What Is The Point In Running General Motors?

What is the economic point in running General Motors? Or Chrysler? I did not know President Obama is versed in economic issues nor had a degree in Business Administration? I also do not know what 60 or 90 or 120 more days will mean for General Motors if there are not major pension/benefit concessions by the UAW. Oh I forgot whoever is actually running GM must now do so without any change in the current debacle of a labor agreement that is has with the UAW. I forgot whoever is actually running GM can strip its preferred stock and bond holders of what is rightfully and legally theirs and not worry about any type of labor concessions. Maybe it is time for raises for UAW members for their non productivity and years of retirement.
The sad part about the whole situation is that GM could have gone into restructuring over a year ago (bankruptcy) and they would be well on the road to recovery with realistic labor agreements and a smaller line of vehicles (and actually make a profit on the cars/trucks they sold). In economic terms this fiasco for GM is only the beginning for poor governmental decision making intervention in what should and needs to be a free market capitalistic economy, where supply and demand rule and the invisible hand weeds out poorly managed and unprofitable companies. Is anyone in Congress listening? Or are they too busy running their feudalistic serfdom now called America?

The Problems of Chris Dodd Never Cease

Do you think Chris Dodd could survive one day working for a private company? With all of the baggage that he has at this time, why would anyone want to hire him? Why do taxpayers have to still put up with him? Why does he even consider running for re election with all of the twists, turns, lies and deceptions he has forced upon Connecticut residents for the past six years. What can he offer our state anymore since he has turned the position of United States Senator into his own personal play land of payoffs and patronage? How can anyone in the Connecticut Democratic party actually endorse this type of corruption? And why has our political system in Connecticut succumbed to this lack of ethics?
The new allegations against Dodd and his forgetfulness of who from AIG actually gave to his campaign, his wife's forgetfulness of which boards she sits on and get paid from and last but not least his sweetheart mortgage deal should not be forgotten in 2010. Dodd deserves to lose and will in 2010. It is just too bad that taxpayers must pay for his never ending pension he will receive from us as he retires.

Sunday's Random Thoughts

Here are some of my Sunday's random thoughts...
The tea party movement is here to stay as taxpayers from both sides of the aisle express extreme frustration with both parties tax and spend nonsense and excessive long term debt that they our bestowing upon our economy. The economic stimulus package which was not read by most who voted for it is a childish economic exercise of tax and spend. It has great long term economic implications which will ultimately lead to economic stagflation and long term recession. It was foolish and shows the lack of the economic knowledge this administration has.
Chris Dodd will lose in 2010 no matter who he hires as a campaign manager. No campaign manager can undo the years of political ineptness that this man has bestowed upon Connecticut. He is a liar, he is corrupt and he will be voted out of office in 2010. He does have a massive uphill battle and will lose.
Why doesn't the state try to investigate all of its wasteful spending on bonuses for the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation rather than AIG? Oh I get it, the CSLF is exempt of any wrong doing because of its political ties. The two tier system is alive and well in Hartford-just keep taxing people and businesses out of state - that should solve all of our problems. Naturally anything our state government does is correct and anything the private sector does is evil and corrupt.

The New Democrat Tax On Shopping Bags

House Bill 5215. This is a beauty developed by Connecticut's tax and spend Democrats. If you forget to bring the "green" bags that you were forced to buy at your grocery stores, you will now charged a tax of five cents for each paper or plastic bag that you use. These monies will supposedly go to state Department of Environmental Protection. The state is projecting stealing $10 million dollars from state taxpayers when they shop. I truly do not believe that one cent will be going to this department but will be lumped as usual into the state's slush fund better known as the General Fund. What gives the right of the state to do this? What about elderly shoppers who may not be able to carry the "green" bags? What a rip off as usual by the tax and spend Democrats in Hartford.
Thus this assembly promotes more of the same, higher spending and higher taxes using any excuse they can possibly muster on any possible aspect of our lives. I urge all taxpayers to voice their opposition to House Bill 5215. There is no need for this theft to occur.

Why Not Tax Lobbyists At 90%?

Why not tax lobbyists at 90%? Just a thought. Since the AIG bonuses are a legal contractual agreement, why doesn't the state and federal governments look into taxing paid lobbyists at a 90% level? This would be a great source of revenue for our bankrupt state and federal governments. Maybe Governor Rell could subpoena all the registered state lobbyists and grill them as to why they are making so much money and how they are influencing the excessive costs of both our federal and state government. Maybe there could be full page articles in all of Connecticut's papers disclosing how much money they actually contribute to politicians on both sides of the aisle and the corresponding legislation that was enacted because of these same contributions. The same could be said for federal lobbyists and their contributions to our federal debt through the excessive amount of legislation they push through for taxpayers. To me it would be logical that if you want AIG employees to testify you should not leave out lobbyists. After all look at the productivity of let say a Tom Daschle and his lobbying efforts (not to mention his ability not to pay taxes). Let's pick on lobbyists who with their political friends who have help to create our economic debacle.

The Crushing Federal Debt

The crushing federal debt. It just keeps coming and coming. We as a nation now have a $11 trillion national debt. In other words our government has spent $11 trillion dollars more than it has taken in. $11 trillion dollars is an incredible number. The great question in Washington which finally some politicians are waking up to is - how is this going to be paid back and by whom? There is not a great deal of economic logic in any of the stimulus or bailout packages which were passed. These packages have all added to the national debt and done little if anything to actually create economic stimulus. Again who is going to pay for this debt in the future? And at what cost? What is the actual value of our dollar relative to this debt?
In my economic opinion these bills must be stopped or this current administration will truly bankrupt our economy. Enough is enough of this economic debacle they have created. Let the free market system clean itself rather than be further soiled by economically illiterate politicians.

The Never Ending Chris Dodd Economic Mess

This mess never ends. The Chris Dodd circus just keeps spinning over and over again. I am just curious as to how much money was donated to the Dodd campaign by many of the failed banking giants and AIG. Then to add insult to injury we have to listen to Dodd belittle and condemn those individuals who were contractually guaranteed their bonuses and that politicians like Dodd knew about this over a year ago. Now we have the spin. Congress-Chris Dodd, the Treasury and the President all know about the bonuses before they are paid out and now all of a sudden a new campaign is dumped upon taxpayers to make us upset about it. We should be livid at Congress. In my economic opinion none of the monies should have been given in the first place and Chris Dodd had and still has full knowledge of the economic mess he created as head of the Senate Banking Committee. He gladly accepts their contributions, he gladly writes a bill in their favor and he gladly condemns them when politically expedient. The Chris Dodd economic mess is never ending. His corruption is never ending, his deals are never ending. Rob Simmons will be an excellent Senator from Connecticut in 2010 and then finally the Dodd debacle will be over.

Why Aren't We Outraged At Congress?

Why aren't we outraged at Congress? After all they have contributed greatly to the economic problems that we have in our economy today. They decided several years ago that they are experts in business and economics and as such stated it was ok to allow mortgages to go to consumers who can not afford them. Then when many of these same mortgages went unpaid and caused a ripple effect in the credit markets, they created a lending spree with no strings attach to the same companies who were going bankrupt. Now, in the case of AIG, contractual employee payments must be paid, a new spin occurs. All legal action by the economic savvy Congress and President will be used to stop these payments. Why? If you are employed by AIG and were doing your job well and selling product, doesn't our capitalistic system reward those whose economic value is greater than those who are not? Capitalism rewards risk and achievement. It is pathetic to see this new spin by Congress and the Obama Administration that these employees are the cause of AIG's problems because they did their job. When does Congress ever do their job? Why are they allowed to spend our money any way they want to suffice their pork barrel spending and lobbying groups which dictate really what taxpayers can or can not have? Why are we not outraged against Congress and the Obama administration? I know I am one taxpayer who is.

The Private Sector Will Always Stimulate The Economy

The private sector will always stimulate the economy. As hard as politicians try to put a twist on the economy today, there is no such thing as a governmental trickle down effect from this current pork ridden economic stimulus bill. The money that the Obama Administration is using is borrowed taxpayer's monies. And it is being borrowed from people who are not even born yet. It is being borrowed from the open markets which will ultimately lead to higher interest rates and higher inflation rates. Thus in in a few short months we will probably see much higher interest rates and much higher inflation. Therefore the question must be asked that if homeowners who are facing foreclosure today - how will they be any better off when interest rates start to go up again and the actual cost of living is much higher due to inflation? It is a question ignored by the Democratically led Congress and by the media. Guess what, those who can't afford their mortgages today and will still not be able to afford them in the future. The private sector needs to clear out the toxic debt, the bad mortgages, the businesses which can no longer make a profit. Then and only then will our economy get back on the right track. This current administration truly does not understand nor does it care to understand the massive economic mistakes it is making by these pork laden spending bills. 2010 is coming, can the private sector wait that long for change?

Here Come The Cuts

Here come the cuts. The elitist Democratic party of Connecticut is finally going to show the state what their true colors are. The Democratic legislature is going to show the illiterate taxpayers of our state, budget cuts shown in three different scenarios. Obviously the scenarios will be mild, tough, and draconian. To use a psychological advantage on their own ineptness in leading the state, the Democrats will now will resort to picking up on an Obama theme, scare and fear given certain cuts in programs for our state. Democrats want to preserve as many political patronage jobs as they possibly can thus they will cut "real" programs to help save money. Mr. Donovan's $165,000 mouthpiece stays. Mr. Gaffey's rhetoric about double billing the state stays. Mr. Lawlor's attack on the Catholic Church stays.
Taxpayers are not stupid to this political game that the Democrats continue to play in Connecticut. We have the highest tax burden in the country, along with the highest gas tax, highest electric rates in the country, one of the worse climates for business and industry in the country and we are now going to be spoon fed their drastic measures. The Democrats in Hartford are unfit to lead. They have lost Connecticut as taxpayers continue to tune out their corruption and games. 2010 can't happen soon enough.

Why Is Capitalism Bad?

Why is Capitalism bad? Can someone explain that to me? Why is it bad to invest in businesses in our country who in turn manufacture, produce and service products and goods for our economy? Why is it bad for these same businesses to create jobs for our economy which in turn help create a prosperous economic business cycle? Why is it bad to have an unyielding optimism about the American worker-most who work hard and are very productive for our economy? Why is wealth bad in our economy? Why is it bad for those who take risks in our economy to keep most of what they earn? Why does our economy give incentives for those people who are lazy and do not wish to work? Why do they have to be supported by those who do work hard? Why does government feel they that they can run our economy better, given all of the scandals, illegal dealings and immoral conduct they exhibit in both the White House and in Congress? Why do Congressional Democrats, many who are multi millionaires, have such a hatred of an economic system that they have benefited from? Why are the talking heads in the 24/7 media glorified for their obvious lack of economic knowledge and their complete bias in reporting what is actually going on? Capitalism through its natural means will get us out of this recession. Hoover/FDR/Obama economics will not. This is a fact which will once again be shown by the free market system.

Come On Let's Jump On The Democrat Tax Train!

Come on taxpayers of Connecticut lets jump on the Democratic tax train in Hartford.
Taxpayers throughout our state let's get on board.
Higher taxes will solve everything here in Connecticut and hopefully bring us back to being a #1 taxed state in our country.
Recession, depression, you are dreaming if you think you can't pay more in taxes.
How about .05 cents more on your heating oil - what do you mean you are cold?
What do you mean your income levels have dropped? We will just raise your income taxes even more to help our state spend more for the special interest groups who run it.
What do you mean that you that earn $132501 a year? We will tax you more so that you really pay your fair share. You wealthy people need to work harder to help support those who do not wish to work and for state legislators to spend even more.
Come on let's jump on the Connecticut Democratic tax train! And let's take the next train and move out of this state!

You Are Rich If You Earn $250,000 A Year

You may not have known that you are rich if you or you and your spouse earn $250,000 a year. But according to our new Democrat economics, you are rich and you will be taxed and taxed and taxed a little more. Never mind you might be an entrepreneur and take risks with your money, those risks need to be taxed by the new economics of the new administration. Never mind that in theory 95% of all Americans (I guess not all taxpayers?) will get a tax break, many who do not even pay taxes at this time. Nope you will be supporting them even more so, so they do not have to work nor be productive nor ever have to pay taxes. See you or you and your spouse are rich making $250,000 and government can't see that you should keep money that you work for. Congress can see themselves exempting themselves from any laws that they pass or possibly paying any taxes (why should they bother anyways-no law actually either means anything to them or that they need to abide by it, but you need to pay. And pay you will for this Democratic mess of higher taxes, higher spending, and an economic situation exaggerated by their ineptness in trying to resolve it. The tide is turning already against this new taxation without representation. 2010 is coming faster than they believe and many of these political hacks will be voted out of office. Do you hear that Congress?

What Was Said Was Nothing Again

I guess there was a great speech taking place last night. In the Obama speech what was said was nothing again. In the Bobby Jindal speech we heard a Governor who has principles and fiscal discipline. In the Obama speech, no new plans or actual information by the President as to how he is going to turn the economy around. Contradiction galore including the senseless and expensive tax on carbon. Nope in my economic opinion we heard more of the same, more rhetoric, more style than substance and many more taxpayers starting to really tune out the lack of vision by this new administration. We did hear a fresh voice in Governor Jindal who is obviously not worried about public opinion polls and actually leads his state.
By expanding government all you are doing is cutting out the private sector which is the backbone of our economy and the area where new jobs and wealth are created. The Federal government does little if anything to create jobs or wealth in our economy.
Our economy is still strong and vibrant in its fundamentals. We need to stop listening to the 24/7 talking heads and politicians who know little if anything about business and economics and are more concerned with their glory and self gratification. We are an educated population who will overcome this man made negativity. Those who wish to work hard and be successful will continue to do so in our country. Make no mistakes about it. I promise you that.

Economic Confusion

We have economic confusion in our current administration. In my economic opinion we also have economic illiteracy also. I am confused how you can add over $1.2 trillion dollars to the national debt in less than one month in your administration, then come up with a comment on economic restraint and to cut in half the actual deficit by 2013. Can someone in economics tell me how this is possible? I am lost by this rhetoric and fantasy remark. I am even more confused by a pork and earmark laden stimulus package that really does nothing other than place a pent up spending package onto the economy with no rhyme or reason. Obviously politicians are blind to the repercussions of who actually will be paying back this $1.2+ trillion dollars over the next 100 years. And they also blind to the reality that this package is doing nothing to help the economy. Why has the stock market reacted so negatively? Lack of confidence? Lack of any economic knowledge by this administration? Lack of leadership? All of the above? Thus a new chapter for my class will be how to spend $1.2 trillion dollars of pork and then get half off your debt in 4 short years. 2010 can't happen soon enough.

It Is Really Time For Chris Dodd To Resign

It is really time for Chris Dodd to resign as Senator of Connecticut. Yesterday Dodd once again proved his incompetence as head of the Senate Banking Committee with his remarks regarding short term nationalization of our banking system. With this remark he was able to cause millions of Americans to lose even more money in the stock market as prices fell. His panic remarks came after his stupid remarks over the past two years both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are in great financial shape, that TARP will help both banks and the credit markets and his nondisclosure of his sweetheart mortgage deal with Countywide mortgage (which benefited from the first bailout bill dramatically). Enough is enough, between lying about his mortgage, getting financial donations from the banking and finance industries which are influencing his decision left and right and now his panic remarks, Dodd can no longer govern. He is causing incredible damage to our financial system and to our state.
Chris Dodd is the reason why we need the power of a recall election in Connecticut. We as taxpayers and voters must force him out of office today, we can't wait until 2010 anymore. Taxpayers can no longer accept his personal glory and self interest as the guise of being a Senator. Dodd needs to resign today.

End The Fairness Doctrine Once And For All

End the Fairness Doctrine once and for all. I applaude South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint to force a vote on ending any thoughts of reviving the Fairness Doctrine. This law does limit freedom of speech and is solely targeted to conservative talk radio. Liberal talk radio fails miserably as guess what very few people wish to listen to it. Liberals are besides themselves in trying to limit Conservative hosts Beck, Limbaugh and Hannity, and their powerful and large radio audiences who listen to them. Why? Because Democrats are afraid of the truth? Are they afraid that these three hosts plus several more are actually expressing a point of view in which millions of Americans agree upon? As compared to the stale, failed rhethoric of the Democratic party? I think Senator DeMint has forced the issue and we will see how many Senators will be in favor of eliminating our freedom of speech by voting to agree with this failed doctrine. The standard should be freedom of speech not the limiting of speech to only liberalism. Remember 2010 is coming fast and the scales will be turning back towards democracy at that time.

These Are The Real Economic Figures That Should Be Reported

These are the real economic figures that should be reported but are not by the media. First we are not in nor even close to a depression. We are in a normal business cycle called a recession. In a recession people lose their jobs because of a lack of demand by consumers to purchase certain goods and services. This is a common occurrence in our economy since the forming of our country. This recession has been exaggerated by both the government and the media. The government has forced affordable housing on the financial industry since the Carter administration and was blind to the massive failures of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Thus people who can't afford homes are in them right now and are part of the toxic debt problem we have. Thus it is furthering the recession.
Our money supply is a fiat money supply meaning that the US dollar is backed by our faith in our government not by any precious metal. Roosevelt decided back in 1933 to stop backing our dollar with gold and turned to this fiat money system. The next result was money that had no longer any real value to it. Did this shorten the depression? Not at all, our production only increased when we entered World War II. Also the decline in the stock market back in the depression was 90%, today it is only 35%, there is much more money and opportunities in our economy today than the 1930's. Thus his programs did virtually nothing to end the great depression and were more politically orientated than economic.
In reality we have a recession as severe as the 81-82 recession, which we came out of not with massive pork governmental spending but with well thought out tax cuts which stimulated our economy for a long period of time. In my economic opinion to use economic fear to your political advantage is ruthless, illogical and misguided. Unfortunately it seems that our new administration loves and thrives on it. Why? Because power and ego are much more important than the good of our country to these people who supposedly represent us.

How A Democratic Stimulus Harms America

This Democratic stimulus harms America. Since we as taxpayers and voters were not able to comment on the plan nor did any members of Congress actually read it, we must examine from an economics point of view how badly this plan will hurt rather than help our economy. This bill has transfered many of our economic systems private sector functions to the Federal government. By doing this it has created a political economy, one which is fresh with corruption, earmarks, pork and economic illiteracy. How can Congress deny the excessive earmarks and lobbyists injections into this bill? By injecting over $1 trillion dollars in deficit spending in our economy, on programs and projects unproven and untested, it has only allowed the national debt to increase by 10% in one month and further eroded our gross domestic product. It will further erode our credit markets crowding out the little private sector lending taking place and will ultimately lead to much higher rates of interest and inflation. How many jobs are actually being created, at what cost to taxpayers? Where does it state in this plan how and when the national debt gets paid off? Why was this not taken into consideration? What part of economics am I missing here? How does high inflation create economic stimulation? If you really wanted to stimulate our economy Congress would have had the guts to eliminate all taxes on interest, dividends, and capital gains and lower federal spending to a balanced budget for 2009.
We can take comfort in that this plan has shown how out of touch with reality the Democratic members of Congress have become and how many are going to lose reelection in 2010 and 2012. I also must remind the Democratic Congress that FDR died in 1945 and his new deal was a miserable failure just like your bill of 2009.

The New Transparency - Taxpayers Have No Rights

The New Transparency - taxpayers have no rights. This was proven by the Obama administration and his Democratic soldiers in Congress. This new transparency means that taxpayers have no representation by any of the Democratic members of Congress. Here in Connecticut anyone who works for a living has absolutely no representation in Washington. For in a democracy common voices should be heard and debate needs to occur in order for that democracy to survive. What we saw Friday was a rape of our democracy. What we saw with the passing of this so called stimulus package was a rape of taxpayers in our country. What we saw Friday was a rape of children's and grand children's future. What we saw by the new President and his Democratic Congress was a blatant and chilling closing of democracy. The rape of prosperity, freedom of speech and representative government was accomplished by this bill. I can only take comfort that 2010 is coming and taxpayers will have the final say at that time.

What Stimulus Bill? The Democratic Financial Mess

What stimulus bill? The Democratic financial mess. How much will each job cost taxpayers, a mere $400,000? That is stimulating the economy? What a waste of taxpayers monies. How much pork was added to the final bill, can anyone in Congress tell me? In my economic opinion I do not see a great deal of support for this bill that has passed. I find it offensive to taxpayers that Congress wasn't able to even read the bill before voting on it nor were there any public comment on it. Thus taxpayers were just shoved down our throats an additional $2-3 trillion dollars of national debt with absolutely no guarantee of stimulus. I personally doubt if the Democrats will control Congress or the White House in 2010,2012. It will always be known as the Democratic financial mess they created. Great job!

Thursday February 12 - A Connecticut Holiday. Why?

Thursday February 12 - A Connecticut Holiday. Why? Why is today a paid state holiday in Connecticut? Why do taxpayers have to pay for this day off for state workers? How many holidays do state workers get? I know it is more than what I get. With a massive budgetary crisis that we have in the state today, one of the first areas that should be cut are these excessive holidays that are given to state workers. Today is not even a federal holiday so why is Connecticut closed today because of it? Are most state workers home today reflecting on Abraham Lincoln and the problems he faced as President?
Excessive and ridiculous benefits such as today being a paid state holiday has been a great contributing factor in to our states financial mess. Double dipping of retired workers also has been abused and is another factor. Taxpayers who are working today should be livid that this is a paid holiday for state workers in Connecticut. Just another example of the massive waste of taxpayers monies here in our state.

Treasury Secretary Geithner Is Unfit To Serve

Treasury Secretary Geithner is unfit to serve. I found his remarks yesterday to have no substance whatsoever with regards to the Democratic induced economic crisis that we have. He seemed completely lost while his boss is campaigning again about his failed stimulus bill. I am currently teaching a course in Money and Banking this semester (at probably the greatest time ever to be taking it for students). As my class has picked apart on numerous occasions the problems with all of the TARPs, I continue to state that the biggest problem that the economy has today is pricing the toxic mortgage debt that is in the market today. Geithner really needs the ability to come clean as to a valuation on the debt itself, whether it is 10% or 25% or whatever percentage value is derived for it. Why does the new Treasury Secretary have so much problem in doing this valuation? Price it and lets move forward. Toxic debt removed from the market would recreate our credit markets and get the economy moving again rather than the pork/earmark filled bogus stimulus package which will ultimately rape our economy in the long run. Our economy is no way, shape or form is near a depression. We still have the greatest free market economy and country in the world. We need our new administration to stop bashing our economy and act to allow the free markets to work again. This new Treasury Secretary is again an example of failed liberal policies of this administration which is already leading us to the path of ruin.

Our New Economics, Boy Does It Scare Me

Our new Economics, boy does it scare me. I know that as an Instructor of Business and Economics I need to revamp all of my lectures. I need to lecture my students on why our Federal government has to spend money on special interest groups, pork barrel projects and not worry about paying taxes. I can see a lecture on why when one is appointed to a Cabinet position in a new Presidential administration that one does not need to worry about paying taxes. My case study would be Treasury Secretary Geithner who just forgot to pay them and is appointed to this position. In my case study I will compare myself not paying taxes and the penalties that I would endure and Geithner's avoidance of all penalties. I can show how special he is because he is a Democrat. I can also use as a case study Senator Chris Dodd, how a Senator can use his political influence to state that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are solvent when they are really not and then be able to get a sweetheart deal on his own mortgage. Economics therefore equals lies and your ability as an elected official to lie basically about anything and everything. Lastly I can use in a lecture that we stimulate our economy through special interest, partisan, corrupt, pork barrel spending funnelled through the Federal government. They can now limit what others make, nationalize our health care system so that more can die and then exempt themselves from the economic mess they have bestowed upon taxpayers. I am really scared but I will choose to continue to teach that the free market system is the only economic system which allows for economic growth and prosperity, something that the Democratic party hates.

State of Connecticut Pension = Continuing To Work For The State Forever

State of Connecticut pension = continuing to work for the state forever. I thought that if you retired from the State of Connecticut with your pension, you could work for 120 days at the most twice. I did not know you could work forever and double dip as long as you want. What a deal! I was even more astounded as both an educator and as a taxpayer that UConn allows this to happen; "One of the biggest UConn "double-dippers" is Richard Kochanek, the former head of the accounting department in the School of Business. Kochanek, 66, teaches two big introductory accounting classes each semester, for which he is paid $81,650 a year, records show. That's on top of his pension, which is $174,432 annually." - Hartford Courant Sunday 2/8/08. That is about $20000+ plus for one class! In the 27 years that I have been teaching Business and Economics classes at area Colleges and Universities I never made more than $3300 a class. Hey I would be willing to teach that great big Accounting class for half of that and save the state over $40,000! Wow what a deal!
I continue to be astounded at the lack of rules that govern anything Connecticut's government does. Even with rules in place and audits taking place, I guess it is just a question of the hell with laws and rules, we can do anything we want. Nor do we want any new educators with new ideas coming in and teaching our students. I guess Good ol' Boys will be Good ol' Boys and taxpayers once again be damned. What another waste of taxpayers monies.

Chris Dodd - Sees Nothing, Speaks Nothing, Hears Nothing

Chris Dodd - sees nothing, speaks nothing, hears nothing. 235 days plus later we still do not have any more information about Dodd's sweetheart mortgage deal with Countrywide Mortgage. We still are no further to trying to understand how Dodd was able to get the large sums of money for his mortgages at a reduced rate and save himself $75,000+. We still are no further in understanding his sweetheart bailout bill that was passed to help his friends at Countrywide Mortgage. We are still no further in understanding how a paid consultant of his law firm (at a cost of $70,000+) was to objectively find anything wrong with Dodd's mortgage deal. We still continue to have the lies of Chris Dodd who is unfit to be the Chair of the Senate Banking Committee. Chris Dodd has once again shown his lack of ethics in continuing to lie about his deal and subsequent payback to Coutrywide with his bill.
And no it does not make a difference if he is going to refinance his mortgages with another lender, he still has not come clean with his dealings with Countrywide.
Chris Dodd has lied to the taxpayers of Connecticut long enough. 2010 can't happen soon enough - Dodd must go.

The Demoratic Man That Costs Taxpayers $165,000

The Democratic man that costs taxpayers $165,000. What is another $165,000 to taxpayers? After all being a Press Secretary, to in his own mind, to the most important Democrat in Connecticut, Speaker Chris Donovan, is probably one of if not the most important jobs in Connecticut. I know it is difficult to motivate Democrats who have a super majority in the House and as such Mr. Whiting really needs all of this money. I know this job creates in the Democrats minds a great deal of productivity and somehow contributes to the United States balance of trade and to our nation's Gross Domestic Product. I know Mr. Whiting's job is stressful, he endangers himself each day he goes to work, his position critical and essential to the day to day functioning of Connecticut. Obviously Connecticut could no longer function without Mr. Whiting. Maybe it is time to start naming streets, schools and or towns in Connecticut after Whiting, Donovan or maybe even Jim Amann?
Just another example of how the Democratic party in Connecticut has no respect or economic common sense for taxpayers. Again, just another example of how leaderless and inept Chris Donovan is. 2010 is coming.

The List Of Corrupt Connecticut Politicians Continues

The list of corrupt Connecticut politicians continues. It seems like there are more Democrats this time than Republicans. I guess there is nothing wrong with getting your house fixed for free if you are Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez. Obviously the contractor who did the work expects more of the city's work in return. Not a bad trade-off. Senator Chris Dodd still can not come clean about his sweetheart mortgage deal with Countrywide. Yet he can dictate to the private sector what they can or can not spend money on. Oh yeah and also write a bill to help Countrywide at the expense of taxpayers. How about Judge Curtissa Cofield and her vulgar racial remarks to the State Police? What is she going to get? Will she get to keep her job by taking some drunk driving classes? How can she actually sit in a court of law anymore? How about State Representative Brian O'Connor and his special drunk driving classes? State Senator Tom Gaffey has for years been unethical, his latest effort of double billing the state just a another notch in his personal level of corruption in his office. Why would you want Gaffey to represent you anymore? Jim Amann and his sweetheart deal with Chris Donovan went sour, but what other private deals were made which impair the ability of the Speaker of the House to actually lead? How does either one have any credibility or ethics anymore?
In all of these instances and countless others we see the lack of ethics by members of the Democratic party in Connecticut. We know if any of these politicians were Republicans they would immediately be ripped apart. How much longer do we as taxpayers have to support this mockery of government? Is the Democratic party in Connecticut ever going to clean up their act and have ethics?

Blame Rush.

Blame Rush. I guess if you are President of the United States your biggest fear is a conservative talk show host. I guess your biggest fear is conservative talk radio, The National Review and conservative bloggers. You must fear them since they are the opposition now. You must fear them because they will not conform to your tired speeches that we all must unify under you. You must fear them because they speak the truth about the falseness of your administration already. You must fear them because they see through your concept of ethics since your new Treasury Secretary does not need to pay taxes nor does your Secretary of State have any conflicts of interest nor any ethics.
You see your administration is about the power that the mainstream media has created about you. You have no experience nor have you really surrounded yourself with capable people. No the mainstream media has created you and over the next few years the mainstream media will bring you down.
But please do not blame Rush Limbaugh. Blame yourself. Ethics does matter to most Americans.

Thank You President Bush

Thank you President Bush. Eight long years ago you took office, our country was running its course. 9/11/01 occurred and life as once we knew it changed forever. Innocent people were murdered that day by a group of individuals who hate our freedom, hate themselves, yet embrace our money to attain their goals. You as President took it upon yourself to make our country safe again, so we would not have fear to travel to work or to the store or to our Churches. You as President did not have an ego. You did not care about what your political enemies said about you, this was a refreshing change from the prior eights years we endured with our last President. You as a President put the safety of our country first and you fought a battle against the enemy, the Democrats and the media. Yet you continued to show your strength and courage in the face of this crisis.
When history is read again, you will be credited with making our world a safer place to live.
Again our thanks President Bush. Enjoy Texas now again.

Dodd, Gaffey, Donovan, Amann = The Cancer of Connecticut

Dodd, Gaffey, Donovan, Amann = the Cancer of Connecticut. Where do we begin with the cancer known as the Democratic party in Connecticut? First we still can not get any information about Chris Dodd's illegal and unethical mortgage with Countywide. As far as he is concerned he did nothing wrong except rape the taxpayers of Connecticut with his deal. And we should be accepting of his folly as he does not know he did anything wrong, laws are not for liberals like him who are capable of bringing down the housing market with their ineptness. Senator Gaffey is a mess entwined in different double billings, affairs with state government workers, all unknown to him also. Years of his corruption which he does not know what he did wrong. If what he has just done in doubling billing taxpayers for his extravagant trips and conferences is not illegal, unethical and immoral I do not know what is. Finally poor Chris Donovan can't manage his plum Speaker job that pays $38000 without help from the former Speaker Amann and then have the audacity to pay him $120000 for it with a $6 billion dollar budget deficit on the horizon. This is a man who feels he can be Governor of Connecticut? Incredible.
What we have here are four unethical, immoral, illegal and egotistical Connecticut Democratic politicians who have become in their own minds above any law. They are the cancer that is eating away our state. 2010 can not come too soon. They all should be man enough to resign today if not sooner.

I Am A Liberal Therefore I Need Not Pay Any Taxes

I am a Liberal and therefore I need not pay any taxes. However if I was a Conservative or a Republican and was being appointed to the Treasury Secretary position and did not pay my estimated taxes when I worked for the IMF, I would be chewed up, spit out and not confirmed. So why is this Obama pick being treated with such grace and forgiveness? Last time I remembered it was against the law not to pay your taxes. And someone in this position in the IMF, an elitist position, who was that ignorant in forgetting to pay his taxes? In my economic opinion he decided willfully not to pay his taxes and put his money to use someplace else, especially not paying the United States Treasury, which he is now going to lead. Timothy F. Geithner is unfit to become our next Treasury secretary in these difficult economic times. He has shown his displeasure for following the laws of our tax system and his blatant disrespect for our economic system by doing this. Yes he was sloppy. He also broke the law. Therefore his nomination should voted down immediately.
I can see the Obama cabinet having many different political hacks being recycled over and over again in his very short four year term. This administration is showing its ineptness already. Bring on 2012.

Democratic Liberalism = Higher Connecticut Taxes

Democratic liberalism will mean higher taxes for all of Connecticut taxpayers. I just hope they get to the bottom of all of that garbage that has happened on Wall Street. Because those goons on Wall Street, many who live in Connecticut, have helped to support over the good years the liberal spending in Hartford. Now that times are bad it is now these same goons fault that we are in the fiscal mess we are in. These same liberals who have an incredible need to spend money as rapidly as they can in order to keep getting re-elected. I do not know why anyone is losing sleep over this fiscal mess we are in. The politicians in Hartford represent only their own self interest and self glory. There is no need to be concerned about those of us who actually work for a living here in the state. No we are just going to tax and spend even more in this coming session.
What some politicians in Hartford, including the Governor, could actually offer is massive cuts in spending and the elimination of the state income tax. What you would see is incredible private sector economic stimulation in our state. But then again we really can't have that now as our state government must be the cancer that entraps us all forever. Change in Connecticut can't happen soon enough, too bad we must another two years for it.

Representative Mushinsky = No Change As Usual

Representative Mushinsky of Wallingford represents no change as usual in her recent political appointment as Chairperson of the Program Review and Investigations Committee. I find her appointment ironic as she represents 28 years of her failed liberal agenda in the state legislature. Her most important vote being for the state income tax. Now she wants to look at tax credits for many industries. However, hasn't she been in office for 28 years and been part of many of these tax credits? She also wishes to look at many programs and view results based accounting for state programs. When has anyone in state government including herself been worried about results based anything? Her mantra has been tax and spend, tax and spend to the point that Connecticut is the second highest taxed state in the country and we are in one of the poorest preforming economies in the country with massive population drains. Yes all these problems are indirectly the result of her failed 28 year liberal agenda along with the failed agenda of Connecticut's Democratic party which has now pushed our state to the edge of no return. I still find it amazing that Wallingford voters were blind in seeing this and brought her back for yet another two years of failure.

The 100 Most Special Individuals In America Today-The United States Senate

There are 100 individuals in the United States today who are more elite, more important and more special than anyone else in our country. They are not individuals from the Armed Forces, nor from our Police or Fire Departments, nor from our Hospitals, nor from any Charitable organizations. They are the United States Senate. A group of 100 special, important, elitist, above any law people who help make laws in our country. These 100 people are in theory elected by voters. But more importantly they are appointed by Governors who have the ability to broker to the highest bidder their seats when a Senator goes on to an even more important office and must resign their position. And you may ask what is wrong with a lowly Governor appointing (through the appropriate lobbying, cash payouts and the like)their successor? I guess there is nothing wrong with the current situations taking place in both New York and Illinois. Of course the Obama camp had no knowledge of what was going in Illinois at all. And in New York the legacy of the Royal Family of America to be appointed to a vacant Senate seat is a right granted by the United States Constitution and should be adhered to.
What a mockery of our political process. What a debasing of the rules and laws that govern our country. What a disgrace. All this as we wait for Senator Chris Dodd, a major factor in the current economic credit crisis that he helped to create, for 196 days to tell us taxpayers about his sweetheart mortgage deal. The United States Senate needs reform if we as a nation are going to survive.

Connecticut's Fiscal Mess

Connecticut is in a fiscal mess. In a state that spends over $18 billion dollars a year we are in a fiscal mess. Actually it is not we but the Governor and elected officials who have increased spending by billions of dollars are in a fiscal mess. My family and many others are not in a fiscal mess because we have chosen to live within our means. We have decided not to take out jumbo mortgages which we can not afford (although we have not been given a sweetheart mortgage like Chris Dodd). We have chosen not to spend more than we earn and run up excessive credit card debt like others. We have decided to be thrifty and frugal in many areas of our personal lives. Connecticut's government and legislature decided to spend wildly above their means using the state income tax as their greatest source of ever increasing revenue and new and higher taxes on just about everything to get us in this fiscal mess. This has all happened since Connecticut's dark ages of the Weicker administration, where tax and spend were the mantra of political life.
Thus we as a state are in a fiscal mess. A fiscal mess which was produced by our elected officials. Not by taxpayers. Maybe governmental officials could do the right thing now and give up their taxpayer financed salaries and taxpayer funded campaigns for reelection to save money. Maybe just maybe they should pay for their continuing fiscal irresponsibility - hit them in their pocketbooks like we taxpayers of Connecticut have been hit. Our well is now dry - taxpayers have no more to give to this fiscal mess in Connecticut which was not our making.

Let's Sell All Congressional Seats!

Let's sell all Congressional seats. Better yet why don't we charge money to our current Senators and Representatives for keeping their seats. States could generate a great deal of revenue from this. For example here in Connecticut it would be a great way to help pay off the massive overspending by the Democratic state legislature over the years. Isn't it true that most of Congress are multi millionaires anyways? They can afford to pay the states they represent (or have moved to in order to obtain the seat)millions of dollars to retain their seat. What is the use of elections anyways? Incumbents can control their district or state for years with no amount of wrong doing ever forcing them from office. Look at Chris Dodd, he has helped to create the financial crisis our economy is experiencing and got a sweetheart mortgage deal on top of that. And why should he or any other member of Congress worry about any sense of ethics and or worry about any type of law that runs our nation. All 535 members should be and are above all that nonsense that we taxpayers must follow. Congress has become the ruling elite following no law, needing no ethics nor have any concerns other than their own self gain and financial reward. Maybe in 2009 taxpayers should break away from this tyranny like we did in 1776. Enough is enough.

Businesses Welcome To Illinois

Businesses welcome to Illinois. Now here is a state that you want to do business in. A warm, friendly economic environment greets you. Little governmental intervention unless you are the Governor or a Reverend. I am astounded at the Republic Windows and Door debacle that is currently taking place in Chicago. I am also astounded at the Governor's incredible economic plan to stop doing business with Bank of America as punishment (punishment for what?).
Thus as an economist, I must understand Economics 101 in a now liberal, nationalized economy.
Here is what used to occur. A company is doing poorly for a variety of reasons, possibly lower sales, increased competition, excessive federal, state and local governmental taxes and regulations, excessively high wages and benefits, higher inputs costs, etc. The bank that they are doing business with decides by analysis of their financials that they are a high credit risk, have no other assets/future sales to borrow against and pull their line of credit. No more money is available to this company to continue their operations. The company then must close its operations because it no longer has any money to pay its bills or its employees. All of its employees are laid off, the company then decides on bankruptcy and the private business cycle falls into place with firms leaving an industry due to a lack of profit.
In New World Liberal Economics, a company should have been making a profit so that local, state and federal governments could have taxed the profit at a 100% level to continue to finance their deficit spending and redistribution of wealth. The bank they are doing business with does not have to analyze any financials or sales, they just will continue to lend them money to infinity. The company even though it may be losing money and sales will continue to give massive pay and benefit increases to its employees. And finally bankruptcy is outlawed in our economy. We now have an Utopian economy where the business cycle no longer exists. I guess I need to reeducate myself on everything that I have learned about economics over 35 years. I never thought I would see this in my lifetime.
And I guess I will never open a business in Illinois and I guess many others will not either.

Congress and It's Lack of Knowledge About Our Economy

Congress really does not understand economics in any way shape or form. The Congressional hearings about the auto bailout truly astound me. Many of these same politicians who are belittling the auto industry executives had no problem supporting the fall 2007 strike by UAW against General Motors (Does Mr. Obama remember this by any chance?), they had no problem adding greater standards and regulations since the late 1990's, they had no problem driving vehicles which were not made by the Big 3. Nope none of this means anything to Congress. But to listen to Mr. Franks rant about their industry makes no sense to me whatsoever, his clueless remarks shows me and millions of other taxpayers how far removed he is and the rest of his Democratic party when it comes to the harm that Congress has burdened our economy with.
Congress has little if any real working knowledge about how our economy works and as such they continue to do more harm than good for our economy. The mortgage crisis, the credit crisis and the now the auto industry crisis can be traced to the United States Congress, an omnipotent, illogical charade that taxpayers must support.

Why The Economy Can Correct Itself - Without Government

Our economy can correct itself without chronic government bailouts. It can be done through a variety of means. I would like to look at two areas in particular. Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac need to be sold off by the government and allow to operated by a private entity. This would take the harsh political nature of this company out of play and allow for the free markets to work in the mortgage market. What would happen is that if you can't afford a mortgage you would not get one. You would need 10% to 20% as a down payment and have actual verifiable income levels to support your mortgage. This would self correct the run up in housing prices and allow for housing to be affordable for those who work for a living and chose to live below their means. Second, the auto industry does not warrant a bailout. Because of its' poor management over the years, excessive salary and benefit structure, poor product, the non consumer friendly dealership buying environment, it deserves its fate. That would be a merger and or bankruptcy. It would not be the end of our economy if economies of scale and efficiency would be reintroduced to our domestic auto industry. Why do other auto manufacturers produce at a much lower hourly rate than the big three? Why do they produce more economically?
Our government frenzy of throwing $6.3 trillion dollars in bailout money at our economy will have long reaching effects on our national debt and our ability to borrow money. It is political, short sighted, and inefficient. And ultimately taxpayers will be paying for the political gains of our economically illiterate Congress.

Dodd Is Anxious, So Am I

Chris Dodd is anxious and so am I. Does this mean he is going to release all of his information about his sweetheart mortgage deals? No not at all. He is anxious to continue to deflect all knowledge of his mortgage deals and his defense of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. No he is anxious to confirm all of Mr. Obama's appointments to help stem the financial crisis he has helped to create. It is amazing given that Mr. Dodd usually never gave the time of day to any of President Bush's appointments. Today to help cover himself, Dodd will actually speed up the process. As a taxpayer I am still waiting to find out about his mortgage deal and I am not overly enthusiastic to several appointments being mentioned. In particular Larry Summers who I was unimpressed with during the Clinton term.
We as an economy must realize that we can not continue to allow for constant government stimulus packages in order for our economy to work. Government at all levels needs to cut spending and taxes in order for our economy to once again become stimulated and grow. Socialism will not work. Economic growth must come from the private sector not from government. But again Chris Dodd is anxious and I am anxious for him to leave office once and for all. He is a disgrace to the taxpayers of Connecticut.

Here It Comes... More Taxes For 2.5 Million Jobs

Here it comes...more taxes for 2.5 million jobs. I just love it when politicians who have no clue as to how the economy works blurt out figures, dollar amounts and presto they become economists. I am hesitant to see what an Obama 2.5 million public service job creation program will cost and look like over the next four years. As I can see by his cabinet forming, I am underwhelmed by the recycling of Clinton appointments and see that it looks like it will be business as usual for the next four years. What change? Where? Did I miss something? I guess I will lower my already low expectations with Obama as I see the even more perfect economic storm forming in the next four years. A lack of investor confidence, a lack of consumer confidence, a lack of business confidence and higher taxes. Does it get better than this or is this now back to 1977-1980?

No Bailout

No bailout, not now, not never. But I guess it is the time of the year for economic giveaways of taxpayers monies. This time the big, bad auto industry is calling it quits without $75, no make it $50, no-how about a mere $25 billion to help support its poor production and management decisions. Did the Big Three ever hear about cutting costs and making its plants more efficient? Did they realize that they should not pay employees who do not work and or give them a lifetime pension equal to their regular salary? Did they realize that they need to actually improve their product so that auto consumers would actually buy the car or truck? In my economic opinion they should go bankrupt and allow for a major market correction to take place as it should have in the finance industry. It is obvious that what they did 50years ago is not working today and that consumer demand is much different than it was back then. I personally feel that automobile consumers are sick of the lies that they were fed by the Big Three, the hassle to buy a vehicle, the hassle of it breaking down, the high cost of repairs, etc.
Taxpayers should be strongly against this new form of corporate welfarism which will ultimately lead to higher taxes and more poor economic decisions.

Where Is The Economic Turnaround?

Where is the economic turnaround? I really thought it would happen with election day. I really thought it would happen here in Connecticut when voters decided to return in mass the same stale tax and spend politicians back to Hartford so obviously they can continue to tax and spend us some more for two years. I really thought with the Obama crowning that the stock market would recover its 5000 point loss in the week and that his new tax and spend policies would be embraced by anyone who either works for a living and or invests in our economy. I really thought with the talk of socialization of our 401K plans that the market would embrace all of that money flowing out of the economy and into government's hand. I really thought that the 2012 Presidential election would start in earnest on November 6th and even more new and greater economic socialization plans would be discussed and enacted upon immediately. I really thought our economy would turn around (and our biased media would disappear). I guess you get what you vote for.

Happy Veterans Day To All Veterans

America today celebrates Veterans Day. My family and I wish each and every Veteran of our country our thanks for your service and dedication to our country. We appreciate your sacrifice. As a child growing up I was always fascinated by the stories told by my Father who served in Europe during World War II and by my Uncle who served in the Pacific. It was a verbal, living history of the war and gave me the incentive to study our military history over the years. I know I treasure our freedom in our country and our freedom to choose. It is with the sacrifices of all the enlisted men and women since our Revolutionary War that has made our country the greatest nation in the world. America forever in its leadership and strength to guide the world. And again thank you to all the Veterans of our country and for all those who have died for our freedom. It will never be forgotten.

It Is Time To Get To Work

It is time to get to work. It is time for the conservative movement to reassert itself for the coming elections. It will not be able to do it with the current leadership of the Republican party whether at the national or state level.
On a national level the Republicans showed that Governor Sarah Palin is a candidate of the future and Senator McCain's moderate liberalism is hopefully gone forever. Governor Palin by far was the best of the four candidates running for high office.
The state elections showed the rational ignorance of Connecticut voters by eliminating our ability to have a say in our government by voting down the constitutional convention (in which many voters did not understand what they were voting for) and giving the liberal Democrats one party rule in Hartford so they can continue to tax and spend. Voters will get what they deserve over the coming years.
There needs to be a conservative philosophy which the Republican party needs to embrace and enact upon. We need to rid ourselves of the Stevens, the Rowlands, and all of the other self serving politicians who have spread like a cancer in our party. We need to embrace ethics, smaller government, lower spending, lower taxes and to allow for the free market system to run without governmental intervention. We can and we shall take back our party. If we are not successful then now is the time to form a true Conservative party as an alternative to the two stale and inept political parties who once again have shown their disregard for the voters and taxpayers this past week.

How High Taxes Have Crippled Connecticut

High taxes have crippled Connecticut. We pay an excessive amount of taxes here in Connecticut which has resulted in little if any job creation, a mass movement of businesses out of the state, excessively high transportation costs, and a mass exodus of our young people moving out of the state. If you work for a living here in Connecticut or own a business I am not telling you anything new.
Thus what is the answer? In a few hours the Democrats here in Connecticut will be rejoicing in their continual one party rule in Hartford for another two years. We as taxpayers are confident that the amendment for the Constitutional Convention will pass and as such tax reform will be enacted upon along with term limits. Tax reform is essential if Connecticut is going to survive in the future. Disgusted taxpayers need to bombard their elected officials beginning tomorrow that the excessive tax burden of Connecticut needs to stop in the next legislative session. The state needs to cut spending and cut taxes and live within its means. The entitlement mentality of the Connecticut State Legislature has bankrupted our state. Lower taxes. Now.

Will The Media Ever Be Balanced Again?

Will the media ever be balanced again? I do not know if that will occur in my lifetime. I was taught many years ago in my journalism classes that when you cover a story you need to present both sides so that readers can be informed and understand what you are writing about. Obviously that does not occur in journalism classes which are taught today. I truly do not know what is actually being taught today but in my opinion it is not unbiased reporting.
I no longer watch TV nor have have cable TV. I have $65 more a month to spend or invest each month due to my decision. If someone came up to me from the street and told me that they were a reporter from a TV station, I would not know them nor could I care about who they were, they do not impress me with their lack of productivity in our economy. I believe strongly that the way the media can become balanced is through an economic boycott of cable TV and its advertising sponsors. By a lack of economic support they would be forced to rethink their horrific coverage of this year's election and their demeaning and degrading of Sarah Palin. It was truly disgusting to read what has happened to this entire process. I can see why it is difficult to attract good honest people to run for elected office, since the media has crowned themselves as the new nobility in our society and only they are right and 300 million Americans are wrong. But for one last time it is just another reason why I am voting for John McCain and Sarah Palin tommorrow. And I urge you do also.

Ethics and Leadership

What is ethics? What is morally right? Many years ago in non revisionist history, America fought a long war in Vietnam. This war was on the news every night (when you only had three stations with news not 500), in the daily paper and in the weekly news magazines. Liberals at that time thought it was cool to demean and deface our soldiers fighting there. They asked for them to surrender, join the enemy and other assorted misguided views. The war was mismanaged by a Democratic President who had great concerns about his legacy, he also had poor military advisers which helped lose the war for America.
In this time many United States soldiers died and many became POWs. One of the most noted POWs is very close to becoming our next President. He sacrificed six+ years of his life being tortured and gaining permanent physical disabilities from his capture. He endured six+ years that many of us would not have the ability to deal with. During this time he proved his mental toughness and proved his love for our country beyond a doubt.
Thus in a few days we will vote for a new President. Do we want a President who has an ethical and moral character, a man who stood by his fellow soldiers, a man who placed his country above his own well being physically? Or do we want a liberal Senator who has basically never worked a day in his life who is worried about his ego and self glorification? I know I don't and I know John McCain and Sarah Palin are what are country needs in leadership today. I know my vote goes to McCain - Palin.

Why America Can't Afford Another New Deal

America can't afford another New Deal. I can't see how the first one worked since it was blurred by World War II. I can't see how another Great Society will work as the first one from the 1960's still has done little if anything for our economy.
I would like to see a new freedom deal for our society and our economy especially for those who work. This could be done by making the Bush tax cuts permanent. It would not penalize those who work hard, choose to take risks and create jobs and wealth for our economy. It would allow for the free market movement to continue to exist in our economy and allow for economic growth to continue to take place. A redistribution of wealth already occurs in our economy (although Congress by exempting itself from most laws, social security and the like allows its wealth to grow)through the current income tax system. A large proportion of citizens pay no taxes at all and are supported by those like us who work for a living. Thus if we work in our economy we are penalized by the same federal government trying to continue to change our wealth status and give it to those who supposedly need it. Rather than empowering those who need more skills and education it is much easier for government to create the mindless bureaucracy of entrapping these same people in a welfare mentality and welfare cycle. Government owes them. The New Deal and the Great Society were utopian measures which failed our economy and created the great dependency that is visible especially in the Democratic party, a party void of ideas and ethics. But in my economic opinion it was a failure, is a failure and will continue to be a failure for the future. We as a voters need to understand that we can ill afford more of this endless quest for mediocrity that the Democrats embrace at all levels of government. Real change in November comes only with a vote and a victory for John McCain and Sarah Palin.

Why Pickens Plan Is Blowing In The Wind and Will Not Work

It is blowing in the wind and money from your wallet will follow. And if you are T. Boone Pickens your profit is blowing in the wind. And you as energy consumers will help make Pickens wealth grow even more if his misguided plan works. Do not get me wrong I am all in favor of creating wealth and I have been consistently in favor of alternative energy sources. However I am not in favor of this plan which can only rely upon eminent domain to take over properties starting in Texas and position incredibly expensive electrical lines along state lines to transport this electricity throughout America. And at a time when the price of a barrel of oil has gone down $70+ a barrel. I have a strong feeling that taxpayers like you and I will help support Pickens in his semi-retirement through this master liberal plan of nothingness for energy.
We do have problems with energy independence which can be traced to the 1970's and a Democratic Congress who has basically done nothing for 35+ years with regards to this. Obviously since Congress is removed from the everyday economy nor does it have to worry about anything financially, it could care less if gas went to $6 a gallon and heating oil to $7. It solution is simplistic, tax these supposed "excessive profits" that we always hear about. Are the profits there today at $2.50 a gallon?
Thus the real nature of eminent domain is at stake here. Solar installations on buildings do not require eminent domain, nor do windmills privately owned on private property. New building construction with geothermal energy does not require eminent domain nor does nuclear power. In my economic opinion I do not feel taxpayers need to support nor endorse this poor Pickens plan. And by the way I favor the energy proposals of McCain/Palin, let us control our own oil supply in our country. They have my vote.

Why Is Wealth Bad In Our Economy?

Why is wealth bad in our economy? Why is it fine to have millionaire liberal Democrats in Congress dictating to those individuals in our economy who are productive what they can and can not have? I have studied formally Economics and Business since high school, 37+ years now. Over all the classes I have taken, the degrees that I have, all the classes I have taught, all of the thousands of articles I have read, all of the magazines and books that I have read, I still wish to know why is it bad to work hard and gain wealth and why is it government's inherent right to take as much as it can away from those same people.
That is what this Presidential election had developed into. Government has once again proven by interfering with the housing market it has help to create a great housing and credit mess along with hiding the problems of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. And then it blames capitalism for it. It needs to blame itself. What Congress could have done was to help create energy independence-it only has had 35+ years to do that and to stimulate the economy by the elimination of taxes on inheritances, and lower and eliminate all taxes on interest, dividends and capital gains. Let capitalism run itself and downsize government at all levels. Just another reason why I am voting for McCain/Palin this election.

Vote Mike Vitali State Representative 85th District

Wallingford residents finally have a chance to unseat one of the most liberal tax and spend Democrats of all time, Mary Mushinsky. Our current representative and her cureent massive tax and spending increases have help stripped our state of its economic vibrancy and growth. Her liberal arguments continue to be feeble to anyone who must work for a living. It is time once and for all for her to be voted out of office. Mike Vitali represents a breath of fresh air for Wallingford. He is young, innovative and actually willing to work to help lower spending and taxes for our community and state. Mike Vitali is a product of schools and our town, we could not ask for a better candidate to represent us. For those voters in the 85th District, I urge you to vote for Mike Vitali as your State Representative and also I know I am voting for the McCain/Palin ticket for a positive future for our country.

How Does Hard Work Pay Off Economically?

How does hard work pay off economically? If you are a liberal millionaire Democrat you need not work in life. For example, if you are a Chris Dodd you were able to get a favorable subprime mortgage and save a great deal of money on the life on your mortgage. What you have done is unethical but remember you are a millionaire liberal Democrat who does not need to work for a living. If you are a candidate for President like Obama who needs to spend your entire working career being non productive and always receiving a paycheck from some form of government agency whether local, state or federal. This non productivity now allows you to tell the productive business entrepreneur (i.e. Joe the Plumber) that you can not keep all that you earn. Your hard work must be shared with those like himself and those who do not wish to work or be productive. No you must share your wealth with those who probably are inherently lazy and enjoy living off the government meal ticket. Government and we the taxpayers of our economy apparently owe those like Dodd, Franks, Pelosi, Reid, Obama and Biden and many others who do not wish to work a living. You as a productive, hard working individual who wishes to get ahead in life must listen to the stale rhetoric of a failed 75+ year program of the Great Society. A Great Society if you are only a millionaire liberal Democrat. Productivity, creation of wealth and hard work needs not to be penalized by a Great Society program that has failed our country miserably. We can not afford any more penalties for efficient labor and creation of jobs which in turn create wealth and prosperity in our economy.
Just another reason why I am voting for McCain/Palin.

The Tax Cut That Isn't - Another Lie

The tax cut that isn't is being sung by the Obama machine is just another lie. When one really tries to understand this plan one can see that it is no way shape or form a tax cut. It is a tax increase for anyone who earns $40,000 a year or more. If you earn over $150,000 a year look out because your taxes will jump, even more at $250,000. With this plan over 45% of the American taxpayers will no longer pay taxes. Why the shift from now 24% to 45%? To buy more votes for this miserable and failed economic plan? Why are we going to create economic disincentives to those who work for a living and who are self sufficient? Why is hard work and wealth wrong to the Democratic party even though most of them who represent us are rich and have the audacity to exempt themselves from the laws they create for us. No 95% of American will not get a tax cut.
I also have to laugh at Warren Buffet being an advisor to his campaign. Although he is a brilliant investor (who likes to keep salaries low for those that work for him and hates to pay dividends) he knows very little about our tax structure. He has always complained that the rich do not pay enough in taxes, if that is the case then instead of giving $5billion to GE give it to the Federal Government for more wasteful spending or to bail somebody else out.
Thus the Obama plan is more of the same; rape the working class of our economy and keep the economically distressed more economically distressed so that they have no incentives to work, gain self esteem and personal wealth. Just another reason why I am voting for McCain/Palin this year.

Why Sometimes We Should Listen To Our Economic Past..

Sometimes we need to listen to our economic past in order to understand our present. Over the years in my Microeconomics classes I have given a topic paper assignment about the late Milton Friedman. Friedman in my economic opinion was a brilliant man, I loved studying him when I was in college in the 70's. The basis of Friedman was simple, government needs only to provide for three functions: a military defense, it needs to enforce contracts between individuals and it also needs to protect citizens against crimes against themselves and their properties.
That is it. It is simple yet to the point, our economy can run itself without governmental intervention as is so prevalent today.
Government has become self serving at all three levels, local, state and federal. It has created an entitlement mentality which continues to erode the fabric of our nation as a whole and continues to demean the philosophy that economic hard work and self sufficiency helps create economic growth and well being. In my economic opinion the brilliance of Mr. Friedman is too lost today by a new group of economists who argue for more governmental spending and intervention. In 2008 the economic sky is not falling but has been entrapped by a group of millionaire self serving politicians like Dodd, Franks, Reid and Pelosi who now use their power for economic gain in total violation of their oaths of office.
I think if Mr. Friedman were alive today he would be helping and voting for the McCain-Palin ticket rather than the economic socialist ticket of the failed Democratic party. Yes, sometimes we should and need to listen to our economic past in order to understand the mess that our Congress has gotten ourselves into.

Economics Nobel Prize For What? Who?

The Nobel Peace Prize for Economics makes no sense to me whatsoever. Paul Krugman? Oh you mean the liberal New York Times columnist who is always right and anyone who disagrees with him wrong? I will credit him with his intelligence and his insight on the concepts of economic free trade and the functions of economic geography. However is this an actual foundation for the Nobel Prize? But looking at an organization that gave Al "Can we make some money on global warming" Gore, I can see why they gave it to him. It is because of his writings in the liberal New York Times.

Let us look at what Donald Luskin wrote in National Review Online:

These days Krugman’s liberal agenda always takes precedence over economic principle. He has described himself as “an unabashed defender of the welfare state.” He has declared, “For me, Sweden of 1980 would be ideal.” He has called Barack Obama’s sweeping plan for socialized medicine “naïve” because it doesn’t contain enough mandates. He has said that “We should be getting 28% of GDP in [tax] revenue,” when the highest level ever collected, even in wartime, is less than 21 percent.
In 1999 Paul Krugman was paid $50,000 by Enron as a consultant on its “advisory board,” and that same year he wrote a glowing article about Enron for Fortune magazine. But he would change his tune. After Enron collapsed in 2001, Krugman wrote several columns excoriating the company. (One featured what may be the most absurd howler in the history of op-ed journalism: “I predict that in the years ahead Enron, not Sept. 11, will come to be seen as the greater turning point in U.S. society.”) In most of these columns Krugman worked hard to link Enron to the Bush administration, and in one he actually blamed Enron’s consultants for the company’s collapse — while neglecting to mention that he, too, had been an Enron consultant.

Oh well, selective memory is fine for the Nobel Prize. I have also noticed on many occasions his columns have really nothing to do with economics but drone on about the virtues of bigger government and how bad conservative economists are. But that is now the view of the Nobel Prizes. They are now somewhat meaningless and how they advocate peace is beyond me. Thus as an economist I will ignore the mention of this yearly prize and go about my own research which continues to advocate less government, elimination of taxes on all dividends, interest, capital gains and inheritances. Oh if you can't tell by now, Mr. Obama will do everything to raise your taxes middle class or not. That is why I am voting for McCain and Palin.

Can You Spare $3000 for a Job?

Is this an economic incentive? If you create a job you will get a $3000 tax credit. Wow! This new plan unveiled by Mr. Obama makes little economic sense to me. First, does he realize how much it actually costs to create a job for a business? A business must look at both its fixed and variable costs when creating a job. What is the hourly salary along with the social security taxes and whatever benefits it pays will be the actual cost of the job, for example $22 a hour wage plus another $8 in taxes and benefits equals $30 a hour cost. Multiply it by 40 hours a week and you have $1200 a week or $62,400 for the year. If you subtract this tax credit it will cost the business $59,400 a year for this new job creation. The business must earn an additional $59,400 in sales/profit to even begin to justify this new job. If the costs of creating the job outweigh the benefits to the business then the job will not be created. You really do not need to be an economist to figure that out.
Thus in the simple world of Presidential politics, Mr. Obama yet again shows his ignorance of the business world and the economy of the United States. Why would you as a business person risk $62,400 to get $3000 back as a tax credit? I just love the fantasy world that the US Congress lives in. This is not an economic incentive in any way, shape or form. Just another lie by the supposed Economist Obama.

Should We Really Blame Him?

Obviously if you are Chris Dodd, the answer is no. If you are him you are making a great salary, have great benefits, have a sweetheart mortgage deal and can help cause one of the biggest financial meltdowns in your nation's history and then place blame on everyone else but yourself. What is better than that? However if you are like millions of Americans like myself, who work hard for a living, work 2+ jobs, pay your taxes on time, live within your means in a non sweetheart mortgage derived home, can only send your children to public schools, get no assistance from the government at any level and have just seen your 401K drop 30% in value over the year, you need not complain nor will your complaints be heard by the omnipotent US Congress. So let us only blame ourselves for voting these incompetent fools into Congress, although in my case I never voted for Dodd. Oh please Chris can you one day just come clean on your preferred mortgage? We know you do not care about us who live within our means and play by your false rules.

A Report Card For Congress

Can we grade our current Congress? I will focus upon several players who have helped create the financial mess that we are in today.
Senator Chris Dodd Grade F-. I know an F should be the lowest grade possible but since it is now 110+ days and we still can not get information on his sweetheart deal with Countrywide Mortgage, I have taken the liberty of grading him down. What is even better is his massive campaign contributions from these fallen financial giants and his total lack of understanding of what is actually going on with his industry. Dodd should be recalled by Connecticut voters, censored by the Senate and or resign immediately for his lies to the public about this crisis.
Representative Barney Franks Grade F. Another clueless individual trying to rape taxpayers in this bailout bill. I never heard more twists and turns with policy, who to blame and why than from this man since 2004. Another ignorant politician who has massive power over the financial industry and uses it to his self glorification. Also someone else who needs to resign.
Representative Charles Rangel Grade F. He gives new meaning to ignorance and should be censored also. He just writes tax law but has no need to follow it. Maybe he can squeeze in a few more apartments at a cheap rate after all he deserves it.
Representative Nancy Pelosi Grade F. What a speech yesterday! I guess she is shooting for an approval rating of -9. Resign, what a disgrace to our Congress.
Senator Obama Grade F. Why would you have Franklin Raines as an Economic advisor is beyond my understanding. Raines should be in jail now for his looting of public money.
Finally Representative Maxine Waters Grade F-. If you thought nationalizing the oil industry was bad, try listening to her interrogation of the federal regulator during the Freddie and Fannie corruption hearings in 2004. What lies about Raines. Here is someone who should resign and run in Cuba.
Sadly these self serving, egotistic, corrupt politicians are still in office today and taxpayers from all walks of life will continue to pay for their greed, their self glorification and their ignorance.

Congress and Economics/Finance Do Not Mix

"I understand speed is important, but I'm far more interested in whether or not we get this right,". Chris Dodd said this yesterday at his bailout hearing. I am wondering why he did not comment on his subprime mortgage deal with Countrywide. However after reading what happened at the hearings I can conclude that our Congress and economics/finance do not mix. I can not rationalize the lack of economic knowledge that members of this group displayed yesterday. I can not believe they are that ignorant about how our economy works nor do they have any understanding of how our finance markets work. Barney Franks continues to ignore his own lies about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and still beats his liberal drum sitting in front of his committee working it to his own political glorification. It is pathetic to watch this. Both committees in my opinion are clueless as to what is going on in the financial markets. And both are playing politics as usual (especially Dodd who does not have a leg to stand on) with this financial
bailout bill. Congress really needs to address itself and its failings especially when economics,finance and spending are concerned. And I wish hearings could start today on that.

The Plan With No Strings Attached

I continue to read and watch in amazement the current debate about the $700 billion dollar bailout plan in Congress. In keeping in step with their inability to either lead or make decisions I can see the Democratic Congress coming up with a great deal of pet provisions to throw into the bill and probably a great deal of earmarks that could be added also.
I have to laugh at the pathetic nature of Reid, Pelosi, Franks and Dodd commenting that they are looking out for the self interest of the taxpayer in the bill. I guess this is why Franks has come up with the comical strings attached to the bill that he announced yesterday. My question to Franks and Dodd is why did they block legislation that could have prevented this mess in the first place? So that Dodd could protect his sweetheart mortgage deal with Countrywide? Franks comment in 2003 that the fears of Fannie Mae were "overblown" . At what point does Franks think things are overblown? When his cronies stopped looting the company? Who profited the most from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Franklin Raines and the numerous members of Congress like Dodd and Franks that received donations from these two bankrupt companies?
Thus the bill will come to a vote soon enough and most members of Congress will know virtually nothing about what they are voting for. As a taxpayer this is a disgrace to anyone who chooses to live within their means and pays taxes in our country. A private market solution would work the best rather than a socialistic/capitalistic system that is evolving by a Congress too foolish and too self serving to understand how our economy works.

Please, please bail me out!

Please bail me out. I am out of control. No, my family is not out of control with our spending, but can we get some of that bail out money that is free in Washington. Can we get some of that change (whatever that means?) that is supposed to be coming? Better yet show me some of my cash that I pay in local, state and federal taxes.
A simplistic view of the financial mess that is found in our economy today is that we need to spend less money. We need to live below our means to help create a better financial future. Many CEO's are not worth what they are being paid in these financial companies that are going broke. I realize that this falls onto deaf ears in Washington and Hartford but I can not see governmental ownership of mortgages where in essence, if you have this type of mortgage you are both the creditor and debtor of the mortgage. We are subsidizing those who have lived well above their means. Who really will pay for all this?
As an economist I really would love to see the free market system work again with that invisible hand guiding us along the way. So much for that in my lifetime.

The Energy Bill That Isn't

Oh we will give you an energy bill and what a beauty it is. The Democrats in Congress never cease to amaze with their brazen deception of the American taxpayer and energy consumer. This "new" energy bill allows for drilling offshore, it is too bad that there is no oil where they are allowing oil companies to drill and only with the states approval and only with the bulk of the royalties going to the government. Wow, this should help our energy crisis and we energy consumers are once again being told to drop dead by our leaders in Washington. What is the point of this deception? Why do the Democrats have so many problems in becoming realistic with energy issues? So it just more of the same, no new sources of energy, not now, not then, not never. A great thanks should be given to this most horrific self serving Congress in our nation's history.

Thursday's Quick Thoughts

Some quick thoughts:
Why is the Constitutional Convention in Connecticut a bad idea? We have an unresponsive state legislature along with an equally unresponsive legal and executive branch of government, why not make them accountable? What is wrong with that? I am voting in favor of it.
Speaking of unresponsiveness, Wallingford voters in the 85th district actually have a choice between the incumbent tax and spend liberal Mary Mushinsky and a political newcomer Republican Mike Vitali. In my opinion he has a great chance of unseating Mushinsky who is completely out of touch with anyone who works for a living in Wallingford. Vote for Vitali in the 85th.
Another day and another no response from Chris Dodd and his unethical mortgage deal from Countrywide Mortgage. Why does he still represent us? Why does the media continue to ignore this major issue?
Sarah Palin continues to shine with John McCain. What a great choice and a great team. Compare Obama/Biden with McCain/Palin. The Democrats have to be wondering why they got suckered into this mess of a ticket, ultra liberal, combative, irresponsible, inexperienced, anti-woman, new and higher taxes, no leadership qualities. McCain/Palin will win...

Hey Taxpayer - Got Any More Money?

Hey do you have any more money? Let us say $85 billion? What do you mean you don't? What do you mean you are tapped out from what you as a taxpayer gave to Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, JP Morgan and others? What do you mean by a free market system which allows for supply and demand to exist, didn't you learn that in Economics 101 from Professor Swick many years ago? What do you mean that when you went for a mortgage you had to put 20% down for your house or condo and you have to prove you were employed and verify what income you earned? What do you mean that it was legal for these same companies who are going broke and using taxpayers monies that their CEO's are still getting their high salaries and bonuses? What do you mean you lost $25,000+ so far in your 401K? What do you mean by Social Security and the concept of retirement when members of Congress are excluded from Social Security? What is Capitalism? Is it now Government Capitalism?
I truly wish I could wake up from this financial debacle and see how a free market works again...

It is never the Democrats fault...

I know it is never the Democrats fault for anything that happens in our economy. Even though they control both the House and Senate on a national and state level, even though many like Chris Dodd and Barney Franks have been in office for years, they are oblivious to any responsibility for their questionable, unethical and in my opinion illegal actions. I find it incredible that the Democrats now feel that the financial debacle is the Republicans fault. I guess Franks stonewalling of reforms for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac does not count for anything. Dodds sweetheart mortgage deal and incredible political donations from both Fannie and Freddie do not count for anything. His bailout of Countrywide Mortgage does not count for anything either. No it is all the Republicans fault according to their twisted logic. What a pathetic mess these Democrats have made.
I have always wondered what it would be like to have a job and not have to do anything, not have to take any responsibility for anything, not have to be ethical nor have to worry about the laws that govern us. Then again I am not Chris Dodd, Barney Franks or any of the other Democrat Representatives or Senators who have abused their power for their own self interest and self gain.

Will Dodd Ever Tell?

I guess not. I guess we as taxpayers who are currently underwriting one of the largest bailouts of mortgages and banks in our nations history will never find out the true story of Senator Chris Dodd's sweetheart subprime mortgage deal. The media continues to avoid the question, more concerned with his role in a new Democratic administration. What a farce of reporting. What are his qualifications to serve? Actually what are his qualifications to continue to be Senator with this questionable and unethical mortgage deal he received and then his bill which bails out the same mortgage company? Dodd is concerned only with his personal self interest, personal gain and glory. Ethics does not play a role in it. As his power continues to grow in his own mind he is above the law as are most who serve in Washington. And once again taxpayers will pay for this debacle of fraud.

Community Organizer=President?

As an Economics and Business Instructor, I am wondering how much do community organizers for ACORN or other liberal type organizations contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? What kind of jobs are actually created? And who pays for those jobs, the private sector or taxpayers through government funding of these mysteriously named ultra liberal and anti-business agencies? These are just some random thoughts I as a voter and taxpayer are wondering about Mr. Obama's background. I know he has spent an incredible amount of time campaigning for his seats in Illinois and his failed seat for the House and for his current seat in the Senate. In his employed state position in Illinois, he voted present which apparently means a catch all not to disturb either side of an issue nor be able to actually make a decision. I know he has currently missed half of his votes as a US Senator over the past two years while campaigning for President. His shine as a candidate seems to be fading rapidly as the American voting public is starting to question his credentials and his background. To put it mildly, he is unfit to lead our country.
The tide is turning to two candidates who have the abilities to lead our country, John McCain and Sarah Palin. Not the other two candidates who are leaderless, pompous, arrogant and self serving. McCain=President.

McCain-Palin An Excellent Choice

McCain-Palin. I like the sound of that. I also like the confusion it creates for the Democratic party. So much for their change of nominating two ultra liberal males, one who has no track record and one whose track record is fair/poor at best. Talk about politics as usual.
Sarah Palin brings a great deal for the Republican ticket and in my opinion will lead them to victory in November. She is bright, intelligent, reform minded, not afraid to take on political machines and has a great deal of common sense and love (being a Mother of five children). Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or Independent, you have to be proud of McCain's choice. Yes it is true that John McCain is ready from day one. And with his choice for Vice President it also shows his future vision, wisdom and ability to lead our country. Yes McCain-Palin, an excellent choice.

Senator Dodd's Non Issue

Senator Dodd has a non issue. His receiving a subprime mortgage at below market rates is a non issue. It is an issue that he has no reason to respond to nor any legal obligation to. Senator Dodd apparently has done nothing wrong. As a matter of fact all United States Senators and Representatives should not be concerned at all with laws, rules, ethics or the like, even the new Democratic candidates for President and Vice President. Secret deals for real estate or plagiarism, not a big deal.
All of our members of Congress need no guidance, upholding of laws, or ethics values. We as taxpayers must understand that they are a ruling elite. They are nobility taking away personal freedoms at a whim in order to further their self interest. They talk all the time using rhetoric to their fullest advantage only to be trying to find the next angle to promote their own self interest.
Enough is enough, we as taxpayers in Connecticut need to force the issue of Senator Dodd's subprime mortgage and his subsequent mortgage bailout deal. It is too bad our local media is blind to this gross ethics violation.

High Electric Rates-All is now well with an OLR report

Why does Connecticut have high electric rates? I read with curiosity the 8/5/08 report issued by the OLR regarding Connecticut having the second highest electric rates in the country. As an economics instructor I found the reading to be difficult, laborious and for the common person they will not be able to understand its technical jargon. Thus I would like to develop with more simplistic terms why electric rates are so high in our state. First, as far as I can see Connecticut generates very little actual electricity as it use to. The deregulation of the industry created small peak power plants with most of our basic everyday needs for electricity being bought on an open market grid from outside of the state. This is automatically more costly since electricity is now transported rather than produced in our state. These small peak power plants operate only when there is a high enough demand for them. The cost of producing this electricity is expensive and is profit driven by the companies that run them. My immediate suggestion here is to build two nuclear power plants to replace the old Millstone plants and generate the bulk of our power in the state through nuclear which is clean and cost effective and efficient. I no longer see from either a business view or an economic view why United Illuminating and or Northeast Utilities are still in business and why they are allowed rate increases since they generate little if any electricity any more.
Demand plays a small factor in the high costs of electricity. As we continue to see a grave economic decline in our state electric demand remains flat with high demand being generated in heat waves (more air conditioning being used)and thus the peak plants go to work and electric costs increase due to this. Also due to stringent air pollution laws electricity must be created in a "clean" manner and thus is much more costly due to the high costs of natural gas.
The state legislature with our tax dollars have passed three separate bills to improve electric efficiency for businesses and home owners, to help build more of these peak power plants and to provide assistance for those in need. These bills in my economic opinion have done little to help either businesses or consumers in the state or to lower electric rates. This is also an example of why the state legislature has no understanding of how our economy works or why Connecticut is in the economic mess that it is in today.
The solution to this problem without this OLR report is to build two or more nuclear power plants in Connecticut immediately. Nuclear power in 2008 is non polluting, cost efficient and highly efficient. It would help lower electric rates in our state, create jobs and help promote economic growth to a state which is badly managed from a taxpayers point of view. However my proposal may be too logical for the self serving, special interest peddling state legislature here in Connecticut.

Russia: Back to Communism

Russia is going back to Communism. If you have been following the tragic news of Russia invading Georgia over the supposed South Ossetia issue, one can see the formations of the old USSR redeveloping in Eastern Europe. I find it interesting that Czar Putin decides to launch his war on Georgia on the day that the China Olympic games start. Unification of our world seems to be a theme in the Olympics yet Georgia as a Democratic free country needs to be eliminated in the eyes of Putin and his military men.
We again view the United Nations as a hapless and helpless governing body which is unable to condemn this brutal attack on innocent and free people nor do anything about it. President Bush equally misplayed his response and belief in this new Russian Dictator who has reemerged as again a threat to the free world.
Senator John McCain spoke the truth in his response to this terror. Putin privately must be worried that a McCain Presidency will spell trouble for him. As a President, McCain will not be weak or meek against this type of unprovoked terror. My heart and prayers go out for the freedom loving citizens of Georgia.

Congress to Energy Consumers: Drop Dead!

Congress to energy consumers: please go away and drop dead. I do not understand the philosophy that the Democrats in Congress have about voting one way or another about increasing energy production in the United States. In economic terms why do they like punishing American energy consumers through excessively high prices? Why can't we drill for our own oil and help our country and economy?
Their excuses are comical. Nancy Pelosi is obviously more concerned about promoting her book rather than helping her country. She continues to show her inability to lead and her desire for her own personal self gain and glory.
I will applaud the small group of Republicans who have shown the courage to put America's interest first when it comes to energy. Voters hopefully will remember this debacle called Congress come November.