Back to basics

The Auto Companies Must Be Destroyed

Frank Lynch — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:11:27 EST

The system of Corporate Governance in America is broken. We must destroy the auto companies as the only way to fix the problem. read more at http://blog.franklynch.org/2008/12/03/we-must-nationalize-the-auto-companies-because-sneaky-auto-executives-cheating-on-bailout/

Bonus Time in Detroit: How Many Hundred of Millions Will the CEOs Pay Themselves After Destroying Their Companies ?

Frank Lynch — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:41:51 EST

Notice the rush of the Big Three Auto companies' executives to collect the bailout from Congress in time for them to pay themselves hundreds of millions in bonus for Christmas!!

Barack Obama must require that none of the auto companies' executives receive any bonus this year.

Further, Barack must require that they all work for $1.00, One Dollar annual salary in 2009.

Anything else is a total rape not just of the taxpayers, but a rape of all America.

The state exists because of the rivalries within society.

Rob-33704 — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:21:19 EDT

The state exists BECAUSE of the rivalries within society.

If the state maintains order - which is its true function - then rhetoric doesn't matter and pluralism can flourish.

If order is maintained then the heated rhetoric of the right may even beneficial by allowing people to vent or to enjoy the illusion that someone - anyone - is listening to them and championing their cause.

It is only when order cannot be maintained and rhetoric becomes action that you have to worry.

That is the true historic lesson of the brownshirts. Their behavior was only possable because the German state could not maintain order.

When Hitler came to power he established a "new order" which as a demonstration of its control liquidated the leadership of the SA - mostly accomplished by the new "good puppies" of the party, the SS.

Nobel Prize winning economist characterized Obama supporters as 'cult like.'

Rob-33704 — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:02:13 EDT

Nobel Prize winning economist Paul Krugman has characterized Obama supporters as 'cult-like', and has complained that the media has not given Obama sufficient scrutiny.

Krugman, considered to be a neo-Keynesian economist, taught at the London School of Economics before joining the faculty of Princeton University, in 2000. He also served as a consultant for an advisory board for Enron in 1999 prior to joining the New York Times as a columnist in 2000.

Krugman is a member of The Group of Thirty (G30) which was founded in 1978 by the Rockefeller Foundation which also provided initial funding for the body. Its first chairman was Johannes Witteveen, the former managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Its current chairman of trustees is Paul Volcker.

The Actual Purposes Which are Served by the Separation of Church and State.

Rob-33704 — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 12:24:44 EDT

We have separation of church and state in the United States of America because the state - all states - exalt themselves above all other groupings of people.

When we ask ourselves, ‘what is the state?’ We quickly realize that we must first ask, ‘ what are people?’ Human beings are individual organisms. Long age, however, these individuals came to realize that they could accomplish a great deal more as members of groups than as individuals.

The individuals formed families, clans, tribes, and eventually states. At first city-states, then groups of city- states which became nation-states. The state is itself, however, a group of people.

So, the answer to our question - ‘What is the state’ - is that the state is an organization - a group of individuals. These individuals may originally be a tribe, a clan, or a family which has become capable of influencing - exerting power over - the other groups within that particular state.

Organizations exercise power through control. To effectively exercise control the state has to be the focus of the individual’s loyalty. The state must, therefore, eliminate the other organizations within the state which are capable of competing with it for the loyalty of the individual.

We can now understand that the chief proponents of the rise of a state are, themselves, a group and that they are the dominant group within the state. It doesn’t matter whether this dominant group is an aristocracy, or a group of businessmen. Whatever it’s composition the group’s continued dominance is dependent upon control. The state must, therefore, eliminate the tribal leader, the clan chief, and the family patriarch through assimilation, or execution.

In the context of a struggle for dominance the priesthood is as great a rival of the state for the loyalty of the individual as are the tribe, the clan, and the family. Like the tribal leader, the clan chief, and the family patriarch the chief of high priest can be assimilated or executed but not the entire priesthood.

Assimilation of the high priesthood is not practical because the head of the state must also become the state religion’s high priest or another individual must be invested with that power. State religions run the risk of undermining the loyalty of those who practice a different faith. Power sharing with a high priest might result in a rivalry for control of the state.

The question then becomes how best to dominate the priesthood without turning them into rivals or martyrs. When the question is posed in this fashion the obvious solution is the "separation" of church and state. Being separate from the state the priesthood can be dominated by the state through the "rule of law" as easily as any other group of individuals within the state.

Separation of church and state is, therefore, a method of control and dominance by the state. That is why the state extends tax free status to those religious organizations which do not meddle in "politics." That is, those religious organizations who do not concern themselves with whether the state is actually managed in a fair and equitable manner.

What Most of You People are Not Understanding

Rob-33704 — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:08:18 EDT

What most of you aren't understanding is the depth of the anger on the right and left of the electorate in this country.

That is what John McCain is hearing at his rallies and you are seeing on CNN. Democrats don't hear it at their rallies because the left long ago discarded the democratic party.

This anger is not something that will somehow evaporate and just go away. The right is just now discovering how much they have been misled and betrayed.

Taking care of the needs of the citizens is not PANDERING - it is what ruling classes do to stay in power.

You Are Giving Socialism a Bad Name.

Rob-33704 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:33:40 EDT

Could some of you PLEASE talk to your friends in the news media and get them to stop referring to this as a "Socialist" bailout?

You know, I know, and they know that is not true.

Thanks for you help.

The United States of America should declare a Year of Jubilee - the "forgiveness of all debts."

Rob-33704 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:51:54 EDT

The United States of America should declare a "Year of Jubilee" - the "forgiveness of all debts." The requirement for a Year of Jubilee is clearly established in chapter 25, verse 10 of the of the Old Testament/Torah Book of Leviticus. Verses 28, 40, 50, 54, of the 25th chapter and verse 24 of the 27th chapter clearly require the forgiveness of all debts by all believers every 50 years.

This is a requirement, it is not an option. This is why in Chapter 6, verse 12, of the New Testament Book of Matthew (The Lord’s Prayer) Jesus prayed, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

Wall Street, Dean Baker and the Steel Industry

Liz — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:12:04 EDT

QUEEN’S COMMENTS ON MY FAVORITE ECONOMIST, DEAN BAKER
Well, I’ve spent this entire day writing and posting almost exclusively put-downs of Sarah Palin, John McCain and their campaign–all true and verifiable facts, but nasty nonetheless. This is necessary because we must match their attacks 3 to 1 to keep the propaganda under control and their BS to zero effectiveness. It does matter what goes out into the blogosphere. But now as it nears my bed time, I’ll make my last post a more cheerful one and on a topic that I like–economics and Dean Baker whose opinions I most often agree with.

**********************************************************

Dean Baker is the co-director of The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR). He is the author of “The Conservative Nanny State: How the Wealthy Use the Government to Stay Rich and Get Richer” www.conservativenannystate.org . He also has a blog, ”Beat the Press” , on American Prospect where he discusses the media coverage of economic issues.

NOTE: IF YOU GO TO DEAN’S CONSERVATIVE NANNY SITE YOU CAN DOWN LOAD A PDF VERSION OF HIS BOOK–worth the read and it is definitely an exception to the rule that “nothing is free” –as long as you don’t print it out and waste paper.

Here is the link to Dean’s blog: http://www.prospect.org/csnc/blogs/beat_the_press

Now about that article which I just read in Truthout:
http://www.truthout.org/100608B

Sarah Palin's Un-American Activities

Liz — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:26:32 EDT

QUEEN’S COMMENTS on: “If the shoe fits, wear it.”

I continue to get validation for my homilies about the Republican newspeak strategy again and again: Look to what they are claiming that others are doing and you can rest assured that the shoe most likely does not fit their opponent nearly as neatly as it fits them.

Amazing, isn’t it the nerve (stupidity?) of Sarah Palin to try to make Obama into a terrorist because of the remote connection between Barack Obama and terrorist from the ‘60’s? (William Ayers is a man who committed his crime when Obama was 8 years old, a man who had lived a life of 30 years as a decent citizen before Obama ever met him.) Yet, Sarah Palin has much closer connections to a terrorist organization.

For you see, Joe Vogler, the founder of the group of which Todd Palin was a member from 1995 to 2002, had planned to appear before the United Nations to denounce United States “tyranny” before the entire world and to demand Alaska’s freedom. The Alaska secessionist had persuaded the government of Iran to sponsor his anti-American harangue. Yes, Iran.

Here is the interesting story regarding Sarah Palin’s involvement with this terrorist group. It was written by David Talbot and recently appeared in Salon. It is legitimate and easily verifiable by many sources. It might explain why Ms Palin decided to pull back on her attacks of Obama and his association with William Ayers.

http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2008/10/07/palins_unamerican/

The Queen has also posted a few items on this topic as well. Here is one link:

Forget the kitchen sink and throw the bathroom toilet at them:

http://iflizwerequeen.com/?p=629

ABOUT MCCAIN'S HEALTHCARE: TELL PEOPLE!

Liz — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:50:12 EDT

Last night in the debate Obama mentioned that McCain's would tax Americans for their healthcare. Tonight on Olbermann, Bob Herbert on the New York Times was on the show talking about this same issue and both were expressing surprise that more people were not hollering about it. The Queen also wonders the same thing. Two days ago on Oct 6, I posted the following on my website. [I swear, sometimes I think that some of the pundits actually read my website. Tonight Herbert actually even used by $12,000 figure that I used an example for insurance for a family of four. I know it's probably just a coincidence. . . ]

http://iflizwerequeen.com/?p=622

QUEEN’S COMMENTS

There are two cynical and “more of the same” points to John McCain’s heathcare plan.

1. McCain would tax health benefits for the first time in the history of our nation. Right now, if you get health benefits from your company, those benefits are not taxed. With McCain’s plan, those benefits would be taxed. In other words, whatever value the corporation you work for wants to attach to your health benefits, it can and will. So, if you make $60,000 and your company says that your health benefits for you and your family are worth $12,000 (family of four), then voila! The income that you are taxed on becomes not $60,000 but rather $72,000!

2. McCain’s plan would dismantle state-based regulations and tie the hands of people who are involved in consumer protection.

More of the same looking the other way while corporate America robs Americans blind. If you think that the gymnastics performed by healthcare insurance companies to deny claims now are bad, then you better hang onto your St. Christopher medal if McCain is elected. The only “rights” that consumers will have under McCain’s Republican leadership will be the right to make insurance companies richer than they already are.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DENNIS! YOU ARE STILL THE BEST WITH MANY OF US!

Liz — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:41:16 EDT

Happy Birthday to our favorite Congressman

Today, October 8th, is Congressman Dennis Kucinich's birthday, and all of us in the campaign are pausing for just a moment to say "Happy Birthday, Dennis. Thank you for all that you've done over the years and all that you continue to do."

If you'd like to say "Thank You" too, consider supporting his campaign as a way to do that.

There won't be any big, lavish parties today. No champagne corks popping. No fireworks and no glitz. Not his style. Not ours. And most likely, not yours either.

Instead, it’s a day filled with the joy of knowing him, the smiles and laughter that come from sharing priceless stories about his younger years, and the gratitude we have for his service to our nation and his commitment to our people. Plus, a chance to offer our best wishes for MANY more years.

So, on this special occasion, please consider showing your appreciation for Dennis Kucinich and his work in Congress by making a contribution to his campaign so we can keep him right where he belongs - in Washington. D.C. - representing, defending, and fighting for Americans here in Ohio and all across the nation.

If you would like to wish him well in person and you plan to be in the Cleveland area, consider attending one of these upcoming events:

Sunday, Oct 12, join us at Dennis' Annual Supporter Appreciation Picnic with Deidre Hall. Free of charge, but please make reservations now.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, "An Evening with Melissa Etheridge." Reservations required.

We'd love to see you, and so would Dennis and Elizabeth!

The entire campaign staff.

QUESTION RE: Austan Goolsbee

Rob-33704 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:40:59 EDT

Do we know where Mr Goolsbee studied as a Fulbrigth scholar?????

From Mr Goolsbee's CV:

HONORS AND AWARDS

Fulbright Scholar, 2006-2007

Named one of the Young Global Leaders, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2005

Named one of the 100 Global Leaders for Tomorrow, World Economic Forum, Switzerland, 2002

Lumina Award for Pioneering Research in E-Commerce (with co-author Jeffrey Brown), Global Reinsurance, Monte Carlo, 2001

Bill Gates Lecture on "Creative Capitalism" at the World Economic Forum.

Rob-33704 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:22:29 EDT

Bill's basic idea:

"....innovative ways to solve major problems for one billion of the world's poorest people, who don't get enough food or don't have drinking water or reliable access to mediication, which the rest of us take for granted, he said.

Bill apparently doesn't understand:

"As of September 2008, the world's population is estimated to be about 6.7 billion (6,700,000,000). In line with population projections, this figure continues to grow at rates that were unprecedented before the 20th century, although the rate of growth has almost halved since its peak of 2.2% per year, which was reached in 1963. The world's population, on its current growth trajectory, is expected to reach nearly 9 billion by the year 2042"

What about the 6,700,900,000 thousand of us???????????

Trust Private Healthcare Insurers? I don't THINK so.

Liz — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:20:32 EDT

http://iflizwerequeen.com

QUEEN’S COMMENTS ON PRIVATE HEALTHCARE INSURERS

And what is your reason again why we should support or even trust private healthcare insurance companies instead of a non-profit healthcare insurance company? We know that it is NOT because they are trustworthy, that’s for sure. You betcha.

Aetna,located in Hartford, Connecticut has $1.831 billion profits in 2007. In 2007 Aetna applauded itself for its low “medical loss ratio”—the percentage of revenue it loses to paying for healthcare. In the fourth quarter of 2007 that ratio was 79%. What that translates is the Aetna spends less than 80% on healthcare by avoiding unhealthy enrollees and keeping a lid on services. [Get it? As long as a healthcare organization is privately held, the customers who submit claims or who apply for membership will always be in competition with the shareholders and the company’s CEO’s. And guess what ordinary Americans, you will lose every time. Your odds of winning are better in Las Vegas.]

Ear marks in Arizona. And how large are they--actually?

Liz — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:40:23 EDT

Every time McCain starts blathering about earmarks, I am reminded of an experience that a friend and I had in a small town in Arizona a few years ago. We were traveling with her husband and a friend of mine cross-country from Albuquerque to Santa Monica along the old Route 66 highway. We had stopped for gas and while “the men” were checking the cars fluids, my friend and I went inside the store to horse around. Most of the merchandise in it looked to have long expired its shelf life. At the back of the store was a plastic tub with pigs ears. We each took a pair and were dancing around in the back of the store with our “earmarks”. It wasn’t long before we were asked to leave. [I've been thrown out of much classier places than that store--believe you me.]

I was thinking today: perhaps I could send Senator McCain a pair of pigs ears and he could do a little angry dance for added emphasis whenever he goes into another of his self-righteous tirades against earmarks.

BACK TO THE REAL TOPIC OF POLITICS: McCain continues to make an issue out of earmarks, which are only a teeny tiny part of the overall federal budget. The big ticket items are entitlement programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and defense spending, which together represent much of the federal budget; earmarks are just $16 billion out of a more than a $2 trillion budget.

Another way to put it: Why focus on the ears when they are such a very small part of the hog?

Goldman Sachs Fined $43.5 Million

Rob-33704 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:15:47 EDT

The New York Times reports:

"Goldman Sachs spokesman, Ed Canaday, said that the firm was pleased to put the matter behind it, and that it would continue to expand its compliance training and oversight. Spear, Leeds & Kellogg will pay $43.5 million. "

5 firms were charged with violating

"....laws by executing their own orders for the shares they managed ahead of customers' orders, depriving clients of fair trades and possibly better prices, the regulators said. "

NYT reports that the five firms which paid $241 million are:

"....a Bear Stearns subsidiary, Bear Wagner Specialists; a FleetBoston subsidiary, Fleet Specialist; LaBranche & Company; Van der Moolen Specialists; and a Goldman Sachs subsidiary, Spear, Leeds & Kellogg. "

Dow Jones Down - 160

Rob-33704 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:56:51 EDT

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- U.S. stocks recovered after a sharp drop at the open Wednesday, following the announcement of emergency rate cuts by global central banks.

Spear, Leeds & Kellogg, L.P. - Goldman Sachs Execution & Clearing, L.P - Fined $1 Million Dollars

Rob-33704 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:31:58 EDT

FINRA reports:

Spear, Leeds & Kellogg, L.P. (now known as Goldman Sachs Execution & Clearing, L.P.) was fined, "$1 million for creating and implementing an internal system to conceal sales of securities allocated in initial public offerings (IPOs) from the Depository Trust Corporation (DTC)."

Concerned about Audience Selection for Debate Tonight

Liz — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:37:13 EDT

The other day I posted my concerns regarding how the audience will be chosen tonight. I'm especially concerned since Gallup, a GOP biased polling company is in charge of the audience selection.

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT ASSURANCES ARE BEING MADE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE AUDIENCE IS 50/50 AND NOT A SET UP LIKE THOSE TOWN HALLS THAT THE MCCAIN CAMPAIGN TRIED TO SET UP IN JUNE?

I am concerned.

http://www.democrats.org/page/community/post/elizabethberry/CGQ7