Well We had a brief pause in the action. I have not blogged since theday before the election because well what could I say. The guy who was up in the polls won and now we are in a wait and see pattern. For sure a lot of waiting since Obama will not take over officially until January 20 but at the same time the current sitting President, George Bush, really can;t move much due to his position and the change in Congress as well.
The funny thing is Congress is feverishly trying to get something through to get Detroit some money specifcally the Big Three Auto companies. Right now, GM is claiming they may run out of money and have to consider filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. The US touts itself as an open free economy but there have been several instances that has proven this not to be the case. The most recent one is the $700 Billion package recently passed by Congress and signed by President Bush. Another fairly recent example was the stimulus package passed back int the winter. Neither of those events take place in a true open economy.
The $700B package is very frustrating since they passed it and it seemed there was no well thought out plan for it. The money they have doled out proved to do nothing since the banks have yet to lower interest rates in order to open financing in this country. The average fixed rate mortgage percentage has not changed since the bill went through as we are still looking at 30-year fixed mortgages being held at a little above 6%. This has some people asking - what are the banks doing with that money? Why did the money go to the banks and not the people of this country?
Back to the Big Three - they will be lobbying to get some of the $700B to the tune of $25B. This will prevent General Motors and to a smaller extent Ford from going bankrupt before the end of 2008. Some economists argue the Big Three should not be helped and allow them go into Chapter 11. This would force these companies to completely restructure their companies. At the same time, the impact would vibrate through out Detroit and Michigan and the US as well as the world. People would be let go from those companies, unemployment would be sky rocket anf suppliers would be hit hard as well as numerous other businesses. Proponents of giving the Big Three money say the economy, specifically MIchigan, cannot endure any of the US auto companies filing for bankruptcy and the effects of it would be rampant through out the system.
It is a time in this country that most people my age have simply never seen and still trying to figure out how we got here. It will be something to look back when it finally starts changing and even more as you look back and the analysts have their opportunity to offer their ten cents on what took place.
The scary thing is this is all in the hands of our politicians. The fate of the Big Three - very much like the government where they are secluded from the "real" world - will be determined by people who only know how to solve a problem by throwing money at it. Money will not solve most of these issues as it will be making tough decisions. Remember when you were younger and your parents told you could have one item but not all of them. The Big Three are going to have to go through that same process. They will have to start making choices and understand those choices will impact their survival.
There will be some drama that gets played out this week in Washington as well as here in Detroit. One thing is for sure - if the Big Three get the money, they will have to play by a new set of rules put forward by the loaner of that money. Those new rules will lead the Big Three into a whole new world.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
Twas he night before the Election
Twas the night before the election, when all through the land
Not a politician was stirring, not even the candidates.
The ads were printed and ready to be handed out at the polls the next day
In hopes their candidate would be elected to office the next day.
The electorate were nestled all snug in their beds,
While still contemplating on who they will be voting went around in their heads.
And Obama in his pajamas, and McCain in his cap,
Had just settled their brains for a much needed late fall nap.
When out in public there arose such a clatter
They both sprang from their respective beds to see what the matter
Away to the window they flew like a flash
Opened the blinds to window always hoping there is some campaign cash.
The moon was out shining upon a nation in indecision
Shining on each citizen who scratched their head still wondering what to do
When in front of both the candidates eyes appear
But Air Force One and all its staff with their faces planted against the window from front to rear.
With the driver looking like he aged a lot in the past few years
Both candidates knew it was none other than President George Bush handling the flight gear.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
“Now Cheney, now Ms. Rice! now, Paulson and Bernake!
On Mukasey! On, Gates! on, on, Chertoff, and Bolten!
To the top of White House , to the top of the Washington Monument!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all”
As bad ideas that before the hot air of Washington fly,
When they meet with the obstacle of bureaucracy mounting very high.
So up the house top Air Force One flew,
With a jet full useless politicians and George Bush too.
And then, in a twinkling, John and Barack see the plane on the lawn
and trouble seeing who is on the jet because it is not yet dawn.
As John and Barack were taking it all in,
Out of the jet came none other than the current President.
He was dressed in his ranch clothes, from his to his foot,
An his clothes were all tarnished with plane mud right from the floors of Congress on his boot.
A bundle of reparations were he had flung on his back,
He looked like a salesman as he opened the bag.
His eyes – how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
Smiling because they were both his foe.
He was slowly taking it all in while he grinned from ear to ear
realizing today was the temporary end to the smear.
He had a broad face to go with the shine of happiness in it
That only got brighter as he laughed like had a halo lighting him up.
Regardless of his state of grace, he was a right jolly old soon to be ex-president,
while Barack and John laughed when they saw him despite of themselves!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Made John and Barack wonder what they have got themselves into with running for his job.
Bush spoke not a word, but went straight to handing them stuff out of his bag,
Giving them both items that hopefully will help in the next four years not drag.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
and giving up a nod, back up the jet’s steps he rose!
Bush sprang to Air Force One, to his Cabinet gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But they both heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Good luck to you both tomorrow, aenjoy your last free night!”
Not a politician was stirring, not even the candidates.
The ads were printed and ready to be handed out at the polls the next day
In hopes their candidate would be elected to office the next day.
The electorate were nestled all snug in their beds,
While still contemplating on who they will be voting went around in their heads.
And Obama in his pajamas, and McCain in his cap,
Had just settled their brains for a much needed late fall nap.
When out in public there arose such a clatter
They both sprang from their respective beds to see what the matter
Away to the window they flew like a flash
Opened the blinds to window always hoping there is some campaign cash.
The moon was out shining upon a nation in indecision
Shining on each citizen who scratched their head still wondering what to do
When in front of both the candidates eyes appear
But Air Force One and all its staff with their faces planted against the window from front to rear.
With the driver looking like he aged a lot in the past few years
Both candidates knew it was none other than President George Bush handling the flight gear.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
“Now Cheney, now Ms. Rice! now, Paulson and Bernake!
On Mukasey! On, Gates! on, on, Chertoff, and Bolten!
To the top of White House , to the top of the Washington Monument!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all”
As bad ideas that before the hot air of Washington fly,
When they meet with the obstacle of bureaucracy mounting very high.
So up the house top Air Force One flew,
With a jet full useless politicians and George Bush too.
And then, in a twinkling, John and Barack see the plane on the lawn
and trouble seeing who is on the jet because it is not yet dawn.
As John and Barack were taking it all in,
Out of the jet came none other than the current President.
He was dressed in his ranch clothes, from his to his foot,
An his clothes were all tarnished with plane mud right from the floors of Congress on his boot.
A bundle of reparations were he had flung on his back,
He looked like a salesman as he opened the bag.
His eyes – how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
Smiling because they were both his foe.
He was slowly taking it all in while he grinned from ear to ear
realizing today was the temporary end to the smear.
He had a broad face to go with the shine of happiness in it
That only got brighter as he laughed like had a halo lighting him up.
Regardless of his state of grace, he was a right jolly old soon to be ex-president,
while Barack and John laughed when they saw him despite of themselves!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Made John and Barack wonder what they have got themselves into with running for his job.
Bush spoke not a word, but went straight to handing them stuff out of his bag,
Giving them both items that hopefully will help in the next four years not drag.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
and giving up a nod, back up the jet’s steps he rose!
Bush sprang to Air Force One, to his Cabinet gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But they both heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Good luck to you both tomorrow, aenjoy your last free night!”
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Michigan proposals
One of the things that is always interesting to looking into when voting are the proposals. My state Michigan has two proposals that will be voted on this Tuesday. I have not looked into the proposals until this weekend.
The first is legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. It would allow doctors to prescribe patients who meet certain criteria marijuana as a medical prescription.
The advocates claim marijuana will serve the purpose of eliminating pain for those suffering from diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and other serious conditions. Another support item is those caught distributing the marijuana will be penalized if they are found to giving to someone else.
They continue saying non medical use will continue to be prohibited in the state. Guidelines will be put into place through the proposal to make sure safeguards are put into place keeping abuse taking place with the passing of this proposal.
Opponents have put forward a series of arguments which include there is no tested documented proof that marijuana helps with any disease. It is rejected as a solution by the majority of physicians. The opponents continue pointing out that marijuana should be approved by the Federal Drug Administration since most prescription drugs need it to be prescribed by doctors. Another issue for those against it is Lastly, the regulation on distribution will be difficult to control. Lastly, they say this proposal is just like the one they have in California. California is looking to change the law with quite a few more restrictions.
I am not going to offer how I will vote for this proposal. I am going to offer some thoughts that I don’t think have been mentioned when discussing these proposals. The first is whether or not marijuana use should be a right considered covered under the Constitution making this proposal not needed. In other words if this does in fact help people and they understand the repercussions, why should the law stand in the way of relief? Another issue is will this set a precedent for other drugs? Realistically, what are the most probably results if this proposal passes.
Overall an interesting proposal and many factors need to be regardless of your political affiliation.
As for Proposal #2, if it passed, it will amend the state constitution to allow for human embryo and stem cells research.
Proponents will tell you Michigan has been too slow to drop the restriction in the laws. Michigan laws addressing this subject are said to be some of the toughest in the country. The other benefit is they claim is this research is the best available in helping find a cure for a series of diseases. It is thought almost 800,000 people in Michigan may have a disease which would be helped with such research taking place. Another benefit this would ensure the medical schools in the state would be allowed to perform the cutting edge research which they cannot at this point and time.
Opponents are suggesting the proposal would not allow the state to regulate the embryonic research. Another mention is there are alternatives should be used whether it be adult cells or cord blood cells. There is the fear in this one as was the case in Proposal 1 about the slippery slope. The opponents say if this is allowed it will grease the skids for cloning. Lastly they mention the issues with funding such research. Long term some argue the cost benefit is not good.
I think if you read every fact and opinion on this proposal you still would not have performed an exhaustive search. There are some many issues and so many of them are personal whether it be someone you know and love possibly being helped by the research or how you relate embryos to human life.
Both proposals are issues that have deep seeded opinions that will guide the voter’s decisions on both of them. At the same time there are plenty of issues that with each proposal that must be considered when casting your ballot. It will be interesting to see how it all ends up this coming Tuesday.
The first is legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. It would allow doctors to prescribe patients who meet certain criteria marijuana as a medical prescription.
The advocates claim marijuana will serve the purpose of eliminating pain for those suffering from diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and other serious conditions. Another support item is those caught distributing the marijuana will be penalized if they are found to giving to someone else.
They continue saying non medical use will continue to be prohibited in the state. Guidelines will be put into place through the proposal to make sure safeguards are put into place keeping abuse taking place with the passing of this proposal.
Opponents have put forward a series of arguments which include there is no tested documented proof that marijuana helps with any disease. It is rejected as a solution by the majority of physicians. The opponents continue pointing out that marijuana should be approved by the Federal Drug Administration since most prescription drugs need it to be prescribed by doctors. Another issue for those against it is Lastly, the regulation on distribution will be difficult to control. Lastly, they say this proposal is just like the one they have in California. California is looking to change the law with quite a few more restrictions.
I am not going to offer how I will vote for this proposal. I am going to offer some thoughts that I don’t think have been mentioned when discussing these proposals. The first is whether or not marijuana use should be a right considered covered under the Constitution making this proposal not needed. In other words if this does in fact help people and they understand the repercussions, why should the law stand in the way of relief? Another issue is will this set a precedent for other drugs? Realistically, what are the most probably results if this proposal passes.
Overall an interesting proposal and many factors need to be regardless of your political affiliation.
As for Proposal #2, if it passed, it will amend the state constitution to allow for human embryo and stem cells research.
Proponents will tell you Michigan has been too slow to drop the restriction in the laws. Michigan laws addressing this subject are said to be some of the toughest in the country. The other benefit is they claim is this research is the best available in helping find a cure for a series of diseases. It is thought almost 800,000 people in Michigan may have a disease which would be helped with such research taking place. Another benefit this would ensure the medical schools in the state would be allowed to perform the cutting edge research which they cannot at this point and time.
Opponents are suggesting the proposal would not allow the state to regulate the embryonic research. Another mention is there are alternatives should be used whether it be adult cells or cord blood cells. There is the fear in this one as was the case in Proposal 1 about the slippery slope. The opponents say if this is allowed it will grease the skids for cloning. Lastly they mention the issues with funding such research. Long term some argue the cost benefit is not good.
I think if you read every fact and opinion on this proposal you still would not have performed an exhaustive search. There are some many issues and so many of them are personal whether it be someone you know and love possibly being helped by the research or how you relate embryos to human life.
Both proposals are issues that have deep seeded opinions that will guide the voter’s decisions on both of them. At the same time there are plenty of issues that with each proposal that must be considered when casting your ballot. It will be interesting to see how it all ends up this coming Tuesday.
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