The Way I See ItBy cj pollickMarch Elections – Indian Rocks Beach has three people running for two open council seats. Two are newcomers while one is an incumbent. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Supports More Pork In 2009 - Barack Obama said he would veto any spending bills from Congress that include "Pork-barrel" spending for 2009. However, it seems as though his message was merely a political ploy in order to appease moderate/independent voters. Senate Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) recently pushed the following "Pork-barrel" spending bills for quick passage:
The list of wasteful spending by the new US Congress resembles the same Congress of the past two years led by Democrats and the previous eight years of GOP-led Congressional spendthrifts. All of this government waste, however, has not had the support of Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma. He believes Congress should stop wasting taxpayer funds ... especially during a deep recession and where the federal government is bailing-out big business. Folks who are unhappy can call 202-224-3121 to voice their opposition to our government's spending habits. Bush To Obama, What Else Would You Like? - During President Bush's outgoing address he referred to threats of terrorism as one of the important issues for the next president to address. Thus, President Bush believes America should still guard itself against an attack by radical terrorists in 2009. President Bush further suggested he would "free-up" more government funds if President-Elect Obama needed more taxpayer funds before he took office for his fiscal stimulus programs. Bush to Obama: What can I do for you before I leave office next week? Obama to Bush: Set aside another half a trillion of taxpayer funds for spending/bailout funds. Done Deal. How Bad Was The Great Depression? - If you look at the numbers, the Great Depression was clearly worse than our current Deep Recession. For example, the following are some things to consider about the Great Depression of 1929: In 1931 unemployment rose to 16%. In 1933, 89% of stock values were gone, lost forever. Thousands of banks closed, the money supply had evaporated, our national economy had shrunk over 33% and one-fourth of all heads of households were unemployed. There was no unemployment insurance during those horrific years, no Medicare, no Medicaid, no social security benefits and no welfare benefits. People who had a job considered themselves most fortunate, the rest of the unemployed coped with the trials of each and every day. Interestingly, FDR increased taxes and instituted what he called the "New Deal." History buffs have opined that FDR's New Deal was a failure. Increasing taxes during a depression was not the best idea to regain national financial strength; rather, and later demonstrated by President Ronald Reagan (who inherited a recession from former President Jimmy Carter) that cutting taxes and cutting government spending was the better idea. Reagan cut taxes by 25% and the nation regained financial strength (by more people working and paying taxes.) If history is correct, the Obama/Biden plan to increase taxes might not be the best solution to help America regain its financial strength and vitality. Yes, change is coming to the White House, but will it be positive change? How bad was the Great Depression? Our grandparents have told us stories of days with little or no food, no electricity, no jobs and loss of homes and/or farms. Worse than 2008-2009? Yes, much worse. However, people who have lost their homes, jobs, invested funds, pension plans, etc., in 2008-2009 have a better understanding of 1933 than the rest of us. And for the people who think China is not going through the same recession as America, England, France, Germany, Russia and a host of other large nations across the world, not true. China is reportedly in a recession and it could be as bad as ours. The Chinese working middle-class is shrinking and production of goods in China is shrinking, not growing. Experts wanted a global economy – they now have a global recession. Deportation Ruling - Illegal immigrants do not have a constitutional right to effective legal representation in deportation hearings, stated Attorney General Michael Mukasey last week. Attorneys who had represented illegal immigrants had used this alleged "constitutional challenge" in order to delay deportation hearings. That legal constitutional challenge is no longer available, so said Attorney General Mukasey. Gator Nation Rules - If you are a Florida Gator supporter, you were pleased to observe the Florida Gators football team beat the Oklahoma Sooners last Thursday evening in Miami. However, suffice to say the game could have gone Oklahoma's way except for a few great defensive plays by the Gator defense. Last Friday, the Gators were awarded the number one ranking in the PSC college football rankings, Utah was number two. Regardless of one's college affiliation, most folks would agree that there are not many universities that have more supportive fans than the University of Florida. The Gator Nation rules, again. USF vs. FSU - It just goes to show that if you win college football games, develop a solid college football program, win some post-season bowl games, and have a large, supportive fan base, you gain the attention and respect of more noteworthy college football programs. USF recently announced that they will play FSU next year in Tallahassee with a return match in Tampa two years after. USF vs FSU-- Wow! Imagine, it was only a dozen years ago when people like LeRoy Selman and other prominent USF supporters began to develop a plan for USF football. Who could have guessed that the USF football program would have developed into one of the best in all of college football. USF fans, however, need to continue their support of USF and join the alumni association (which fees can accommodate all people.) USF football needs the support of the Tampa Bay community in order to continue its spectacular growth. Kudos to LeRoy Selman and supporters of USF football. Job well done. Tony Dungy Retires – When Tampa Bay Bucs Coach Tony Dungy was fired and replaced by Oakland’s Jon Gruden, many people thought the Glazers made a bad decision. Tony Dungy went on to coach the Indianapolis Colts and . . . the rest is history. John Gruden nevertheless coached the Super Bowl Champion where most every player on the team was recruited by Dungy. Tampa Bay has always been fond of Tony Dungy and, now, Dungy plans to retire in Tampa Bay to spend time with his family. Kudos to Tony Dungy for a successful career in the NFL not marred by any management controversies. Tampa Bay is fortunate that Tony Dungy will call Tampa his home. Patience – Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits. - Thomas A. Edison |