Hey Barry:
Rep Jan Schakowsky D-IL wrote a budget plan that saves Social Security and stabilizes the middle class.
Y'all can read it here: http://schakowsky.house.gov/images/stories/1202_Schakowsky_Deficit_Reduction_Plan.pdf
Here's what it proves Barry: fixing the budget problem is not accounting or rocket science, it is politics.
Specifically, it is the politics of RICH taking too much and giving back nothing.
We need you here Barry, don't let the Reps sell out the country for a ribbon from the BILLIONAIRES.
Positively depressing.
Your pal,
Friday, December 3, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Warming For Real - Arctic Methane
Hey Barry:
Hoping y'all get serious on global warming in the Cancun meet.
Seems that the warming happening already is about to release lots of methane into the air. Ice and permafrost have kept the gas trapped in ice for thousands of years, but it's about to be released.
When the gas is released, we'll warm up faster.
Read it here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/28/MNAN1GCV8F.DTL
Your pal,
Hoping y'all get serious on global warming in the Cancun meet.
Seems that the warming happening already is about to release lots of methane into the air. Ice and permafrost have kept the gas trapped in ice for thousands of years, but it's about to be released.
When the gas is released, we'll warm up faster.
Read it here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/11/28/MNAN1GCV8F.DTL
Your pal,
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Trash Talkin the Reps
Hey Barry:
Been thinking about what exactly the Reps want. Not an easy question, but I have an idea.
Here it is: The Reps is playing a game. They want to score points with voters and win elections. If they win, then the team owners - da BILLIONAIRES - will give them a ribbon.
They score points by sayin stuff that voters seem to like. Of course they don't believe a word of what they say - they are just actors for hire playing a part.
The BILLIONAIRE owners have a clear vision of the end game: each one gets a government guaranteed monopoly on some critical product or service and the employees work for less than minimum wage. The Rep employees will create laws and policies that will give the BILLIONAIRES those things when they win power.
The Reps practice their chops all the time, after all they need lots of work to be able to say their lines convincingly.
So, Barry, you a player. Do what do you do in a game: y'all trash talks the opposition to take away their concentration. Take away their focus and you win. The team wins which has the most focus.
Should be real easy to mess up the Reps focus because all of what they say makes zero sense in the real world. Jes call them on it, point by point.
Here are some areas to trash talk the Reps:
JOBS - Reps dont know jack about jobs. All they know is that the owner BILLIONAIRES tell them to say that cutting taxes creates jobs. It does not - it just makes the owners richer.
NATIONAL SECURITY - Reps think that means to give BILLIONAIRES more favors. Any time you do something to help real people in the country, the Reps is gonna holler about 'National Security'.
FREEDOM - When they talk about Freedom, Reps mean that there should be no government interference in the markets. Let the owners do whatever they want, then the owners will be FREE. Free to pay less than minimum wage is about as far as that argument goes.
FREE MARKETS - See Freedom above. The classical economic theory of 'laissez faire, laissez passer' was thoroughly deconstructed by Keynes. But, it still hangs around because the owners like the idea.
I am sure you have the idea here. Remember that as soon as you call the Reps on any one of their talking points they will just make up another one, so y'all need to be nimble. Call em on each and every one of their lines. Make em explain each idea.
Underlying point here is this: there will be zero bipartisanship on areas of national interest as long as the Rep owners think the Reps can score points with voters by saying their lines.
Your pal,
Been thinking about what exactly the Reps want. Not an easy question, but I have an idea.
Here it is: The Reps is playing a game. They want to score points with voters and win elections. If they win, then the team owners - da BILLIONAIRES - will give them a ribbon.
They score points by sayin stuff that voters seem to like. Of course they don't believe a word of what they say - they are just actors for hire playing a part.
The BILLIONAIRE owners have a clear vision of the end game: each one gets a government guaranteed monopoly on some critical product or service and the employees work for less than minimum wage. The Rep employees will create laws and policies that will give the BILLIONAIRES those things when they win power.
The Reps practice their chops all the time, after all they need lots of work to be able to say their lines convincingly.
So, Barry, you a player. Do what do you do in a game: y'all trash talks the opposition to take away their concentration. Take away their focus and you win. The team wins which has the most focus.
Should be real easy to mess up the Reps focus because all of what they say makes zero sense in the real world. Jes call them on it, point by point.
Here are some areas to trash talk the Reps:
JOBS - Reps dont know jack about jobs. All they know is that the owner BILLIONAIRES tell them to say that cutting taxes creates jobs. It does not - it just makes the owners richer.
NATIONAL SECURITY - Reps think that means to give BILLIONAIRES more favors. Any time you do something to help real people in the country, the Reps is gonna holler about 'National Security'.
FREEDOM - When they talk about Freedom, Reps mean that there should be no government interference in the markets. Let the owners do whatever they want, then the owners will be FREE. Free to pay less than minimum wage is about as far as that argument goes.
FREE MARKETS - See Freedom above. The classical economic theory of 'laissez faire, laissez passer' was thoroughly deconstructed by Keynes. But, it still hangs around because the owners like the idea.
I am sure you have the idea here. Remember that as soon as you call the Reps on any one of their talking points they will just make up another one, so y'all need to be nimble. Call em on each and every one of their lines. Make em explain each idea.
Underlying point here is this: there will be zero bipartisanship on areas of national interest as long as the Rep owners think the Reps can score points with voters by saying their lines.
Your pal,
Saturday, November 20, 2010
For the Immigrants
Hey Barry:
This is not for you, but read ahead.
Sometimes I hear about something that I cannot forget and am compelled to write about. In this case I cannot repeat the exact information, but can only expand on the general theme.
These thoughts are directed toward the men in the many communities that immigrate to the US of A.
I think it is important to try to communicate some ideas about our country on some sensitive questions. I do not intend to castigate all immigrants since the vast majority are decent law abiding citizens. And, there are many Native born Americans who fall into these errors; it is worse for the Americans because they know better.
We welcome you here and we are glad that you have chosen to honor us by coming here with your families. We have some knowledge of the hardships that you have endured to make the journey. We are a nation of immigrants, after all.
In America, all religious faiths are free to worship in their own way. There is no government or state religion and we make it a matter of law that no religion is favored over any other religion. Even those with no faith are free to follow their conscience without censure or restriction.
Having said that, we do not tolerate any violence from members of one religious faith toward members of any other faith. We consider that a hate crime and the perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
These practices apply equally to people of different races and national origins.
Regardless of your faith or custom, women are considered absolutely equal with men in every aspect of life. If she chooses, your wife is free to leave you at any moment. You are not allowed to make any effort of force or violence to make her stay with you if she wishes to leave. If you do so, you will be arrested and prosecuted for criminal acts. This is so regardless of your immigration status.
If your wife is afraid that you may beat her and your children, a private, non-governmental organization composed entirely of women may help your family leave you; the organization also will prevent you from finding out where is your family.
If you persist in tracking them down you will be prosecuted as a criminal.
The age of consent for sexual relations is 18 years of age. If you engage in sexual relations with any child under that age, you will be considered a criminal and also a person unworthy of civilized society. When you go to prison, the other prisoners will probably kill you.
This is especially true if the child is a member of your family.
There are many other areas of life in which the government has the right to interfere in your family life if the government has evidence that children are not being treated properly.
Although our ideas are still evolving on the subject of homosexuality, the majority of Americans share the belief that homosexuality is not a choice or a lifestyle but a biological imperative as strong as a heterosexual's desire to have children.
We do not tolerate violence directed toward homosexuals or people who 'appear' to be so.
Your pal,
This is not for you, but read ahead.
Sometimes I hear about something that I cannot forget and am compelled to write about. In this case I cannot repeat the exact information, but can only expand on the general theme.
These thoughts are directed toward the men in the many communities that immigrate to the US of A.
I think it is important to try to communicate some ideas about our country on some sensitive questions. I do not intend to castigate all immigrants since the vast majority are decent law abiding citizens. And, there are many Native born Americans who fall into these errors; it is worse for the Americans because they know better.
We welcome you here and we are glad that you have chosen to honor us by coming here with your families. We have some knowledge of the hardships that you have endured to make the journey. We are a nation of immigrants, after all.
In America, all religious faiths are free to worship in their own way. There is no government or state religion and we make it a matter of law that no religion is favored over any other religion. Even those with no faith are free to follow their conscience without censure or restriction.
Having said that, we do not tolerate any violence from members of one religious faith toward members of any other faith. We consider that a hate crime and the perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
These practices apply equally to people of different races and national origins.
Regardless of your faith or custom, women are considered absolutely equal with men in every aspect of life. If she chooses, your wife is free to leave you at any moment. You are not allowed to make any effort of force or violence to make her stay with you if she wishes to leave. If you do so, you will be arrested and prosecuted for criminal acts. This is so regardless of your immigration status.
If your wife is afraid that you may beat her and your children, a private, non-governmental organization composed entirely of women may help your family leave you; the organization also will prevent you from finding out where is your family.
If you persist in tracking them down you will be prosecuted as a criminal.
The age of consent for sexual relations is 18 years of age. If you engage in sexual relations with any child under that age, you will be considered a criminal and also a person unworthy of civilized society. When you go to prison, the other prisoners will probably kill you.
This is especially true if the child is a member of your family.
There are many other areas of life in which the government has the right to interfere in your family life if the government has evidence that children are not being treated properly.
Although our ideas are still evolving on the subject of homosexuality, the majority of Americans share the belief that homosexuality is not a choice or a lifestyle but a biological imperative as strong as a heterosexual's desire to have children.
We do not tolerate violence directed toward homosexuals or people who 'appear' to be so.
Your pal,
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
78 Supremes Kill Usury Laws
Hey Barry:
Seems the Supremes have been seizing our money for a long time.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/11/12/supreme-court-ruling-killed-usury-laws-credit-card-rates/?cmpid=prn_baynote-js_How_a_Supreme_Court_Ruling_Killed_Off_Usury_Laws_for_Credit_Card_Rates
OK, OK, it aint all the Supreme's fault - they are just following the Constitution about keeping national business out of the State's hands.
But in this case the effects of that practice have hurt us all.
Of course, the Consitutional remedy is for the Congress to pass a national usury law.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.........
I needed a good laugh Barry.
Your pal,
Seems the Supremes have been seizing our money for a long time.
http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/11/12/supreme-court-ruling-killed-usury-laws-credit-card-rates/?cmpid=prn_baynote-js_How_a_Supreme_Court_Ruling_Killed_Off_Usury_Laws_for_Credit_Card_Rates
OK, OK, it aint all the Supreme's fault - they are just following the Constitution about keeping national business out of the State's hands.
But in this case the effects of that practice have hurt us all.
Of course, the Consitutional remedy is for the Congress to pass a national usury law.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.........
I needed a good laugh Barry.
Your pal,
Friday, November 12, 2010
Aint No Free Lunch
Hey Barry:
Looks like the BILLIONAIRE water boy REPS are demanding a tax cut.
Well, allrighty then.
Surely the BILLIONAIRES know one thing: there aint no free lunch.
If you spend some $40 Billion per year of our money for the BILLIONAIRES, we want something for it.
In fact, we want at least four things for it.
Here's my particular wish list, Barry; but, you probably have your own.
Use my list or use yours, but y'all gotta tell us exactly how you made them sweat after the deal is made.
1. New law letting unions organize and strike.
2. Controls on money leaving the country administered by the FED.
3. Easing of mortgage loan requirements
4. Prohibition preventing commercial banks from buying equity in companies
All of us out here know xactly whas goin on with the REPS. Is NOT a secret. And, we are totally on your side, Barry.
If they want something from us, they gotta pay for it, Barry.
Its your job to make them pay and then tell us about it, so we can laugh a little. We need a laugh, Barry.
Your pal,
Looks like the BILLIONAIRE water boy REPS are demanding a tax cut.
Well, allrighty then.
Surely the BILLIONAIRES know one thing: there aint no free lunch.
If you spend some $40 Billion per year of our money for the BILLIONAIRES, we want something for it.
In fact, we want at least four things for it.
Here's my particular wish list, Barry; but, you probably have your own.
Use my list or use yours, but y'all gotta tell us exactly how you made them sweat after the deal is made.
1. New law letting unions organize and strike.
2. Controls on money leaving the country administered by the FED.
3. Easing of mortgage loan requirements
4. Prohibition preventing commercial banks from buying equity in companies
All of us out here know xactly whas goin on with the REPS. Is NOT a secret. And, we are totally on your side, Barry.
If they want something from us, they gotta pay for it, Barry.
Its your job to make them pay and then tell us about it, so we can laugh a little. We need a laugh, Barry.
Your pal,
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Stuck in Misery
Hey Barry:
In the world's economy today, we are all one. What happens in Japan happens in Germany and the USA too.
If the experience of Japan is relevant to the US, then it is likley that property values will continue to fall for several years.
Here is how the Global Property Guide puts it in 2009 [http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Asia/Japan/Price-History]:
"In Japan, land prices serve as a proxy for home prices..... Land prices are used as a measure of residential property values partly because Japan is earthquake-prone, making the value of land more significant than the houses built on them.
On a national level the price of land has been falling since H2 1991. Since the second half of 2007, land price decreases in Japan have accelerated. Land prices slid 3.4% (4.9% in real terms) in H1 2009 from the previous year."
See also: http://www.imes.boj.or.jp/english/publication/edps/2003/03-E-15.pdf, a Bank of Japan study of Japan's asset values by Shigenori Shiratsuka* in 2003, especially graph of falling land values on page 20.
If the whole economy is based on property values, then we in the USA face a long term decline. I think that the economy is based on property values.
Our reaction to the housing crisis has been to make it more difficult to borrow on houses. While this reaction has been well intentioned in order to overcome past exuberant and fraudulent practices, we face a continuing property value decline until lending practices are made easier.
Think about it, Barry, the only thing that will turn around the housing price decline is to make borrowing easier.
Y'all know I am NOT saying we go back to 2003, but we stuck in misery until borrowing gets easier.
And, Barry, ya just gotta make them banks focus on lending and get out of the stock market. Holy cow, this is not rocket science here.
Your pal,
In the world's economy today, we are all one. What happens in Japan happens in Germany and the USA too.
If the experience of Japan is relevant to the US, then it is likley that property values will continue to fall for several years.
Here is how the Global Property Guide puts it in 2009 [http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Asia/Japan/Price-History]:
"In Japan, land prices serve as a proxy for home prices..... Land prices are used as a measure of residential property values partly because Japan is earthquake-prone, making the value of land more significant than the houses built on them.
On a national level the price of land has been falling since H2 1991. Since the second half of 2007, land price decreases in Japan have accelerated. Land prices slid 3.4% (4.9% in real terms) in H1 2009 from the previous year."
See also: http://www.imes.boj.or.jp/english/publication/edps/2003/03-E-15.pdf, a Bank of Japan study of Japan's asset values by Shigenori Shiratsuka* in 2003, especially graph of falling land values on page 20.
If the whole economy is based on property values, then we in the USA face a long term decline. I think that the economy is based on property values.
Our reaction to the housing crisis has been to make it more difficult to borrow on houses. While this reaction has been well intentioned in order to overcome past exuberant and fraudulent practices, we face a continuing property value decline until lending practices are made easier.
Think about it, Barry, the only thing that will turn around the housing price decline is to make borrowing easier.
Y'all know I am NOT saying we go back to 2003, but we stuck in misery until borrowing gets easier.
And, Barry, ya just gotta make them banks focus on lending and get out of the stock market. Holy cow, this is not rocket science here.
Your pal,
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
W T F, Barry
Hey Barry:
Some kids have put up a web site that lists some of the things you have done so far.
It's kinda cool, but a little obscene, so use the link above and be warned.
Your pal,
Some kids have put up a web site that lists some of the things you have done so far.
It's kinda cool, but a little obscene, so use the link above and be warned.
Your pal,
Saturday, November 6, 2010
REPS are LYING
Hey Barry:
Let's be clear about something.
Tax cuts do NOT create jobs.
When the REPS say that tax cuts create jobs, they are LYING.
It is really hard to get some truth into the fog machine the REPS keep running.
Here's the truth: businesses create jobs when businesses have a lot of sales.
Tax cuts when there is no increase in demand just save the owners money, and then they buy a yacht - see Larry Ellison - they do NOT hire people because they pay less taxes.
The REPS keep repeating the phrase that tax cuts create jobs. It is a LIE.
It was Lenin who said that a lie repeated often enough becomes accepted as truth.
So, the REPS are repeating Communist propaganda because they are following Lenin.
Do not be fooled by the rhetoric, Barry.
Your pal,
Let's be clear about something.
Tax cuts do NOT create jobs.
When the REPS say that tax cuts create jobs, they are LYING.
It is really hard to get some truth into the fog machine the REPS keep running.
Here's the truth: businesses create jobs when businesses have a lot of sales.
Tax cuts when there is no increase in demand just save the owners money, and then they buy a yacht - see Larry Ellison - they do NOT hire people because they pay less taxes.
The REPS keep repeating the phrase that tax cuts create jobs. It is a LIE.
It was Lenin who said that a lie repeated often enough becomes accepted as truth.
So, the REPS are repeating Communist propaganda because they are following Lenin.
Do not be fooled by the rhetoric, Barry.
Your pal,
Friday, November 5, 2010
Winter is icumen in
Hey Barry:
Supposin we actually have a deflation.
It will feel like a big freeze - you won't be able to move. You will be stuck where you are. You will have only what you have and no more.
If you can survive on what you have you'll be in good shape, but some of us will freeze to death - in reality and metaphor.
Here's how Ezra Pound puts it:
Winter is icumen in,
Lhude sing Goddamm,
Raineth drop and staineth slop,
And how the wind doth ramm!
Sing: Goddamm.
Skiddeth bus and sloppeth us,
Freezeth river, turneth liver,
An ague hath my ham.
Damm you; Sing: Goddamm.
Goddamm, Goddamm, 'tis why I am, Goddamm,
So 'gainst the winter's balm.
Sing goddamm, damm, sing goddamm,
Sing goddamm, sing goddamm, DAMM.
Your pal,
Supposin we actually have a deflation.
It will feel like a big freeze - you won't be able to move. You will be stuck where you are. You will have only what you have and no more.
If you can survive on what you have you'll be in good shape, but some of us will freeze to death - in reality and metaphor.
Here's how Ezra Pound puts it:
Winter is icumen in,
Lhude sing Goddamm,
Raineth drop and staineth slop,
And how the wind doth ramm!
Sing: Goddamm.
Skiddeth bus and sloppeth us,
Freezeth river, turneth liver,
An ague hath my ham.
Damm you; Sing: Goddamm.
Goddamm, Goddamm, 'tis why I am, Goddamm,
So 'gainst the winter's balm.
Sing goddamm, damm, sing goddamm,
Sing goddamm, sing goddamm, DAMM.
Your pal,
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Buckle Up, Folks
Hey Barry:
Watched your newscast after the mid-term elections yesterday. Understand that you're down a little. But, don't be. Your are fighting the good fight and results will come - just not as fast as right now.
Besides, the DEMS drop off is not that different from earlier elections and completely expected.
There are one or two things I think you should take care of soon, before the new Congress is sworn. And there is another huge problem looming on the horizon.
Extending unemployment insurance and ending the Bush tax cuts are two things you should accomplish soon.
But, the big problem is a deflation that may be coming. Benny and the FED are shoveling money out the door as fast as they can. They are concerned about a Japanese style deflation and also concerned that the new Reps will hamstring any effective action by the Federal Government to restore aggregate demand.
The current recovery is fragile. It still needs some help. The help can come from additional consumer demand, business investment and/or federal stimulus.
CONSUMER DEMAND
Increasing consumer demand requires more jobs and more income for consumers. I know you are totally all over that. You have consistently called for keeping the middle class tax cuts - which will support demand.
BUSINESS INVESTMENT
You probably remember that Keynes called the spirit which moves businesses to invest 'animal spirits'. By that he meant that businesses move in a herd - like sheep. It just takes one firm to make a move, then the rest will follow. Maybe you can jawbone some CEO into making a big investment - can't hurt.
STIMULUS
If Bernanke is right that Congress will not approve any more federal stimulus spending, we may be looking at a deflation and continued high unemployment.
RADICAL SOLUTION
In my radical moments, I think the solution is to empower unions to strike for higher wages, prohibit commercial banks from investing in businesses, break up all the monopolies and oligopolies, enact a 90% income and 'death' tax on the RICH, restrict the free movement of capital out of the country and create a tariff wall so that businesses cannot move all our jobs to China and Malaysia.
And then I wake up.
So Barry, where does that leave you and me?
I think we keep on fighting the good fight and recognize that some events are too big to change; we take our small victories where we can.
It's gonna be a hell of a ride, Barry, buckle up them seat belts.
Your pal,
Watched your newscast after the mid-term elections yesterday. Understand that you're down a little. But, don't be. Your are fighting the good fight and results will come - just not as fast as right now.
Besides, the DEMS drop off is not that different from earlier elections and completely expected.
There are one or two things I think you should take care of soon, before the new Congress is sworn. And there is another huge problem looming on the horizon.
Extending unemployment insurance and ending the Bush tax cuts are two things you should accomplish soon.
But, the big problem is a deflation that may be coming. Benny and the FED are shoveling money out the door as fast as they can. They are concerned about a Japanese style deflation and also concerned that the new Reps will hamstring any effective action by the Federal Government to restore aggregate demand.
The current recovery is fragile. It still needs some help. The help can come from additional consumer demand, business investment and/or federal stimulus.
CONSUMER DEMAND
Increasing consumer demand requires more jobs and more income for consumers. I know you are totally all over that. You have consistently called for keeping the middle class tax cuts - which will support demand.
BUSINESS INVESTMENT
You probably remember that Keynes called the spirit which moves businesses to invest 'animal spirits'. By that he meant that businesses move in a herd - like sheep. It just takes one firm to make a move, then the rest will follow. Maybe you can jawbone some CEO into making a big investment - can't hurt.
STIMULUS
If Bernanke is right that Congress will not approve any more federal stimulus spending, we may be looking at a deflation and continued high unemployment.
RADICAL SOLUTION
In my radical moments, I think the solution is to empower unions to strike for higher wages, prohibit commercial banks from investing in businesses, break up all the monopolies and oligopolies, enact a 90% income and 'death' tax on the RICH, restrict the free movement of capital out of the country and create a tariff wall so that businesses cannot move all our jobs to China and Malaysia.
And then I wake up.
So Barry, where does that leave you and me?
I think we keep on fighting the good fight and recognize that some events are too big to change; we take our small victories where we can.
It's gonna be a hell of a ride, Barry, buckle up them seat belts.
Your pal,
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
California is NOT For Sale
Hey Barry:
I'm proud to be in a state where we don't sell out.
Meg tried to the tune of $160 million - no sale.
Go home and roll around in your money, Meg.
Leave us be.
Your pal,
I'm proud to be in a state where we don't sell out.
Meg tried to the tune of $160 million - no sale.
Go home and roll around in your money, Meg.
Leave us be.
Your pal,
Monday, November 1, 2010
USA: Top Heavy and Fallin
Hey Barry:
So, exactly where are we as a country today? It's a big question. And, the answer is not good Barry.
Basically we are a two class society, Barry.
The top 20% of RICH folks own 93% of the USA's financial wealth - total wealth less value of the house.
Read it here: http://sociology.ucsc.edu/whorulesamerica/power/wealth.html
Let me repeat that: the RICHEST 20% own 93% of total wealth.
Barry, most of the time 93% means ALL OF IT.
You an me - we aint got squat.
Let's look ahead and see what is likely to happen.
This condition cannot continue as it is.
Something's gotta give. We gonna tip over.
Where will we be after we fall, Barry? That's the question.
As an indication, I'm going to quote Kevin Phillips from his book WEALTH AND DEMOCRACY, 2002. Let's see if you can guess what country and time he is describing. Oh, I will change a few words here and there:
The country had "...come to be an extreme contrast of rich and poor...Our condition is one in which we have rich who loll at ease, or poor who beg, and we a lack middle class whom neither wealth nor poverty prevents their pursuing the rightful kind of business...."
This could describe San Francisco yesterday. Or England in the 1900's.
But it actually describes Spain in 1600 [Martin Gonzalez de Cellorigio]. Shortly after that was written Spain ceased to be an international power and was relegated to second class status as a country.
That's our future Barry.
The only way out is to change the income and wealth distribution so that we have a middle class.
Your pal,
So, exactly where are we as a country today? It's a big question. And, the answer is not good Barry.
Basically we are a two class society, Barry.
The top 20% of RICH folks own 93% of the USA's financial wealth - total wealth less value of the house.
Read it here: http://sociology.ucsc.edu/whorulesamerica/power/wealth.html
Let me repeat that: the RICHEST 20% own 93% of total wealth.
Barry, most of the time 93% means ALL OF IT.
You an me - we aint got squat.
Let's look ahead and see what is likely to happen.
This condition cannot continue as it is.
Something's gotta give. We gonna tip over.
Where will we be after we fall, Barry? That's the question.
As an indication, I'm going to quote Kevin Phillips from his book WEALTH AND DEMOCRACY, 2002. Let's see if you can guess what country and time he is describing. Oh, I will change a few words here and there:
The country had "...come to be an extreme contrast of rich and poor...Our condition is one in which we have rich who loll at ease, or poor who beg, and we a lack middle class whom neither wealth nor poverty prevents their pursuing the rightful kind of business...."
This could describe San Francisco yesterday. Or England in the 1900's.
But it actually describes Spain in 1600 [Martin Gonzalez de Cellorigio]. Shortly after that was written Spain ceased to be an international power and was relegated to second class status as a country.
That's our future Barry.
The only way out is to change the income and wealth distribution so that we have a middle class.
Your pal,
Supremes Keep Disclosure
Hey Barry:
While they did not exactly acknowledge a mistake or make amends, the supremes just upheld disclosure rules for political actors.
Read it here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/11/01/national/w070520D46.DTL
Now you can have Attorney General Holder enforce the rules aggressively.
It's something we need Barry.
Your pal,
While they did not exactly acknowledge a mistake or make amends, the supremes just upheld disclosure rules for political actors.
Read it here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/11/01/national/w070520D46.DTL
Now you can have Attorney General Holder enforce the rules aggressively.
It's something we need Barry.
Your pal,
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Marketing the Presidency: Obama - Stewart
Hey Barry:
Caught your talk on the Daily Show.
Here's a link: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/10/about-late-last-night-jon-stewart-presses-president-obama-on-the-daily-show-1.html
Overall great job on the show. And, overall great job on the Presidency - I agree with your assessment on the actions you have taken so far.
But, the discussion last night brings up a question: Why is the public perception of the accomplishments behind the reality?
The answer last night seemes to be that folks have expectations that the actions will happen in 18 months. That is why there is a drop in your popularity and approval.
That's OK Barry, as far as it goes, but I just don't think that's good enough.
I think part of your job is to manage expectations. And it seems that you have done a mediocre to poor job at that.
A related example can be found in marketing cars. In the 1980's people had low expectations of a car, so the poor 'quality' cars produced then matched the expectations and sold reasonably well.
Today, car buyers have much higher expectations when they buy a car. If a car does not have all the features buyers expect today, they judge it as a poor 'quality' car, although it may be ten times better than a car from 30 years ago.
The market's expectations of car 'quality' have moved a lot.
It is similar to people's expectations of a 'quality' Presidency. Those expectations have moved a lot since 2008. And that is due in large part to you, Barry Obama: you have raised people's expectations of what it means to be a 'quality' President.
The reason that I place quotation marks around the word 'quality' is that I believe that 'quality' is an elusive concept. The best way to measure 'quality' IMHO is to measure what are the expectations about the subject and to compare how the product - or the Presidency - compares to the expectations.
If I am correct in my belief that your raising expectations of your Presidency has contributed to the current lower approval ratings, then there are at least two possible approaches you might take.
One approach would be to lower expectations. This is what Bush was so good at. He created the expectation that he was a complete klutz; nobody noticed what he was doing because they were all marveling at the idea that he actually was able to walk and chew gum at the same time.
I think this would be a mistake.
Another approach would be to sell the positives more aggressively while noting the difficulties you had to overcome to achieve each positive.
For example, you might say this: 'My administration has successfully overcome fierce Republican resistance to increased government regulation and has created and passed financial reform that is really helping people. As only one example, today we are looking carefully at each bank's home mortgage foreclosure process to ensure that each bank follows the new regulations. This will have the effect of preventing many unfair and/or illegal foreclosures. It will also help prevent a second, more severe recession - the Double Dip that many of you are concerned about. And make no mistake, if we did not have the new legislation, we would have a double dip recession.'
If this approach makes sense, then it seems likely that your administration will need some more aggressive Public Relations people who specialize in marketing your Presidency.
One of the reasons that the financial regulation legislation passed is that you and your staff made it a priority, as compared to some other legislation which you did not make a priority and which did not do as well as a result.
Bottom line is this Barry - you gotta sell yourself harder. And, it won't hurt to get some professionsl PR folks on the team - market your Presidency the same way General Motors sells Cadillacs or Chevys.
We need you to do that, Barry.
Your pal,
Caught your talk on the Daily Show.
Here's a link: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/10/about-late-last-night-jon-stewart-presses-president-obama-on-the-daily-show-1.html
Overall great job on the show. And, overall great job on the Presidency - I agree with your assessment on the actions you have taken so far.
But, the discussion last night brings up a question: Why is the public perception of the accomplishments behind the reality?
The answer last night seemes to be that folks have expectations that the actions will happen in 18 months. That is why there is a drop in your popularity and approval.
That's OK Barry, as far as it goes, but I just don't think that's good enough.
I think part of your job is to manage expectations. And it seems that you have done a mediocre to poor job at that.
A related example can be found in marketing cars. In the 1980's people had low expectations of a car, so the poor 'quality' cars produced then matched the expectations and sold reasonably well.
Today, car buyers have much higher expectations when they buy a car. If a car does not have all the features buyers expect today, they judge it as a poor 'quality' car, although it may be ten times better than a car from 30 years ago.
The market's expectations of car 'quality' have moved a lot.
It is similar to people's expectations of a 'quality' Presidency. Those expectations have moved a lot since 2008. And that is due in large part to you, Barry Obama: you have raised people's expectations of what it means to be a 'quality' President.
The reason that I place quotation marks around the word 'quality' is that I believe that 'quality' is an elusive concept. The best way to measure 'quality' IMHO is to measure what are the expectations about the subject and to compare how the product - or the Presidency - compares to the expectations.
If I am correct in my belief that your raising expectations of your Presidency has contributed to the current lower approval ratings, then there are at least two possible approaches you might take.
One approach would be to lower expectations. This is what Bush was so good at. He created the expectation that he was a complete klutz; nobody noticed what he was doing because they were all marveling at the idea that he actually was able to walk and chew gum at the same time.
I think this would be a mistake.
Another approach would be to sell the positives more aggressively while noting the difficulties you had to overcome to achieve each positive.
For example, you might say this: 'My administration has successfully overcome fierce Republican resistance to increased government regulation and has created and passed financial reform that is really helping people. As only one example, today we are looking carefully at each bank's home mortgage foreclosure process to ensure that each bank follows the new regulations. This will have the effect of preventing many unfair and/or illegal foreclosures. It will also help prevent a second, more severe recession - the Double Dip that many of you are concerned about. And make no mistake, if we did not have the new legislation, we would have a double dip recession.'
If this approach makes sense, then it seems likely that your administration will need some more aggressive Public Relations people who specialize in marketing your Presidency.
One of the reasons that the financial regulation legislation passed is that you and your staff made it a priority, as compared to some other legislation which you did not make a priority and which did not do as well as a result.
Bottom line is this Barry - you gotta sell yourself harder. And, it won't hurt to get some professionsl PR folks on the team - market your Presidency the same way General Motors sells Cadillacs or Chevys.
We need you to do that, Barry.
Your pal,
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Rent Is Too Damn High
Hey Barry:
Jimmy McMillan wants to be Governor of New York.
He calls his party: The Rent Is Too Damn High Party
Website: http://www.rentistoodamnhigh.org/
Why, because The Rent Is Too Damn High.
If I lived in New York, he'd have my vote.
Here's his message: Too many homeless vets and families - somthing is wrong in our country.
He is fighting the good fight.
Your pal,
Jimmy McMillan wants to be Governor of New York.
He calls his party: The Rent Is Too Damn High Party
Website: http://www.rentistoodamnhigh.org/
Why, because The Rent Is Too Damn High.
If I lived in New York, he'd have my vote.
Here's his message: Too many homeless vets and families - somthing is wrong in our country.
He is fighting the good fight.
Your pal,
Plutocrats March On
Hey Barry:
In case you don't know, the secret billionaires who are helping Rove are having an impact in the California Senate race.
Read it here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/26/MNLI1G1P3G.DTL&type=politics
Sitting Senator Barbara Boxer is being hurt by negative ads funded by secret, outside groups. If she loses, the Senate will gain another RICH ex-CEO - Carly Fiorina.
The plutocrats march on.
Your pal,
In case you don't know, the secret billionaires who are helping Rove are having an impact in the California Senate race.
Read it here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/26/MNLI1G1P3G.DTL&type=politics
Sitting Senator Barbara Boxer is being hurt by negative ads funded by secret, outside groups. If she loses, the Senate will gain another RICH ex-CEO - Carly Fiorina.
The plutocrats march on.
Your pal,
No Insurance - Too Bad Sucka
Hey Barry:
Now I don't know if your health plan will fix things like this or not. I surely hope so.
Friend of ours owns a small store selling imported specialty items after a career in retail in her home country. She has no health insurance.
Last week she felt very ill and went to the nearest hospital. Turns out she had acute appendicitus and nearly died.
A surgeon performed the operation.
The hospital discharged her after two hours in the operating room and no recovery time and is now suing her for $60,000.
Makes ya wanna puke.
Your pal,
Now I don't know if your health plan will fix things like this or not. I surely hope so.
Friend of ours owns a small store selling imported specialty items after a career in retail in her home country. She has no health insurance.
Last week she felt very ill and went to the nearest hospital. Turns out she had acute appendicitus and nearly died.
A surgeon performed the operation.
The hospital discharged her after two hours in the operating room and no recovery time and is now suing her for $60,000.
Makes ya wanna puke.
Your pal,
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Beaner and the Reps: Not Pretty
Hey Barry:
I have been thinking about Beaner and the Reps.
[First off, I don't mean to insult any folks of Hispanic heritage - the word is just too good a play on 'Boehner' to pass.]
My thinking is not pretty, Barry.
I don't know if you'll like it - after all you are a bi-partisan soul if ever there was one.
But Barry, the Reps is simply bad for the country. And, you are the President of all the United States and your job is to watch out for all of us.
I have been trying real hard to understand where they are coming from. And you know that is NOT an easy job Barry. That is something you know real well.
So anyway, here's what I come up with: the Reps want to kiss up to the billionaires.
God knows why, Barry, kissin up won't do them no good. No good at all. Never does.
If you kiss up to a billionaire, you won't get anything except a dirty mouth.
You will NOT get RICH.
First rule of being a billionaire - nobody gets RICH except a billionaire.
OK Barry, if you're squeamish, better pass up the rest of this right now. Y'all warned......
Let's say you are tongue rimming a billionaire because you think you will get RICH.
Think on it cousin: the best you will get is that the SOB does not let a big fart.
That's the best you can do.
So, I gotta ask Beaner: what y'all doin anyway? Yo is sellin out our country for a chance to kiss some billionaire's ass.
It just does not make any sense Barry.
No sense at all.
Let's move along to the elections.
And, let's suppose there is a whole bunch of folks who think that kissin up to the billionaires is a good thing for some ridiculus reason.
That will mean that you, Barry Obama, will have a Rep majority in one house or the other.
So Barry - what y'all gotta do is to stop them Reps from destroying the progress you have made. You have done some good things and now you will need to protect them.
It's not sexy Barry, it's politics down and dirty. But that's the hand you got Barry.
Please play it well.
Your pal,
I have been thinking about Beaner and the Reps.
[First off, I don't mean to insult any folks of Hispanic heritage - the word is just too good a play on 'Boehner' to pass.]
My thinking is not pretty, Barry.
I don't know if you'll like it - after all you are a bi-partisan soul if ever there was one.
But Barry, the Reps is simply bad for the country. And, you are the President of all the United States and your job is to watch out for all of us.
I have been trying real hard to understand where they are coming from. And you know that is NOT an easy job Barry. That is something you know real well.
So anyway, here's what I come up with: the Reps want to kiss up to the billionaires.
God knows why, Barry, kissin up won't do them no good. No good at all. Never does.
If you kiss up to a billionaire, you won't get anything except a dirty mouth.
You will NOT get RICH.
First rule of being a billionaire - nobody gets RICH except a billionaire.
OK Barry, if you're squeamish, better pass up the rest of this right now. Y'all warned......
Let's say you are tongue rimming a billionaire because you think you will get RICH.
Think on it cousin: the best you will get is that the SOB does not let a big fart.
That's the best you can do.
So, I gotta ask Beaner: what y'all doin anyway? Yo is sellin out our country for a chance to kiss some billionaire's ass.
It just does not make any sense Barry.
No sense at all.
Let's move along to the elections.
And, let's suppose there is a whole bunch of folks who think that kissin up to the billionaires is a good thing for some ridiculus reason.
That will mean that you, Barry Obama, will have a Rep majority in one house or the other.
So Barry - what y'all gotta do is to stop them Reps from destroying the progress you have made. You have done some good things and now you will need to protect them.
It's not sexy Barry, it's politics down and dirty. But that's the hand you got Barry.
Please play it well.
Your pal,
Let's Help RICH Create Jobs!
Hey Barry:
The RICH keep on sayin they'll create some jobs real soon now and that's why they should stay RICH.
You and I know thas jes a crock.
But, maybe we can help them out a little.
After all, they will feel so much better when they have really created some jobs instead of just talking about it.
Here's some history on how we can do that: when we look back at the 1950's we see that there were a lot of infrastructure jobs around - we were building roads and schools and bridges and airports like there was no tomorrow.
OK, that was a long time ago, but how did we get the money back then?
Simple answer - we put a 90% tax on high incomes and a 70% tax on estates. With that money we created the infrastructure that we still use today - except it's a little worn round the edges and needs some patching.
That's how the RICH can help create jobs and make our country better - we will tax them to get the money to pay for what we need.
And, we can help the Federal deficit as well - which is running about a trillion a year: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/10/24/national/w051643D79.DTL
After all, it only takes a taxing a few of the RICH to help balance the budget.
And, Barry, if the RICH don't like it, they can take their money and move to someplace where they will be welcome like Mexico or Somalia. [I don't mean any disrepect to those countries, but I'm guessing that RICH folks' money and sense of entitlement might actually help out there.]
We surely will NOT miss them here. Please encourage them to leave Barry. It's like Dear Abby says: 'It's time for a divorce when you'll be better off without them than you are with them.'
Your pal,
The RICH keep on sayin they'll create some jobs real soon now and that's why they should stay RICH.
You and I know thas jes a crock.
But, maybe we can help them out a little.
After all, they will feel so much better when they have really created some jobs instead of just talking about it.
Here's some history on how we can do that: when we look back at the 1950's we see that there were a lot of infrastructure jobs around - we were building roads and schools and bridges and airports like there was no tomorrow.
OK, that was a long time ago, but how did we get the money back then?
Simple answer - we put a 90% tax on high incomes and a 70% tax on estates. With that money we created the infrastructure that we still use today - except it's a little worn round the edges and needs some patching.
That's how the RICH can help create jobs and make our country better - we will tax them to get the money to pay for what we need.
And, we can help the Federal deficit as well - which is running about a trillion a year: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/10/24/national/w051643D79.DTL
After all, it only takes a taxing a few of the RICH to help balance the budget.
And, Barry, if the RICH don't like it, they can take their money and move to someplace where they will be welcome like Mexico or Somalia. [I don't mean any disrepect to those countries, but I'm guessing that RICH folks' money and sense of entitlement might actually help out there.]
We surely will NOT miss them here. Please encourage them to leave Barry. It's like Dear Abby says: 'It's time for a divorce when you'll be better off without them than you are with them.'
Your pal,
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Failing Banks: Who's Next?
Hey Barry:
As a rule, I don't publish links to commercial sites, but this site really caught my eye: http://web.investinganswers.com/land/is-your-bank-in-danger.asp?TP=665&ref=GAW&gclid=CP2E-uD24aQCFRxqgwodJSg7KQ
I don't know how good the information is, but the topic is very timely. If your deposits exceed the FDIC guarantees, then you will really want to read this report to see whether your bank may fail.
Your pal,
As a rule, I don't publish links to commercial sites, but this site really caught my eye: http://web.investinganswers.com/land/is-your-bank-in-danger.asp?TP=665&ref=GAW&gclid=CP2E-uD24aQCFRxqgwodJSg7KQ
I don't know how good the information is, but the topic is very timely. If your deposits exceed the FDIC guarantees, then you will really want to read this report to see whether your bank may fail.
Your pal,
Hittin the Fan
Hey Barry:
Looks like the fan is becoming unsightly.
Read it here: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-10-20/fed-s-weight-joins-mortgage-investor-bid-for-relief.html
Mortgage investors - who actually bought the paper behind the loans - want some action from banks. It could cost those banks which did not proceed carefully up to $180 billion.
Watch HUD Secretary Donovan address the issue on 10/20/10 here: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/63870482/
If itsa choice between the banks and the economy - bye bye banks.
Hang in there Barry, we need you.
Your pal,
Looks like the fan is becoming unsightly.
Read it here: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-10-20/fed-s-weight-joins-mortgage-investor-bid-for-relief.html
Mortgage investors - who actually bought the paper behind the loans - want some action from banks. It could cost those banks which did not proceed carefully up to $180 billion.
Watch HUD Secretary Donovan address the issue on 10/20/10 here: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/63870482/
If itsa choice between the banks and the economy - bye bye banks.
Hang in there Barry, we need you.
Your pal,
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Gettin Round the Supremes
Hey Barry:
Maybe there's a way around the Supremes decision that allows corps and unions to spend money in elections without disclosure.
Here's a method to require better disclosure of who actually pays for ads by enacting a state rule. Read it here:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/19/EDQ01FUCH4.DTL
My memory is that the Reps voted down the law requiring disclosure, but maybe the states can do it on their own.
Your pal,
Maybe there's a way around the Supremes decision that allows corps and unions to spend money in elections without disclosure.
Here's a method to require better disclosure of who actually pays for ads by enacting a state rule. Read it here:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/19/EDQ01FUCH4.DTL
My memory is that the Reps voted down the law requiring disclosure, but maybe the states can do it on their own.
Your pal,
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Don't Sell Us Out
Hey Barry:
Part of your job is to keep track of things that can change our future. And, here's one right now: seems some big Chinese companies want to get into the middle of our telecommunications business.
And, Barry, mebbe its jes me, but there aint no such thing as a Chinese company that does things internationally without the direction of the government - they jes do NOT let any company mess around in foreign policy or military strategy. We could learn a lesson there, ya think?
It has the potential to be a bad idea and ya gotta watch it real careful. There are some things that are just bigger than economics.
Read it here:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704300604575555121880239064.html
Your pal,
Part of your job is to keep track of things that can change our future. And, here's one right now: seems some big Chinese companies want to get into the middle of our telecommunications business.
And, Barry, mebbe its jes me, but there aint no such thing as a Chinese company that does things internationally without the direction of the government - they jes do NOT let any company mess around in foreign policy or military strategy. We could learn a lesson there, ya think?
It has the potential to be a bad idea and ya gotta watch it real careful. There are some things that are just bigger than economics.
Read it here:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704300604575555121880239064.html
Your pal,
Friday, October 15, 2010
Big Oil Goes To College
Hey Barry:
Seems a lot of big universities are just a little too cozy with big oil.
Read it here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/15/BAHR1FSR2B.DTL&type=newsbayarea
Exactly what we dont need - big corporations dictating research topics at our famous schools: Stanford, UC Berkeley, etc.
Y'all probably caint do nuthin, but itsa fact worth rememberin.
Your pal,
Seems a lot of big universities are just a little too cozy with big oil.
Read it here: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/15/BAHR1FSR2B.DTL&type=newsbayarea
Exactly what we dont need - big corporations dictating research topics at our famous schools: Stanford, UC Berkeley, etc.
Y'all probably caint do nuthin, but itsa fact worth rememberin.
Your pal,
Bankers Have No Shame
Hey Barry:
Turns out them bankers are takin food from the mouths of babies on welfare.
Hard to believe - read it here:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/15/MN5S1FRNI4.DTL&type=newsbayarea
Your pal,
Turns out them bankers are takin food from the mouths of babies on welfare.
Hard to believe - read it here:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/10/15/MN5S1FRNI4.DTL&type=newsbayarea
Your pal,
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Tax the RICH
Hey Barry:
The RICH is our problem. Now Robert Reich [http://robertreich.org/] has been saying the exact same thing, except he says he is a class 'worrier' and not a class 'warrior'.
He sayin that because he thinks that somehow the good ol U S of A will spontaneously rise up and restore a better balance between the RICH and the rest of us. After all, we have done it before.
What he means is that we have RAISED TAXES on RICH folks before. By RAISING TAXES on the RICH, we have leveled the playing field and made a better country in the past.
So, les look at some facts to see if he is right.
OK, so far as the marginal federal income tax rate on the highest earners goes, score one for RR.
That rate was 91% from 1955 to 1963, then it dropped to under 40% from 1987 to 2003, where it stood at 35%. Read it here: http://www.truthandpolitics.org/top-rates.php
Incidentally, 1955 to 1963 were some pretty good years for growth and jobs in the U S of A.
So lets look at inheritance taxes in the USA. What do we see there: we see that the top inheritance tax rate was between 70% and 90% from 1936 to 1996.
Read it here: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2004/01/estate-taxes-an-historical-perspective
Now that rate is zero.
Score two for RR.
OK, then, what's it all mean.
It means that Congress and the voters were less corrupt/blinded/bamboozled than they are now.
It means that in our recent history we have taxed RICH people a lot and that the economy was better at the time we were taxing the RICH.
But, when we talk bout that today, we get a s...storm of bombast, bribes and lies that take our eye off the ball.
So, Ima guessin that make me a class 'warrior' in RR's definition. I don feel like one, I jes feels like Ima tellin the truth. Well, if tellin the truth make me a 'warrior', so be it.
Here one of da biggest lies we gonna hear: If we put the inheritance tax back on, there will be a lotta poor farmers who will lose the family farm they tryin to pass on to their families.
Thas jes a crock. First off, when we talk about RICH, we are talkin about billionaires, not some family farmers. Im all for making the inheritance tax apply only to RICH - estates more than a billion. That way saves the family farm. Let folks have couple hundred million - no problem. Its the big guys I worry about.
Here another big lie we gonna hear: If we tax RICH folks they won't create jobs and the economy will suffer.
Thats another crock. RICH folks dont create jobs - they buy T bills and such. Jobs are created by small businesses started by middle class folks. Takin away the big fortunes will make more jobs because middle class folks will have more income and will start more businesses.
OK Barry, you got a lot on your plate.
Don let this one slip on by.
We needs ya here.
Your pal,
The RICH is our problem. Now Robert Reich [http://robertreich.org/] has been saying the exact same thing, except he says he is a class 'worrier' and not a class 'warrior'.
He sayin that because he thinks that somehow the good ol U S of A will spontaneously rise up and restore a better balance between the RICH and the rest of us. After all, we have done it before.
What he means is that we have RAISED TAXES on RICH folks before. By RAISING TAXES on the RICH, we have leveled the playing field and made a better country in the past.
So, les look at some facts to see if he is right.
OK, so far as the marginal federal income tax rate on the highest earners goes, score one for RR.
That rate was 91% from 1955 to 1963, then it dropped to under 40% from 1987 to 2003, where it stood at 35%. Read it here: http://www.truthandpolitics.org/top-rates.php
Incidentally, 1955 to 1963 were some pretty good years for growth and jobs in the U S of A.
So lets look at inheritance taxes in the USA. What do we see there: we see that the top inheritance tax rate was between 70% and 90% from 1936 to 1996.
Read it here: http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2004/01/estate-taxes-an-historical-perspective
Now that rate is zero.
Score two for RR.
OK, then, what's it all mean.
It means that Congress and the voters were less corrupt/blinded/bamboozled than they are now.
It means that in our recent history we have taxed RICH people a lot and that the economy was better at the time we were taxing the RICH.
But, when we talk bout that today, we get a s...storm of bombast, bribes and lies that take our eye off the ball.
So, Ima guessin that make me a class 'warrior' in RR's definition. I don feel like one, I jes feels like Ima tellin the truth. Well, if tellin the truth make me a 'warrior', so be it.
Here one of da biggest lies we gonna hear: If we put the inheritance tax back on, there will be a lotta poor farmers who will lose the family farm they tryin to pass on to their families.
Thas jes a crock. First off, when we talk about RICH, we are talkin about billionaires, not some family farmers. Im all for making the inheritance tax apply only to RICH - estates more than a billion. That way saves the family farm. Let folks have couple hundred million - no problem. Its the big guys I worry about.
Here another big lie we gonna hear: If we tax RICH folks they won't create jobs and the economy will suffer.
Thats another crock. RICH folks dont create jobs - they buy T bills and such. Jobs are created by small businesses started by middle class folks. Takin away the big fortunes will make more jobs because middle class folks will have more income and will start more businesses.
OK Barry, you got a lot on your plate.
Don let this one slip on by.
We needs ya here.
Your pal,
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Killin the Goose
Hey Barry:
Y'all mebbe wonderin what is the big deal about this foreclosure mess anyway.
Some folks sayin that we jes gotta let the market take its lumps and move on.
But Barry, it aint that simple or easy. It aint about some poor shlub like yours truly who been sucker punched.
Nope, its about some big things.
An Barry, this here's a surprise - Im gonna agree with the billionaires on this. Normally they is jes wrong and bad for the country - this here's the exception.
When ya think about where does the money come from - all the money in the whole country - ya could do worse than readin THE MYSTERY OF CAPITAL, by Hernando De Soto.
His point is that Western countries like the good ol US of A create a lot of wealth - money - because they have created a system that lets a banker in New York be certain that Sammy Smith really does own the house in Kansas City that he wants a loan on. And with that system the banker can make Sammy a loan and sleep at night.
And because the banker can sleep, then he is willing to value Sammys house at the price that Sammy can afford to pay the loan on, lets say mebbe $200,000.
That mean that Sammy can borrow against his house and buy some stuff or buy another house.
That's the way it used to be, say five years ago. Different today. And Barry, the difference is your problem to solve.
Here's the difference:
But, jes suppose that the NY banker can NOT be sure Sammy owns his house. Then what will he lend Sammy. Answer = zip, nada, zero.
Then what is Sammy's house worth. The same - zip, nada, zero. Mebbe he can find sum fool that'll pay him $5,000 and gamble that he really owns the house. But, and this is the big point Barry, aint no banker gonna lend nuthin on Sammy's house without his being sure who owns it.
OK, then, so what is this wonnerful system that creates all this money. Its the title insurance system. This is the companies that track all the history of Sammy's house to be sure that Sammy really owns it. Then that company writes an insurance policy that says: Yes, Sammy really owns the house.
And thats what the banker needs to make a loan.
Thats all good, but here's what is happening now: The crooked bankers have made such a mess that some title insurance companies are refusin to write insurance on Sammys house. And that gonna mean that no banker will lend on Sammys house. And that gonna mean that Sammys house is worth exactly zero.
See, the bankers job is to provide clear documents to the title company so they can be sure of ownership.
Here's where the crooked bankers come in - today's banks have been so cheap/crooked/lazy [y'all can choose your own word here] that they have failed to provide title companies with clear documents.
That gonna mean that the entire wealth of the country is headin down the drain in a big hurry.
Talk bout killin the golden goose - these criminal banks have jes bout done it for all of us.
OK so whatta we gonna do.
Heres what ya gotta do Barry:
First: Ya gotta create an interim guarantee for the title companies so's they can keep insurin Sammy's house.
Most Important, second: Ya gotta force - I mean FORCE - them crooked mother banks to provide clear and legal docs on all the houses they think they own.
Its the only way out of this particular mess Barry.
Ya gotta be real hard and some of them boys gotta do time.
We with ya Barry.
Your pal,
Y'all mebbe wonderin what is the big deal about this foreclosure mess anyway.
Some folks sayin that we jes gotta let the market take its lumps and move on.
But Barry, it aint that simple or easy. It aint about some poor shlub like yours truly who been sucker punched.
Nope, its about some big things.
An Barry, this here's a surprise - Im gonna agree with the billionaires on this. Normally they is jes wrong and bad for the country - this here's the exception.
When ya think about where does the money come from - all the money in the whole country - ya could do worse than readin THE MYSTERY OF CAPITAL, by Hernando De Soto.
His point is that Western countries like the good ol US of A create a lot of wealth - money - because they have created a system that lets a banker in New York be certain that Sammy Smith really does own the house in Kansas City that he wants a loan on. And with that system the banker can make Sammy a loan and sleep at night.
And because the banker can sleep, then he is willing to value Sammys house at the price that Sammy can afford to pay the loan on, lets say mebbe $200,000.
That mean that Sammy can borrow against his house and buy some stuff or buy another house.
That's the way it used to be, say five years ago. Different today. And Barry, the difference is your problem to solve.
Here's the difference:
But, jes suppose that the NY banker can NOT be sure Sammy owns his house. Then what will he lend Sammy. Answer = zip, nada, zero.
Then what is Sammy's house worth. The same - zip, nada, zero. Mebbe he can find sum fool that'll pay him $5,000 and gamble that he really owns the house. But, and this is the big point Barry, aint no banker gonna lend nuthin on Sammy's house without his being sure who owns it.
OK, then, so what is this wonnerful system that creates all this money. Its the title insurance system. This is the companies that track all the history of Sammy's house to be sure that Sammy really owns it. Then that company writes an insurance policy that says: Yes, Sammy really owns the house.
And thats what the banker needs to make a loan.
Thats all good, but here's what is happening now: The crooked bankers have made such a mess that some title insurance companies are refusin to write insurance on Sammys house. And that gonna mean that no banker will lend on Sammys house. And that gonna mean that Sammys house is worth exactly zero.
See, the bankers job is to provide clear documents to the title company so they can be sure of ownership.
Here's where the crooked bankers come in - today's banks have been so cheap/crooked/lazy [y'all can choose your own word here] that they have failed to provide title companies with clear documents.
That gonna mean that the entire wealth of the country is headin down the drain in a big hurry.
Talk bout killin the golden goose - these criminal banks have jes bout done it for all of us.
OK so whatta we gonna do.
Heres what ya gotta do Barry:
First: Ya gotta create an interim guarantee for the title companies so's they can keep insurin Sammy's house.
Most Important, second: Ya gotta force - I mean FORCE - them crooked mother banks to provide clear and legal docs on all the houses they think they own.
Its the only way out of this particular mess Barry.
Ya gotta be real hard and some of them boys gotta do time.
We with ya Barry.
Your pal,
Friday, October 8, 2010
Adult Bankers!
Hey Barry:
Some bankers - amazingly - act like grown ups.
Will wonders never cease.
But watch out for da catch - them bankers don do nuthin for free. Meantime, be happy for the bone they throwin.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/09/business/09mortgage.html?src=me
Your pal,
Some bankers - amazingly - act like grown ups.
Will wonders never cease.
But watch out for da catch - them bankers don do nuthin for free. Meantime, be happy for the bone they throwin.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/09/business/09mortgage.html?src=me
Your pal,
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Secret Billionaires Buy Rove
Hey Barry:
Good ol boy Rove sells hisself to some billionaires.
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/The-Vote/2010/1005/Karl-Rove-group-spends-big-in-Election-2010-but-is-it-legal
Now y'all gotta fight mega bucks as well as the standard Rep mouthwash.
Keep up the good fight Barry, jes forgit the bi-partisan stuff.
Y'all can go back there when the Supremes see the light and change they law bout lettin corps buy elections.
Your pal,
Good ol boy Rove sells hisself to some billionaires.
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/The-Vote/2010/1005/Karl-Rove-group-spends-big-in-Election-2010-but-is-it-legal
Now y'all gotta fight mega bucks as well as the standard Rep mouthwash.
Keep up the good fight Barry, jes forgit the bi-partisan stuff.
Y'all can go back there when the Supremes see the light and change they law bout lettin corps buy elections.
Your pal,
AmChams Sell You Out
Hey Barry:
Turns out the Supremes open a nasty box when they let corps buy elections. Now the American Chamber of Commerce is actively seeking money from foreign corps to help it buy elections and create a corporate state. Ifn they win, then we'd have something like national socialism - jes hush yo mouth now, never you mind that it dont work.
Read it here: http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/10/report_chamber_raises_hundreds_of_thousands_from_f.php
It's against the law, but that don matter.
Itsa nightmare Barry, we is hopin y'all on it.
Your pal,
Turns out the Supremes open a nasty box when they let corps buy elections. Now the American Chamber of Commerce is actively seeking money from foreign corps to help it buy elections and create a corporate state. Ifn they win, then we'd have something like national socialism - jes hush yo mouth now, never you mind that it dont work.
Read it here: http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/10/report_chamber_raises_hundreds_of_thousands_from_f.php
It's against the law, but that don matter.
Itsa nightmare Barry, we is hopin y'all on it.
Your pal,
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Jes Caint Stop Stealin
Hey Barry:
Them Wall Streeters at Chase bank is so greedy they have mebbe shut down the entire USA housing market for good.
Read it here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/03/business/economy/03foreclose.html?src=busln
Here's an update showin how them bankers jes cannot be trusted: http://www.truth-out.org/shock-therapy-wall-street-jpmorgan-suspends-56000-foreclosures-gmac-and-boa-many-more63803
This can really kill the whole economy, Barry, y'all gotta work on a fix quick like.
Regulation too good to these boys, they gotta go to jail.
Holy cow, it jes dont stop.
Your pal,
Them Wall Streeters at Chase bank is so greedy they have mebbe shut down the entire USA housing market for good.
Read it here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/03/business/economy/03foreclose.html?src=busln
Here's an update showin how them bankers jes cannot be trusted: http://www.truth-out.org/shock-therapy-wall-street-jpmorgan-suspends-56000-foreclosures-gmac-and-boa-many-more63803
This can really kill the whole economy, Barry, y'all gotta work on a fix quick like.
Regulation too good to these boys, they gotta go to jail.
Holy cow, it jes dont stop.
Your pal,
Friday, October 1, 2010
OOOOOoops, Sorry for the 4 Billion!
Hey Barry:
Some traders in Kansas tried to sell 4 BILLION of some thing - who knows what.
What happened, you ask: here's what - the market crashed.
How did some rubes in Kansas get 4 billion of anything anyway.
Holy cow Barry, ya gotta fix this.
Your pal,
Some traders in Kansas tried to sell 4 BILLION of some thing - who knows what.
What happened, you ask: here's what - the market crashed.
How did some rubes in Kansas get 4 billion of anything anyway.
Holy cow Barry, ya gotta fix this.
Your pal,
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Runnin Wall Street
Hey Barry:
As an American I'd truly like to be bi-partisan and see the good in the Reps. But, y'all knows I aint Mary Poppins and the Reps is full of it. All they mouthin is bad for the country - is only good for the RICH.
Now thats what we know, Barry - we know that.
So ya gotta run against that.
And, it really works, Barry. Runnin against Wall Street gets votes. Sumbuddy was runnin gainst a Tea Bagger and havin a hard time. Then she started runnin against Wall Street and tyin her opponent to the bankers. The campaign turned around.
Well I forgot the xact race, mebbe it was in Oregon - don remember.
Point is, its what wins the elections.
Your pal,
As an American I'd truly like to be bi-partisan and see the good in the Reps. But, y'all knows I aint Mary Poppins and the Reps is full of it. All they mouthin is bad for the country - is only good for the RICH.
Now thats what we know, Barry - we know that.
So ya gotta run against that.
And, it really works, Barry. Runnin against Wall Street gets votes. Sumbuddy was runnin gainst a Tea Bagger and havin a hard time. Then she started runnin against Wall Street and tyin her opponent to the bankers. The campaign turned around.
Well I forgot the xact race, mebbe it was in Oregon - don remember.
Point is, its what wins the elections.
Your pal,
Monday, September 27, 2010
RICH = Monopoly
Hey Barry:
You're probably like me, jes as soon not make them billionaires any richer.
But, y'all doin it every day, jes like the rest of us.
See, ting is this - billionaires don get they bucks unless they get a monopoly on sumthin. A monopoly is when ya gotta go to one person to get what you want.
An, here's what bad bout monopoly. It aint jes that they can charge you more for what you want - cuz you got nowhere else to go - they HAVE to charge you more.
Hold on pardner, y'all might be sayin, whattya mean they HAS to charge more.
Now, I can splain all the reasons they HAS to charge higher prices, but it gonna take ten or twelve hours and you don got that time - I don't either. So, Ima gonna give few examples and a link to sumbuddy who has that explanation on the web:
http://tutor2u.net/economics/content/topics/monopoly/monopoly_profits.htm
Here sum examples - rite now I'm typing in microsoft text editor. Which means I hadda pay Bill Gates. [Except actually I don't cuz my copy is from a friend - score one for our side]. Last time I looked Bill Gates is bout the biggest billionare on the planet. An he greedy and he a monopoly. The EU sued him cuz he's a monopoly.
Here how he work: I loved Windows 98 - worked fine, did every thing I wanted and didn't crash every ten minutes. But now you caint use that no more cuz MS Corp does not 'support' it. Which means that none of the current programs gonna work on good ol 98, which means ya gotta buy a new program - from hisself, Bill Gates.
Gotta another personal thing bout Billy - years ago I wrote a book, lotta work an lotta fun. Nobuddy wanted to publish it cuz it wasn't very good. It was a labor of love. Point is this: I wrote it in some program - wordperfect or sum such, an when I turned around, Uncle Billy had bought the program and didn't 'support' it no more. Now I cain't even read my book cuz its in that dead program.
Les move on to the the oil companies. You drive round - you support big oil. An itsa oligopoly - which is a monopoly with friends. Once in while ya might see some gas station open up and charge real low prices cuz they wanna make friends or use the gas price as a loss leader.
They gonna last a week wid dat idea. Here's what gonna happen. Big oil marketing rep gonna come round an say - 'ya know you cain't buy no more gas unless you raise the price. Itsa free country an you can do what you want, but you will charge the price we decide or you won't get gas.'
Nother thing bout big oil - they say the prices are set by the 'market'. Thas a crock. Nex time prices getta little low cuz they too much gas around, they gonna be a refinery shut down because of 'maintnance'. And, surprise, surprise, the price gonna go back up cuz they a 'shortage of gas'.
OK, you can find your own examples. You can make it a game for the kids.
Point about it is this: we all paying so much to support the billionaires that we caint buy any stuff. An if we caint buy any stuff, the economy gonna stay bad.
Thas where we is right now.
An thas another ting thats' bad about the RICH - they stealin so much from us that we is too broke to support the economy.
Ya gotta fix the system Barry, so the monopolists go away.
Your pal,
You're probably like me, jes as soon not make them billionaires any richer.
But, y'all doin it every day, jes like the rest of us.
See, ting is this - billionaires don get they bucks unless they get a monopoly on sumthin. A monopoly is when ya gotta go to one person to get what you want.
An, here's what bad bout monopoly. It aint jes that they can charge you more for what you want - cuz you got nowhere else to go - they HAVE to charge you more.
Hold on pardner, y'all might be sayin, whattya mean they HAS to charge more.
Now, I can splain all the reasons they HAS to charge higher prices, but it gonna take ten or twelve hours and you don got that time - I don't either. So, Ima gonna give few examples and a link to sumbuddy who has that explanation on the web:
http://tutor2u.net/economics/content/topics/monopoly/monopoly_profits.htm
Here sum examples - rite now I'm typing in microsoft text editor. Which means I hadda pay Bill Gates. [Except actually I don't cuz my copy is from a friend - score one for our side]. Last time I looked Bill Gates is bout the biggest billionare on the planet. An he greedy and he a monopoly. The EU sued him cuz he's a monopoly.
Here how he work: I loved Windows 98 - worked fine, did every thing I wanted and didn't crash every ten minutes. But now you caint use that no more cuz MS Corp does not 'support' it. Which means that none of the current programs gonna work on good ol 98, which means ya gotta buy a new program - from hisself, Bill Gates.
Gotta another personal thing bout Billy - years ago I wrote a book, lotta work an lotta fun. Nobuddy wanted to publish it cuz it wasn't very good. It was a labor of love. Point is this: I wrote it in some program - wordperfect or sum such, an when I turned around, Uncle Billy had bought the program and didn't 'support' it no more. Now I cain't even read my book cuz its in that dead program.
Les move on to the the oil companies. You drive round - you support big oil. An itsa oligopoly - which is a monopoly with friends. Once in while ya might see some gas station open up and charge real low prices cuz they wanna make friends or use the gas price as a loss leader.
They gonna last a week wid dat idea. Here's what gonna happen. Big oil marketing rep gonna come round an say - 'ya know you cain't buy no more gas unless you raise the price. Itsa free country an you can do what you want, but you will charge the price we decide or you won't get gas.'
Nother thing bout big oil - they say the prices are set by the 'market'. Thas a crock. Nex time prices getta little low cuz they too much gas around, they gonna be a refinery shut down because of 'maintnance'. And, surprise, surprise, the price gonna go back up cuz they a 'shortage of gas'.
OK, you can find your own examples. You can make it a game for the kids.
Point about it is this: we all paying so much to support the billionaires that we caint buy any stuff. An if we caint buy any stuff, the economy gonna stay bad.
Thas where we is right now.
An thas another ting thats' bad about the RICH - they stealin so much from us that we is too broke to support the economy.
Ya gotta fix the system Barry, so the monopolists go away.
Your pal,
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Who The RICH?
Hey Barry:
Chops to Forbes, they name the names and show the dollars.
Find the list here: http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/10/billionaires-2010_The-Worlds-Billionaires_Rank.html
It's from March, but a good list - pretty sure none of em are on welfare yet.
Mebbe I get some time, I'll copy the names. Meantime, enjoy,
Your pal,
Chops to Forbes, they name the names and show the dollars.
Find the list here: http://www.forbes.com/lists/2010/10/billionaires-2010_The-Worlds-Billionaires_Rank.html
It's from March, but a good list - pretty sure none of em are on welfare yet.
Mebbe I get some time, I'll copy the names. Meantime, enjoy,
Your pal,
Why RICH Bad - Everywhere
Hey Barry:
Jes another reason RICH are da problem: Big ol UN conference on helpin the poor - BUT, they aint no poor there. Jes mo RICH.
Read the article here: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2010/0923/At-UN-elites-mull-Millennium-Development-Goals.-Did-the-poor-weigh-in
Speechless, Barry, jes caint say a word.
Your pal,
Jes another reason RICH are da problem: Big ol UN conference on helpin the poor - BUT, they aint no poor there. Jes mo RICH.
Read the article here: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/Africa-Monitor/2010/0923/At-UN-elites-mull-Millennium-Development-Goals.-Did-the-poor-weigh-in
Speechless, Barry, jes caint say a word.
Your pal,
Monday, September 20, 2010
Fraidy RICH
Hey Barry:
Seems that even Krugman is noticin that the real RICH are a little fraid.
Itsa sign that y'all doin good.
Keep the pressure on - jes mebbe they gettin the message.
Itsa simple message - the RICH is the problem and they gotta go.
Don matter where they go, jes get outta the way and let us live in peace.
Don need they money, don need they cruelty.
Aint nobody gonna weep when they go.
Your pal,
Seems that even Krugman is noticin that the real RICH are a little fraid.
Itsa sign that y'all doin good.
Keep the pressure on - jes mebbe they gettin the message.
Itsa simple message - the RICH is the problem and they gotta go.
Don matter where they go, jes get outta the way and let us live in peace.
Don need they money, don need they cruelty.
Aint nobody gonna weep when they go.
Your pal,
Friday, September 17, 2010
Tellin the Truth - Scary
Hey Barry:
Good on y'all for puttin Elizabeth Warren where she can so some real good.
Nuthin scarier than a 60ish blond woman with a big smile who speaks the truth.
Trick or treat, bankers.
Your pal,
Good on y'all for puttin Elizabeth Warren where she can so some real good.
Nuthin scarier than a 60ish blond woman with a big smile who speaks the truth.
Trick or treat, bankers.
Your pal,
Monday, September 13, 2010
Snowe, Collins and Brown
Hey Barry:
In his column of Sep 13, 2010, E. J. Dionne, Jr. [
http://www.sfgate.com/columnists/dionne/] nails it.
The Supremes messed up big time by lettin corps buy lections an laws.
The Senate can fix it, but three senators are standin in the way.
Time to call em out an fix this, Barry.
Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine and Scott Brown of Mass are lettin the right wing crazies tell em what to do.
Its bad for the country, Barry, jes bad.
Your pal,
In his column of Sep 13, 2010, E. J. Dionne, Jr. [
http://www.sfgate.com/columnists/dionne/] nails it.
The Supremes messed up big time by lettin corps buy lections an laws.
The Senate can fix it, but three senators are standin in the way.
Time to call em out an fix this, Barry.
Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine and Scott Brown of Mass are lettin the right wing crazies tell em what to do.
Its bad for the country, Barry, jes bad.
Your pal,
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