Blog @ MoreWhat.com

The approach of the New Year (2009) typically finds people reflecting on the year that passed and anticipating what the next one will bring. With the popular trend to propose New Year’s resolutions that most reports indicate end with dismal results a broader statement can be made about each new year. Not much changes from year to year regardless of the number of published articles presenting ‘milestones’ of a year passed. If you search the net for accounts of previous year’s milestones and place them next to each other a disappointing reference is revealed. While there may be events that viewed separately demonstrate some remarkable change of an isolated topic our overall performance in ‘modern’ civilization evolves in tiny increments not easily measured from year to year.

Just like a resolution to diet and exercise that did not result in the desired weight loss and personal fulfillment of an accomplishment our attention and discipline with other more important matters rarely meet with the success expected. The war on terror, the Middle East conflicts, corruption in government, general international tensions, economic and financial troubles, the general health and well-being of the public and life in general regularly fail to improve as each year passes. So what can we do about the dismal story being presented here today with the advent of another new year?

Maybe readers can offer some suggestions. Things being what they are, this blog author anticipates little response with the few typical exceptions. Not to be a wet blanket on anyone’s plans for the New Year but a realistic view based on past trends indicates 2009 will not be much different from other years. So again, readers are encouraged to submit comments on how we can do better than before with the approach of 2009.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Vivian Salama
USA/Middle East

Vivian Salama is an award winning reporter, producer and blogger. She has reported for various publications from across the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, the Balkans, the United States and North and South Korea. more »

Israel’s Merciless Reputation

Israel’s deadly response on Hamas and an already beleaguered Gaza Strip is increasingly looking like retaliation for the unexpected resistance campaign headed by Hezbollah in 2006 and less like a strategic counterattack against Hamas militants. The timing of the attack, when U.S. President George Bush is leaving office, the global economy is in crisis, and many in the Western world are celebrating the new year, suggests that Israel waited to choose an ideal time to wage this unforgiving show of strength.

There are many events that take place around the world defined as terrorism. As many of these events as there are it seems the reaction by many observers is something less than shock or outrage. While being offended or outraged has been the liberal mantra with selected use rarely is it employed against terrorists but it is always used against those who resist or defend themselves in the face of terrorism.

Salama, Salama, Bologna is no exception. Israel is attacked by Hamas with rockets on consecutive days where Israel first employed diplomacy and public warnings to Hamas. When those actions were unsuccessful and they responded militarily many around the world first expressed outrage or some form of criticism of Israel. Just another example that there is plenty of bias against Israel. This is not to say Israel has never made a mistake. But so has everyone else. And in this case they did nothing wrong yet they are being criticized by a significant number of those who express their desire to eliminate Israel and others with similar attitudes. How about laying some blame on Hamas and other terrorist groups for bringing this on themselves and other parties unrelated to this particular event.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Kucinich likened the Israeli attacks on Gaza to its war with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon in 2006. In both cases, he said, civilian populations were attacked and “countless innocents” were killed or injured. Sorry Dennis, a recent report estimates a death toll of about 300. Is it that you cannot count up to 300 or you are looking for cheap press coverage by talking nonsense?

“All this was, and is, disproportionate, indiscriminate mass violence in violation of international law,” Kucinich said in a statement. “Israel is not exempt from international law and must be held accountable.” Again, Dennis, you are not paying attention. Or you are paying attention but only started listening after those supporting the Hamas rocket attacks on Israel began complaining only after Israel’s military response. Israel announced it would no longer allow the attacks to continue. That was after meetings with others in the region and requesting Hamas to stop the attacks. At least one report suggests most of the ‘300′ killed were armed militants, not civilians. But civilians will be exposed to risk when the militants intentionally hide among them displaying their lack of courage and willingness to sacrifice innocent people for their own purposes.

In March, the House voted 404-1 for a resolution condemning Hamas and other Palestinian groups for rocket attacks on Israel. It also condemned the use of Palestinians as human shields. Hamas has been criticized repeatedly for shooting rockets into Israel from civilian areas in Gaza, which leads to the deaths of civilians when Israel counterattacks. While not perfect, the resolution stated some of the problems associated with repelling attacks from those who knowingly place civilians at risk when selecting locations from which to launch rocket attacks. Another failed presidential candidate, Ron Paul, was the only one to vote against the resolution. Kucinich was not in attendence for this vote. What does that tell you?

Beyond the nonsense expressed by Kucinich to this point he adds silly assumptions to the list. Kucinich said the perpetrators of attacks against Israel should be brought to justice, but that Israel “cannot create a war against an entire people in order to attempt to bring to justice the few who are responsible.” So Dennis, where did you get the ‘entire people’ and ‘few responsible’ concept? You might consider supporting such statements with evidence for your conclusion. Without it your conclusion appears to be nothing more than a politically motivated set of exaggerations and misleading statements. Is that how you get people to donate to your unrealistic presidential campaigns?

In light of the financial problems faced by the state you represent, Dennis, and your math and foreign affairs handicap, you should limit your politics to the state of Ohio.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

The most telling irony this week comes from Arab protesters quick to denounce Israel’s military response to Hamas rocket attacks. Where was this outrage when Hamas began the rocket attacks? The contrived outrage over Israel defending itself from Hamas rocket attacks is the Arab self-exposure of their true feelings. It is quite obvious now as it may have been before that the ‘Arab world’ supports attacking Israel and opposes Israel defending itself. This blog has resisted publishing a statement like this in the past for lack of a well defined example of the Arab position on Israel. Some may reject the idea of their not being one before as easily as others may reject the idea that there is one now. That’s fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. The opinion here is that there is no argument remaining that the Arab world means Israel no harm.

For those who feel inspired to criticize Israel for military action against rocket attack from Hamas the following excerpt and link is provided as the first in the chronology presented in this post. Livni told Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that Israel’s patience was exhausted after days of rocket barrages into Israel from Gaza, and that the Israeli government would no longer accept the status quo. This of course occured before any retaliation from Israel. It is not like the rocket attacks were quietly accepted until the defensive action began. Rockets were regularly fired on Israel from Hamas and no one in the ‘Arab world’ criticized Hamas.

Israel gave notice to Hamas and anyone else to stop the attack. Here is the second excerpt and link in this chronology.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has issued what he calls a “last minute” call to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, urging them to pressure their Hamas rulers to stop rocket fire into Israel.

Mr. Olmert made the appeal during a television interview with Arab station, Al-Arabiya on Thursday, during which he said Israel will not hesitate to strike Hamas or any other Palestinian militant group.

The remarks came as militants fired rockets and mortars into Israel for a second day in a row. Israeli officials say more than 80 rockets and mortar rounds hit southern Israel on Wednesday. No casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, Israeli defense officials say the military is preparing an operation against Hamas targets in Gaza.

The ‘Arab world’ remained quiet about the rocket attacks. Funny how they got all interested in the military response that contrary to their opinion is reasonable. Say nothing about militants attacking Israel but denounce Israel’s right to defend themselves against attack. And who was affected by the Israeli response?

Nearly 300 Palestinians, most of them armed militants, have been killed since Israel launched the offensive on Saturday. But let the protesters and certain media outlets lead you to believe that civilians are paying the price for Israel’s self-defense from rocket attack.

Where is the Arab criticism for the following?

Hundreds of Palestinians breached the Gaza border fence in four places and poured into Egypt on Sunday. Egyptian police opened fire, prompting gun battles with Palestinian militants. Several hours later, Egyptian officials said border guards restored order.

The breach followed Israel’s bombing of 40 tunnels in Gaza used by the ruling Islamic militant group Hamas to smuggle weapons and supplies across Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

‘Used by Islamic militant group Hamas to smuggle weapons and supplies’ is the key portion in this report that falls on deaf Arab ears. Other reports indicate Arabs, Muslims, whatever, criticize Arab governments for their wimpy denouncement of Israel. So what’s new? Ignore any attack on Israel but make a great deal of noise when Israel responds to attacks. It is time the ‘religion of peace’ and its followers end the double standard toward Israel. If you want the insanity to stop you must not enable it by your action or inaction. If you want peace stop blaming everyone else for the problem and accept your own responsibility for finding peace.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

There’s nothing like a Loser Bowl to put the NFL in perspective. Preface this topic with a reminder that NFL players, coaches and others ‘employed’ by this ‘industry’ are paid incredible salaries and the notion that you don’t always get what you pay for becomes clear. When the resounding elation in ‘Packerland’ is that you were not defeated by the only winless team in the NFL there is a momentary distraction from the fact that a 6 and 10 record is pathetic. It is just not as pathetic as being the first team to go winless since the regular season grew to sixteen games. The Detroit Lions receive the bonus distinction of being the first team to also go 0 and 15 based on the results from the previous week’s game.

Not to be ignored during this week of NFL footnotes the Dallas Cowboys, a recurring nemesis for the Green Bay Packers, managed to get pounded 6-44 by the Philadelphia Eagles in their effort to look as bad as the Pack. Two pieces of trivia which add to the list of Dallas and Green Bay coincidences is that the Dallas QB is from Wisconsin and it is reported today he was so banged up after the game he collapsed a couple of times after the game. A collapse that mirrors that of both teams this season.

The larger point for publishing this post concerns the fans (consuming public) and how the heavily paid members of professional sports constantly pursue how to squeeze more an more money from the public. From the troubling stories of years past focused on college-age athletes abandoning the traditional idea of obtaining a college education in concert with the opportunities provided by excelling in sports the current trends were set. Fast forward through the years of greed and continuous inflation connected with professional sports sprinkled with ‘gangsta’ attributes and various regular scandals and exploits of overpaid talent to management’s and owner’s strategy of taking nearly everything pay per view as soon as they can to begin seeing pro sports for what they are.

Although some of the initial ‘virtues’ of professional sport remain the dominant theme of ’show me the money’ has largely replaced the noble pursuits. There was a time when pro sports were a positive influence on community spirit as well as the strongest real life example of what is possible through hard work, discipline and commitment. The recent display of the chink in the armor of professional sport may have been provided by NASCAR. The loss of sponsorship dollars required to fuel the sport is falling on hard times in the face of financial setbacks worldwide. Maybe the NFL and other sports leagues should heed the warning of what could happen to their golden goose if current trends continue.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Another report of how enthralled (had to add this, enthralled = beguiled, filled with wonder and delight) consumers are with electronics offerings from manufacturers. This post is another attempt to raise some issues regarding consumer electronics. Some long standing criticism from this blog toward those who market electronics and control the infrastructure on which much of it is used range from how internet access is manipulated between what is available, offered and how it is priced to similar issues living in other telecom areas like wireless communication. Have you noticed how cell phones are marketed and its relationship to the primary function of telephones. That’s right. Voice communication between humans has long been the need filled by telephone service. Text messaging, chocolate phones, camera phones and all manner of other bells and whistles have relegated speaking to another on the phone as an afterthought. Could it be that spending the money necessary to offer reliable and quality voice communication does not present the profit margin desired by the providers? Could it be the public has once again allowed the market to be driven by the easily manipulated younger demographic with all that loose change to spend being ‘cool’? The manufacturers know it. Ignore the more demanding demographic for the one you can manipulate and who may have the most discretionary income with the most liberal criteria for purchasing decisions.

The ridiculous nature of the coming switch from analog to digital broadcasts is a critical tipping point in electronics related markets that should require no explanation for using adjectives like ‘ridiculous.’ The reasonable method for introducing new products and services by offering value in terms of quality, utility, pricing and other factors has been supplanted by collusion between entities within the public and private sectors in the electronics industry just like the examples found in the current ‘financial crisis’ stemming from the subprime mortgage scheme and lack of regulation and oversight from Wall Street to Main Street to the halls of government.

That is all the angst this blog author can withstand for the current post on this topic. It would be gratifying if the consuming public could muster enough discretion over their buying decisions as an aggregate to apply the needed pressure on suppliers to do the right thing. The vendors certainly won’t do it on their own. But then the same could be said about the public reaction to activity in government. And we all know to well how that usually works out.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Retailers around the country are reporting a slower-than-usual holiday shopping season this year. But 2008 has been a terrific year for those who love consumer electronics - whether they are buying or just looking.

Despite the current economic downturn, large consumer electronics chains like Best Buy are doing brisk business this year

During lunch hour at the Midtown Manhattan outpost of Best Buy, the largest consumer electronics chain in America, the checkout line is 30 people deep and counting. That’s no surprise to Nicholas Thompson, a senior personal technology editor at Wired magazine.

“It’s been a cool year,” says Thompson. “There has been lots of stuff introduced that’s faster, smaller, sleeker, cheaper, better than anything we’ve had before.”

Thompson adds that product design also has improved this year, partly as the result of Apple products.

“Apple makes beautiful things, and these things sell. So now everyone is making beautiful things!”

Wired Magazine editor Nicholas Thompson says that in 2008, the smart money for portable music players is on the Sansa Fuze

One of the new products that Thompson believes deserve high marks for both design and affordability is the Sansa Fuze. It’s one of dozens of handheld digital music players on sale here.

“It’s about $80, which is much less than it would have cost a year ago, [and] you can watch TV shows. You can watch movies. You can listen to music, and you can look at photographs you can put on it, all your little media files.”

Thompson soon heads straight for the camera aisle, where he unhesitatingly picks up a stylish Sony T700. Unlike most digital cameras, which have smallish viewing screens, the entire back portion of the T700 is designed for viewing photos. He says people often put their photographs online, but relatively few people trouble themselves with viewing.

“But if you have a nice screen on your camera, it makes it a lot easier to share your photos with your friends,” he says.

The T700 digital camera has a screen almost as large as a traditional photograph

Another important feature of the Sony T700 Thompson touts is its Smile Shutter technology, which is able to detect when a person the camera is aimed at smiles. It then shoots the photo without the user having to press a button.

Nearby, shoppers are snapping up a surprisingly small and simple looking video camera called the Flip Ultra.

“Video cameras used to cost $300 to $400,” recalls Thompson. “And for a lot of people, all you want to do is take a little video of your dog and stick it on YouTube. And why pay $300 for that?”

In contrast, at $129, the Ultra is relatively inexpensive. It also has what Thompson considers another virtue: almost no buttons.

“Buttons can sometimes be good, but they can also confuse you. This very simple, very nice present for someone.”

“Next in line, please” is a request this cheerful Best Buy cashier calls out hundreds of time a day

Video games are bigger than ever in 2008. Thompson’s favorite this year is the FIFA 09 virtual football game based on the teams in the World Cup.

“For example, say you want to be the United States, or you want to be Brazil,” explains Thompson, “You actually have the simulation of all the soccer players who play on that national team. And if Brazil plays the United States, Brazil wins!”

When this Voice of America reporter asks him just why Brazil is sure to win, Thompson is quick to laughingly opine, “Brazil is better!” He adds that in the football-oriented video games of the past, the players would all look the same

“… and they would kind of run in the same direction, kick as hard, run as fast as each other. Now everybody is an individual,” he says.

Samsung high-end, flat-screen televisions offer images that can be almost too realistic for comfort

Thompson says hard-core couch potatoes who want excitement from their electronic toys without exercise - even of the virtual kind - will love Samsung’s new top-of-the-line, large-screen flat televisions. The store’s demonstration model uses liquid crystal display technology enhanced with light-emitting diodes as backlights.

“The colors are truer. The blacks are a lot better, and it’s much easier to watch for a long time,” Thompson says. “You actually feel like you are in a movie theater even though are just sitting in your own living room.”

Soon, a chase scene from The Dark Knight, the franchise’s most recent Batman film, begins to play on the television monitor. But Thomson says that virtually zooming through the streets of Gotham City at 250 kilometers per hour in the Batmobile - while sitting in one’s own living room at the same time - is only one of the high-tech thrills in store for gadget lovers during the 2008 holiday season.

While Queen Elizabeth II continued a British tradition that goes back to 1957 and exercised one of her rare occasions to freely express her own views, a 16 year old tradition was continued at the national TV outlet Channel Four presenting ‘an Alternative Christmas Message featuring someone who is not the most popular man on campus.

As the report below indicates, ‘giving the platform’ to the Iranian President for an alternative Christmas Message has ‘generated controversy in some quarters’ in Britain. Ahmadinejad has openly called for the elimination of Israel. Iran is currently involved in a political conflict with many nations on their pursuit of nuclear options that may include weapons. There is much about this scenario which now gives more credence to the notion there are many parallels and similarities to Ahmadinejad and Hitler. This latest event in Britain is reminiscent of similar circumstances in British history. There are a number of events over the past few years that are reminders of British reaction to world events in the last 100 years. Should we be concerned?

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

In her traditional Christmas message to the country, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II focused on the concerns many are feeling this year about the deepening economic downturn. Meanwhile, Britain’s Channel 4 Television has broadcast what it calls an alternative Christmas address, delivered by the President of Iran.

Mindful of the prolonged recession many in Britain are predicting, Queen Elizabeth II noted that these are nervous times for many. Unemployment is rising steadily, a number of major retail outlets have already gone out of business and some big banks are only operating now with the help of government assistance.

“Christmas is a time for celebration but this year, it is a more somber occasion for many. Some of those things which could once have been taken for granted suddenly seem less certain and naturally give rise to feelings of insecurity,” she said. “People are touched by events which have their roots far across the world, whether it is the global economy or violence in a distant land, the effects can be keenly felt at home.”

The Queen’s Christmas speech represents one of the rare occasions in the year when she can freely express her own views.

Her annual TV broadcast goes back to 1957.

Meanwhile in a tradition stretching back over the past 16 years, a so-called Alternative Christmas Message was broadcast on British national TV outlet, Channel Four.

This year, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was given the platform.

In his speech, Ahmadinejad rhetorically asks what Jesus Christ would make of the current world. The Iranian leader concludes he would hoist the banner of justice and oppose what he called warmongers, occupiers, terrorists and bullies around the world.

The message has generated controversy in some quarters here. Britain’s Foreign Office predicts it may cause offense amongst what it calls friendly nations abroad.

The head of Channel Four News says it is enormously important to hear the views of the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East.

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Just a simple note to readers on this Christmas Day 2008 occupies the sole post to be published. This applies to those who celebrate Christmas. It also applies to those who celebrate the Festival of Lights known as Chanukah. And surprisingly enough it applies to those who celebrate something else or nothing at all. There are all sorts of religions on the planet. There are those who follow a particular religion and those who do not. The interesting thing about religion is that it appears they all share at least in part an expressed desire for peace and love. The histories of all the religions also share some not so pleasant events. But there is a larger point about this that will be described with a personal anecdote.

I was raised a Christian. I grew up in an area with a long history of Christianity and a population that held a devotion to religion. Much about growing up was dominated by a set of principles that while religious in nature were as at home with someone religious and someone who was not. A great deal of the set of principles revolved around taking responsibility, doing the right thing, treating others well and asking forgiveness when one failed to adhere to this common sense set of rules to live by.

In terms of Christmas I remember being in awe of what I learned about Jesus and his life and sacrifice. Especially for a child or very young person the stories were all compelling and did leave a serious impression. Trying to understand it all was not simple and some points escaped me or raised questions. But the central theme or points all hit home. And I was astonished by the stories and what they meant. I had a deep respect and appreciation for God and at the same time was mystified by some of the teachings and doctrine.

Then there was the less religious but just as awesome aspects of Christmas that left their mark. The anticipation of the arrival of Christmas was an irresistible attraction for two reasons. As a kid I had participated in Midnight Mass at my church on many occasions and later attended with the same anticipation for the spectacle and enduring remembrance of the life of Jesus Christ. I found it magical. And of course, being a kid, the more Santa oriented side as well as all the food, gifts and time spent with family and friends was equally rewarding. The entire season was a magical and mystical occasion that lasted for some time.

As I write this my memory is replaying events of years gone by and I cherish all of it. I also remember there was much giving to those less fortunate and volunteering in various ways to participate in community activities that I believe strengthened the local area and made one proud to be part of it. Those values were passed on from generation to generation. It made people better and allowed very good things to happen that continued throughout the year.

These are the things I remember. These are the things I cherish. That is why I resent some of the opposition to expressing greetings like Merry Christmas or otherwise diminishing the celebration of events like Christmas or Chanukah. These are the very traditions that allow us to pursue our better nature and approach ideas like universal peace. Without them are chances are reduced. So again I offer this simple expression.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, support peace on Earth and offer goodwill to others.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

The National Christmas Tree shines brightly as it is lit Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, during the 2008 Lighting of the National Christmas Tree Ceremony on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. White House photo by Chris Greenberg

3rd Annual Fresno Metropolitan Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Honolulu City Lights Opens December 6, 2008 (Is there someone we know spending Christmas in Hawaii?)

The President and First Lady In front of the White House Christmas Tree in the Blue Room, December 7, 2003.

The tradition of a placing a decorated tree in the White House began in 1889 on Christmas morning during the Presidency of Benjamin Harrison. The President’s grandchildren, young Benjamin and Mary McKee, led the Harrison household into the second floor Oval Room to take a look at the first White House Christmas tree, which was lit with candles. Filled stockings hung from the mantel, and presents, candy and nuts were distributed to family and staff. President Harrison gave turkeys and gloves to his employees, and he received a silver-dollar-shaped picture holder from his daughter, Mame Harrison McKee.

What began as a family gathering has become a national tradition. Over the years, the White House Christmas tree has reflected both the times and the tastes of the First Family. First Lady Frances Cleveland created a “technology savvy” tree in 1895 when she hung electric lights on the White House tree. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of Christmas Tree themes when she decorated the 1961 Christmas tree in toy trimmings from the Nutcracker Suite ballet by Tchaikovsky.

(from 2001)
Today, the First Lady selects a theme and taps the talents of American artisans, who give life to the idea. Laura Bush chose “Home for the Holidays” for the 2001 theme, which features replicas of the family homes of the nation’s Presidents.

PHOTO: The 2008 Capitol Holiday Kids Tree adorns the rotunda of the Washington State Capitol in Olympia. The tree has been a tradition in the Capitol during December for the past 18 years.

The presentation above is a simple display of Christmas tradition in the US from selected sites. It was essentially a random search for photo examples that make a point this blog wishes to express. Enough already with the politically correct antiseptic, neutral, fear of offending expression of happy holidays or season’s greetings. The only two celebrations this blog is familiar with this time of year is Christmas and Chanukah. So Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah and understand that whatever you celebrate this expression is offered as a gesture of peace and goodwill. If you celebrate nothing then good luck with that. But do not expect to deny those who do the opportunity to extend good wishes this time of year. It is one of the few times during the year that many people can do it at the same time. Even though that does not stop the insanity that occurs day after day. We keep trying.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

One of the excuses given by the federal government, aka President Bush and his Democrats as well as Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, for providing bailout money on behalf of failed corporations like the auto industry was to restore investor confidence on Wall Street and consumer confidence on Main Street. While most consumers oppose the bailout frenzy, last check showed 60% or more oppose it, Wall Street is apparently no more confident than Main Street.

Dec. 23 (Bloomberg) — General Motors Corp. Chief Executive Officer Rick Wagoner said the biggest U.S. automaker got “what we asked for” with $9.4 billion in U.S. loans over the next 24 days. Investors bet that it’s not enough.

So why are investors growing more pessimistic about the auto industry bailout? One reason might be the following information from the same Bloomberg report. GM tumbled the most in more than a month yesterday in New York trading, while credit-default swaps on the company’s bonds jumped 2 percentage points in a sign of increasing concern that the Bush administration’s bailout may end in a default.

You have to just love the assortment of derivatives and other schemes available on Wall Street. Credit-default swaps or collateralized debt obligations or any number of derivatives available on Wall Street do complicate keeping score. Which by the way is really what investors using these products are doing. Not really investing, just keeping score and betting on the outcome. What do you mean it sounds like Vegas? An article surprisingly enough from TIME magazine has an interesting take on the subject. You can read it here.

“It’s almost impossible for a management that invested in the assets, that hired the people, that put forth the strategy, to change so dramatically in such a short period of time,” That quote from Edward Altman, a finance professor at New York University, may best describe much of what the rest of us have been thinking. If GM, Chrysler and/or Ford cannot avoid bankruptcy under normal circumstances, what good is a huge taxpayer funded bailout going to change?

Here’s the take at this point from GM’s CEO. Wagoner said last week that having secured the federal loans, GM’s biggest challenges would be working with debt holders on debt-for-equity exchanges and negotiating cost-saving agreements with unions. What he is really saying is what we all know. Everyone else will have to give something up or lose something for GM to possibly avoid bankruptcy. Something Wall Street and Main Street are convinced will happen anyway. All the numbers point that way.

Another item that stinks according to the view on this blog is that Ford is the only one of the three described as not in as much trouble as the other two. Yet their American competitors are being handed public money to delay the inevitable. Maybe if the likely outcome was not being interfered with by politicians Ford could survive by being slightly smarter than the other two companies. More evidence that the auto industry is in trouble comes from the foreign competitors.

Toyota has expressed it may be facing its first ever operating loss. That is big news and another indication of systemic problems for manufacturing in the turmoil that is the global financial crisis. Japanese car companies are typically considered leaner and more efficient than their American counterparts but whether true or not it gives credence to the notion that whatever the condition of this industry, harsh economic reality in terms of a global recession may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Dec. 23 (Bloomberg) — The worst U.S. auto market since the early 1990s may force Toyota Motor Corp. to do something that was once unthinkable: cut its North American payroll. Read the rest of the article to view the losses and negative forecast. This thing may just be heating up.

Even Russia is in the auto industry loop with concerns and money for fixing what may be unfixable. Russian citizens are protesting tariff increases on imported ‘used cars’ while the Russian government is offering assistance to car buyers. It is always a little different in Russia. But what is the same is auto industry troubles.

All over the globe car makers are retreating. The South Korean car makers yesterday said they will reduce output in December by an average of four hours a day per plant as the global recession saps auto demand. Toyota also joined Honda Motor Co. in cutting its earnings forecast because of the slowdown. And it just keeps getting worse for the automotive manufacturers and related business.

So the frequently expressed concern is again directed at those in Washington who push the bailouts with taxpayer funds. What the hell are you thinking?

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Certainly one of the most controversial people in the Bush Administration was Vice-President Dick Cheney. Some of the chatter from a recent interview provides a little humor on the subject of VP-elect Joe Biden and more insight on the topic of executive powers as viewed from the Bush Administration. The single item as viewed from this blog which comprises the most significance is that this nation has not been attacked since 9/11. Cheney includes references to Abraham Lincoln and FDR when comparing the use of executive powers during war time. There is something to be said for the need to protect the country and the extent to which a President goes to achieve that objective and honor the oath of office. Not a question that will be resolved any time soon.

Below are a couple of quotes from the Fox News Sunday interview between Chris Wallace and Vice-President Dick Cheney.

WALLACE: Transition officials say that Biden plans to shrink his office, that he is not going to meet with Senate Democrats the way you did every week with Senate Republicans, that he is not going to have his own, quote, “shadow government” in the White House.

Biden has said that he believes you have dangerously expansive views of executive power.

CHENEY: Well, I just fundamentally disagree with him. He also said that the — all the powers and responsibilities of the executive branch are laid out in Article 1 of the Constitution. Well, they’re not. Article 1 of the Constitution is the one on the legislative branch.

Joe’s been chairman of the Judiciary Committee, a member of the Judiciary Committee in the Senate, for 36 years, teaches constitutional law back in Delaware, and can’t keep straight which article of the Constitution provides for the legislature and which provides for the executive.

So I think — I write that off as campaign rhetoric. I don’t take it seriously. And if he wants to diminish the office of vice president, that’s obviously his call.

I think that President-elect Obama will decide what he wants in a vice president. And apparently, from the way they’re talking about it, he does not expect him to have as consequential a role as I’ve had during my time.

and another quote from the interview on Fox News Sunday (December 21, 2008)

WALLACE: What do you think are the powers of the president relative to Congress and the courts during the war?

CHENEY: I think they’re very significant, and I think they have to be. And I think there’s ample precedent for that. I mean, the fact of the matter is that, especially given the kind of conflict we’re faced with today, we find ourselves in a situation where I believe you need strong executive leadership.

What we did in this administration is to exert that kind of authority. We did it in a manner that I believe and the lawyers that we looked to for advice believed was fully consistent with the Constitution and with the laws of the land. And there’s, I say, ample precedent for it.

If you think about what Abraham Lincoln did during the Civil War, what FDR did during World War II, they went far beyond anything we’ve done in the global war on terror.

But we have exercised, I think, the legitimate authority of the president under Article 2 of the Constitution as commander in chief in order to put in place policies and programs that have successfully defended the nation.

I think if…

No President nor his administration is perfect. The Bush Administration was no exception. It may be that people’s views of a particular President are focused largely on one or two issues and the reflection of those opinions in a poll are misleading or unfair.even if the approval rating is acceptable. Are the polls that offer approval ratings the result of mainly partisan support or opposition? That would be unfortunate. Just as President Bush suffers from a dismal approval rating along with Congress, will the Obama Administration be subjected to the same measure? It should be realistic to note that each administration will do things right and wrong. The trouble is having people admit both cases rather than only the one that fits their preferences.

Stanford Matthews
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The second question in the civics literacy test from the Intercollegiate Studies Institute is related to the New Deal. It is common for anyone considering the study of any topic or subject to ponder the significance of the information in terms of what is relevant in their own lives. What a marvelous coincidence that the topic of the 2nd question of the civics literacy test is relevant to every American at this time. The Great Depression, the New Deal, FDR and our current financial situation in which the economy is being unduly stressed make this topic purely relevant. How will our elected officials, most notably President-elect Barack Obama, learn from and act upon history’s lessons? One’s view of the New Deal may indicate how things will go from here with a new President.

An item at the Motley Fool cites the work of economists who suggest FDR’s New Deal was responsible for the Great Depression being as bad as it was. Immediately following the piece are comments offered that also suggest how FDR and the New Deal are viewed by many. There may be an equal number of people, or close to it, on either side of the discussion.

Two UCLA economists say they have figured out why the Great Depression dragged on for almost 15 years, and they blame a suspect previously thought to be beyond reproach: President Franklin D. Roosevelt. After scrutinizing Roosevelt’s record for four years, Harold L. Cole and Lee E. Ohanian conclude in a new study that New Deal policies signed into law 71 years ago thwarted economic recovery for seven long years.

Another piece comparing the present financial situation to the Great Depression and FDR is found at the NYT. In the first section the most notable point may be provided below.

Nearly everything we now take for granted about the federal government’s role in dealing with unemployment, poverty and economic protection can be traced to programs started during this period. “In three months,” the show notes, “F.D.R. created the basic toolbox of modern American liberalism.”

The NYT may be mistaken in stating ‘everything we now take for granted’. It may be more of a case of everything we view with disdain that still survives from that time. That notion may be supported in a recent book which among other places is reviewed at the SF Chronicle.

This New Deal myth is soundly debunked in “The Forgotten Man - A New History of the Great Depression,” by Amity Shlaes, a recent book praised by Obama’s own senior economic adviser, Paul Volcker. She begins with a tragic story of a 13-year-old Brooklyn boy, who hanged himself because he was too embarrassed to beg for food. The year was 1937, five years after Roosevelt was first elected president! Shlaes writes, “In the fall 1937, when the data came in, they showed that August had seen the steepest drop in industrial production ever recorded.”

But the best part of the review is in the last paragraph:

What is chilling to consider is that FDR won unprecedented third and fourth presidential terms, and not because he solved the country’s economic crisis. Quite the contrary. He made himself electorally unbeatable because he used the newly created government agencies and jobs programs as a means to game the political process, to create for himself new armies of dedicated Democratic voters. In the 1930s, the Social Security Act alone created 20 million dependent citizens who, once retired, would receive money from the government in perpetuity, and therefore would forever vote Democratic. It is chilling, because this is exactly what Obama’s chief of staff meant by never wanting to “waste a serious crisis.”

The above would be a conservative’s nightmare. And it should be a nightmare for every American who believes in hard work, self-sacrifice and a determined discipline to achieve and make a life for one’s self and family in a free society that rewards that hard work rather than creating dependence on others as the American dream.

As a closing note here is an excerpt from a piece at US News & World Report in April of this year that puts the New Deal argument in perspective. Not that it draws any conclusions but it may indicate there will be the typical difference of views that may lead to more mistakes than solutions.

A split

Just how divided are experts? In 1995, economist Robert Whaples of Wake Forest University published a survey of academic economists that asked them if they agreed with the statement, “Taken as a whole, government policies of the New Deal served to lengthen and deepen the Great Depression.” Fifty-one percent disagreed, and 49 percent agreed. Whaples today says that the New Deal remains a thorny issue for economists because it’s so difficult to measure the effects it had on the country. “You need a credible model of the economy, and not everyone is going to agree on what that model should be,” he says.

Yet most economists, including defenders of the New Deal, do agree that Roosevelt’s policies were far from perfect. The National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933, in particular, gets a lot of blame. It created the National Recovery Administration, a federal bureaucracy that limited competition in various industries by setting prices and wages above market levels. The ensuing upward pressure on the price of goods and unemployment may have turned a bad situation worse. While it benefited some producers, the NRA’s policies meant basic goods were more expensive for consumers and jobs harder to come by for people who were already in dire straits.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

This post is a bit outside the norm for this blog but then so is the economic insanity that currently dominates the actions of the federal government. Bailout mania has been sold to the American public as a necessity. The latest move off the deep end features President Bush lobbing public cash to the auto industry as the few in Congress who opposed this idea were able to defeat a similar move by the House of Representatives. A few Senate Republicans whose motives are unclear were able to stop another foolish bailout of  a group of businesses gone mad. So a totally irreverent music video not for viewing by everyone may actually be appropriate under the circumstances. The motives of those responsible for the video may not be clear either but at this point what does it matter.

There are no apologies here for those who may be offended by the content of this video. Offering it here is simply this blog’s way of saying everything is so screwed up on the economic and political scene a little raw uncensored video entertainment may be just what the doctor ordered. The video and press release are offered below. View at your own risk.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6Fpoebz2LE

“F**k the Fed” Music Video Targets the Federal Reserve System and Strikes a Chord on YouTube

With his CD (”Now It’s Personal”) playing on AAA stations, Neal Fox stirs things up on YouTube. His uncensored, controversial Rap video, “F**k the Fed,” uncloaks the Federal Reserve and gets rave reviews.

Boca Raton, FL (PRWEB) December 18, 2008 — Neal Fox’s latest CD, “Now It’s Personal,” is airing on AAA stations, so creating a music video with a controversial theme is good timing. Known for his social commentary and wit–and with current events providing lots of material–Fox didn’t have to look hard for subject matter. The target was clear: The Federal Reserve System.

News about “the Fed” changing interest rates is common, and anticipated with fear or hope. But the Federal Reserve also controls the flow of money by issuing new funds, as in the recent bailout. Yet according to the Constitution, issuing money is one of the Powers of Congress. Congress — not a group of privately owned banks.

Fox wrote this song because, like every one else, he’s “fed” up with the economy and its doom-and-gloom forecast. But this is no dry commentary. It’s a concise and hilarious dart-throwing statement that hits a bull’s-eye. If you’re a Ron Paul supporter, a fan of Aaron Russo’s films, or just a disillusioned citizen, this one’s for you.

The Rap vocal and infectious rhythm have viewers chanting “F**k the Fed” along with Fox. The video strikes back at those who created this mess and those who benefit from it. So if you’re pissed off, check out Neal Fox’s “F**k the Fed” video and have a good laugh. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6Fpoebz2LE (Note: This video is uncensored.)

Neal Fox is a veteran songwriter whose career spans decades in the music business. It includes a charted single, a Top Ten Dance Club Hit, Clio and Telly Awards, music for the Killer Tomatoes movies, six self-released CDs, and theme music for “Eye to Eye with Connie Chung,” “Public Eye with Bryant Gumbel,” “CBS Saturday Morning,” and the “CBS Evening News with Dan Rather.”

“F**k the Fed” will soon be available for download on iTunes, with the rest of Fox’s music. You can also buy his CDs through MySpace, CD Baby, Amazon, and other popular sites, or order them from retailers. Currently distributed by CD Baby. Licensing is available through his music publishing company Foxalot Music, http://www.foxalotmusic.com and his official web site is Wire Duck Records, http://www.wireduck.com.

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For those who read for pleasure as well as knowledge there is a side benefit in accepting the challenge to improve one’s command of American history as pointed out by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute report on the civics literacy test. The previous post on civics literacy on this blog featured the Declaration of Independence as it was the subject of the first question of the ISI test. Simply expanding the review to focus on the signers of the Declaration of Independence and their biographies presents more compelling reading. This post provides a brief review of the first three signers listed from the State of Georgia. It can give one pause to consider the magnitude of the challenges faced by these historic figures not only in terms of the American Revolution and the birth of a new nation but the conditions under which they had to operate.

Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall and George Walton are the signers from Georgia listed in column one of the Declaration of Independence. For those who read for pleasure as well as knowledge their stories are as fascinating as fiction but more compelling since they are not. To emphasize this point another character in the story needs to be presented. Lachlan McIntosh appears to be a thorn in the side of all three signers but certainly for Button Gwinnett. Their stories are complete with the paths that led to their personal successes, the sacrifices made for purposes larger than self and the intrigue of battles won or lost, duels and political turmoil of the times.

Button Gwinnett was born in England about 1735 where he married and then came to America. He started out in Charleston, SC and later moved to Georgia. He became a political as well as military leader but the journey was not without the unfortunate addition of enemies as well as supporters. His long standing disputes with Lachlan McIntosh dominated many of the difficulties he faced. It could be surmised that not all of these problems were initiated by others.

Lyman Hall was born in Connecticut in 1724 and moved to Charleston, SC to begin a medical career. He was not a high profile member of the Continental Congress but did tireless work in the background on committees and procuring equipment and materials for soldiers. For Hall there was substantial personal loss as the British captured Savannah accused him of treason and destroyed his property. He evaded capture and spent some time on the run. Like many other signers he continued to be active in the development of the state of Georgia and public affairs throughout his life.

George Walton was born about 1750 and holds the distinction of being the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was active in political and military affairs and on defending Savannah from British attack he was wounded and taken prisoner. Later freed in an exchange Walton continued his work by encouraging others in Georgia to continue the fight. Again, Lachlan McIntosh provided stiff opposition to Walton as well as Gwinnett. Walton achieved the rank of Brigadier General and later became Governor of Georgia.

Full accounts of the lives of these Americans are obviously more compelling than anything that can be done here in brief review. A simple search will provide numerous sources for further reading. The main point in providing this information is simple. Familiarizing one’s self with the tools to be well versed in American history and civics does not require much effort, provides fascinating reading and at the same time produces that satisfying feeling that comes from attending to something important.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com