“Among the supposedly elite and powerful individuals I have met, you could crudely classify two classes; those who know who they are, and those who say, ‘don’t you know who I am?’” – Rupert Murdoch
When I read this nugget in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed by Rupert Murdoch, Chairman of News Corp, I immediately thought of two people, whose lives couldn’t be more different – Donald Trump and former President George W. Bush. Continue reading
Call it extortion, coercion, shakedown, squeeze, blackmail or simply arm-twisting – whatever – but more than 100 companies now say climate change poses a risk to America’s prosperity and want the government to take action to address the risk. Some of the same companies that want the government out of their business.
To show their support, they signed-on to a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, “Business Backs Low-Carbon USA,” in coordination with a number of environmental activist groups. The company logos from the ad are shown here.
Like the auto manufacturers who, over the years, have caved to the government’s auto and truck café standards for added miles per gallon and lower emissions, most of these companies, I believe, have folded under pressure. They don’t need activist groups making their lives miserable. Continue reading
“The OIG has determined that the contents of this report would not be appropriate for public disclosure and has therefore limited its distribution to selected officials.” – Office of the Inspector General, HUD
A report that the IG of the Department of Housing and Urban Development found discrepancies during a financial statements audit wasn’t too surprising as HUD has been found not in compliance before. The recent findings, however, were particularly interesting because of its head, Julian Castro.
Julian Castro’s problems at HUD could blunt his chances to be named Hillary Clinton’s running mate, but they would make a good pair. (latimes.com)
During my residence in the San Antonio area, the San Antonio Express-News continuously promoted Mayor Castro as one of the nation’s up and coming Latinos; a rising star. Much was made of his roots with a grandmother who came from Mexico. Hardly a day went by that his picture wasn’t featured. He was said to be on the short list to be Hillary Clinton’s running mate. Continue reading
Okay, okay, enough of the “yeah’s” over Donald Trump’s outrageous pronouncements. He’s going to build a wall and Mexico’s going to pay for it. He’s going to deport 12 million illegals. He’s going to bring back all of those jobs from off shore. We’re going to have victories again. He’s going to make America great again.
Angry voters liked what Donald Trump was saying, but it’s time now to get serious with a candidate who will tell us “how” he’s going to turn our nation around. (businessinsider.com)
We’re angry with the direction of the nation, and he’s been saying things we, for the most part, agree with; things our establishment candidates don’t say, and we liked it. There’s one glaring omission. The “how’s.”
We’ve enjoyed his defiance of political correctness and his attacks on the media, but he has gone too far with his crude attacks on fellow candidates. Trump’s bluster is wearing thin now, and we have to get serious about a Republican candidate who can beat Hillary Clinton. Continue reading
“If confirmed in this job, I pledge to you my most candid strategic advice. And I pledge also that you will receive equally candid military advice.” – Ash Carter, speaking to President Carter during his nomination as Secretary of Defense, Dec. 5, 2014
I’m still waiting for the candid advice he promised a year ago. Is he now a “yes” man? (wsj.com)
“It is not just my view, but the view of my closest military and civilian advisors that (sending more U.S. ground troops) would be a mistake, said a testy President Obama during his Antalya, Turkey press conference on Nov. 16, 2015.
Visibly short-tempered with the media, who were unwilling to let him off the hook on his failing ISIS strategy of containment, President Obama said, “If there’s a good idea out there, then we’re going to do it. I don’t think I’ve shown a hesitation to act.” Oh, really. Continue reading
“Was even a minute of thought put into this? A small amount of how the refugee process works and what it means? And whom it helps?” wrote Arizona Republic columnist E. J. Montini, adding that “Having a discussion about refugees and what we are going to do going forward would be useful.”
A boat load of Syrian refugees, mostly young men, arrives in Greece. Realistically, vetting these individuals is impossible. (ctvnnews.ca)
While he loves to criticize Gov. Doug Ducey, Montini should have directed his questions to President Obama and Barbara Strack, chief of the Refugee Affairs Division at Homeland Security, when it was simply announced that we would be welcoming some 10,000 Syrian refugees. Were the governors briefed on the process? Continue reading
Just in case you missed it, it appears that Jim Acosta of CNN had heard enough of President Obama’s “no strategy” strategy on ISIS during the president’s press conference in Turkey. Click here to enjoy.
Eliquis Xeljanz Farciga Belsomra Xarelto Jelubia Neulasta Linjess Toujeo Humira Otezla.
No, your eyes aren’t failing, and that’s not Azerbaijani either. It’s but a handful of prescription medications being advertised to consumers on television and in print media.
Billions are spent on direct to consumer advertising of drugs each year. (prescriptiondrug.drugcon.org)
Surely you have seen at least one of these commercials and the string of warnings you might encounter if you take them. Depending on the drug, it could cause internal bleeding, blackouts, dizziness, and may even cause you to contemplate suicide or to gamble.
They are marketed to treat conditions like, arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, reflux, depression, Alzheimer’s, bladder control, prostate, sexual dysfunction and a host of other maladies.
If you are like me, these commercials are really annoying and distasteful, no matter how creative the advertiser presents typical usage outcome scenarios. Continue reading
Paris will host the UN conference on climate beginning Nov. 30. (theenviornment.co.in)
As the Nov. 30, convening of the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris draws near we are already beginning to see an uptick in communications on climate change.
In the past week, the news seems to favor those of us who don’t buy the scare tactics of those who predict doom and gloom. Today’s USA Today seems to poke fun at President Lyndon Johnson’s 1965 science advisory committee report that carbon dioxide levels would increase enough to almost certainly cause significant changes in the temperature and other properties of the stratosphere by the year 2000. Continue reading
I’m always pleased to note the similarity of views by respected columnists and journalists after I have provided my position here.
In my Nov. 3, post, “Regarding the debate … enough already … stop the whining,” I wrote, “Yes, CNBC showed its bias and the Republicans benefited from it. Savor it.”… read more