Billionaire Warren Buffett has already said he thinks the U.S. economy is in a recession, and now he says the economy is getting worse.
Buffett told CNBC in a live interview last week that all the data he sees from Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiaries shows the economy weakening.
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Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Contrast between GOP and Dem at Latino event jarring
Presumptive Nominee Obama praised
while Nominee McCain nearly jeered off stage by hecklers--akin to Vaudevillian tomato-throwing
There was a day-to-night contrast Saturday morning in Washington D.C. It was between the reception of Presumptive Presidential Nominee, Sen. Barack Obama (D_IL)during his address to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and that of Presumptive Presidential Nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), whose speech was marred by numerous hecklers and war protest chants.
The group of respected Latino leaders held a rally of sorts, cheering Obama onto the stage with thunderous, extended, standing ovations and chants of "O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma!"
It was easy to see who had captured the Latino, heart, mind and most importantly, vote.
Sen. Obama addressed the crowd in a Spanish phrase that drew another round of "Obama!" chants, so much so, the address much resembled his fiery rallies.
The audience fell silent at his request and looked to be listening intently to his every word.
"Your silence is consent to war crimes," was repeated over and over as they were ushered out quickly. The label, "war criminal," not hero, was thrust at the Senator. These interruptions were four to five in number. McCain was nearly heckled off of the stage.
Members of the association asked questions about how the GOP can help working and Middle class Americans. McCain accused, "Congress of going on vacation while Americans were getting put out of their homes," in his response, adding a bill backing Federal Housing Authority-funded refinancing bill wasn't passed.
When asked about healthcare costs and availability he suggested a $5,000 across-the-board health care tax credit for those who cross state boarders to get less expensive healthcare. McCain essentially said it was better than nothing and help the small business owner.
McCain said he supported ridding education of "bad teachers" and competition in education (which sounds like voucher system) so that students can go to private school, like his children did.
McCain was praised for his support of the Colombian Free Trade Agreement. He said he was criticized by his party for his work on Iraq policy that was deemed "fragile but working," by the Senator.
He said he wants to improve unemployment insurance benefits and money for retraining through community colleges.
He admitted he wanted to become President to make future generations and service members proud of American involvement in Iraq.
As pointed out by Sen. Obama in his speech, the failed immigration policy both senators worked on together, would have addressed amnesty to three million illegals.
Obama pointed out that McCain walked away from the legislation saying he wouldn't vote for it when pressed by the GOP.
Instead he told the crowd that he has a "20-year history of dealing with border issues."
Obama made the point that no one is looking for government to solve all of its problems but the Latino community has been hit hard by the economy--and John McCain isn't offering the change they need to make it through.
"We cant shift, depending on our politics, to pursuing genuine solutions," he said.
His plan is to secure borders and find exploiters of immigrant labor and bring 12 million illegals to legal status.
Obama's response drew cheers a standing ovation and rhythmic clapping. He called his plan a pathway to leadership.
Obama said during his first 100 days in office he would increase border security, review current processes and said a "wall is
not a solution to the problem."
"Some barriers make sense," he said but improving patrol and the cooperation between federal and local authorities is better.
He said a crackdown on employers exploiting illegals is needed and a pathway to citizenship created. He is in favor of recognizing the break in law when immigrants cross illegally. He wants them to register, pay a fine, go to the back of line and learn English. He said over time, they can earn their citizenship.
He said there should be no bureaucracy of a 10 to 12 year wait or constantly increasing fees to apply for citizenship. He also said working with those Mexican and other economies so their citizens would consider staying.
Obama supports the Dream Act, where every child in America gets equal education, closing health disparity gaps between Whites, Blacks and Latinos and taking some of the Medicaid burden from the states for chronic illness care. He suggested a coalition form during the election to hold congress accountable.
"The HMO (health maintenance organizations) will continue to block reform in this area because they make significant money on it," Obama said.
Under his healthcare plan, there would be equality, in that everyone would buy healthcare from a pool and those who couldn't afford it would be subsidized. Obama said he would curb the high Latino drop-out rate by investing in early education, making sure teachers get the professional development and pay raises needed so that the burden of funding public schools isn't entirely shouldered by local government.
"Government alone won't be able to do it," but it can help start notions of academic achievements early.
Obama said a $4,000 tuition credit every year makes community college essentially free but the money can be used to attend technical college or four-year university.
Mentioning Friday's panel discussion in Pittsburgh, he said if we don't educate effectively, our global economy will decline because of global competitiveness.
A question about the global economy drew Obama back to his days on the South Side of Chicago where he noticed most worked in a steel mill which allowed the American Dream to be in reach but cautioned that scenario is limited now due to automation and jobs being shipped away.
He said his five-point plan to make America competitive brings the answer and that, "getting trade policies right," helps.
"If we rebuild them, not only does it put people back to work it makes us competitive in the long term," the nominee said.
He said 10 percent of military forces are of Latino heritage, while 17 percent are used as frontline forces.
He wants to make sure activity in Iraq is ended responsibly and honorable. He said bringing one to two brigades home a month over 16months, is a solution.
"We have to work with Iraq factions and tell them to work together. Regional players like Iran and Syria need direct talks and applied incentives to gain cooperation.
He said the $10 to $12 billion spent in Iraq should be going to foreign aid in other countries which isn't wise.
He said make sure military personnel and veterans are treated with honor and respect is a priority.
"Now is the time to provide addition tax stimulus. I'd like to
put a couple hundred dollars in pockets of Americans to offset food and fuel prices," he said along with a $1,000 tax credit.
Sen. Obama said Americans have "nothing to fear from today's immigrants," because they come here for hope, like his father did and they're going to enrich the country. He said no one should fear the country being overrun or, "create a servant class in our midst," but only recognize the humanity of immigrants. He said that is the idea of his campaign.
while Nominee McCain nearly jeered off stage by hecklers--akin to Vaudevillian tomato-throwing
There was a day-to-night contrast Saturday morning in Washington D.C. It was between the reception of Presumptive Presidential Nominee, Sen. Barack Obama (D_IL)during his address to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and that of Presumptive Presidential Nominee Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), whose speech was marred by numerous hecklers and war protest chants.
The group of respected Latino leaders held a rally of sorts, cheering Obama onto the stage with thunderous, extended, standing ovations and chants of "O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma!"
It was easy to see who had captured the Latino, heart, mind and most importantly, vote.Sen. Obama addressed the crowd in a Spanish phrase that drew another round of "Obama!" chants, so much so, the address much resembled his fiery rallies.
The audience fell silent at his request and looked to be listening intently to his every word.
McCain drew a standing ovation when, after the third interruption, he abruptly ended his speech. The third and fourth round of protesters were loudly escorted from the room. It was unclear if the audience cheered because he ended his speech or to shore up his confidence--because he appeared shaken, jarred and obviously embarrassed. McCain was encouraged by the audience to stay for the question and answer portion which was mostly protest-free--in that one audience member angry about alleged U.S.-based "war crimes," was mostly off microphone."Guerra" and other words in Spanish, was written on blood-colored fabric signs protesters carried. "
"Your silence is consent to war crimes," was repeated over and over as they were ushered out quickly. The label, "war criminal," not hero, was thrust at the Senator. These interruptions were four to five in number. McCain was nearly heckled off of the stage.
Members of the association asked questions about how the GOP can help working and Middle class Americans. McCain accused, "Congress of going on vacation while Americans were getting put out of their homes," in his response, adding a bill backing Federal Housing Authority-funded refinancing bill wasn't passed.
When asked about healthcare costs and availability he suggested a $5,000 across-the-board health care tax credit for those who cross state boarders to get less expensive healthcare. McCain essentially said it was better than nothing and help the small business owner.
McCain said he supported ridding education of "bad teachers" and competition in education (which sounds like voucher system) so that students can go to private school, like his children did.
McCain was praised for his support of the Colombian Free Trade Agreement. He said he was criticized by his party for his work on Iraq policy that was deemed "fragile but working," by the Senator.
He said he wants to improve unemployment insurance benefits and money for retraining through community colleges.
He admitted he wanted to become President to make future generations and service members proud of American involvement in Iraq.
As pointed out by Sen. Obama in his speech, the failed immigration policy both senators worked on together, would have addressed amnesty to three million illegals.
Obama pointed out that McCain walked away from the legislation saying he wouldn't vote for it when pressed by the GOP.
Instead he told the crowd that he has a "20-year history of dealing with border issues."
Obama made the point that no one is looking for government to solve all of its problems but the Latino community has been hit hard by the economy--and John McCain isn't offering the change they need to make it through.
"We cant shift, depending on our politics, to pursuing genuine solutions," he said.
His plan is to secure borders and find exploiters of immigrant labor and bring 12 million illegals to legal status.
Obama's response drew cheers a standing ovation and rhythmic clapping. He called his plan a pathway to leadership.
Obama said during his first 100 days in office he would increase border security, review current processes and said a "wall is
not a solution to the problem."
"Some barriers make sense," he said but improving patrol and the cooperation between federal and local authorities is better.
He said a crackdown on employers exploiting illegals is needed and a pathway to citizenship created. He is in favor of recognizing the break in law when immigrants cross illegally. He wants them to register, pay a fine, go to the back of line and learn English. He said over time, they can earn their citizenship.
He said there should be no bureaucracy of a 10 to 12 year wait or constantly increasing fees to apply for citizenship. He also said working with those Mexican and other economies so their citizens would consider staying.
Obama supports the Dream Act, where every child in America gets equal education, closing health disparity gaps between Whites, Blacks and Latinos and taking some of the Medicaid burden from the states for chronic illness care. He suggested a coalition form during the election to hold congress accountable.
"The HMO (health maintenance organizations) will continue to block reform in this area because they make significant money on it," Obama said.
Under his healthcare plan, there would be equality, in that everyone would buy healthcare from a pool and those who couldn't afford it would be subsidized. Obama said he would curb the high Latino drop-out rate by investing in early education, making sure teachers get the professional development and pay raises needed so that the burden of funding public schools isn't entirely shouldered by local government.
He said changing when standardized achievement dates are set will help teachers become more creative in the classroom and not held back by "teaching to the test." (These objectives move learning and education forward and constitutes the Change people seek.)Obama said funding after-school and summer work programs for at-risk students, adding tutors, redesigning high school curriculum to reflect current needs within industry and investing in early childhood education will work to close the achievement gap.
"Government alone won't be able to do it," but it can help start notions of academic achievements early.
Obama said a $4,000 tuition credit every year makes community college essentially free but the money can be used to attend technical college or four-year university.
Mentioning Friday's panel discussion in Pittsburgh, he said if we don't educate effectively, our global economy will decline because of global competitiveness.
A question about the global economy drew Obama back to his days on the South Side of Chicago where he noticed most worked in a steel mill which allowed the American Dream to be in reach but cautioned that scenario is limited now due to automation and jobs being shipped away.
He said his five-point plan to make America competitive brings the answer and that, "getting trade policies right," helps.
"Trade agreements should be structured to reflect environmental protections and restructured to be good for U.S. workers and not just corporations."Obama proposes $60 billion infrastructure improvement plan to build roads, improve infrastructure, waterways, locks, damns and levies.
Using solar panels and windmill energy and rebuilding the electric grid can create five million new jobs to the country and save energy.
"If we rebuild them, not only does it put people back to work it makes us competitive in the long term," the nominee said.
He said 10 percent of military forces are of Latino heritage, while 17 percent are used as frontline forces.
He wants to make sure activity in Iraq is ended responsibly and honorable. He said bringing one to two brigades home a month over 16months, is a solution.
"We have to work with Iraq factions and tell them to work together. Regional players like Iran and Syria need direct talks and applied incentives to gain cooperation.
He said the $10 to $12 billion spent in Iraq should be going to foreign aid in other countries which isn't wise.
He said make sure military personnel and veterans are treated with honor and respect is a priority.
He wants healthcare parity between Puerto Rico and the state's veteran hospitals. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder cases and mental health issues need to be addressed to stop homelessness among veterans.He said of the mortgage crisis is why unemployment is higher than national average because many Latinos were working in construction. He said stabilizing the housing market in part by the FHA negotiation with lenders so the at-risk borrower can stabilize with a 30 year mortgage. Obama said a crack down on predatory lending and better regulation of credit markets and bank operations is needed.
Looking beyond winning the presidency Obama said changing the way America behaves is bottom up change.
"This election could come down to how many Latinos come out to vote," he said.
"Now is the time to provide addition tax stimulus. I'd like to
put a couple hundred dollars in pockets of Americans to offset food and fuel prices," he said along with a $1,000 tax credit.
Sen. Obama said Americans have "nothing to fear from today's immigrants," because they come here for hope, like his father did and they're going to enrich the country. He said no one should fear the country being overrun or, "create a servant class in our midst," but only recognize the humanity of immigrants. He said that is the idea of his campaign.
Visits to Europe, Middle East round Obama swing
WASHINGTON--Presumptive presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) will meet with British, French and German leaders as part of
overseas travel this summer to also include stops in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned. On Saturday morning, the Obama campaign, confirming the visits to Europe, said Israel and Jordan will also be part of the swing.
Read more
overseas travel this summer to also include stops in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned. On Saturday morning, the Obama campaign, confirming the visits to Europe, said Israel and Jordan will also be part of the swing.Read more
New state law bars sex offenders from social networking Web
GARY -- Registered sex offenders convicted of crimes involving children no longer will be allowed to use social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook under a new state law that takes effect next week, officials said Friday.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Friday, June 27, 2008
Unity Music
In honor of today's Unity Rally, I made this music. It is generational--meaning people my age will remember it.
If you noticed, this play list started out being specifically for the rally but I got selfish and way off track today and much of my personal taste in music (eclectic) is present here. I'm part Hippie--just skip the ones you don't like.
It is a shame that I didn't finish this play list until after the event.
I think the Senators looked just great on stage today. Us Democrats are really pulling it together--in spite of what you hear on the news. Average Americans are loving both Barack and Hillary and are glad to see them making steps forward for the country. Here's the story:
UNITY, N.H. - Rivals turned allies, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton made a display of unity Friday in a hamlet named for it, their first joint public appearance since the divisive Democratic primary race ended.
Read more
If you noticed, this play list started out being specifically for the rally but I got selfish and way off track today and much of my personal taste in music (eclectic) is present here. I'm part Hippie--just skip the ones you don't like.
It is a shame that I didn't finish this play list until after the event.
I think the Senators looked just great on stage today. Us Democrats are really pulling it together--in spite of what you hear on the news. Average Americans are loving both Barack and Hillary and are glad to see them making steps forward for the country. Here's the story:
UNITY, N.H. - Rivals turned allies, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton made a display of unity Friday in a hamlet named for it, their first joint public appearance since the divisive Democratic primary race ended.
Read more
Expect gas to hit, surpass $5 a gallon :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
As oil hit $140 a barrel for the first time ever Thursday, analysts say people in markets such as Chicago could pay more than $5 a gallon for gasoline in the near future.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Social Infrastructure: Can We Measure Change?
As fiscal constraints force the federal government to make difficult choices about which programs to fund, a new MacArthur initiative is using research and benefit-cost analysis to strengthen the case for more evidence-based policy making.
The Power of Measuring Social Benefits is a $35 million policy research initiative that seeks to challenge the view that social spending is too often wasteful and ineffective. Its intention is to strengthen the case for social policy making that is more firmly grounded in evidence-of-effectiveness and complementary benefits to recipients and society.
"U.S. leadership is essential to building a better, safer world,”
said MacArthur President Jonathan Fanton in a recent address May 22
to the City Club of Chicago.
“The MacArthur Foundation is hoping for a new day in America’s relations with the world: a spirit of partnership, a willingness to engage, an openness to dialogue, a determination to regain its leadership in setting norms that call forth humankind’s best values,” he said.
However, measuring social mobility was only one of the issues
discussed Thursday at the Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at an Economic Competitiveness Summit.
Presumptive Presidential Candidate (D) Sen. Barack Obama (IL), after addressing the crowd, led a lively and informative panel discussion in how to keep America competitive.
The panel touched on a five-point 21st Century plan developed by Obama that focuses on energy, education, healthcare, infrastructure and innovation.
"These challenges are real. How we deal with them will shape the prosperity of every single American and the future of America's leadership," Obama said.
Members of the panel agreed with the plan in whole, adding that investing in early education to correct the parent knowledge deficit that is often blamed for a child's slow start in kindergarten.
Life decisions made by parents negatively affect children. An education system comparable to private, upper class education is needed.
A panel member observed that intellectualizing the country could help to change the way Americans think about improving social infrastructure. Minds and behaviors have to change about education and teaching in order for the country to move forward.
However, with that, a workforce changing from a service based economy to knowledge based, needs thought and a plan. A panel member said only 8 of the country's 30 fastest growing industries require an education. The panel member did not clarify whether or not those industries are service based or knowledge based.
Obama said school curriculum should match industry needs.
Decisions in healthcare include how to insure the steel industry's workforce and keep its promises to retirees. A U.S. Steel executive said retiree healthcare costs tops $500 million and climbs higher each year, by 10 to 15 percent.
The Power of Measuring Social Benefits is a $35 million policy research initiative that seeks to challenge the view that social spending is too often wasteful and ineffective. Its intention is to strengthen the case for social policy making that is more firmly grounded in evidence-of-effectiveness and complementary benefits to recipients and society.
"U.S. leadership is essential to building a better, safer world,”
said MacArthur President Jonathan Fanton in a recent address May 22
to the City Club of Chicago.
“The MacArthur Foundation is hoping for a new day in America’s relations with the world: a spirit of partnership, a willingness to engage, an openness to dialogue, a determination to regain its leadership in setting norms that call forth humankind’s best values,” he said.
However, measuring social mobility was only one of the issues
discussed Thursday at the Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at an Economic Competitiveness Summit.
Presumptive Presidential Candidate (D) Sen. Barack Obama (IL), after addressing the crowd, led a lively and informative panel discussion in how to keep America competitive.
The panel touched on a five-point 21st Century plan developed by Obama that focuses on energy, education, healthcare, infrastructure and innovation.
"These challenges are real. How we deal with them will shape the prosperity of every single American and the future of America's leadership," Obama said.
Members of the panel agreed with the plan in whole, adding that investing in early education to correct the parent knowledge deficit that is often blamed for a child's slow start in kindergarten.
Life decisions made by parents negatively affect children. An education system comparable to private, upper class education is needed.
A panel member observed that intellectualizing the country could help to change the way Americans think about improving social infrastructure. Minds and behaviors have to change about education and teaching in order for the country to move forward.
However, with that, a workforce changing from a service based economy to knowledge based, needs thought and a plan. A panel member said only 8 of the country's 30 fastest growing industries require an education. The panel member did not clarify whether or not those industries are service based or knowledge based.
Obama said school curriculum should match industry needs.
Decisions in healthcare include how to insure the steel industry's workforce and keep its promises to retirees. A U.S. Steel executive said retiree healthcare costs tops $500 million and climbs higher each year, by 10 to 15 percent.
Barack Obama on Supreme Court decision to strike D.C. handgun ban
I have always believed that the Second Amendment protects the right of individuals to bear arms, but I also identify with the need for crime-ravaged communities to save their children from the violence that plagues our streets through common-sense, effective safety measures. The Supreme Court has now endorsed that view, and while it ruled that the D.C. gun ban went too far, Justice Scalia himself acknowledged that this right is not absolute and subject to reasonable regulations enacted by local communities to keep their streets safe. Today’s ruling, the first clear statement on this issue in 127 years, will provide much-needed guidance to local jurisdictions across the country.
As President, I will uphold the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun-owners, hunters, and sportsmen. I know that what works in Chicago may not work in Cheyenne.We can work together to enact common-sense laws, like closing the gun show loophole and improving our background check system, so that guns do not fall into the hands of terrorists or criminals. Today's decision reinforces that if we act responsibly, we can both protect the constitutional right to bear arms and keep our communities and our children safe.
Still leading in the polls Obama, dems looking to win 2004 battleground states
(CNN) — A set of polls released Thursday shows Barack Obama leading John McCain in four critical battleground states — Michigan, Wisconsin, Colorado and Minnesota.
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