He Blew It On Health Care

Don't say I didn't warn you. Way back on March 6, 2009, I told you he was going to blow it... and as we race towards the dawn of a new day, the sky is darkening with the threat of a health care Bill passage that has kept the entire nation on pins and needles...

And I can finally say... HE BLEW IT!

Every single politician that votes YES today -- shame on you. Some of you even admit it's a bad Bill, but you're voting in favor because it's a start. A start? A START?!?? Good Heavens -- EDUCATION in this country must really SUCK bigtime if these are the brightest bulbs we can find to light the way to our future.

I bet you think this post is all about the Health Care Bill about to be voted on, right?

Wrong!

I warned you last March.

I warned you last May.

I warned you last June.

I warned you yet again last July...

If you listened, you've stockpiled your cash.

Keep doing it.... but do MORE of it... and FASTER!!

You see, the REAL numbers are out with respect to GDP, Unemployment and more; and they're very, very ugly!

Companies are, RIGHT NOW, in a state of contraction. Real unemployment touched within a hair of the 22% mark, followed by a slight dip, and is again on the rise. Taking out the Government gimmicks, February inflation was actually estimated to be 9.4% (not the 2.1% CPI-U). Take inflation out of the mix and those small increases in Retail Sales don't look like the picture they've been trying to paint, do they? The fact is, Retail Sales have been bottom-bouncing for quite a while now. If the REAL numbers are important to you, then you will want to pay for a subscription to this newsletter. No, I don't make a cent for referring you to it.

And all of that is the BRIGHT side.

Here is the DARK side.

It's Defcon 4 for some of the largest States with respect to deficits gone wild. Liquidity is a growing problem for many banks as well... with several more banks at or near being closed in the months ahead.

Foreclosure numbers in residential Real Estate appear on the surface to be leveling off... but if you think something is out of sync since Default numbers appear to be climbing, you might be in agreement with this brave reporter. Can you even trust the foreclosure numbers?

And what is really happening in Commercial Real Estate? It was projected in May of 2009 that... "...the most dangerous time for banks will be 2010 to 2013 when $1 trillion in commercial real estate loans will mature..." What? No follow-up? Why are the media so silent on what's going on in commercial real estate this year?

Take a quick glance at the global picture for a moment if you dare. Remember that global summit where newly elected Obama made the plea for other countries to join him in pushing more money into the system? Well, the impact in the form of a credit bubble has formed in Canada... but that's the least of the problems out there. Here is a quick snapshot of the Greece, China, etc. "global recovery" at the moment. I guess that sorta proves you can't "just throw money at it." Interestingly, it seems Germany doesn't agree with the redistribution of wealth thingy.... at least, not when it comes to their country having to bail out some other country.

There's more... much darker... we're already entering the edge of that valley.

But let's go back to the Health Care Bill...

I was watching C-Span between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. with respect to process and the additional amendments that were brought forth to discuss on the floor during the big VOTE coming today, and I gotta tell 'ya, the Party of NO was all Democrats with respect to fairness in the process, transparency in the voting process itself, and common sense additions, removals, and/or repeals in the Amendments put forward.

Examples...

Amendment suggested (paraphrased): "...that all revenues generated for social security via payroll tax increases be kept in Social Security and not used for other purposes." All Dems voted NO and all Republicans voted YES.

Amendment suggested (paraphrased): "...that all revenues and or savings generated with respect to Medicare be kept in the Medicare budget to offset deficits." All Dems voted NO and all Republicans voted YES.

Amendment suggested (paraphrased): "...that small businesses and minority-owned businesses generating under $500,000 per year be exempt from the employer mandated health insurance clause." All Dems voted NO and all Republicans voted YES.

And it went on and on and on...

In fact, the Democrats have been the Party of NO ever since Mr. Yes-We-Can moved into the Whitehouse. They said NO to having any Republican involvement at the beginning of drafting the Health Care Bill, they said NO to having any Republican representation in the "behind closed doors" discussions and bartering, they said NO to having C-Span cover the debates, they have been saying NO quite a bit, don't you think?

And now they're getting ready to push this country off a very steep cliff.

It's already too late to save the economy.

We're about to go through some excruciating pain in the months and years ahead.

He BLEW it!

They BLEW it!

He could have been a hero. What an incredible missed opportunity!!

The freaking nimrods wasted an entire year playing patty-cake with a piece of legislation that will be the final straw on the limping economy's back. What could have been a molehill is now a mountain, and thanks to this junk legislation, the peak of the mountain is now higher than the highest on this planet.

Think it's not going to happen?

That's fine.

You're entitled to your own opinion.... and good luck with that.

But, consider this...

If you ran an independent FULL audit of the Federal Reserve -- right now -- today -- don't you wonder how much money has been funneled into the Pump and Dump scheme in order to get enough "Stupid Money" back into Wall Street? How many key players have set themselves up to rule the world that will come out of the destruction we surely face right now?

It's beginning to look like the main reason Obama doesn't want you to go to Vegas is because, in my very humble opinion, it most likely will be the only long shot left for rags to riches stories in this country...

I Still Don't Get It

You know, I've been trying really really hard to see what the supposed majority see in Obama... trying really hard.

I still don't get it.

If any other President had posted on the White House website the following quote, there would probably be calls for impeachment. Talk about trying to make people afraid to speak their own minds and/or express their own opinions. This is outright intimidation:

There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov. [link to full story]

If anyone were going for their Toastmaster goals and delivered speeches the way he does, drowning in ummms, ahhs, errrs... they'd be the laughingstock of the entire Association, and yet he gets praised for being such a brilliant speaker... a man who demands that his teleprompters go everywhere he goes. It's not only pathetic, it's truly sad, IMHO.

But I'm in the minority, according to polls, pundits and others following him en masse.

It's an eery feeling, like watching a movie that you feel is going to end soon so everyone can get back to reality and go back to work on building their lives, hopes and dreams.

But it's not a movie.

It's real.

And for some strange reason I can't quite explain, I find that just a bit frightening considering the USA's position in world affairs. The most powerful nation in the world being run by a bunch of school ground bullies? Say it isn't so.

A Total Eclipse of the Sun

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 will bring the longest total eclipse of the sun of the 21st century. It won't be visible on our side of the globe ...maximum totality will occur over uninhabited North Iwo Jima island.

While skies darken on that side of the globe, let's try to focus on bright spots on on this side of the globe. For example, let's try hard to ignore yet another Goldman Sachs (vice chairman of the board) being named to an important Federal Govt. post in the State Dept. namely, undersecretary of state for economic, energy and agricultural affairs. [link]

Surprised? Then maybe you didn't see it coming when this article came out back in March 2009. In writing, we call this "foreshadowing."

Mr. Hormats has been a visiting lecturer at Princeton University and is a member of the Board of Visitors of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the Dean's Council of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Mr. Hormats' publications include;

• Abraham Lincoln and the Global Economy
• American Albatross: The Foreign Debt Dilemma
• Reforming the International Monetary System: From Roosevelt to Reagan
• The Price of Liberty: Paying for America's Wars from the Revolution to the War on Terror

Mr. Hormats earned a B.A. from Tufts University with a concentration in economics and political science; an M.A. and a Ph.D. in international economics from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

He is also;
Trustee, vice chairman of the Economic Club of New York, although I'm wondering if, with his new State Dept. appointment, he will have to step down? After all, they claim to be:

...nonpolitical, nonpartisan and nonprofit. Its membership (individual, not corporate) of about 700 is drawn primarily from the senior leadership ranks of the business and financial communities and the associated professions. Its individual members represent a wide diversity of opinion. [link]

Trustee of Freedom House, yet another he might have to step down from?

Freedom House, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization, is a clear voice for democracy and freedom around the world. Through a vast array of international programs and publications, Freedom House is working to advance the remarkable worldwide expansion of political and economic freedom. [link]

And finally...

He is a council member of Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE), a group that spent a massive amount of lobbying money ($715,000 per the "Open Secrets" website) in 2007 and 2008, while the years prior and after they've spent next to nothing by comparison. I'm guessing they got what they wanted??

It's kind of strange that SAFE submitted a plan back in Sept/08 to dramatically change the transportation industry (the transformation of our transportation sector from one dependent on petroleum to one largely powered by electricity), while at the same time, one of their co-chair members, namely John F. Lehman, was a fundraiser for the John McCain camp whose slogan "Drill, Baby, Drill" still rings out in some sectors today.

But let's not speculate. (pun intended)

His past relationships include;

• National Security Council - senior staff member
• Pacific Council on International Policy - director
• Rockefeller Center Club - member
• U.S. Department of State - assistant secretary

THE BOTTOM LINE: It would appear that the incestuous relationship between GS and Big Gov is alive and doing well. At this rate, there will be more Goldman Sachs and Google execs in our Government than Democrats... hahaha, my bad. It's a total eclipse of our Government, wouldn't you agree?

Must see video

Not much time to blog today, so I'm leaving you with this short video. A MUST see!



Will be back tomorrow with some HOT info for all of you!

While We Were Sleeping a Tea Party was Brewing

Practically everyone remembers the first round of large tea parties held earlier this year on tax filing day -- right? I posted pics from twitpic here for all of you to see the crowds gathering in cities and towns across the nation.

Fox News was about the only major network to cover them in detail.

Most all other major networks (if we can call them that today) either dismissed them and/or derided them -- some outright calling them "turf" roots instead of "grassroots" -- something even Pontificating Pelosi claimed when asked about them. They would love people to believe this is some kind of Republican thing, not grassroots at all.

So, I grew really curious... methinks they (networks and WH crowd) doth protest too much.

Curiosity is at once a curse and a blessing. (I'll explain that another time.)

I searched on the map for all the July 4th tea parties, compared the map with the 2008 election map and noticed a very interesting pattern. It seems the majority of the tea parties were happening in BLUE zones -- you know -- those are the zones where the Dems supposedly won by a landslide.

Not all of the tea parties, grant it... there were a few Republican strongholds holding tea parties as well, but some of the BIGGEST TURNOUTS seemed to be occurring in MAJOR "landslide" DEM cities.

Since many in attendance for most of these tea parties are from local and surrounding areas, if one has a curious mind such as mine, one might be thinking something isn't quite right here. If those so-called-big-networks were right, and this is turf-roots, not grassroots, either the voting machines got something wrong, or there is something similar to "buyers remorse" happening in these largely Dem territories... wouldn't you think?

But I digress.

There are bigger things going on.

I've been following twitter A LOT these past few weeks. Even watched/participated in the Twitter Tea Party that happened last weekend. It was kinda fun, and enlightening, all at the same time.

But here's what has been happening while we were sleeping...

Another MASSIVE Tea Party is Brewing.

I'm talking MASSIVE!!!!

But for this tea party, it will require travel -- because they're taking right to Washington DC.

Seriously. Check this out.

To all the national networks who avoided reporting anything about the tea parties and/or derided them and tried to paint them as ruffians, hoodlums, whatever ...man-oh-man are you in for a surprise. Bet you're wishing you tried to cover them honestly now, right? Nah. You could care less. You'd probably far prefer covering Obama's date nights and their cute doggy or the little organic garden thingy.

Meanwhile...

While the major news networks were tuned into the Sotomayor confirmation hearings all day yesterday, here's what happened while they were sleeping.

A massive twitter campaign sprang up organizing petitioning and/or calls to Reps to Read the Bill (referring to Obomacare).

Another massive grassroots push is supporting the Ron "Skywalker" Paul Bill. Read this for a truly entertaining perspective on this bill (I LOVED it! Reminded me of Czar Trek all over again!) -- and read this for a more serious look at it.

And on a completely different story, looks like the birth certificate thingy might soon be resolved. (It will be nice to put this puppy to rest once and for all.)

The resolution is coming from a truly unlikely source and a case that I have not yet heard any mainstream (or otherwise) news report on, so I'm not even sure if this case filed by U.S. Army Reserve Major Stefan Frederick Cook is true -- or if the many other U.S. Army soldiers said to be joining on with the case is a fact. Still, it would be nice to put this issue behind us. I'm looking forward to the confirmation that a vault copy certificate has been brought forth and authenticated in a court of law.

It's driving my curiosity nuts!

Kind of like a mosquito in your bedroom at night that simply won't let you sleep.

Annoying.

There are a ton of other HOT stories (particularly in the financial sector) that went unnoticed by mainstream media as they kept covering the Sotomayor confirmation hearings. But, it's late, and I have work to complete before I can go to sleep tonight.

See you tomorrow... time permitting.

PS: Hey Indiana! How are you liking them new Fire Safe Cigarettes? Not sure what I'm talking about? Check your pack and look for the FSC on the package. If your cigarettes keep going out on you, welcome to the new law that went into effect here as of July 1/09.

The Most Incredible Financial Story Ever

John Crudele from the New York Post writes, "...here's where the conspiracy starts to unfold -- for the government."

Apparently, "...a couple weeks ago the NYSE suddenly announced that brokerage firms would no longer have to report their program trades. The new rule takes effect next week."

If you're wondering what all of this is about, it leads back to a previous post I made here at WAHM DIARY, called "Czar Trek and Pump & Dump" ...read the Pump and Dump section carefully. (link opens in new window)

Think markets are NOT being manipulated? Then you need to learn more about the secret, rapid-fire, stock- and commodities-trading software that has supposedly been stolen (and sold?).

Grab a cup of coffee, then take your time and read through these latest articles from the mainstream media (all links open in new window):

New York Post: "Influence is all in the bag for Government Sachs"

Bloomberg: "Goldman Sachs Loses Grip on Its Doomsday Machine"

Reuters: "A Goldman Trading Scandal?"

There was a quote in the above Reuters story that I found particularly interesting:

Federal authorities say the platform quickly processes rapid developments in the markets and uses top secret mathematical formulas to allow the firm to make highly-profitable automated trades.

Which "Federal" authorities knew about it, I wonder...???

This leads me to ask the following two-fold question:

When our hard earned wages are invested into pension funds, do our pension fund administrators use their own secret, black-box trading software?

...or are they simply the stooges that Wall Street firms rely on so they can use their black-box trading programs to fleece us all?

If the latter is true, which Federal Authorities have allowed Wall Street to fleece us?

Ah, heck, it's all just speculation on my part. Who said pun?

I'm guessing, however, based on the news above, that it is absolutely no surprise to hear that Goldman Sachs are "poised to report the largest profit since it set earnings records in 2007."

Another commentary on this entire subject that is well worth reading comes from Zero Hedge: "Is A Case Of Quant Trading Sabotage About To Destroy Goldman Sachs?"

You're still day trading?

Ahem.

Good luck with that.

Hello Sarah Palin... or Good-Bye?

At 4:00 p.m. EST in front of a small gathering of press, Sarah Palin announced she was stepping down as Governor of Alaska... and that she would not be running in the next election.

Gone for good?

I, for one, hope not and her parting speech leads me to believe this is not an end, but rather, a new beginning...

If I have learned one thing: LIFE is about choices!

And one chooses how to react to circumstances. You can choose to engage in things that tear down, or build up. I choose to work very hard on a path for fruitfulness and productivity. I choose NOT to tear down and waste precious time; but to build UP this state and our country, and her industrious, generous, patriotic, free people!

Life is too short to compromise time and resources... it may be tempting and more comfortable to just keep your head down, plod along, and appease those who demand: "Sit down and shut up", but that's the worthless, easy path; that's a quitter's way out. And a problem in our country today is apathy. It would be apathetic to just hunker down and “go with the flow”.

...Productive, fulfilled people determine where to put their efforts, choosing to wisely utilize precious time... to BUILD UP.

And there is such a need to BUILD up and FIGHT for our state and our country. I choose to FIGHT for it! And I'll work hard for others who still believe in free enterprise and smaller government; strong national security for our country and support for our troops; energy independence; and for those who will protect freedom and equality and LIFE... I'll work for and campaign for those PROUD to be American, and those who are INSPIRED by our ideals and won't deride them.

I WILL support others who seek to serve, in or out of office, for the RIGHT reasons, and I don't care what party they're in or no party at all. Inside Alaska – or Outside Alaska.

But I won't do it from the Governor’s desk. [link to Sarah Palin's website]

IMHO, this has all the appearances of the Democrats acting like the papparazi acted towards Lady Di. Love for Diana grew far and wide, by leaps and bounds, and distaste and dislike for the papparazi grew to staggering heights. The Democratic Party would do well to remember that.

Tea Parties Brewing Again

Some thought they would disappear following most of the mainstream media attacks... but not so fast. July 4th - Independence Day here in the USA - is shaping up to be another show of unity, but this time with a message.

T = Taxed
E = Enough
A = Already

Now, you can look at this new message in several ways, but if you're a political pundit, you're probably noticing two important ingredients to the tea being brewed...

FIRST: the solidification and unification of the message means some marketing savvy is now in play which can spell trouble for any politician. It becomes far more difficult to derail.

SECOND: it's not going away. With a unified message, it now has the potential to turn into a wildfire, building into ever bigger momentum over time. In fact, I dare say, it has the potential to become bigger than ACORN. (Yeah, couldn't resist the jab there.)

Will it rage into ever larger wildfire proportions?

Or will it be snuffed out like a candle in the wind?

We shall see...

Washington is the New Wall Street

On another important story -- in case you missed it -- a very short video on CNBC is worth watching. "The New Wall Street is Washington" is the theme and Rick Santelli is one of three guest speakers discussing the Washington manipulations of the stock market that are interfering with the healing process. Don't miss this video.

It might help you understand how, against all the depressing numbers and facts coming out with respect to the economy, the stock markets can still be moderately coasting along -- when you would think they would have already crashed and burned, right?

Take today, for example...

Bloomburg has 2 stories out.

The first story -- "Banks Falling 23% Since May Foreshadow S&P 500 Slump"

Which is quickly followed by this story -- "U.S. Stocks Rise Following S&P 500’s Best Quarter Since 1998"

Confused?

Watch the brief video clip and you will probably nod your head in agreement on how this could possibly happen.

Personally, I believe they're still playing the "Pump and Dump" game.

Happy Canada Day!

To all my Canadian friends and family, Happy Canada Day!

I hope you are enjoying your extra-long weekend (those of you who get one) and taking time out to celebrate your sovereignty. I'm guessing, the way things are going down here south of your border, you will have more freedoms than we do in the not too distant future. In time, you might become the only model of freedom left. Hang onto it.

(Oh... and ignore those ACORN reps that are crawling all over Ottawa right now trying to mess up your country next. I heard they're desperately trying to find some kind of issue they can use to herd your masses on their path to social unrest. Keep that healthy Canadian skepticism going. You're going to need it!)

Ode to Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson passed away just over 50 minutes ago at ACLU Medical Center. Farrah Fawcett slipped away early this morning.

It is a sad day in the Entertainment world; a sad day in Hollywood, California.

I think, to sum up the mix of emotions, it would be a good day for me to share with visitors to this blog, my favorite poem as a tribute to both Farrah and Michael. May they both rest in peace. My sincere condolences to family, friends and fans.

How Angels Are Born

Whose heart deserves to glow?
Whose soul deserves to shine?
Have I been good enough
For this soul of mine?

Have I helped as many
From all the souls I've met,
To earn a pair of wings
And a halo yet?

Have I touched the hearts
Of those who need it most?
Have I helped inspire...
From coast to coast to coast?

Each day I shall work harder
For this is my job on earth...
And I'm told it is the secret
To give an angel birth.

Copyright 1998, Karen August
(Posted here with permission.)

I leave you with this quote by Albert Schweitzer, knowing how many people have been touched by both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson...

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lit the flame within us."

Farewell Farrah.

Farewell Michael.

For all you have inspired through your talents, may you both find the Peace and joy you seek. You will be missed.

It's Not About the Bow

"It's not about the bow... it's about the White House lie, stupid."

If you haven't seen any of the numerous videos of Obama bowing to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, here is a link to one version:

"White House: No bow to Saudi"

The entire episode might have been just a few short hours of outrage from those who perceive potentially negative implications in his actions -- had it not been for the White House lie that followed.

Remember the phrase: "It's the economy, stupid."

Well, this incident has perhaps blown up owing to a new phrase that many have been attaching to the Administration of late: "It's the lies, stupid."

Now, some of the lies might technically be considered half-truths -- but with his bow to the King, even Obama supporters are calling a spade a spade. For example... "Posted by jojo: I'm an Obama supporter and that was definitely a bow. With all that's going on I think we should concentrate on more important things."

Here is yet another example (of many) from Obama supporters: "Posted by Ghost: Wow!! I cant believe he actually bowed. Whoever said that he didn't bow is a dam liar. I did support the president and i will continue to support him, but i have to admit he definitely bowed."

And yet another example... posted by TG Chicago:

I'm an Obama supporter. I think Obama bowed, and I think he was wrong to bow. But I don't think it was all that big of a deal. Lying about it is a big deal. The anonymous Obama aide should be in hot water for telling an obvious lie on the record. Allowing anonymity to administration officials to tell lies is also a big deal. Ben Smith should be in hot water for printing this garbage. If an administration official tells you a baldfaced lie, don't let them do it anonymously. Make them stand behind their BS. Printing this garbage as if it's truth is a disservice to your profession. Already people are saying "Obama is lying!" or "The White House is lying!" So far, all we know is that this one cowardly anonymous aide lied. And Ben Smith is protecting the liar.

To understand why some in the realm of International politics might consider the bow a big deal, one has to understand the culture of the region. A caste system is far different than a democratic rule. In a caste system you are born to your station -- either an Aristocrat or a Peasant.

Can you guess which caste bows to which?

Sidenote: Makes me wonder if the Queen of England has ever bowed (or curtsied?) to King Abdullah.

Back to the story, here. Since the President acts on our behalf (or at least, he's supposed to) ...on which side of the "fence" do you think we've now been relegated? Subservient? On par? In the big picture, maybe it won't be a big deal....

From a more "militant" side of the analysis, the bow implies far more. It has struck a chord of unease among some moderate Muslim communities for what the action implies in their world. Also, the King's misogynistic approach to rule is no secret.

But, I'm not going to go there.

Instead, I'm going to reiterate: It's about the lie, stupid.

And as more and more and more information slowly rises to the surface shining a light on what is really happening to our taxpayer dollars, who is manipulating whom, who is hiding what... something tells me, it ain't gonna be about the economy by then. It's going to be about the lies, stupid.

For example, you've heard statements (which of course they will deny when the *hit hits the fan) that Obama's quick actions have put us on the fast road to recovery. They say, look at the stock market as a leading indicator. Of course, when it was tanking they told us to ignore the stock market.

Want to take just a wee peek into the future of what's coming next?

The IMF said in January that it expected the deterioration in US-originated assets to reach $2.2 trillion by the end of next year, but it is understood to be looking at raising that to $3.1 trillion in its next assessment of the global economy, due to be published on April 21. In addition, it is likely to boost that total by $900 billion for toxic assets originated in Europe and Asia.

Banks and insurers, which so far have owned up to $1.29 trillion in toxic assets, are facing increasing losses as the deepening recession takes a toll, adding to the debts racked up from sub-prime mortgages. The IMF's new forecast, which could be revised again before the end of the month, will come as a blow to governments that have already pumped billions into the banking system. [link]

It's no wonder rumor has it that they're bailing out the insurance industry next.

Time for tea, anyone?

Speaking of tea, the Indiana State Tax Day Tea Parties are listed here.

And You Shall Know Their Names

Somewhere in a lavish flat just outside of Harrods in London, one man hides out having managed to scrape millions of dollars off the AIG mess -- and he could be the single most important player that ripped a gaping hole in the financial universe that will take years to heal... if it ever does.

If you have a really strong stomach and want to take an insider's peek into what really happened at AIG, this article from The Rolling Stones is a must read:

"There's this notion that the regulators couldn't do anything to stop AIG," says a government official who was present during the bailout. "That's bullsh*t. What you have to understand is that these regulators have ultimate power. They can send you a letter and say, 'You don't exist anymore,' and that's basically that. They don't even really need due process. The OTS could have said, 'We're going to pull your charter; we're going to pull your license; we're going to sue you.' And getting sued by your primary regulator is the kiss of death."

WARNING -- there is extremely vulgar language in the article referenced below. It is DEFINITELY Triple R rated and NOT for the faint hearted.

It names names.

It points out the one Government body that could have stopped the insanity.

And it explains, in great detail, why other Government bodies COULD NOT stop the eventual explosion (and potential collapse?) of our financial universe.

If you are like me, wanting to know the deeper stories, the stories behind the stories, unravel the mysteries of the universe... then grab a cup of coffee, sit back and be prepared for a VERY LONG READ of this remarkable article exposing more than you could think possible. [LINK]

And after the crash... who was in on the private meetings?

Let's see.... we have a fellow by the name of Geithner. We also have another by the name of Paulson (who looked in from time to time). Oh, and lookey-here... is that Blankfein, the CEO of Goldman Sachs?

Hmmmm... and what do all three of them have in common?

And shucky-darn, the whole "crisis" came to the table at the precise moment in financial history that it was decided to let Lehman fall off a cliff. Coincidence?

This little quote half-way through the article caught my attention:

The bonuses are a nice comic touch highlighting one of the more outrageous tangents of the bailout age, namely the fact that, even with the planet in flames, some members of the Wall Street class can't even get used to the tragedy of having to fly coach. "These people need their trips to Baja, their spa treatments, their hand jobs," says an official involved in the AIG bailout, a serious look on his face, apparently not even half-kidding. "They don't function well without them."

But I digress.

Back on point, namely naming names.

Which politicians do you think might have been lobbied hard (complete with lavish campaign contributions) to allow all of the shenanigans to take place in the first place?

Names practically leap off the page:

In 1997 and 1998, the years leading up to the passage of Phil Gramm's fateful act that gutted Glass-Steagall, the banking, brokerage and insurance industries spent $350 million on political contributions and lobbying. Gramm alone — then the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee — collected $2.6 million in only five years. The law passed 90-8 in the Senate, with the support of 38 Democrats, including some names that might surprise you: Joe Biden, John Kerry, Tom Daschle, Dick Durbin, even John Edwards.

And just wait until you find out which one of the financial behemoths scored a bundle by "shorting" the housing markets. To me, this whole thing smells of insider trading, but I'm neither a lawyer nor a financial wizard. I'm just a hard working, tax paying work at home mom shaking my head and wondering just HOW in the WORLD can they all just walk away with none of the key players getting locked away?

Instead, they all just get a free pass thanks to you and me?

How many "Goldmanites" are involved in this whole AIG thing? For that, you'll have to read the article. You'll be simply amazed at the maze -- and you might think, rightly so, that it really wasn't AIG that we were bailing out.

And for all of you still drinking koolaide thinking we now live in a nation with total Government transparency, I leave you with this "food for thought" from the article:

If you look at the weekly H4 reports going back to the summer of 2007, you start to notice something alarming. At the start of the credit crunch, around August of that year, you see the Fed buying a few more Repos than usual — $33 billion or so. By November, as private-bank reserves were dwindling to alarmingly low levels, the Fed started injecting even more cash than usual into the economy: $48 billion. By late December, the number was up to $58 billion; by the following March, around the time of the Bear Stearns rescue, the Repo number had jumped to $77 billion. In the week of May 1st, 2008, the number was $115 billion — "out of control now," according to one congressional aide. For the rest of 2008, the numbers remained similarly in the stratosphere, the Fed pumping as much as $125 billion of these short-term loans into the economy — until suddenly, at the start of this year, the number drops to nothing. Zero.

The reason the number has dropped to nothing is that the Fed had simply stopped using relatively transparent devices like repurchase agreements to pump its money into the hands of private companies. By early 2009, a whole series of new government operations had been invented to inject cash into the economy, most all of them completely secretive and with names you've never heard of.

I meant to come and tell you about "Lights Out" from yesterday. And I meant to maybe update you on a few tea parties happening across the nation. And I meant to tell you about the big protests gearing up in London. And I meant to tell you about "papering" a room. And I meant to finish researching info for my "made for tv" script that I'm planning to pen in April.

And then I found -- and read -- the article.

Okay, maybe I wouldn't have been quite so disgusted by what I discovered in the article above if I hadn't already discovered this little gem of an article before it: "Did Goldman Goose Oil?"

You'll see some familiar names in that article, too, such as: Citibank, Merrill Lynch and especially Goldman Sachs.

And, like the author of the news article, you might be guessing how the gas prices managed to spike so high just when the elections of 2008 were heating up. If it's true, then we... dear voters and taxpayers ...were "bamboozled" once again, by many of the same players still pulling from our coffers.

If someone, somewhere, doesn't go to jail over that fiasco, then it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt --- well, you decide. You tell me, in the comments, what you think it proves unequivocally.

Stand Up and Be Counted

I posted what I feel is an important article on My Power Tips blog today.

You can read the article through this link: Stand Up and Be Counted America

Contrary to what you may or may not believe about me, I care deeply about North America (and include Canada in this remark).

I read something over the weekend that disturbed me, spurring the post I made above. Here is an excerpt from the post that I want to share with WAHM Diary readers:

We live in interesting times.

We are privileged to be eyewitnesses to a very important time in our planet's history. I’m not talking about politics, the environment, nor the economy... I’m referring to the period of flux that mankind has been steadily marching towards for the past several decades.

Some unfortunate decisions have been made here in the USA this year.

Things are going to get tough... really tough.

It's too late to turn back. We've already been hurtled forward on this crazy rollercoaster for what will surely be the most tumultuous ride of our lives.

Unlike what you infer by your post however, I believe the majority of North Americans (both in Canada and in the USA) are incredibly resourceful. I believe that they have many untapped strengths and talents... and I look forward to seeing them prove to the world how very strong, resilient and passionate they can be.

Admittedly, there are plenty of bad elements that have been allowed to take root and fester within...

But the heart and soul of North America (I include Canada in this as well), the part not reflected in the flyby media of today, still beats at the core of our nations.

Determination, persistence, resilience... it all still exists here at home. Compassion, integrity, faith... still ring true within many hearts across our great lands. Imagination, creativity and the unquenchable thirst for knowledge, truth and justice still beat in the hearts of many.

This might not be the land of the truly free that our forefathers wanted... but I dare say, this is still the land of the bravest in the world!

You can read My Power Tips to find out what spurred me to write the above.

Prepare for the Coming Storm

Why share this with you now?

Because... in the weeks and months ahead, as we enter some of the toughest times in our lifetime, you'll be seeing a great deal of passion pour out in my words. I want to make it very clear, right here and now, how deeply I care about North America and the remarkable people that make this continent truly unique.

'Nuff said for now. Prepare for the coming storm, and stay tuned....

Change you can really believe in.

Most Governments would like us to believe that they are the answer to world peace (and everything else?).

It's not our Governments that will make this possible some day.

This wonderful video, shot on location around the world with singers/musicians performing the very same song -- then carefully edited together -- paints the picture that can, and some day will, change the world.



You see, the truth is...

It's you.

It's me.

It's all of us.

That's the only change you can really believe in.

Have a super week ahead.

PS: Don't let them sell out our childrens' future.

What Is Your Price?

In most parts of the Arab world (including the Middle East) and throughout Asia, the term is "baksheesh" (aka bakshish). It's not considered unethical over there. It's simply a way of doing business in most parts.

What does that have to do with us?

Bear with me. I'm getting to it...

...starting with the many eyes and ears that are trained on the progress of the "Stimulus Spending Bill" being rammed through the Senate that, from what I hear, is about to be passed on Monday or Tuesday of next week.

After it passes, the American public will know what price each of their respective Reps have. Their price will be written into the Bill. It will be pretty easy to see how much an American politician costs in today's dollars.

For example, the price tag for U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter (R., Pa.), appears to be $3.2 Million... although maybe it's a wee bit higher than that since I haven't read the entire Bill. Maybe he has other little goodies in there to sweeten the pot even more.

To be fair, that $3.2 Million will supposedly create 20 new jobs.

At a cost of $160,000 per job created, I've heard that's on the low side of what other supposed jobs will be created by the "Stimulus Spending Bill".

In case you haven't heard, this is the largest Government Spending Bill ever in the history of the WORLD, not just the history of the USA.

Now... I'm wondering... since most jobs are created by small business owners in this country, what would happen if the Feds simply gave each profitable small business $1 million dollars? Would that create far more jobs, far faster and at a far cheaper price tag?

Doesn't matter.

As some on the Hill have now admitted (including BO in his speech to Dems at their retreat last week), this isn't about creating jobs.

To paraphrase BO, "This is about spending money."

This is more about the Government saying they can spend our money far better than we can. Most of it won't be paid for by us. We'll be paying the interest payments... if we can afford it... before our dollar falls off a cliff.

Many of the youth who voted for BO will be paying for it.

Their kids will also be paying for it.

Perhaps even their kids' kids' kids will be paying for it.

Who knows how many generations it will take?

But I digress.

Back to the main theme, here's another quote for 'ya.

The 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli (1804 - 1881), once said, "...it is a great mistake to suppose that bribery and corruption are means by which power can either be obtained or retained."

Well, it seems that Russia doesn't believe the quote above. They've bought (dare I say bribed?) away from the USA... a valuable, highly strategic piece of real estate in the "war on terror." What was the price?

In a setback to the escalating U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan , the president of Kyrgyzstan said Tuesday that his government will shut down the American air base in his country.

U.S. officials say that the Manas Air Base is vital to plans to send an additional 30,000 American troops to Afghanistan , a linchpin of President Barack Obama's efforts to pacify the country.

The announcement by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev came in Moscow , not in his own capital, and shortly after the Russian government reportedly agreed to lend Kyrgyzstan $2 billion, write off $180 million in debt and add another $150 million in aid. Although the Russian government didn't release a statement about the decision, the timing and place of the announcement indicated that the Kremlin had been involved. [link]

The USA was only paying Kyrgyzstan a paltry $63 million per year to lease the Air Base in addition to employing more than 320 Kyrgyz citizens at the base. (Hmmmm, I wonder if those jobs are lost now?) [link]

In fact, if you haven't noticed, Russia is sitting back right now playing a carefully thought out chess game with BO. Not sure if you heard their little ship movements, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean.

Now, if you think that chess game is taking some unusual twists, here's another game playing out.

In another region of the world, BO is being told exactly what he must do in order to retain the "special relationship" that exists between Saudi Arabia and the USA:

...condemn Israel's atrocities against the Palestinians and support a UN resolution to that effect; condemn the Israeli actions that led to this conflict, from settlement building in the West Bank to the blockade of Gaza and the targeted killings and arbitrary arrests of Palestinians; declare America's intention to work for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction, with a security umbrella for countries that sign up and sanctions for those that do not; call for an immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Shab‘ah Farms in Lebanon; encourage Israeli-Syrian negotiations for peace; and support a UN resolution guaranteeing Iraq's territorial integrity. Mr Obama should strongly promote the Abdullah peace initiative. [link]

Not to worry on that one though, since according to many journalists, rumor has it that the speaker of the above quote (namely His Royal Highness Prince Turki al-Faisal) is not too highly regarded these days.

Even so, it makes me wonder why the charges have been dropped against the alleged mastermind of the U.S. Cole bombing...

As many living in Asia and the Middle East already know, baksheesh isn't always in the form of money. It also comes in the form of favors. And it's not considered unethical over there. In fact, it's considered the standard way of doing business.

But lets move on and peep at yet another chess game just beginning.

History has taught us (most of us) how "protectionist actions" can quickly lead to trade wars. In fact, some believe such a position entrenched the USA deeper into the Big Depression.

For those of you who do not know, Canada and Mexico are now our largest trading partners. (Once upon a time, it used to be Europe.)

Canada has already cried out against the protectionist language embedded within the "Stimulus Spending Bill". But, by BO's actions, I'm guessing he doesn't know much about Canadians -- yet.

Here's a little tip 'fer 'ya, big guy.

Just like Alaska, you've gotta be pretty tough to survive in certain parts of Canada. Don't mistake congeniality for stupidity. You'll lose that chess game.

But which chess game does BO choose to put his focus on? Based on his actions, speeches and current travel plans to Elkhart, Indiana, he's decided to play chess with the American taxpayer instead, going out to campaign with the public for support of his "Stimulus Spending Bill" ...a Bill that several prominent economists (and many Americans) believe will do little (if anything) in the short term, and looks more like a free-for-all-spending plan to help BO get through his fourth year in the Oval Office, since the bulk of the spending seems to hit the street in that year.

Is he, per chance, merely campaigning for the next Presidential election?

As he and his cohorts in the House keep reminding us -- he won.

But for some reason, he just can't seem to stop campaigning long enough to actually lead, IMHO. He'd best start doing the job he was hired to do soon, paramount of which in his job description is to keep this nation safe.

But I digress (again)...

While BO hits a new campaign trail to convince all of us that he can spend our money better than we can, I wonder -- what is your price? What does he have to put into the package (or the speeches) that will make you swallow it?

Or what kind of fear-peppered doctrine can he intertwine into his rhetoric that will make you dance to the waters edge and gleefully wade into its depths drowning in the tsunami of Government debt about to wash over us all?

My apologies to the Pied Piper.

Maybe this is the "change you can believe in" that's heading our way.

Maybe it's not "socialism" as the far right (and even many moderates) are now crying out against. Maybe it's actually dictatorship.

Hmmmmm...

George Washington once stated, "Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder."

I wonder what that particular GW would be saying now?

2008 Election Reaction

Simply this...

"In a world without truth, freedom loses its value." ~ Pope John Paul II

I Won't Be Voting For Obama

After considerable deliberation, I've decided I will NOT be voting for Obama.

So ...go ahead all you far left Dems -- have at 'er.

Show the world how nasty you have truly become by posting your comments here.

Keep in mind, however, that comments are moderated.

With that said, I'm guessing most of the worst of you won't even see your comments appear here.

But, I will be reading every comment... so if it makes you feel self-important (and full of that ridiculous self-righteous indignation you like to brow beat others with), then feel free to flame away.

It won't change my mind.

It will just further reinforce my already low opinion of what has become of you...

So sad.

So very truly sad...

Happy Birthday - NASA Established, July 29, 1958

Happy Birthday NASA

On July 29, 1958, passage of the National Aeronautics and Space Act gave birth to NASA.

NASA's motto is: "For the benefit of all."

NASA's Office of Education motto is... "Shaping the Future: Launching New Endeavors to Inspire the Next Generation of Explorers."

Life on the Moon

Yesterday, July 28, 2008, NASA awarded 12 contracts relating to the Constellation Program:

"These studies provide new ideas to help the Constellation Program develop innovative, reliable requirements for the systems that will be used when outposts are established on the moon," said Jeff Hanley, the Constellation Program manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. [link]

Notice the word "when" in the above quote. Not "if" ...but, "when" we have outposts established on the moon.

NASA plans to establish a human outpost on the moon through a successive series of lunar missions beginning in 2020.

In addition to the Constellation Program, NASA is also working on developing lower-cost access vehicles to space, in particular the Ares and Orion programmes, and thus make access to the International Space Station (ISS) independent of Russia.

New Frontiers for Both Russia and USA

Many recall NASA being established as a response to the 1957 successful launch of the Soviet Union's artificial satellite Sputnik. While NASA continues exploring new frontiers in space, Russia continues with their own desire to break new records in science...

Russian explorers plunged to the bottom of Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake, on Tuesday in a show of Moscow's resurgent ambitions to set new records in science. [link]

Last April U.S.A. and Russian scientists revealed that Lake Baikal, which contains more water than all the North American Great Lakes combined, had warmed faster than global air temperatures over the past 60 years. Many scientists are concerned that this could put animals unique to the lake in jeopardy.

USA Fed Facing Embarrassing IMF Investigation?

For many in the USA during any typical work week:

You get up. You go to work. You earn your pay. You go home and finish the rest of your day... totally unaware of what's going on at the global level regarding the value of the dollars in that paycheck you're bringing home.

Show of hands: Before now, how many didn't know that an organization called the International Monetary Fund (IMF) exists?

Interestingly enough (or perhaps 'not surprisingly') some countries love the IMF. Some countries hate the IMF. And yet, most countries belong to it. (see link)

It's purpose?

The IMF describes itself as "an organization of 185 countries (Montenegro being the 185th, as of January 18, 2007), working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty". With the exception of North Korea, Cuba, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Tuvalu, and Nauru, all UN member states participate directly in the IMF. Most are represented by other member states on a 24-member Executive Board but all member countries belong to the IMF's Board of Governors.

The reason I bring this up now is because of a news article I found (quite by accident) which was recently translated (from German) into English reporting the following:

Officials with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have informed Bernanke about a plan that would have been unheard-of in the past: a general examination of the US financial system. The IMF's board of directors has ruled that a so-called Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) is to be carried out in the United States. It is nothing less than an X-ray of the entire US financial system.

As part of the assessment, the Fed, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the major investment banks, mortgage banks and hedge funds will be asked to hand over confidential documents to the IMF team. They will be required to answer the questions they are asked during interviews. Their databases will be subjected to so-called stress tests -- worst-case scenarios designed to simulate the broader effects of failures of other major financial institutions or a continuing decline of the dollar.

Under its bylaws, the IMF is charged with the supervision of the international monetary system. Roughly two-thirds of IMF members -- but never the United States -- have already endured this painful procedure. (link to full story)

The article goes on to report:

For seven years, US President George W. Bush refused to allow the IMF to conduct its assessment. Even now, he has only given the IMF board his consent under one important condition. The review can begin in Bush's last year in office, but it may not be completed until he has left the White House. This is bad news for the Fed chairman.

When the final report on the risks of the US financial system is released in 2010 -- and it is likely to cause a stir internationally -- only one of the people in positions of responsiblity today will still be in office: Ben Bernanke.

It all reminds me of an old Johnny Cash tune called "Ring of Fire." I'm guessing we all know who the fall guy is going to be when the dust settles.

You know, with all this talk about strengthening our boarders, it's kind of wierd to me that we would be required to "open our books" to nations outside our boarders.

Makes ya kinda wonder how many other foreign powers are dictating how our country is run and who is allowed to rule it ...doesn't it?

Indiana Tremors

If you were awake, like me, around 4:40 a.m. you might have felt the earth tremble slightly... it's not your imagination. It was an earthquake.

The desk and floor in my home office began vibrating, shaking the chair I was sitting on at the time. I heard light cracking sounds in the walls. Nothing fell off the cluttered shelves in my office, though.

It lasted about a minute.

Thinking I had imagined the whole thing, I went to the stairs and called up to my husband, "Did you feel that, too?"

He had just gone up to bed after a long night of work (nightshift at the plant) and hadn't yet fallen asleep. He said he had felt the whole bed shake and heard a few things clanking together up there. He felt a second, much lighter shaking happen about a minute after the first (while we were talking).

What an awesome experience.

About 15 minutes after the tremors stopped, we went online and checked the USGS site to see how big it was and where the epicenter occurred.

By that time there was only 1 event listed on the site, 19 miles SSE of Olney, Illinois -- a 5.4 magnitude -- and it had received only 139 reports in 114 zip codes with a maximum intensity of five (V).

There is a section where you can report your experiences after a quake has occurred in your area.

Naturally, I clicked the link, completed the form, and by the time I submitted my family's experience they had already set up a second event reporting link (21 miles SW of Vincennes, Indiana) which had received 3,752 reports from 1285 zip codes with a maximum intensity of 8 (VIII).

As I type this, there is now only the Vincennes listing -- downgrading it to a 5.2 magnitude quake -- with 8580 total reports. This may change since most of the data coming in is consolidated and revised every few minutes. You can check it out here.

That's another first for me, since moving to Indiana.

So far, I've seen my first small tornado whip right across our front lawn, my first eyewitness of a meteorite bursting into flames as it fell to earth (during the Superbowl between the Bears and the Colts) ...and now my first experience of an earthquake, even though the epicenter was quite a distance away.

It reminds me again of the awesome wonder and power of natural occurrences and the strong, yet at the same time fragile, nature of our tiny planet.

All I can say now is...

Wow!

World finds out about USA beef scandal

You know the world is watching when the news about the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company scandal hits the headlines of a Beverage Industry magazine targeted to industry insiders.

Industry concerns follow massive US beef recall
by Linda Rano:

19-Feb-2008 - The largest meat recall in US history has reignited fears that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is not taking adequate measures to ensure the safety of the nation's meat supply. (link)

This particular online news service also publishes a monthly full-color glossy magazine (yes, real hold-it-in-your-hands hard copy) of breaking stories in the beverage industry, as well as print and online ezine publications for other industry niches including Nutrition, Health, Food Safety and more. Their publications span the globe with their largest subscriber bases in the EU.

After the BSE scandal that rocked the UK beef industry, you can safely bet they're closely monitoring the entire Hallmark/Westland Meat story as it unfolds here in the USA.

voluntary recall of "approximately 143,383,823 pounds of raw and frozen beef products"

To be fair, the way I understand the situation, the meat wasn't fully recalled (ie sent back to the supplier) but instead, it was placed on "hold" by institutions/schools/etc. until the USDA completes their investigation to determine whether or not the meat is (or isn't) safe for human consumption.

So maybe "recall" is a bit too strong a word (for now?) in the article referenced above...

Even so, it's the first time I saw an actual number published with respect to how much beef is involved. Imagine. 143,383,823 pounds!!!

Which brings me to Indiana Senate Bill 123 regarding labelling of meat and dairy products. Apparently it might get a dusting off for reading soon. Here's a quick synopsis:

Citations Affected: IC 15-2.1; noncode.

Synopsis: Meat and milk products. Authorizes the state board of animal health to provide voluntary grading and certification relating to meat and meat products. Provides that a person who knowingly or intentionally forges a grade or certification commits a Class D felony. Requires the board of animal health to review, study, and make recommendations to the legislative council about claims made about milk, milk products, meat, and poultry marketed to the general public.

Effective: Upon passage; July 1, 2008.

What do you think? Should we send a strong message to the Industry? This is your chance to get involved by contacting your reps regarding the Bill -- your choice.