John Atwood
Read the educated and Highly Opinionated Blog on recent news, world events and current affairs. A reformed lawyer with a passion for history and lively discussion of the issues of the day and an appreciation of the lessons from the past.
Articles by John Atwood
February 03, 2012
Thoughts on Greek debt, biofuel use, tax policy and Israeli and Iran confrontation.
January 19, 2012
Thoughts on the Italian ship captain, leap seconds, measurements, Obama and taxes and the slant of the news media on the issues of the day.
January 20, 2012
Ron Paul's allegation that Iran's peaceful, democratic government was overthrown by US covert operations to obtain oil is examined and put in historical context which can't be done in a 30 second sound bite or fit on a bumper sticker.
January 25, 2012
All laws of the Feds diminish or eliminate some of our rights, privileges or property. When they assert a power or enact a law we have something taken from us. How much are we willing to cede to the Federal government? What is the tipping point where the people rise up and say no more.
January 27, 2012
Thoughts and ideas about the Federal Reserve, National debt, Apple profits, global warming, ancient Rome, politics and Tea party views of the current political scene.
December 14, 2011
A few ruminations on human nature and the working of the Democratic political thought processes.
December 16, 2011
Thoughts for the day and ages. Fuels, history, Sheriff Arpaio, Eurozone crisis,Napoleon, and other whimsy of the wandering mind.
December 07, 2011
Reflections on the European debt crisis and the US debt and the payroll tax cut proposal for a one year extension.
January 03, 2012
Thoughts on Europe and the Euro and their welfare state approach to government. Some ideas about tax incresase coming and Moms and Christmas.
December 21, 2011
A look at the back story to the current Eurozone crisis and the whys of it creation and possible directions for it future, if any there be.
January 06, 2012
Will the European Union survive the differences between the northern tier of countries and their southern neighbors? The answer is far from certain of outcome.
January 11, 2012
Obama's recess appointments are more than mere political gamesmanship or politics. Those appointments if left unchallenged will open a new a dangerous precedent for future Presidents of any party.
January 13, 2012
We touch a bit of history, European problems, the Scots, Tebow and the weight of tomes of laws that inflect a burden on our society.
November 23, 2011
Thanksgiving Day thoughts and other musings on the Euro debt crisis, the gold standard and Holdiay joys.
November 16, 2011
The occupy wall street group recalls to mind the behavoir and actions of the student protests in Paris in 1968. It seems overindulged kids behave the same every generation or so.
November 17, 2011
Can a major oil company really manipulate the price of oil to its advantage with others in the industry? It is a constant allegation. Take a look under the hood of this re-cycled theory.
October 31, 2011
Pungent thoughts on Wall Street protest, Government Motors, Global Warming and the joys of the season.
October 05, 2011
Moms and daughters hold a special place in the hearts of those who get to watch that relationship change and mature over their lives.
September 30, 2011
Thoughts of the day on Ford ad, Solyndra, the hours of the day, wilflife and jewels from the treasure chest of thoughts.
September 27, 2011
Life's journey will reward both dads and sons with fond memories of their special times together. Some of those moments are remembered here.
September 23, 2011
Some moments and events are perfect for that time and place. We review only a few of them. You have had your own perfect moments to refresh your spirits with the memory of them.
September 09, 2011
Use sanctions against our enemies but don't preach about them unless they are clearly on the moral high ground. Don't use morality as a cover for convenience.
September 07, 2011
The liberal elites beleive that only they have the intelligence and sophistication to direct the life of Americans and our society.
August 24, 2011
We challenge the comparisons of the old days and today. Have things changed that much? Are the changes we note of benefit to us as individuals or as a society? A fun trip down memory lan for some and a startling commentary for some on today's culture.
August 26, 2011
We explore the gold standard, the demand factor of economics, grandchildren, atheism, and the European bailout/debt crisis among other pearls of wisdom.
August 16, 2011
Down memory lane with Mom and the playtime she allowed and the memories of her patience with dirty and active little boys.
August 10, 2011
Thoughts and reflections on the debt ceiling, gold standard, fine stationery, Hiroshima and politicians in action (an oxymoron for sure).
July 29, 2011
We'll review the debt crisis, glaciers, Muslim terrorist threats, and the politics of the day for your amusement and education.
July 20, 2011
Shots across the bow of all kinds of interests and interest groups. The debt ceiling and debt crisis and thoughts on Murdoch and the Shuttle.
July 15, 2011
Removing the oil depletion allowance as proposed by the people in the White House for a debt deal would impact the man on the street quite significantly and raise the cost of fuel for all.
June 30, 2011
Old family photos can sometimes hit you hard and bring back memories of times past that more pleasurable in the memory than they probably were in the reality.
July 01, 2011
Obamacare, July 4th, Gettysburg, US economy and US debt and hard work are a few of today's topics for comment.
June 22, 2011
The Roaring Twenties offer many lessons for our economists and bankers to study and compare with the actions of today in the US stock market and the economy in general.
June 24, 2011
The cynical release of oil from the strategic reserve paints the picture of the man behind the curtain seeking political gain at the expense of our overall economy and strategic security needs.
June 20, 2011
Aug. 2nd does not have to be the deadline for increasing the debt and avoiding default on US Treasuries. The Fed can buy those Treasuries from the holders for an indefinite time. Worry is that they might actually do that.
May 30, 2011
A little epitaph about a moment in time during WWII. It is one based on real people and real events.
June 06, 2011
Cautious thinking should proceed investments in the Chinese stock markets. They have no SEC and assumptions about their future growth should be subject to critical analysis.
June 08, 2011
Let's talk gold standard, Bernancke, Constitutional powers, States' rights, and some history about governmental defaults on bonds and debt from around the world. A random thought also on the EPA job-killing agenda to save the world--from what?
May 27, 2011
EPA rules on milk, WWII casualties, planes of WWII, Federal Reserve and Medicare reform occupy our thoughts this day. The King James Bible still gives us hope though.
May 20, 2011
We roam the news wires from Stauss-Kahn, to Qaddafi, the expanding Chinese influence and high speed rail. We even warn of the end of the world--someday.
May 23, 2011
We've been on and off the gold standard a few times in our past. The great issues and debates caused consternation and severe action on occasion but often mere chance is what determined the day.
May 13, 2011
The US debt ceiling is reached and possible default allegedly looms. Our States have defaulted before even though you want hear about it. JP Morgan was started with the profits from buying States bonds deemed mostly worthless on the international market. It is borrowing that is the problem, not the debt.
April 29, 2011
Federal reserve policy and the weak dollar. Syrian revolts and consequences. The burden of national debt on the economy and ordinary Joes. Prince William and other snippets of our daily life and times.
February 15, 2011
Thoughts on making romance work or creating it in the first place.
February 18, 2011
Pithy comments for the average size billfold and trivia for the idle mind.
February 25, 2011
Fodder for the brain or the sty according to some. Agree or disagree but hopefully all blurbs will inspire some reflection.
March 02, 2011
The Bonus Army march and demonstration was fraught with potential violence and revolt in the streets of Washington. The demands were mostly met but only over two Presidential vetoes.
March 11, 2011
The grab bag is full today--from TSA unions, Wisconsin unions, Libya and the wisdom of Twain. The darn Somali pirates keep demanding notice with the murders.
March 15, 2011
The tragic events in Japan need a perspective. They will recover just as so many societies and cultures have from natural and man-made events in times past.
March 24, 2011
Why have we chosen to intervene in this civil war and not others? If we are going to bomb folks and destroy things then shouldn't we at least call it what it is--a war, not a "kinetic military action"
April 22, 2011
Thoughts on Libya, oil prices and alleged manipulation, Government Motors and the Somali pirates.
April 20, 2011
Government bureaucracies, Iraq war aftermath, Iraqi pullout, obamacare cost controls and rationing, tea party views and more for the inquiring mind.
April 21, 2011
We have problems and troubles as far as the eye can see but our history would say to have hope even in the most challenging times.
April 13, 2011
Our fiat money will face decline from mob action if our financial house if not put in order quickly. You must have balanced books for a fiat currency to maintain value over a long period of time.
April 07, 2011
The government shutdown, Libya and Muslim rebels, ozone holes and US financial doom are all fodder for the grist this week.
April 11, 2011
Are we doing the intelligent thing in bombing Qaddafi's forces for the announced reason of "humanitarian aid"?
March 18, 2011
Khaddafi, Libyan revolt and Japanese nuclear accident are items of interest. The energy industry and perspective.
March 09, 2011
The quest and desire for plentiful and dependable sources of oil is a natural consquence of any civilized society in the early 21st century. It is not an addiction and no more evil than the ancient desire for salt to preserved foods and flavor them.
January 19, 2011
When push comes to shove which economies around the world could survive and be the most self-sustaining.
January 12, 2011
Random but pithy thoughts on politics, the economy, a bit of history and what makes us feel good.
December 17, 2010
Taxes, global warming, tax code, electric cars,federal regulations and babies are pondered for your amusement and thought.
December 15, 2010
Hamilton's death at the hands of Aaron Burr had an eerie harbinger a few years before. There was another duel that affected his family even harder than his own death.
November 09, 2010
A few thoughts on the Fed, elections, economics and life's joys and wonders.
October 11, 2010
The interest rates on US Treasuries are artificially low due to Fed policy. But will the investing community wake up to the risk/reward issue soon. We need the investing community for our overall economy and we need stable rates of return for our own retirements.
October 12, 2010
We've have faced difficult and dangerous times before. Today seems dire but our ancestors held up and prospered eventually after much more perilous times. War and bad economic times have been worse, much worse.
October 21, 2010
We still haven't taken the right courese of action to resolve the mortgage mess and the foreclosure crisis we face. The agony drags on due to Federal actions and the Feds misguided investments. Fannie and Freddie who are the villains live on like a government Frankenstein.
October 13, 2010
The Federal courts do not have the Constitutional authority to order the military how to conduct its affairs or govern its memebers. That is specifically reserved to the Legislative branch in the Constitution. The Court ruling should be appealed or ignored. The concept of following the rule of law applies to all branches of government including the judiciary.
October 07, 2010
It is no surprise that the large mortgage lenders have hit a brick wall in the court hosue for their foreclosure proceedings. They were sloppy and they must always be able to prove they are the owner of the debt and the lien against the property with proper paperwork and recordings.
October 04, 2010
Government regulation more often than not restricts and diminshes the growth spirit of the American economy. Where regulation of the non safety variety is smaller the innovative mind and venturer flourish with great vigor.
September 30, 2010
The stuggle over seemingly arcane religious beliefs can have enormous consequences just as do those over the role of government in the lives of people. More than once has history shown that abstractions have concrete results.
September 28, 2010
Colbert, Will Rogers, Jerry Brown, hunting, Christmas morning, overpaid Federal workers and tidbits of wisdom for all occasions.
September 27, 2010
Our emotions are influenced by our surroundings and the events and adventures we undertake. The football team bus ride to and from a game reveals much about how we react to stress, joy and defeat.
September 14, 2010
An olio of thoughts, suggestions and useful or uesless information for your consideration. Obamanomics, Cuba, China, Rocky Mountains, and more.
September 16, 2010
We might want to review our actions after WWII and the way we dealt with underground German resistance to our occupation for some lessons, pro and con, to apply to Iraq and then Afghanistan.
September 07, 2010
Some memories can't be erased even with the passage of decades. That childhood neighborhood stands in vivid detail even if you can't remember where you went on vacation last summer.
September 08, 2010
Flashes of memories from childhood and the old neighborhood. One hopefully like you had as a youth.
September 02, 2010
Baptists do not follow an establishe and required doctrine. It makes for lively and contentious disputes on occasion but also makes the individual responsible for their own salvation.
August 24, 2010
There is no free money to be doled out by the government. We pay for it one way or the other.
August 05, 2010
Summertime memories recalled. Moms, kids, football, vacations and more.
August 04, 2010
We must take drastic steps to preserve our freedoms and allow most Americans to have the America they want. Like Biden suggested about Iraq it is time to seriously consider dividing the country peaceably into two segments.
July 14, 2010
A tale of the not so distant future. A world of marvels, wonders and oppression.
June 29, 2010
We can survive without the plethora of welfare programs now on the table and proposed by the Federal Congress. We might even be better for it, The Greatest Generation was. That hardship steeled their spirit and resolve. They made do and we are the beneficiaries of that spirit.
June 23, 2010
The judge overruling the arbitrary moratorium on Gulf drilling is a clarion call for the rule of law to be remembered and respected by the White House.
June 21, 2010
Our wanderer continues through the future world of government control and faces choices about the value of life and existence.
June 02, 2010
We seek glory for many reasons. True glory comes from within and is desired the most from our families.
June 25, 2010
Thoughts and opinions profound and profane but worth the price on the concerns of the day.
July 02, 2010
The recent arrest of the Russian spies is a reminder that the world is a competitive place and that we should be careful about dismissing this as a group of bunglers who couldn't spy straight.
June 03, 2010
Ike and Churchill clashed over Churchill's desire to be aboard a British ship for the D-Day invasion. The outcome put Winston in his place in an unusual way.
May 24, 2010
The flood of Federal laws and regulations exploded when the Supreme Court allowed the FDR white house to use the commerce clause to justify virtually any action it deemed necessary to control the nation's economy and economic policy. Rather than a protection against government over-reach the Commerce clause became the hammer to beat us into submission.
June 11, 2010
A story of future politics, energy, power and the human spirit renewed. A revolt of ideas.
June 14, 2010
BP if pushed to hard could call upon Britain to remind the US that the leaking well is in international waters and it is open to use by all nations and not subject to US laws and regulations.
June 09, 2010
We need to be thoughtful about the response to the Gulf oil spill rather than spouting populist rhetoric at BP. Some of the current proposals from Washington could make a bad situation even worse.
June 08, 2010
Existing technology for solar and wind power make for only a pipe dream to produce the electrical power needs of the nations for a generation. We need to seriously consider Plan B for a couple of decades.
June 07, 2010
Gems of wisdom for adornment or rejection. They won't make you rich but maybe they will activate a few brain cells.
May 25, 2010
Is it finally time to take more than diplomatic action against the aggression of North Korea? Is the risk of conflict now less than allowing them to continue their erratic, hostile and unpredictable actions in the future?
May 28, 2010
The rescue of the Mayaquez in 1975 was a dirty little battle that reflected the best of the US resolve to stand fast against tyranny. All vets are saluted for their service.
May 26, 2010
Golden nuggets of wisdom from the inmates. Opinions expressed are not my own, the Devil made me do them. Sestak must show and tell and Blumenthal best crawl away in shame.
May 18, 2010
Dads can know the most amazing things. Sports will keep the young guys off the street corners and tired enough for their parents to know where they are at night.
May 21, 2010
The most lasting memories are from the special projects done by father and sons. Just watching a Dad can impress the young especially if Dad is doing something just for them.
April 23, 2010
The tax policy under Ike is miscontrued so badly by the proponents of higher taxes that it stuns those who know and remember the truth. We barely survived the over regulation of our commerce and economy for several decades pre Reagan, why would anyone want to return to the Kafkaesque bureaucratic nightmare again?
April 20, 2010
We tried to free Tibet with CIA operatives over 40 years ago in a little known operation that garnered no notice at the time. One of those ugly but necessary little battles with Communism during the Cold War.
April 29, 2010
It grows more likely that Israel with strike against the Iranian nuclear facilities. The US will have to join the fray however reluctantly when that occurs.
May 03, 2010
The propsed expansion of the EPA authority to regulate "waters" anywhere and of any stripe is a serious danger to our economy and freedoms. Hopefully, this one battel can be won to thrwart the ever-expanding scope of Federal power over our lives and fortunes.
May 14, 2010
The French threaten pull out from the Euro zone currency cabal should come as no surprise if they indeed to bail on their allies there. The French history implies a self-interest that exposes a French hubris.
May 13, 2010
All cultures have their dark places. The East has not always been the center of respect for learning and the arts. They had their own burning of books, twice.
April 30, 2010
The Greek debt might cause problems for Europe, but maybe not. The Greeks didn't get to their current situation by accident. They chose a path of large government and endless debt. Now they want someone else to pay the piper.
April 19, 2010
The proposed financial regulation will miss the mark and merely add another layer of incompentence to the regulatory scheme. Too big to fail is the problem, not lack of regulation.
May 05, 2010
The Time Square bomber reveals again the lessons and viglilance needed to protect ourselves for zealots. We also should be very restrictive with whom will allow entry to our country much less afford citizenship to.
May 07, 2010
The computers didn't make a mistake but they allowed mistakes to happen on the NYSE. Just like they can't tell the difference between a bug and a cockroach.
May 10, 2010
Be careful where you tread, you might not be able to return. Somethings lost can't be retreived.
May 11, 2010
Recent events in Turkey bode very ill for the West and its fight against Islamist terrorists
April 21, 2010
The GM debacle continues and the government and its cronies expect us to stand up and applaud the absurd. They are the magician who doesn't even make the effort to hide his trickery.
April 15, 2010
Thoughts of a wavering and resolute mind on the events and concerns of the day.
April 16, 2010
The Icelandic volcano should give us pause to consider the precarious circumstances of our existence. We are here only at the pleasure of Mother Nature or the wish of God for some of us. We aren't here because we created this old earth
April 07, 2010
Inspiration can lead to wondorous results. Some things are too precious to be lost. Wedding rings and romance.
April 13, 2010
Why don't we expand our discovery and use of natural gas as the bridge fuel to the future? It is cleaner and better for the enviroment and will enhance our security and create thousands of good paying American jobs.
April 06, 2010
Will the "empire" of the US leave a legacy centuries from now that will make our progeny proud of their heritage?
April 08, 2010
The VAT tax will be an extra burden on the US taxpayer, including the middle class. Will it be the straw that finally does break the People's back?
April 01, 2010
Attacking Wall Street is attacking ourselves. Main Street is Wall Street.
April 02, 2010
The lack of big banks was the concern 30 years ago in the US, now they are deemed the problem? Have the facts changed or only the politics in Washington?
March 24, 2010
We have had financial crises before. Can we learn anything from them? Are we repeating mistakes from the past?
March 25, 2010
Bernanke is mis using the lessons of the Great Depression in his current handling of our economy and it bodes ill for our future. Some aspects of the two eras are similar and many others are quite different. The rub is in the differences.
March 26, 2010
What appears a friendly ally, like government, may turn on you and end up being your master, not your servant.
March 23, 2010
Boomers by the millions will opt out of the health care program and not carry supplemental coverage until needed. The insurance companies will lose money and likely drop that type of coverage. The numbers for this cost will be in the billions annually. Read the bill and make your own prediction about how the elderly will respond.
March 16, 2010
All is not lost as long as we maintain our fundamental honesty in all our dealings as individuals and a society. We have it now but will it reman so?
March 18, 2010
Predictions of doom have been with us since the earliest man feared a comet bode ill for mankind. Current and static data of today used to project future events are likewise doomed to inaccuracy by Chaos and the inevitable changes caused by Mother Nature.
March 09, 2010
The health care bill and the entitlement will grow and morphed just as the social security program has over the years. Politicians will use as they have SS to lure votes in the future.
March 10, 2010
If "need" is the driving force behind the progressives push for health care reform then why should they stop with medical care? We have other needs that must be met and we could allow the government to meet those needs also, if we were willing. How much do we want to government to control?
March 11, 2010
Songs can lift our spirits and revive even forgotten memories. Some tug on your heart and some make you smile with the remembrance.
March 12, 2010
Every budget cycle since the early '90's has benefitted from the "peace dividend" that was achieved by Reagan's defeat of the Soviets. Yes, it was an American victory and a defeat of the Soviets as real as any of the great battles of history.
March 04, 2010
States can and should fight anew the battle over paying for illegal immigrants to attend public school free. The Supreme Court case establishing that claim was determined by the facts existing 30 years ago and should be revisited with today's court. There is no Federal right to education under the Constitution just as there is no right to cross our borders illegally.
March 03, 2010
We have the capacity to win both struggles if the people demand our government equal the promise and worthiness of its people. To keep striving more often than not will produce positive results. Abandoning the effort will give predictable results.
March 05, 2010
Track the use and abuse of your tax dollars to see if you are getting value for that "investment" the Administration is making for you in GM, AIG and transfer payments.
March 01, 2010
We all have a tale to tell. What will be your story at the end of the day? Quo Vadis?
February 23, 2010
The health care bill proposed by the White House runs afoul of the Constitution. Electronic gizmos contolling our fate is not always so reassuring. Keep the core of the traditional military to fight more than insurgencies in the future.
February 26, 2010
Costs are the central issue to making affordable health care insurance. The other matters like health care insurance are only the fruit of that item.
February 24, 2010
Man devised systems to regulate the flow and transport of goods long ago and quickly developed an efficient system to identify and ship those goods. The law grew to fill the need for certainty in transactions handled over distances.
February 19, 2010
Every trip with family will bring its own memories and joys. Some of the highways to travel are loaded with opportunities to see things most only view on the travelogue shows.
February 16, 2010
Unions have their plusses and minuses and now verge on political power out of all proportion to their membership.
February 15, 2010
Some events or episodes in life get stuck in the "to be remembered" file with no apparent reason. Most of the happenings in life get swallowed up in the "trash bin" of memory but some of little significance linger. Why is that?
February 18, 2010
Our west as many treasures to savor if you know where to stop and look and a biot of the history of the country where you travel. Here are some bits and pieces of a Commanche and Billy the Kid country out west.
February 11, 2010
Our ability to craft tools set us apart on the evolution trail. Creation of tools gave rise to the concept of ownership and private property.
February 09, 2010
Make your own common sense observation about the news of the day. Why do the politicians try to make things complicated that really aren't? Maybe some of them don't truly respect the people and believe they know best.
February 04, 2010
The decision to cut the Moon exploration program and thus Mars, will diminish the spirit of Americans. It is an abandonment of the attitude of achievement and hope that built our nation.
February 05, 2010
Will the interest on our National debt exceed the military buget soon? What exactly do we get for the money spent on the debt?
February 02, 2010
We should protect the integrity of our words and our language. The English language can very both beautiful and precise. Language and its mis-use can elevate or demean especially with a media make over of definitions.
January 29, 2010
Ads are like those boxes of chocolates that Gump described--you never know what you will get. Some do inspire the imagination of even the creatively challenged.
January 26, 2010
The collapse of a chimney will test the jolly spirit of anyone. But you laugh when you can and count those blessings.
January 27, 2010
We are rapidly approaching the point where we will not be able to service the interest on the national debt. Every dollar spent on that interest is a dollar not spent on the legitimate government services we expect.
January 20, 2010
The recent election of Brown in Massachusetts is an indicator of the power of the Tea Party movement and a harbinger of things to come if other politicians embrace the anti big government and anti tax positions of those who tossed the tea into the sea.
January 19, 2010
The beginning of the trial for capital murder. A most foul murder. The preparation was marked with a couple of adventures and sitbacks along the way.
January 21, 2010
A most foul murder trial reaches its end. Questions still linger despite a two week trial.
January 13, 2010
Some phrases become media -hyped to the point of total exasperation. They should ditch these and start afresh; use some creative language skills.
January 14, 2010
This is another true tale from the courtroom involving a capital murder case in the early 1970's. It is not for the squeamish. It is also about human nature and seeing what we expect to see rather than what is actually before us.
January 15, 2010
The continuation of a real life murder story and trial. The arrest and confession of the suspect are examined in this posting.
January 12, 2010
Free trade and arguments over trading rights have been with us a long time and our early Colonists bristled at the trade restrictions imposed by the Mother Country. Those arguments continue today both domestically and internationally.
January 07, 2010
Taxes against capital have a negative effect on us all. Those taxes aren't paid by just fat cats on Wall Street.
January 07, 2010
Too much debt personally or by our government only leads to a bad end. There are no exceptions regardless of what any politician may promise.
January 08, 2010
Our Federal system of government and the Constitution allow and encourage the States to deny authority to the Federal government that it has accreted to itself over the past 70 years. The States are not Provinces, yet anyway, of a the central government that exist only to do the bidding of the Federal Government.
January 04, 2010
Make resolutions that challenge your inclinations and will reward your soul as much as your body.
December 29, 2009
The recent arrest of the Detroit airline bomber by the FBI was wrong. He should have been taken to Gitmo by the military as an enemy combatant.
December 22, 2009
Thoughts and ideas on the events of the day and yesterday.
December 09, 2009
The life of an ordinary man at sea during the War. A life shaped by the gratitude of survival and call to duty.
December 02, 2009
Childhood memories bring the best of memories. Our actions today will be the stuff of our children's nostalgic day dreaming.
November 10, 2009
A scattershot of thoughts and opinoins about illegal immigration, banking and political correctness gone rogue.
October 23, 2009
The collapse of the US dollar will impact our ability to influence events around the world to our detriment. Our creditors will be able to strong-arm us into positions and actions that we would not willing take otherwise because of their control of some much of our debt and the decline in the dollar's purchasing power.
October 16, 2009
Only 6 weeks before the D-Day invasion we lost one of Liberty ships off the coast of N. Africa near Algiers. This was at a time when we were set to start the final act of WWII. The Germans were already reeling from their losses on the Eastern Front and Stalingrad and it had been a year since we ...
October 15, 2009
The things people do make for interesting lawsuits and oft times difficulty in determing the right from the wrong.
October 14, 2009
A potpourri of views and thoughts from the world of finance to the inspiration of the mountain views of our West.
December 04, 2009
Climate Scientist acting more like activists and politicians is not only disappointing it is dangerous for our economy and the future of scientific inquiry.
November 20, 2009
How efficient will the new health care system be with Federal bureaucrats in charge of everything. The IRS is being touted as the agency best suited to administer the new Health program--it staggers the mind.
November 16, 2009
Our enemies in time of war are not entitled to a trial in our civilian courts. That is contrary to history and common sense.
November 17, 2009
A story of courage and scarifice at sea, of fear and bravery from the ordinary bluejacket of WWII.
November 12, 2009
Supply side economics has been tried often over the centuries with favorable results. It is not a recent concept or practice contrary to the views of some.
November 11, 2009
It is best to remember and revere the sacrifices of our Vets, lest we allow ourselves to forfeit through indifference or cowardice the rewards of their service for all of us.
November 05, 2009
How will we deal with the inevitable failure of large hospitals, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers sure to come with the health care reform? Will we bail them out? It is a certainity that some of them will not survive.
November 06, 2009
A short story of the Armed Guard during WWII in the North Atlantic. The men who were both heroic and ordinary at the same time.
November 03, 2009
A story of the Armed Guard and men at sea and war. These are ordinary men doing ordinary and extraordinary things for others.
October 28, 2009
A short story of North Atlantic sea battles and the men who manned those ships.
October 30, 2009
A tale of the Armed Guard and the men who manned those guns across the sweep of the oceans. It is a story of their fears, thoughts and hopes.
October 26, 2009
Will the current and growing US debt destroy our economy in the near term? Does the US have any viable plan for debt reduction?
October 27, 2009
A short story of men at war on the high seas--at war with the seas, the enemy and the turmoil within themselves.
October 22, 2009
The college football recruiting process can carry a big impact on young men and the personalities do influence their final decision about where to attend college and play.
October 09, 2009
A few brave souls can fend off the oppression of the arbitrary and the would be dictators of the land.
October 13, 2009
Why do those promoting cap and trade and the danger of global warming repress the data that supposedly supports their conclusions?
September 30, 2009
We face severe headwinds and a few positives in the near future for our economy. Will those positives features make headway against those adverse gales?
September 29, 2009
Will either the US or Israel take forceful action to elminate the Iranian nuclear capability? Will the US militarily attempt to thwrart any Israeli effort to attack Iranian nuclear plants?
September 25, 2009
Prayer can sustain you in the depths of despair and give insights to your hopes and dreams.
October 08, 2009
It would do the administration well to not only study current books about counterinsurgencyt warfare but to study similar episodes from history. The prior events offer thoughts about what to do and not do in Afghanistan.
September 15, 2009
Import tariffs never work in the long run and do not achieve their intended purposes. They have been tried repeatedly and Obama's attempt on Chinese tires will not be any more effective than tariffs on whale oil.
October 07, 2009
How much more command and control over the US economy will the people tolerate before the divisions between the productive and takers becomes too great to endure as one nation?
October 06, 2009
We often can do more than we thank if we are scared enough and motivated enough,,,and young enough.
October 02, 2009
Will the mandates of the Democrats regarding health care reform pass Constitutional muster and review? How does Congress get the authority to require Americans to buy any particular product or service?
October 01, 2009
Is there a distinct American culture and is it worth preserving and fighting for? Will we lose all sense of collective community and values with the worldly and secular views pushed by the Left?
September 17, 2009
The US Congressional elections loom and will be influenced as they have been for decades by the Census and congressional district redraws by the States.
September 03, 2009
Medical costs are not the major cause of bankruptcies in the US contrary to comments by Obama and other left leaners. An experienced bankruptcy expert gives you his perspective on this canard.
September 14, 2009
Contrary thoughts and opionions about headlines and memories.
September 08, 2009
1983 was a different time. Our economic had difficulties but the atmosphere in Washington and across the Nation was completely different. We were a nation filled with hope then.
September 10, 2009
Weddings evoke powerful emotions and can be traumatic and joyous at the same time. Savor the happiness and love those with you in blood.
September 01, 2009
I hope your family road trip memories have the same tug on your heart as mine. Even the mishaps have their use as a reminder of times past and moments shared with loved ones.
September 02, 2009
The use of mercenaries in wars is very old and has been done by virtually all nations and empires throughout history. We are doing nothing new or different from the established norm for wars.
September 04, 2009
North Korea is as much of a threat today as it was in June of 1950. That threat is punctuated with the recent missile launches and statements of nuclear weapons development from Jong Il.
August 28, 2009
The Bard has some words of wisdom for us even on the health care debate that now rages. Health care reform--to be or not to be?
August 27, 2009
The memories of most birthdays fade with time, but some may be recalled with a vividness that is as strong as yesterday's news. A small gift may make a big impression and lasting memory.
August 31, 2009
Should we demand an accurate and understandable accounting from our government on a monthly basis so we can track for ourselves the expenses of government and its collections. You do it each month, why can't they?
August 24, 2009
Does our current foreign aid program benefit the US? What return either in wealth or support do we get for our largese?
August 18, 2009
Those accepting Medicare benefits are merely receiving their own money back from Government, Inc. and not endorsing a socialized medical system.
August 17, 2009
Do we face a revolution or civil war in our future because of strongly held differing opinions on the extent of the role of government in our lives?
August 14, 2009
Our modern iphones and smart phones are updates from the earlier devices used to speed the means of communication around the globe. Our British friends have led the way historically.
August 13, 2009
If you will read the Waxman bill you will see that the Federal government is indeed usurping the role of the States in authorizing and regulating the insurance industry. It is a takeover of the health care system. Read the bill, be informed, be your own anylyst and pundit.
August 11, 2009
What to do with the prisoners at Gitmo is a puzzle that has been dealt with before. The same arguments about prisoner of war versus criminal have been disputed with vigor prior to cable news.
August 07, 2009
Random thoughts and comments on health care, politics and politicians and our economy
August 07, 2009
How will choose to deal with the issue of over population? Will the headlong thrust for envoirnmental changes bring this issue to the fore?
August 10, 2009
Slight mistakes and delays have consequences that affect the future in roads taken and not taken. Napoleon might have been one of our early leading politicians but for his hesitation.
August 05, 2009
The ultimate resolution of the health care debate will hinge on whether the majority of Americans trust the government more than themselves to take care of their health needs and decisions. That is the crux of the opposing views, not whether change should occur.
August 06, 2009
We are losing our charitable nature because we feel the government taxes us for all the wants of the poor and needy. It will be a great loss.
July 31, 2009
We would do better to emphasize respect for our different cultures in the US rather than futile attempts at blending our cultural heritages into a giant mish mash.
August 03, 2009
The cash for clunkers program is an affront to every American who works hard and balances their own checkbook and lives within their means.
July 30, 2009
When need intelligence gathering and evaluation in this dangerous world but we have to face the fact of mis steps with it along the way. It is never perfect even with correct.
July 29, 2009
The cost of medical care will only rise to the level people are willing to pay. Government intervention is not necessary to reduce health care spending. Our obese government can go on a diet with the rest of the country.
July 27, 2009
The Founding Fathers had some giants that were great men of their era or any era. Will we ever see their equal again?
July 23, 2009
Will we all die because of global warming? Does cap and trade do anything to advance to another level of power consumption? Will technology and science overcome the threat of global warming, if it is real.
July 24, 2009
Illegal aliens' children are not entitled to US citizenship by the mere happenstance of birth on US soil. The 14th amendment has two requirement for citizenship and birth is only the first one. Illegals don't meet the test of the second phrase of the 14th amendment.
July 22, 2009
Will the House health care proposal reduce red tape and costs of health care? Will our freedom of choice in health care decisions be constricted under the House proposal?
July 21, 2009
The Moon landing was a signal event for those who were witness to it. When we stop embarking on adventures we lose much of our humanity.
July 14, 2009
Is the new Surgeon General a negative image for our nation's health? Can she effectively lead the battle of the waist bulge?
July 15, 2009
Wtch the current confirmation hearings in the Senate for Sotomayor as a new member to the US Supreme Court. I have watched many of these over the years and the process didn't really vary much until the Bork hearings in the eighties. That is when things turned quite nasty and have remained more con...
July 16, 2009
Adventures of fathers and sons. Unexpected challenges will take us farther than we think we can go. The deer hunt injury and tales from west Texas
July 17, 2009
Have the Dems pulled a bait and switch on health care insurance? Will we have choices for our health care insurance or be subject to government mandates and control of those personal decisions?
July 10, 2009
Will Americans want to endorse and approve the actions of Government with regard to GM by buying those cars in the future. Do patriots support a Government owned industry and the intrusion into private enterprise by government bureaucrats
July 09, 2009
We should prepare and execute the best strategy now against Iran and N. Korea before they do what they clearly will be able to do in the near future. If they can use those weapons we better assume they will.
July 07, 2009
Getting those sweet young things off to college is more complicated than arranging for the Grand Charity Ball. The gals from Venus have needs and wants for their space that guys from Mars would never have imagined.
July 06, 2009
Let's allow someone experienced with Ponzi schemes run the Treasury and Social Security. We might as well have a firm hand on the tiller and someone who knows about cooked books
July 03, 2009
Throwing inflated dollars at a "problem" won't alleviate the problem and will cause even more dependence on Big Government. Infrastructure can be built without those billions funnelled out by bureaucrats.
July 01, 2009
Every family should have an emergency plan in the event of a nationwide catastrohe brought on by our enemies. At least know where you all will try to meet when communications are gone.
June 30, 2009
Rip wasn't the first fable about a long sleep and awakening years later. The early church had its Seven Sleepers...
June 29, 2009
One shot thoughts on the current economic and political events of the day,,,,,the headline news revised.
June 26, 2009
We need a competitive market place for our medical services and everything proposed by Obama will only diminish competition and thus raise costs. Medical costs are our difficulty with health care, not health insurance.
June 25, 2009
We should erect a fence along the entire border with Mexico to protect our nation from the corruption and violence in that land. They will have to ultimately solve their own problems and the fence is like having an unarmed force along our border. Do you want the US to be like Mexico? In any regard.
June 24, 2009
What would be the repercussions of a pre emptive strke to destroy the Iranian nuclear threat? Would such a strke cause more harm than it would eliminate?
June 22, 2009
Water availability is the most serious challenge facing the civiized world short terma nd long term. Water shortages and water needs will dwarf concerns over energy, envoirnment and global warming in a few decades.
June 17, 2009
we can drill, drill, drill and pursue other courses of action for our long term energy needs. It does not need to be a zero sum game as is presented by the left and envoirnmentalist groups.
June 17, 2009
The process by which we create and enforce our laws is often paramount to the outcome. The process determines if the rule of law as been followed. The people should always be in the process of law making and never cut out.
June 16, 2009
We shouldn't allow our brains to be numbed by the steady stream of number being spewed out by Government, Inc. and the Washington intellectuals and academics. They represent real developments and are the road signs for where our Nation is going.
June 11, 2009
A few tales from an ordinary seaman during the war. Ordinary to them but for us they seem surreal with the danger and constant threat of death. No heroes but sailors doing their duty without expectation of accolades.
June 10, 2009
Should the States abandon the election process for selecting judges or tolerate the turmoil of politics in that selection? Does an appointment process eliminate the downside of politics when selecting judges?
June 08, 2009
Were the recent European elections a harbinger for our future electoral bent? Europe has lead the way in political and social affairs often in the last century, are the Europeans showing us the way out of our abyss?
June 05, 2009
Some comments on the real world of litigation as opposed to Hollywood versions of courtroom work. How the defendant presents his case.
June 05, 2009
What are the nuts and bolts of the oil industry? Is it just fat cats sitting on a gold mine and reaping undeserved rewards or hard working folk bringing what we need--energy?
June 05, 2009
The wrong choices we make can at least offer us a valuable lesson about how all our actions in life have consequences and that normally we only get one bite at the apple. Life is not a multiple choice game. Read how I let may dad down and regretted it ever since.
June 03, 2009
Will any dialogue with the Muslim world by the US find an acceptable accomodation for our security and interets? Can two such divergent cultures ever find common ground?
June 02, 2009
How will the Boomers be spending their money? Or not spending their money. Their economic decision will be the driving economic force for the next 20 years.
June 01, 2009
The money trail we tell you more than any headline or political statement about what is happening in our economy and political world. See where the money comes from and where it is going to understand the current political dynamics.
May 29, 2009
If there is an ice melt on Greenland and Antarctica will the oceans flood vast sections of the earth? Can the global warming alarmist change the laws of nature, alter basic geology and the laws of physics and astrophysics?
May 27, 2009
A true story from a time long ago when men rose to the occasion. A young boy learns about manhood and courage. The quiet and cautious men can be counted on when the chips are down and the circumstances are dire.
May 28, 2009
The rapid rise in the US Treasury 10 note is a very bad sign for our economy and should be an alarm for reining in runaway Government, controling spending and rampant inflation. The world investing community is voicing its vote on the present course with it money and the demand for higher rates of return.
May 27, 2009
Will no one take responsibility for their own actions? Have we become a society that depends on the notion that "they" did it to us? Adam had that attitude with God
May 27, 2009
Should the US take preemptive action against N. Korea before it has a delieverable nuclear weapon. Would such a strike be effective and make the world a safer place?
May 22, 2009
Do we need to take drastic action to save the world from the ravages of evil man? How can we survive the coming doom in our envoirnment?
May 21, 2009
We might wish to ponder our mistakes from the past when considering a direction in Iraq an other hot spots now in the headlines. We've had blunders and missteps before. A lack of conviction for victory always will mean defeat or retreat.
May 20, 2009
Was the California vote to reject increased taxes and government growth a harbinger for the rest of the nation? Do the people really want more central planning and taxation from Washington?
May 19, 2009
Sometimes life is stranger than the TV shows. Did this gal commit murder or was she an innocent bystander?
May 19, 2009
Will new mileage standards have any effect on the envoirnmet? Are the costs for enoirnmentally friendly cars worth the costs and should we use natural gas as the alternate vehicle energy source?
May 18, 2009
It the future of the US predicted by the California experience in growth of government and runaway deficits? Can California pay its debts? Will the US be able to pay its debts?
May 15, 2009
Get your wife to the hospital without endangering her. Nervous dads make really bad drivers. Baby deliveries are proof of God watching out for idiots.
May 14, 2009
What legal authority does the government have to mandatge the wages and compensation for any bank employee? Are any property right laws still protected?
May 13, 2009
Should we have as a national goal a college education for everyone?
May 13, 2009
Our nation survived the rough and tumble of abuses and the Revolutionary War to become the beacon of freedom and decency that it is today.
May 12, 2009
Is Global warming the most significant issue facing society? Will we drown in water or die of thrist first?
May 11, 2009
Are the recent eulogies for captilism pre-mature? Do freedom and capitalism go together?
May 08, 2009
Have we reached the point where it is best to consider two nations so each can pursue its own vision of the future? Would political tranquility and prosperity result from two United States?
May 08, 2009
Why would Government, Inc's intervention into our market place work any better now than in the Revolutionary War, Civil War or the other occasions it has been tried? Must we repeat the mistakes from the past?
May 07, 2009
Why is the entire country bailing out only a handful of states and NYC? Are you your neighbor's economic keeper?
May 06, 2009
Can the Federal Reserve and the Treasury issue trillions in debt without diminishing the available capital for equity investment in the private economy?
May 07, 2009
Are we as advanced and bright as we think? Were those old dead white guys really that ignorant?
May 05, 2009
Waterboarding is a repugnant activity but not a war crime. Check with the experts, the Japanese during the war.
May 04, 2009
Judges who are sympathetic and cause oriented will not render justice. The blind fold of justice protects us all.
May 01, 2009
The government strong -arm tactics not only offend a respect for the rule of law but likely constitute criminal behavoir under the US penal code.
April 29, 2009
Current disputes about the validity of the fight against terrorism and Iraq/Afghanistan must be put in historical context and viewed against the Constituional powers of Congress
April 30, 2009
Has the first 100 days been as significant as the original "100 days"? Will history recall it 200 years from now as it does the man and achievements that coined the phrase?
April 28, 2009
The lore of history of peoples is often amiss. J. Benjamin was the first Jewish member of the US Senate--a true son of the South.
April 28, 2009
Even those cultures perceived as peaceful have the hard shell of martial animas within their souls. Buddhists and Hindus struggle for dominance and death.
April 24, 2009
Where do you repose your ultimate faith, in government or in the people? Will government intervention improve the market or makes matters worse? This is a thought on that question from a year ago.
April 24, 2009
The budget can be handled differently. Those who say we have no alternative are not consideirng the alternatives.
April 23, 2009
Since the government believes it knows best how to run our credit system why not let it do it honestly and upfront. No more American Express, we can all use our Platinum card from the government
April 23, 2009
Life has those episodes we can't forget because the pain is too great or upon reflection our own missteps amuse ouir memories. The best memories often come from those disasters we faced.
April 22, 2009
A Chapter 11 for any of the Big Three would protect shareholder interest and save the tax payers money and be defeat for pandering politicians.
April 22, 2009
Will we stand by and watch government erode our market system and operate as regulator, owner and lender regarding our vital industries. Can government be trusted more than the market?
April 21, 2009
Are affirmative action and government efforts to foster equality of results in life effective or for the good of society
April 21, 2009
Mistakes in war and major international relations was not invented by the Bush administration. Miscalculation and dissembling have both been prevalent throughout history
April 20, 2009
When most of you see the phrase "armed guard" you probably conjure up some notion of a the national guard or a state militia of some type. That is not at all what that phrase referenced. It harked back to a branch of the US Navy during WWII. You must remember that the war had already been raging ...
April 17, 2009
Will government ownership of GM improve its products and the service it provides to customers? Is the USPS the template for the future GM?
April 16, 2009
Will the Tea Parties lead anywhere? Did they arise like spontaneous combustion? Has a flame been ignited that will endure
April 16, 2009
Of late we hear many politicians of both parties talking about running up debts that will be a insurmountable burden on our children and grandchildren. This is certainly appropriate given the scope and size of the proposed budget of the new administration. The numbers are truly staggering and almo...
April 15, 2009
The US and Russia can't be the only participants in any nuclear disarmament plan. The other major players must play or else the danger of nuclear attack only increases.
April 14, 2009
Will the US government adhere to the same ethical standards as lawyers?
April 12, 2009
I donīt know the exact details of all the cutbacks just announced in our armed forces by Gates. The big ones are obvious such as the F-22 Raptor reduction and the cancellation of the laser aircraft to intercept missiles. What didnīt receive quite as much attention was the cutback in the Navy vesse...
April 12, 2009
How many times a day do you glance at a clock or your wristwatch? We take these small gestures for granted. Likewise how often do you consult your calender to determine a date for an appointment or engagement? Our very existence is divided into time segments. If you don´t think it is impo...