It is time that each of the two Democrat nominees focus part of their attention and rhetoric on the general election and not just the primary. It is a virtual certainty that the Republicans will control the House of Representatives and that the speaker will be Paul Ryan. Despite the growing amount of evidence, Ryan refuses to believe that trickle down economics does not work. Each of the three Republican nominees have proposed tax plans primarily based on giving tax breaks to the wealthy, including wealthy corporations and either eliminating or cutting back taxation of capital gains. Such plans would provide no stimulus. In fact, they would diminish aggregate demand by transferring even more wealth from those with high marginal consumption
The democrats need to focus their attention on Ted Cruz, not Donald Trump. Let the Republicans attack Donald Trump, it's more effective anyway. Ted Cruz provides a nice target. Not only are his policies vulnerable, his sanctimonious, morally superior persona is unattractive to most. Even his new Republican supporters are holding their nose. Plus, Cruz's record is one of obstruction, not creation.
Speaking of Trump, Have you noticed how Chris Christie stands behind andto the right of Donald Trump when he lectures to the press. Christie has this vacant look on his face reminding one of a ventriloquist dummy. I'm waiting for Trump to reach back, grab and hold up Christie to see if Christie can talk without Trump's lips moving.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Ted Cruz– sanctified debater
Apparently Ted Cruz was an accomplished debater. I never indulged in the sport of debating because it didn't involve running and jumping and some sort of ball. However, I have some understanding of it. One of the rhetorical devices use is the"strawman". That involves creating imaginary problems and then solving them. Apparently this cute trick explains why Cruz constantly has an apocalyptic vision of the United States and then offers himself as some sort of a Messiah'. He also creates imaginary positions for his opponents and then declaims his opposition. He also tends to refuse to answer questions if they don't fit into his narrative. In response he offers one of his set pieces.
One of his newest proposals, which even disturbs Republicans, is to have armed controls out in Muslim neighborhoods. Perhaps he will next propose that all Muslims where arm bands with red crescents displayed. One can not help but notice that Cruz consistently channels his inner Ronald Reagan. As it is Easter tomorrow, perhaps Cruz will claim that the spirit of Ronald Reagan has arisen from the dead and taken root in his body.
I may have forgotten to say that I consider Ted Cruz a truly deplorable human being.
Perhaps Cruz will have a new campaign slogan."Vote for Ted Cruz– stupid solutions for imaginary problems ".
One of his newest proposals, which even disturbs Republicans, is to have armed controls out in Muslim neighborhoods. Perhaps he will next propose that all Muslims where arm bands with red crescents displayed. One can not help but notice that Cruz consistently channels his inner Ronald Reagan. As it is Easter tomorrow, perhaps Cruz will claim that the spirit of Ronald Reagan has arisen from the dead and taken root in his body.
I may have forgotten to say that I consider Ted Cruz a truly deplorable human being.
Perhaps Cruz will have a new campaign slogan."Vote for Ted Cruz– stupid solutions for imaginary problems ".
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
The Supreme Court
10 days before the death of Justice Scalia, Chief Justice Roberts gave a speech at a New England law school. In that speech she deplored the actions of the Senate which increasingly has hyper politicized the "advise and consent" of judicial nominees, particularly to the supreme court. He said it diminished this stature of The Supreme Court and Intended to make it look like nothing more than a political partisan battling ground. He is of course right.
In a recent op Ed piece in the New York Times, a former legal ethics adviser to pres. George W. Bush stated that Merrick Garland is a nominee that Bush would've nominated. If you think about it, Garland is exactly the person who should now be same to the court. The court is divided four/ four, if not politically at least by ideology. A moderate like Judge Garland would provide perfect balance. That is to say, difficult questions would be resolved on the basis of legal analysis and not ideologically. This is exactly what reasonable rational people should wish for.
Among the frightening and distasteful things which would occur if Ted Cruz were to be elected president is that he would nominate and aggressively religious extremely right wing candidate. He has said so. That process would diminish the respect for the Supreme Court even more.
Not that anyone cares, but I was afraid Justice Roberts would be far to much to the right. And of course he is extremely that way. But, nothing in his record indicated any reason that he should not be confirmed. On the bench he is made many rulings that people like me disagree with. But he has acted as a principled legal analyst. It is disgraceful that Ted Cruz now criticizes justice Roberts is being too "liberal". That is utter nonsense and further evidence, if any be needed, of the unfitness of Cruz to be even a senator, much less president.
In a recent op Ed piece in the New York Times, a former legal ethics adviser to pres. George W. Bush stated that Merrick Garland is a nominee that Bush would've nominated. If you think about it, Garland is exactly the person who should now be same to the court. The court is divided four/ four, if not politically at least by ideology. A moderate like Judge Garland would provide perfect balance. That is to say, difficult questions would be resolved on the basis of legal analysis and not ideologically. This is exactly what reasonable rational people should wish for.
Among the frightening and distasteful things which would occur if Ted Cruz were to be elected president is that he would nominate and aggressively religious extremely right wing candidate. He has said so. That process would diminish the respect for the Supreme Court even more.
Not that anyone cares, but I was afraid Justice Roberts would be far to much to the right. And of course he is extremely that way. But, nothing in his record indicated any reason that he should not be confirmed. On the bench he is made many rulings that people like me disagree with. But he has acted as a principled legal analyst. It is disgraceful that Ted Cruz now criticizes justice Roberts is being too "liberal". That is utter nonsense and further evidence, if any be needed, of the unfitness of Cruz to be even a senator, much less president.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Democrats and jobs
All of the remaining five presidential candidates agree that job creation is important. The Republicans have basically no plan, except for their fantasy notion that tax cuts heavily weighted towards the wealthy Will cure all problems.
The Democrats have a great opportunity . It is widely understood and indisputable that we need to rebuild and repair the physical and broadband infrastructure in this country. Despite the under 5% unemployment figure, they're remains probably a three or 4% of potential workforce that are structurally unemployed. You can see that by noticing that the percentage of the population that is employed even though work eligible has declined. The United States can borrow money by selling treasury notes have a nominal interest so low that even given modest inflation, there is practically no real interest to be paid. It is also important that all of our sovereign debt is denominated in dollars and we own the printing press. It is reprehensible that the obstructionist tactics of the Republican Congress has prevented an infrastructure building program from occurring in the last seven years. The two Democratic candidates should focus their campaigns on an infrastructure building program to increase jobs and as a result increase aggregate demand the stimulating the economy as a whole.
The way to create jobs just to give a person a job. The private sector could do more but it won't. It is up to the federal government to fill in the gap. An infrastructure building program is basically a no lose proposition. It has to be done, It's cheaper to do it when wages are low, and the government can borrow at basically no interest. This is an easily understandable proposition. Let the Republicans yell about big spending democrats. The answer is easy. What is better, big tax cuts for the wealthy or jobs for the unemployed?
The Democrats have a great opportunity . It is widely understood and indisputable that we need to rebuild and repair the physical and broadband infrastructure in this country. Despite the under 5% unemployment figure, they're remains probably a three or 4% of potential workforce that are structurally unemployed. You can see that by noticing that the percentage of the population that is employed even though work eligible has declined. The United States can borrow money by selling treasury notes have a nominal interest so low that even given modest inflation, there is practically no real interest to be paid. It is also important that all of our sovereign debt is denominated in dollars and we own the printing press. It is reprehensible that the obstructionist tactics of the Republican Congress has prevented an infrastructure building program from occurring in the last seven years. The two Democratic candidates should focus their campaigns on an infrastructure building program to increase jobs and as a result increase aggregate demand the stimulating the economy as a whole.
The way to create jobs just to give a person a job. The private sector could do more but it won't. It is up to the federal government to fill in the gap. An infrastructure building program is basically a no lose proposition. It has to be done, It's cheaper to do it when wages are low, and the government can borrow at basically no interest. This is an easily understandable proposition. Let the Republicans yell about big spending democrats. The answer is easy. What is better, big tax cuts for the wealthy or jobs for the unemployed?
Saturday, March 19, 2016
The Republican Epiphany
Just as St. Paul was struck blind on the road to Damascus, so has the Republican party been struck blind and brain-dead on the road to Cleveland. Apparently there campaign slogan will be "vote for Cruz – he's not quite as bad as Trump ".
Actually, he is much worse. He is not as vulgar or obviously insulting to practically everybody but he is deplorable in all respects. He is a sort of megalomaniacal tent preacher, lacking only a snake around the neck to complete the picture. He strides around the stage giving apocalyptical visions of the United States that appear to come right out of the book of Revelation. None are remotely close to the truth. We have the best economy in the world and have come out of the recession faster then any of the OECD countries. Our military is unmatched in strength. We have created 14 million jobs in the last eight years. The value of our equity market has nearly doubled since the George W. Bush debacle.
Cruise offers nothing but stupid ideas to solve an imaginary problem. He has a preposterous tax plan that would do nothing but cause deficits and flow more wealth to the top if passed. He is going to eliminate the IRS and the EPA. He wants to go back to the gold standard. He is going to carpet bomb Syria thereby massacring its citizenry. In the Senate he was nothing but an obstructionist. Other than Mike Lee, who is part of the Cruz/Lee tweedlede and Tweedledum act, no senator can stand him.
He clearly has some sort of messianic complex. Why the Republican Party would wish this person to slither into the White House is unfathomable.
One can only hope the Democrats have done their background research carefully, including research into the religious figures, including his father who campaigns for him, to demonstrate their vituperate messages.
Actually, he is much worse. He is not as vulgar or obviously insulting to practically everybody but he is deplorable in all respects. He is a sort of megalomaniacal tent preacher, lacking only a snake around the neck to complete the picture. He strides around the stage giving apocalyptical visions of the United States that appear to come right out of the book of Revelation. None are remotely close to the truth. We have the best economy in the world and have come out of the recession faster then any of the OECD countries. Our military is unmatched in strength. We have created 14 million jobs in the last eight years. The value of our equity market has nearly doubled since the George W. Bush debacle.
Cruise offers nothing but stupid ideas to solve an imaginary problem. He has a preposterous tax plan that would do nothing but cause deficits and flow more wealth to the top if passed. He is going to eliminate the IRS and the EPA. He wants to go back to the gold standard. He is going to carpet bomb Syria thereby massacring its citizenry. In the Senate he was nothing but an obstructionist. Other than Mike Lee, who is part of the Cruz/Lee tweedlede and Tweedledum act, no senator can stand him.
He clearly has some sort of messianic complex. Why the Republican Party would wish this person to slither into the White House is unfathomable.
One can only hope the Democrats have done their background research carefully, including research into the religious figures, including his father who campaigns for him, to demonstrate their vituperate messages.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Trumped again
In the last few weeks, the Republican " establishment "spent 40 or $50 million demonstrating the obvious– that Donald Trump is a jerk. That 40 or $50 million got them a resounding"Up yours ". Trump one four of five states, losing only to John Kasich in Kasich/s home state of Ohio. Trump thrashed Marco Rubio, the one time darling of the establishment, in Rubio's home state of Florida.
Ted Cruz demonstrating his normal meglamaniacal Messianic zeal proclaimed himself as the only possible savior for the republican party and indeed the world in general. Kasich has a far-fetched plan whereby he arises like a phoenix from the ashes at a convention and becomes the white knight nominee. You couldn't make this stuff up.
Meanwhile, at least some of the Democrats are saying maybe they better take this guy trump seriously. You think so?
Ted Cruz demonstrating his normal meglamaniacal Messianic zeal proclaimed himself as the only possible savior for the republican party and indeed the world in general. Kasich has a far-fetched plan whereby he arises like a phoenix from the ashes at a convention and becomes the white knight nominee. You couldn't make this stuff up.
Meanwhile, at least some of the Democrats are saying maybe they better take this guy trump seriously. You think so?
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Rubio – the black Knight
Fans of Monty Python, who are all people of good taste, will remember the black knight in Monty Python and the holy Grail. After the black Knight had both arms and legs hacked off by his opponent, he lay on the ground saying" come back you coward, I will gum you to death"
Last week, notwithstanding that he had won no delegates in the last four primaries and was trailing Donald Trump by 20 points in the Florida polling Rubio proclaimed his inevitable victory in the Republican race to be nominee. For that effort, Rubio has won the black night of the week award.
In other GOP news, panic has displaced common sense with various republicans deciding maybe Ted Cruz isn't so bad after all. What's the GOP cannot seem to understand is that they created this mess themselves. Thomas Friedman, a real conservative wrote a great opinion piece in the New York Times indicting them for their behavior over the last 10 years or so. One may safely assume that will be largely ignored.
Last week, notwithstanding that he had won no delegates in the last four primaries and was trailing Donald Trump by 20 points in the Florida polling Rubio proclaimed his inevitable victory in the Republican race to be nominee. For that effort, Rubio has won the black night of the week award.
In other GOP news, panic has displaced common sense with various republicans deciding maybe Ted Cruz isn't so bad after all. What's the GOP cannot seem to understand is that they created this mess themselves. Thomas Friedman, a real conservative wrote a great opinion piece in the New York Times indicting them for their behavior over the last 10 years or so. One may safely assume that will be largely ignored.
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Mighty Mit to the rescue
"Here I come to save the day." Thursday last, former Gov. Mit Romney acting as a sort of Eminence Grise went on the air to state the obvious. Donald Trump is not fit to be president. His speech begs the question– What about Ted Cruz?
Cruz in his campaign speeches vilifies all opponents. He strides the stage like some sort of megalomaniacal revival preacher, portraying present-day United States as something right out of the book of Revelation. In violation of international law, he calls for indiscriminate carpet bombing of Syria which would slaughter civilians in whose presence Isis is embedded. He appears to want some sort of revival of the Spanish Inquisition to cleanse America of those whose mainstream Christian faith are not sufficient.
He has a proposed tax plan based upon a 10% flat income tax and a 16% value added business tax. The plan is obviously regressive and would pump more money into the pockets of thevery wealthy. Businesses that export would pay no tax. Importers would pay essentially a 16% tariff. This scheme would probably violate International trade agreements to which the United States is a party. Moreover, one estimate of the deficits that would be created is $6.8 trillion over 10 years. Cruise will undoubtedly trot out some economist to project preposterous growth that will solve all problems. He also wants to eliminate the IRS and return to the gold standard. He does not disclose the cuts he will proposed in social welfare programs, but they will be there.
In any other year, without Donald Trump, Ted Cruz would be the"any body but " candidate.
As the establishment apparently cannot bring themselves to support John Kasich, their obvious candidate, we can look forward to a completely unpalatable Republican nominee. There is no way Marco Rubio is going to make it. In any event, he has shown himself to be a juvenile, not ready for primetime.
Cruz in his campaign speeches vilifies all opponents. He strides the stage like some sort of megalomaniacal revival preacher, portraying present-day United States as something right out of the book of Revelation. In violation of international law, he calls for indiscriminate carpet bombing of Syria which would slaughter civilians in whose presence Isis is embedded. He appears to want some sort of revival of the Spanish Inquisition to cleanse America of those whose mainstream Christian faith are not sufficient.
He has a proposed tax plan based upon a 10% flat income tax and a 16% value added business tax. The plan is obviously regressive and would pump more money into the pockets of thevery wealthy. Businesses that export would pay no tax. Importers would pay essentially a 16% tariff. This scheme would probably violate International trade agreements to which the United States is a party. Moreover, one estimate of the deficits that would be created is $6.8 trillion over 10 years. Cruise will undoubtedly trot out some economist to project preposterous growth that will solve all problems. He also wants to eliminate the IRS and return to the gold standard. He does not disclose the cuts he will proposed in social welfare programs, but they will be there.
In any other year, without Donald Trump, Ted Cruz would be the"any body but " candidate.
As the establishment apparently cannot bring themselves to support John Kasich, their obvious candidate, we can look forward to a completely unpalatable Republican nominee. There is no way Marco Rubio is going to make it. In any event, he has shown himself to be a juvenile, not ready for primetime.
Friday, March 4, 2016
The republican party goes kaboom
On super Tuesday, Donald Trump won the majority of the states causing Ted Cruz to claim victory and the Republican establishment to become hysterical.
On Thursday, out of the west rode Mitt Romney, bidding to become the Eminence griese of the Republican Party. Romney provided a litany of the stupid things that Donald Trump has said. This, of course, was like shooting fish in a barrel. He then declared Donald Trump unfit to be a Republican president and launched his anybody but trump campaign. This was followed by a Thursday night, You should excuse the expression, the debate in which everybody, Including the moderators, but John Kasich threw rocks at Donald Trump.
The oddity of all this is that Romney could have launched the same attack against Ted Cruz. Cruise has vowed to carpet bomb Syria, call other senators liars and said no end of vile and usually inaccurate statements about everyone in sight, Particularly President Obama. His description of the current United States is right out of the book of revelations. In fact, he looks like someone who would like to launch another Spanish Inquisition. Perhaps his real name is Ted Torquameda.
For his part, Marco Rubio has straddled every issue possible, claims to be both an outsider and the establishment candidate, and claims vast experience in practically everything when he has done nothing.
Then, Having spent two hours lambasting Donald Trump as being unfit, the other three candidates all said they would support him for president if he were the nominee.
Were I to walk across that stage after the debate, because it would be impossible to avoid stepping in horseshit.
On Thursday, out of the west rode Mitt Romney, bidding to become the Eminence griese of the Republican Party. Romney provided a litany of the stupid things that Donald Trump has said. This, of course, was like shooting fish in a barrel. He then declared Donald Trump unfit to be a Republican president and launched his anybody but trump campaign. This was followed by a Thursday night, You should excuse the expression, the debate in which everybody, Including the moderators, but John Kasich threw rocks at Donald Trump.
The oddity of all this is that Romney could have launched the same attack against Ted Cruz. Cruise has vowed to carpet bomb Syria, call other senators liars and said no end of vile and usually inaccurate statements about everyone in sight, Particularly President Obama. His description of the current United States is right out of the book of revelations. In fact, he looks like someone who would like to launch another Spanish Inquisition. Perhaps his real name is Ted Torquameda.
For his part, Marco Rubio has straddled every issue possible, claims to be both an outsider and the establishment candidate, and claims vast experience in practically everything when he has done nothing.
Then, Having spent two hours lambasting Donald Trump as being unfit, the other three candidates all said they would support him for president if he were the nominee.
Were I to walk across that stage after the debate, because it would be impossible to avoid stepping in horseshit.
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