30 July, 2005

Freedom and Justice for All?

Politics is a dangerous game. Just ask former Ambassador Joseph Wilson. Wilson had the nerve to criticize GW and his administation for lying us into a war. About a week later, his wife's cover as a CIA officer was blown. There is no such thing as coincidence in Washington. It was quite catty. A seasoned politician should have thicker skin. Is it news that a great deal of the American public thinks they were lied to by the Commander and Chief? Is it news that we have no confidence in our politicians. But, before we get ahead of ourselves there is something you must know. GW is the wizard and Karl Rove is the man behind the curtain. GW said he would fire anyone involved in leaking the information, but now that all signs point to Rove....

Well, now, that's a horse of a different color. This is, after all, the man that has made the climb to power with the President. These two have known one another since 1978. Rove has been known to play the roughest version of cut-throat Texas politics, earning him the hatred of Democrats, as well as some Republicans. So, do you think that GW is going to give up his friend and advisor? I'd be shocked. These are people for whom rules don't exist. They have no shame and no remorse. They are so arrogant that they don't even know why everyone is so pissed.

I think Karl Rove must feel invincible. He's protected by the president's umbrella. He did GW's bidding and is now protected against the fire. What a power trip that must be. And the lesson to GW's critics: Shut Up! That freedom of speech crap only applies if you agree with GW, otherwise, you're toast. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Peace

22 July, 2005

Notice to entrepreneurs

NOTICE to all entrepreneurs: The State of Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation is interested in ways to invest money. Before you become disheartened, I have excellent news; you don't need to know about return on investment, stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. All you need is tenacity, creativity, and a plan.

Get the word out! Tell your cousins, friends, and especially that uncle who always has a sure-fire money-making plan. Ohio's BWC is looking for those ideas. See, over the past few years there has been more than $330 Million lost in this fund. The latest money squandering endeavor was an investment in rare coins. Toledo business owner and campaign contributor Tom Noe was able to get his bid in (well before the bidding was open) and was able to set up two funds for the Bureau. I always thought coins were a hobby, like a stamp collection. See, I had it all wrong, and I bet you did too. This is why I'm getting the word out.

I would bet you could walk around and really get some good ideas. How about an inner city jitney, or cab service, granny's crocheted afghans, and get little Lisa to gather all of her plastic beaded necklaces. Now, don't get too fancy because this is Ohio, and our government is not a great supporter of the Arts, but if you tout it as an investment then maybe they'll bite.

Now, just so you know, the playing field may not be level here, unless you happen to be a prodigious campaign-contributor and golf buddy to all of the right people. Tom Noe has been so busy that he's already given over $17,000 to the campaigns of 3 candidates for governor. And in Governor Bob Taft's defense, he gave back $22,190 stating that Noe "has done a great disservice to the people of Ohio by mismanaging our public resources and abusing our trust." Bush returned $4,000. Five GOP justices on the Ohio Supreme Court said they, too, will identify and set aside campaign contributions from Noe. Noe also gave $10,000 to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. But he is keeping the money.
But, I don't want to be greedy. Noe was given $55 Million to invest, $10 Million of which is missing--and I think my data is a little behind the curve, so he's getting the benefit of the doubt. I mean if the State can withstand an 18% loss, then by all means, let us all have a shot. I bet the average person would do better than that. I mean honestly, I could invest BWC's money with my Deferred Compensation money because honestly, I have had only one negative quarter in the past five years. I think that's pretty impressive, and all this time I though I knew nothing about big business. See, there are opportunities everywhere. You just have to know where to look.

Peace.

16 July, 2005

Michael Jackson

Ok, I have to talk about Michael Jackson for a minute. Since he was acquitted, the radio stations are playing his music again. During that trial, I didn't hear Michael, The Jacksons, Jackson 5, or Janet. I was driving and one of his songs came on, I was HAPPY! And, it's not just me. I was out eating and one of his songs came on, you should have seen people moving around. They were singing and snapping their fingers, and dancing in their chairs.

See, Michael Jackson fans should have their own parade. Now they no longer have to be ashamed of their MJ collection: that glove, the socks, posters, and the Thriller jacket. They can Say it Loud, 'Michael's back and I'm proud! So, MJ fans come out of the closet.

I know, there is still the issue of the whole Peter Pan/Neverland thing. I think I know what would get Michael back on track. Michael needs re-parenting. Yes, I know it's not cool to talk about somebody's mother, but Catherine has obviously had her spirit beaten out of her by Joe. So, you really can't blame her. All of those "kids" need a real mom. You know what I mean, one of those down-to-earth, laugh easy, love hard women who see bull coming before your can even get it out of your mouth. One of those women who can get their shoe off, hit you, get the shoe back on and get back to what she was doing before the crying starts. They need some "lap" time, to be nurtured and talked to. To be comforted and scolded and to learn some "common sense" (you don't hear that much any more, but we sure do need it). So, I say they need to round up Marlon, Randy, Tito, Jackie, Jermaine, Michael, Rebie, La Toya, and Janet and put them all in an intensive therapy program, and maybe then we can all get back to Moon-walking and being able to sing 'Man in the Mirror' outside of the shower.


Peace.