In "Feeling Too Down to Rise Up", Sudhir Venkatesh examines why we have not taken to the streets in protest over all the present ills in the United States. I think that the analysis given misses certain central points.
First, while there is much shouting going on these days, it comes in a fundamentally different form. We are in an era of non-stop communication and we debate, discuss and dissect through our computers, our iphones, our blackberries and television sets. Our voices are heard but not in the ways of past generations. We don't have to organize rallies when we can have instantaneous polls, questions of the day, and liberal and conservative viewpoints deliberated ad nauseum. We don't have to plant ourselves outside the White House to be heard.
Further, while we may have a fundamental distrust of those with opposing views, it seems we ALL want to see the President and his agenda succeed (Rush Limbaugh notwithstanding). We are in the very early stages of a very different political universe in our country. We are all hoping that the administration has a way out of the hole we have dug. We do not place the blame on the shoulders of those now in control for us being in this quagmire. We want to give them the opportunity to make it right before we send out the lynch mobs. While we might have had uncontrolled rage for AIG executives (and some did take to the streets, and to the homes of the beleaguered bonus babies), we choose not to exhibit that kind of venom for those whom we must trust to lead us to the promised land.
President Obama has preached patience, over and over. He knows we are down, but he tells us we are not too down to rise up. If the President can show us that we have the ability to overcome, and that we are on our way there, then we won't have the need to rise up in the way Sudhir Venkatesh would suggest. If belief in this administration wanes, then and only then may the streets be filled with shouts of anger. Until that point in time, we will let our 21st century form of communication act as our forum to air our concerns.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Dancing
President Obama met Friday with the chief executives from 13 of the largest financial institutions in the country, including the heads of Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs. The "we are all in this together" party did not, by all accounts, include a game of pin the tail on 13 donkeys.
The reports are that there was some continuation of the Obama mantra of "we are mad as hell as we are not going to take it anymore" on the excessive compensation question. But the President, and those gathered around the table all recognize that the only answer lies in concerted joint effort. Play nice had to be the theme of the day.
It is hard to comprehend, but we have apparently pumped so much money into some of these entities that they feel no need to keep from repaying the money we have loaned them. The leaders of American Express and Goldman Sachs explored that possibility in the dialogue with the President. The New York Times reports that the President advised that, while this might be a positive step, it needed to be done in a way that did not undermine lending (New York Times, March 28, 2009, "For Obama and Banks, a Little Unity"). Thanks but no thanks.
We are in the middle of a strange dance between partners who may not really want to be dating but who have to do so out of necessity. We are in a universe where I don't need your money, you have to keep it, is a conversation taking place at the height of a recession bordering on depression.
While the fit may be uncomfortable, as long as the economic blues keeps playing, those gathered at the White House yesterday are going to have hold hands and embrace. Look into the camera and say cheese.
The reports are that there was some continuation of the Obama mantra of "we are mad as hell as we are not going to take it anymore" on the excessive compensation question. But the President, and those gathered around the table all recognize that the only answer lies in concerted joint effort. Play nice had to be the theme of the day.
It is hard to comprehend, but we have apparently pumped so much money into some of these entities that they feel no need to keep from repaying the money we have loaned them. The leaders of American Express and Goldman Sachs explored that possibility in the dialogue with the President. The New York Times reports that the President advised that, while this might be a positive step, it needed to be done in a way that did not undermine lending (New York Times, March 28, 2009, "For Obama and Banks, a Little Unity"). Thanks but no thanks.
We are in the middle of a strange dance between partners who may not really want to be dating but who have to do so out of necessity. We are in a universe where I don't need your money, you have to keep it, is a conversation taking place at the height of a recession bordering on depression.
While the fit may be uncomfortable, as long as the economic blues keeps playing, those gathered at the White House yesterday are going to have hold hands and embrace. Look into the camera and say cheese.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Word Games
Schott's Vocab, a Miscellany of Modern Words and Phrases is described by the New York Times as an exploration of news sites around the world to find words and phrases that encapsulate the times in which we live or shed light on a story of note. Compiled by Ben Schott, some of these entries find their way into pieces in the Times, as they did today.
This caused me to begin thinking of terminology that was not mentioned, but that I think could become part of our lexicon. I have listed some of them below:
obsessorizing- the ability to find something every day to become an intense object of attention, like Bernie Madoff, the state of the economy, the value of your stocks or AIG
finger picking- spending vast amounts of time communicating without speaking by way of e-mails, instant messages, twitters, blogs and various other means of sign(in) language
cable culture- that growing portion of the population who has no need or interest in any of the non-cable communication on their television set
$tupidity- obscene distributions to people like hedge fund managers and executives of failed and failing companies in the face of the worst economic crisis in at least 8 decades
ticketed off- the public outrage over the price of seats to some entertainment venues like Yankee Stadium
trillionitis- a new disease afflicting the emotional core of the American public as they watch the estimates of the debt grow ever larger
American idolatry- undeserved attention on anyone who finishes in the top 10 of this years American idol
the change that refreshes- a President with intelligence, wit and an ability to communicate
tenting- vast unemployment causes homeless 'cities' to pop up all around the country
unretirement- a review of your 401 K account
This caused me to begin thinking of terminology that was not mentioned, but that I think could become part of our lexicon. I have listed some of them below:
obsessorizing- the ability to find something every day to become an intense object of attention, like Bernie Madoff, the state of the economy, the value of your stocks or AIG
finger picking- spending vast amounts of time communicating without speaking by way of e-mails, instant messages, twitters, blogs and various other means of sign(in) language
cable culture- that growing portion of the population who has no need or interest in any of the non-cable communication on their television set
$tupidity- obscene distributions to people like hedge fund managers and executives of failed and failing companies in the face of the worst economic crisis in at least 8 decades
ticketed off- the public outrage over the price of seats to some entertainment venues like Yankee Stadium
trillionitis- a new disease afflicting the emotional core of the American public as they watch the estimates of the debt grow ever larger
American idolatry- undeserved attention on anyone who finishes in the top 10 of this years American idol
the change that refreshes- a President with intelligence, wit and an ability to communicate
tenting- vast unemployment causes homeless 'cities' to pop up all around the country
unretirement- a review of your 401 K account
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Interview (An Autobiographic Tale of Fiction)
He hated wearing a tie and jacket. If there was one aspect of being his own boss that he took the most pleasure in, it was not having to get 'dressed up' to go to work. He owned only one suit. Now, he fussed with the tie to make sure it was properly centered. The gray suit looked its age. So did he.
He had never really been on an official job interview. He had gotten his first job through connections. Later, he had worked at two firms, but he had known the bosses at each stop and had been hired over lunch and a handshake. He had spent the last 25 years answering to no one but himself.
Like so many others, what he had taken for granted no longer existed. The feeling of forever was now gone. It had been replaced with a new reality. He adjusted his tie once more. He thought that maybe his neck had gotten bigger. With time, gravity had begun pulling everything downward, and jowls were now a distinct possibility.
Commuting in traffic was a nightmare he had chosen to avoid long ago. He had seen what the daily journey to and from the city had done to his father. Now, the horns were honking in unison as if they had some power to move the line forward. He and his car were at a standstill. There were 45 minutes until the interview was scheduled to begin.
If he got this job, his life would be forever altered in ways unwanted. The freedom of choice he cherished would be replaced by 3 weeks off a year. The ability to decide it was too nice to go into the office would be but a memory. He had always said that life did not go in a straight line but he never was talking about his own life.
The congestion eased as he crossed the bridge. He was able to weave between cars and rush through rush hour. He got to the building with 5 minutes to spare. He registered at the lobby desk and joined many others in a too crowded elevator.
As he entered through the doors of the office, he walked up to the receptionist and announced his name and his intentions. He took a seat, a magazine and a deep breath. He was about to enter his own Twilight Zone. He was just glad for the opportunity. He waited to hear his name and made believe he was reading an article. He was too distracted to concentrate on the words before him.
20 minutes later, it was his turn. He nodded at the receptionist, stood up and began the journey down the hall. He shifted his tie one more time, hand pressed his suit, and stood as straight as was possible given the limitations of the constant ache in his back. He entered his interviewer's office, stuck out his hand, gave his broadest smile, and his biggest hello. He sat down, wondering where life would take him in the next 30 minutes. And the next 30 years. He had no answer to either of those questions.
He had never really been on an official job interview. He had gotten his first job through connections. Later, he had worked at two firms, but he had known the bosses at each stop and had been hired over lunch and a handshake. He had spent the last 25 years answering to no one but himself.
Like so many others, what he had taken for granted no longer existed. The feeling of forever was now gone. It had been replaced with a new reality. He adjusted his tie once more. He thought that maybe his neck had gotten bigger. With time, gravity had begun pulling everything downward, and jowls were now a distinct possibility.
Commuting in traffic was a nightmare he had chosen to avoid long ago. He had seen what the daily journey to and from the city had done to his father. Now, the horns were honking in unison as if they had some power to move the line forward. He and his car were at a standstill. There were 45 minutes until the interview was scheduled to begin.
If he got this job, his life would be forever altered in ways unwanted. The freedom of choice he cherished would be replaced by 3 weeks off a year. The ability to decide it was too nice to go into the office would be but a memory. He had always said that life did not go in a straight line but he never was talking about his own life.
The congestion eased as he crossed the bridge. He was able to weave between cars and rush through rush hour. He got to the building with 5 minutes to spare. He registered at the lobby desk and joined many others in a too crowded elevator.
As he entered through the doors of the office, he walked up to the receptionist and announced his name and his intentions. He took a seat, a magazine and a deep breath. He was about to enter his own Twilight Zone. He was just glad for the opportunity. He waited to hear his name and made believe he was reading an article. He was too distracted to concentrate on the words before him.
20 minutes later, it was his turn. He nodded at the receptionist, stood up and began the journey down the hall. He shifted his tie one more time, hand pressed his suit, and stood as straight as was possible given the limitations of the constant ache in his back. He entered his interviewer's office, stuck out his hand, gave his broadest smile, and his biggest hello. He sat down, wondering where life would take him in the next 30 minutes. And the next 30 years. He had no answer to either of those questions.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Maximum Exposure
After 8 years of playing hide and seek with the former occupant of the White House, one would think that a President getting out the message and taking the hits would be universally applauded. But the magical mystery tour that is Barack Obama is facing criticism for overexposure.
We have seen him on prime time delivering a State of the Union like speech to the joint session of Congress, giving 2 hour long news conferences, going on campaign style trips to promote the benefits of his economic package, appearing on Jay Leno and on 60 Minutes. If he is not a member of the Screen Actors Guild, he should sign up soon.
The Boston Herald.com blogs post of March 24, 2009 suggests that Obama won't be happy until he is on television 24-7. Holly Robichaud, the Lone Republican in the Herald's Monday Morning Briefing, says that the news conference today is but another attempt to sell a budget program receiving poor reviews (citing Senator Gregg, the once and never cabinet member, as warning that the budget would lead us into eventual bankruptcy).
Meghan McCain, the blogger of note and daughter of Senator McCain, is reported in Politico today (from her interview with Larry King) as commenting that Obama may be on the verge of overexposure. While generation Y understand the constant use of media sources, she says the older constituents of the Democratic party may soon be alienated by the constant public President.
I couldn't disagree more. We are all overwhelmed and overmatched in trying to comprehend the mass of information that swirls around our heads these days. We need comfort, but more than that, we need to get some sense that our leader gets it and can move us forward. If Obama was in the bunker while the shelling was going on, we would feel dazed, confused and lost. I don't need the talking heads. I need the talking Head of State.
In today's Huffington Post, Jason Linkins writes that Chuck Todd believes that the White House feels if the President had not stepped out front during the past week he would have been more burnt by the AIG fiasco. On CNBC today, it was stated that the President is at or near the most powerful he will be during his Presidency. As the good communicator, given the scale of challenges before us, they speak of him being used by his party like a great pitcher who goes out there day after day for his team.
While the pundits warn of the risk of burning out this luminary, his star continues to shine bright in this darkest of times. Obama is the anti-Bush in so many ways. One of the best is his willingness to get in your face, literally, to discuss and educate. For that, he should only be applauded.
We have seen him on prime time delivering a State of the Union like speech to the joint session of Congress, giving 2 hour long news conferences, going on campaign style trips to promote the benefits of his economic package, appearing on Jay Leno and on 60 Minutes. If he is not a member of the Screen Actors Guild, he should sign up soon.
The Boston Herald.com blogs post of March 24, 2009 suggests that Obama won't be happy until he is on television 24-7. Holly Robichaud, the Lone Republican in the Herald's Monday Morning Briefing, says that the news conference today is but another attempt to sell a budget program receiving poor reviews (citing Senator Gregg, the once and never cabinet member, as warning that the budget would lead us into eventual bankruptcy).
Meghan McCain, the blogger of note and daughter of Senator McCain, is reported in Politico today (from her interview with Larry King) as commenting that Obama may be on the verge of overexposure. While generation Y understand the constant use of media sources, she says the older constituents of the Democratic party may soon be alienated by the constant public President.
I couldn't disagree more. We are all overwhelmed and overmatched in trying to comprehend the mass of information that swirls around our heads these days. We need comfort, but more than that, we need to get some sense that our leader gets it and can move us forward. If Obama was in the bunker while the shelling was going on, we would feel dazed, confused and lost. I don't need the talking heads. I need the talking Head of State.
In today's Huffington Post, Jason Linkins writes that Chuck Todd believes that the White House feels if the President had not stepped out front during the past week he would have been more burnt by the AIG fiasco. On CNBC today, it was stated that the President is at or near the most powerful he will be during his Presidency. As the good communicator, given the scale of challenges before us, they speak of him being used by his party like a great pitcher who goes out there day after day for his team.
While the pundits warn of the risk of burning out this luminary, his star continues to shine bright in this darkest of times. Obama is the anti-Bush in so many ways. One of the best is his willingness to get in your face, literally, to discuss and educate. For that, he should only be applauded.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Through the Looking Glass
I start with the premise that I do not pretend to understand the complexities of what is happening. As economists around the world struggle to come up with answers, we sit here and wait for the ANSWER. What we appear to be getting today is old garbage in a new package.
First, do we really have to make nice with the financial managers who are being asked to participate with our money in this purchase of toxic assets? Those we have skewered for their obscene compensation packages now must now apparently be assured that they will not be scrutinized if they deem it worthy of their time to once again profit from our past errors in judgment. We beg so they will play in the game. Gimme a break.
Further, can the best solution be that we have to create this facade and buy up the bad decisions at bad prices to make these banks unfreeze the billions and billions of dollars we have already given them? Here is some more of our money, that's all we have, now give some of it back to us if you would. We seem to always be one step behind the bad guys. It is a continuing saga of someone pointing their finger and saying "they went that a way".
There has to be a way in which all the criminals are rounded up and brought before the judge. Like Ricky says to Luci, "you got some splaining to do". It seems like this is just another day when we are not holding anyone accountable, and are not in control of our own destiny.
Let's find a way to be our own masters. Let's not rely on the largesse of those we don't trust to do the right thing. Let's not beg or ask for a way out. Let's make sure that the public participates, if that is what is needed, without kissing up to the fund managers. Let's tell them they should be happy they are not being run out of town for their past misdeeds. Let's tell the financial institutions that we will pump them up but they must no longer stand idle while counting our money. If we buy, you lend. You lose your discretion. We own you and you play by our rules now. If you don't like it, there's the door. Enough.
First, do we really have to make nice with the financial managers who are being asked to participate with our money in this purchase of toxic assets? Those we have skewered for their obscene compensation packages now must now apparently be assured that they will not be scrutinized if they deem it worthy of their time to once again profit from our past errors in judgment. We beg so they will play in the game. Gimme a break.
Further, can the best solution be that we have to create this facade and buy up the bad decisions at bad prices to make these banks unfreeze the billions and billions of dollars we have already given them? Here is some more of our money, that's all we have, now give some of it back to us if you would. We seem to always be one step behind the bad guys. It is a continuing saga of someone pointing their finger and saying "they went that a way".
There has to be a way in which all the criminals are rounded up and brought before the judge. Like Ricky says to Luci, "you got some splaining to do". It seems like this is just another day when we are not holding anyone accountable, and are not in control of our own destiny.
Let's find a way to be our own masters. Let's not rely on the largesse of those we don't trust to do the right thing. Let's not beg or ask for a way out. Let's make sure that the public participates, if that is what is needed, without kissing up to the fund managers. Let's tell them they should be happy they are not being run out of town for their past misdeeds. Let's tell the financial institutions that we will pump them up but they must no longer stand idle while counting our money. If we buy, you lend. You lose your discretion. We own you and you play by our rules now. If you don't like it, there's the door. Enough.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Help, I Need Somebody
I wonder if he picks up his own phone, empties the trash and makes copies of vital documents. With the economy holding on by the barest of threads, one would anticipate that the full force of our brainpower would be huddled together discussing stratagies and solutions. Yet, Tim Geithner is having a hard time finding someone to keep him company.
On February 24, 2009, The Business Insider stated that "the Treasury Department still has numerous job vacancies that need to be filled, leaving Secretary Geithner working on his own". Quoting Darrell West, head of government studies at the Brookings Institute, "Essentially Geithner is sitting over there by himself and does not have a staff".
Three weeks later, H. Rodgin Cohen, chairman of the New York law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell withdrew his name from consideration for deputy Treasury Secretary. As reported by First Read on March 13, this was the fourth person in recent weeks to disappear from public view before the vetting process was completed.
On today's Meet the Press, Tom Brokaw discussed possible reasons for this growing dilemma.He stated that the 40 page list of questions that one must fill out to assure purity of heart and mind, has now grown to 60 pages. In addition, Brokaw mentioned that many of those who might otherwise be willing to serve do not want to endure AIG like recriminations for having multiple homes or large bank accounts, and would rather remain away from the spotlight and in the private sector.
Further, Politico points out that "Having campaigned on a promise that lobbyists won't run his White House, President Barack Obama is discovering that what may make for a good sound bite on the campaign trail can complicate governing.... because of a ban on individuals from agencies that they have lobbied in the past 2 years" the pool of potential appointees is limited.
The result of these combined forces is to leave the Secretary of Treasury an island unto himself. This is bad business for him and for us and requires immediate attention and remediation. Do whatever is necessary to get the help to Geithner that he needs and do it now. We all know there is not a minute to waste.
On February 24, 2009, The Business Insider stated that "the Treasury Department still has numerous job vacancies that need to be filled, leaving Secretary Geithner working on his own". Quoting Darrell West, head of government studies at the Brookings Institute, "Essentially Geithner is sitting over there by himself and does not have a staff".
Three weeks later, H. Rodgin Cohen, chairman of the New York law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell withdrew his name from consideration for deputy Treasury Secretary. As reported by First Read on March 13, this was the fourth person in recent weeks to disappear from public view before the vetting process was completed.
On today's Meet the Press, Tom Brokaw discussed possible reasons for this growing dilemma.He stated that the 40 page list of questions that one must fill out to assure purity of heart and mind, has now grown to 60 pages. In addition, Brokaw mentioned that many of those who might otherwise be willing to serve do not want to endure AIG like recriminations for having multiple homes or large bank accounts, and would rather remain away from the spotlight and in the private sector.
Further, Politico points out that "Having campaigned on a promise that lobbyists won't run his White House, President Barack Obama is discovering that what may make for a good sound bite on the campaign trail can complicate governing.... because of a ban on individuals from agencies that they have lobbied in the past 2 years" the pool of potential appointees is limited.
The result of these combined forces is to leave the Secretary of Treasury an island unto himself. This is bad business for him and for us and requires immediate attention and remediation. Do whatever is necessary to get the help to Geithner that he needs and do it now. We all know there is not a minute to waste.
The Greening of My Head
I have always resisted the idea of getting hair transplants. Too painful, too costly, didn't reflect what is the core of my being. Bald is beautiful. Now, I may have found reason to change my mind.
I think I will grow Yankee turf on my head. Those who love everything Yankee will be green with envy as I proudly wear my heart on my head.The front page of the New York Times today (Want to Tread on Jeter's Turf? Yankees Grass is Now a Brand) goes into the details of making this dream become reality. While a field of bluegrass 2 1/2 acres large covers the stadium, the DeLea Sod Farms has grown 80 acres of this magical Yankee turf for the team. From this excess, coming soon to New York City Home Depot stores, for just $7.50 one can own a patch a little bigger than 5 square feet, 16 inches by 4 feet, of fake Yankee history.
Transplants normally run into thousands of dollars. I see a once in a lifetime opportunity to combine my passion for the Yankees with the need to cover my scalp from the burning rays of the sun, all at a laughably small price. If I can just get a piece of turf sown into my head, pretty soon my noggin will be the talk of the town. While I am sure this was not the contemplated use of this item, if the DeLea sod can be marketed as a "field of dreams around the home", why not own "the dome of your dreams"?
The sod comes with a certificate of authenticity which I can carry proudly in my pocket and pull out when the topic turns, as it inevitably will, to the splendor of my grass.
Rick DeLea, Vice President of DeLea Sod Farms, reported to the Times that the sod required full sun, good drainage, and reasonable maintenance. I can definitely handle that. I will have to live and work outside during the summer but that is a small price to pay. I am a little concerned about the winter and how I will be able to maintain a year round full head of grass. I might have to curtail my law practice and spend 6 months of the year down South. I hope the devil is not in the details.
Maybe, if I can grow my grass thick enough, I can cut it into designs and market my head as a billboard. There is no end to the ways to turn a profit off the public if you just think hard enough. Mr.DeLea has taught us all a lesson in ingenuity.For that, I tip my cap (filled with grass stains) to him.
I think I will grow Yankee turf on my head. Those who love everything Yankee will be green with envy as I proudly wear my heart on my head.The front page of the New York Times today (Want to Tread on Jeter's Turf? Yankees Grass is Now a Brand) goes into the details of making this dream become reality. While a field of bluegrass 2 1/2 acres large covers the stadium, the DeLea Sod Farms has grown 80 acres of this magical Yankee turf for the team. From this excess, coming soon to New York City Home Depot stores, for just $7.50 one can own a patch a little bigger than 5 square feet, 16 inches by 4 feet, of fake Yankee history.
Transplants normally run into thousands of dollars. I see a once in a lifetime opportunity to combine my passion for the Yankees with the need to cover my scalp from the burning rays of the sun, all at a laughably small price. If I can just get a piece of turf sown into my head, pretty soon my noggin will be the talk of the town. While I am sure this was not the contemplated use of this item, if the DeLea sod can be marketed as a "field of dreams around the home", why not own "the dome of your dreams"?
The sod comes with a certificate of authenticity which I can carry proudly in my pocket and pull out when the topic turns, as it inevitably will, to the splendor of my grass.
Rick DeLea, Vice President of DeLea Sod Farms, reported to the Times that the sod required full sun, good drainage, and reasonable maintenance. I can definitely handle that. I will have to live and work outside during the summer but that is a small price to pay. I am a little concerned about the winter and how I will be able to maintain a year round full head of grass. I might have to curtail my law practice and spend 6 months of the year down South. I hope the devil is not in the details.
Maybe, if I can grow my grass thick enough, I can cut it into designs and market my head as a billboard. There is no end to the ways to turn a profit off the public if you just think hard enough. Mr.DeLea has taught us all a lesson in ingenuity.For that, I tip my cap (filled with grass stains) to him.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
FORE
I still harbor hopes of a day on the slopes next weekend before my skis find their way into annual hibernation. Today, my thoughts are elsewhere. Golf and I begin our 51st year together at 12:10 PM.
Yesterday at this time I was reading of a special early season price this weekend for a round of golf. As I looked out the window, swirling snow was falling to the ground. Dream on.
24 hours later I am staring at the changing hues of a beautiful sunrise. Yet, while the snow is gone, the lingering cold can not be ignored. Dressed in a ski hat, ski gloves, a turtleneck, possibly thermal underwear and a windbreaker, I will be ready when the starter tells the 12:10 group to come to the first tee.
This is the time of year when I become closest to the Almighty. I am anything but a religious person yet I frequently find myself talking to Him/Her immediately after one of my shots does not follow its intended path. The one sided conversation is brief and ugly. I am not thinking happy thoughts as I raise my voice to the heavens. Sometimes this ritual includes my offering up my club as a sacrifice. Yet having seen the results it has just produced, the gift is always rejected by its intended recipient and returns to earth shortly after it has taken flight.
Like every mortal who has played the game, I carry hopes and dreams of greatness with me this morning. Let me, for once, be able to shout out in praise and thanks for permitting me to play a round, a hole, or even a shot, that meets my expectations. I think if He/She could get to know the real me in those moments, He/She would be surprised to learn that I am not that raving lunatic seen often over the past 50 years.
Unfortunately, if the past half century has taught me any lessons, it is that history does repeat itself. I fear that by about 12:30 or so this afternoon my playing partners will be ducking for cover as an identified flying object leaves my hands. Welcome to the wonderful world of golf.
Yesterday at this time I was reading of a special early season price this weekend for a round of golf. As I looked out the window, swirling snow was falling to the ground. Dream on.
24 hours later I am staring at the changing hues of a beautiful sunrise. Yet, while the snow is gone, the lingering cold can not be ignored. Dressed in a ski hat, ski gloves, a turtleneck, possibly thermal underwear and a windbreaker, I will be ready when the starter tells the 12:10 group to come to the first tee.
This is the time of year when I become closest to the Almighty. I am anything but a religious person yet I frequently find myself talking to Him/Her immediately after one of my shots does not follow its intended path. The one sided conversation is brief and ugly. I am not thinking happy thoughts as I raise my voice to the heavens. Sometimes this ritual includes my offering up my club as a sacrifice. Yet having seen the results it has just produced, the gift is always rejected by its intended recipient and returns to earth shortly after it has taken flight.
Like every mortal who has played the game, I carry hopes and dreams of greatness with me this morning. Let me, for once, be able to shout out in praise and thanks for permitting me to play a round, a hole, or even a shot, that meets my expectations. I think if He/She could get to know the real me in those moments, He/She would be surprised to learn that I am not that raving lunatic seen often over the past 50 years.
Unfortunately, if the past half century has taught me any lessons, it is that history does repeat itself. I fear that by about 12:30 or so this afternoon my playing partners will be ducking for cover as an identified flying object leaves my hands. Welcome to the wonderful world of golf.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Dumb and dumber
What the heck are they doing now? Since when did Congress decide it was going to major in idiocy? For our next act, we are doing stupid pet tricks. Roll over and play dead.
I understand that they are aggravated. They are really aggravated. They screwed up by passing a bill that permitted enormous payments to those we feel are most responsible for the mess we call our economy. But don't clean up your poo by adding more poo on top of it.
"Members of both parties raised doubt about whether the legislation could survive a court challenge, saying it was tantamount to a retroactive 'bill of attainder" which is banned by the Constitution. Even backers of the bill acknowledged it amounted to an extraordinary use of the tax". (New York Times, March 20, 2009, House Approves 90% Tax on Bonuses After Bailouts).
When did the Congressmen and Congresswomen become constitutional experts? I guess in the hour they debated this bill they all completed a course in tax law and Constitutional law. I guess they are also experts on the environment, the health care system and the myriad other matters on which they wax eloquent and vote often. I would suggest that most of them never even read the versions of the underlying bill relating to executive compensation before and after being " Chris Dodded".
It is scary to think that we entrust our well being on a daily basis to people who believe that this latest cover our backs action is the best we can come up with for a solution to the problem. In these times of crisis we are entrusting them to deal rationally with trillions of dollars that are needed to keep us from falling to the bottom of the well. If this is the way Congress responds in a moment of panic then heaven help us all.
Hire the best contract lawyers in the world to support the position that the underlying agreements permitting the bonuses were fundamentally flawed and should be overturned. Create legislation without loopholes that prohibits companies from paying exorbitant sums by way of salaries, bonuses, or gifts to your Aunt and Uncle on any FUTURE monies given to these companies receiving funds from the American public. Tax EVERYONE at the highest reasonable rate imaginable who makes a lot of money. Don't do it by playing this shell game. It stinks, and makes us all look like 3 year olds throwing a temper tantrum.
I understand that they are aggravated. They are really aggravated. They screwed up by passing a bill that permitted enormous payments to those we feel are most responsible for the mess we call our economy. But don't clean up your poo by adding more poo on top of it.
"Members of both parties raised doubt about whether the legislation could survive a court challenge, saying it was tantamount to a retroactive 'bill of attainder" which is banned by the Constitution. Even backers of the bill acknowledged it amounted to an extraordinary use of the tax". (New York Times, March 20, 2009, House Approves 90% Tax on Bonuses After Bailouts).
When did the Congressmen and Congresswomen become constitutional experts? I guess in the hour they debated this bill they all completed a course in tax law and Constitutional law. I guess they are also experts on the environment, the health care system and the myriad other matters on which they wax eloquent and vote often. I would suggest that most of them never even read the versions of the underlying bill relating to executive compensation before and after being " Chris Dodded".
It is scary to think that we entrust our well being on a daily basis to people who believe that this latest cover our backs action is the best we can come up with for a solution to the problem. In these times of crisis we are entrusting them to deal rationally with trillions of dollars that are needed to keep us from falling to the bottom of the well. If this is the way Congress responds in a moment of panic then heaven help us all.
Hire the best contract lawyers in the world to support the position that the underlying agreements permitting the bonuses were fundamentally flawed and should be overturned. Create legislation without loopholes that prohibits companies from paying exorbitant sums by way of salaries, bonuses, or gifts to your Aunt and Uncle on any FUTURE monies given to these companies receiving funds from the American public. Tax EVERYONE at the highest reasonable rate imaginable who makes a lot of money. Don't do it by playing this shell game. It stinks, and makes us all look like 3 year olds throwing a temper tantrum.
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