I'm reading the morning news about the firing of GM's Rick Wagoner by the Obama administration. While the end result of this action is something only time will tell, I can't help view it as a knee jerk reaction to recent polls that show a majority of the country is against any more bailout funds going to the big three or any corporation or banks.
A new CEO at GM may bring a different game plan to restructuring. Lord knows they need the funding to get through the government caused housing market collapse that killed their business. But I can't help think what the message the White House is trying to send by taking credit for Wagoner's removal. It appears like GM has failed in all attempts toward restructuring. Our community organizer-in-chief, with his vast experience in business (tongue in cheek) says he is not pleased with the results so far. Obama doesn't like to see his poll numbers slide. Especially as he heads off to a G20 summit in Europe where his 'world leader' popularity has nose dived after his demands for a "global new deal" along with Prime Minister Brown.
Was the Wagoner firing a move with a plan or was it a move to make him the fall guy so Obama won't lose poll numbers when he hands out the next check? Even Jennifer Granholm is calling Wagoner a "sacrificial lamb". But what was he sacrificed for? GM now looks like it is in total disarray after the surprise firing announcement. The timing is really bad for GM and really good for the White House. Had Wagoner announced his resignation as a part of the new plan, GM would have been able to use it as a consumer confidence builder. But then Obama wouldn't be able to take the credit. The Presidential ego seems to be running the West wing.
Once again Obama is investing in his image instead of the good of the country. Is not the goal here to get people to buy domestic made cars again so the American tax-payer can see a return on the bailout investment? Who would buy from a company who's survival plan is "unacceptable" and appears on the verge of having government loans recalled? Obama has shown such a lack of leadership on this one by trying to improve his image that I have to wonder if he truly is the socialist out to destroy capitalism. When car GM sales drop even more after this dog-and-pony show from the White House, then April's bloodbath at the dealerships will come directly from the erratic sword of Barack Obama.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
How Stupid is This Guy?!?
O.K. I am getting tired of pointing out the idiocy of our commander-in-chief. But he never stops displaying his cliff notes and cheat sheets.
I previously pointed out that watching the President give a speech was like watching someone at a tennis match. Many in the press noticed also. So, rather than memorizing his speech and using the teleprompter to guide him along, President Obama traded in the transparent screens for a large monitor on the opposite side of the East Room as his podium. This way, he would appear to be speaking directly to the America people. My first thought was "Is he reading a cue card next to the camera?". His eyes would move from left to right as he read the monitor. It was almost as annoying as the tennis game moves.
My fellow Americans. We have, not an eloquent and cerebral chief executive, but an actor who can't memorize his lines! Someone apparently forgot to tell Obama before appearing on 60 minutes that the current economic crisis isn't funny. Too bad CBS wouldn't let him bring that monitor. Has a sitting president ever been asked on national television "Are you punch drunk?"
What seems to be coming to the light is that we have the first president who was an image built up to win over the electorate, but couldn't live up to that image and is showing to be a puppet put into the oval office by leftist special interest groups.
I must have missed the want ad;
HELP WANTED: Middle age male from a diverse background. Must be able to read speeches with eloquence. Memorization not necessary. Photogenic family a plus! Will be required to spend two years training in minimum work environment. Many perks. Following this, candidate will be required to entertain worldwide audience. Once promoted, job will become merely ceremonial. Full benefits, company paid travel, housing, security and entertainment expenses. Please send resume` to The Democratic National Committee, attn; Nancy Pelosi.
It's Wednesday, so while Obama holds his weekly White House cocktail party, we can only imagine what it must be like to be one of the guests. Supposedly these parties are an opportunity to discuss current issues and to network with different mindsets. A chance to share intelligent ideas and display the great minds of today. I only hope the President can walk and nibble high priced canapes at the same time without spilling his champagne.
I previously pointed out that watching the President give a speech was like watching someone at a tennis match. Many in the press noticed also. So, rather than memorizing his speech and using the teleprompter to guide him along, President Obama traded in the transparent screens for a large monitor on the opposite side of the East Room as his podium. This way, he would appear to be speaking directly to the America people. My first thought was "Is he reading a cue card next to the camera?". His eyes would move from left to right as he read the monitor. It was almost as annoying as the tennis game moves.
My fellow Americans. We have, not an eloquent and cerebral chief executive, but an actor who can't memorize his lines! Someone apparently forgot to tell Obama before appearing on 60 minutes that the current economic crisis isn't funny. Too bad CBS wouldn't let him bring that monitor. Has a sitting president ever been asked on national television "Are you punch drunk?"
What seems to be coming to the light is that we have the first president who was an image built up to win over the electorate, but couldn't live up to that image and is showing to be a puppet put into the oval office by leftist special interest groups.
I must have missed the want ad;
HELP WANTED: Middle age male from a diverse background. Must be able to read speeches with eloquence. Memorization not necessary. Photogenic family a plus! Will be required to spend two years training in minimum work environment. Many perks. Following this, candidate will be required to entertain worldwide audience. Once promoted, job will become merely ceremonial. Full benefits, company paid travel, housing, security and entertainment expenses. Please send resume` to The Democratic National Committee, attn; Nancy Pelosi.
It's Wednesday, so while Obama holds his weekly White House cocktail party, we can only imagine what it must be like to be one of the guests. Supposedly these parties are an opportunity to discuss current issues and to network with different mindsets. A chance to share intelligent ideas and display the great minds of today. I only hope the President can walk and nibble high priced canapes at the same time without spilling his champagne.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Behind the Styrofoam Facade.
President Obama, as a candidate, swept through Europe to massive crowds and was greeted as if it was the second coming. Obama supposedly represented the European ideal leader: Articulate, eloquent, gracious and brilliant. Where did that man go?
First there was the shabby treatment to our closest ally, Great Britain. Following on the heals of one of the most expensive White House events in honor of campaign donor and volunteer, Stevie Wonder, the Prime Minister was subjected to a third rate meeting and a cancellation of a joint press conference. One can only wonder if the teleprompter was in the shop that day, or if the President's writers were just too unsure of what questions to anticipate from the British press and therefore didn't know what to have ready to load into the prompter. Then, to ad insult to injury, the President presented Mr. Brown with a stack of American DVD's. He also gave back the bust of Winston Churchill that Tony Blair had presented to President Bush. Mr. Brown's gift was a desk set carved from the sister ship of the Resolute, the ship of which the President's desk is carved. Brown's wife gave the President Obama's daughters designer outfits made by British designers. In response, Obama gave the Brown's children a toy model of Marine one from the White House gift shop.
We can write off the bad protocol and planning of the Brown visit as 'first visit errors'. Then came the second visit blunders. On Tuesday, St. Patrick's day, the Obama's hosted the traditional holiday visit of the Prime Minister of Ireland. In anticipation, Mrs. Obama had the White House fountains dyed green. A nice personal Chicago welcome. But then came the mishaps. First, someone forgot to change speeches on President Obama's teleprompter causing Prime Minister Cowen to repeat Obama's speech. Then, another slip up, and as Obama was supposed to thank Mr. Cowen, he thanked himself instead. To top the evening off, the President made a rather insulting slur toward the Irish. He warned the guests, many Irish in respect of the guest, to be careful of the open-bar and not to end up dancing with lampshades on their heads. Had this been President Bush he would have been called a racist idiot and been hung out to dry by the media. However, Obama's brothers and sisters in the media just cringed and ducked out of sight. I don't think the Prime Minister came to the Obama White House expecting 'watermelon and fried chicken washed down by gin and juice or Hennesy and coke' on the menu.
The words to describe candidate Obama seem to have been thrown in the trash with those Styrofoam pillars and American flags in Denver. Where is that "Kennedy style" we were promised? The Obamas seem to be too concerned with entertaining their friends with kobe beef and Veuve Cliqot Champagne than with presenting the best of America to our visiting dignitaries. This supposed scholar president seems to have missed reading Emily Post. The "new way of doing things" that Obama spoke of when describing the "Change" he was bringing to the White House isn't NEW at all. I am sure it is the way an arrogant community organizer in Chicago ran things. Unfortunately he is the President now. And by doing things the way he always has just leaves the impression that he has little respect for the office of the presidency. Either that or he is in it way over his head.
First there was the shabby treatment to our closest ally, Great Britain. Following on the heals of one of the most expensive White House events in honor of campaign donor and volunteer, Stevie Wonder, the Prime Minister was subjected to a third rate meeting and a cancellation of a joint press conference. One can only wonder if the teleprompter was in the shop that day, or if the President's writers were just too unsure of what questions to anticipate from the British press and therefore didn't know what to have ready to load into the prompter. Then, to ad insult to injury, the President presented Mr. Brown with a stack of American DVD's. He also gave back the bust of Winston Churchill that Tony Blair had presented to President Bush. Mr. Brown's gift was a desk set carved from the sister ship of the Resolute, the ship of which the President's desk is carved. Brown's wife gave the President Obama's daughters designer outfits made by British designers. In response, Obama gave the Brown's children a toy model of Marine one from the White House gift shop.
We can write off the bad protocol and planning of the Brown visit as 'first visit errors'. Then came the second visit blunders. On Tuesday, St. Patrick's day, the Obama's hosted the traditional holiday visit of the Prime Minister of Ireland. In anticipation, Mrs. Obama had the White House fountains dyed green. A nice personal Chicago welcome. But then came the mishaps. First, someone forgot to change speeches on President Obama's teleprompter causing Prime Minister Cowen to repeat Obama's speech. Then, another slip up, and as Obama was supposed to thank Mr. Cowen, he thanked himself instead. To top the evening off, the President made a rather insulting slur toward the Irish. He warned the guests, many Irish in respect of the guest, to be careful of the open-bar and not to end up dancing with lampshades on their heads. Had this been President Bush he would have been called a racist idiot and been hung out to dry by the media. However, Obama's brothers and sisters in the media just cringed and ducked out of sight. I don't think the Prime Minister came to the Obama White House expecting 'watermelon and fried chicken washed down by gin and juice or Hennesy and coke' on the menu.
The words to describe candidate Obama seem to have been thrown in the trash with those Styrofoam pillars and American flags in Denver. Where is that "Kennedy style" we were promised? The Obamas seem to be too concerned with entertaining their friends with kobe beef and Veuve Cliqot Champagne than with presenting the best of America to our visiting dignitaries. This supposed scholar president seems to have missed reading Emily Post. The "new way of doing things" that Obama spoke of when describing the "Change" he was bringing to the White House isn't NEW at all. I am sure it is the way an arrogant community organizer in Chicago ran things. Unfortunately he is the President now. And by doing things the way he always has just leaves the impression that he has little respect for the office of the presidency. Either that or he is in it way over his head.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tennis Anyone?
I have been reading all of the editorials and articles about President Obama and the teleprompters. Since our new president is supposedly the most eloquent and gifted speaker we have ever been blessed with to grace our White House, I have been trying to find at least one shred of evidence of his talent.
His friends in the media have been selling Obama's "gift" to us since he addressed the 2004 Democrat convention. Even Rush Limbaugh agrees that he is an eloquent speaker. I respectfully disagree with Mr. Limbaugh, the liberal media and the rest of the Obama Kool-aid crowd.
Today I watched as our president gave a speech on education that was televised. He never once looked at the camera. Instead, his head turned from left to right to left to right, etc. It looked as if he was watching a tennis match. You could turn the sound off and almost hear the announcer at Wimbledon. I also took notice that he never changes facial expressions. If you didn't speak English you wouldn't know if he was talking about the "dire economy" or "hope for our children". He was so afraid to take his eyes off the teleprompter. It's frightening to think that this man cannot speak from his heart and memorize a few lines.
Gifted speakers do not read scripts. The gift is that they can communicate by connecting their the heart with the brain and allowing emotion to come through. While the teleprompter has been around through several administrations, it has never been used in the way it is being used by President Obama. Is this a sign of where communication is going?
With hand held communication devices, texting and email, have we become so addicted to reading type that we are willing to sacrifice true passion in speaking and speech-making for monotone reading of prepared monologues? Is Barack Obama to be the father of electronic delivery? We no longer seek a 'Great communicator' just a good reader? Is this yet another step in the dumbing down of America, so that everyone gets a chance to be president?
I have a fantasy. President Obama is in the middle of a well written State of the Union speech. His head is going back and forth from screen to screen when all of a sudden the screen goes blank. In his over confidence he has depended completely on the teleprompter and has to wait for someone to deliver him a paper copy of his speech. As he fuddles with the pages and buries his head in the podium, all of America would see the true Barack Obama. "Um, uh ahh, um I, uh". It would be too funny. But until then, have a little fun the next time Obama gives a speech: Watch the tennis match!
His friends in the media have been selling Obama's "gift" to us since he addressed the 2004 Democrat convention. Even Rush Limbaugh agrees that he is an eloquent speaker. I respectfully disagree with Mr. Limbaugh, the liberal media and the rest of the Obama Kool-aid crowd.
Today I watched as our president gave a speech on education that was televised. He never once looked at the camera. Instead, his head turned from left to right to left to right, etc. It looked as if he was watching a tennis match. You could turn the sound off and almost hear the announcer at Wimbledon. I also took notice that he never changes facial expressions. If you didn't speak English you wouldn't know if he was talking about the "dire economy" or "hope for our children". He was so afraid to take his eyes off the teleprompter. It's frightening to think that this man cannot speak from his heart and memorize a few lines.
Gifted speakers do not read scripts. The gift is that they can communicate by connecting their the heart with the brain and allowing emotion to come through. While the teleprompter has been around through several administrations, it has never been used in the way it is being used by President Obama. Is this a sign of where communication is going?
With hand held communication devices, texting and email, have we become so addicted to reading type that we are willing to sacrifice true passion in speaking and speech-making for monotone reading of prepared monologues? Is Barack Obama to be the father of electronic delivery? We no longer seek a 'Great communicator' just a good reader? Is this yet another step in the dumbing down of America, so that everyone gets a chance to be president?
I have a fantasy. President Obama is in the middle of a well written State of the Union speech. His head is going back and forth from screen to screen when all of a sudden the screen goes blank. In his over confidence he has depended completely on the teleprompter and has to wait for someone to deliver him a paper copy of his speech. As he fuddles with the pages and buries his head in the podium, all of America would see the true Barack Obama. "Um, uh ahh, um I, uh". It would be too funny. But until then, have a little fun the next time Obama gives a speech: Watch the tennis match!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Positive Change
In these days of economic turmoil, political upheaval, and lack of experienced leaders, it's easy to become cynical. Pointing out the huge errors of the Obama administration and it's allies is quite easy. And while it keeps us informed and keeps up the drumbeat of anti-socialism, it can put us into a non-creative and hopeless mood. Let me change that today, and as often as I can.
With all of the uncertainty at this time in our nation's history I can't help but reflect on similar times in our past and see great opportunities for our future. Out of the disaster of the Carter years, with failed international diplomacy and failed domestic policy, the Reagan revolution was born. The false perception that Carter was going to change "business-as-usual" in Washington soon revealed an arrogant president who alienated not only his own party, but the American public. Ronald Reagan's message of "Government IS the problem" became clear in contrast to Carter's 'government is the solution'. One can't help but wonder who the standard bearer will be to lead us as we march against the out-of-control spending and catastrophic expansion of our government of the Obama administration. I am sure it will be a person who's optimistic words can drive Wall street's numbers to new heights.
Creativity thrives in times of depression and suppression by our government. Just read the many millions of blogs and you will see written words and artistic creations communicating the opposition to the socialist reforms we are now being subjected to. Join the chorus. Lift your voice in the name of freedom and capitalism.
Out of the ashes of this economy will come new opportunity for business and technology. And I am not talking about windmills and solar panels. With the growth of technology reducing the workforce, new sources of employment are needed. The obvious ones are tech support and maintenance. But forward thinking will see that these too are being replaced. The search is on for creating jobs that require the physical hand of mankind. We must put people back to work permanently. Create jobs for our growing populations that will last a lifetime. We can't all be elected to congress.
The trillionairs of tomorrow will be the men and women who can create jobs in uncharted territories. A hundred years ago nobody would have dreamed we would have airlines and movie studios that employ millions.
These are times that challenge us. That build a character in us that, a short time ago, would have been unimaginable. These are times that set Americans apart from the rest of the world. We seem to have temporarily lost our mojo. Over two hundred years of a free capitalist society has taught us to regroup, analyze and chart a new course. Our history proves our ability. Our destiny will make history.
With all of the uncertainty at this time in our nation's history I can't help but reflect on similar times in our past and see great opportunities for our future. Out of the disaster of the Carter years, with failed international diplomacy and failed domestic policy, the Reagan revolution was born. The false perception that Carter was going to change "business-as-usual" in Washington soon revealed an arrogant president who alienated not only his own party, but the American public. Ronald Reagan's message of "Government IS the problem" became clear in contrast to Carter's 'government is the solution'. One can't help but wonder who the standard bearer will be to lead us as we march against the out-of-control spending and catastrophic expansion of our government of the Obama administration. I am sure it will be a person who's optimistic words can drive Wall street's numbers to new heights.
Creativity thrives in times of depression and suppression by our government. Just read the many millions of blogs and you will see written words and artistic creations communicating the opposition to the socialist reforms we are now being subjected to. Join the chorus. Lift your voice in the name of freedom and capitalism.
Out of the ashes of this economy will come new opportunity for business and technology. And I am not talking about windmills and solar panels. With the growth of technology reducing the workforce, new sources of employment are needed. The obvious ones are tech support and maintenance. But forward thinking will see that these too are being replaced. The search is on for creating jobs that require the physical hand of mankind. We must put people back to work permanently. Create jobs for our growing populations that will last a lifetime. We can't all be elected to congress.
The trillionairs of tomorrow will be the men and women who can create jobs in uncharted territories. A hundred years ago nobody would have dreamed we would have airlines and movie studios that employ millions.
These are times that challenge us. That build a character in us that, a short time ago, would have been unimaginable. These are times that set Americans apart from the rest of the world. We seem to have temporarily lost our mojo. Over two hundred years of a free capitalist society has taught us to regroup, analyze and chart a new course. Our history proves our ability. Our destiny will make history.
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