Obama - "Just Say Non!"

At a time when French President Nicholas Sarkosy is working towards moving France closer to the center (before the financial crisis hit), we have a President who wants us to model the French.

You know...they say he’s intelligent but based on his policies and principles, how is that possible?

Shutting Detroit Down Video By John Rich

Maybe our politicians should take a step back, spend a few minutes watching this video, and really pay close attention to the words that are being sung. This song is not only catchy (let me tell you…I’ve been repeating the chorus to myself for a few hours now) but it’s the reality of the times we are living in. Depending on your current financial condition, you may be unaware of the struggle that others are going through. If you have heard the song (which many of you probably have), its written and sung by John Rich who just happens to be a famous country singer (once again, I’m sure that you already knew that but hey...not everyone’s a fan of country). He has been making his rounds on different talk shows, news programs, as well as making a special appearance at the Atlanta, GA tea party with Sean Hannity. His dedication to his country is inspiring and I hope other celebrities take notice. Additionally, I think it’s important to take note of the lyrics as they are bipartisan (I can’t imagine how anyone could say anything bad about this song but take my word for it, they will find something to attack…they always do). It’s not about left or right, it’s about the people that are being affected by this current economic climate and the politicians who don’t understand. It’s about the people that are losing their jobs; it’s about unnecessary spending on the government’s part which consequently will raise taxes on the hardest working people. Let’s face it folks, it would be silly to think that only the "rich" will be responsible for paying back our deficit, which thanks to this current President will be ridiculously high. Despite the fact that there are not enough rich people to pay for all this, personally (as I hope you agree) I am not in favor of punishing the rich for their success, that’s simply not how I was raised. You know, for people that are overly obsessed with “fairness”, how does overtaxing the rich sound fair? It’s neither fair nor logical.

Anyway, I will stop myself before I go any further and just say that I hope you enjoy this video as it is truly touching. I will warn you that it is sad but I think it’s good to publicize the reality of many people’s current situation.

Oh and by the way, I forgot to mention that there is a special celeb appearance in the video!

Enjoy.

Turning Down Stimulus Money

(photo credit: Politico)

A few governors have opposed the crazy stimulus package sent from Washington and President Obama. What most fail to recognize is that the stimulus money comes with strings attached. There really is no such thing as a free lunch! I would be interested in having someone explain to me where they think this money is coming from. It must either be generated through tax increases or printing new money which consequently would lead to inflation. These governors were elected by the people of their states to represent their best interests and that is what they would like to do without the interference of Washington. Thus, several GOP Governors have declined to accept certain parts of the package or would like to use the money to pay down their states debt. Many states are now raising their taxes to record levels because of their addiction to spending. Hmm...would it not be wise of these governors to stop wasteful spending and use the stimulus money to pay down the debt instead of raising taxes during this incredibly tough time? Furthermore, raising taxes in a recession is probably the worst thing you can do…its probably right behind spending when going down a list of what not to do! Don’t spend money you don’t have (an eight year old could tell you that).

Because these governors are trying to do what’s best for their constituents, they are being publicly scolded. Additionally, one Governor was outrageously accused of being a racist by another elected official for rejecting parts of the package (yeah that’s mature).

Unfortunately, people are having a tough time understanding why someone wouldn't just take this "free" money from the federal government…like totally. Duh! They don’t understand that this money is going to be coming out of their pockets in the future…that is…right after they soak the rich for all they have! A group called Carolinians For Reform recently announced spending $230,000 on a TV ad featuring South Carolina’s Governor Mark Sanford explaining his decision to spend stimulus money to pay down South Carolina's debt. In the ad (which is posted below), Governor Sanford explains that “the easy thing isn’t always the right thing” and goes further on to say that “there is a better way than saddling our children with massive debts”. I absolutely agree!

Responding to the ad, the DNC had the nerve to accuse the Governor of putting his political ambitions ahead of South Carolinians. Yeah that completely makes sense because the Governor is making a really popular decision…Not! Declining the money or using it towards debt may be the wisest choice but I would argue that it is not easiest nor does it have many supporters. The DNC’s claim is almost as ridiculous as the whole stimulus package…I did say “ALMOST”.

Stop Spending Our Future...Like NOW!

Just some numbers to make your head spin...(Makes me want to sing "You spin me right round baby, right round...")

Please STOP bankrupting our future!
That is all (for now).
Thanks.

Shout Heard Around The World

Presidents Press Conference Dullness

I think this whole Power business is getting to President Obama. Was it really necessary to cut into prime time for his press conference which provided not one iota of new information? This wasn’t a pop quiz and he had time to study in order to answer questions appropriately, allowing his answers to be relevant and clear. So I ask you, why didn’t he? I’m not exactly sure what reality shows he cut into (I’m just glad it wasn’t “The Office”) but I’m sure millions of other Americans love those programs. In my opinion, if you’re going to interrupt others schedules, it’s imperative that you have important information to announce. I find it insulting to treat us like ignorant uneducated fools who do not know when we are being driven around in a circle. He didn’t answer one question…not one. There were so many random twists and turns.

Additionally, why didn’t the President call on any of the major newspapers? I think it’s great to give smaller papers the chance to ask questions but isn’t it odd that the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, and the Washington Post were snubbed in order to ask questions from Univision, Ebony, Politico, some blog, etc. Wouldn’t it make sense to have a financial newspaper ask a question considering we are in a recession? No of course not. Only in Obama land do you call on a celebrity and entertainment magazine instead of the WSJ or some other financial newspaper/magazine.

(via Politico)

Obama skipped over the nation's top newspapers. Indeed, there were no questions
from the NY Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal or USA Today. That might
not sit well with the already insecure newspaper industry.

Finally, the teleprompter was moved after much criticism on his past few appearances.

Obama -- relying on a familiar crutch -- read it off a flat-screen monitor perched at the back of the East Room.
The teleprompter was no help during the question-and-answer session(reporters don't signal their intentions), but Obama was no less careful during that give and take.

Obama On 60 minutes | Awkward Much?

Did the president laugh inappropriately during the CBS 60 minute interview?
I'm not one to say that the President is not allowed to laugh just because the topic is a serious one. That would be ridiculous. But... (of course there is a but...there's always a but) I do think that this is an example of President Obama's view of this economic disaster. He's so calm, cool and collected...yeah maybe too cool! In this specific case, the laugh was completely awkward!

He sees this mess as an opportunity. As his chief of staff Rahm Emmanuel once said, never let a good crisis go to waste. In other words, when times are getting tough and sh-t hits the fan, people get desperate. You are more inclined to say yes to something that you may have not said yes to before. Basically, when you're down you will reach for a hand to help you get up and in this case the government has convinced you that they are your only option to get back up again. Therefore, you will let them do anything that they say will "help" so you can stand back up. They are aware of this, so why fix the economy? Lets let it go further down, blame the previous administration, blame George Bush (you know, no one will ever get tired of that) and pass laws to gain control over every aspect of our country and its people. Whats more important than money to individuals? Power!
So back to this 60 minute interview, do I think it was inappropriate? In this circumstance, yes! Even Steve Kroft paused for a moment and proceeded to ask Obama if he was "Punch-drunk". I just think that the tone was a tad off and people are looking to him for confidence, not humor. Get off Jay Leno, stop worrying about your NCAA picks, get off ESPN, and get serious! This is not a joke. Humor is great but there is a time and a place.

Cafe No-Pricing Policy

I usually flock towards Starbucks when I’m really thirsty and in need of something cool, icy, and very sweet! My choice in drink varies from time to time but lately it’s been a grande frapuccino which costs about $4.00. What if I could choose what to pay for it? What if I was asked to pay what I thought was “fair”? I don’t think Starbucks is going to adopt this policy anytime soon but a café in Ohio has not only implemented this business plan but has also been quite successful doing so.
The café did away with pricing and allows the customer to pay want they want. According to its owner, Java Street Cafes sales and customer count has gone up between 50-100% daily. The best part of the story…the café may hire more staff because of its recent success...(Video from CNN about the cafe added at the bottom). It’s definitely nice to hear about a business doing well and hiring since all of the news seems to be about the recession, bailouts, and job loss.
I will also use this opportunity to address another point. Where’s the assistance for small businesses? If small businesses generate 60-80% of net new jobs annually, then why don’t we provide relief for the business community?
I’m upset about the AIG bonuses also but I’m outraged about the lack of concern for small business owners!
(As for my Starbucks, I already think $4 bucks is a bit hefty for a drink! If I had to pay what was fair…I know I wouldn’t pay over that amount but I wouldn’t pay less than $3. I guess it would depend on the service I received. Actually, this is far more difficult than I ever imagined! You don’t want to come off looking super cheap but you don’t want to pay too much!)