LET SUMMER FINALLY BEGIN
May 31, 2005
I worked in the yard building a new tree house, setting up our Golden with new “digs” to deal with the heat, and I watered the thirsty flowers and shrubs. At the end of it all, I was ready to declare that the summer season had begun in earnest.
We’ve had several false starts on the summer journey as unusual cool evenings visited us with merciful repititions. But, as Monday came to a close I was reminded of what heat and humidity could do to the body. Sweat? You bet! Profusely. It’s time to re-adjust our Spring habits. Mowing will either have to wait until late evenings or early mornings.
Most people will read this post late Tuesday morning as they head back to the work place after a 3-4 day weekend get-away. And it will be the first day of June. Yep, summer is finally here and the best we can hope for here in Houston is a cooling rain every now and then, temperatures to get down to 75 at night, and days wherein we stay in the low 90’s. Doing that would make summer tolerable.
Don’t bet the farm on it.
WEEKEND MEMORIES ABOUND
May 29, 2005
It’s another Memorial holiday weekend; however, this one takes on greater significance. America is at war still: once again. It’s a dedication day for the new WWII Memorial. It’s a weekend when everyone is a patriot.
We honor what is called the “greatest generation”. Yes, there are some that are greater than others. But down through the years, Americans have willingly proven more than equal to the task of defending our freedom. Some 3,459 have earned the Congressional Medal Of Honor, about 20% posthumously. Only 137 of them are still alive today. They are the bravest of the brave.
Both Republicans and Democrats will take credit for the theme of this weekend and try to make political capital out of it. In and through the weekend, I pray that we’ll not only honor those that have gone before, but that we will kneel and thank those that are still on the battlefield.
There are far more than just the 138,000 serving in Iraq. From Korea, to Afghanistan, and at many other ports of call, our servicemen and women put on their uniforms, and take the risk that each day presents, so that you and I can be free this weekend. Free to BBQ, attend family outings, go to movies, and just relax at home.
I salute those who have served and died getting us here. And, I salute those that currently risk their lives, keeping us here: in a land of the free.
HERE IS WHAT I AM THINKING!
May 27, 2005
Actually, this seems to be a follow up to yesterday’s rant.
The dog has caught the car! Now what? In my sixty years of life, a great deal of it has been spent observing how life is done and how the gods deal with us. By the way, I think the gods were staying on the sidelines during the Trojan War. Have you seen the movie Troy yet? Most women are going back for a second look at Brad! But, I digress.
Back to my topic. I’ve observed two generic strategies in the tides of life. I’m not sure who the philosopher was but he put it this way: ‘There are two tragedies in life. You don’t get what you want, and you get what you want’. I think the gods are allowing us to have all we want because that’s what gods (little “g” and plural) do. And the singluar, capital “G”, God, let’s them!
The desert of life is making us sick! And yet we ask for more cake! Wash it down with the best Scotch (yuk). And for breakfast, we’ll have one of those $1,000 omlette’s that’s been in the news. You know, the six egg and ten ounce caviar omlette that a restaurant in New York sells for $1,000! But, if you’re a penny-pincher, you can get the three egg, one ounce portion of caviar for only $125.
Tell me this is sanity and I will tell you, you’re delusional. Does anybody know what time it is (outside of Chicago)? Does anyone really care? Okay enough already.
But let me finish my “thinking”. The world isn’t in a good place and I am afraid that it will be worse off before the year is over. And you know, right now I don’t see America ready to accept an answer, because to do that we’d have to admit something is wrong. And, I’m thinking, too many are living in denial right now to do that.
…………….AND WE ARE THEY!
May 26, 2005
Remember that phrase? We have met the enemy……and we are they! The FBI and Justice Department informed us yesterday that they have an ABP for seven would-be terrorists: or shall we say “persons of interest”?
There are summers of discontent, there are El Nino summers, and now we have a summer of terrorism. Will they strike at the MLB All Star game in Houston? Will it be the Democratic Convention in Boston (where JFK will indeed accept the nomination), will it be in New York where the Republicans meet, or another major event?
No one knows, but you can be sure that somewhere down the road the Homeland Security Alert will be raised. And yet while all of our attention is on THEM, we’re missing the most severe enemey: the one within. And, I am not talking terrorists within our borders, I’m talking the secular mindset of humanism that is so self-absorbed that it refuses to admit, it’s the real enemy.
Did I lose you on that last sentence?
While Romans fiddled, Rome burned. The main issue for our press, college professors, and much of America is “human rights”! The right to social entitlements, the right of better health care, the right of overtime pay, the right of uninhibited free speech, the right of gays to marry, the right of homosexual civil unions, and on and on. There is no end to what we as a society are demanding: as our basic inalienable right(s). Weren’t all of the above in the Bill Of Rights?
We’re met the enemy and we are THEY. And we will (are) destroy ourselves from within- just like Rome.
MAYBE TEN MORE YEARS?
May 25, 2005
I think the political landscape in America is about to change. The two-party system served us well for many decades; however, what we have now is more akin to a ONE party rule. There really isn’t that much difference between the two.
George Bush has basically blurred the lines by bringing the Republican party closer to the Democratic camp than anyone else. He’s been out-spending the most liberal of Democrats and his “Compassionate-Conservative” theme is just another way to describe socialism. I’d take Bush over Kerry any day. The two men and night and day, but their parties are another thing.
All of that notwithstanding, we are only one more attack on America away from both parties uniting- unwittingly! The liberal left wants to get back to taking care of all our social needs with massive entitlement program infusions. But, if we do have an attack on our shores this summer, you can forget about social program hopes.
In fact, being as honest as I can, and calling upon my history major in college, I see a nation that is so self-absorbed that we might have ten years at best to remain “King Of The Hill”. We’re another Rome in the process of imploding on our pleasures. If you look ten years down the road and see China’s population, and potential coming into being, can America call the shots in 2015? I doubt it.
And to think. I’ll have a son fresh out of college looking for the “good life” in 2015.
YET TO BE MANIFESTED?
May 24, 2005
A few months ago, George Bush was riding a political high. Saddam Hussein had just been captured and the world was captivated by the pictures of him coming out of his spider hole. That was then, this is now.
Today, Bush’s ratings are at all-time lows and other pictures have taken center stage. Pictures of U.S. service men and women mocking and making fun of prisoners. Pictures of death and destruction of American tanks, vehicles, and individuals.
Bush gave the first of six speeches Monday night to inform and reassure the American people that come June 30th, there would be a hand-off of sovereignity to the Iraqi people. It was logical, but without emotion: and no pictures.
So, here’s what I believe. Over the next 5+ months new pictures will come into being, and a picture yet to come, will make the difference in who wins the presidency. It could be a picture of Osama bin Laden being killed or captured. Win one for Bush.
It could be a picture of dozens of U.S. servicemen killed in Iraq. Win one for Kerry. It could be a picture of an attack on U.S. soil. Who wins? Who knows? What I do feel though is that the “thing” (maybe a picture) that will tip the tide as to who wins the presidency come November has yet to be manifested. In other words, the jury is still out.
THE SALESMAN COMETH!
May 23, 2005
Tonight #43 takes to the airways for the first of 5-6 messages to the American people, Iraqis, and the world. He is going to explain to those who will vote in November, just how we plan to make an exit from Iraq.
The whole world is currently caving in on Bush. I am sure that he probably wishes he hadn’t made the trek into Iraq. Life would have been so much more simple for George #43, had he stayed out of Iraq. It’s easy for the “Monday” quarterbacks to offer their opinions. And yes, it’s so easy for the “retired” military officers to give their expert opinions- after the fact.
There is no way to know what we saved ourselves from by taking Saddam out at this time. I personally think the world is much safer with him gone. I also beleive a message ahs been sent to the “terrorist dictators” of the world. Just what that message is will largely be determined by what the next six messages are from #43.
So, tonight Bush tries to SELL his exit plan, and more importantly the grand plan that all this entails. Should he fail in this sales job, come Janaury 20, 2005, we’ll have a new president and God only knows what that will mean.
FREEDOM’S ACHILLES HEEL
May 21, 2005
If you haven’t seen the part fiction, part true story of Achilles, in the movie Troy, you need to. Achilles was the son of Paleus. He was one of the mightest of Greek warriors who fought in the Trojan war. He was right up there with Leonidas, only about 700 years earlier. So, much for history. Let’s fast-forward to 2004.
America is there with other historical nations for our impact, empire, fame, and longevity. In fact, we just may be coming to an end in our dominance. Freedom does have it’s drawbacks. It was a Frenchman, Alexis de Tocqueville, who in 1831 said America could not live up to it’s calling. Democracy and freedom were more than humanity could handle. We couldn’t afford the luxury of complete freedom!
In the name of the FIRST amendment, America is beginning to see the arrow: the one that will strike our heel. I am convinced that the press will eventually bring our nation down. Yes, we might change, but I doubt it.
No nation, no people, no culture is totally pure, righteous, and fair. Don’t we all know that? But the press, which is 95% liberal, keeps demanding to show our evil side. They think the world has a right to KNOW. The press keeps the fires going. The press keeps the pictures of prison abuse before the world. The press keeps demanding it’s right to know- all things. Of course they only want to know the BAD: that’s the real story. Good news simply does not sell!
Dozens of books are being written this summer, just to bring down George Bush. Movies are being rushed into theatres. And then there’s Michael Moore of course. They call his works documentaries. The last I checked that definition, his works are far from it.
Go on press, keep pointing out our weaknesses as a people. Let the world know every hideous detail. Pretend that you are Apollo: the God who brought down Achilles. Maybe you can bring America down as well. You’re well on the way.
ANOTHER BURNING BUSH?
May 20, 2005
It seems like things just get worse and worse for Bush every day: and Rumsfeld is running right alongside of him. In the battle between the State Department (read Colin Powell) and the Defense Department (read Rumsfeld-Cheney), State is giving a good old whipping to the boys at Defense.
Who would have ever thought that the U.S. would be blasting into the Ahmad Chalabi house and holding him at gun point while carrying off all of his computers and disks? This was Rummie’s man! State didn’t trust him. And now he says he’s had it with the U.S. Pack up and get out of Iraq, he says. Now what George?
Well Bush went up to the Hill to try and quell the dissent that is building, even in his own ranks. Most insiders said it didn’t go well, though everyone put a good face on it. Then in the afternoon, the Senate decided to not even try and debate the $2.4T budget that the House barely passed 216-213, as they don’t have enough votes.
Finally the Republicans have a clear advantage in both Chambers and they can’t do a darn thing. Oh, yes. Hastert can criticize McCain and question his Republican manhood. What a mess the Republicans find themselves in.
Does Bush have a lock on the convention? Okay, okay, so things aren’t that bad. Yet! But if things get any worse, he’s going to need to have a seance with Moses and ask him how he might have one of those burning-Bush experiences. You know, where God supernaturally shows up and takes Moses (Bush)out of his desert wilderness (Iraq) experience.
THERE CAN BE NO PEACE!
May 19, 2005
I have been convinced for as long as I can remember now (ever since I studied history in college), that there can never be any peace in the Middle East until Israel is no longer a state- or until all Jews are killed.
I think we Americans are sticking our heads in the ground (sand?) if we think there can somehow be peace while an Israeli State exists. The Muslims have said so. The Muslims teach that Jews are dogs and worthy to be killed.
Now everyone is debating how inflammatory Senator (D) Ernest Hollings recent comments. He said that Bush went to war with Iraq just to protect Israel, and appease the Jews in America. Wow! Talk about a house (nation) divided.
Let’s face it, it’s even hard for the peaceful Muslims to accept Israel as a state. And who are these Jews anyway? For the Muslim world, they are just an extension of the American Jews and all Christians. Muslims call all NON Muslims infidels. And you know what they do to infidels- they kill them!
I’m definitely NOT anti-Islam. I am anti any Islamic force or person who follows my comments above though. And right now, that “seems” to be by far the majority. I think the peacful Muslims are afraid to speak out for fear that the radical ones will consider them infidels as well.
Peace? What peace?
IT’S A MAD, MAD WORLD!
May 18, 2005
Spc. Jeremy Sivits goes on trial today in Baghdad for a host of offenses against the prisoners he was supposed to guard. A rocket launcher is found outside Atlanta. And we’re being warned by Homeland Security that a major chemical attack in being planned by al-Qaida this summer. Just another day in our new world.
Whatever happened to the good-old days? Were they really that good, or are these just that bad? I guess the real question is, what’s normal for today and tomorrow? What can we really expect when same sex marriage is legal, the Pledge of Allegiance cannot contain the word God, and kids can’t take Tylenol without permission, but they can take birth control pills.
I think the odds of winning in Vegas are better than trying to predict who will be president next year. There are just so many independent variables out there. Predictability is a waste of time. Uncertainty is our new companion: doubt our ever-present friend.
There are no road maps where we are going. A sound and reliable internal compass is about all one can hope for (read Holy Spirit).
MESSES IN MASSACHUSETTS
May 17, 2005
Okay, so gays can be married in Kerry’s home state. I used to think that California was the land of the unusual, strange, and weird. Now, it makes sense to me why the state flower in Mass. is the Epigaea repens, better known as the Trailing-Arbutus.
Say what?
Okay, would you believe the state bird is the black-cap Titmouse? Otherwise known as the Black-Capped Chickadee? Okay, enough of this nonsense! Both happen to be facts though.
Let’s just say that the state that has as it’s two senators, John Kerry and Edward Kennedy, has now become the first state in America to grant gays and lesbians the right to marry. So, America (now in part) joins four other nations on this planet where homosexuals can marry.
Maybe you can tell that I am against same-sex marriage. Maybe you can also tell that I feel Kerry & Kennedy are a part of that culture, and that what we’re seeing in Cambridge, Mass. Monday, is what we’ll be seeing throughout the U.S. if Kerry is elected president.
I’m not homophobic, just a believer that procreation comes about between a male and female. And, that it takes a man and a woman (not a village Hillary) to raise a child properly: artificial insemination notwithstanding.
NOT IN AN ELECTION YEAR!
May 16, 2005
The general belief is that we couldn’t have a stock market fall in an election year. We surely couldn’t have one this year since it was 1992 that Greenspan got Bush #41 defeated by raising rates. However, I wouldn’t bet on it.
Greenspan has out interest rates at artificially historical lows. You simply can’t continue to “manipulate” the markets year after year, as has been the case for the last twelve years, without severe consequences. And, OPEC seems to have lost the message that when you raise oil prices as high as they have allowed now, you kill the goose that lays the golden eggsd: the world-wide economy.
Today could prove to be a precursor to what’s to come as Asian markets are tanking, and the India stock market had to tremporarily shut down. There’s no doubt that the Fed will raise rates in June and they may just have to swallow the medicine every month for months to come in order to bring things back into balance.
Sorry Bush #43. We just have to play the hand (of fate) that we’re dealt! Unfortuantely the gods have dealt you a lousy hand.
APRIL 29TH REVISITED!
May 14, 2005
If you want, you can go back to my April 29th commentary, and even months before that for an “I told you so.” I’ve been saying for months that Alan Greenspan is setting us up for one of the worst cases of inflation in eons. It’s simple. You can’t have interest rates at 50 year lows, while printing money at 100 year old highs, and not cause massive disruptions in our economic environment.
In the last two days, the news sources have taken notice of oil at $41+ a barrel, PPI at staggering new levels, and CPI starting to jump. New revelations? Hardly! Yes, PPI and CPI just came out in the last two days, but the writing was already on the subway walls.
How much inforamtion does Alan Greenspan need before he starts raising interest rates (even in an election year)? War costs are going through the roof, trade deficits are setting new records, livestock is up 16% in a month, the median price of new homes is up 10% in the last twelve months- and Greenspan is holding the Fed fund rate at 1%! Hello, is anyone home?
The latest PPI is showing us an annual rate of inflation over 10%! There is absolutely no doubt that Greenspan will raise rates in June (probably by 50 or 75 basis points). In reality, if we were to be honest, bankers-investors are to get 1-1.5% rate over inflation. That would mean that an honest interest rate increase would need to be more like 400-600 basis points minimally. Of course to do that would crash the markets and kill the golden goose. But, since the eggs aren’t really gold, who cares?
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