While not exactly what I was thinking, Third Way put together a tax payers receipt which I think fits the bill.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tracking your tax dollars
For some time now I have had the idea that it would be great if Americans were given a form as part of their taxes, listing all of the things that our tax dollars pay for and ask them to designate what percentage of their tax dollars are to be spent on each line item.
While not exactly what I was thinking, Third Way put together a tax payers receipt which I think fits the bill.
While not exactly what I was thinking, Third Way put together a tax payers receipt which I think fits the bill.
Teachers pay
For those who believe teacher make too much money, Ezra Klein has some really nice graphs in this article, which suggest otherwise.
Americans is Stupid
Bill Maher stated last year on his show that Americans are stupid and while this may be harsh I had a conversation with my father in law recently that reinforced this notion. Bare in mind that my father in law is actually quite smart but he believes dumb things. This is apparently not an uncommon thing in America and I think it explains to a great extent why the Democrats will lose seats in November. Here are a few examples.
Under President Obama taxes have gone down for 95% of the population however only 12% of Americans know this while 24% think their taxes have actually gone up.
Asked to choose between spending and tax cuts 55% of Americans believe that tax cuts are a more effective way to stimulate the economy.
19% of Americans believe they are in the top 1% of wage earners.
24% of Americans believe President Obama is Muslim and the bulk of them think that is a bad thing.
39% of Americans believe in evolution.
40% of Americans believe health care reform includes "death panels"
In 2006 50% of Americans still believe that Iraq had WMD's.
In 1999 20% of Americans believe the Sun revolves around the Earth.
50% of Americans believe that Christianity came before Judaism and another 41% weren't sure.
20% of Americans believe the lottery is a good means of making money.
33% of Americans believe the First Amendment right of freedom of religion does not apply to extreme or fringe groups.
Only 42% of Republicans believe that President Obama was born in America.
82% of Americans believe Jesus Christ was the son of God and died for our sins.
20% of Americans can't identify the US on a map.
20% of Americans don't know who we declared our independence from in 1776.
1% of Americans believe that Derek Anderson will eventually win a Super Bowl MVP
Under President Obama taxes have gone down for 95% of the population however only 12% of Americans know this while 24% think their taxes have actually gone up.
Asked to choose between spending and tax cuts 55% of Americans believe that tax cuts are a more effective way to stimulate the economy.
19% of Americans believe they are in the top 1% of wage earners.
24% of Americans believe President Obama is Muslim and the bulk of them think that is a bad thing.
39% of Americans believe in evolution.
40% of Americans believe health care reform includes "death panels"
In 2006 50% of Americans still believe that Iraq had WMD's.
In 1999 20% of Americans believe the Sun revolves around the Earth.
50% of Americans believe that Christianity came before Judaism and another 41% weren't sure.
20% of Americans believe the lottery is a good means of making money.
33% of Americans believe the First Amendment right of freedom of religion does not apply to extreme or fringe groups.
Only 42% of Republicans believe that President Obama was born in America.
82% of Americans believe Jesus Christ was the son of God and died for our sins.
20% of Americans can't identify the US on a map.
20% of Americans don't know who we declared our independence from in 1776.
1% of Americans believe that Derek Anderson will eventually win a Super Bowl MVP
New Honda Ad
In between episodes of World Series of Pop Culture on VH1, I watch Detroit Tigers games. Last night on FoxSports was the first time I saw an ad for Honda Motors in which they ask:
They say this while showing a graphic of the (continental) United States.
You know what they don't want you thinking about? Canada and Mexico are part of North America! (See kids: Geography is NOT completely worthless. However, Geometry is worthless... skip that... it is stupid.)
How many of these cars that you are trying to lead us to believe were made in the United States (supporting the American labor force) were actually made by our good neighbors to the north and south (one of which is better than the other... I won't say which one. Hint: Arizona knows what I'm talking about.)
You know what else reads insincere: "Hardworking Americans made this milestone possible". I got news for you. Hardworking Americans also help make the Saudi royal family rich... it does not make it a good thing.
I point this out only because I loathe BS in advertising. It is not a huge issue for me if a car is made in Canada or Mexico or the USA. I understand globalization. I support the free market (with some regulations that support the public good) - sorry Republicans... liberal/progressive is not synonomous with socialist/communist - no matter what Glenn Beck teaches you at his school for suckers, er, I mean, his respected university. Of course, as a Michigan native, I have a desire for the domestic auto industry to be successful, but I still want them to earn their market share rather than just expect all of us to buy their products because of some corporate patriotism.
Did you know that in the first six months of 2010, 90% of Honda vehicles sold in North America were made in North America?
Hardworking Americans made this milestone possible.
They say this while showing a graphic of the (continental) United States.
You know what they don't want you thinking about? Canada and Mexico are part of North America! (See kids: Geography is NOT completely worthless. However, Geometry is worthless... skip that... it is stupid.)
How many of these cars that you are trying to lead us to believe were made in the United States (supporting the American labor force) were actually made by our good neighbors to the north and south (one of which is better than the other... I won't say which one. Hint: Arizona knows what I'm talking about.)
You know what else reads insincere: "Hardworking Americans made this milestone possible". I got news for you. Hardworking Americans also help make the Saudi royal family rich... it does not make it a good thing.
I point this out only because I loathe BS in advertising. It is not a huge issue for me if a car is made in Canada or Mexico or the USA. I understand globalization. I support the free market (with some regulations that support the public good) - sorry Republicans... liberal/progressive is not synonomous with socialist/communist - no matter what Glenn Beck teaches you at his school for suckers, er, I mean, his respected university. Of course, as a Michigan native, I have a desire for the domestic auto industry to be successful, but I still want them to earn their market share rather than just expect all of us to buy their products because of some corporate patriotism.
Postal Service considering increase on stamps
The US Postal Service is considering an increase in the cost of stamps from $0.44 to $0.46 to help make up for budget short fall. Republicans would have you believe that the Postal Service is just over spending and all they need to do is tighten their belts a little. While there may have been some excess spending the in the past the Postal Service has cut over 200,000 positions since 2001. In 2006 mail delivery had reached its peak so the suggestion that email has cut into mail is vastly overstated.
One thing that I would like to see the Postal Service do is to stop subsidizing big business with the special bulk rates. We as consumers essentially pay a higher price per stamp to get more junk mail, since the rate to ship junk mail is well below that of a standard envelope. The only problem is the general public doesn't have a lobby group that will drop a few million dollars in the pockets of elected officials to end this practice.
The Postal Service it self suggested delivering junk mail is part of the reason for their economic woes so lets increase the fee on the big business of junk mail and make them at least pay the same rate as you and I.
One thing that I would like to see the Postal Service do is to stop subsidizing big business with the special bulk rates. We as consumers essentially pay a higher price per stamp to get more junk mail, since the rate to ship junk mail is well below that of a standard envelope. The only problem is the general public doesn't have a lobby group that will drop a few million dollars in the pockets of elected officials to end this practice.
The Postal Service it self suggested delivering junk mail is part of the reason for their economic woes so lets increase the fee on the big business of junk mail and make them at least pay the same rate as you and I.
Republicans should celebrate one of the traits of a Democrat they hate most.
I have heard a number of times how Republicans hate it when President Obama apologizes for things the US has done. The rationale behind our apologetic ways is that Democrats want people to like them. We find that this helps to get the things done that we want without the awkwardness of confrontation. Republicans, on the other hand, really don't care what people think about them and are not interested in avoiding confrontation because in their mind either you agree with them or you're an idiot. The fact that your opinion may be valid, is lost on them.
The irony is that this Democratic mentality is the exact reason Democrats may lose seats in this upcoming election. Democrats have more new ideas and have done all of the heavy lifting on policy over the last year and a half on legislation that will be very popular over the next few years. However, when it comes down to fighting for what they want Democrats bend over backwards to avoid the confrontation, which leads to watered down bills and failure to address things like the Bush tax cuts.
Republicans need to be careful about what they wish for. They are in a good position for November because Democrats are pussies. This apologetic tone is a gift horse and these tools can't help but look it in the mouth.
The irony is that this Democratic mentality is the exact reason Democrats may lose seats in this upcoming election. Democrats have more new ideas and have done all of the heavy lifting on policy over the last year and a half on legislation that will be very popular over the next few years. However, when it comes down to fighting for what they want Democrats bend over backwards to avoid the confrontation, which leads to watered down bills and failure to address things like the Bush tax cuts.
Republicans need to be careful about what they wish for. They are in a good position for November because Democrats are pussies. This apologetic tone is a gift horse and these tools can't help but look it in the mouth.
Tony Curtis Died
If you're in my age group, I know what you're thinking:
No, it can't be, it can't be!! Wait... who is that again?
My answer: I don't know either. I think there was a Flintstones character named Stoney Curtis. This guy probably changed his name to capitalize on the success of the Flintstones. What a tool.
Anyway, he is apparently famous enough that his death is the lead story on CNN.com.
What grabbed my attention is where it says:
Really?!? Your father died and your first thought is that he was, in your opinion, a good actor? (Note: I am probably being completely unfair to Ms. Curtis... I know she has no say as to what CNN considers to be the most important comment.)
Anyway, I guess it's okay. I sure hope that when I die, someone (Jamie Lee Curtis perhaps?) will make sure the world knows I left behind a lot of tremendous journal entries and a handful of adequately written blog posts about Super Bowl MVP Derek Anderson.
No, it can't be, it can't be!! Wait... who is that again?
My answer: I don't know either. I think there was a Flintstones character named Stoney Curtis. This guy probably changed his name to capitalize on the success of the Flintstones. What a tool.
Anyway, he is apparently famous enough that his death is the lead story on CNN.com.
What grabbed my attention is where it says:
"My father leaves behind a legacy of great performances" actress Jamie Lee Curtis said.
Really?!? Your father died and your first thought is that he was, in your opinion, a good actor? (Note: I am probably being completely unfair to Ms. Curtis... I know she has no say as to what CNN considers to be the most important comment.)
Anyway, I guess it's okay. I sure hope that when I die, someone (Jamie Lee Curtis perhaps?) will make sure the world knows I left behind a lot of tremendous journal entries and a handful of adequately written blog posts about Super Bowl MVP Derek Anderson.
The Other Side Of The Story
I just saw a headline a CNN.com:
Immigrant's Abuse Claims Against Whitman Rock California Race
Am I only one who assumes that the other side of the story reads:
Meg Whitman's approval rating amongst conservatives is at all time high.
Come on, conservatives! Do you want to arrest/deport these people or you do want to exploit and abuse them? Pick one. You can't do both. That would not be fair.
Immigrant's Abuse Claims Against Whitman Rock California Race
Am I only one who assumes that the other side of the story reads:
Meg Whitman's approval rating amongst conservatives is at all time high.
Come on, conservatives! Do you want to arrest/deport these people or you do want to exploit and abuse them? Pick one. You can't do both. That would not be fair.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Maybe Just Happy
I think Jim Rome is dumb. Well, maybe not. But this is pretty dumb:
On Jim Rome is Burning yesterday, Mr. Rome was discussing the recent success of Mike Vick. He said:
I'm sure, for example, New York Giants fans are happy to read that Lawrence Taylor wasn't such a bad guy after all. All those rumors of drug abuse were apparently false. Same thing goes for Michael Irvin and well, fill in your own favorite troubled superstar. Tiger Woods anyone?
On Jim Rome is Burning yesterday, Mr. Rome was discussing the recent success of Mike Vick. He said:
You can't play as well as he is consistently unless you're making the right choices both on and off the field and, for now, he appears to be.
I'm sure, for example, New York Giants fans are happy to read that Lawrence Taylor wasn't such a bad guy after all. All those rumors of drug abuse were apparently false. Same thing goes for Michael Irvin and well, fill in your own favorite troubled superstar. Tiger Woods anyone?
Fox News flaunting their Conservative Media Bias
I really hate the claims of media bias as they are really only levied by those who chose not to educate themselves. To put it in Jeff Foxworthy terms: If you think that Fox News is the only fair news source, you might be a redneck.
Having said that it doesn't stop the right from falling all over themselves to point out every instance where the media says something they don't like, which to them proves a bias. This logic is embarrassing but prevalent.
I would like to turn the tables and these simpletons and point out the Republican Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, delivered a very compelling speech regarding big business (Oil companies Valero, Tesoro, and Koch Industries)and how they are undermining the democratic process to bolster their own bottom line, all while hiding behind the false claim of protecting jobs.
The irony is that Fox News did not cover this speech. According to a multitude of conversations and emails that I have received from Republicans over the years, this is a clear example of media bias, conservative media bias, but media bias none the less.
I'm guessing that Fox News didn't cover this particular speech because it doesn't support their agenda and it makes a number of important points that run contrary to the Fox News narrative. See for yourself. I hope to have a video from Countdown with Keith Olbermann containing parts of the speech later today or tomorrow.
Having said that it doesn't stop the right from falling all over themselves to point out every instance where the media says something they don't like, which to them proves a bias. This logic is embarrassing but prevalent.
I would like to turn the tables and these simpletons and point out the Republican Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, delivered a very compelling speech regarding big business (Oil companies Valero, Tesoro, and Koch Industries)and how they are undermining the democratic process to bolster their own bottom line, all while hiding behind the false claim of protecting jobs.
The irony is that Fox News did not cover this speech. According to a multitude of conversations and emails that I have received from Republicans over the years, this is a clear example of media bias, conservative media bias, but media bias none the less.
I'm guessing that Fox News didn't cover this particular speech because it doesn't support their agenda and it makes a number of important points that run contrary to the Fox News narrative. See for yourself. I hope to have a video from Countdown with Keith Olbermann containing parts of the speech later today or tomorrow.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Clay Matthews sack total likely to get close to double digits.
I'm not a huge fan of Clay Matthews however his stats suggest he is good at his role. Tonight the Green Bay Packers face the Chicago Bears and I'm putting the over/under for sacks by Matthews at 3. This has less to do with Matthews than it does the fact that a Mike Martz led offense gives up a bunch of sacks and Matthews will be the most likely beneficiary. Go Packers?
Friday, September 24, 2010
Tea Party Repubocrisy?
One of the reasons I think the Democratic blood shed won't be as bad as predicted is because of the Tea Party candidates. Right now people are supporting change, not specific ideas and candidates that represent these ideas. I think that will chance once debates start and all of the dirt is dug but I was struck by another similarity among the Tea Party candidates. They are pitching themselves as average people. The problem is this is in stark contrast to a basic Tea Party belief of free market.
The Tea Partiers, much like their Republican brethren, believe that we need less government and more free market or big business. The irony is that their actions are the exact opposite of how the free market would attack the problem. For some reason They are looking to "hire" people who have absolutely no qualifications for the job. Never has it been an asset in business to show up to a job interview and talk about how little experience you have doing they job they are hiring for and tout your average education level or how you drive a truck. Successful businesses never make change just for the sake of making change and that is exactly what the Tea Party is planning on doing.
It will be really funny when people who claim to be Tea Partiers find out what their candidates actually stand for.
The Tea Partiers, much like their Republican brethren, believe that we need less government and more free market or big business. The irony is that their actions are the exact opposite of how the free market would attack the problem. For some reason They are looking to "hire" people who have absolutely no qualifications for the job. Never has it been an asset in business to show up to a job interview and talk about how little experience you have doing they job they are hiring for and tout your average education level or how you drive a truck. Successful businesses never make change just for the sake of making change and that is exactly what the Tea Party is planning on doing.
It will be really funny when people who claim to be Tea Partiers find out what their candidates actually stand for.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Important Research
While my colleague continues to post graphs about how the Republicans are fleecing the middle class (YAWN!) for the benefit of the rich... I have been doing important research.
I have found that Max Scherzer is really good and deserves more love from the hometown fans.
Consider this:
Since May 29th, here is the stat breakdown of Scherzer vs. CC Sabathia (front-runner for the A.L. Cy Young award):
Memo to Joe Morgan:
I would NOT trade Max Scherzer for CC Sabathia. And this is why:
2010 Salary (per ESPN):
CC Sabathia - $24,285,714
Max Scherzer - $ 1,500,000
I have found that Max Scherzer is really good and deserves more love from the hometown fans.
Consider this:
Since May 29th, here is the stat breakdown of Scherzer vs. CC Sabathia (front-runner for the A.L. Cy Young award):
Memo to Joe Morgan:
I would NOT trade Max Scherzer for CC Sabathia. And this is why:
2010 Salary (per ESPN):
CC Sabathia - $24,285,714
Max Scherzer - $ 1,500,000
My One Man Crusade Continues...
...As I always do, I watched the Tigers game last night.
The situation:
Ninth inning. Gregor Blanco on first with Mike Aviles at the plate and one out.
Aviles hits a ground ball to shortstop. Peralta fields it, flips it to Will Rhymes to try to turn the double play.
Will Rhymes was CLEARLY NOT ON THE BASE when he caught the ball! Nevertheless, Blanco was called out by the second base umpire.
Alas, Aviles beat it out and Billy Butler followed with a home run off of Phil Coke. That should've been a three-run homer!
I'm like Ralph Nader in the 1970s... out to change the world for the better. Ralph Nader of the '00s... douchebag!
(You know what I just remembered? A couple weeks back, Tigers TV broadcasters Rod Allen and Mario Impemba actually defended the "neighborhood rule" as a way to protect the players... I wonder if this an understanding between the umpires and players (union?) only? Or does this also have a 'wink-wink' understanding the teams as well? Or was that just Rod and Mario talking out their asses? Let's get Ralph Nader to look into this... he's got nothing to better to do.)
The situation:
Ninth inning. Gregor Blanco on first with Mike Aviles at the plate and one out.
Aviles hits a ground ball to shortstop. Peralta fields it, flips it to Will Rhymes to try to turn the double play.
Will Rhymes was CLEARLY NOT ON THE BASE when he caught the ball! Nevertheless, Blanco was called out by the second base umpire.
Alas, Aviles beat it out and Billy Butler followed with a home run off of Phil Coke. That should've been a three-run homer!
I'm like Ralph Nader in the 1970s... out to change the world for the better. Ralph Nader of the '00s... douchebag!
(You know what I just remembered? A couple weeks back, Tigers TV broadcasters Rod Allen and Mario Impemba actually defended the "neighborhood rule" as a way to protect the players... I wonder if this an understanding between the umpires and players (union?) only? Or does this also have a 'wink-wink' understanding the teams as well? Or was that just Rod and Mario talking out their asses? Let's get Ralph Nader to look into this... he's got nothing to better to do.)
Huffington Post's take on the Pledge to America
Shaun Jacob Halper of the Huffington Post put together this amusing take on the Republicans Pledge to America.
Republicans release a new Pledge to America...Only problem is its the same one they relased 10 years ago.
Today Republicans will release their legislative agenda know as the Pledge to America. I guess after two years of doing everything they can to halt progress the Republicans have decided doing nothing isn't a very good campaign slogan.
I'm sure you like me were very eager to hear about how the Republicans plan to change things and make America a better place. The big ideas are extending all of the Bush tax cuts, holding spending at 2008 levels, and repealing health care reform.
Its no surprise that the Republicans waited until near election time to release this information since it is simplistic ideas that poll well (sort of).
If you have read this blog before or taken the time to read any information on the Bush tax cuts you already know that tax cuts are one of the worst ways to stimulate the economy. Additionally these tax cuts are heavily weighted towards the top for people who have a multitude of ways to hide their money. One other thing to consider is that this fiscal policy is largely responsible for the cluster F#@k that is our current economy.
Holding spending at 2008 levels is clearly aimed at people who don't believe thinking and politics go together. Its fine to suggest you want to cut spending but why arbitrarily pick 2008 spending? This basically gets you to a break even, which means the Republicans have no plans to lower the deficit. Apparently the only care about the deficit when it comes to how Democrats affect it. Additionally the problem with spending is the wasteful spending. Suggesting you want a number to top out at with no direction on what stays and what goes is asinine.
I find it odd that on the day when some of the best provisions of the Health Care reform go into affect, Republicans decide one of the main talking points is to rail against it. Below are some of the things that start today:
Young people can remain on parents' insurance until age 26
No discrimination against children with pre-existing conditions
No dropping people from coverage when they get sick
No dropping people from coverage for errors on forms
No lifetime limits on coverage
New plans must offer free preventive care
Expanded ability to appeal decisions made by the health plan
Individually all of these things are popular ideas but since Health Care reform as a whole is not popular (in no small part because almost none of the provisions have been enacted). Republicans are playing on this idea but will probably offer very little in the way of specifics before the election since that would expose this chasm between popular opinion and reality.
In the end I'm sure this simplified legislative agenda will gain the votes of people who don't really follow politics and the less educated, but I don't want to hear the complaints when Republicans regain power and return us to the Bush era.
I'm sure you like me were very eager to hear about how the Republicans plan to change things and make America a better place. The big ideas are extending all of the Bush tax cuts, holding spending at 2008 levels, and repealing health care reform.
Its no surprise that the Republicans waited until near election time to release this information since it is simplistic ideas that poll well (sort of).
If you have read this blog before or taken the time to read any information on the Bush tax cuts you already know that tax cuts are one of the worst ways to stimulate the economy. Additionally these tax cuts are heavily weighted towards the top for people who have a multitude of ways to hide their money. One other thing to consider is that this fiscal policy is largely responsible for the cluster F#@k that is our current economy.
Holding spending at 2008 levels is clearly aimed at people who don't believe thinking and politics go together. Its fine to suggest you want to cut spending but why arbitrarily pick 2008 spending? This basically gets you to a break even, which means the Republicans have no plans to lower the deficit. Apparently the only care about the deficit when it comes to how Democrats affect it. Additionally the problem with spending is the wasteful spending. Suggesting you want a number to top out at with no direction on what stays and what goes is asinine.
I find it odd that on the day when some of the best provisions of the Health Care reform go into affect, Republicans decide one of the main talking points is to rail against it. Below are some of the things that start today:
Young people can remain on parents' insurance until age 26
No discrimination against children with pre-existing conditions
No dropping people from coverage when they get sick
No dropping people from coverage for errors on forms
No lifetime limits on coverage
New plans must offer free preventive care
Expanded ability to appeal decisions made by the health plan
Individually all of these things are popular ideas but since Health Care reform as a whole is not popular (in no small part because almost none of the provisions have been enacted). Republicans are playing on this idea but will probably offer very little in the way of specifics before the election since that would expose this chasm between popular opinion and reality.
In the end I'm sure this simplified legislative agenda will gain the votes of people who don't really follow politics and the less educated, but I don't want to hear the complaints when Republicans regain power and return us to the Bush era.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Hey Uncle Paul; the National Debt has gone down since the 60's
So this post is just a personal vendetta for me about a debate I had with my staunchly conservative Uncle. He claims that at no time has the National Debt decreased since the 60's. Unfortunately for my uncle there are multiple ways to look at this issue and I'm embarrassed for him that his judgement is so clouded in partisanship that he is unwilling to accept this reality. Having said that, below is another measure that shows my uncle is wrong. When you adjust for inflation there have been multiple years that the National Debt has gone down. Suck on that you Quilted Northern buying Fundie.
Tax the behavior you want to end.
If you want to move from fossil fuels to more renewable energy just tax the fossil fuels until the renewable energy can compete. This is what Europe does. This theory was used with cigarette smoking and every time the taxes went up there was a jump in the people who decided to quit smoking.
I would argue that this same logic applies to the Bush tax cuts. Right now the very rich have little incentive to do anything with their money. Their tax rate is the lowest in its history so they don't mind getting a huge bonus an putting it in the bank. The claim that the rich create jobs only works when the penalty for holding their money is so severe that investing it makes the most sense, like we did in the middle of the last century. If you want to create more jobs then tax the crap out of big bonuses and holding excessive amounts of money. Business would much prefer to own a new piece of equipment that they may be able to utilize in the future than they would paying heavy taxes for sitting on cash. With businesses currently sitting on over 1.8 trillion dollars in cash, even a small portion of additional investment would have a big impact.
Claiming the Bush tax cuts for the rich creates jobs and stimulates the economy completely ignores the facts and History refutes these Republican claims (and possibly my own assertions). The graph below shows we have had a wide variation in Marginal Tax rates yet the percentage change in GDP shows little to no correlation. This lack of correlation would suggest that if we are really concerned about the rising deficit, raising taxes on the rich is an excellent method for doing reducing it since it would have little to no affect on economic activity.
I believe that increasing taxes on the rich will have the multiple benefits of reducing the deficit and the widening gap in wealth, while having little to no affect on GDP. The middle class needs to stop buying the dream and start understanding the facts. Defending the rich only hurts you.
I would argue that this same logic applies to the Bush tax cuts. Right now the very rich have little incentive to do anything with their money. Their tax rate is the lowest in its history so they don't mind getting a huge bonus an putting it in the bank. The claim that the rich create jobs only works when the penalty for holding their money is so severe that investing it makes the most sense, like we did in the middle of the last century. If you want to create more jobs then tax the crap out of big bonuses and holding excessive amounts of money. Business would much prefer to own a new piece of equipment that they may be able to utilize in the future than they would paying heavy taxes for sitting on cash. With businesses currently sitting on over 1.8 trillion dollars in cash, even a small portion of additional investment would have a big impact.
Claiming the Bush tax cuts for the rich creates jobs and stimulates the economy completely ignores the facts and History refutes these Republican claims (and possibly my own assertions). The graph below shows we have had a wide variation in Marginal Tax rates yet the percentage change in GDP shows little to no correlation. This lack of correlation would suggest that if we are really concerned about the rising deficit, raising taxes on the rich is an excellent method for doing reducing it since it would have little to no affect on economic activity.
I believe that increasing taxes on the rich will have the multiple benefits of reducing the deficit and the widening gap in wealth, while having little to no affect on GDP. The middle class needs to stop buying the dream and start understanding the facts. Defending the rich only hurts you.
Proof that the Trickle Down Theory doesn't work.
American companies have never had more cash on hand, the top 2% have never paid lower taxes, and the rich have never been richer yet we have some of the worst unemployment that America has ever seen. If the rich create jobs then all of these factors would indicate we should be seeing huge gains in employment. That however is not the case.
The problem is the Trickle Down Theory only works when consumer confidence and consumer spending are high since the rich will look to get richer and spend if they know there is a return on their investment. Unfortunately both of those categories are depressed right now and it makes no sense for the rich to hire more people to create more products if now one is going to by the additional production.
The problem is the Trickle Down Theory only works when consumer confidence and consumer spending are high since the rich will look to get richer and spend if they know there is a return on their investment. Unfortunately both of those categories are depressed right now and it makes no sense for the rich to hire more people to create more products if now one is going to by the additional production.
Can I Get Odds On This?
Listen, I hate the Vikings. It's not because I'm a Detroit-area Lions honk who hates the Packers, Bears, and Vikings out of some obligatory divisional rivalry reasoning either. I just HATE Brett Favre. Let me repeat that (to go all Joe Biden on you): I HATE BRETT FAVRE. Okay, just so we are clear.
But I was watching Jim Rome is Burning yesterday. And Jim Rome was not burning because he had the day off and was replaced by the douchebag Jason Smith. He is a total dork. Anyway, he said this about the Vikings:
This was reminiscent of Michael Smith (no relation?) making his prediction that a 1-3 start (without Ben Roethlisberger) would kill the Steelers season. (With the Steelers at 2-0 w/o Big Ben, I guess we'll never know if he'd have been correct).
I am the resident Furriners stat geek. So I'm sure there are relevant statistics on what percentage of teams that start 0-2 make the playoffs. I do not know what it is. I am confident it is a very high number. But I am also very confident that it's not 0%. Or, as Mike Wilbon would exclaim "ZERO PERCENT!!!!"... does he still do that? I stopped watching because Kornheiser is annoying.
Anyway, I am not counting out the Vikings. As of today, I'm giving them a 63% chance of making the playoffs.
Did I mention I HATE Brett Favre?
But I was watching Jim Rome is Burning yesterday. And Jim Rome was not burning because he had the day off and was replaced by the douchebag Jason Smith. He is a total dork. Anyway, he said this about the Vikings:
Sorry Vikings fans but your team is already in HUGE trouble. Nine wins are their ceiling now and the playoffs are out of the question. Vincent Jackson or no Vincent Jackson.
This was reminiscent of Michael Smith (no relation?) making his prediction that a 1-3 start (without Ben Roethlisberger) would kill the Steelers season. (With the Steelers at 2-0 w/o Big Ben, I guess we'll never know if he'd have been correct).
I am the resident Furriners stat geek. So I'm sure there are relevant statistics on what percentage of teams that start 0-2 make the playoffs. I do not know what it is. I am confident it is a very high number. But I am also very confident that it's not 0%. Or, as Mike Wilbon would exclaim "ZERO PERCENT!!!!"... does he still do that? I stopped watching because Kornheiser is annoying.
Anyway, I am not counting out the Vikings. As of today, I'm giving them a 63% chance of making the playoffs.
Did I mention I HATE Brett Favre?
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Put The Lions on MNF!
Are the Detroit Lions ready for primetime? Perhaps not.
Nevertheless, we need to get Jon Gruden into the same building as Calvin Johnson because on yesterday's MNF broadcast, Gruden said this:
What-the-fuck-ever!!!
Lawson lists at 6'5", 240 lbs.
Johnson lists at 6'5", 236 lbs.
Who do you think would win in a race between Lawson and Johnson?
Also, what about:
Vernon Davis (listed at 6'3", 250)
Greg Olson (listed at 6'5", 255)
Taylor Mays (listed at 6'3", 230)
Matt Jones (listed at 6'6, 222)
Nevertheless, we need to get Jon Gruden into the same building as Calvin Johnson because on yesterday's MNF broadcast, Gruden said this:
Let me tell you about Manny Lawson. I saw this guy at the combine a few years ago when he came out of N.C. State. He's the fastest big guy I've ever seen!
What-the-fuck-ever!!!
Lawson lists at 6'5", 240 lbs.
Johnson lists at 6'5", 236 lbs.
Who do you think would win in a race between Lawson and Johnson?
Also, what about:
Vernon Davis (listed at 6'3", 250)
Greg Olson (listed at 6'5", 255)
Taylor Mays (listed at 6'3", 230)
Matt Jones (listed at 6'6, 222)
Muslim Community Center (Ground Zero Mosque) and Repubocrisy
If you watch Fox News or the Daily Show's coverage of Fox News you know that they have a fetish for where the money comes from for funding the Muslim Community Center. You also know that one of the main contributors is the second largest owner of Fox's parent company. This obsession would indicate that Republicans are very concerned with a money trail on important issues yet these same Republicans are the ones who are willing to take up arms to defend the Supreme Court decision on political donations which in part allows for unlimited untraceable donations. And there in lies the Repubocrisy. They only care about the money when it is something they don't like.
The irony is that Republicans who have basically built their platform on paranoia, should be the ones most concerned as this court ruling allows for terrorist to influence our election process.
The irony is that Republicans who have basically built their platform on paranoia, should be the ones most concerned as this court ruling allows for terrorist to influence our election process.
Friday, September 17, 2010
I Have Nothing To Add To This II
What I love about the Tea Party is that... the New York candidate (Carl Paladino) sent out pornographic e-mails and the Delaware candidate (Christine O'Donnell) thinks that masturbation is adultery. That's what I call a big tent! --- Stephen Colbert on The Colbert Report, 9/16/10
Thursday, September 16, 2010
How I'm Like An NFL Team
This is a post that will be of no interest to our target demographic.
What is the Furriners target demo you ask?
I guess it is mostly 30+ liberals with an interest in politics. Oh, and Derek Anderson fans, of course. Judging by our hate mail, we also get people who want to tell us we're terrorist-sympathizing socialists too!
Haha... just kidding. We don't get mail. Well, we do... but it's all from me to my colleague saying he should familiarize himself with Washington, D.C. stalker laws because of his man love for Ezra Klein.
Anyway, here is my personal observation.
Recently, I have developed a passion for old school punk rock. This has led me to the dark corners of the internet where old dirtbag record collectors taunt one another about how they found an old 7" single from an obscure band at an obscure record store in an obscure town. A good time is had by all.
For someone like me who does not own a record player and does not pour over price guides of old records wondering if I'll ever find that single by The Absentees, the goal has been to find good new (old) music. I admit that sometimes this includes downloading free mp3s that may or may not be posted legally. And sometimes this results in reading about a band and deciding to buy a CD from Amazon.
This is where I become like an NFL GM. If I download an mp3 for free and don't care for it, I just delete it and don't think twice about it. However, if I have bought an mp3 and don't care for it, I seem to treat it like it's a first round pick who just hasn't reached it's ceiling. For example, I bought The Complete Eater after hearing Thinking Of The USA. The problem is that that song is awesome and the rest of the CD seems to blow... but I can't get myself to delete it. I'm like the Jets with Vernon Gholston.
What is the Furriners target demo you ask?
I guess it is mostly 30+ liberals with an interest in politics. Oh, and Derek Anderson fans, of course. Judging by our hate mail, we also get people who want to tell us we're terrorist-sympathizing socialists too!
Haha... just kidding. We don't get mail. Well, we do... but it's all from me to my colleague saying he should familiarize himself with Washington, D.C. stalker laws because of his man love for Ezra Klein.
Anyway, here is my personal observation.
Recently, I have developed a passion for old school punk rock. This has led me to the dark corners of the internet where old dirtbag record collectors taunt one another about how they found an old 7" single from an obscure band at an obscure record store in an obscure town. A good time is had by all.
For someone like me who does not own a record player and does not pour over price guides of old records wondering if I'll ever find that single by The Absentees, the goal has been to find good new (old) music. I admit that sometimes this includes downloading free mp3s that may or may not be posted legally. And sometimes this results in reading about a band and deciding to buy a CD from Amazon.
This is where I become like an NFL GM. If I download an mp3 for free and don't care for it, I just delete it and don't think twice about it. However, if I have bought an mp3 and don't care for it, I seem to treat it like it's a first round pick who just hasn't reached it's ceiling. For example, I bought The Complete Eater after hearing Thinking Of The USA. The problem is that that song is awesome and the rest of the CD seems to blow... but I can't get myself to delete it. I'm like the Jets with Vernon Gholston.
In Honor Of Christine O'Donnell...
...and Carl Paladino (NSFW?).
It could be argued that Dan Bern is the Derek Anderson of folk-punk (well, folk. Not much punk in there at this point). He is awesome. He is underappreciated. He is awesomely underappreciated. Of course, Dan Bern has not been to a Pro-Bowl (you know who else has not? Brady Quinn and Matt Leinart!).
He has written a song for the Tea Party folks.
So, as a Furriners first, I present an mp3 for your listening pleasure:
Talking Tea Party Blues (live in NYC, 6/19/10)
It could be argued that Dan Bern is the Derek Anderson of folk-punk (well, folk. Not much punk in there at this point). He is awesome. He is underappreciated. He is awesomely underappreciated. Of course, Dan Bern has not been to a Pro-Bowl (you know who else has not? Brady Quinn and Matt Leinart!).
He has written a song for the Tea Party folks.
So, as a Furriners first, I present an mp3 for your listening pleasure:
Talking Tea Party Blues (live in NYC, 6/19/10)
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Christine O'Donnell wins Republican Nomination...Republican strategists can't be happy.
The Republican national party actively campaigned against Christine O'Donnell because they know that she will have almost no chance to win in November. NPR this morning spread a cautious tone to giddy Liberals that the Tea Party candidates that are beating Republicans in the primaries are typically even in the polls with Democrats. The problem is that they will never have higher ratings than the do right now. People want change and they keep voting for Tea Party candidates not because they are good candidates but because the represent the most change. That may fly with Conservatives but it won't hold much water with Independents. Once real debates start, the majority of these Tea Party candidates will get exposed. Remember Sarah Palin was very popular until she started talking. Once people found out what she actually stands for her approval ratings began to drop and have recently reached an all time low. Currently 55% of independents have a negative view of Palin and her support for these Tea Party candidates will have a detrimental affect in the general election. This is all information the the Republican National Party is well aware of which is why they started attack adds against O'Donnell. My guess is that any race with a Tea Party candidate that is a dead heat now will be won by the Democrat.
Another angle the media has been pushing is that Republicans have been showing up to the polls in much larger numbers. While this may be true, it doesn't mean that the same will be true for the general elections. First, there are more seats being contested on the Republican side of the isle, so more people are showing up. Second, the people who are voting Tea Party might now show up in November if their only choice is a candidate that they consider to be a RINO (Republican in name only) and conversely more moderate Republicans might just stay home rather than vote for a Palin backed Tea Party whack job.
Overall I think Democrats will lose seats and I think some Tea Party candidates in typically Republican districts will win, but I would be surprised if the slaughter some are projecting actually happens.
Another angle the media has been pushing is that Republicans have been showing up to the polls in much larger numbers. While this may be true, it doesn't mean that the same will be true for the general elections. First, there are more seats being contested on the Republican side of the isle, so more people are showing up. Second, the people who are voting Tea Party might now show up in November if their only choice is a candidate that they consider to be a RINO (Republican in name only) and conversely more moderate Republicans might just stay home rather than vote for a Palin backed Tea Party whack job.
Overall I think Democrats will lose seats and I think some Tea Party candidates in typically Republican districts will win, but I would be surprised if the slaughter some are projecting actually happens.
Nationalfootballpost.com has made the list
In their week one rookie analysis nationalfootballpost.com had the following to say about Detroit Lions first round pick Jahvid Best:
"He struggles in pass protection, does not get good position and he lacks power. But on the positive side, he shows a willingness to block."
The website also suggested:
Best will eventually be used as a complementary back to Kevin Smith
I think they are completely wrong on this. They clearly have been looking at this from a national perspective since all of the local coverage suggests they are full of crap. Additionally they seem to be stuck on the scouting reports that Best has injury concerns and is not big enough to be a starter in the NFL. No one has questioned CJ Spiller's ability to be a starter even though he and Best are almost exactly the same size. When considering Best, think Brian Westbrook not Reggie Bush. I also take issue with Kevin Smith as the feature back. If Kevin Smith gets more than 10 carriers in a game that Best plays in I would be shocked. Nationalfootballpost.com actually has it backwards, Best is a feature back and Smith is the complementary back. One other note, why is it when talking about Tim Tebow, his willingness to compete proves he can be successful since he can taught all of the other things but with Best somehow it is a knock.
"He struggles in pass protection, does not get good position and he lacks power. But on the positive side, he shows a willingness to block."
The website also suggested:
Best will eventually be used as a complementary back to Kevin Smith
I think they are completely wrong on this. They clearly have been looking at this from a national perspective since all of the local coverage suggests they are full of crap. Additionally they seem to be stuck on the scouting reports that Best has injury concerns and is not big enough to be a starter in the NFL. No one has questioned CJ Spiller's ability to be a starter even though he and Best are almost exactly the same size. When considering Best, think Brian Westbrook not Reggie Bush. I also take issue with Kevin Smith as the feature back. If Kevin Smith gets more than 10 carriers in a game that Best plays in I would be shocked. Nationalfootballpost.com actually has it backwards, Best is a feature back and Smith is the complementary back. One other note, why is it when talking about Tim Tebow, his willingness to compete proves he can be successful since he can taught all of the other things but with Best somehow it is a knock.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Dino Rossi doesn't understand the word bailout.
Dino Rossi the Republican candidate for Senate in Washington has called the most recent small business bill a bailout. The problem is, this is money that is being set aside for banks to specifically offer credit to small business that have been unable to get it. Banks are hesitant to lend in these hard times which only compounds the problems for small business that unlike big business are not sitting on piles of cash. This gives the smaller banks some security in offering loans to smaller business that have a higher risk.
According to Wikipedia the definition of a bailout is as follows:
"an act of giving capital to an entity (a company, a country, or an individual) in danger of failing in an attempt to save it from bankruptcy"
Based on Dino Rossi's claims every bank loan must now be considered a bailout since all this bill does is offer loans - not give aways - loans. Evil right?
Additionally Rossi seems to be out of step with Mitch McConnell on this, who recently called this aid package:
"a little itty-bitty small business bill that no one thinks will have much of an impact on the economy."
Based on his statements McConnell seems to prefer a bigger small business aid package which is in stark contrast to Rossi.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to talk about the Bush Tax Cuts. I hear Republicans (I'm looking at you Chuck Grassley) talking about how letting the tax cuts for people making over $250,000 will hurt small businesses. As an employee of a small business I was very skeptical of this claim. After further investigation using the Gretchen Carlson Google I found the following article titled Who Makes $250,000 a Year, Not Small Business Owners. It is from 2008 so the information may be slightly outdated but the point still remains that there is a very small number of people making over $250,000 and almost none of them are small business owners. So this argument that ending the tax cuts for this top percentage of wage earners will hurt main street is complete bunk. It will hurt the following groups:
Athletes
Entertainers
Corporate CEO's
Attorneys
Brokers and Investment Bankers
People who come from money
These are not your everyday people and by in large they do not create jobs for the general public. Eliminating this tax cut will help the deficit and the only people it hurts, are people who can afford to pay a little extra. When you add to this, the fact that most of these people find ways to hide their money and end up paying less taxes than the little guys, it becomes a no brainer.
According to Wikipedia the definition of a bailout is as follows:
"an act of giving capital to an entity (a company, a country, or an individual) in danger of failing in an attempt to save it from bankruptcy"
Based on Dino Rossi's claims every bank loan must now be considered a bailout since all this bill does is offer loans - not give aways - loans. Evil right?
Additionally Rossi seems to be out of step with Mitch McConnell on this, who recently called this aid package:
"a little itty-bitty small business bill that no one thinks will have much of an impact on the economy."
Based on his statements McConnell seems to prefer a bigger small business aid package which is in stark contrast to Rossi.
I also wanted to take this opportunity to talk about the Bush Tax Cuts. I hear Republicans (I'm looking at you Chuck Grassley) talking about how letting the tax cuts for people making over $250,000 will hurt small businesses. As an employee of a small business I was very skeptical of this claim. After further investigation using the Gretchen Carlson Google I found the following article titled Who Makes $250,000 a Year, Not Small Business Owners. It is from 2008 so the information may be slightly outdated but the point still remains that there is a very small number of people making over $250,000 and almost none of them are small business owners. So this argument that ending the tax cuts for this top percentage of wage earners will hurt main street is complete bunk. It will hurt the following groups:
Athletes
Entertainers
Corporate CEO's
Attorneys
Brokers and Investment Bankers
People who come from money
These are not your everyday people and by in large they do not create jobs for the general public. Eliminating this tax cut will help the deficit and the only people it hurts, are people who can afford to pay a little extra. When you add to this, the fact that most of these people find ways to hide their money and end up paying less taxes than the little guys, it becomes a no brainer.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Buy American?
If you care about the Buy American push than you should support government spending because no other entity purchases more American goods and services than the US government. Additionally no other entity employs more Americans than the US government. In these tough economic doesn't it make sense to use trickle down economics and remove the Bush tax cuts for the rich to employ Americans and buy more American goods.
While companies like Nike and Haliburton avoid taxes and outsource work the US government is required to buy American in The Buy American Act. Fighting for tax cuts for the rich only costs Americans jobs and keeps the economy stagnate putting your own job at risk.
While companies like Nike and Haliburton avoid taxes and outsource work the US government is required to buy American in The Buy American Act. Fighting for tax cuts for the rich only costs Americans jobs and keeps the economy stagnate putting your own job at risk.
Policies that put us behind the rest of the world
A recent ruling by Judge Royce Lamberth puts the future of stem cell research in doubt. I imagine this brings great joy to conservatives. The problem is that other countries (South Korea, Singapore and Great Britain) are still going to do stem cell research regardless of what America decides to do. This means that by limiting stem cell research in America you are essentially outsourcing jobs to these other countries. Not only will we lose jobs but we lose control over the process. Who do you trust to be more ethical in their treatment of stem cells; American scientists or the Koreans?
The Lions got jobbed.
For some reason a number of people in the sports media have decided that the obviously bad call in the Lions Bears games from this past Sunday was correct in that it was to the letter of the rule. I disagree. The rule reads as follows:
If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.
I feel that he had established possession after he touched the ground. In fact his hand was out of bounds before the ball came dislodged. The biggest support for my belief is that everyone seems to believe that this is a bad rule. This means people think that the NFL deliberately made a bad rule. I believe that the problem is the interpretation of the rule not the rule itself. This rule was designed to look at diving catches where the receiver does not have a chance to establish two feet in bounds...at least that is how I remember this rule coming about.
If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball after he touches the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete.
I feel that he had established possession after he touched the ground. In fact his hand was out of bounds before the ball came dislodged. The biggest support for my belief is that everyone seems to believe that this is a bad rule. This means people think that the NFL deliberately made a bad rule. I believe that the problem is the interpretation of the rule not the rule itself. This rule was designed to look at diving catches where the receiver does not have a chance to establish two feet in bounds...at least that is how I remember this rule coming about.
Being anti-Muslim does not make you Patriotic
While there has been a lot of attention shown on the Muslim center the is blocks away from ground zero, it should be noted that what the liberal media isn't telling you that there have been protests against 14 other proposed Muslim construction projects across America. The only problem is that these other 14 projects don't dishonor anyone and just show the hate that the right is showering on Muslims.
For conservatives who claim to hold the constitution is the highest regard, to so blatantly ignore the freedom of religion that is afforded by the first amendment, is concerning. This is done out of fear. Acting out of fear has never had good results for the US. See Japanese internment and McCarthyism.
One other thing for the right to consider. By dividing the country you are letting the terrorists win. They wanted to weaken our country and there is nothing more detrimental to our democracy than having one group decide that our democratic principles don't apply to another group. Doing so make us no better than them.
For conservatives who claim to hold the constitution is the highest regard, to so blatantly ignore the freedom of religion that is afforded by the first amendment, is concerning. This is done out of fear. Acting out of fear has never had good results for the US. See Japanese internment and McCarthyism.
One other thing for the right to consider. By dividing the country you are letting the terrorists win. They wanted to weaken our country and there is nothing more detrimental to our democracy than having one group decide that our democratic principles don't apply to another group. Doing so make us no better than them.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Tim Tebow shows how many yards intangibles gets you in the NFL...2
Tim Tebow made his NFL debut today rushing twice for a total of 2 yards. I guess being a great competitor with heart doesn't get you what it used to.
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Married...With Children Rule
I admit it... that is a terrible name for the premise of this post but bare with me.
The idea is that, if I recall correctly, Al Bundy would rather mercilessly tease and insult Peggy - but if someone else were to go too far in insulting Peggy, Al could get quite protective of his better(?) half.
This is not unique to that show, of course (which is why it's a terribly named rule); I'm sure that is common to many relationships (for example: adolescent siblings where the older sibling is protective of the younger).
I bring this up because of the comments of Petros Papadakis (a USC grad) regarding University of Michigan football on Jim Rome is Burning yesterday. I like Papadakis; he is one of the more enjoyable guests that Mr. Rome has on his (now one-person) panel. However, yesterday he earned a nomination for the Furriners BS Watch List.
Here are quotes from Mr. Papadakis on the subject of U of M v. Notre Dame:
As a Michigan alum, I say 'go fuck yourself, Petros'. While I reserve the right to complain about our unarguably disasterous run under Rich Rodriguez, I don't need you telling me it's "too much of a culture change". I can handle the culture change. I just can't handle going 0-2 against Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue, AND Illinois. That's the problem, big boy.
Needless to say, the stakes are very, very high for tomorrows game.
Run, Denard, run.
It's okay with me.
The idea is that, if I recall correctly, Al Bundy would rather mercilessly tease and insult Peggy - but if someone else were to go too far in insulting Peggy, Al could get quite protective of his better(?) half.
This is not unique to that show, of course (which is why it's a terribly named rule); I'm sure that is common to many relationships (for example: adolescent siblings where the older sibling is protective of the younger).
I bring this up because of the comments of Petros Papadakis (a USC grad) regarding University of Michigan football on Jim Rome is Burning yesterday. I like Papadakis; he is one of the more enjoyable guests that Mr. Rome has on his (now one-person) panel. However, yesterday he earned a nomination for the Furriners BS Watch List.
Here are quotes from Mr. Papadakis on the subject of U of M v. Notre Dame:
Michigan needs this game worse than Notre Dame and, no, they're not going to get it.
What happened to Notre Dame under Charlie Weis is what happened to Michigan under Rich Rodriguez. They lost their identity. They're no longer a physical, angry football team.
It's too much of a culture change. You can run a spread and still be physical. Brian Kelly has proven that at Notre Dame (Really? After one game?). Rich Rod has not proven that. Too much of a change for the people of Michigan.
As a Michigan alum, I say 'go fuck yourself, Petros'. While I reserve the right to complain about our unarguably disasterous run under Rich Rodriguez, I don't need you telling me it's "too much of a culture change". I can handle the culture change. I just can't handle going 0-2 against Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue, AND Illinois. That's the problem, big boy.
Needless to say, the stakes are very, very high for tomorrows game.
Run, Denard, run.
It's okay with me.
A Furriners Correction/Update
A couple days ago, I posted a, uh, post about Spain's loss to Serbia in the FIBA World Championships. In it, I said this:
That was actually incorrect. The loss actually did happen in the second round of the knockout round as Spain had beaten Greece in the first round. Fortunately, because the losers in the second round actually do play additional games to determine 5th through 8th place, we got another chance to witness the Spanish Pistol Pete Maravich, Ricky Rubio. Lucky us!
Today, Spain beat Slovenia 97-80. Spanish Pistol wowed us with 3 points (1-5 shooting), 4 assists, and 2 turnovers.
Did I say Spanish Pistol Pete? I meant Spanish Dan Dickau.
Today, Spain lost in the first round of knockout round of the World Championships.
That was actually incorrect. The loss actually did happen in the second round of the knockout round as Spain had beaten Greece in the first round. Fortunately, because the losers in the second round actually do play additional games to determine 5th through 8th place, we got another chance to witness the Spanish Pistol Pete Maravich, Ricky Rubio. Lucky us!
Today, Spain beat Slovenia 97-80. Spanish Pistol wowed us with 3 points (1-5 shooting), 4 assists, and 2 turnovers.
Did I say Spanish Pistol Pete? I meant Spanish Dan Dickau.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Ap declares combat in Iraq not over
Last week Tom Kent of the associated press issued this edict to his staff:
"To begin with, combat in Iraq is not over, and we should not uncritically repeat suggestions that it is, even if they come from senior officials."
As has been mentioned here before we have ended many a war without actually ever removing our military presence. So according to Mr. Kent we are still fighting WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Gulf War since we currently have the following troops deployed there:
Germany – 57,080
South Korea – 27,014
Kuwait - 10,548
I guess according to the AP Germany is still a major threat since we currently have more troops their than in Iraq.
"To begin with, combat in Iraq is not over, and we should not uncritically repeat suggestions that it is, even if they come from senior officials."
As has been mentioned here before we have ended many a war without actually ever removing our military presence. So according to Mr. Kent we are still fighting WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Gulf War since we currently have the following troops deployed there:
Germany – 57,080
South Korea – 27,014
Kuwait - 10,548
I guess according to the AP Germany is still a major threat since we currently have more troops their than in Iraq.
Iraq War and Burning the Qu'ran (Koran)
I have had a number of other thoughts on this whole Terry Jones Qu'ran BBQ. First in some of the support I have seen for Mr. Jones it seems that people feel that Muslims are just evil people, such as this quote from redstate.com:
" If Islamists did not have koran burnings to incite them to kill Americans, they would just find something else. Heck, they may go back to soldiers in Iraq using the koran for target practice."
I here these guys are considering voting for Mitt Romney because of his ability to unite people.
My guess is that the people who are supporting Terry Jones are some of the same people who supported the Iraq War from the get go. Well George W. Bush had the following to say:
" A young democracy will provide the stability we look for. I will tell you that if we just isolate ourselves from the Middle East and hope for the best, we will not address the conditions that had led young suiciders to get on airplanes to come and attack us in the first place."
This means either the Terry Jones supporters are stupid or completely ignorant. If Muslims are evil people then why in hell would we try convert them to Democracy. Why would we help evil people enact the greatest form of government the universe has ever known. It just doesn't make sense. Saddam Hussein was evil and we used our Democracy to kill him not reform him. Did you people not understand the mission W. laid out?
" If Islamists did not have koran burnings to incite them to kill Americans, they would just find something else. Heck, they may go back to soldiers in Iraq using the koran for target practice."
I here these guys are considering voting for Mitt Romney because of his ability to unite people.
My guess is that the people who are supporting Terry Jones are some of the same people who supported the Iraq War from the get go. Well George W. Bush had the following to say:
" A young democracy will provide the stability we look for. I will tell you that if we just isolate ourselves from the Middle East and hope for the best, we will not address the conditions that had led young suiciders to get on airplanes to come and attack us in the first place."
This means either the Terry Jones supporters are stupid or completely ignorant. If Muslims are evil people then why in hell would we try convert them to Democracy. Why would we help evil people enact the greatest form of government the universe has ever known. It just doesn't make sense. Saddam Hussein was evil and we used our Democracy to kill him not reform him. Did you people not understand the mission W. laid out?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Are We Being Punk'd?!?!
I saw this on the CNN Political Ticker:
Meanwhile, when it comes to whether (Meghan) McCain would support a potential Palin presidential bid in 2012, she said her heart actually belongs to another likely White House hopeful.
"I am so sick of this us-versus-them mentality," she said. "I just want a candidate that's going to stop being us versus them. So right now I am team Romney."
Ummmm... does she not realize what an ASSHOLE Mitt Romney is?!? He is no more of a "Uniter" than George W. Bush. Don't believe me? Watch this segment from The Daily Show.
I will say that I don't think this quite replaces the quintessential embarrassing moment of Meghan McCain's public life (thus far):
this classic clip from Real Time With Bill Maher.
Ouch! You got to turn off the empathy instinct when you watch that... or else you're going to feel bad for her getting so badly public owned. Of course, if you're a Republican, there is no empathy instinct to turn off... and, let's face it, you're not watching Real Time anyway.
Meanwhile, when it comes to whether (Meghan) McCain would support a potential Palin presidential bid in 2012, she said her heart actually belongs to another likely White House hopeful.
"I am so sick of this us-versus-them mentality," she said. "I just want a candidate that's going to stop being us versus them. So right now I am team Romney."
Ummmm... does she not realize what an ASSHOLE Mitt Romney is?!? He is no more of a "Uniter" than George W. Bush. Don't believe me? Watch this segment from The Daily Show.
I will say that I don't think this quite replaces the quintessential embarrassing moment of Meghan McCain's public life (thus far):
this classic clip from Real Time With Bill Maher.
Ouch! You got to turn off the empathy instinct when you watch that... or else you're going to feel bad for her getting so badly public owned. Of course, if you're a Republican, there is no empathy instinct to turn off... and, let's face it, you're not watching Real Time anyway.
Ricky Rubio Is Awesome
Another one for the It's too early to say 'I called it' file... but I will acknowledge I am dying to do so.
I am referring to the play of Ricky Rubio in the ongoing FIBA World Championships.
Long before the Furriners blog existed... I had opinions. Many of them involved Derek Anderson. Some of them did not.
One of the opinions I expressed around the office was that I was extremely disappointed in what I saw of Ricky Rubio in the 2008 Olympics. We were told he was a new Pistol Pete/Steve Nash. And although I am too young to have ever seen Maravich play, I consider myself a Pistol Pete fan... so I was excited to see this kid. I was extraordinarily underwhelmed - but, of course, Rubio was a 17(!) year old playing in the Olympics against the likes of Chris Paul and Deron Williams - so I didn't want to be too dismissive of his talents.
Of course, now Rubio is all of 19 and I admit it's still too early to call him all hype with no substance - and not to bring up a 20+ year old take on Larry Bird by Dennis Rodman - but one can't help but wonder if Rubio would be such a big f'n deal if he were a black kid from Baltimore?
Today, Spain lost in the first round of knockout round of the World Championships. The rest of Spain's starting lineup are all very fair NBA players (& Marc Gasol has improved to the point where he has to be considered above-average for an NBA center). Here is the basic stat breakdown for the Spain starting five:
Juan Carlos Navarro - 27 pts, 5 ast
Jorge Garbajosa - 18 pts, 6 reb
Rudy Fernandez - 15 pts, 5 reb
Marc Gasol - 13 pts (6-7 fg), 5 reb, 3 blk
Ricky Rubio - 3 pts, 3 ast, 3 to
What's the word for the Rubio performance? Underwhelming... yeah, that is it.
And, for the record, this is from the Sports Guy 2009 Draft Day Diary:
5:03: ... An orgasmic Fraschilla says Rubio is "the best passer in the last decade of drafts" and he's "got a Gretzky-like feel, he sees the game two and three plays ahead." Totally agree.
We'll see.
And I will say that I watched preliminary round coverage of the tournament and the same Fran Fraschilla was decidly non-orgasmic when saying that it was time for Rubio to start becoming a dominant player rather than just a vat of potential.
I am referring to the play of Ricky Rubio in the ongoing FIBA World Championships.
Long before the Furriners blog existed... I had opinions. Many of them involved Derek Anderson. Some of them did not.
One of the opinions I expressed around the office was that I was extremely disappointed in what I saw of Ricky Rubio in the 2008 Olympics. We were told he was a new Pistol Pete/Steve Nash. And although I am too young to have ever seen Maravich play, I consider myself a Pistol Pete fan... so I was excited to see this kid. I was extraordinarily underwhelmed - but, of course, Rubio was a 17(!) year old playing in the Olympics against the likes of Chris Paul and Deron Williams - so I didn't want to be too dismissive of his talents.
Of course, now Rubio is all of 19 and I admit it's still too early to call him all hype with no substance - and not to bring up a 20+ year old take on Larry Bird by Dennis Rodman - but one can't help but wonder if Rubio would be such a big f'n deal if he were a black kid from Baltimore?
Today, Spain lost in the first round of knockout round of the World Championships. The rest of Spain's starting lineup are all very fair NBA players (& Marc Gasol has improved to the point where he has to be considered above-average for an NBA center). Here is the basic stat breakdown for the Spain starting five:
Juan Carlos Navarro - 27 pts, 5 ast
Jorge Garbajosa - 18 pts, 6 reb
Rudy Fernandez - 15 pts, 5 reb
Marc Gasol - 13 pts (6-7 fg), 5 reb, 3 blk
Ricky Rubio - 3 pts, 3 ast, 3 to
What's the word for the Rubio performance? Underwhelming... yeah, that is it.
And, for the record, this is from the Sports Guy 2009 Draft Day Diary:
5:03: ... An orgasmic Fraschilla says Rubio is "the best passer in the last decade of drafts" and he's "got a Gretzky-like feel, he sees the game two and three plays ahead." Totally agree.
We'll see.
And I will say that I watched preliminary round coverage of the tournament and the same Fran Fraschilla was decidly non-orgasmic when saying that it was time for Rubio to start becoming a dominant player rather than just a vat of potential.
WWJD? Apparently Terry Jones isn't all that christian.
Why is it that the right only supports the Military when it is convenient for them? John McCain said he would essentially defer to the military leadership on don't ask don't tell. That was until the military leadership came out with a stance that John McCain didn't agree with.
Similarly the right loved David Petraeus up until he indicated that burning the Qu'ran was not a good thing. Being uninformed on the topic like Gretchen Carlson I looked up the event on Google and the first listing in the news section was under Redstate.com which the author states:
"David Petraeus and the media have decided to magnify the event and guarantee it’ll be featured on the front page of every major newspaper in the Middle East."
Yes, David Petraeus, with one simple statement, trying to protect the lives of our American service men and women has now become part of one of the most hated groups in America - The Liberal Media. If there is anything more damning of the conspiracy theory that is the liberal media bias, I haven't seen it. That's right conservatives we got David Petraeus and we don't plan on stopping until all of the military is under our control. You've caught us. It's so freeing to finally have our agenda out in the open. Soon we will eliminate all unnecessary military actions...Oh wait, I actually agree with that.
Well regardless, the blogger continues on to say:
"Petraeus is essentially attributing direct responsibility for American deaths to the activities of American citizens"
As if Muslims would not react to the burning of their holy book with any hatred. The author even suggests that a violent reaction would be a uniquely Muslim action and that Christians would never perpetrate such retaliation.
Again after a simple Google search I found the following story of a young man who was taped to a flag pole by military veterans because he burned the flag.
I assumed I would find the same redstate people defending Terry Jones to chastise these veterans. He is some of the comments:
1.It’s unfortunate that this ass didn’t catch fire in the process!!
4.Thank you Veterans for taking care of this creep!!! If you find any more despicable people like this, do it again!! I’m behind you 100%!!
7.This smells like justice to me.
28.I am a Vietnam Nam Veteran and a member of a VFW an American Legion and a Disabled Ameracan Veterans Post. Lucky for him I wasen’t there or any of my members. We wouldn’t have given him three choices.
While burning the flag and burning the Qu'ran are both legal I'm not sure either is a very good form of protest as both will elicit more hate from the other side. The Muslims will simple revert to the tried and true Christian belief of an eye for an eye. The only problem is, as the example above illustrates, the eye for eye exchange program never seems adequate to the second party and so the never ending cycle of increasing violence usually ensues.
The really odd thing is that if Terry Jones were truly Christian, he would meet with the Muslims and try to show then the error of their ways not look for opportunities to incite violence.
This is another example of how conservatives have trouble putting themselves in someone else's shoes. Not all Muslims are extremist and if Terry Jones knew how offensive burning their holy book was to them he would never even consider the idea.
Similarly the right loved David Petraeus up until he indicated that burning the Qu'ran was not a good thing. Being uninformed on the topic like Gretchen Carlson I looked up the event on Google and the first listing in the news section was under Redstate.com which the author states:
"David Petraeus and the media have decided to magnify the event and guarantee it’ll be featured on the front page of every major newspaper in the Middle East."
Yes, David Petraeus, with one simple statement, trying to protect the lives of our American service men and women has now become part of one of the most hated groups in America - The Liberal Media. If there is anything more damning of the conspiracy theory that is the liberal media bias, I haven't seen it. That's right conservatives we got David Petraeus and we don't plan on stopping until all of the military is under our control. You've caught us. It's so freeing to finally have our agenda out in the open. Soon we will eliminate all unnecessary military actions...Oh wait, I actually agree with that.
Well regardless, the blogger continues on to say:
"Petraeus is essentially attributing direct responsibility for American deaths to the activities of American citizens"
As if Muslims would not react to the burning of their holy book with any hatred. The author even suggests that a violent reaction would be a uniquely Muslim action and that Christians would never perpetrate such retaliation.
Again after a simple Google search I found the following story of a young man who was taped to a flag pole by military veterans because he burned the flag.
I assumed I would find the same redstate people defending Terry Jones to chastise these veterans. He is some of the comments:
1.It’s unfortunate that this ass didn’t catch fire in the process!!
4.Thank you Veterans for taking care of this creep!!! If you find any more despicable people like this, do it again!! I’m behind you 100%!!
7.This smells like justice to me.
28.I am a Vietnam Nam Veteran and a member of a VFW an American Legion and a Disabled Ameracan Veterans Post. Lucky for him I wasen’t there or any of my members. We wouldn’t have given him three choices.
While burning the flag and burning the Qu'ran are both legal I'm not sure either is a very good form of protest as both will elicit more hate from the other side. The Muslims will simple revert to the tried and true Christian belief of an eye for an eye. The only problem is, as the example above illustrates, the eye for eye exchange program never seems adequate to the second party and so the never ending cycle of increasing violence usually ensues.
The really odd thing is that if Terry Jones were truly Christian, he would meet with the Muslims and try to show then the error of their ways not look for opportunities to incite violence.
This is another example of how conservatives have trouble putting themselves in someone else's shoes. Not all Muslims are extremist and if Terry Jones knew how offensive burning their holy book was to them he would never even consider the idea.
Boehner spills the beans
For months now congressional Republicans have been acting as obstructionist but refusing to admit it...that is until John Boehner couldn't help it anymore. Apparently all it takes is a faint sniff at a leadership position and John Boenher shoots his wad. He had this to say recently:
"Politicians in Washington are talking about wanting to create jobs as a ploy to get themselves reelected while doing everything possible to prevent jobs from being created here in our country"
Straight from the glowing orange horse's mouth.
"Politicians in Washington are talking about wanting to create jobs as a ploy to get themselves reelected while doing everything possible to prevent jobs from being created here in our country"
Straight from the glowing orange horse's mouth.
Monday, September 6, 2010
For The B.S. Watch List
Michael Smith said this on Jim Rome is Burning on 9/3:
If they don't go 2-2, they got no shot at the last 12 (indecipherable because Jim talked over him).
This comment was made about the Pittsburgh Steelers trying to survive without Ben Roethlisberger (and Byron Leftwich) for the first four games of the season. I certainly disagree with this take; a 1-3 Steelers team could certainly still make the playoffs.
We'll just have to re-visit this prediction if the Steelers go 1-3.
If they don't go 2-2, they got no shot at the last 12 (indecipherable because Jim talked over him).
This comment was made about the Pittsburgh Steelers trying to survive without Ben Roethlisberger (and Byron Leftwich) for the first four games of the season. I certainly disagree with this take; a 1-3 Steelers team could certainly still make the playoffs.
We'll just have to re-visit this prediction if the Steelers go 1-3.
My New Pet Peeve
I am a pretty easy going guy. Not much really bothers me.
But I am here to report my new pet peeve. My old pet peeve was that I would watch Pistons games and Richard Hamilton basically travels every time he catches the ball. He apparently believes the concept of having to establish a pivot foot does not apply to him. Unfortunately, the refs seem to collectively agree. Also unfortunate is that for all of the odd videos on YouTube... no one has seen fit to make a compilation of Rip Hamilton traveling! What is up with that?
Anyway, my new local sports pet peeve is Detroit Tigers second baseman Will Rhymes abuse of the "neighborhood" call when turning the double play. I swear that little guy was not on the base as he turned the game-ending double play in Saturday night's 6-4 win over the Royals. This was the not first time and I'm sure it will not be the last as the umpires let him get away with it. That is the lesson of Rip Hamilton.
But I am here to report my new pet peeve. My old pet peeve was that I would watch Pistons games and Richard Hamilton basically travels every time he catches the ball. He apparently believes the concept of having to establish a pivot foot does not apply to him. Unfortunately, the refs seem to collectively agree. Also unfortunate is that for all of the odd videos on YouTube... no one has seen fit to make a compilation of Rip Hamilton traveling! What is up with that?
Anyway, my new local sports pet peeve is Detroit Tigers second baseman Will Rhymes abuse of the "neighborhood" call when turning the double play. I swear that little guy was not on the base as he turned the game-ending double play in Saturday night's 6-4 win over the Royals. This was the not first time and I'm sure it will not be the last as the umpires let him get away with it. That is the lesson of Rip Hamilton.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Did You Know?
In the past three seasons:
Matt Leinart has three touchdown passes in 218 attempts. That is against eight interceptions.
Why is anyone surprised that he is crashing and burning?
Matt Leinart has three touchdown passes in 218 attempts. That is against eight interceptions.
Why is anyone surprised that he is crashing and burning?
Is It Just Me... Or Is Duberstein Bi-Polar?
Okay, I'm late with this one but I wanted to talk a little more about Ken Duberstein's appearance on Charlie Rose on 8/19. (See the first mention of it here.)
As I may or may not have mentioned on that post, Mr. Duberstein has strong conservative credentials but seemed, for the most part, to be offering sincere critiques of Barack Obama (and his administration) - as opposed to using only Frank Luntz approved talking points that is so often the methodology of Republican leadership (You know 'em: McConnell, Boehner, Pence, Michael Steele, etc).
That said, consider these two opinions expressed by Mr. Duberstein within the same 30 minute segment on Charlie Rose:
commenting on the lack of bipartisanship in legislation:
"There are ways to go about legislating where you don't get 100% of what you want. (Obama) got almost 100% of what he wanted. There are ways to incorporate the other side of the aisle that really would have made a difference."
and then a little later he critiques Obama's leadership:
"I think he is too much of a legislator and not as much of an executive... that he tries to acquiesce and get everybody together and on board rather than saying 'this is the principle, this is what I want, let's go do it and fight for it'. There may be a little bit too much give rather than give-and-take. But the mentality is one of much more accomodation than it is the forceful 'this is what I want, this is the direction we're gonna go in."
So there you have it. According to Mr. Duberstein, President Obama is a apparently a wimp who nevertheless succeeds in getting nearly 100% of what he wants.
By the way, if I can push back against his first premise... he gets "nearly 100% of what he wants"?!!? Then why no 'Public Option' in the health care bill? Why is Gitmo still open (with no prospects for closing anytime soon)? Why is 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' still the law of the land? Why has the energy bill been dropped from the Senate's agenda? Why no comprehensive immigration reform? Why are the White Sox dropping the standings?
I hope Obama wants Matt Leinart to start for the Arizona Cardinals - because then I could be sure it will never happen!
As I may or may not have mentioned on that post, Mr. Duberstein has strong conservative credentials but seemed, for the most part, to be offering sincere critiques of Barack Obama (and his administration) - as opposed to using only Frank Luntz approved talking points that is so often the methodology of Republican leadership (You know 'em: McConnell, Boehner, Pence, Michael Steele, etc).
That said, consider these two opinions expressed by Mr. Duberstein within the same 30 minute segment on Charlie Rose:
commenting on the lack of bipartisanship in legislation:
"There are ways to go about legislating where you don't get 100% of what you want. (Obama) got almost 100% of what he wanted. There are ways to incorporate the other side of the aisle that really would have made a difference."
and then a little later he critiques Obama's leadership:
"I think he is too much of a legislator and not as much of an executive... that he tries to acquiesce and get everybody together and on board rather than saying 'this is the principle, this is what I want, let's go do it and fight for it'. There may be a little bit too much give rather than give-and-take. But the mentality is one of much more accomodation than it is the forceful 'this is what I want, this is the direction we're gonna go in."
So there you have it. According to Mr. Duberstein, President Obama is a apparently a wimp who nevertheless succeeds in getting nearly 100% of what he wants.
By the way, if I can push back against his first premise... he gets "nearly 100% of what he wants"?!!? Then why no 'Public Option' in the health care bill? Why is Gitmo still open (with no prospects for closing anytime soon)? Why is 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' still the law of the land? Why has the energy bill been dropped from the Senate's agenda? Why no comprehensive immigration reform? Why are the White Sox dropping the standings?
I hope Obama wants Matt Leinart to start for the Arizona Cardinals - because then I could be sure it will never happen!
Congratulations Bill Simmons, You've made the list.
Bill Simmons of ESPN recently ranked the top QB's in the NFL and while I don't have much to say about his rankings of the top half, I have to take issue with his thoughts on Sam Bradford who Simmons ranks 24th. This ranking is way to high for my liking, but particularly problematic with his Bradford ranking is who he has below him. I'll give you Trent Edwards and Josh Freeman but there is almost zero chance that Derek Anderson, Jake Delhomme and Matt Hasselbeck will have worse years statistically than Bradford. Similarly Alex Smith, Matt Cassel and possibly Matt Moore will have more success.
My reasoning is two fold. First, as has been mentioned here before college QB that are system QB's has trouble adjusting to the NFL and Bradford will be no different. Second, and more importantly the Rams blow. I have them pegged for another top 3 draft pick this coming April. This is the reason that when all is said and done Matt Staford will have a much better career than Mark Sanchez. Their statistics for their rookie seasons are very similar yet the Jets, in spite of Sanchez, made the playoffs and the Lions struggled to two wins. It is difficult for a QB to be successful when his team is no good and regardless of my thoughts on Bradfords long term success, to think that he will be anywhere near the 24th best QB at years end is laughable.
My reasoning is two fold. First, as has been mentioned here before college QB that are system QB's has trouble adjusting to the NFL and Bradford will be no different. Second, and more importantly the Rams blow. I have them pegged for another top 3 draft pick this coming April. This is the reason that when all is said and done Matt Staford will have a much better career than Mark Sanchez. Their statistics for their rookie seasons are very similar yet the Jets, in spite of Sanchez, made the playoffs and the Lions struggled to two wins. It is difficult for a QB to be successful when his team is no good and regardless of my thoughts on Bradfords long term success, to think that he will be anywhere near the 24th best QB at years end is laughable.
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