care reform plan and the current economic situation.  He mentioned how there were certain media outlets that did not like him very much (fox news), and that there may be certain "folks" who are waving around tea bags (which induced some laughter among the crowd), but that he was open to having a discussion with anyone regarding his reform and his fiscal policy.  You know what, I have one wish, just one wish.  I wish President Obama would show up on the fox news channel and debate either Rush Limbaugh or healthcare Mark Levin.  Just for one hour.  Open forum debate.  Live.  Nationally televised. That would be epic.  There is no way Rham Emmanuel and the rest of the administration will let Obama speak anywhere outside of CNN or where their teleprompters can reach.  Also, Mr. Obama has one heck of a surprise heading his way, because this grass roots movement is the biggest we have seen in decades, and people are pissed off and really beginning to see the direction Obama is taking this country.

All hail the chief.    

The coming of a second plague???

Well, there are two ways you can look at this current "swine flu", either it is the next global pandemic or nothing more than a media frenzied common cold.  The swine flu seems to be originating from a particular farm, "ground-zero" if you will, in Mexico.  This flu strain is a mixture of three types of influenza: bird, pig, and human strains.  Although the swine flu may have originated in Mexico, they have spread to the United States as well as several other countries around the world.  Cases are popping up all over Texas, California, New York, and other states.  It is an easily forgotten fact that the flu kills tens of thousands of people in the United States every year.  Despite having the medical advances and vaccination treatments, the flu still claims thousands of lives annually.  Granted a majority of these victims are either the elderly or young infants, it still seems rather odd that we cannot seem to impede this deadly illness.  

I heard a rather interesting theory the other day while listening to the radio.  Entertain the notion for a few minutes if you will.  What is so very odd about this particular strain of influenza is the unlikely mixture of bird, swine, and human strains.  Is this just a simple coincidence that has spread to several countries, including the United States, or is this an act of bio-terrorism.  Is it that much of a stretch of the imagination to think that terrorism would eventually use biochemicals and disease as weapon forms?  Why not use the flu? In fact it makes the perfect criminal, its a quite and common killer that won't raise a hint of suspicion in the global community...unless of course it begins to spread like wildfire.  Is it that unlikely that terrorist organizations have used infectious disease as a weapon to combat the United States and global community?  Well it may be a stretch, but is a drastically more fascinating hypothesis then say claiming this flu outbreak originated from a pig farm.   

Many have died, mainly in Mexico, and many have suffered from mild symptoms, however the question remains: is this disease outbreak containable and treatable?  I personally think the media has blown this way out of proportion.  I think this just creates unnecessary panic, especially when the Director of Homeland Security is on T.V. declaring a state of emergency. However, I could be very very wrong.  Maybe all of this craziness is warranted and this influenza strain is a legitimate concern...how can we really be sure.  However, if the government and Ms. Janet Napolitano is so concerned that she has recommended U.S. citizens stay out of Mexico and we wash our hands constantly, why have we not taken initiatives to protect our country's borders?  Why are we not enforcing the law on the borders, why are we treating illegal (keyword illegal) aliens as victims.  I, myself, am an immigrant and came to this country when I was five years old, and my parents couldn't speak a word of English.  But, nevertheless, they gained their citizenship legally and passed it down to their children.  That's how it works.  And what are we doing?  We are asking people if they have been sick in the last few days or weeks when they immigrate into America.  And if they say "yes", then we run further tests, and if they say "no" then we let them in.  Ladies and gentlemen, that is Homeland Security's brilliant plan to protect the United States from further exposure to the swine flu (which you apparently cannot get from eating pig, which is great, because I really do enjoy the occasional bacon).  

Why not adopt a process like Seoul, in which a temperature scanning is conducted on every immigrants (in airports, etc) to make sure they do not have an elevated core body, which could be swine flu exposure.  Some European countries even have a patch that you temperature  can put on a person's neck and get a quick and accurate reading as to any possible flu exposure.  The technology is out there!!! Why are we not using it!!!! Ms. Napolitano, I look forward to an answer soon...unless of course I die from the swine flu tomorrow.  God forbid.  

Contemporary American Idiocy

I'm fairly certain everyone has been exposed to the recent scandal involving gay celebrity blogger Perez Hilton and Ms. USA runner-up Carrie Prejean.  First of all, I would like to state, that in my humble opinion, Perez Hilton is a semi-retarded menace.  He is not funny, he's not kind nor polite, and the guy spends his time making fun of other people...maybe he should take a look at his nasty self first and foremost.  Below, is a transcript of the alleged "controversial" exchange with Carrie Prejean (total babe):

Perez Hilton: “Vermont recently became the 4th state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit. Why or why not?”

Prejean: “Well I think its great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised and that’s how I think it should be between a man and a woman. Thank you very much.”

(source: http://celebrity.rightpundits.com/?p=5866)

I don't understand what is so unacceptable about this? He asked a question and he received a response.  Usually a proposed question receives an opinion, its either this or that.  See, why I think this is so hypocritical, of not only Perez Hilton but also others, is because I constantly hear of being open-minded and accept others opinions and views on how they want to live their lives. Fine.  But don't shut someone down, and not award her a Ms. USA title, just because she defers on a view (which she presented in a reasonable and respectful manner).  In some parts of the world, homosexuality is punishable by death.  That's the reality of the world we live in.  Although I do not agree with that in the slightest, I most certainly can not agree with the punishment of freedom of speech.  But it gets better.  Perez Hilton records a video of himself claiming Ms. Prejean didn't take the crown because she is a "bitch".  Is that wonderful.  If I were her, I would launch a class action suit against this moron for slander (I'm not sure whether it its a class action suit or civil suit, you lawyers will have to fill me in!).  

This country was founded on the principles of freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That is what makes America the greatest country to live in and to build a future in.  I discussed this exact situation in a previous post, the fact that the media has created an environment in which people who hold certain opinions are put-down and regarded as bigots.  It's not like this girl is running for President, or suggested that we incarcerate all homosexuals just for kicks.  She said that she holds a certain view, meant no disrespect, and held this view for a certain reason, whether it be religious, personal, family, etc.  I for one do not agree with gay marriage, however I fully respect all gay people, because it's their life not mine.  But I hold my beliefs based on religious reasons and also how federally legalizing gay marriage would effect society.  

I think it was a wrong question to ask at a beauty pageant, and I think it was unfair how the contestant was treated, and DISCRIMINATED against for holding a certain view that didn't bring bodily harm to anyone.  The liberal media has taken its pleasure in nailing this girl on the cross, and making an example of her.  That, "if your not with us, and don't agree with us...then your the enemy".  I specifically am gearing my criticism towards CNN.  There is a reason Fox News and its subsequent programming is consistently ranked #1.  I, for one, love arguing and playing devil's advocates.  And I am not afraid to share my views nor my reasons for thinking the way I do with anyone.  That is my right, that is Carrie Prejean's right, and it's Perez Hilton's right.  As long as you keep it classy and respectful, conversation and disagreement is at the root of learning and sharing ideas.  I hope to hear some opinions from people on the matter, as it is one of the (if not the most) hotly contested and controversial matters in American society.  

Susan Boyle. I dream.

This doesn't really have anything to do with politics or economics, but this was just too amazing not to share.  This woman is an example of what you can do if just given a chance, and ALSO don't ever judge a book by its cover...because you may very well be surprised, just like these judges were.

Enjoy:  Britain's Got Talent: Susan Boyle

America>Socialism

Today, was a great day for America.  And it was a very bad day for Barack Obama and his administration.  Tens of thousands of people rallied at 500 tax day tea parties across the United States (I heard between 15,000-20,000 in Atlanta, Georgia).  Despite efforts by MSNBC and CNN to demonize these people for peacefully and legally voicing their disappointment and anger over Barack Obama's spending spree, our point was made.  We are not your ATM Mr. Obama, our children and their children are not going to sit around and pay for your shopping spree.  The leftist media spun these tax day rallies as republican propaganda aimed at bashing Obama.  News-flash morons: these rallies were filled with democrats, conservatives, black people, Asian people, white people.  They tried to play this event down, as they will continue to look down upon anyone with any mere conservative opinions.  If you oppose gay marriage you are homophobic and ignorant, if you are pro-life your a religious extremist, if you are republican you are marked as an ultra conservative.  You just can't win with these guys can you?  Well it doesn't matter, because I cannot wait (literally on the edge of my seat) for 2010 to roll around and for us to elect a new Congress into office (Lord knows 2012 can't come soon enough).

I think today was a very important day for a few reasons.  It shows the Obama administration that Americans are not going to sit back and get taxed for things they do not believe in.  A $3.6 trillion spending budget is unacceptable, even if a supposed $1.7 trillion is going towards tax breaks for middle class Americans.  Why is it so difficult to understand the illogical results of raising taxes during a recession will only further hurt the economy.  Why don't we cut federal taxes, cut capital gain taxes, and cut state taxes.  This will automatically induce an economic stimulus through small businesses, in areas of job creation, consumer spending, etc.  Why do you think Texas has the most employed citizens out of any other state in the United States?  Because they have no state income taxes.  Thus, jobs are created through small businesses.  It is a very simple formula.  I think people are finally starting to realize Barack Obama is human, and everyone is starting to move out of the honeymoon phase and back to to reality.  Yes, I said it, Barack Hussein Obama is just a normal guy.  Not a savior.  Not a financial genius.  Not a very effective or savvy international diplomat.  He is just a normal guy.  And normal guys...make mistakes.

Mission: Destroy Somali Pirates

If for some reason anyone has empathy for these semi-automatic packin' Somalian pirates, I suggest you turn on your local news station and keep up with the current reports.  Pirates (every-time I say that word I have visions of Johnny Depp and Kira Knightley...love her) have once again attacked a US cargo ship off the Somalian coast.  Oh and by the way, these pirates don't use cannon fire and swords, oh no, they fire rocket propelled grenades and heavy automatic weapons.  The most current attack was geared towards the Liberty Sun, however, the pirates were unsuccessful in hijacking the ship and taking the crew as hostage.  OK, so what do we do? Lets go about this in a logical manner.  The United States has the most advanced and capable military and weapon technology on Earth.  These Somalian pirates have bases, ships, and your run-of-the-mill ((rocket propelled and automatic) weaponry.  My suggestion: send a couple of our fighter planes to bomb the hell out of these pirate ships and bases.  Problem solved.  So, has anyone in the White House thought about this? Or are we going to try and extend a peaceful hand to these pirates, maybe even bow to em, or hey maybe even give them an iPod or DVD collection as a peace offering.  I apologize, that was as far as my sarcasm is going to go, because this is indeed a very serious situation.

Piracy used to be punishable by death.  And here we are, as a global community, sitting by and watching these barbarians raid our cargo ships and threaten us for ransom money.  Are you kidding me?  And of course, the world looks to the US to solve the matter, but we have yet to make a move.  Here you have these pirates swearing vengeance for their slain associates (at least you have to commend their loyalty and valor), and then we have Obama promising to halt the rise of piracy on Monday.  Tuesday=attack on cargo ship.  Well Mr. President, you sure have done quite a bit of promising, how about we quit playing with Bo the dog, and get to fixing this pirate issue.  Oh and while you're at it, lets cut down this deficit too, so Narsai Jr. Jr. doesn't have to pay for it.  Many thanks, good night ya'll.  

By the way, I am very excited to see how these tax day tea parties will go tomorrow, I wish I could attend, but I'm sure they will be a huge success!

I always love a good laugh...

Well, I did some research as to how much it would cost to have a personalized plate in California.  It is a $41 initial fee, and a $30 annual renewal fee.  This lady wastes $30 a year.

Took a little break...but its back to business

I took a couple of weeks off to get my life in order slash absorb all of the dramatics of the financial and political worlds.  There are definitely a few key things that have been edging their way to the front of my mind.  Firstly, I was very pleased to see the swift and perfectly executed rescue of Captain Richard Philips.  I am so very thankful to be a citizen of a country that has the most talented military command in the world (and I say this with great confidence).  Those Navy SEALS were remarkable in their tactical approach to accomplishing their mission, rescuing the captain.  But here is where I am encountering a wall of giant frustration.  This crisis lasted 5 days. Correct me if I am wrong, but we didn't hear anything from Mr. Obama through the first 4 3/4 days.  Well, we heard Emanuel and Gibbs conveying how troubled the President was and how he was doing everything in his power to handle the crisis, and that he had given authority to Naval Commands in order to dissolve the situation.  And all of a sudden, once the captain was rescued, you have the associated press (de-pressed as Mark Lavin so eloquently puts it) blowing trumpets and honoring Obama for his first international crisis well handled.  (Applause).  This wouldn't have anything to do with Joe Biden famous line of "Obama will be tested internationally in the first six months of his presidency"?  Would it?  Or it wouldn't have any correlation to the AP's school-boy crush and border line infatuation with Barack Obama...would it? 

Anyways, enough about fantasized conspiracy theories and our "fair and balanced" media.  Lets move on to some recent events that are extremely note-worthy.  First off, I am excited to see how these Tax Day Tea Parties end up on Wednesday (You can find more information at Tax Day Tea Party).  I love civil disobedience, and I enjoy it even more when its something I agree with and something I can identify with.  This tax issue has reached a point of absurdity.  You have a president who promised not to tax people making less that $250,000, and economists see that number dropping down to around $90,000-$100,000.  Quite a difference huh?  I don't like paying more taxes then I have to, whether it be capital gains or income.  People get on George Bush for leaving us in debt, his online debt was around $680 billion, well those same people are so quick to forget that Obama's online debt will be $1.8 trillion by the end of 2009.  Mr. Obama will also spend more in the next 4 years then all of his 43 predecessors combined.  I heard an interesting point made on the radio today.  Lets relate this economic situation to our personal lives, if we were in debt and trying to recover our losses and stimulate or income, etc...would we be ordering new credit cards and credit lines or trying to spend more and more money? No, you would save, spend wisely, look for growth in investments, etc.  So why is our President spending trillions of dollars and increasing the tax burden on this generation and the debt burden on generations to come.  Quick side note, I found this interesting and extremely troubling: Standard and Poors has projected U.S. treasury bonds to be rated as B bonds by 2020 and Junk bonds by 2030.  That is the bread and butter of foreign investment into the U.S., turned into Junk bonds?!?!? Scary.  

Anyways, thats it for now, I'm sure something interesting will pop up in my head tomorrow.  Until then, I would like to extend my sincere (ha, ya right) condolences to Caroline Kennedy...She not only got denied from the Hilary's old senate seat, but she also just got denied by the Vatican (she was Obama's nominee for ambassador to Vatican).  Better luck next time Caroline.