UPI is reporting that the Rocky Mountain News will close it's doors on Friday. This comes on the heels of bankruptcy filings for dailys in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Chicago, as well as threatened closures of the San Francisco Chronicle and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, and the much publicized financial woes at the New York Times. We may be witnessing the death of the daily newspaper.
I love newspapers, but understand how that business model is outdated. Most news is now available online, which allows readers to get immediate updates rather than wait for tomorrow's newspaper. The internet also killed classified ad sales. Why look in the paper for a car when you can go onto Craigslist or eBay and search for the model you want, get more information about it, and view multiple color photographs of the vehicle? So readership and revenues have been declining for years.
World, National and (to a lesser extent) State news will survive the changeover to online outlets. Indeed, CNN, MSNBC, FOX and other online sources have been doing just that. I fear, however, that it is local news that will suffer. And without the exposure that local coverage offers, I worry about corrupt local politicians operating with impunity as they no longer worry about the journalistic scrutiny that once kept them in check.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Bobby vs Kenneth
As anybody who surfs the Internet more than five minutes a day now knows, Bobby Jindal's awkward rebuttal to President Obama's address last night has been widely panned, and many have compared him to Kenneth the Page from the show 30 Rock. If you want to compare them yourself, check out this clip from the new Jimmy Fallon Late Night show.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Obama home run, Jindal strikeout
Obama's speech last night was simply the most impressive presidential speech in over a decade. After four years of partisan sentiments, empty platitudes, and fractured syntax, it was good to see a president appear presidential. He made a lot of promises, and I am not convinced the numbers add up. But he was inspiring, and that is what the country needs right now.
Governor Bobby Jindal, offering the Republican rebuttal, looked kinda spooky. His walk to the microphone was so awkward, it looked like he was learning how to walk on new legs. His wide-eyed delivery and slow, simple oratory made him look like a Punjabi Mr. Rogers. This guy is a Rhodes scholar? And what was with the long tour guide opening? Many, many people have compared Jindal to Kenneth, the page on 30 rock. If you don't watch the show, you should. It's very funny. If you don't know Kenneth, here is a mash-up of some of his best lines.
The comparison to Kenneth will haunt Jindal for a long time, methinks. If this is the rising star that is favored to be a contender for the GOP nomination in 2012, the Democrats can sleep well.
Governor Bobby Jindal, offering the Republican rebuttal, looked kinda spooky. His walk to the microphone was so awkward, it looked like he was learning how to walk on new legs. His wide-eyed delivery and slow, simple oratory made him look like a Punjabi Mr. Rogers. This guy is a Rhodes scholar? And what was with the long tour guide opening? Many, many people have compared Jindal to Kenneth, the page on 30 rock. If you don't watch the show, you should. It's very funny. If you don't know Kenneth, here is a mash-up of some of his best lines.
The comparison to Kenneth will haunt Jindal for a long time, methinks. If this is the rising star that is favored to be a contender for the GOP nomination in 2012, the Democrats can sleep well.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Never had a helicopter
I know I have been skeptical of President Obama recently, but I do admire how the man operates. The Republicans keep trying to get under his skin and he never takes the bait.
In today's fiscal summit, Obama asked Sen. John McCain if he had any thoughts he would like to share on procurement. McCain sited Defense Department overruns, and pointed to the fleet of 28 new Marine One helicopters built by Lockheed Martin Corp. (a deal established during the Bush administration). McCain noted that the program is now over budget at $11.2 billion and will cost more than Air Force One. Obama responded that he had already instructed Defense Secretary Gates to review that program, and added, “The helicopter I have now seems perfectly adequate to me. Of course, I’ve never had a helicopter before, so, you know? Maybe I’ve been deprived and I didn’t know it." He got a good chuckle from the crowd. But, more importantly, he shut down that flatulent windbag from Arizona without the slightest hint of vitriol. This is how politics should be. Bravo, Mr. President.
In today's fiscal summit, Obama asked Sen. John McCain if he had any thoughts he would like to share on procurement. McCain sited Defense Department overruns, and pointed to the fleet of 28 new Marine One helicopters built by Lockheed Martin Corp. (a deal established during the Bush administration). McCain noted that the program is now over budget at $11.2 billion and will cost more than Air Force One. Obama responded that he had already instructed Defense Secretary Gates to review that program, and added, “The helicopter I have now seems perfectly adequate to me. Of course, I’ve never had a helicopter before, so, you know? Maybe I’ve been deprived and I didn’t know it." He got a good chuckle from the crowd. But, more importantly, he shut down that flatulent windbag from Arizona without the slightest hint of vitriol. This is how politics should be. Bravo, Mr. President.
Bailout Double Standards
CNN ran an interesting commentary this morning by Frank Micciche, managing director of the Next Social Contract Initiative, a bipartisan think tank. Micciche's basic premise is that it's easier to get billions for banks and the auto industry than to get a small grant. "Small nonprofits and community organizations that receive federal grants will tell you that the paperwork and scrutiny that comes with even the most modest federal award is often so exhaustive as to nullify the benefits of the grant," Micciche says. "Not so, apparently, if your request is in the billions."
This is why I don't support the bailout - not so much because it isn't needed, but that it would not be effectively executed. Does anybody know where the $350 billion went that Paulson gave away in TARP I (other than executive bonuses, that is)? And with Chrysler and GM asking for another $21 Billion, do we know what they did with the $17 billion they recently got?
Too much money is going too many places with too little oversight and only a hope of success. Let the banks and automakers go to bankruptcy court and use that bailout money instead for direct support of those who lost their jobs in the meltdown.
TARP I cost over $1,150 for every man, woman and child in the country (not counting interest) and nobody seems to know where it went. The Obama administration estimates that bank bailout will cost taxpayers $2.3 trillion ($7,570 per person). And Bloomberg News recently pegged the entire cost of the all bailout funds (including banks, automakers, stimulus package and mortgage rescue) at $9.7 trillion ($31,712 per person). If you have a family of five, your family's share is $158,560. As the Bloomberg article points out, that's "enough enough to pay off more than 90 percent of the nation’s home mortgages." Here is the math and links to the numbers:
TARP I $350 billion/305,878,088 = $1,150
Bank Bailout $2.3 trillion/305,878,088 (US population) = $7,570 per US citizen
Bailout Total $9.7 trillion/305,878,088 = $31,712 per US citizen
Family of 5 $31,712 * 5 = $158,560 for a family of five
An interesting question is what would happen if the government actually did use that money to pay down mortgages? That money would flow right to the banks, making them flush with cash and ready to lend again. With the mortgages paid down or, in many cases, paid off, consumers would be able to use that mortgage money to buy cars and TVs, giving a boost to manufacturers. But most important, the US taxpayers would actually get something of real value for their bailout money.
Of course, it will never happen. And the bailout would unfairly help mortgage holders over renters, who would still be on the hook for their $31K. But at least there would be tangible, predictable results.
This is why I don't support the bailout - not so much because it isn't needed, but that it would not be effectively executed. Does anybody know where the $350 billion went that Paulson gave away in TARP I (other than executive bonuses, that is)? And with Chrysler and GM asking for another $21 Billion, do we know what they did with the $17 billion they recently got?
Too much money is going too many places with too little oversight and only a hope of success. Let the banks and automakers go to bankruptcy court and use that bailout money instead for direct support of those who lost their jobs in the meltdown.
TARP I cost over $1,150 for every man, woman and child in the country (not counting interest) and nobody seems to know where it went. The Obama administration estimates that bank bailout will cost taxpayers $2.3 trillion ($7,570 per person). And Bloomberg News recently pegged the entire cost of the all bailout funds (including banks, automakers, stimulus package and mortgage rescue) at $9.7 trillion ($31,712 per person). If you have a family of five, your family's share is $158,560. As the Bloomberg article points out, that's "enough enough to pay off more than 90 percent of the nation’s home mortgages." Here is the math and links to the numbers:
TARP I $350 billion/305,878,088 = $1,150
Bank Bailout $2.3 trillion/305,878,088 (US population) = $7,570 per US citizen
Bailout Total $9.7 trillion/305,878,088 = $31,712 per US citizen
Family of 5 $31,712 * 5 = $158,560 for a family of five
An interesting question is what would happen if the government actually did use that money to pay down mortgages? That money would flow right to the banks, making them flush with cash and ready to lend again. With the mortgages paid down or, in many cases, paid off, consumers would be able to use that mortgage money to buy cars and TVs, giving a boost to manufacturers. But most important, the US taxpayers would actually get something of real value for their bailout money.
Of course, it will never happen. And the bailout would unfairly help mortgage holders over renters, who would still be on the hook for their $31K. But at least there would be tangible, predictable results.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Treason of Alan Keyes
Alan Keyes has always been a wing nut, but he is dabbling in treasonous rhetoric in this interview. He drags out the most popular lie about the president: that Obama is not a US citizen (a silly notion that has been disproved with the online posting of Obama's birth certificate). He says that Obama must be stopped, even though the President was elected by a comfortable majority. But worse is his suggestion that the military should not follow Obama's orders. That's treason, in my book.
It is getting harder and harder to ignore the hateful rhetoric of the right, and I fear that somebody is going to get seriously hurt as a result. Obama appears to be ignoring the rabble (his warnings not to listen to Rush Limbaugh notwithstanding). But I hear little condemnation of this kind of behavior on either side. The Republicans should denounce such hate speech, but they far angering talking heads with a bully pulpit. But where are the Democrats? Rush et al already hate them, so they don't risk anything by denouncing the hate speech. And what about newspapers? The New York Times Opinion page has been silent on the topic. The only denouncements have come from the blogosphere, which is pretty partisan to begin with.
It is getting harder and harder to ignore the hateful rhetoric of the right, and I fear that somebody is going to get seriously hurt as a result. Obama appears to be ignoring the rabble (his warnings not to listen to Rush Limbaugh notwithstanding). But I hear little condemnation of this kind of behavior on either side. The Republicans should denounce such hate speech, but they far angering talking heads with a bully pulpit. But where are the Democrats? Rush et al already hate them, so they don't risk anything by denouncing the hate speech. And what about newspapers? The New York Times Opinion page has been silent on the topic. The only denouncements have come from the blogosphere, which is pretty partisan to begin with.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Maddow's Obama List
First of all, let me say I love Rachel Maddow. She is smart, articulate, and appears to enjoy the irony that exists in politics every day. She often smiles at stories she reports, reveling in the double-speak and hypocrisy that our elected officials use daily. She is left of center, like me, so I usually agree with her perspective. But Maddow is more generous with President Obama than I.
Yesterday Maddow wished Obama a happy one-month anniversary, and listed 17 accomplishments of his first month. I have recreated her list, and give my take on each:
Announced strict new rules for lobbyists - Great idea...and how unfortunate that only two days later Obama broke his own rules by nominating William Lynn, a lobbyist for defense contractor Raytheon, to be Deputy Secretary of Defense.
Pay caps for WH staff - A mostly symbolic gesture that won't impact the financial crisis. Still, it would be hypocrisy to raise staff salaries in these troubled times, so a good PR move.
Hillary Clinton confirmed Secretary of State - So far this is looking like one of Obama's best cabinet picks. Hillary has not yet been tested in her diplomacy skills, but early results look promising.
Signed an Executive Order closing Gitmo and secret CIA prisons overseas - But he has not set a date for the closure. Even with it's end planned, the longer Gitmo is in operation the more it's stink spreads from the last administration to this one. (It's all one America to the radicals who use Gitmo as a recruiting tool.) And while he closed CIA prisons, he also signed an executive order three weeks ago that allows the CIA to continue using renditions. And today the White House announced that they would not change Bush administration policy of denying constitutional rights to terror suspects held in Afghanistan. So his results in this area are decidedly mixed.
Named George Mitchell and Richard Holbrooke Special Envoys to Middle East - The jury is still out on Mitchell and Holbrooke, although they are both very experienced. I have high hopes for them, but let's see how they fair under pressure (we probably won't have to wait long).
Made first agency visit to the State Dept, symbolically reviving diplomacy - This is smart management, but I don't see it as much of an accomplishment.
Appeared on Arab TV network - I think it was a good move to help open up more dialogue with the Arab world.
Signed Lily Ledbetter Act - The Ledbetter act, which forbids pay discrimination on the basis of sex, is so overdue, until I heard of it I thought these protections already existed. Kudos for Obama for getting it on the books.
Eric Holder confirmed - When he was nominated, I thought Holder's most appealing quality was that he wasn't Alberto Gonzalez. But I don't think Gonzales would have put his foot in his mouth like Holder did recently when he said America was "a
nation of cowards" when it came to racial issues. Holder's comments were divisive and earned him the enmity of whites who thought Holder was only talking to them (he wasn't, but that point is lost in the din). Holder's poorly chosen words didn't help the administration, and he will have to really shine in the coming months to distance himself from them.
Signed S-ChIP legislation - Bravo! This bill expands publicly funded health insurance for children. It is shameful that the GOP and Bush Administration has not stepped up to the plate on health care for children. No matter what you think of "socialized medicine", children should not be denied care because they are poor.
Canceled 77 land leases around Arches National Park - Another Bravo. I have spent lots of time in Arches, as well as other National Parks in that region. It is an area of unspeakable beauty and unique geology not found anywhere else. The idea of oil derricks dotting that landscape is obscene.
Signed the Stimulus Bill - I applaud President Obama for getting the bill he wanted pushed through congress in a very short time. However, this bill breaks Obama's "sunshine before signing" promise, whereby the public would be given time to review and comment on important bills before he signed them. The Stimulus bill got not public review, and we are still wading through the 1000+ pages to see what goodies (or horrors) it contains. Also, I am unconvinced that the stimulus will do anything other than heap debt on future generations. The cynic in me thinks Obama only did it to appear strong in the face of the crisis. The optimist in me hopes my worries about the bill are unfounded.
Announced his home foreclosure prevention plan - After so much attention is paid to Wall Street, it's great to see a little love for Main Street. This plan really only helps a small group of those facing foreclosure, but it's a start.
Took first foreign trip to Canada - I'm not sure how much of an accomplishment it is to visit our nearest neighbor. But they have better beer up there, so I hope he downed a few, eh?
Banned budget gimmicks - This is a great ruling. The Bush Administration used budget gimmicks that would make Enron accountants blushed.
Met with mayors - Yawn...I'm sorry, what? Urban centers are a Democratic stronghold, so he's preaching to the choir with this group. Not much of an accomplishment, methinks.
Signed Executive Order for Office of Gulf Coast Recovery - A good move, but he extended it for six months when local Pols wanted two more years. It is a disgrace that this long after Katrina, most of the money allocated for the Gulf Coast's recovery has not been spent.
All in all, I think Obama has done pretty well. But
it's still a fairly uneven list.
Yesterday Maddow wished Obama a happy one-month anniversary, and listed 17 accomplishments of his first month. I have recreated her list, and give my take on each:
Announced strict new rules for lobbyists - Great idea...and how unfortunate that only two days later Obama broke his own rules by nominating William Lynn, a lobbyist for defense contractor Raytheon, to be Deputy Secretary of Defense.
Pay caps for WH staff - A mostly symbolic gesture that won't impact the financial crisis. Still, it would be hypocrisy to raise staff salaries in these troubled times, so a good PR move.
Hillary Clinton confirmed Secretary of State - So far this is looking like one of Obama's best cabinet picks. Hillary has not yet been tested in her diplomacy skills, but early results look promising.
Signed an Executive Order closing Gitmo and secret CIA prisons overseas - But he has not set a date for the closure. Even with it's end planned, the longer Gitmo is in operation the more it's stink spreads from the last administration to this one. (It's all one America to the radicals who use Gitmo as a recruiting tool.) And while he closed CIA prisons, he also signed an executive order three weeks ago that allows the CIA to continue using renditions. And today the White House announced that they would not change Bush administration policy of denying constitutional rights to terror suspects held in Afghanistan. So his results in this area are decidedly mixed.
Named George Mitchell and Richard Holbrooke Special Envoys to Middle East - The jury is still out on Mitchell and Holbrooke, although they are both very experienced. I have high hopes for them, but let's see how they fair under pressure (we probably won't have to wait long).
Made first agency visit to the State Dept, symbolically reviving diplomacy - This is smart management, but I don't see it as much of an accomplishment.
Appeared on Arab TV network - I think it was a good move to help open up more dialogue with the Arab world.
Signed Lily Ledbetter Act - The Ledbetter act, which forbids pay discrimination on the basis of sex, is so overdue, until I heard of it I thought these protections already existed. Kudos for Obama for getting it on the books.
Eric Holder confirmed - When he was nominated, I thought Holder's most appealing quality was that he wasn't Alberto Gonzalez. But I don't think Gonzales would have put his foot in his mouth like Holder did recently when he said America was "a
nation of cowards" when it came to racial issues. Holder's comments were divisive and earned him the enmity of whites who thought Holder was only talking to them (he wasn't, but that point is lost in the din). Holder's poorly chosen words didn't help the administration, and he will have to really shine in the coming months to distance himself from them.
Signed S-ChIP legislation - Bravo! This bill expands publicly funded health insurance for children. It is shameful that the GOP and Bush Administration has not stepped up to the plate on health care for children. No matter what you think of "socialized medicine", children should not be denied care because they are poor.
Canceled 77 land leases around Arches National Park - Another Bravo. I have spent lots of time in Arches, as well as other National Parks in that region. It is an area of unspeakable beauty and unique geology not found anywhere else. The idea of oil derricks dotting that landscape is obscene.
Signed the Stimulus Bill - I applaud President Obama for getting the bill he wanted pushed through congress in a very short time. However, this bill breaks Obama's "sunshine before signing" promise, whereby the public would be given time to review and comment on important bills before he signed them. The Stimulus bill got not public review, and we are still wading through the 1000+ pages to see what goodies (or horrors) it contains. Also, I am unconvinced that the stimulus will do anything other than heap debt on future generations. The cynic in me thinks Obama only did it to appear strong in the face of the crisis. The optimist in me hopes my worries about the bill are unfounded.
Announced his home foreclosure prevention plan - After so much attention is paid to Wall Street, it's great to see a little love for Main Street. This plan really only helps a small group of those facing foreclosure, but it's a start.
Took first foreign trip to Canada - I'm not sure how much of an accomplishment it is to visit our nearest neighbor. But they have better beer up there, so I hope he downed a few, eh?
Banned budget gimmicks - This is a great ruling. The Bush Administration used budget gimmicks that would make Enron accountants blushed.
Met with mayors - Yawn...I'm sorry, what? Urban centers are a Democratic stronghold, so he's preaching to the choir with this group. Not much of an accomplishment, methinks.
Signed Executive Order for Office of Gulf Coast Recovery - A good move, but he extended it for six months when local Pols wanted two more years. It is a disgrace that this long after Katrina, most of the money allocated for the Gulf Coast's recovery has not been spent.
All in all, I think Obama has done pretty well. But
it's still a fairly uneven list.
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