The Christian fundamentalists are all in a knot because our president recently said that the United States is not a Christian nation. I knew what he meant. He meant that our government is not dominated by or designed around Christian beliefs and that there is, in the U.S., a plurality of religions with equal protection and whose members have voice in our affairs. And, that there is no official state religion and that secular law rather than religious belief dictate our policies.
It is true that roughly 77% of today's Americans identify themselves as Christian. However, only 53% are protestant, while Catholics, Mormons and other denominations---as well as non-practicing persons calling themselves Christian, comprise 47% of those other Christians.
Over the past ten years the number of Christians have increased by a mere 5.3%. In that same time span adherents of Non Religious/Secular, Islam, Hinduism, Wiccan/Pagan, Native American Religion, Bahia, New Age, Sikhism, Humanist and Deist religions each have doubled or tripled.
And, for what it is worth, many of the founders; Jefferson and Adams, to quickly name two, were Deists or Unitarians. I heartily urge anyone really interested in researching this topic to first read the Jefferson Bible, wherein he highlighted only those words actually said to have been spoken by Jesus rather than words attributed to him by others. One gets a different perspective on the man Jesus and his teachings.
But, no! We're not a Christian Nation. Never were, and hopefully never will be. We're a nation of religious freedom for many religions and have no "state" religion. Unfortunately, some religions would, and during this period of world history, it seems to be some Christians and some Islamists, impose their beliefs on others. And that is precisely what many of the early colonists were fleeing.
16 April 2009
15 April 2009
Tories Throw A Tea-Party
I really hoped to be able to ignore this topic, but what the hey...it is just too easy a target to pass up.
If you're not aware, and I don't know how that could be, Fox News with right-wing backing from such luminaries as Newt Gingrich and Richard Armey are staging across the nation today (Tax Day) a protest billed as a tea party after the Boston Tea Party from our revolutionary era. A media event created by the media its self. The last time that happened, I think we blew up a ship in Havana harbor, wasn't it, and started the Spanish American war.
What these butt-licking curs don't recognize is that the taxes they're protesting are from the Bush's right-wing Republican dominated administration. But, as we know, these whack jobs never let the facts encumber their actions and words.
But, the truly dangerous thing about their events, utterances, and behavior is the sense of empowerment and permission they give to the unhinged, deranged and absolutely dangerous elements in our country.
One such lunatic was seen at their so-called tea party holding a placard saying: END ALL UNCONSTITUTIONAL ANTI-CHRIST SOCIALISM FEDERAL DEFICIT SPENDING PROGRAMS.
One does not believe he had in mind Bush's illegal wire-taps, extreme rendition, torture and invasion and occupation of Iraq. Here's a clue as to the guy's mental state---ALL CAPS. Yep, you can almost see this wild-eyed, spittle-flying berserker screaming at the top of his voice.
But, don't take just my word for it. Check out this video from MSNBC.
If you're not aware, and I don't know how that could be, Fox News with right-wing backing from such luminaries as Newt Gingrich and Richard Armey are staging across the nation today (Tax Day) a protest billed as a tea party after the Boston Tea Party from our revolutionary era. A media event created by the media its self. The last time that happened, I think we blew up a ship in Havana harbor, wasn't it, and started the Spanish American war.
What these butt-licking curs don't recognize is that the taxes they're protesting are from the Bush's right-wing Republican dominated administration. But, as we know, these whack jobs never let the facts encumber their actions and words.
But, the truly dangerous thing about their events, utterances, and behavior is the sense of empowerment and permission they give to the unhinged, deranged and absolutely dangerous elements in our country.
One such lunatic was seen at their so-called tea party holding a placard saying: END ALL UNCONSTITUTIONAL ANTI-CHRIST SOCIALISM FEDERAL DEFICIT SPENDING PROGRAMS.
One does not believe he had in mind Bush's illegal wire-taps, extreme rendition, torture and invasion and occupation of Iraq. Here's a clue as to the guy's mental state---ALL CAPS. Yep, you can almost see this wild-eyed, spittle-flying berserker screaming at the top of his voice.
But, don't take just my word for it. Check out this video from MSNBC.
14 April 2009
Pets
There is a large body of research that establishes that pets do older people a lot of good. Companion animals do become part of the family and help people relax and are a form of socialization.
However, as we age, they can become complications. More than 21,000 elderly Americans have to visit the emergency room each year as a result of falls related to their pets, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most are people 75 or older and cause life-altering fractures.
The report says that most of these falls result from several different things:
All these things aside, I think the benefits of pet ownership far, far out weigh these potential problems. As with most problems, there are solutions.
However, as we age, they can become complications. More than 21,000 elderly Americans have to visit the emergency room each year as a result of falls related to their pets, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most are people 75 or older and cause life-altering fractures.
The report says that most of these falls result from several different things:
- Tripping over pet toys.
- Untrained and excited dogs jumping up.
- Pets who sleep on the bed or at one's feet.
- Tripping over a pet lurking around one's ankles.
- Getting tangled in a leash.
All these things aside, I think the benefits of pet ownership far, far out weigh these potential problems. As with most problems, there are solutions.
- Obedience training, quickly brings an unruly dog into line.
- One can always hire a dog walker (neighborhood teen) to provide exercise.
- Make arrangement for a friend or relative to adopt your pet should there have to be a parting.
- Scour the house for pet toy obstacles the same way you do for throw rugs and the like.
- Some long-term care facilities do allow pets.
- Be realistic and don't feel guilty if circumstances dictate that you need to find your beloved pets a new family. As we age, we have to accommodate the limitations imposed on us by the process. Some are wrenching and painful.
Our pets are important to us, providing companionship and unconditional love and there is no reason that we need to give up the pleasure they provide simply because of the infirmities of age. Their presence adds meaning to and probably prolong our lives and ability to stay active and involved. As I said, the benefits far out weigh whatever problems they create.
But, again, be realistic and plan and make arrangements for changes as you become older.13 April 2009
Medicare Disadvantage
If you're 65 or older you've gotten the junk mail from Humana or Aetna or dozens of other insurance plans offering you complete, all-in-one health care plans. These plans fall under the title of Medicare Advantage.
They sound so clean and simple. A complete turn-key health plan with some including some form of drug coverage, vision and dental. But, there's a big old problem. These plans cost the country a whole lot more than traditional Medicare, and are part of what is draining the system.
Back in January, Medicare Advantage insurers announced a price increase of 13% compared to a 6% premium increase for private commercial insurers. That's more than twice as much. There are welcome signs that this hand-out of our tax dollars to the insurance oligarchs is due to come to an end.
During his campaign, President Obama, singled out for heavy criticism this give-away to insurance companies and promised to whittle out $50-billion in subsidies to the program.
Now, according to the Alliance for Retired Americans, the president is making good on his promise. Last Monday, April 6, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced cuts in payments for Medicare Advantage plans in 2010. The Wall Street Journal reports that reimbursements to such plans would fall by 4% or more next year, with even more to follow.
These plans cost taxpayers more, by anywhere from 13% - 19%, than the traditional Medicare program and, in part, contribute to predicted future Medicare "crunch".
Eliminating the added expense burden of Advantage plans, is a good first step toward real health care reform and ultimately insuring universal health care for all.
They sound so clean and simple. A complete turn-key health plan with some including some form of drug coverage, vision and dental. But, there's a big old problem. These plans cost the country a whole lot more than traditional Medicare, and are part of what is draining the system.
Back in January, Medicare Advantage insurers announced a price increase of 13% compared to a 6% premium increase for private commercial insurers. That's more than twice as much. There are welcome signs that this hand-out of our tax dollars to the insurance oligarchs is due to come to an end.
During his campaign, President Obama, singled out for heavy criticism this give-away to insurance companies and promised to whittle out $50-billion in subsidies to the program.
Now, according to the Alliance for Retired Americans, the president is making good on his promise. Last Monday, April 6, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced cuts in payments for Medicare Advantage plans in 2010. The Wall Street Journal reports that reimbursements to such plans would fall by 4% or more next year, with even more to follow.
These plans cost taxpayers more, by anywhere from 13% - 19%, than the traditional Medicare program and, in part, contribute to predicted future Medicare "crunch".
Eliminating the added expense burden of Advantage plans, is a good first step toward real health care reform and ultimately insuring universal health care for all.
09 April 2009
Candidates for the Tumbrel!
First go below and read the April 7 & 8 post. "The Real War" & "Where are the Tumbrels".
Before beginning, let me note that in the crash of 1929 some Wall Street Robber Barons at least had the good grace to hurl themselves off the tops of tall buildings. Not so today, they're looking for hard working American families to bail them out after years of no oversight and unregulated malfeasance, outright criminality, and sheer stupidity.
Here, from a Special Report from Wealth Daily and Independent Investment Analysis are ten of the top candidates for the tumbrel.
Angelo Mozilo, former CEO of Countrywide Financial, who lied repeatedly to investors about the company's liquidity while burning through loans and credit lines totalling at least $13-billion. This does not take into consideration the money thrown at it by the Fed or the company's supposed $50-billion "cushion".
Eventually Countrywide was taken over by Bank of America for a mere 20% of its previous reported market value of $24-billion and putting thousands of employees on the unemployment line.
Earlier Mozilo had dumped much his stock in the company, raking in a nearly $292-million profit with two pensions worth $24-million, along with other shenanigans resulting in another $250-million.
James Cayne, former CEO of Bear Stearns whose primary skill appears to be as a bridge player. He oversaw a $3-billion hedge fund loan for subprime mortgages. A month later clients were informed that there "effectively" was no value in the funds and that the company was soon filing for bankruptcy.
There were other miscues, but that was the killer. Cayne exited Bear Stearns with a $61-million golden parachute.
John Thain & Stan O'Neal. Both are former CEOs of Merrill Lynch. Both speculated on the subprime mortgage scam and presided over write down after write down, totalling more than $20-billion, as Merill continued its downward spiral.
Bank of America rescued Thain and gave him another high powered job and then drop-kicked him last January.
O'Neal looted Merrill of almost $162-million in his "compensation package".
Martin Sullivan, AIG CEO. In late December, 2007, our boy Marty told investors of his "confidence" and "high degree of certainty" in what the company had booked. He didn't mention that the month before that statement to investors that auditors warned him that "AIG could have a material weakness relating to risk management of those "bookings".
Not so long after that, we taxpayers gave AIG an $85-billion bailout. Sullivan was given a $19-million golden parachute which included a $5-million "performance bonus" and a new contract with a $15-million parachute. New York Attorney General, Anthony Cuomo, has frozen the deal as he investigates "unwarranted and outrageous executive payouts after the company, which suffered horrendous losses, received billions in taxpayer bailout money
Alan Greenspan, Former (1987 - 2006) Chairman, Federal Reserve. An infamous Freidmaniac, Greenspan's loose monetary policy and opposition to oversight and regulation makes him a key architect of today's financial bust. In fact, many world economists see him as one of the most culpable behind the collapse.
Today he enjoys a full government pensions, a "sweetheart" book deal and advisory position with hedge fund, Paulson & Co, bond giant PIMCO, and the Deutsche Bank's banking team and their clients.
Phil Gramm, former Texas Aggie professor and Republican Senator (1985 - 2002) serving on the Senate Budget Committee (1989 - 2003). Another "Free Market" Freidmaniac, Gramm added and abetted deregulation, opposed funding of the SEC to police Wall Street, and helped stymie an SEC rule that would have prevented auditing firms from getting too close to the companies they audited.
He also authored what has come to be called the ENRON loophole, exempting energy speculators who make trades electronically from federal regulation. His wife served on ENRON's board at the time of its collapse.
Upon leaving the Senate, Gramm became vice chairman of UBS Securities, the investment banking arm of Swiss bank UBS, which discretely tends the wealth of American millionaires and billionaires. And, of course, that full government pension, which includes full health benefits and 80% of his Senatorial salary.
Dick Fuld, Lehman Brothers CEO & Erin Callan, ousted Lehman CFO. Callan who was once tagged "The Best Accessorized CFO on Wall Street" became the public face of Lehman's collapse, once telling the world, after the firm sold off 50% of its stock value, "I'm optimistic about the company's future". After posting a horrible $2.8-billion quarterly loss, she was shut up and shortly thereafter summarily shoved out of the door.
Throughout all this, Fuld managed to blame everyone, except himself for the firm's hanging too long to its subprime "assets". During the tightening of the credit market, 73% of the firm's stock value had vanished. Recently, the San Mateo County (California) investment pool filed suit against Fuld, Callan and other top execs in the firm for reimbursement of financial losses from their investments with the firm, alledging, "this represents the worst example of fraud committed by modern-day robber barons of Wall Street, who targeted public entities for their risky practices and then paid themselves hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation as their companies deteriorated".
Callan now oversees the global hedge-fund at Credit Suisse, and Fuld? Well he's still flying high.
Hank Paulson, former U.S. Tresury Secretary & Past Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. Let us turn to Wikipedia and its summation of this particular anti-regulation Freidmaniac. "...it has been pointed out that Paulson's plan could potentially have some conflicts of interest, since Paulson is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs, a firm that benefits largely from the plan..." The plan? well, the initial bailout plan that gave the Treasury Secretary unprecedented powers over the nations economy and financial life. "Decisions by the Secretary...may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency."
Excuse me while I go search for a filled chamber pot to sling as the tumbrels roll by.
Before beginning, let me note that in the crash of 1929 some Wall Street Robber Barons at least had the good grace to hurl themselves off the tops of tall buildings. Not so today, they're looking for hard working American families to bail them out after years of no oversight and unregulated malfeasance, outright criminality, and sheer stupidity.
Here, from a Special Report from Wealth Daily and Independent Investment Analysis are ten of the top candidates for the tumbrel.
Angelo Mozilo, former CEO of Countrywide Financial, who lied repeatedly to investors about the company's liquidity while burning through loans and credit lines totalling at least $13-billion. This does not take into consideration the money thrown at it by the Fed or the company's supposed $50-billion "cushion".
Eventually Countrywide was taken over by Bank of America for a mere 20% of its previous reported market value of $24-billion and putting thousands of employees on the unemployment line.
Earlier Mozilo had dumped much his stock in the company, raking in a nearly $292-million profit with two pensions worth $24-million, along with other shenanigans resulting in another $250-million.
James Cayne, former CEO of Bear Stearns whose primary skill appears to be as a bridge player. He oversaw a $3-billion hedge fund loan for subprime mortgages. A month later clients were informed that there "effectively" was no value in the funds and that the company was soon filing for bankruptcy.
There were other miscues, but that was the killer. Cayne exited Bear Stearns with a $61-million golden parachute.
John Thain & Stan O'Neal. Both are former CEOs of Merrill Lynch. Both speculated on the subprime mortgage scam and presided over write down after write down, totalling more than $20-billion, as Merill continued its downward spiral.
Bank of America rescued Thain and gave him another high powered job and then drop-kicked him last January.
O'Neal looted Merrill of almost $162-million in his "compensation package".
Martin Sullivan, AIG CEO. In late December, 2007, our boy Marty told investors of his "confidence" and "high degree of certainty" in what the company had booked. He didn't mention that the month before that statement to investors that auditors warned him that "AIG could have a material weakness relating to risk management of those "bookings".
Not so long after that, we taxpayers gave AIG an $85-billion bailout. Sullivan was given a $19-million golden parachute which included a $5-million "performance bonus" and a new contract with a $15-million parachute. New York Attorney General, Anthony Cuomo, has frozen the deal as he investigates "unwarranted and outrageous executive payouts after the company, which suffered horrendous losses, received billions in taxpayer bailout money
Alan Greenspan, Former (1987 - 2006) Chairman, Federal Reserve. An infamous Freidmaniac, Greenspan's loose monetary policy and opposition to oversight and regulation makes him a key architect of today's financial bust. In fact, many world economists see him as one of the most culpable behind the collapse.
Today he enjoys a full government pensions, a "sweetheart" book deal and advisory position with hedge fund, Paulson & Co, bond giant PIMCO, and the Deutsche Bank's banking team and their clients.
Phil Gramm, former Texas Aggie professor and Republican Senator (1985 - 2002) serving on the Senate Budget Committee (1989 - 2003). Another "Free Market" Freidmaniac, Gramm added and abetted deregulation, opposed funding of the SEC to police Wall Street, and helped stymie an SEC rule that would have prevented auditing firms from getting too close to the companies they audited.
He also authored what has come to be called the ENRON loophole, exempting energy speculators who make trades electronically from federal regulation. His wife served on ENRON's board at the time of its collapse.
Upon leaving the Senate, Gramm became vice chairman of UBS Securities, the investment banking arm of Swiss bank UBS, which discretely tends the wealth of American millionaires and billionaires. And, of course, that full government pension, which includes full health benefits and 80% of his Senatorial salary.
Dick Fuld, Lehman Brothers CEO & Erin Callan, ousted Lehman CFO. Callan who was once tagged "The Best Accessorized CFO on Wall Street" became the public face of Lehman's collapse, once telling the world, after the firm sold off 50% of its stock value, "I'm optimistic about the company's future". After posting a horrible $2.8-billion quarterly loss, she was shut up and shortly thereafter summarily shoved out of the door.
Throughout all this, Fuld managed to blame everyone, except himself for the firm's hanging too long to its subprime "assets". During the tightening of the credit market, 73% of the firm's stock value had vanished. Recently, the San Mateo County (California) investment pool filed suit against Fuld, Callan and other top execs in the firm for reimbursement of financial losses from their investments with the firm, alledging, "this represents the worst example of fraud committed by modern-day robber barons of Wall Street, who targeted public entities for their risky practices and then paid themselves hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation as their companies deteriorated".
Callan now oversees the global hedge-fund at Credit Suisse, and Fuld? Well he's still flying high.
Hank Paulson, former U.S. Tresury Secretary & Past Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. Let us turn to Wikipedia and its summation of this particular anti-regulation Freidmaniac. "...it has been pointed out that Paulson's plan could potentially have some conflicts of interest, since Paulson is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs, a firm that benefits largely from the plan..." The plan? well, the initial bailout plan that gave the Treasury Secretary unprecedented powers over the nations economy and financial life. "Decisions by the Secretary...may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency."
Excuse me while I go search for a filled chamber pot to sling as the tumbrels roll by.
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