Intense Political Weeks in America

This last 7 days has witnessed one of the most packed weeks for political news and activity I have ever seen. From a rash of Republican retirement announcements to a rash of new information about Iraq, on balance, it appears many wrongs and ills are being set right, and a few not. Following is a recap.

GOP Incumbents Between Rock and Hard Place.

Pres. Bush wants our soldiers to fight Iraq's civil war with them. Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki has a vested interest in seeing the numbers of our soldiers fighting his battles grow, not decrease. A very large number of Iraqi's believe a lot of the violence is due to America's presence in Iraq. If, however, our presence is reduced, then al-Maliki becomes the person to blame for violence, not the Americans.

This is why the Prime Minister is quoted in the NY Times as saying: "The security plan has been a dazzling success during its first days." But this "success" which Bush and al-Maliki refer to, is anything but success. When the police launch a raid on a criminal gang only to find the gang has left the premises to whereabouts unknown, do we call that a successful raid?

Blogger or Lobbyist?

When does a blogger cease to be a blogger and become a political special interest lobbyist or action group? In a bill being hotly debated, Democrats say it is when a blogger is making a living at politics.

As ZDNet reports:

Much of the bill's wording is obtuse. But one section says that certain political bloggers who make or spend $25,000 per quarter and who encourage readers to contact their elected representatives would be forced to register as lobbyists--or face up to 10 years in prison.

The News That Shouldn't Be...

Courts and States are battling towns and counties across America who have enacted ordinances to restrict illegal aliens from everything from jobs to housing. So far, the towns and counties are losing. But, this issue is beginning to get folks really riled, especially toward the federal government whose abrogation of responsibility is breeding a growing dissent. Civil unrest may be just around the corner...

The L.A. Galaxy has hired a foreign soccer star for $50 million a year for five years. That should raise the mean income level a bit, so Americans can relax about wages and the economy. Capitalists are rejoicing at a new Dow Jones Industrial Average record, sparked by a higher than expected employment report. One has to begin asking how many illegal aliens are being included in those reported new hires statistics? The Bureau of Labor and Statistics will never tell.

Democrats Backstepping on Ethics Reform?

Democrats ran on cleaning up ethics violations and corruption in government. Now, some are back stepping, and an internal feud is building. At the center of the looming conflict, Sen. Barack Obama is calling for an independent ethics commission, and in opposition, is Sen. Diane Feinstein who says this can be handled in a bi-partisan way by the recipients of obscene sums of legal bribes for their reelection by special interests and lobbyists.

The NY Time's David D. Kirkpatrick has an excellent article written yesterday, providing a lot of information on the players and background of this looming inter-, and intra-party fight which is going to scare the bejeesus out of a number of politicians both Republican and Democratic, whose own affairs and actions in the Congress may not stand up to independent scrutiny.

Foley: What it all means.

This incident with the Rep. Foley's solicitations toward a teenage page volunteering his time in support of our government, in and of itself, is simply a crime, likely a misdemeanor, perhaps a lower category felony using the internet for solicitation of a minor. The Justice Dept. should handle that like any other crime of its nature.

The bigger story here is the cover-up. Incidents such as these should be reported to the House Ethics Committee and oversight personnel for the page's supervision. The cover-up is manifest in that the only Democratic member to have been notified of this ethics breach and potential danger to pages, was never informed. This incident was kept under wraps by the Republican leadership, hiding truth in order to protect themselves and their party from scandal.

Political Perversions

Politics is all about appearance - forget substance; that comes later, if ever! This last week has seen all manner of political actors mugging for the media attention. Election season is officially open. Following are a number of stories highlighting the mugging for cameras and print news. A few even hold out the promise of substance later on, but, don't hold your breath.

Nedra Pickler reports:

President Bush presided over a citizenship ceremony on Monday for three soldiers injured in Iraq, calling them "men who knew the cost of freedom and were willing to pay that cost so others could live free."

Bush also used his visit to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center to promote his stalled proposal for overhauling the nation's immigration laws.

The Deficit Hoax

Pres. Bush said yesterday, that we are making real progress on the deficit. "We" in this context meant Republicans under his leadership, and "progress": well, I will get to the meaning of progress in a moment. First, here are some facts: some of which, were stretched and absent in Republican's touting their great economy and deficit reduction yesterday.

One fact was straightforward and honest. Our economy is seeing job growth. This fact is not surprising in light of the fact that we have been rebounding from a worldwide recession, and job growth has been rebounding across the globe. That is not to say that corporate tax cuts which, lowered the cost of doing business, did not help create jobs. They did. Whenever businesses see increased consumer demand, as when we are coming out of a recession, and lowered costs of doing business, jobs will be created.

Lieberman for Lieberman

Sen. Joe Lieberman is willing to run anyway he can. And he is willing to reject the voter's choice at the Democratic primary in Connecticut, if necessary, to preserve his incumbency. He says he is doing it for the good of the people.

If the voters choose Liberman's challenger in the primary, Ned Lamont, Sen. Lieberman announced he will reject the voter's choice and run in November as an independent. This is precisely the kind of behavior that demonstrates how little respect far too many incumbents have for our political system, our democracy, and our government. Winning is everything, and everyone else's concerns are secondary.

In a somewhat biased article, Paul Rogat Loeb, writes about Lieberman's loyalties. Loeb's article misses the mark though, pointing to Lieberman's loyalty to the Republican leadership, when reality appears to reflect Lieberman's loyalty to the preservation of his own power, regardless of which party's voters he must pander to.

Line Item Veto: Legalizing Political Corruption !

Incumbents on both sides of the aisle are lining up behind the next titanic piece of legislation to corrupt our government and politics even further. The legislation is the Line Item Veto. Here is why it will corrupt our system further and why both sides are lining up behind it.

Bush's Covert Trip to Iraq

As I listened to the praise of the "bold and productive" move by President Bush to leave under a cloak of misinformation and secrecy to show up unannounced in Iraq for a photo op, I was struck by the comparison of the act to what our soldiers face and past President's have braved. If I look at how Pres. Bush visited Iraq and tune out the spin and bluster, it appears as an action of a frightened man unwilling to share any risk at all with his soldiers who risk all on his orders.

Estate Taxes will Remain

The Senate blocked a vote to repeal the Estate Tax provision of the IRS code. For the very wealthy, this means a portion of their estate to be inherited by their beneficiaries, will continue to be taxed. Rates will be lower, and the exemptions raised, so only the wealthiest of the wealthy will incur the taxes. Voting for repeal were 53 Republicans and 4 Democrats. Voting to keep Estate Taxes were 38 Democrats and 2 Republicans.

By RNC and DNC standards this was a bipartisan effort. HaH! Had repeal taken place, another 1 trillion dollars would have been added to our growing national debt. On this vote, it was clearly the Democrats voting for fiscal responsibility.

Get Your Money Out of Stocks, Now!

Jon Markman at MSN Money has some very wise advice for 401K investors with savings in stocks. While he is focusing in on market forces and indicators, there is a broader background to the Bear market that is upon us. That background includes politics, economics, and what I call the "empty reserve" factor.

Baghdad ER - The Movie

The Independent reports: "This Sunday, subscribers to the American cable channel Home Box Office will be treated to a film about the Iraq war unlike any other. Almost at the start, you see a medical orderly carrying a human arm, amputated above the elbow, which he puts into a red plastic bag."

Bush: Border: All Show, No Go

President Bush's speech tonight will be all show and no go in terms of actually securing our borders. Pentagon officials have already indicated that the National Guard troops will NOT arrest, detain, guard, or interfere with illegal aliens coming across the border. Yes, you heard that right. They will provide secretarial, administrative, surveillance, vehicle maintenance and other kinds of logistical support to the Border Patrol.

Illegal Immigration: Passion Vs. Reason

This is a hot topic evoking animated emotions on both sides of the illegal immigration debate. But if passions rule the day, the fix will in fact, fix nothing. The solutions will be short-sighted, largely ineffective, and horrendously costly. Reason must rule this debate. Three achievable goals must define an effective solution. The solution must be effective, enduring, and cost effective.

Signs of protesters to the Minuteman's demonstration yesterday read: Sovereignty is Racism. One opposing sign read, Death to Invaders. These are the passions that are governing the citizen's debate. But these passions should be excluded from our lawmakers debate. Lawmakers duty on illegal immigration is clear. Provide a solution that will halt virtually all illegal immigration. Provide a solution that will be sustainable and permanent. Provide a solution which is cost effective to the tax payers.

Iran Setting Trap for Bush?

Independent: World News reports: "Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written to George W. Bush proposing "new solutions" to their differences in the first letter from an Iranian leader to an American president in 27 years, government spokesman Gholam-Hossein Elham said today."

Now this is a clever tactic. Knowing full well that Bush will resent any counsel from his adversary, is Ahmadinegad setting the trap for Bush to appear to the Arab and Muslim world unwilling to negotiate, preferring sanctions and war to diplomacy. Very, very clever. Will Bush take the bait? I suspect he might. Then again, maybe one of his aides will read this article and alert our President to the potential trap. Hah! (as Chris Matthews might say).

Illegal Immigration - Priorities

Today, illegal and legal immigrants are out to stop America's economy in as many places as possible. They are boycotting America in the hopes of convincing Congress and the American people that we can't live without them, and we must keep them here and make them all legal. Further, they want Congress to leave our border open for their extended families and friends in Asia, SE Asia, Central America, S. America, Mexico, and the Middle East to come here at their leisure. Will it work?

Credit Where Due

Praiseworthy stories of the week. The Bush Administration's work with the Chinese. Sen. Edward Kennedy's unpopular vote at the time, to NOT invade Iraq. The U.S. records the largest drop in annual deaths in at least 60 years. Some planners of the May 1 immigration demonstrations are reconsidering. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke speaks the truth about a popular Republican myth that tax cuts pay for themselves.

Immigration bill: slap in American workers face!

Cecelia Munoz, VP of LaRaza was a guest on C-span's Washington Journal this morning speaking of the immigration policies being shaped in Congress as we speak. She said the Guest Worker program is not an amnesty program, but a work program for illegal immigrants to obtain citizenship status through a legal process. This is exactly the same as saying America can get rid of thieves in the country by legalizing stealing.

American Pride

Independent: World News reports:

Los Angeles witnessed the biggest public protest in its history over the weekend as hundreds of thousands of peaceful demonstrators of all races thronged the downtown streets to demand justice and legal recognition for the country's 12 million undocumented immigrant workers.

Next War Makes Iraq Piece of Cake

Pres. Bush has drawn the line in the sand with Iran. But, whether he realizes it or not, the line is drawn far wider than most people think. Iran has reached out to Syria, Syria to Iran, and now, Iraq is making overtures to Iran. Engaging Iran will likely result in a simultaneously war with Iran, Iraq, and Syria, with coordination between Iran and Syria and many in Iraq. Iran sits on the Eastern border of Iraq, and Syria on the Western border.

VP Shooting, What is missing?

There are two things missing from the discussion and investigation of VP Cheney's shooting incident. First is the investigation. The second is the question of what process of law would have taken place had Cheney been the one accidentally shot?

2 stories: Alito - Spending Priorities

Spending Priorites:
Washington Post: : "The spiraling cost of post-traumatic stress disorder among war veterans has triggered a politically charged debate and ignited fears that the government is trying to limit expensive benefits for emotionally scarred troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan."

Ban Nazism in America?

The riot in Toledo, Ohio resulting from a couple dozen Neo Nazi Party whites marching in a predominantly black neighborhood raises again immense political and cultural issues . The attacks upon police after the Nazi's had departed were allegedly perpetrated by black gang members drawn to the demonstration like moths to flame. With the target of their anger gone, why did the black gangs vent their rage at police? Are police seen as an extension of the mindset of the Neo Nazi Party? Should they be?

The Sup. Ct. Confirmation War

There is a war being fought today in the Russel Raucus Caucus Room, between Republicans and Democrats which has little to do with the person of Judge Roberts. The war is being fought over whether the Senate, as the people's representatives, have a right to know what the judicial philosophy and constitutional ideology of a nominee is before the Senate (and therefore, the people) decide whether the President's political choice for nominee should ascend to the Supreme Court.

The Goal of Terrorism

The goal of terrorism is not military victory. That is the goal of armies and nations. The goal of terrorism is to provoke such a heinous overreaction on the part of those terrorized and their leaders, that those terrorized become terrorists, anarchists, and murderers themselves, causing dissent, civil strife, and chaos in the populations being terrorized. In other words, the goal of terrorists is to cause their enemy's leaders to fall upon their own swords, so to speak, in the eyes of the people.

American Government's Embarassing Headlines

I took a look at headlines for the last month on political corruption and scandal. Below is one month's worth which made national media attention. There's more that didn't make national news. Embarassing is what it is. Damned embarassing. Anyone notice a pattern here?

Ky. Republican Party Chairman Indicted

Minn. Lawmakers End Government Shutdown

Calif. Att. Gen. Sues Gov. Schwarzeneggar (R) Over Redistricting

Senate Hearing on CPB Funding

Republicans on the Committee, joined with Democrats in their remarks to support restoration of funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Even Sen. Stevens from Alaska came out in full support for funding CPB. Patricia Harrison, the newly appointed Republican CEO of CPB, made it very clear CPB is necessary for our society and our democracy in the way it provides for an informed public consent, in a way no commercial TV and Radio can or will.

Jail the Messenger, Forget the Message!

That is the message an abominable U.S. District Judge Thomas Hogan delivered on Wednesday. Journalists who report wrongdoings by government officials are the best friend democratic voters in a free society could possibly have. Judge Hogan obviously does not think that is true. Apparent from his jailing of NY Times journalist, Judith Miller, Judge Hogan believes journalists with confidential sources are a threat to government. Since he is a part of that government, such defiance in withholding confidential sources to preserve the free flow of information about government is a threat, and he means to insure that threat to government wrongdoing is incarcerated. It is a sad day for democracy in America and a loss of 1st Amendment protection.

Supreme Court Vacancy: Analysis

Sandra Day O'Connor's empty seat, poses a real conundrum for President Bush and the nation. Conservative nominees differ widely depending on the topic. President Bush has not been, and is not now, an across the board conservative. He has been a social conservative but, his deficit spending, hard line on Enron and other corporate fraudsters and thieves, and heavy federalism tendencies are contrary to what could be termed economic, business, and constructionist conservative ideology.

Borrowing from Fascists and Dictators

One of the first steps any fascist or dictator leader takes to resist threats to their power of rulership, is to take control of, or to silence, the media. While fascists and dictators do not run America, the political Right is apparently borrowing from their playbook.

Day before yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee voted to severely cut funding of PBS and NPR by $100 million. This is on top of an aggressive political campaign to subvert public broadcasting's independence and make it one more media mouthpiece for right-wing ideology says, Ralph G. Neas of the organization known as People For the American Way (PFAW).

200 Years of Unconstitutional Judicial Process

Joshua Marshall of Talking Points Memo fame, has one of the most lucid interpretations of the current judicial crisis in the Senate I have yet to read. In a nutshell he argues that if preventing Presidential nominees from receiving an up or down vote in the Senate is unconstitutional, then this process has been unconstitutional for 200 years. The simple reason is that both parties have, in committee, or on the floor of the Senate, blocked up or down votes for the nominees by a President of the opposing party.

His article is an excellent read.

Republicans Kicking Some Serious GOP Butt

The nuclear option to deprive Democrats of the longstanding filibuster in the Senate which was designed to balance power in Congress is having an imploding effect on the GOP. When conceived, it was thought GOP solidarity would make unbalancing power in Congress for the benefit of Republican extremists a slam-dunk. Little did the dreamers realize that the GOP has patriotic American members who actually believe, and will stand up for, our American government and balance of power of a multi-party system.

Ignorance Not Bliss, Just Stupid

Was a time not too long ago, when leaders and citizens of a society enjoyed making, buying, and selling their own goods; when trade and economy depended largely on what people provided and purchased from each other within their society's borders. What happened elsewhere in the world was of little concern, and troubling news from abroad did little to no damage to blissful prosperity and self reliance at home. Ignorance of what happened overseas could ordinarily enhance bliss at home. But, as WWII, the Viet Nam War, and Alvin Toeffler's book 'Future Shock' warned, those days were coming to an end.

And they are ended now. The NY Times ran a story this morning of titanic importance to investors around the globe. It is a very frightening story for investors, markets, economists, politicians, 401K holders, and pension plan holders, and may affect all Americans if the story's events play out. The title of the NY Times article is Buckle Up for the Dollar's Ride. Caution, if you prefer blissful ignorance of potential economic calamity, read no further. If you find comfort in contingency planning, the following quote from the article may prove beneficial.

Patriots to Restore Checks and Balances

Bob Barr (R), was on C-span today supporting a bi-partisan organization called by this article's title. Their goal is to move legislation over the next two years to revise the Patriot Act on certain key provisions in an attempt to restore civil liberties potentially lost under the act. Barr said the Whitehouse was the only primary the voice in enacting the Patriot Act, and it is time the American people's voice was incorporated into the Patriot Act since the Act has consequences to the civil liberties of American citizens.

Schiavo and Lunsford

Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed yesterday clearing the way for her alleged wish to die rather then be kept alive in a dependent state. Should the federal government and the Republicans really be seeking to use the power of the federal government to override State laws on such issues? Jessica Lunsford's body has been found after a pedophile living across the street admitted killing her. Is it time to bring back the mental hospitals where individuals are, due to mental incapacity, kept indefinitely from harming society again?

The Republican Party has traditionally stood up for state's rights issues holding out limited federal government as a cornerstone of their platform. The Terri Schiavo case however appears to signal a direction shift in the GOP. Republican Congresspersons sought to stay all actions by Florida courts and laws to permit removal of Mrs. Schiavo's feeding and hydration regimen. Terri Schiavo chose her husband with her full mental capacities in place. Does not choosing one's mate and partner in life, also confer upon that individual all legal decision making power in the event of incapacitation of their spouse? Terri's parents, say no. But, Terri did not choose her parents to make decisions with and for her. She did choose her husband to make decisions with and for her.

News: Good, Bad, & Ugly 2

The last few days have generated a huge number of political stories which must not go unnoticed. Following are highlights and links to those stories by category of Good, Bad, and Ugly. A couple of the biggies are "Bush inadvertantly defends Democrats not offering Soc.Sec. plan", "1/3 of Americans overworked", "Senate to Block Bush's Medicare cuts", and "Undermining American democracy and informed consent, our government is becoming ever more secretive."

The Good

President Bush expanded Medicare in his last term by prodding Congress into a Prescription Drug Benefit for Seniors. That was good. However, with his other hand, he proposed to cut Medicaid spending by 15 Billion in his 2006 Budget (while preserving pharmaceutical windfalls against competitive bidding). The good news now, is that Senators, both Republican and Democrat are poised to stop Bush's assault on Seniors and preserve that 15 Billion for Medicare. Anyone smell 2006 elections at play here?

News: The Good, Bad, & Ugly

The last few days have generated a huge number of political news stories. Following are the biggies in the categories of Good, Bad, and Ugly from an Independent's point of view. Topics include a philosopher candidate for the World Bank President, drilling in ANWR to be sneaked in by inclusion on a budget bill, and Republicans pull out hammer and nails for Bush's Soc. Sec. Reform coffin.

The Good:

The Washington Post ran a heartlifting story today. The article states:

The Senate's top Republican said yesterday that President Bush's bid to restructure Social Security may have to wait until next year and might not involve the individual accounts the White House has been pushing hard.

Hey, Bush: What About The Medicare/Medicaid Crisis?

Why is President Bush pushing for Social Security reform which would add to current and future deficits given the fact that there is no Social Security crisis today, while the Medicare and Medicaid programs pose an extremely serious economic and financial threat now? There is a deep schism occurring between the nation's state governors and the Whitehouse. Regardless of party, the nation's governors are challenging the Whitehouse's proposed cuts to Medicaid and lack of action on Medicare.

First, let's define what we are talking about. The Medicare Website states :

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administers Medicare, the nation's largest health insurance program, which covers nearly 40 million Americans. Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for people 65 years of age and older, some disabled people under 65 years of age, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant).

Medicaid is a program that pays for medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources. This program became law in 1965 and is jointly funded by the Federal and State governments (including the District of Columbia and the Territories) to assist States in providing medical long-term care assistance to people who meet certain eligibility criteria. Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited income.

USS Jimmy Carter Opens New Age of Espionage

The Washington Post reports on a new US Submarine capable of tapping sub-ocean laser communications trunk lines all around the globe. The Wash. Post states: According to intelligence experts, it can tap undersea cables and eavesdrop on the communications passing through them. The military has just opened the door to trade, business, and economic espionage on both our allies and enemies.

This submarine opens the door for the intelligence community to feed commercial communication by not only governments, but, corporate enterprises in foreign lands as well as here, to various agencies of the US government. Such espionage could prove very useful to the Commerce Department, State Department, and trade and tariff agencies within the US. Satellite communications espionage has been around for awhile, but, the safe haven of ocean bottom laser trunk lines will no longer be safe. Since the US has already demonstrated its intent to interpret treaties and international conventions for its own purposes (e.g. Geneva and Kyoto), there is no authority on earth capable of halting misuse of the USS Jimmy Carter communications taps for any purposes the White House dictates via the intelligence community.

2006 Bush Budget: Road to Doubling Taxes

The President is yet again proposing a tax payer busting budget. But his advisors' sophistication has grown. In a snapshot of revenues and expenditures, the President may show on paper a deficit cut in half by 2009. But, as anyone who balances a checkbook and has credit cards knows, a snapshot does not give an accurate picture of financial well being. The 2006 spending budget is going up about 8% over last year's. And while the President proposes increasing the spending budget, he at the same time is asking for permanent tax cuts. Anyone who can add and subtract will understand when we are already spending more than we are taking in, cutting our income and raising our borrowing must increase our debt, not lower it.

There are many ins and outs of the budgetary process which can and will lead to endless point - counterpoint debate over the details and priorities. But, the overall picture of the President's fiscal policy is now in fairly sharp focus, and the frightening picture is clear. The Bush Administration's fiscal policy has two long range goals, escalate military and foreign spending, and end Social Security and Medicare.

Walking the Talk

I called my Senators, Hutchison and Cornyn today to urge them to vote against Alberto Gonzales' confirmation as Attorney General. I advised them that it is my belief his advice to the President led directly to the headlines that swept around the globe about American torture and abuse of prisoners. Further, I said those headlines led to putting our troops in greater harm's way if captured, and aided and abetted our enemies in their recruitments against us. Once again, it felt good to walk the talk, whether my Senators heed my advice or not.

A Path to Victory for GOP Challengers

One of the many biggest mistakes the Dem. Party made over the last 4 years was Terry McAuliffe. Terry was an attack dog, and he partially set the standard and tone of the Democratic opposition to the GOP. One does not attack a campaign of a rival who claims compassion, inclusion, and respect by attacking their character. In 2000, I was working with a local Dem. group on a local water issue. I told the Pres. of that group that Terry McAuliffe and those like him would lose the elections in the future. He of course, disagreed. The proof was in the pudding.

McAuliffe's fundamental flaw, was in using attacks on the issues and character of the GOP and Bush as a means to an end, Winning! That is a contest which both sides play, but, frankly, the GOP is much better at it. Also, the GOP had much more to play with by virtue of the Dem's having become such a huge Big Tent party accommodating such a wide range of minority issues. The Dem's allowed their minority issues to become the focal point for criticism by the GOP, almost completely obscuring the Dem's major, centrist, and moderate platform issues.

Inaugural Marked by Emigration

As the President is sworn in for another 4 years, one news source, The Independent, marks the occasion with an article about Americans leaving America. 7.2 million Americans have already chosen to live overseas, and more are to follow. It is a poignant counterpoint to Washington's festivities with more fire power encircling the President than can be found in much of Iraq. The President's route was wall to wall uniforms, looking more like Mushaaraf's police state, than the United States.

If this emigration movement grows in a big way, the day may come when a President like GW Bush can walk down Pennsylvania Ave. without even secret service to be found. That will be due to all dissenting voices and opposition to such a president having migrated to Canada or Mexico and beyond. What kind of America would that be? Surely, many Bush supporters would regard such a futuristic scenario as heaven on earth. But, it would also create a group think, America: an America not dissimilar from China or Cuba today. An America where the people speak with one voice, one patriotic voice coming from one person, the President.

The Perfect Economic Storm

Back in September of 2003, I wrote an article entitled, 2004 Election Issues (The Economy) in which I warned of the coming economic "perfect storm" in America's future. Confidence in the Bush administration on domestic policy at the time ran contrary to the thrust of this article. Today, however, more economists are seeing the gathering storms coalesce on our economic horizon and are issuing the same stern warnings I did a year and a half ago.

Forbes sponsored an article on MSN, 4 Economic Prophets of Doom, in which highly regarded expert's warnings are becoming ever more dire. What will it take for the Bush Administration to begin to seriously address these warning signs? Economic collapse and severe economic depression cannot be averted upon arrival. Like the Titanic, it must be steered away from collapse long before collision is imminent, or the severe consequences will be inevitable. Below are excerpts which all thinking, politically active Americans should pay heed to.

Can Americans Afford Tort Reform?

The Bush Administration is pushing hard for Tort reform. A tort is an act by one party which contributes to the harm or loss of another under civil law. The President says tort reform will greatly reduce the cost of health care in America. That is not true. The fastest growing costs in health care do not come from insurance premiums for malpractice insurance. They make up only a small percentage of health care costs overall.

But, if the President's tort reform did reduce malpractice insurance premiums, it would be because injured parties will be less able to find an attorney willing to risk the full cost of losing the case. Most attorneys handling torts are paid on a percentage basis of the awards from the suit. If the President's tort reform is enacted and it does lower malpractice insurance premiums, it will only be due to the fact that the harmed or injured cannot afford to sue.

The Bush Tax Plan: 1

The Washington Post reports Bush's desire to reform tax policy by the end of 2005 has been pushed back a year. Apparently, with his economists working on killing Social Security as we know it, and the need to cut Bush's highest budget deficit ever in half over the next 4 (or 5) years, while continuing to move the national debt toward the expected 10 Trillion dollars by decades end, there just isn't enough brain power to do taxes as well.

It is just as well. Putting off tax reform reminds me of Arlo Guthrie's joke about Reagan sleeping in the Oval Office. Guthrie said, "the more he sleeps, the safer we are". The more reforms President Bush push's off to the future, the better off we may well be. It appears from the Washington Post article that the Whitehouse has decided to adopt the same strategy as with Social Security, an incremental approach. The big question is, incremental toward what end? The President knows a complete overhaul of the tax system in one piece of legislation, will not pass Congressional muster, which begs the question: Why should the public buy an incremental approach?

Masterful PR to Save Rumsfeld

Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, is in trouble, and it is in all the headlines. But, apparently he has a genius in his corner as evidenced by his press conference yesterday. It was a masterful PR play.

Secretary Rumsfeld was a key and pivotal decision maker in all of the bad and incompetent decisions that have been made invading Iraq and directing the war in Iraq. His backing of the decision to invade Iraq, to invade without a plan for winning the peace, to invade prior to our troops and support personnel being fully equipped and safeguarded, to ignore the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people throughout 2003, his decision to not be bothered by signing those 1 thousand 280 some death notices to GI families, have all led to a heap of criticism of his performance recently. He apparently asked Karl Rove, 'How do I defend against all this criticism'?

Bush Has a Brooklyn Bridge to Sell

President Bush's touting of a Social Security Crisis has been somewhat successful in deceiving a majority of the public. According to the Washington Post Americans accept the crisis by about 74%. (Why Bush's touting a crisis is a deception is discussed in the article entitled, Bush Selling S.S. Same as Iraq War). The Washington Post however states the public is not entirely sold on his stock market options. So, Reuters reports the President and conservative groups are going to launch a media blitz selling campaign.

The Unseen Casualties

The New York Times is running a story this morning on the unseen American GI casualties which are beginning to, and are anticipated to, overwhelm our Veteran's health care system. They are the psychologically wounded. The article is entitled, A Flood of Troubled Soldiers Is in the Offing, Experts Predict. These stories struck home with me, since my last 2 years of duty in the Army from 1973 to 1975, were spent working as a psychiatric technician in a military hospital at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

In general, there are two schools of thought regarding public awareness of our GI casualties. One school, to which the Bush Administration subscribes, says it is injurious to our war effort, to our armed forces in harms way, and to our continued public support of war endeavors, to make too public the nature and reality of our soldiers casualties. The other school says, in a civilian democracy, to hide casualties of war from public view is to encourage militarism and war as a solution without regard for the real human costs to our nation, and without exhausting all other alternatives, first.

Is America Headed for Orwellian Perpetual War?

Mr. Lantos (D) on the House International Relations Committee calls for an end to China's one child policy to manage its former population explosion and calls for American sanctions against China to force them to cease enforcement of the One Child Policy.

Mr. Tancredo (R) indicated our government will not take such drastic actions and implied that the consequences to the U.S. and its economy and international relations with China would be too greatly harmed by such measures.

Ground Floor Grassroots Effort to Unite Third Parties

Last month I wrote an article here entitled United: A chance! - Div