The Tribune Online, 50

Money and Morals

Last night, Wednesday, January 12, 2011, Governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia gave his annual "State of the State" address, and here's my opinion. I caution you though, for I said earlier how I feel about people's opinions. Likewise, I just want to say in light of the "Tucson Tragedy" of which it will be forever remembered, like the King and Kennedys' assasinations, the rhetoric coming from the right wing trying to defend their positions on this killing is like the carnival barker trying to make light of the trapeze artist missing his catch and seeing his partner fall to his or her death...it just doesn't fly.

I say to these political pundits such as Sarah Palin, Limbaugh, Beck, and others of this ilk...take the money and run; for you have made a potful off these chumps and suckers that bought into and continue to buy into your rhetoric.

Back to the Governor's remarks, of which I came away heartened when he didn't bring up the highly divisive and soon to be nationally controversial celebration of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The sesquicentennial celebration coming up throughout the South discussing the pros and cons of the Civil War, I can buy. However, having to celebrate the "sons of traitors" each April, a month at a  time is a bit much for even those most apathetic descendants of slaves, and bound to create "bad blood" in the state...that won't bode well for tourism...nationally or internationally.

He remarked about Ken Cuccinelli's ploy with health care, of which I think the"AG" is simply trying to develop a "rep" for the mainstage with his political showcasing...going back to the "breast covering" on the State's shield. The Governor did give a reasonable assessment of taking the issue to the Supreme Court as quickly as possible in order to get some definitive decision for the sake of businesses, that have to make adjustments accordingly...fair enough.

There was the issue of the high price of education in colleges and universities, of which I have said is too high with results too low. I have stated from my personal business perspective that education today starting in junior high has to be about job creation not just education for the sake of education and/or jobs seeking. I also said that states may have to shut down or consolidate some of their institutions of higher learning, if they're dependent on federal and state subsidies to stay open...just fiscally unsound.

As to the issue of privatizing liquor stores throughout the state, I suggest simply stepping back and looking at the bottom line. Keeping them state-controlled or privatizing...which brings in the most revenue for better education? People are going to continue to drink and gamble, might as well allow the vices to add to the state's coffers. Of course, I also said that people who want to start smoking, should be allowed to upon signing a federal/state disclaimer, disavowing health protection for resulting consequences...again, my opinion...take it for what it's worth.

Right Wing Kooks Camouflaged as Conservatives

I think I finally got some glowing insight into this T-Party, which is very similar in nature to Ronald Reagan's extremists, as these right wingers now want to honor themselves...and it's a little bit disturbing when you look at their format.

Appealing to the better angels of civility, I won't castigate anyone in particular, I'll let the documented proof do that in the film "Casino Jack and the United States of Money" available from "Netflix". Casino Jack or Jack Abramoff, had a host of young right wing Republicans in his camp such as Reed and Rove, and snaring the latest politician to fall, Tom Delay.

However, what I found to be so disturbing was their extreme mindset in the direction this country should go. It's almost like the direction the nation would have gone if Richard Nixon had his way. Watch the film and judge for yourself...and understand why Americans have to be constantly vigilant for extremism, from both left and right.

Money and Morals...an addendum

How did America get into such a financial mess? The previous article is about right wing kooks manipulating the US Government, the film entitled "Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room" available from "Netflix" reveals more about the Republicans and the "false prophets" of deregulation.

The call from Republican side of the political spectrum, supported by the Supreme Court's decision in freeing up campaign donations from abroad, is in theory, supposed to make government more manageable by reducing federal regulation, and to free up "capitalism" for corporations. 

In actuality, it will lead to increased tax shelters and ever-expanding off shore accounts...turning "Lady Liberty" into a "whore" to the highest bidder...and eventually a total loss of sovereignty.

A cautionary note about false prophets: These right wing Republicans all claimed they carried out their intentions after accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Not to sound sacrilegious to those good and well meaning followers of Jesus Christ...but, I'd dare say if Christ was living in America today, he would sue the hell out of these bastards for slandering his good name.

Money and Morals, cont'd

Gain the world, just sell your soul...how the largest stock fraud in history happened. This is the story in the "Frontline" documentary entitled "The Madoff Affair" available from "Netflix". Here's the life of Bernie Madoff who sold his soul and also "killed" his son and those associates who went along for the ride.

Again, false prophets at work...supposedly God-fearing folks, in the guise of "unregistered investment advisors" colluding with hedge fund operators, stashing money in off shore bank accounts such as UBS of which the IRS is still trying to pierce the skin...so far unsuccessfully. 

It was deregulation at work under the nose of the US Government, that's supposed to be safeguarding the health and wealth of the nation, but until and only until deregulation ran amok causing an economic collapse. That was Madoff's economic philosophy called "split-strike conversion", like Enron's "mark-to-market" scam, which turned out to be just a "Ponzi scheme". This I might add, primarily happened under the Republican watch...and now, Americans are saying they want some more of this sort of shafting?? I just don't buy it...now or in 2012.