I received the following in an e-mail and found it quite close to reality. You may have already seen it, but here’s one way to keep all that political “news” in perspective.
1. The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country.
2. The Washington Post is read by people who think they run the country.
3. The New York Times is read by people who think they should run the country and who are very good at crossword puzzles.
4. USA Today is read by people who think they ought to run the country but don’t really understand The New York Times. They do, however, like their statistics shown in pie charts.
5. The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn’t mind running the country, if they could find the time – and if they didn’t have to leave Southern California to do it.
6. The Boston Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the country and did a poor job of it, thank you very much.
7. The New York Daily News is read by people who aren’t too sure who’s running the country and don’t really care as long as they can get a seat on the train.
8. The New York Post is read by people who don’t care who are running the country as long as they do something really scandalous, preferably while intoxicated.
9. The Miami Herald is read by people who are running another country, but need the American baseball scores.
10. The San Francisco Chronicle is read by people who aren’t sure if there is a country, or that anyone is running it; but if so, they oppose all that they stand for. There are occasional exceptions if the leaders are handicapped, minority, feminist, gay, atheist dwarfs who also happen to be illegal aliens for any other country or galaxy, provided of course, that they are not Republicans.
11. The National Enquirer is read by people trapped in line at the grocery store.
12. The Seattle Times is read by people who have recently caught a fish and need something to wrap it in.
Your Commander has absolutely no idea who originally wrote this, but I found it to be funny, sometimes spot-on, and provided a smile on a cloudy, cold winter day. I hope it does the same for you.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Monday, February 28, 2011
PROFOUND ANTI-WAR QUOTES
Most days I conduct research for my various commentaries, and I recently ran across an extremely interesting and informative website at:
http://antiwar.com/quotes.php.
In scanning the first page I found several quotations extremely profound, this caused me to pause and read further. I am sharing some of those:
“History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.” – Abba Eban
“Probably, no nation is rich enough to pay for both war and civilization. We must make our choice, we cannot have both.” – Abraham Flexner
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter, and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” – Abraham Lincoln
“Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it.” – Adolph Hitler
“In war, truth is the first casualty.” – Aeschylus
“Any excuse will serve a tyrant.” – Aesop
"No war is inevitable until it breaks out." - A. J. P. Taylor
“Any forces that would impose their will on other nations will certainly face defeat” – General Vo Nguyen Giap (Vietnam)
“There is no glory in battle worth the blood it cost.” – General Dwight D. Eisenhower
After scanning the initial pages of the site I decided to print the material for future reference, and I was shocked to end up with a total of 87 pages. Unless you are planning to refer to the quotes at a later date, let me suggest you save some trees and not print the entire site’s material.
Time and time again when you read quotations by military leaders, they have a strong feeling against war. Your Commander would pray that politicians around the world would learn from quotations like these and take the wise words into consideration before they send the youth of the world to fight the wars they create, but do not fight themselves.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://antiwar.com/quotes.php.
In scanning the first page I found several quotations extremely profound, this caused me to pause and read further. I am sharing some of those:
“History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.” – Abba Eban
“Probably, no nation is rich enough to pay for both war and civilization. We must make our choice, we cannot have both.” – Abraham Flexner
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter, and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” – Abraham Lincoln
“Make the lie big, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they will believe it.” – Adolph Hitler
“In war, truth is the first casualty.” – Aeschylus
“Any excuse will serve a tyrant.” – Aesop
"No war is inevitable until it breaks out." - A. J. P. Taylor
“Any forces that would impose their will on other nations will certainly face defeat” – General Vo Nguyen Giap (Vietnam)
“There is no glory in battle worth the blood it cost.” – General Dwight D. Eisenhower
After scanning the initial pages of the site I decided to print the material for future reference, and I was shocked to end up with a total of 87 pages. Unless you are planning to refer to the quotes at a later date, let me suggest you save some trees and not print the entire site’s material.
Time and time again when you read quotations by military leaders, they have a strong feeling against war. Your Commander would pray that politicians around the world would learn from quotations like these and take the wise words into consideration before they send the youth of the world to fight the wars they create, but do not fight themselves.
COMMANDER GRANGER
AMERICA SHOULD GO SLOW ON LIBYA
Your Commander was shocked to hear that Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) are discussing military intervention in the uprisings that are currently occurring in Libya. Two interesting reports appeared in the Washington Post and on AOL over the weekend that carried strong commentaries from readers reflecting a similar reaction to that of your Commander.
I have also heard that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton indicated that she is rushing to the area to meet with leadership of other countries to discuss strong actions in support of the rebellious forces in Libya. It is my opinion that it is time for the US government to step back and see what unfolds there in the days and weeks ahead. We have experienced a strong backlash to recent interventions in the Middle East, and I suggest it is prudent that we get our own house in order before spending massive amounts of money that we do not possess to tell other countries how to conduct their business. Let me be clear that I do not endorse that wacko Moammar Gadhafy, but here we go telling other people how to live their lives when we cannot control our own financial solvency.
Of course I am in favor of providing humanitarian support to suffering people around the world, but look at what has happened to the billions of dollars thrown into Haiti. Look at what the cost in American lives and dollars our intervention has had in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now we have three old political war horses, traveling at great expense to the American taxpayers, telling other people how to live their lives because they “think” American interests are at stake.
What is the all-knowing United Nations doing to stop the death and destruction in the Middle East? They meet, talk, sometimes pass sanctions, and accomplish nothing but spend million of precious American dollars.
Your Commander is going through a bit of a change in my political positions as I have come to the conclusion that our political representation is not functioning in the best interests of the American people, but in their personal self-interests. It is far past the time that we revert to the principals that founded the greatest country in the world based upon our Founding Fathers’ guidance. Yes, times have changed, but their core principals remain solid as a rock and as applicable today as they were back in 1776.
It is long past the time to solve our own economic issues of unsustainable debt and unemployment. It is time to stop saving the world with our scarce dollars and save our country. It is time to re-establish AMERICA FIRST movements, and wave a flag that correctly and firmly states “DON’T TREAD ON ME!”
My dear departed Irish Mother was right when she taught me that CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, and it is practical to keep our nose out of other people’s business.
COMMANDER GRANGER
I have also heard that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton indicated that she is rushing to the area to meet with leadership of other countries to discuss strong actions in support of the rebellious forces in Libya. It is my opinion that it is time for the US government to step back and see what unfolds there in the days and weeks ahead. We have experienced a strong backlash to recent interventions in the Middle East, and I suggest it is prudent that we get our own house in order before spending massive amounts of money that we do not possess to tell other countries how to conduct their business. Let me be clear that I do not endorse that wacko Moammar Gadhafy, but here we go telling other people how to live their lives when we cannot control our own financial solvency.
Of course I am in favor of providing humanitarian support to suffering people around the world, but look at what has happened to the billions of dollars thrown into Haiti. Look at what the cost in American lives and dollars our intervention has had in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now we have three old political war horses, traveling at great expense to the American taxpayers, telling other people how to live their lives because they “think” American interests are at stake.
What is the all-knowing United Nations doing to stop the death and destruction in the Middle East? They meet, talk, sometimes pass sanctions, and accomplish nothing but spend million of precious American dollars.
Your Commander is going through a bit of a change in my political positions as I have come to the conclusion that our political representation is not functioning in the best interests of the American people, but in their personal self-interests. It is far past the time that we revert to the principals that founded the greatest country in the world based upon our Founding Fathers’ guidance. Yes, times have changed, but their core principals remain solid as a rock and as applicable today as they were back in 1776.
It is long past the time to solve our own economic issues of unsustainable debt and unemployment. It is time to stop saving the world with our scarce dollars and save our country. It is time to re-establish AMERICA FIRST movements, and wave a flag that correctly and firmly states “DON’T TREAD ON ME!”
My dear departed Irish Mother was right when she taught me that CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME, and it is practical to keep our nose out of other people’s business.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Thursday, February 24, 2011
CUT PUBLIC BROADCAST FUNDING
It is a proven fact that the business model that originally justified taxpayer support of Public Television has changed over the years, and it is now time for Congress to stop appropriating about $430 million per year.
Any discussion of Public Television government funding is a highly emotional issue that has gone on since the founding of PBS in October 1970. At that time the business model that supported the operation of television stations was founded on a small number of stations, which in most cases consisted of 4 stations in medium and large markets. The commercial stations operated by selling commercial time locally, regionally, and nationally. The stations with a network affiliation also secured revenue from their contracts.
At that time most markets were granted one license by the Federal Communications Commission for a non-commercial station (PBS) that would receive federal support, because they did not air paid commercials. Programs were produced by the PBS family of stations and in addition educational classes were offered. Public broadcasting operated on funds granted by the government, viewer membership solicitation, state and city grants, and support of local business… but no commercials.
Since that time the business model of television has dramatically changed. We now have cable and literally hundreds of channels in most television markets. The commercial stations now secure funding by local, regional and national commercial sales, and if they are network affiliated they now are paying their network for programs. Some revenue is secured from re-transmission fees from the cable systems that carry the station programming. The loss of network revenue was significant.
There are now 354 PBS stations serving 210 television markets in the US. (Yes, if you do the math there is more than one PBS station in over 140 markets.) PBS has evolved over the years and now carries veiled commercials while also receiving retransmission fees. By veiled ads, I mean more than a company logo and a voice over with a “thank you for support.” Now, for instance, company tag lines and locations are included and can go on for a traditional commercial length.
Additionally, PBS competes with commercial stations to buy syndicated programming; driving up the price of program costs for all TV stations and cable as well.
In the meantime, PBS continues to secure grants from federal, state and local governments, viewer memberships, contributions from local businesses, and the auction fund drives (avenues unavailable to commercial stations). Thus their business model is dramatically different and they are no longer non-commercial or commercial free.
Public Television has had a free ride for many years, and considering the economic problems facing the country, they should share in the realities of life in 2011. The days of government funding can no longer be justified and PBS should and must adapt or perish just like any other business operating in today’s atmosphere.
PBS does offer important television programs, but they no longer should be funded by taxpayer money. Their audiences have never been significant and their audience has always been limited to a small select segment of the total viewing audience. Mary Pruess, President and General Manager of my local PBS station, WNIT, said, “What is at stake is the foundation of funding for all of the public broadcasting system.” I believe that statement is invalid in view of the fact that Public Television is now a commercial entity with several significant new revenue streams.
Public Broadcasting “costs each taxpaying citizen $1.35 per year” says Pruess. What is the justification for every single American being obligated to contribute $1.35 per year for PBS?
Public TV is wonderful, but it must stand on its own two feet just like any other business. Feeding at the public trough must come to an end or the ultimate result will be financial disaster for everyone.
I say, “Adapt or perish, PBS.” Commercial television stations are in the midst of the lesson; time for Public TV to man up.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Any discussion of Public Television government funding is a highly emotional issue that has gone on since the founding of PBS in October 1970. At that time the business model that supported the operation of television stations was founded on a small number of stations, which in most cases consisted of 4 stations in medium and large markets. The commercial stations operated by selling commercial time locally, regionally, and nationally. The stations with a network affiliation also secured revenue from their contracts.
At that time most markets were granted one license by the Federal Communications Commission for a non-commercial station (PBS) that would receive federal support, because they did not air paid commercials. Programs were produced by the PBS family of stations and in addition educational classes were offered. Public broadcasting operated on funds granted by the government, viewer membership solicitation, state and city grants, and support of local business… but no commercials.
Since that time the business model of television has dramatically changed. We now have cable and literally hundreds of channels in most television markets. The commercial stations now secure funding by local, regional and national commercial sales, and if they are network affiliated they now are paying their network for programs. Some revenue is secured from re-transmission fees from the cable systems that carry the station programming. The loss of network revenue was significant.
There are now 354 PBS stations serving 210 television markets in the US. (Yes, if you do the math there is more than one PBS station in over 140 markets.) PBS has evolved over the years and now carries veiled commercials while also receiving retransmission fees. By veiled ads, I mean more than a company logo and a voice over with a “thank you for support.” Now, for instance, company tag lines and locations are included and can go on for a traditional commercial length.
Additionally, PBS competes with commercial stations to buy syndicated programming; driving up the price of program costs for all TV stations and cable as well.
In the meantime, PBS continues to secure grants from federal, state and local governments, viewer memberships, contributions from local businesses, and the auction fund drives (avenues unavailable to commercial stations). Thus their business model is dramatically different and they are no longer non-commercial or commercial free.
Public Television has had a free ride for many years, and considering the economic problems facing the country, they should share in the realities of life in 2011. The days of government funding can no longer be justified and PBS should and must adapt or perish just like any other business operating in today’s atmosphere.
PBS does offer important television programs, but they no longer should be funded by taxpayer money. Their audiences have never been significant and their audience has always been limited to a small select segment of the total viewing audience. Mary Pruess, President and General Manager of my local PBS station, WNIT, said, “What is at stake is the foundation of funding for all of the public broadcasting system.” I believe that statement is invalid in view of the fact that Public Television is now a commercial entity with several significant new revenue streams.
Public Broadcasting “costs each taxpaying citizen $1.35 per year” says Pruess. What is the justification for every single American being obligated to contribute $1.35 per year for PBS?
Public TV is wonderful, but it must stand on its own two feet just like any other business. Feeding at the public trough must come to an end or the ultimate result will be financial disaster for everyone.
I say, “Adapt or perish, PBS.” Commercial television stations are in the midst of the lesson; time for Public TV to man up.
COMMANDER GRANGER
JEFFERSON'S WISDOM PREVAILS
Frequently your Commander has quoted the inspirational words and writings of President Thomas Jefferson. History has proven that he was one of this nation’s greatest minds and his visions for the future have prevailed.
Earlier this month I wrote my thoughts relative to the recent upheaval in Egypt and suggested that the future of Egypt and the Middle East was quite unclear, extremely complicated, and yet to be determined. With that in mind let me remind you of a statement attributed to Jefferson that is most applicable.
“THE GENERATION THAT CREATES REVOLUTION CAN RARELY CONTROL IT.”
We should all thank our creator that men such as Jefferson were instrumental in the foundation of our great country, because he had the vision and understanding of what it takes to create, and maintain a successful democracy. Somewhere out there in America is another Thomas Jefferson, and our country sure could benefit from him or her at this time in our history. In the meantime, we all can benefit by reflecting on Jefferson’s words from the pages so carefully researched and written by many gifted historians.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Earlier this month I wrote my thoughts relative to the recent upheaval in Egypt and suggested that the future of Egypt and the Middle East was quite unclear, extremely complicated, and yet to be determined. With that in mind let me remind you of a statement attributed to Jefferson that is most applicable.
“THE GENERATION THAT CREATES REVOLUTION CAN RARELY CONTROL IT.”
We should all thank our creator that men such as Jefferson were instrumental in the foundation of our great country, because he had the vision and understanding of what it takes to create, and maintain a successful democracy. Somewhere out there in America is another Thomas Jefferson, and our country sure could benefit from him or her at this time in our history. In the meantime, we all can benefit by reflecting on Jefferson’s words from the pages so carefully researched and written by many gifted historians.
COMMANDER GRANGER
STUPIDITY KEEPS FLOWING FROM ILLINOIS
It appears to your Commander that each and every time I open newspapers from Chicago there is another stupid suggestion flowing from the political hierarchy. Now recently elected Governor Pat Quinn has asked Amtrak CEO Joseph Boardman to conduct a study for establishing a high-speed Amtrak direct connection from Chicago’s Union Station to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/traffic/ct-met-getting-around-0221-20110220,0,5105703,print.column
Does the Governor not know that his state is several billions of dollars in the hole? Does he not know that Amtrak is already a financial disaster, and does he not know that the Chicago Transit Authority already runs the subway Blue Line trains directly from downtown to the airport? I wonder just how much this inquiry will cost Amtrak to conduct, and they are already a failed business operating on federal grants. If it costs Amtrak it really costs the American taxpayers, because we prop-up this federally promoted financially failed venture. Now Quinn is considering digging the hole deeper, because the idea could only be built with federal dollars.
How can any sane political figure even contemplate such an idea in view of the State’s financial condition and the persisting economic debt facing the country? I know that Quinn’s inquiry is just that, but there are certainly many other priority projects that should be considered before wasting anymore of the taxpayers precious dollars on damn-fool ideas. If the Illinois and the country were flush with money that would be one thing, but Illinois is broke and the good old USA owes billions.
Politicians across this country keep trying to bail-out Amtrak, and force feed high-speed rail travel down our throats. You cannot compare travel in the USA to that in Europe and the Far East because it is an apples and oranges discussion. Priorities just never seem to enter politicians' minds these days…only ideas that may attract votes, promote re-election, and spend dollars wastefully on the backs of flat-broke tired and abused taxpayers.
God help us from these greedy self-serving corrupt fools who we keep electing to high office. Perhaps the taxpaying voters are the real dummies.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/traffic/ct-met-getting-around-0221-20110220,0,5105703,print.column
Does the Governor not know that his state is several billions of dollars in the hole? Does he not know that Amtrak is already a financial disaster, and does he not know that the Chicago Transit Authority already runs the subway Blue Line trains directly from downtown to the airport? I wonder just how much this inquiry will cost Amtrak to conduct, and they are already a failed business operating on federal grants. If it costs Amtrak it really costs the American taxpayers, because we prop-up this federally promoted financially failed venture. Now Quinn is considering digging the hole deeper, because the idea could only be built with federal dollars.
How can any sane political figure even contemplate such an idea in view of the State’s financial condition and the persisting economic debt facing the country? I know that Quinn’s inquiry is just that, but there are certainly many other priority projects that should be considered before wasting anymore of the taxpayers precious dollars on damn-fool ideas. If the Illinois and the country were flush with money that would be one thing, but Illinois is broke and the good old USA owes billions.
Politicians across this country keep trying to bail-out Amtrak, and force feed high-speed rail travel down our throats. You cannot compare travel in the USA to that in Europe and the Far East because it is an apples and oranges discussion. Priorities just never seem to enter politicians' minds these days…only ideas that may attract votes, promote re-election, and spend dollars wastefully on the backs of flat-broke tired and abused taxpayers.
God help us from these greedy self-serving corrupt fools who we keep electing to high office. Perhaps the taxpaying voters are the real dummies.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A COLUMNIST'S FINAL COLUMN
Recently a good friend sent an email containing a wonderful article penned by highly regarded Orlando Sentinel, Florida columnist, Charley Reese, who wrote a daily column for the paper for thirty years and retired in 2008. In 1980 Reese first penned “545 People”, which he re-wrote, and up-dated over the years.
I found this article so interesting that I started checking for attribution and found several references to Reese’s article on Google and tracked a supportive attribution on Scopes.Com. Several versions of the original appeared, but the link I most enjoyed appears below:
http://tucsongrowup.com/2010/08/29/charlie-reese-final-column-after-49-years-on-what-else-politicians/
Let me draw your attention to the comments too, because I think they are entertaining and insightful. Reese really isolated the responsibility of our leadership, and I found the listing of taxation to be more than interesting when the long listing is studied.
Authors with the skills apparent in this column are rare and most appreciated. Words written 31 years ago have stood the test of time.
COMMANDER GRANGER
I found this article so interesting that I started checking for attribution and found several references to Reese’s article on Google and tracked a supportive attribution on Scopes.Com. Several versions of the original appeared, but the link I most enjoyed appears below:
http://tucsongrowup.com/2010/08/29/charlie-reese-final-column-after-49-years-on-what-else-politicians/
Let me draw your attention to the comments too, because I think they are entertaining and insightful. Reese really isolated the responsibility of our leadership, and I found the listing of taxation to be more than interesting when the long listing is studied.
Authors with the skills apparent in this column are rare and most appreciated. Words written 31 years ago have stood the test of time.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Monday, February 21, 2011
FIVE MYTHS ABOUT ARBRHAM LINCOLN
It is Presidents’ Day so I thought it appropriate to share with you an interesting article I spotted today with the above title on the Washington Post web-site. Being a history buff and a big fan of our legendary President Abraham Lincoln I eagerly read the article and you can too at the link below:
http://live.washingtonpost.com/outlook-five-myths-about-abraham-lincoln/print.html
I do not know about you, but I found this Q & A article by Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer to be absolutely fascinating, and it increased my knowledge and admiration of Lincoln at the same time.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://live.washingtonpost.com/outlook-five-myths-about-abraham-lincoln/print.html
I do not know about you, but I found this Q & A article by Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer to be absolutely fascinating, and it increased my knowledge and admiration of Lincoln at the same time.
COMMANDER GRANGER
OBAMA'S BUDGET
The headline for Charles Krauthammer’s latest commentary is “Obama’s Louis XV Budget Full of Gimmicks”. If you read this blog often, you know that I have high regard for Krauthammer and his opinions. If you have not read it, I urge you to connect below to look at this profound piece.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/ct-oped-0221-krauthammer-20110221-6,0,2187896,print.column
Krauthammer is clearly not an Obama fan, but his comments are well supported by excellent research. Reading the main-stream media today I find it difficult to separate facts from fiction. It is frequently beyond a sane person’s ability to understand how our politicians justify their actions when it so obvious they are pandering for votes with little or no regard for financial responsibility.
COMMANDER GRANGER
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/ct-oped-0221-krauthammer-20110221-6,0,2187896,print.column
Krauthammer is clearly not an Obama fan, but his comments are well supported by excellent research. Reading the main-stream media today I find it difficult to separate facts from fiction. It is frequently beyond a sane person’s ability to understand how our politicians justify their actions when it so obvious they are pandering for votes with little or no regard for financial responsibility.
COMMANDER GRANGER
BOOK REVIEW - THE SILENT MAN
It is a pleasure to report that I highly recommend Alex Berenson’s THE SILENT MAN for your action/adventure reading pleasure. Having just finished reading the book, the second one on my new Kindle, I have found a new way of experiencing the joy of reading.
Berenson is an award winning author who has reported for the New York Times and currently has another book THE SILENT SOLDIER on the New York Times bestseller list. His research is outstanding and he weaves a highly authentic story. Hero John Wells chases the bad guys, who are from the Middle East and intent on destroying everything that is American.
Once you start reading THE SILENT MAN I am certain you will be both sold and stuck as a Berenson fan for life. I personally cannot wait to download his new book into my Kindle. He has also written two previous books, THE FAITHFUL SPY (won the 2007 Edgar Award for best first novel) and THE GHOST WAR, which I likewise will be reading and reviewing for you.
Berenson gets 5 Stars from his newest fan.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Berenson is an award winning author who has reported for the New York Times and currently has another book THE SILENT SOLDIER on the New York Times bestseller list. His research is outstanding and he weaves a highly authentic story. Hero John Wells chases the bad guys, who are from the Middle East and intent on destroying everything that is American.
Once you start reading THE SILENT MAN I am certain you will be both sold and stuck as a Berenson fan for life. I personally cannot wait to download his new book into my Kindle. He has also written two previous books, THE FAITHFUL SPY (won the 2007 Edgar Award for best first novel) and THE GHOST WAR, which I likewise will be reading and reviewing for you.
Berenson gets 5 Stars from his newest fan.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Saturday, February 19, 2011
WHY ILLINOIS IS BROKE
It takes little commentary from your Commander to understand why Illinois is broke. Unfortunately this financially irresponsible action is being repeated in State after State across our country.
Here is one of the reasons for the problem as outlined in a recent shocking article from the Chicago Sun Times:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/3522108-418/burge-pension-police-board-chicago.html?print=true
Just look at what is going on in Wisconsin this weekend. I do think that the Wisconsin legislature would have been smart to cut their salaries and benefits first before looking toward the employees of the public sector to solve the budget problems.
In fact, perhaps this idea should move through all of the financially strapped states and our beloved federal government as well. Cut salaries and cut benefits, just like the private sector has had to do for the last four years or so.
When politicians grant bloated pension plans and approve continued payments to convicted felons, what can you expect but financial chaos?
COMMANDER GRANGER
Here is one of the reasons for the problem as outlined in a recent shocking article from the Chicago Sun Times:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/cityhall/3522108-418/burge-pension-police-board-chicago.html?print=true
Just look at what is going on in Wisconsin this weekend. I do think that the Wisconsin legislature would have been smart to cut their salaries and benefits first before looking toward the employees of the public sector to solve the budget problems.
In fact, perhaps this idea should move through all of the financially strapped states and our beloved federal government as well. Cut salaries and cut benefits, just like the private sector has had to do for the last four years or so.
When politicians grant bloated pension plans and approve continued payments to convicted felons, what can you expect but financial chaos?
COMMANDER GRANGER
OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM
A good friend from Minnesota shared the following email. It is from a column called "The Daily Log" written by Mark Corallo. It represents my precise sentiments.
“So, with all the kindness I can muster, I give this one piece of advice to the next pop star who is asked to sing the national anthem at a sporting event: save the vocal gymnastics and the physical gyrations for your concerts. Just sing this song the way you were taught to sing it in kindergarten – straight up, no styling. Sing it with the constant awareness that there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines watching you from bases and outposts all over the world. Don’t make them cringe with your self-centered gratification. Sing it as if you are standing before a row of 86 year old WWII vets wearing their Purple Hearts, Silver stars and flag pins on their cardigans and you want them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country they love – not because you want them to think you are a superstar musician. They could see that from the costumes, the makeup and the entourages.
Sing “The Star Spangled Banner” with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not you.”
Well said!
COMMANDER GRANGER
“So, with all the kindness I can muster, I give this one piece of advice to the next pop star who is asked to sing the national anthem at a sporting event: save the vocal gymnastics and the physical gyrations for your concerts. Just sing this song the way you were taught to sing it in kindergarten – straight up, no styling. Sing it with the constant awareness that there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines watching you from bases and outposts all over the world. Don’t make them cringe with your self-centered gratification. Sing it as if you are standing before a row of 86 year old WWII vets wearing their Purple Hearts, Silver stars and flag pins on their cardigans and you want them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country they love – not because you want them to think you are a superstar musician. They could see that from the costumes, the makeup and the entourages.
Sing “The Star Spangled Banner” with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not you.”
Well said!
COMMANDER GRANGER
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
VIOLENCE AGAINST JOURNALISTS
The reports of violence against journalists assigned to cover the demonstrations in Egypt and across the Middle East were both predictable and preventable. It is your Commander’s opinion that greedy executives of several news organizations placed their anchors, reporters, and producers in harms way in their frantic efforts to garner “exclusive” coverage of the demonstrations.
It is a fact that over a period of time in an effort to increase profitability, the major news organizations have closed news bureaus across the world and now usually rely on stringers and foreign news organizations at lesser expense. Without local news bureaus, the dangers present in various news hot-beds are not known or recognized by the decision-makers thousands of miles away.
It is reported by the Arab website Bikya Masr that street violence against women is common in Cairo. Fulbright Scholar Beenish Ahmed wrote that “street and sexual harassment has been endemic. Egyptian women have become rightfully wary of any sort of public demonstrations where they might become targets of abuse.” The Egyptian Centre for Women’s Rights describes the problem as a “social cancer.”
What happened to CBS News correspondent Lara Logan is inexcusable, but should have been both avoidable and foreseeable. However, without local, knowledgeable, and experienced representatives on the scene, decisions were made from afar without consideration to employee safety. Similar incidents happened to several other well known journalists, but they were extremely fortunate to not experience the consequences that befell Logan. Some individual journalists and their crews made poor decisions and placed themselves in jeopardy. They paid a very high price.
Recently I wrote about “big-time network anchors” that flew into Cairo and when confronted by the demonstrators quickly jumped on their private jets and got the hell out of a very dangerous situation. Several reporters fled to the safety of their hotels and reported from protected sites on the rooftops of the buildings. Wiser heads prevailed, but one must wonder just what price a journalist should pay to get the story.
A saner example of coverage exists where NBC News has a reporter on the scene in Tehran, Iran. He is a native and knows how to cover the story and to date remains free to report. Another is NBC’s Richard Engel who speaks Arabic and has lived across the Middle East for many years. He knows what and what not to do, and still reports accurately. Even CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, who has lived and operated in the Middle East for some time, placed herself in danger defying local customs toward women and paid the price of getting roughed up.
Women are treated poorly in the Middle East and that must be taken into consideration when operating under a different set of rules and customs in a foreign country. Local bureaus know local situations better than fly-in transplants that push local customs to get the story and place themselves in serious danger.
Management on another continent should have the right safety information when making decisions to cover contentious events worldwide and who to send. One wonders just what price news organizations are willing to pay just to “get” the story. Are physical violence, sexual assault and possible death of reporters worth the price of a good story? News executives should know better and protect their minions – otherwise valuable employees are potential cannon fodder for zealots.
COMMANDER GRANGER
It is a fact that over a period of time in an effort to increase profitability, the major news organizations have closed news bureaus across the world and now usually rely on stringers and foreign news organizations at lesser expense. Without local news bureaus, the dangers present in various news hot-beds are not known or recognized by the decision-makers thousands of miles away.
It is reported by the Arab website Bikya Masr that street violence against women is common in Cairo. Fulbright Scholar Beenish Ahmed wrote that “street and sexual harassment has been endemic. Egyptian women have become rightfully wary of any sort of public demonstrations where they might become targets of abuse.” The Egyptian Centre for Women’s Rights describes the problem as a “social cancer.”
What happened to CBS News correspondent Lara Logan is inexcusable, but should have been both avoidable and foreseeable. However, without local, knowledgeable, and experienced representatives on the scene, decisions were made from afar without consideration to employee safety. Similar incidents happened to several other well known journalists, but they were extremely fortunate to not experience the consequences that befell Logan. Some individual journalists and their crews made poor decisions and placed themselves in jeopardy. They paid a very high price.
Recently I wrote about “big-time network anchors” that flew into Cairo and when confronted by the demonstrators quickly jumped on their private jets and got the hell out of a very dangerous situation. Several reporters fled to the safety of their hotels and reported from protected sites on the rooftops of the buildings. Wiser heads prevailed, but one must wonder just what price a journalist should pay to get the story.
A saner example of coverage exists where NBC News has a reporter on the scene in Tehran, Iran. He is a native and knows how to cover the story and to date remains free to report. Another is NBC’s Richard Engel who speaks Arabic and has lived across the Middle East for many years. He knows what and what not to do, and still reports accurately. Even CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, who has lived and operated in the Middle East for some time, placed herself in danger defying local customs toward women and paid the price of getting roughed up.
Women are treated poorly in the Middle East and that must be taken into consideration when operating under a different set of rules and customs in a foreign country. Local bureaus know local situations better than fly-in transplants that push local customs to get the story and place themselves in serious danger.
Management on another continent should have the right safety information when making decisions to cover contentious events worldwide and who to send. One wonders just what price news organizations are willing to pay just to “get” the story. Are physical violence, sexual assault and possible death of reporters worth the price of a good story? News executives should know better and protect their minions – otherwise valuable employees are potential cannon fodder for zealots.
COMMANDER GRANGER
BLOG CORRECTION
In writing my commentary yesterday “MID-EAST TURMOIL AFFECTS US” your Commander failed to clearly explain my two primary bullet points. Specifically when I stated – There are obvious logical solutions to these two devastating economic problems emanating from the Middle East. – I failed to clarify the cause and effect of growing food and oil prices.
In an effort to clarify let me state the following. The economically flawed promotion of corn based ethanol by Al Gore and our government has led to huge increases in food prices domestically and world wide. One of the major causes of unrest in the Middle East has been the increased price of food.
With the demonstrations across the Middle East there is a growing concern that the Suez Canal passage may disrupt the shipment of oil, which causes further inflation of per barrel prices of oil, and the price of gasoline per gallon throughout the world. We have the ability to off-set the price of oil by increasing domestic drilling immediately.
Growing unrest in Algeria, Yemen, Bahrain, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, and Saudi Arabia are acerbated by high food prices, and inter-dependence on oil revenues. We must continue to search for an economical alternative fuel, but in the meantime America should stop the promotion of corn based fuel, because it inflates food prices. We can likewise increase domestic oil production to off-set inflated gas prices from foreign imports.
Sorry for my failure to articulate my position succinctly.
COMMANDER GRANGER
In an effort to clarify let me state the following. The economically flawed promotion of corn based ethanol by Al Gore and our government has led to huge increases in food prices domestically and world wide. One of the major causes of unrest in the Middle East has been the increased price of food.
With the demonstrations across the Middle East there is a growing concern that the Suez Canal passage may disrupt the shipment of oil, which causes further inflation of per barrel prices of oil, and the price of gasoline per gallon throughout the world. We have the ability to off-set the price of oil by increasing domestic drilling immediately.
Growing unrest in Algeria, Yemen, Bahrain, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, and Saudi Arabia are acerbated by high food prices, and inter-dependence on oil revenues. We must continue to search for an economical alternative fuel, but in the meantime America should stop the promotion of corn based fuel, because it inflates food prices. We can likewise increase domestic oil production to off-set inflated gas prices from foreign imports.
Sorry for my failure to articulate my position succinctly.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
MID-EAST TURMOIL AFFECTS US
As continuing uncertainty continues to simmer in the Middle East there are a series of growing issues there that impact the economy of American citizens directly. Today, let’s look at just two of the many issues.
Please take a look at a very interesting article at Time.com “Why Biofuels Help Push Up World Food Prices” at this link:
http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,2048885,00.html
From the article it is apparent that the continued diversion of 40% of the American corn crop is devastating to the world food prices. America is currently the victim of a government promoted product development that has proven to be totally inefficient on a cost/benefit analysis and nothing is being done to reverse the cost increases.
Next, take a look at a DailyFinance.com article “Is Oil Output Peaking or Not? Either Way, Cheap Oil Is Gone for Good” at this link.
http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/peak-oil-cheap-oil-is-gone-for-/19837213/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk1%7C201111
Here we go again with a situation that has an alternative that could and would reduce the price of oil that would immediately and favorably impact the consumer, but little or no action is being taken by our government. We can increase domestic oil production, create jobs and reduce debt immediately and nothing is being done.
These are two of several significant economic issues confronting American taxpayers and our economy, while our Congressional representatives and the current Administration are doing absolutely nothing to correct the obvious errors in previous actions. Do you ever ask yourself why does this happen?
More importantly, are you personally doing anything to demand that immediate action is initiated to stop this waste and negative impact to our and the entire world’s economy? There are obvious logical solutions to these two devastating economic problems emanating from the Middle East.
If we collectively put some direct pressure on our elected representatives something will be accomplished. Consider what would happen if Congress actually worked five days per week instead of only two-and-a-half to three. Think of the improved efficiency that would occur, and the millions that would be saved by them staying in Washington to address their responsibilities to serve their constituents. Again, ask yourself why.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Please take a look at a very interesting article at Time.com “Why Biofuels Help Push Up World Food Prices” at this link:
http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,2048885,00.html
From the article it is apparent that the continued diversion of 40% of the American corn crop is devastating to the world food prices. America is currently the victim of a government promoted product development that has proven to be totally inefficient on a cost/benefit analysis and nothing is being done to reverse the cost increases.
Next, take a look at a DailyFinance.com article “Is Oil Output Peaking or Not? Either Way, Cheap Oil Is Gone for Good” at this link.
http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/peak-oil-cheap-oil-is-gone-for-/19837213/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-w%7Cdl8%7Csec1_lnk1%7C201111
Here we go again with a situation that has an alternative that could and would reduce the price of oil that would immediately and favorably impact the consumer, but little or no action is being taken by our government. We can increase domestic oil production, create jobs and reduce debt immediately and nothing is being done.
These are two of several significant economic issues confronting American taxpayers and our economy, while our Congressional representatives and the current Administration are doing absolutely nothing to correct the obvious errors in previous actions. Do you ever ask yourself why does this happen?
More importantly, are you personally doing anything to demand that immediate action is initiated to stop this waste and negative impact to our and the entire world’s economy? There are obvious logical solutions to these two devastating economic problems emanating from the Middle East.
If we collectively put some direct pressure on our elected representatives something will be accomplished. Consider what would happen if Congress actually worked five days per week instead of only two-and-a-half to three. Think of the improved efficiency that would occur, and the millions that would be saved by them staying in Washington to address their responsibilities to serve their constituents. Again, ask yourself why.
COMMANDER GRANGER
HIGH-SPEED RAIL
Your Commander has previously written about my opposition to High-Speed Rail proposals from the Obama Administration, but I recently ran across a compelling article in the Washington Post (“High-speed rail is a fast track to government waste”) that puts the entire issue into the clear light of day. In essence the author, Robert J. Samuelson, closes the door on this massive government waste proposal when he states “Even if ridership increased fifteenfold over Amtrak levels, the effects on congestion, national fuel consumption and emissions would still be trivial.”
Take a couple of minutes to read Samuelson’s opinion piece in the Washington Post at this link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/13/AR2011021302203_pf.html
Fortunately we have journalists such as Samuelson who dig for the facts to permit us taxpayers to see through the smoke screens presented by this Administration in the name of “Green Job-Creation.” Hopefully, someone in the Halls of Congress will see to it that our precious dollars are not appropriated for this wasteful boondoggle that kisses the backsides of the Union supporters of the current occupant of the White House. WASTE IS WASTE!
COMMANDER GRANGER
Take a couple of minutes to read Samuelson’s opinion piece in the Washington Post at this link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/13/AR2011021302203_pf.html
Fortunately we have journalists such as Samuelson who dig for the facts to permit us taxpayers to see through the smoke screens presented by this Administration in the name of “Green Job-Creation.” Hopefully, someone in the Halls of Congress will see to it that our precious dollars are not appropriated for this wasteful boondoggle that kisses the backsides of the Union supporters of the current occupant of the White House. WASTE IS WASTE!
COMMANDER GRANGER
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A FRESH APPROACH TO WELFARE
I recently received an email that contained the following. You may have already seen it, but your Commander thinks that it is worth posting for those who have not. Unfortunately, I do not know who originally wrote this.
I have a job. I work, they pay me.
I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit.
ln order to get that paycheck, in my case, I am required to pass a random urine test. (with which I have no problem).
What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don’t have to pass a urine test.
So, here is my question:
Shouldn’t one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check, because I have to pass one to earn it for them?
Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet.
I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their butt – doing drugs while I work.
Can you imagine how much money each state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?
I guess we could call the program
“URINE OR YOU’RE OUT!”
P.S. Just a thought, but all politicians should have to pass a urine test too!
I enjoyed the concept expressed and hope you did, too. Do you think this could actually happen? I sure hope so!
COMMANDER GRANGER
I have a job. I work, they pay me.
I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit.
ln order to get that paycheck, in my case, I am required to pass a random urine test. (with which I have no problem).
What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don’t have to pass a urine test.
So, here is my question:
Shouldn’t one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check, because I have to pass one to earn it for them?
Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet.
I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their butt – doing drugs while I work.
Can you imagine how much money each state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?
I guess we could call the program
“URINE OR YOU’RE OUT!”
P.S. Just a thought, but all politicians should have to pass a urine test too!
I enjoyed the concept expressed and hope you did, too. Do you think this could actually happen? I sure hope so!
COMMANDER GRANGER
Saturday, February 12, 2011
THE MORNING AFTER IN EGYPT
As the crowds disperse in the principal cities of Egypt, today there remains much misinformation and uncertainty as to the future political situation impacting 80 million Egyptians. Calls by many demonstrators, and several reporters in the crowds that said “EGYPT IS FREE” were nothing more than emotional utterances, because the only real thing they accomplished was that now former President Hosni Mubarak departed Cairo and his leadership position.
It remains to be seen what precise form of government will prevail in Egypt, but to say that the people of this country are “free” is nothing more than an emotional reaction to Mubarak’s departure. It is foolish to really believe that the demonstrating crowds were the cause of Mubarak’s decision. The truth of the matter is that we have experienced a non-violent coup d’e tat by the influential ruling military. Mubarak was nothing but the figure-head president of the ruling military establishment.
Like millions around the world I watched endless hours of attention-getting television coverage showing the crowds demonstrating in several Egyptian cities and other Middle East capitols. The crowds represented people long abused and deprived of fair governance who have suffered for decades due to massive unemployment and excessive food costs. They represent a growing number of people who live under oppressive leadership within societies ruled by small, elite inner-circles.
In the case of Egypt it is clear that the country has moved to another form of governance with the Army in control. Only time will tell if the people who demonstrated truly achieve a strong voice and real democracy or will the military give them just enough freedom to keep them under their thumb.
Believe me, this morning there are heads of state throughout the Middle East meeting with fellow members of their inner circle making certain their leadership is not compromised by the actions of a small percentage of their total nation’s population as was the case in Egypt. Cairo has a population of approx. 18 million and the country is home to about 80 million.
Don’t kid yourself into believing that Egypt’s uprising was simply an action of the people. I believe it was carefully crafted by shadow forces that are working across the Middle East to cause unrest and the establishment of Islamic rule.
Your Commander finds it extremely interesting to note just how little American journalists actually knew about the background of the demonstrations. Most were just babbling, surmising, and filling time with a narrow portrait of those surrounding them in the streets.
Major television networks and print news organizations should have learned a good lesson to not fly their stars into situations like this (think ABC’s anchor Bob Woodruff’s injury in Iraq). The next time they may just end up with someone dead. I am sure you noticed that when the crowd got rough the big television news anchors ran for their private jets to get out of harms way. The network news presidents were wrong to send them into such a flammable place. If you listened closely to most of the reporters actual words, they had very few solid details and simply described video with little or no reliable sources to support what they were saying.
Down the road we will learn if the Islamic movement takes a significant role in Egypt’s future government. Personally I believe the strong Egyptian military will keep a firm grip on the situation. Historians may reveal the true role that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates quietly played behind the scenes in this historical event.
Egyptian’s are not “free” this morning, but they have moved forward by getting Mubarak off his corrupt throne. It is believed he has stashed away BILLIONS of dollars meant for the country. The military establishment’s action has prevented further bloodshed, but more importantly secured their dominant leadership role.
What comes next is almost anyone’s guess, but I warn you to carefully watch the actions of the Islamic Brotherhood, because they are stirring the pot more aggressively each and everyday around the Arab world and the rest of the planet.
COMMANDER GRANGER
It remains to be seen what precise form of government will prevail in Egypt, but to say that the people of this country are “free” is nothing more than an emotional reaction to Mubarak’s departure. It is foolish to really believe that the demonstrating crowds were the cause of Mubarak’s decision. The truth of the matter is that we have experienced a non-violent coup d’e tat by the influential ruling military. Mubarak was nothing but the figure-head president of the ruling military establishment.
Like millions around the world I watched endless hours of attention-getting television coverage showing the crowds demonstrating in several Egyptian cities and other Middle East capitols. The crowds represented people long abused and deprived of fair governance who have suffered for decades due to massive unemployment and excessive food costs. They represent a growing number of people who live under oppressive leadership within societies ruled by small, elite inner-circles.
In the case of Egypt it is clear that the country has moved to another form of governance with the Army in control. Only time will tell if the people who demonstrated truly achieve a strong voice and real democracy or will the military give them just enough freedom to keep them under their thumb.
Believe me, this morning there are heads of state throughout the Middle East meeting with fellow members of their inner circle making certain their leadership is not compromised by the actions of a small percentage of their total nation’s population as was the case in Egypt. Cairo has a population of approx. 18 million and the country is home to about 80 million.
Don’t kid yourself into believing that Egypt’s uprising was simply an action of the people. I believe it was carefully crafted by shadow forces that are working across the Middle East to cause unrest and the establishment of Islamic rule.
Your Commander finds it extremely interesting to note just how little American journalists actually knew about the background of the demonstrations. Most were just babbling, surmising, and filling time with a narrow portrait of those surrounding them in the streets.
Major television networks and print news organizations should have learned a good lesson to not fly their stars into situations like this (think ABC’s anchor Bob Woodruff’s injury in Iraq). The next time they may just end up with someone dead. I am sure you noticed that when the crowd got rough the big television news anchors ran for their private jets to get out of harms way. The network news presidents were wrong to send them into such a flammable place. If you listened closely to most of the reporters actual words, they had very few solid details and simply described video with little or no reliable sources to support what they were saying.
Down the road we will learn if the Islamic movement takes a significant role in Egypt’s future government. Personally I believe the strong Egyptian military will keep a firm grip on the situation. Historians may reveal the true role that Secretary of Defense Robert Gates quietly played behind the scenes in this historical event.
Egyptian’s are not “free” this morning, but they have moved forward by getting Mubarak off his corrupt throne. It is believed he has stashed away BILLIONS of dollars meant for the country. The military establishment’s action has prevented further bloodshed, but more importantly secured their dominant leadership role.
What comes next is almost anyone’s guess, but I warn you to carefully watch the actions of the Islamic Brotherhood, because they are stirring the pot more aggressively each and everyday around the Arab world and the rest of the planet.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
THE DAILY IS THE FUTURE
February 2, 2011 will go down in history as the date the newspaper publishing business changed and aggressively moved into the electronic future. No doubt you have heard of News Corporation Chairman Rupert Murdoch’s introductory announcement of a new tablet newspaper titled The Daily.
If you have not heard about it you can take a look at the link below:
http://www.thedaily.com/
Your Commander is so impressed with The Daily it will push me to buy an electronic tablet device sooner rather than later, even though their prices should be coming down dramatically within the next year. As our busy, time conscious population ages, and tablet sales grow, I believe that Murdoch has sprung forward with a brilliant concept, and will be the first to profit from his vision and keen business sense. Murdoch’s plan eliminates all the expenses that are currently killing the newspaper publishing industry. Currently only the USA Today and the Wall Street Journal are experiencing circulation increases and all other newspapers are reporting dramatic circulation decreases and many are actually going out of business.
Just contemplate the savings Murdoch’s concept of The Daily immediately brings to the publisher with the elimination of all the expenses for paper, ink, labor to run the presses, and the physical delivery of a hard copy of the paper. Like Murdoch or not, he puts his money where his mouth is and has beaten the competition with the launch of The Daily.
Many thought, including your Commander, that Murdoch was crazy when he founded his Fox network, and look how successful that venture has become. I predict a big future for this endeavor, but only time will tell if I am correct in my analysis of this speculative undertaking.
COMMANDER GRANGER
If you have not heard about it you can take a look at the link below:
http://www.thedaily.com/
Your Commander is so impressed with The Daily it will push me to buy an electronic tablet device sooner rather than later, even though their prices should be coming down dramatically within the next year. As our busy, time conscious population ages, and tablet sales grow, I believe that Murdoch has sprung forward with a brilliant concept, and will be the first to profit from his vision and keen business sense. Murdoch’s plan eliminates all the expenses that are currently killing the newspaper publishing industry. Currently only the USA Today and the Wall Street Journal are experiencing circulation increases and all other newspapers are reporting dramatic circulation decreases and many are actually going out of business.
Just contemplate the savings Murdoch’s concept of The Daily immediately brings to the publisher with the elimination of all the expenses for paper, ink, labor to run the presses, and the physical delivery of a hard copy of the paper. Like Murdoch or not, he puts his money where his mouth is and has beaten the competition with the launch of The Daily.
Many thought, including your Commander, that Murdoch was crazy when he founded his Fox network, and look how successful that venture has become. I predict a big future for this endeavor, but only time will tell if I am correct in my analysis of this speculative undertaking.
COMMANDER GRANGER
SUPER BOWL ZEITGEIST
Like millions of my fellow Americans I too sat through the endless hours of Super Bowl television coverage. Recognizing that I now am a minute segment of one in the demographic profiles that advertising agencies and their clients totally ignore, my opinion has little or no significant value.
For what it is worth, I am of the opinion that the National Football League has gone totally over the cliff in its sheer arrogance and greed to secure the almighty dollar. And network sportscasters are now commercial promotional proponents calling attention to the sponsorship of the aerial high-definition camera, etc.
Rather than bore you with my negative comments let me suggest that you take a look at Hank Stuever’s excellent comments in his Washington Post article titled “Cultural zeitgeist, scored by Super Bowl commercials”.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/07/AR2011020700184_pf.html
Being totally honest with my loyal readers I had to look up the definition of “zeitgeist”, which is “the spirit of the times” or “the spirit of the age”.
There really isn’t much more to say about the over-produced, over-promotion of Fox network programs, and totally over-commercialized 2011 Super Bowl. Oh! Yes, but the game was worth watching.
COMMANDER GRANGER
,
For what it is worth, I am of the opinion that the National Football League has gone totally over the cliff in its sheer arrogance and greed to secure the almighty dollar. And network sportscasters are now commercial promotional proponents calling attention to the sponsorship of the aerial high-definition camera, etc.
Rather than bore you with my negative comments let me suggest that you take a look at Hank Stuever’s excellent comments in his Washington Post article titled “Cultural zeitgeist, scored by Super Bowl commercials”.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/07/AR2011020700184_pf.html
Being totally honest with my loyal readers I had to look up the definition of “zeitgeist”, which is “the spirit of the times” or “the spirit of the age”.
There really isn’t much more to say about the over-produced, over-promotion of Fox network programs, and totally over-commercialized 2011 Super Bowl. Oh! Yes, but the game was worth watching.
COMMANDER GRANGER
,
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
STATES: THE WORST IS YET TO COME
The main stream media reports that we are coming out of the downturn in our national economy, but let me warn you that THE WORST IS YET TO COME, which is part of the title of an alarming article from the pages of the Chicago Tribune. The Tribune’s report actually specifies the root cause of the problem in Illinois, but I believe it is an issue of such massive proportions that it will impact every State in the country.
Let’s start by taking a look at the Tribune analysis at:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/ct-oped-0125-byrne-20110125,0,4761143,print.column
If that does not alarm you, just consider the fact that several States have problems worse than Illinois, such as California and New York. Thanks to years and years of politicians passing the buck along to future generations the chickens are now coming home to roost, because there is no longer any room to avoid the obvious result of bankruptcy.
The Chicago Tribune in another article outlines the massive abuse of the pension programs taking place with School Superintendents per this link:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-superintendent-pensions-20110129,0,7361006,print.story
It this story does not make you sick and disgusted nothing will.
Just how much can politicians tax the man on the street? They have reached the absolute limit, and now they must cut pensions and welfare obligations long promised because there is no alternative. It is not going to be nice and it will cause great financial distress to millions, but there is simply no alternative.
The same under-funding problems exist with Medicare and Social Security. You can thank your government officials for these problems. Thank Congress for borrowing unbelievable amounts of money from the Social Security Trust Fund, and never paying off one of their numerous IOUs. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) had the gall to tell the American television audience January 23rd that Social Security was solvent for 40 years, but he is simply a damn fabricator.
If hard decisions, like those made in New Jersey by their new Governor Chris Christie, are not made and made quickly there will be another massive nationwide economic collapse that will make the recent crisis look like a walk in the park. This time it will hurt everyone, and it could cause economic chaos.
Considering these facts President Obama did all Americans a massive dis-service in his State of the Union address when he failed to honestly address the severity of our economic condition. He did that, because he is indebted and obligated to his union supporters and the welfare entitlement crowd for their votes. Shockingly, the Washington Post carried a scathing article after the State of the Union address calling Obama’s speech drearily familiar.
Economist Walter E. Williams in a recent article contends that we cannot and will not solve our economic shortfalls until the body of the American public accepts the fact that they too must absorb cuts, because they are actually supporting politicians against taking vital corrective action. He has an interesting point that I am afraid is accurate. Responsibility always begins at home, and we Americans are clearly spoiled.
It is far past the time for all political leaders to talk turkey, and act responsibly. Secure our borders, lower taxes, create jobs, cut spending, eliminate the pork, cancel the perks, and attack the incredible waste immediately. Start doing all of these things now, and not down the road when it will be too late. America needs HONEST leadership.
COMMANDER GRANGER
Let’s start by taking a look at the Tribune analysis at:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/ct-oped-0125-byrne-20110125,0,4761143,print.column
If that does not alarm you, just consider the fact that several States have problems worse than Illinois, such as California and New York. Thanks to years and years of politicians passing the buck along to future generations the chickens are now coming home to roost, because there is no longer any room to avoid the obvious result of bankruptcy.
The Chicago Tribune in another article outlines the massive abuse of the pension programs taking place with School Superintendents per this link:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-superintendent-pensions-20110129,0,7361006,print.story
It this story does not make you sick and disgusted nothing will.
Just how much can politicians tax the man on the street? They have reached the absolute limit, and now they must cut pensions and welfare obligations long promised because there is no alternative. It is not going to be nice and it will cause great financial distress to millions, but there is simply no alternative.
The same under-funding problems exist with Medicare and Social Security. You can thank your government officials for these problems. Thank Congress for borrowing unbelievable amounts of money from the Social Security Trust Fund, and never paying off one of their numerous IOUs. Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) had the gall to tell the American television audience January 23rd that Social Security was solvent for 40 years, but he is simply a damn fabricator.
If hard decisions, like those made in New Jersey by their new Governor Chris Christie, are not made and made quickly there will be another massive nationwide economic collapse that will make the recent crisis look like a walk in the park. This time it will hurt everyone, and it could cause economic chaos.
Considering these facts President Obama did all Americans a massive dis-service in his State of the Union address when he failed to honestly address the severity of our economic condition. He did that, because he is indebted and obligated to his union supporters and the welfare entitlement crowd for their votes. Shockingly, the Washington Post carried a scathing article after the State of the Union address calling Obama’s speech drearily familiar.
Economist Walter E. Williams in a recent article contends that we cannot and will not solve our economic shortfalls until the body of the American public accepts the fact that they too must absorb cuts, because they are actually supporting politicians against taking vital corrective action. He has an interesting point that I am afraid is accurate. Responsibility always begins at home, and we Americans are clearly spoiled.
It is far past the time for all political leaders to talk turkey, and act responsibly. Secure our borders, lower taxes, create jobs, cut spending, eliminate the pork, cancel the perks, and attack the incredible waste immediately. Start doing all of these things now, and not down the road when it will be too late. America needs HONEST leadership.
COMMANDER GRANGER
TROUBLED TIMES
With our country struggling to find a way out of the current economic downturn, staggering debt, fighting two expensive wars and now new potential conflicts in the Middle East it is your Commander’s suggestion that this is a time calling for thoughtful contemplation of these issues.
While Egypt and other regional governments are in the midst of political revolution, the entire Middle East is about to bring new and alarming problems for a peaceful resolution to the Israel/Palestine relationship and the viability of the Suez Canal as a transit point for vital oil products and other commerce. This is certainly an important time for everyone to proceed with great patience and reason.
In recent days I came across two thoughtful comments that I suggest are most appropriate to consider, especially at this time in our history. Unfortunately I cannot properly attribute them:
Address the argument and not the emotion.
Every generation must answer to the next.
If the power brokers and governments around the world consider these two very perceptive pronouncements we just may find a way to resolve the tensions in a way that prevents further bloodshed, and establish a path to work peacefully out of the dilemmas.
Now realistically speaking, your Commander has deep concern about avoiding armed conflict between Israel and the forces within the Islamic world. In addition, I have grave reservations regarding the long-term viability of the Trans-Egyptian oil pipeline, and the Suez Canal as a transit point for our short-term energy needs.
Just considering those two explosive topics our government must be extremely cautious to avoid involvement in another armed conflict in the Middle East, and we must act immediately to establish our energy independence by opening extensive oil production within the confines of the United States. The American economy cannot afford another military conflict at this time, and the closing of the Suez Canal would result in massive increases in the price of gasoline and oil at the local pumps causing massive disruption to our precarious economic situation.
I believe that if our leadership were to announce immediate plans to expand domestic oil production it would send a strong signal to the strident voices in the Middle East to give pause in their actions, because the flow of American dollars that they depend upon would be coming to a sudden stop.
Without the vitally needed American dollars, the forces of evil in the Middle East will be forced to act with reason and not emotion. We have the power to exert, and we better do just that before we are forced to do it on the terms of our unfriendly friends. We owe this action to our current and future generations and the preservation of our country.
COMMANDER GRANGER
While Egypt and other regional governments are in the midst of political revolution, the entire Middle East is about to bring new and alarming problems for a peaceful resolution to the Israel/Palestine relationship and the viability of the Suez Canal as a transit point for vital oil products and other commerce. This is certainly an important time for everyone to proceed with great patience and reason.
In recent days I came across two thoughtful comments that I suggest are most appropriate to consider, especially at this time in our history. Unfortunately I cannot properly attribute them:
Address the argument and not the emotion.
Every generation must answer to the next.
If the power brokers and governments around the world consider these two very perceptive pronouncements we just may find a way to resolve the tensions in a way that prevents further bloodshed, and establish a path to work peacefully out of the dilemmas.
Now realistically speaking, your Commander has deep concern about avoiding armed conflict between Israel and the forces within the Islamic world. In addition, I have grave reservations regarding the long-term viability of the Trans-Egyptian oil pipeline, and the Suez Canal as a transit point for our short-term energy needs.
Just considering those two explosive topics our government must be extremely cautious to avoid involvement in another armed conflict in the Middle East, and we must act immediately to establish our energy independence by opening extensive oil production within the confines of the United States. The American economy cannot afford another military conflict at this time, and the closing of the Suez Canal would result in massive increases in the price of gasoline and oil at the local pumps causing massive disruption to our precarious economic situation.
I believe that if our leadership were to announce immediate plans to expand domestic oil production it would send a strong signal to the strident voices in the Middle East to give pause in their actions, because the flow of American dollars that they depend upon would be coming to a sudden stop.
Without the vitally needed American dollars, the forces of evil in the Middle East will be forced to act with reason and not emotion. We have the power to exert, and we better do just that before we are forced to do it on the terms of our unfriendly friends. We owe this action to our current and future generations and the preservation of our country.
COMMANDER GRANGER
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