Politcs Plus - Mike's Blog - Victoria Advocate

Politcs Plus - Mike's Blog - Victoria Advocate http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike I will be writing the 2008 presidential election and anything political in between. Although I am a Democrat ,come on in and tell me where I am wrong. lol I will be writing the 2008 presidential election and anything political in between. Although I am a Democrat ,come on in and tell me where I am wrong. lol en-us Fear mongering,sensationalism, or public awareness? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9914 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9914 Am I the only person that thinks the Victoria Advocate is going overboard with its constant articles, editorials, and blogs on the imminent danger of the Mexican drug cartel to our city?  Do the recent drug busts or stops in Victoria have its roots in the Mexican drug cartel? The mayor of Laredo said his city is no more dangerous than Victoria.  Personally, I am no more concerned about the gangs in Corpus Christi (90 miles away) or Houston (125 miles away) than I am of the Mexican drug cartel; three hours away. I have to admit I have not read a single word of the award-winning "Fatal Funnel” nor did I try to push and shove my way in to see the premiere of Rusty Fleming’s "Drug wars"(coming soon to your neighborhood theaters) but being born and raised in Victoria ;I think I have a little understanding of what is going on.  Perhaps I should've bought the DVD for $19.95…Is the blu- ray edition extra?<o:p></o:p> Rusty Fleming offered two solutions (a) legalize marijuana (b) use our military within 15 miles of our southern border.  We have 18,000 border patrol agents, state-of-the-art technology, and the DEA, do we need more?  Elliot Ness used constant raids to break up the illegal bootlegging in Chicago and Rudy Giuliani used an overwhelming police force to clean up New York City.  Neither called in the military and they used the current laws to accomplish their mission.<o:p></o:p> I'm not trying to downplay the seriousness of the Mexican drug cartels turf wars and the impact it can have on the border cities because a couple weeks ago  Newsweek had an article titled "bloodshed on the border" that told of beheadings, burnings, kidnappings, shootout with police, and complete takeover of the Mexican city of Juarez during the turf wars.  The mayor of Juarez and his family live in El Paso; commuting to Juarez everyday because of the violence in that city. The citizens of El Paso have a legitimate concern because about 20 local gangs work for the Mexican drug cartels.  The commander with the Chihuahua state investigation agency was taken to El Paso’s Thomason General Hospital after being pumped full of bullets by the cartel.  Innocent bystanders can envision themselves being caught in the crossfire between cartel members and law enforcement because it's fairly common for the assassins going to the hospital rooms to finish the job.<o:p></o:p> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">If I am way off base and we should have a legitimate concern about the dangers of the Mexican drug cartels, perhaps the  local sheriff should make a public announcement. If the sheriff needs more money to combat this imminent danger, we should consider raising taxes to give him the tools he needs.  Raising taxes will certainly raise eyebrows of the uninformed or uninterested. A few bumps in the road http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9902 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9902 My democrats are making the swearing in ceremony harder than they need to be.  Illinois Governor Rod Blagovich turned a routine appointment into a Federal investigation by trying to sell the senate seat of president-elect Barack Obama,  Minnesota has a recount battle between Norman Coleman and Al  Franken and Governor Bill Richardson had to step down as Commerce Secretary nominee under a cloud of suspicion in another” pay for play” scandal.I'll leave Caroline Kennedy out of this for now. Even if Governor Rod Blagovich is innocent of the selling of the senate seat, U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald should have a multiple of charges he can bring against this unpopular governor.  I vacationed in Chicago 2005 and 2008 and everyday; I read stories of the governor’s improprieties such as: 1.       Accepting no bid contracts for contributions 2.       Threatened to revoke funds to the Children’s Memorial Hospital in lieu a $50,000 contribution. 3.       Cronyism 4.       Forcing the state police on to the city police to help curb crime as a publicity stunt. If Governor Blagovich said Obama campaign did not want to give anything but appreciation and Fitzgerald backs that up “who did he bribe?” Chris Wallace, Brit Hume, and Bill Kristol tried to emphasize this point because they want the democrats to say U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald is an overzealous headhunter because he went after and convicted Scooter Libby.  Democrats are not biting; they continue to say that Patrick Fitzgerald is a great Atty. General. The first test will come tomorrow morning when the swearing in of the senators begin.  Governor Blago appointed 72 year old Roland Burris, a man with impeccable credentials, but he will have an uphill battle getting seated, because U.S. Senate majority leader Harry Reid vows not to seat anyone Rod Blagovich nominates.  I don’t think Senator Reid has the constitutional powers; especially, since the governor has not been impeached, nor found guilty of any wrongdoing yet.  Perhaps this is a stalling loophole. The media,  Blago,and congressman Bobby Rush(D-IL) have tried to inject racism, because Harry Reid did not want the governor to nominate Jesse Jackson Jr., Emil Jones Jr., and Danny Davis,(all African Americans) but  consider two white women who could probably win the election in 2010 instead.  Bobby rush does not have much of a case because he supported Obama’s white opponent in the last senate race.  This is more of a diversion than anything else. It looks like Al Franken will get his senate seat certified because he is leading the recount, but Colman has threatened to sue and john Cornyn will get the republicans to filibuster. The investigation of Bill Richardson has been going on for some time and I’m quite surprised it got by the “no drama Obama” vetting team.  If Bill Richardson is cleared of all charges, then he will come out the winner because I don’t think he was too enthusiastic about the middle level appointment.  Being governor has to be a lot more challenging. **********NOTE********************************** After I wrote this blog the Minnesota Canvassing Board certified Al Franken and the Washington capitol police may block the entrance of Roland Burriss ,because he has not been certified by the Illinois secretary of state.... Let's all move to the 21st century http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9869 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9869 As I read this morning’s headline “Smile!  You’re on a red light camera”, I just knew the skeptics would come out with their outdated and out of context constitutional arguments over three measly cameras in a small town.  Perhaps, this is a great test market to work out all the kinks (I’m sure they will have some) and perhaps this technology will be able to benefit those cities that are reluctant to use this system due to the potential problems and cash outlay. We still have the naysayers that equate global warming to a local weather report.  I wonder if the skeptics saw the masks the Olympic participants’ were using in Beijing, China. It was not a fashion statement. The effects of the west shifting its dirtiest manufacturing industry to China and China's own excessive use of dirty energy is quite evident.  How do we surpass this country growing at 10%?  We out green them, and become the leader and the engine for the next green economic boom.  Many brag about their Christian values but say “let those animals die from extinction, it’s not worth the money. “My values differ. I have finally come to grips with the Bush administration; they will not be held accountable; therefore, it’s well beyond that, and I hope the Republican Party does not keep digging that hole they are presently in.  I do not want my party to control all three branches of government and become the party of default. I firmly believe divided government (checks and balances) works best.  The RNC doesn’t seem to get it; we need conservative fiscal restraint and sound monetary policies, not the same old divisive politics.  The Tennessee GOP chairman recently sent out CDs of “Barack the Magic Negro” to each of its members.  Not a wise move, especially since the membership in that once great party is already dwindling.To his credit  RNC chairman Mike Duncan issued a <a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16876.html">statement</a> distancing himself from Saltsman: "The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party. I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate as it clearly does not move us in the right direction."  Unless the GOP becomes more inclusive; their dwindling numbers will be their doom. GOP senate minority leader Mitch McConnell, is threatening to veto the proposed $800 billion stimulus package even thou a draft has not been submitted.  That’s fine but what is his proposal?  I imagine he would have settled for more tax cuts as usual.  The stimulus package is backed up by left and right wing economist; it’s the only bullet left in the chamber.  We need to use some of this money to fund the forgotten alternative energies.  The first solar plant started in this country and was funded by our government, and then the dirty fuel industry lobbyist convinced the legislators to quit supporting the project.  The innovator moved his plant and ideas to Germany and the rest is history.  Germany is now the world’s largest producer of solar energy and has recently signed their new German customers to a 20 year contract.  We could also use the stimulus money to digitize the medical records for easier sharing, updating and recording.  This will reduce the cost of Health Care.  Lastly, we can repair the many needed infrastructures at today’s price and damage; it’s not only putting people to work, but it circulates the money and loosens the credit.  Economist tells us that the money is out there; just not moving. Happy new year to all and I hope to continue to criticize, take criticism, praise, and offer solutions in a civil way. Rick Warren:A divisive choice http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9800 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9800 When I first heard Rick Warren was going to deliver the invocation at Barack Obama’s inaugural I just shrugged my shoulders and said “so what.” I had no idea how angry people would get. This morning Jon Meacham (editor of Newsweek) said one of the founders indicated that having a man of the cloth deliver an invocation comes awful  close to violating church and state, but it only happens every four years ,and just  for a few minutes; therefore, it just not worth the fight.<o:p></o:p> I can understand wanting a clean break from the Christian Right having a heavy hand in our nation politics after the last eight years.  A pundit said the only difference between Rick Warren and Dr. James Dobson is a Hawaiian shirt. Personally, I don’t see Rick Warren as divisive as Dr. Dobson..<o:p></o:p> Rick Warren gets the ire of our gay and lesbian community due to his extreme views on gay marriage.  Pastor Warren was one of the architects of California’s Proposition 8.  Some liberal groups oppose his view on abortion.  Dr. James Dobson thinks Rick Warren is not vocal enough against gay-marriage and abortion rights. The extreme right wing of the Republican Party is very angry that Rick Warren is giving the invocation.  Just because the extreme right and left oppose Rick Warren, it certainly does not make him a moderate.<o:p></o:p> Barack Obama has  proven once again to reach across ideological lines to create an atmosphere where we can focus on the issues we hold in common, like global warming, helping the poor, and those stricken with HIV -AIDS.  Then again; it could be a shrewd political move.<o:p></o:p> My liberal friends, I know that by choosing Pastor Warren,; it is a form of legitimacy but take comfort in knowing that Barack Obama committed himself to be an advocate in bringing equality for gay and lesbian Americans.  Take comfort in knowing Barack Obama is keeping his promise to continue drawing down our forces in Iraq and will use some of the $850 billion stimulus package to reform Health Care and make it affordable for everyone.  Rick Warren’s invocation will be balanced by the dean of civil rights movement James Lowery, when he gives the benediction.<o:p></o:p> After all who will remember the words of Rick Warren; the nation and the world will be focused on the words of the 44th president as he speaks at this historical inauguration; which will be viewed by millions.  <o:p></o:p> No fear,no remorse, no accountability http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9779 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9779 I had long given up the hope that someone would take the blame for the Iraq war fiasco. Yesterday, my feelings were confirmed when George W. Bush told CNN’s Candy Crowley the same old duck and dodge lines about our CIA getting the intelligence wrong and so did the world’s intelligence agencies.  Someone else’s fault is this administration mode of operation.  When told that al Qaeda was not in Iraq prior to the invasion the president said “so what.” A couple of days ago Condoleezza Rice told an AP reporter that no American money was lost to corruption in Iraq.  Was she asleep?  I remember a reported 363 tons of cash ($12 billion) has not been accounted for, nor has the $50 billion for Iraq reconstruction, don’t forget KBR overcharging our government two billion dollars.  That’s about $64,000,000,000 and people are up in arms over $14, billion to the big three automakers.  Shame on those UAW workers for wanting a living wage and health benefits; when it can be wasted in Iraq. Last but certainly not the least, there is Dick Cheney.  The vice president told ABC News that the case for war had nothing to do whether Saddam Hussein had WMD; America would have invaded the country anyway.  Who’s telling the truth, the president ,Karl Rove or Dick Cheney?  I suspect the latter, since we have plenty of evidence like the Downing Street memo and the words of Paul O’Neill and Richard Clark that this administration was ready to go to war with Iraq on day one.  Dick Cheney went on to  incriminate himself (not that it matters), by saying he was the mastermind behind the torture procedures.  According to our constitution torture is a war crime.  After WWII the United States prosecuted the Japanese for torturing Americans.  Dick Cheney has nothing to fear with his mea Culpa, because Alberto Gonzales lied to both chambers of Congress without being brought up on charges and Karl Rove and others in the Bush administration have yet to answer congressional subpoenas. After that thrown shoe incident; one local poster said the reporter was lucky Saddam Hussein was not in power; as if to say “it’s a good thing we invaded.” Other posters said our secret service should have gunned that shoe thrower down.  If our security would have shot the reporter, I can just imagine the response from the Iraqis and our Allies.  Cowboy justice was not warranted in Iraq nor is it here in the United States.  In the Muslim culture ;showing the bottom ones feet is a sign of disrespect; therefore, throwing two shoes is the ultimate disrespect.  The shoe throwing reporter suffered broken ribs and a broken arm and is likely to serve about 15 years in prison.  Justice was done. In the winding days, President Bush, vice President Cheney, Karl Rove, Condoleezza Rice and others will do more interviews without fear of having to pay for their mistakes because no U. S. Attorney will bring them up on charges and the country just wants them to go away.<o:p></o:p> Is the U.S. auto industry dead? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9735 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9735 The senate killed the bailout bill over a partisan dispute on union wages.  The republicans should be up front to tell everyone their real agenda, which is quite obvious.  The southern based GOP senator’s states have been given tax abatements (taxpayer’s money) as an enticement to the nonunion automakers in return for building their plants in the south.  The UAW contributes heavily to the Democratic Party, so why not make a play to shut down the unions.<o:p></o:p> The Michigan democratic lawmakers have always turned a blind eye to higher CAFE standards and union demands, for votes, so they are not innocent in this issue.  That’s why I continue to say “the only politician with conviction comes from a safe district.” <o:p></o:p> I don’t have any answers and I am not seeking slogans lectures or propaganda.  I just want  honest answers.<o:p></o:p> 1.       Can the big three automakers actually survive?<o:p></o:p> 2.      Do we really need three automakers?<o:p></o:p> 3.      If the answer is no, would anyone really tell us?<o:p></o:p> This whole mess is so hypocritical, because it is not only about the UAW.  Our European and Asian competitors subsidize their automobiles with universal healthcare or other government subsidies.  Therefore, the idea that paying the Michigan automakers southern wages of about $8.00 an hour is not going to fix the problem.  The union must restructure their benefits but so should the management and the dealerships.  I was hoping they would turn one of the auto makers into an electric car manufacture before our European and Asian competitors beats us to it.<o:p></o:p> Those insisting on a complete failure of the big three ;be careful what you wish for.  Bankruptcy will relieve the auto makers from honoring the guarantees, create slow sales, and believe it or not; this is all interconnected with our local plants, dealerships, banks and suppliers.  We are not immune.<o:p></o:p> I remember the first $700 bailout when the GOP house members killed the bill and the stock market immediately collapsed.  Those same house members wanted a do over.  Most naysayers have to see tangible proof of a depression, because they live in a world of one sided arguments.<o:p></o:p> I believe the White House will be forced to use the already approved TARP funds to prevent a disaster on their watch.  World markets are already in freefall due to the senate’s rejection of the $14 billion bailout.<o:p></o:p> As for the politics, if the White House does not grant the loans or a bailout ;the republican lawmakers will have to live with their decision.  If it stands as  is, and we would go into a deep depression the GOP would no longer exist.  I think the white house will be a bailout to the GOP senators.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <h1 style="MARGIN: 24pt 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></h1> <o:p> </o:p> Who's in charge? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9681 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9681  I know our nation’s economy is not as important as the war on Christmas, the new garbage pickup system, or the O.J. Simpson sentencing, but I am amazed that leadership is lacking and no one is noticing.<o:p></o:p> This morning I heard Rush Limbaugh tell his listeners that they have been laid off recently that because employers are making adjustments anticipating  the Obama Administration and the democrats driving us into a financial ruin due to their policies. That’s in line with what George W. Bush told ABC’s Charlie Gibson, when he blamed the policies of decades past for the current financial crisis.  Take no blame cut wages, benefits, and taxes seem to be their only answer.<o:p></o:p> After watching the big three automakers congressional hearings, one thing is certain, their math has been lacking.  Two weeks ago they needed $25 billion, this week its $34 billion, our GOA expert tells as it’s more like $120 billion with no guarantees due to the following reasons.<o:p></o:p> 1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; -x-system-font: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">      Consumers are not buying automobiles foreign or domestic.<o:p></o:p> 2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; -x-system-font: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">      Banks are reluctant to lend 110 million Americans; they deemed unworthy for credit.<o:p></o:p> 3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; -x-system-font: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">      American automakers low MPG automobiles are more expensive than their competitors.<o:p></o:p> 4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; -x-system-font: none; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;">      Consumers are leery of buying a product from a company that might go into bankruptcy.<o:p></o:p> Jack Welch said the big three should go into bankruptcy, so they can cut their ties with the unions and their current contracts; on the other hand Michael Moore said we could merge two of the companies (GM and Ford) let them continue making vehicles but with less models and plug in hybrids at the top of their list.  He suggests that Chrysler motors could go back to making military equipment.  Perhaps we can  install an overseer like former comptroller General David M Walker as the transportations czar.<o:p></o:p> We should know by now that trickledown economics or the form of American capitalism that is based on credit consumption ,rather than  production and creativity; will not work.<o:p></o:p> Let's start anew with a big stimulus package aimed at putting people back to work and not handing out rebate checks because people will  just go out to Wal-Mart and buy flat screen TVs from China.  The wind turbines have 8,000 machine parts to assemble, construction workers can begin installing solar panels, and weatherizing buildings..<o:p></o:p> Unemployment is at 6.7%, so 1.3 million more from the auto industry will mean less tax revenues, so give that some thought when you think that letting every major business fail is the only answer.<o:p></o:p> Secretary of State: Hillary Clinton http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9570 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9570 Team of Rivals: The political genius of Abraham Lincoln ;a book authored by Kearns Goodwin is the model most say Barack Obama is using for installing his cabinet. The saying” Pay attention to your enemies, for they are the first to discover your mistakes” might be the objective. Pat Buchanan and Joe Scarborough said he was really showing his Christian side because this is the second time he has turned the other cheek. Barack Obama did not want Joe Lieberman stripped of his chairmanship, even thou Joe campaigned vigorously against him.   Barack Obama will probably nominate Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State after the Thanksgiving holidays. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are not that far off on their worldwide views, other than Hillary’s Iraq war vote and that controversial resolution to name the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization. Even thou Hillary is more hawkish than Obama, I think she will be an asset when it comes to solving the Israel and Palestine situation. This cabinet position will put her out of the 2012 presidential race. She can’t campaign or raise money while serving as the  Secretary of State. It also removes her from the senate, where she could have become a torn in Obama’s side.<o:p></o:p> Retired Marine General, James L. Jones is a leading contender for the head of NSA .Foreign affairs will be in good shape with Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and Mr. Jones.A lot of work to do ,before everyone is on the same page.... Defense Secretary Robert Gates might stay for while if Obama assembles a good team to work with.......Pappy] Bush's National Security Advisor Brent Scowcroft is helping Barack Obama with the transition. The Iraqi security agreement was translated yesterday, and they will be able to run their own security and open our troop’s mail, and arrest and put on trial the military and civilian contractors if they break Iraqi law.<o:p></o:p> The same crowd will say “that’s not change” but where else is Obama going to get cabinet members, other than the last successful Democratic presidents former staff. Clinton and Carter tried to bring a slew of fresh faces and it got them on the wrong footing. Obama is a student of history, and it is serving him well.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> Want change? Business Week is reporting Barack Obama is likely to name Tim Geithner, president of the New York Federal reserve, as Treasury Secretary .When the news hit Wall Street;the market finished on an upbeat of 494 but those on the right only count the fall of the market due to Obama...Bill Richardson might be the Secretary of Commerce and Janet Napolitano (Governor of Arizona)might be the head of Homeland Security.</o:p> Bailout,loan, or Bankruptcy? http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9545 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9545 Bailout loan or bankruptcy are the options facing a big three automakers.  A reporter for NBC said America is feeling “bailout fatigue.” <o:p></o:p> Yesterday’s heated congressional hearings proved a politician can make exceptions to our current loan and bankruptcy laws on a fly.  In this economy, the free market principles are definitely lining up behind government for the next power move.  Bailout, loan, or bankruptcy are almost identical in Congress speak.<o:p></o:p> The big three automakers would prefer a bailout, even if it comes with strings attached like restructuring their companies from the ground up.<o:p></o:p> Carly Fiorina (former CEO of Hewlett-Packard) told MSNBC that Congress could persuade one of the nine banks we bailed out to lend money to the auto makers since they are not creditworthy.  This leaves those taxpayers at risk.  It’s funny how politicians can make good sense in the off-season,<o:p></o:p> Mitt Romney said bankruptcy was the best course of action, in order to restructure the existing contracts with the unions and vendors.  I see this as another attempt to break up the unions, who have already made concessions.  The union signed a new contract for less benefits and dropping their hourly pay demands from $28.00 to $14.00.When asked “why would a person buy a car from a bankrupt company?” Mitt said the government could back up the warranty…Free market with government backup.<o:p></o:p> “Good morning Joe” had a lively discussion and many good points were made.  They all agree if you’re seeking protection from your inevitable downfall the automaker should agree to a few suggestions.<o:p></o:p> 1)      They should immediately fire the current CEO’s and board of directors and replace them with outside successful managers with a salary cap of say $250,000 with incentives.<o:p></o:p> 2)      The government should demand that automakers make green cars as a priority and raise their CAFE standards to a minimum of 40 MPG.<o:p></o:p> 3)      Develop a six months look back period at the company’s profitability trends, and if one is not meeting expectations, that company would either merge, go into chapter 11, or liquidate depending on the trend.<o:p></o:p> 4)      Make all the companies dispose all the luxury items like corporate jets condos and lucrative expense accounts.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Personally, I would like to see the big three automakers survive, because  three million jobs would be  lost and making good automobiles is what this country is all about.  True, the car industry’s vision for the 21st century was still in the 20th century mode.  These companies fought tooth and nail against mandatory seat belt installation and higher CAFÉ standards.  One company is still building Hummers.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The democrats want the Michigan automakers with unions to stay afloat because that voting bloc is important.  The republicans would love to see another union  go down and they see a possibility of the south (their only power base) being a great location for making cars at a profit without union pay or benefits.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I think this Congress will punt and let the new administration deal with the problem.  I could be wrong.  <o:p></o:p> Baracknophobia http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9532 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/Mike/9532 Jon Stewart’s “Baracknophobia” [The audacity of fear] is a humorous skit summarizing all the players like Laura Ingraham, Bill O’Reilly, Sean Hannity and Dick Morris with their quotes forecasting gloom and doom starting January 20, 2009.  Jon Stewart said “If you think it is bad in America you should see it in Hannity’s America.” …Like the last eight years was a model of governing.<o:p></o:p> Jon Stewart had Bill O’Reilly as his guest.  In order to calm O’Reilly down, he offered him some cookies, chocolate milk and a small teddy bear, he could pet(which O’Reilly called a panda bear) while they discussed the culture war against Barack Obama.  O’Reilly started with the socialist tag, because Obama was going to raise his taxes.  Stewart fired back with a classic “Since Obama will raise your taxes from 36% to 39%, what part of that 3% is socialists?”<o:p></o:p> While I was driving around last week I decided to see what Rush Limbaugh was talking about.  He didn’t disappoint. Rush Bag was blaming the president-elect’s for the fall of the stock market, and the coming recession.  Amazing; ‘such powers of the main shock jock.<o:p></o:p> Since November 4, 2008 we’ve had more threats and Internet postings, of any past presidential elections. In Vay,Idaho; there was a sign on a tree with Obama’s name and an offer of a free public hanging, in North Carolina racist graffiti was found on the tunnel wall close to the North Carolina State university campus, and finally a Maine convenience store had a betting pool called “Osama, Obama shotgun pool” at a dollar per entry for correctly guessing the date the president or the president-elect might fall victim to an assassination.  One local poster wants to have racial harmony in case the unthinkable happens.  If it really was unthinkable, then don’t think about it.<o:p></o:p> Gun sales have gone up since Obama was elected.  We don’t have any pending second amendment legislation.  We do have a lot of gulliable and paranoid people out there.<o:p></o:p> Last night’s 60 minute segment with Barack and Michelle Obama had a large audience(25 million) in which he vowed to keep its pledge to bring our troops home back from Iraq, close Guantanamo Bay, and remove torture as an acceptable interrogation method. If only the naysayers could have taken such interest eight years ago,they would not be surprised when the whistle-blowers come out with their stories on January 21,2009.