MFerbet's Blog

I know this is difficult to believe, but after last nights debate, I basically shut the tv off so that I could think through what they both said, without the talking heads telling me what to think.

John McCain and Barack Obama did a good job last night.  Both of them.  I think Obama did extremely well on foreign policy, something I thought McCain would beat him down on.  But McCain didn't.  There are obviously fundamental differences between them, and where they want to take this country. 

I watched body movement.  I had the debate on CBS, primarily because they split the screen so you could see both men when one was talking and the other was reacting.  It was interesting to watch both of them, to see how they would react to the others statements.  I think that we all were waiting to see if McCain lost his temper.  He got close, but he held himself in check. 

They both made mistakes, and they both oversimplified a few things.   McCain argued on what he called facts... and by doing a bit of research, he was wrong more than he was right... on those facts that is. Obama also made a few mistakes, so they are both guilty of a bit of spin.

What impressed me was that Barack Obama actually held his own in the realm of Foreign Policy.  He was dead on with regards to Iraq, and he was able to be gracious enough to allow that McCain was right on a few issues, obviously issues that Obama and McCain agree on.  Something the Independents and Moderates need to think about.  They do agree on a few things... and McCain would like to say that is not true, but it is.  McCain would never agree that Obama and he agree... McCain is incapable of being gracious.

Obama's answers were for the most part well thought out.  He was in control, self-assured, and very much proving his capability of being a leader. 

McCain's temper showed on a few occassions, but his self-control should be praised, as it was obvious he wanted to lash out... however, I give kudos for his ability to keep it civil.. something he's not known for. 

It was obvious that McCain does not like Obama... these are not two friends running for the White House, neither man likes the other much, and it's pretty obvious by their body language when they shake hands.  The Moderator did a great job trying to get them to talk to each other, but, it was obvious this made them both a bit uncomfortable.

Do I think there was a clear winner.... no.  What I think is that Barack Obama did a much better job than many people expected, especially with regards to foreign policy.  I think he stayed in control of his answers, and was able to make it clear, very clear when he didn't agree with McCain, or something McCain said.  I think McCain articulated his position well, kept his calm... sort of... but managed to stay firm in his beliefs, and get those across to the American People.

I just looked up the Polls... what people think, and the debate seems to be leading in favor of Obama.  Obviously both campaigns claim victory... but it's what people truly think that will matter. 

Here's a link that has some fact checks on the debate. 

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/factcheckin
g_debate_no_1.html

I can't wait for the VP debate next week.  That one ought to be very interesting....

So, I began watching all of the Sarah Palin interviews that I had missed.  I didn't really want to, but trying to be a bit objective... I decided I should at least listen to her answers.  She most definitely is not a bad person. 

HOWEVER....  I want to thank John McCain for picking her to be his VP Nominee... he has basically guaranteed that Obama will be our next President. 

I just can't see how any educated, thinking American can find anything positive to say about Palin's answers... some of them had nothing to do with the question, like she didn't get it, or her English wasn't the same as ours... She did her best to answer the questions of Katie Couric, Charles Gibson, and Sean Hannity, but in truth, in some cases she didn't even answer the question.

Today, Jack Cafferty on CNN points this out.  And Conservative Columnist Kathleen Parker, an early supporter of Palin, wrote a column saying that Palin should step down . 

I quote, "Palin's recent interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity, and now Katie Couric have all revealed an attractive, earnest, confident candidate.  Who is clearly out of her league." says Kathleen Parker.   She goes on to say that she believes Palin should step down from the VP Nominee for the good of her Party and her Country.

You can read excerpts at CNN.com, or at the following link.

http://article.nationalreview.com/print/?q=MDZiMDhj
YTU1NmI5Y2MwZjg2MWNiMWMyYTUxZDkwNTE=

GOP are you listening?  Do you hear what I hear?  Did John McCain make a fatal mistake by choosing Palin? 

I know that most moderates, indpendents, and obvisously Democrats already realized this. 

Is Palin ready to be one very old and frail heartbeat away from the Presidency?

I think not.

Wow... for all those that claim the President, or someone running for president shouldn't say or do anything to panic Wall Street or the American People... it seems that Bush yet again has forgotten that little rule.

Last night, he spoke on prime time, to discuss the need for Congress to pass his Bill which is a 700 billion dollar bail-out for Wall Street.  His words, which should be to encourage, were the stark truth.  Something he doesn't do often, which is why so many may doubt what he has to say.

Irrelevant perhaps?

WE the people know that things aren't good in our economy.  We knew that when Bush was still telling us that we weren't in a Recession, and things were looking up... we knew this, when the pundits argued about the definition of "Recession", yet all agreed things were bad... we have known this as Gas increased in price and the dollar lost value.  As the Housing Boom POPPED, when pundits said it wouldn't, and when a basic retail job at the mall was hard to find.

The point is... we knew... but the Administration seemed to think otherwise... until last week.  When all of a sudden, it's time to act, this is what we need to do, and we need to do it now...   Sounds a lot like Iraq to me. 

Congress doesn't appear to be making the same mistake twice.  They are pushing back, both Parties, and want oversight and some regulation.  They want those "golden umbrellas" dropped for CEO's... and they don't believe it's as BIG a problem as Bush seems to think it is now.

They don't want to give all the authority and power to the Treasury Secretary, who is a product of Wallstreet.  I am glad that they are working on this.  I am glad to see they aren't responding to quickly, and that both parties appear to be working in unison to try to accomplish something.

I also believe that today's meeting planned by Bush  with both Obama and McCain is just a photo op on his part.  I don't believe that either man, not being a part of the committee's that are working on this bill, really have a need to be there.  Except to vote. 

So, after several days of hearing Paulson and Bernanke talk about recession, about the media and pundits talking about the Great Depression, and then hearing the President say, "Without immediate action by Congress, America can slip into a major panic." .  Also saying that without the rescue plan America could  face "long and painful recession".

Do you think the market's will react to such rhetoric?  What happened to reassuring the market?  Staying calm in the face of fiancial panic?

No.. let's just get out there and panic the American People so they don't pay attention to what the Bush Administration wants to happen. 

I hope our Reps and Senators are paying attention......

I am not suggesting that things aren't bad.  They are bad.  I just hate when a sitting President, particularly this President, suggests that if we don't act his way, Immediately, everything will be over... it's that do all, or end all attitude that has cost us so much money over the past eight years.  He likes pushing Congress into a corner with threats... which to me  is the same as pushing the American People into a corner with threats... something that most of us, would not, Should not stand for.

I just read, from Foxnews.com, a statement made by John McCain.  I will post any statement the Obama Campaign has with regards to this on another blog, so that we can all discuss.

I find it interesting, as we get close to the debate on Friday, and the news that McCain is slipping in the polls, that he has chosen this moment to act.  I am not sure whether to consider this a political move, or that he truly feels he and Obama can make a difference in Washington this week.

Bush is to speak tonight, and I am sure, I am positive that he will be pushing Congress to act.  However, the speed in which the Administration wants this moved through Congress, not to mention some of the wording of the proposal, which gives Paulson complete control of our Financial Markets... has me very concerned.

During a time of absolute party politics, we are in a bad situation.  The politicians can't turn the politics off... there is too much at stake.  So, is this a political move by John McCain? 

You read, you decide, you comment... I'll post any information regarding Obama's response when it appears.

Here's the link...

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/24/john-mccain
-on-the-economic-crisis/

Having seen this on the news last night, it made me think back to my high school days.  Of Mice and Men was required reading, as well as Huck Finn, and a variety of other books from Homer's Oddessy, to JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. 

I realize that in some books offensive language is present.  And that many people take issue with the use of such words, or some of the ideas represented.  I know those that don't want the Harry Potter books on reading lists, or in school libraries are attacking content.  However, even the Chronicles of Narnia offer some of the same content, but because it's C.S. Lewis, those same folks don't complain.

With regards to Of Mice and Men, the primary issue is the use of the N Word... yes, the N word.  Because I am a man that is considered caucasion by what box I have to check... though technically, I am of Germanic decent, I have to say N Word, instead of the real thing.  But in this book, and many others that were written during the same period, or about the same period, the N word is used pretty regularly. 

That was the way people spoke in the south, during that period of time.  Yet, parents would like us to clean up the books, or out right ban them from reading lists, or required reading.  I think that is idiotic at best.  These books teach us a valuable lesson about a period in our History.  Even if they are fiction, they still give us a glimpse of our past, our history, and our culture in a different time.  It's a stark reminder of what this country was like 50, 75, 100, plus years ago. 

Why would parents want to censor that?  They scream about the language, but the same language is everywhere in today's culture as well.  The use of the N word in the black community has changed, the meaning has changed, but the word is still there.  And if a white person says it, you best be Eminem, or it's a fight.  But what about what the word really means?

The use of this word, like many other words is common in the south, during the time in which of Mice and Men was written.  Therefore, it was not written in the novel to just be racist.  It was written because that's how the people of the time spoke.  I am not suggesting that it was RIGHT to speak in this manner, but it is the reality of our History and our Past.

Don't give that up... it's a valuable lesson for all our young people to learn from.  Most teachers will give a history lesson when they assign this book.  They discuss the period in which the story was written, and the period in which the writer lived.  Huck Finn is a primary example... Mark Twain's speech in that novel is unquestionably poetic, even with the use of the N word... however, it was very much the way people spoke during the time in which he wrote that novel. 

I understand that the power of Words, particularly those we call bad words, or four letter words, as well as words like the N word... get a powerful response from people.  But we must remember that we can't erase those words.  We can't change them, the meanings may change over generations, but the power of those words will never be lost.

And that is a valuable lesson to be learned from literature.  And to remove books like Of Mice and Men from reading lists, will only take away the lessons that can be learned by these great works of art.

Someone mentioned the Bible in another post.  It is a religious book, if it were in a school library, it would probably be in the History or Fiction section, and that would probably offend half of the people that attend the school.  If the bible were present, then so would Jewish works, and Islamic works.  And that would be another fight. 

The fact remains, our young people need to read the classic novels of our past, and they need to be taught the History behind the novel, the period in which it was set.  All of this is very important.  And should not be forgotten.

WRONG.  The NRA has some ads out that have been proven very misleading.

Please take the time to actually educate yourselves on the issues of gun control, gun laws, and gun ownership, and what Obama actually stands for on these issues.

You can check his website, for the actual facts.  But here's a link to factcheck.org that will give you the run down on these latest ads.  Take the time to read the other information regarding the candidates on there as well.  It's important to know the facts, instead of basing your vote on bad information. 

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/nra_targets
_obama.html

WHY THE RUSH???

Many politicians, many Americans, want to know why Paulson and Bernanke are in such a rush to get Wall Street Bailed Out?  Why do they, with President Bush want this passed "clean" with no safe guards for American Tax Payers.  I have been listening to coverage on this issue on NPR, reading it on the net, and I am very, VERY concerned.

To me, it appears that Paulson is making the crisis worse.  Someone has stated in the past, on one of my blogs, that the President should not make statements regarding our Economy, that might hurt the economy... example... continuing to say that our Nations Economy is Fundamentally Strong... when in fact it's not. 

But in the last three days, all I have heard is Paulson and Bernanke calling on Congress to act quickly, because the Financial Markets are Fragile, and in danger.  They are currently adding to the problem, as speculators and investors are trying to scramble to protect assets. 

"Action by the Congress is urgently required to stabilize the situation and avert what otherwise could be very serious consequences for our financial markets and for our economy," Bernanke said.  (quote from CNN.com)

As I sit by and watch this play out... there is a new report on Foxnews.com that shows what  the Senate Banking Comittee thinks of all this... Both Republicans and Democrats are pushing back... and believe the proposal by President Bush and Paulson is essentially a blank check with little assurances that anything will be accomplished. 

As a concerned American, a Moderate American, I am very concerned that due to the election, our Congress and Senate will not do what is right by us... and pass this quickly because they feel that to do nothing will be political suicide.  However, to move to quickly, would, in my opinion, hurt this country more.

We all know what happens when our government acts without all the facts, and acts to quickly for the facts to catch up.

Fox news story...

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,426505,00.html<
/a>

Ok, in an effort to be more objective, I am suggesting that folks go to www.factcheck.org to check out the latest updates on a couple of Obama's ads, and a few of McCain's.

I have found this site to be a great resource for getting to the bottom of the Political Spin. 

I still believe that McCain's Ads have been primarily false, and very misleading, while in most cases Obama's Ads have been misleading to true.  HOWEVER... we can argue the points for days, but the reality is... it's election season. 

There is apparently a battle in the spanish speaking ads between Obama and McCain and falsehoods... as well as a misleading to false Social Security Ad by Obama...   Not to mention some remarks that Obama made on the trail in Florida, regarding Social Security that are false.  McCain's more recent Tax ad has been debunked as well.

All I ask, is that everyone pay attention, and don't allow the Ads to decide your vote come November.

I just read a great article from Time.  All those opposed to socialism in any form, should be paying attention... and the rest of us... well, we should be too.  How dare Time compare us to those wimpy French... except, in many aspects... it's true. 

I found the story to be upsetting and a bit entertaining.  I think the writer was dead on, in his assessment of what is going on in this country right now, with regards to the economy, the market, and so forth.  Enjoy the read...

Here's the link.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1843
168,00.html?cnn=yes

Ok, apparently I have nothing better to do today than to sit here and read the news, and respond to some of the stories.  I have been waiting for several months now for the Media to finally catch on to the fact that John McCain's Advisor Carly Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, was fired from her job after almost putting Hewlett out of business.  You can probably find a story on it on NPR.org someplace.  It was big news when it happened.  She's one of his Economic Advisors. 

Anyway, the article from Fox is discussing the AD Wars again, this time each Campaign is attacking the other's advisors.  The Media, nor the Obama campaign has said anything to or about Fiorina about her last job.  Up until now.

Of COURSE this is a biased blog post.  However, it's also very interesting.  These ADS keep getting worse and worse, and McCain's are still completely false.  Debunked yet again. 

Is he spinning?  Is he out of any real "red meat" to go after Obama?  How far will he go?

I want to hear some more about how fundamentally strong our economy is right now...

Here's the link.

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/19/candidates-
target-each-others-economic-advisers-in-ads/

I just read the new Breaking News from CNN, regarding our Financial Markets, and another Federal Bail Out.  I am glad to see President Bush taking an initiative to lead on this.  Something he's not been very good at in the past 8 years.  Leading in the event of a crisis.

Many Americans don't believe we're in Financial Trouble... Some Political Campaigns can't make up their mind from one stop to the next.  But the reality, that most of us have been living and seeing for the past year and a half, is that we're in trouble.

Some of what Bush is proposing is understandable, and possibly workable.  However, it's going to cost the America People Billions of dollars.  More money being spent, without a means to aquire it. 

Obviously, we need to get the lenders freed up to lend money, so people can buy cars, houses, and flat panel tv's so we can boost our economy.  But taking all the bad debt, and buying it up?  We also need our banking institutions to be willing to buy up other loans... and so forth....

My concern is where are we going to get the money to pay for this.  The Administration isn't pushing Congress to work on the whole problem... but Bush wants a solution from them ASAP with regards to his Administration's ideas.

Here's a link to the story...

http://money.cnn.com/2008/09/19/news/economy/paulso
n/index.htm?postversion=2008091910

This article is primarily about John McCain and his current comments regarding the financial situation in this country. 

Please read, and discuss... freely.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178318884054675.
html?mod=todays_us_opinion

I was thinking on this today, because with all the news about Sarah Palin, Obama, McCain, and the lack of news on Biden, there has also been talk regarding the economy.

We have banks and investment firms failing, and being bailed out.  We have an energy crisis on our hands, and a great debate with regards to Drilling more oil, vs. a more comprehensive energy approach.

Let's put the Presidential debate aside for a minute. 

Most who read my posts, know where I stand politically, at this "juncture".  However, I must praise one person involved for doing something that NO ONE in Washington will ever have the, courage, to do.

Sarah Palin raised taxes on the oil industry, putting money directly into the hands of every Alaskan.  Pretty gutsy move by a Republican.  I give her full kudos for this. 

The story I picked for this, comes from a Paper, or Online Paper, that I don't know much about.  I know about the Tax Increase based on information that has been floating around out there, but I don't know the specifics.  Feel free to fact check. 

What is fundamentally wrong with taxing Big Oil?  That is the discussion I would like to start here...

Here's the story.

http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/20
08/09/12/palin-s-oil-tax-heresy.aspx

As I am reading the news this morning, I can confirm my thoughts on Troopergate, as it's become called.

Whether or not Palin is innocent of the allegations of abuse of power in the attempted firing of her ex brother-in-law is not the issue.  What is the issue is that John McCain's Campain is now concerned with how this investigation is handled.

They are attempting to put a stop to it, because they feel that the Democrats, or supporters of Obama are hijacking it.  Fact of Fiction?

Nothing I have read at this time tells me that this is true.  This invesitigaton began as a bipartisian investigation into alligations that Palin abused her power with respects to Monegan's firing.  And her pressuring Monegan's office to fire her ex brother-in-law.

I have been paying attention to this story since it came out shortly after McCain tapped Palin to be his VP Nominee.  So, again... what are the facts?

The GOP has filed suit in Alaska to put a stop to this investigation.  Of course this is politically motivated.  If we believe otherwise, I would say we, the people are being ignorant. 

But is the investigation political?  Possibly... but the investigation was originally, before all the hype, bipartisian.

So, let me ask this.  Would it not serve McCain's Campaign better, if Palin would just go and give her testimony, under oath, that Monegan's firing was not abuse of power, or politically motivated?  Or is the Campaign too scared that it may be proven otherwise?

Personally, from where I am sitting, this makes her look guilty.  The amount of money the campaign is putting into this, and trying to put a stop to it by suing, makes Palin look guilty.  The issue was barely newsworthy before this, but due to one Lawmaker's comment.. which was stupid, and unprofessional... ("Look for an October Surprise") is the comment I am speaking about... WE now have a media circus, legal circus in Alaska.

Also, wouldn't you think that the McCain Campaign would have vetted her better?  Would have been aware of the investigaton, which will take people's attention away from the real issues... wouldn't you think that would have played a part in his decision to make her his nominee... had he known?

Back when they first selected Palin, I stated in another blog, that she was under investigation... I questioned then, why would McCain pick her?  And I question it now.

Here is a link to the story, from CNN. 

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/16/palin.troope
r.probe/index.html

And another one for you to look at.  From Fox.

http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/17/alaska-ag-s
ays-no-to-subpoenas/

Now, I am very liberal when it comes to separation of church and state.  I also believe very strongly that Religious Law should not interfere with the laws of the land.

England, in the 1500's during the reign of Henry VIII, went through the beginnings of a Reformation that began to separate the power of the King from Catholic Control.   In the process he became head of the Church of England, which the sitting Queen continues to be ceremonially the head of to this day.

This very action by Henry and later supported by Elizabeth I is what led the Quakers and others to come to Colonies, and our belief in Separation of Church and State. 

Read the following story from Fox News.  And tell me... doesn't this scare the hell out of you? 

If they can do this for the Muslim's... then the Catholic Church will want to have their own Courts.  Then the Jews will want their own courts...

I think that Britian has made a fatal mistake.  And that this is going to open a can of worms they will wish they never had opened.  This is what I fear will happen if the Radical Right gains control of our Government.  Or the Radical Left for that matter.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,422661,00.html<
/a>