It’s all about the Weiner!

By now, we’ve all heard about Anthony Weiner and his admittance to sending out inappropriate pictures of himself on Twitter. Although I’m not in favor of the public stoning, along with other “so-called” journalistic stories shoved in my face, I’m worried where our country is going. I normally don’t like discussing politics on my blog, but I can’t ignore this kind of continued behavior.

The auto and financial industries slapped the American people with greed and power while we continue to accept narcissism and lying from our politicians. This country is in turmoil, people can’t get jobs (including myself), sell their homes, yet we allow people calling the shots on budgets and making life and death decisions to play hide and seek on our buck. Republican. Democrat. I don’t give a crap. What they are broadcasting to the world is that they have no regard for anyone else…that the American people mean nothing to them. America wants respect—well we better damn well demand it from our government. Anthony Weiner is not the first to show disregard for the people and this country and it's time we make ourselves heard.

Our government better start taking drastic measures when it comes to ANY activity not part of a government employee’s job description. ZERO TOLERANCE. American children are expected to uphold zero tolerance policies in schools, so why aren’t our politicians? How can we expect children to follow policy when our own government can’t? They do something outside of what WE pay them for—immediate dismissal.

We need to start at the top—in politics—and should immediately fire individuals doing anything outside of their job. I don’t care whether it’s in their personal time or not, they signed up to be a public figure—to represent ME—so there should be Zero Tolerance. When they resign or retire, then they can do whatever they want in their personal lives. As long as we allow this public behavior, and then public stoning, younger generations will never understand or follow a healthy path.

If you feel strongly about the behavior we’ve had to deal with from our politicians, then click White House and let our government know how disappointed you are in them. Promote Zero Tolerance.

No Way to the Chicago 2016 Olympics!

It’s bad enough our State falls under ridicule regarding our political parties and their corrupt customs, but it’s inexcusable for our Mayor to make a decision on his own regarding the 2016 Olympics. He signed a contract making the city take full financial responsibility should anything happen, such as cost increases or a disastrous situation. This leaves the Chicago taxpayers vulnerable to a debt that we were never given a choice to vote on. Mayor Daley and the Olympic Committee claim they’re taking insurance policies out to cover additional costs. I’d like to know who is selling them the insurance policies?

Our State can’t even balance the State Budget because there's no money, which impacts the City of Chicago yet the “mayor is still counting on the private sector to shoulder the lion's share of the cost though already there is some public-sector participation planned.” Counting on? He’s banking on an assumption and a want during an economic crisis without taking into account city taxpayers. We already have the highest sales tax in the country. We top the highest gas prices when they go up. It will take years for us along with the rest of the country to recover and financially catch up after this economic crisis, and then we’ll get hit with more debt. I can guarantee you many people will leave the City of Chicago to avoid anymore financial headaches and heartaches.

Even Forbes says Chicago is third worst city on their America’s Most Miserable Cities list. “Lousy weather, long commutes, rising unemployment and the highest sales tax rate in the country are to blame for the Windy City being near the top of our list. High rates of corruption by public officials didn't help either… There has been a net migration of people out of Chicago for seven straight years, a trend that is expected to continue.”

The sad thing for me is I love this city. This city was created by hard working people. Those who built and worked hard around and during the Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 are no longer around. There’s a new breed out there and the trusting company/employee relationship is long gone. And with the unsteady nature of current world affairs, it isn’t unlikely for terrorism or other types of catastrophic situations to arise.

This continuing trend of corruption and deception, along with the 2016 win will force me to move out of the city. If I and others make the decision to migrate out of Chicago, who will be left to pay the bill? I highly doubt it will be Mayor Daley.

Rod Blagojevich upset over misspelling of his name

Today in Illinois, Rod Blagojevich was upset over the misspelling of his name on the impeachment slip. He felt at least one person out of the 114 votes to impeach him should have known how to spell it.

When confronted about the allegations against him, Rod turned to the cameras and said, “I’m innocent, I tell you. I will fight for my innocence as I sit in the jail cell next to George Ryan.”

The House committee wants to clean up the corruption in Illinois politics, along with finding some politicians with a better fashion sense. Behind the scenes, Rod had always been known as ‘Helmet Head’ to his staff, and rumor has it that in the recorded phone tapings, you can hear his wife, Patricia saying, “Quit whining and try my f***ing salon.” Rod accused the House impeachment process for ganging up on him because he has more hair than all of them put together. The committee and his political party denied this allegation.

According to prior records, Rod was going to sell the senate seat for $150,000 to Pete Rose, but shortly after agreement, Pete declined after realizing it wasn’t for admission into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

I received a call from the FBI regarding today’s blog entry, and I confessed that all of these statements are false; I just wanted to keep up with the Illinois political lies.

Hope you had a few laughs. Have a great weekend!

Big Picture on Bail Out

When the government decided to bail out Bear Stearns in May, I had a feeling many companies would follow with the same request. I realize today’s economic conditions are effecting everyone, but in my opinion these companies are in a financial crisis partly due to leadership. Here’s what I don’t understand:

Government not setting precedent regarding these bail outs.

To be honest, I want these companies bailed out because I don’t want people to lose their jobs. I also want the government to dictate and show precedent concerning the bail outs. If these companies can request money from the government, why can’t the government look past the money at the big picture?

I’d like them to look the CEO in the eye and say, “We’ll bail you out under a few conditions. You are no longer the CEO. We will appoint a CEO, or let the Board appoint one, and you will not receive a bonus. Within three months, your company will be required to report back giving us an outline of your short-term future plans.”

The government needs to look at the big picture not just whether or not they should give them money it's how many their decision will effect. I'm sure many of you will disagree with having government get involved in businesses, which I’m not necessarily suggesting (not right now anyways). But, it wasn't the government who came to these companies. All I’m saying is look at the big picture, money, people, and conditions before hitting the gavel after a hasty decision.

Oba-Wan Could Know Me

After many months watching campaigns, campaign ads, conventions and debates, the American citizens have nominated Barack Obama as the next President of the United States. Congratulations, Barack Obama, I’m sure you’ve made your grandmother very proud.

I also want to congratulate John McCain for wanting and fighting for this tough (an understatement) position. Either win, this election made it into the history books.

Barack Obama, you got my vote, and I hope you follow through on your plans and promises. You made history today, but it doesn’t end here. Because you are the first African-American President, I’m sure you know there will be higher expectations of you, especially since we’re in an economic crisis. The United States has lost credibility and respect with other countries, so I hope your words and actions will inspire and build the trust we deserve with world leaders.

I believe you are “The Change We Need,” and I hope you believe we are worth “Fighting For That Change.” Congratulations again, Mr. President.

I had to add this picture of the ‘fist bump’ between Barack and Michelle Obama, because as the saying goes, 'behind every great man is a great woman.’

From the Chicago Sun-Times, scenes of the Barack Obama rally in Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois.

Who Won the Debate, McCain or Obama?

Well, who do you think? Come on, it depends on what candidate the person supports. I’ll admit I caught the tale end of last night’s debate, so I don’t have much to go on as to who held their own. But based on the conventions and past Presidential debates, I can guess the stronger political party.

Statements I’ve heard about the candidates (paraphrased)

1) “There’s no doubt Obama is a strong speaker.”
2) “I changed my vote to McCain when he made Palin Vice President.”
3) “Palin has more experience than Obama to run this country.”
4) “McCain is focused on war instead of the economy.”
5) “McCain tells it like it is.”

My Opinion

1) Yes, Obama is a strong speaker. In my opinion, what makes him strong is his focus on the present and future. He’s gone on the attack, but he also sets the media straight, which is something I love seeing. One response that always stayed with me were attacks on him knowing Bill Ayers and his values, “the notion that … me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago, when I was 8 years old, somehow reflects on me and my values doesn’t make much sense.” I totally agree with him.
2) This individual would like to see Palin as President and that scares me. She is way over her head, and honestly, over mine. I’ve never had a 4.0 GPA, which might be why I don’t understand what she means when she said, “Oh, I think they’re [critics] just not used to someone coming in from the outside saying you know what? It’s time that a normal Joe Six-Pack American is finally represented in the position of vice presidency… “ Is she insinuating the average American drinks a six-pack of beer a night, a week, etc.?
3) I can’t comment too much on this since I haven’t looked into ‘everything’ Palin and Obama achieved in the political arena, although from what I've read I'm not convinced of this comment. Experienced or not, I don't have much respect for her.
4) It seems he tends to bring up his days of war. Don’t get me wrong, I thank McCain for fighting for our country, but right now our country has a lot more woes than war.
5) Obama tells it like it is too. As a matter of fact, Obama states he will raise taxes because that’s partly what is needed to help get us out of this economic mess. Who wouldn’t love to hear our taxes will be lowered? But if lowering taxes will push this country farther in debt, which my gut feeling tells me it will, then I’ll pay the extra taxes to see relief in a year or two.

In addition, when it came to the conventions Obama and Biden seemed connected and close while McCain and Palin were distant and awkward. I wonder if they even met before their convention.

So, who won the debate, McCain or Obama? I think you already know my answer.