Blog @ MoreWhat.com

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Conservative Thoughts

This is rich. An organization who never saw a tax dollar they didn’t like, especially when it is spent on them, the NEA, has audacity greater than President Obama to criticize Governor Sarah Palin in a story indicating she is rejecting stimulus money.

From the people who brought you flat line educational performance that cannot compete on a global scale they claim as the justification for unrestrained spending comes a criticism of a Governor who may say no to liberals.

“Logic-defying, dumb-founding, short-sighted – and a slap in the face to parents, children and educators across Alaska.” That’s how the National Education Association of Alaska is describing Governor Palin’s decision to reject more than $160 million of federal stimulus funds for Alaska education.

“Governor Palin has deliberately chosen to ignore the education needs of tens of thousands of children across Alaska. Her attempt to score short term gains will have long-term, dire consequences for our students and educators,” said Barb Angaiak, President of NEA-Alaska.

“Her message to our children is callously blunt: ‘In the interests of my political agenda, you’re on your own.’ The governor’s decision is unacceptable to the 13,000 members of NEA-Alaska – and it will be unacceptable to parents, students and all who are concerned about education in our state. Programs will be cut and class sizes will increase. And Governor Palin has rejected millions of dollars that would be used to improve the lives of some of our most vulnerable children with disabilities or in need of special education programs.”

“The Governor tells us making Alaska an education leader is a priority. Then she says she will reject federal government funding to support our schools and educators,” Angaiak said.

There is an abundance of reports in the news slamming Gov Sarah Palin for rejecting at least some of the stimulus package funding. The first thing those who criticize ignore is that all government funding comes from taxpayers. The second thing they forget is that many who receive benefit from such funding have contributed little or nothing to the public coffers. It is evidence in the case of the National Education Association pointing to their dismal record on teaching. The math suggests the enormous debt facing this country will hamstring future generations more than ever before in history. Yet they charge Palin with short-sighted political motives for rejecting the cash. Yet they would take the money now, or anytime, regardless of the consequences. They also claim Palin’s rejection of funds will have long term negative effects on education in Alaska but fail to mention the long term negative effects of the national debt and deficit spending. Who has the real vision problem?

In addition to $160 million in education related funds, $50 million in energy related spending was reported to be rejected by Palin. Where is the NEA outrage over that? Oh, that’s right, it doesn’t count as it shouldn’t find its way to their pockets.

If the NEA wants to hold someone accountable they should invest in a mirror. But that would require another tax increase. The data exposing their failure year after year is out there for everyone to see. Yet they can only slam those who may question education spending that continues to increase while education results continue to flat line or decrease.

At the very least the NEA and teachers who support it are hypocrites. Just another special interest group lobbying for taxpayer money to fill their own pockets.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Barney Frank and Charles Grassley on Face the Nation March 23rd are a perfect example of politicians playing to the public’s perceived emotions. It has little to do with solving problems. It merely is an attempt to gain support for whatever this lackluster (understatement) Congress and White House propose as solutions. Rather than publicly propose plans with details including benchmarks, oversight and periodic review as well as key performance measures and other metrics and accountability the old worn out response of spending taxpayer money to cover others’ failures is the constant, lame agenda from Washington.

Here’s the URL for the video….

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4882515n

If you prefer, here is a URL for the transcript….

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/03/grassley_frank_face_nation.html

Are there any leaders in Washington DC?

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

A report from The Australian provides a handy overview of the forming AIG bonus scandal which points to many in the political majority of the US. Pelosi has said she’s not to blame or the House is not to blame and both Dodd and her point to the previous administration and the current one as the culprits.

But it looks like Obama’s wonder boy was and is at the center of the controversy. Which places more concern over amateur hour at the current White House and President Obama’s ability to lead.

Senator gave nod for AIG bonuses
David Nason, New York correspondent | March 20, 2009

FORMER Democrat presidential contender Chris Dodd has revealed himself as the author of a controversial amendment that cleared the way for the huge bonuses to be paid to executives of AIG, the insurance giant rescued by the US Government last year to avert a global financial meltdown.

The Senate banking committee chairman, who last year topped AIG’s political donations list with $US104,000 ($154,000), admitted to changing the executive pay provisions of the Obama administration’s $US787 billion stimulus bill.

Mr Geithner was in charge of the stimulus package negotiations, but appears to have been unaware of the executive pay changes until after the bill was signed into law.

Pelosi also suggested it is a matter of fact and record that the conference working out differences in the stimulus package did not deal with the AIG situation as indicated by Dodd. But the best part is while the GOP complained they were not allowed to participate that may now be a good thing. The liberals fingerprints are all over this one and it looks as if they get complete ownership of this fiasco as well as others related to economic problems and a lack of honest or qualified leadership.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

And up and down year for the Wisconsin Badgers continues after a victory in the first round of March Madness against Florida State. First round ‘upsets’ are not uncommon in the annual pilgrimage for 65+ college basketball teams. The chance to overcome regular season disappointments and conference tournament play sometimes sparks a team to achieve great things. But that might be a premature thought as Bucky now faces Xavier. And even with another win the probability of then facing the region’s number one seed, Pittsburgh, makes for a tough road to the final four. But stranger things have happened.

Pardon this biased reporting from a life-long resident of the dairy state, sport’s home of Badgers and cheeseheads. And check the last news item below. The bonus is Marquette also advanced. Good luck to all the teams whether your season continues or has ended, life goes on.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Wisconsin guards come through

SI.com -
BOISE, IDAHO — After a long night of watching Florida State’s Toney Douglas slash and shoot his way to 26 points, it was the methodical and mindful guards for Wisconsin that provided the winning moments in the Badgers 61-59 overtime upset of the …

Wisconsin Badgers stun Florida State

Boston Herald -
By Herald Wire Services / East Regional After spending all night doing the dirty work on defense, Trevon Hughes got a more glamorous role at the end: shooter of the crazy, spinning, bank shot to win the game for Wisconsin. Hughes’ twisting shot over …

Florida State falls to Wisconsin in OT

MiamiHerald.com -
By JEFF SHAIN BOISE, Idaho — After waiting 11 years to make their return to the NCAA Tournament, an extra five minutes certainly didn’t seem like too much of a burden. However, that’s the only extended stay Florida State will get. …

Wisconsin, Marquette both advance in Boise

The Associated Press -
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Wisconsin and Marquette fans will have to tolerate each other in hotel lobbies and elevators for another couple days. Both schools in the state rivalry have another game to play. Although both the Golden Eagles and the Badgers are …

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Most years March Madness is a refreshing departure from staying on top of current affairs. But this year it seems POTUS is expanding his distraction strategy to include college sports. If you have not heard, the story was started when Obama made his bracket picks for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. He picked North Carolina in which the press picked up the reply from Duke’s Coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K). A couple of interesting side notes are Coach K raising money for the GOP and one of Obama’s staffers is a former player for Coach K.

The ooh or aah part: the press says the ‘right’ is agreeing with Coach K’s assessment in the reports that Obama does not have time for March Madness unless that is the new definition of a down economy. In other words keep your eye on the ball but figuratively, not the one on the court.

To repeat, the worry over backlash has the liberals including Barack Obama looking for diversions over things like AIG which may sour everyone on bailouts and stimulus packages not to mention Democrats at the next election.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Duke Basketball Coach Has a Message For President Obama

Thursday, March 19, 2009
By Bret Baier

Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski has a message for President Obama: Keep your day job. Following news Mr. Obama picked North Carolina to win the NCAA Championship, rival coach Krzyzewski responded, “Somebody said that we’re not in President Obama’s Final Four, and as much as I respect what he’s doing, really, the economy is something that he should focus on, probably more than the brackets.”

Mr. Obama shared his tournament picks and completed bracket with ESPN Tuesday. The First Fan threw a challenge to the North Carolina team saying: “For all the Tar Heels who are watching, I picked you last year — you let me down. This year don’t embarrass me in front of the nation, all right?”

Obama Brushes Off Coach K Criticism

A follow-up on the earlier post on Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and President Obama: during a call-in interview with talk radio host Ed Schultz today, Obama said it’s “not surprising” Coack K doesn’t like his bracket. When asked by Schultz about Krzyzewski’s comment, Obama said, “Coach K, I think, is a great coach, and you know Reggie Love, my assistant, played for Coack K, and so, you know, it’s not surprising–I didn’t take them to go to the finals. Look, you know, he’s a competitive guy. I just don’t think they’ve got the inside game to go all the way, but I look forward to him proving me wrong.”

Is Duke’s Coach K really upset with President Obama?

By Jimmy Orr | 03.19.09
So is Coach K really criticizing President Obama?

Well, depending on what website you go to this morning, you could sure read it that way.

The right side of the web is pointing to comments Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski made yesterday as kind of a slap-down on the president.

They’re saying that the coach was being critical of the president’s interest in the tournament when there are more pressing matters at hand.

Pelosi says she is not to be blamed for the AIG bonus amendment. She also says it is a matter of ‘ fact and record.’ If that is the case Nancy, provide the fact and record rather than asking people to take your ‘word’ or look for it themselves. If you do not provide the proof why should anyone believe you?

Don’t blame me on AIG, Pelosi says
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, speaking at her weekly presser this morning, says she had nothing - nothing — to do with Chris Dodd’s AIG amendment.

But the better part of all this distraction from the real problems is liberals attacking each other. Pelosi blames everyone else for the AIG bonus flap. Even the current White House is blamed by Dodd and Pelosi. Yet it seems Pelosi indicated Dodd was wrong on what happened with his amendment. They can’t all be right but they can all be wrong.

Pelosi: Don’t Blame Us for AIG Mess
By Ben Pershing

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) pushed back strongly today at the suggestion that she or her fellow House Democrats might deserve any blame for the AIG bonus controversy, insisting that the real fault lay with the Bush administration and — to a lesser extent — the Senate and the White House.

If Pelosi is blaming the Senate, the White House, past and present and Bernanke then then is she agreeing with some reports which point to Secretary Tax Cheat of the Treasury Tim Geithner as authoring the bonus portion of the funding for AIG?

Pelosi Blames Bernanke Over AIG Bonus Fiasco
By COREY BOLES

WASHINGTON — House of Representatives Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) said Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke deserves at least part of the blame for American International Group Inc. executives receiving $165 million in bonuses at taxpayer expense.

Speaking at a press conference Thursday, Rep. Pelosi said it was the Fed that initially provided financial assistance to the beleaguered insurance giant in September, with little involvement from congressional lawmakers.

“The announcement was made by the chairman of the Fed [it] would be making this big infusion of cash into AIG without any prior notification to us,” Rep. Pelosi said. “We didn’t even know [the Fed] had that kind of money…That’s when it all started.”

The two items that provide the glare from these stories is that Pelosi, Obama and the rest of those in the majority are dead wrong when they claim government operations, especially Congress, are transparent and they are taking focus off the real target of properly attending to this nation’s economic problems and policy decisions.

They would do this because they are screwing up worse than those they want to blame for the problems. The growing ‘backlash’ against those charged with leading our country will reach the tipping point if matters don’t improve soon. The apathetic nature and short memory of the public at large will hold them (politicians) responsible above the culpability of any other participants if the madness does not subside.

But there are so many politicians guilty of some misdeed related to economic scandals of late that doing the right thing requires some political careers to be destroyed. Who will be first?

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Look beyond the bogus bonus smokescreen (Michelle Malkin) 

Some time ago The Christian Science Monitor went internet only as just another print media failure to learn. The NYT is holding themselves under water. Just recently the Rocky Mountain News went toes up and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer may be the most recent MSM fatality. If WaPo continues to be complicit or incompetent with their style of so-called journalism they may be next.

A quick survey of a recent news feed from the Washington Post offers an abundance of what has become typical reporting from most major outlets in the American press. Here are some examples.

How the Fed Failed to Tell Obama About The Bonuses

Federal Reserve officials knew for months about bonuses at American International Group but failed to tell the Obama administration, according to government and company officials, exposing problems in a relationship that is vital to addressing the financial crisis.

The White House didn’t know. Treasury Tax Cheat Secretary Geithner was ’shocked to learn’ about this. And pigs fly.

Reporting System for Lobbyists Called Inaccurate, Inadequate

The lobbying firm that features Democratic power broker Harold Ickes reported earning nearly $700,000 from its clients last year. But according to disclosure reports filed with Congress, more than half of the money was spent on no lobbying at all.

Which is worse, bad reporting or news that isn’t news? Did anyone really expect the Senate Public Disclosure system to effectively illuminate the lobby business. That would be equivalent to criminals sending accurate reports of their activities to law enforcement. If you ever spent time using such resources the thought of donating a week’s vacation for enough time to ‘follow the money’ may have convinced you to abandon your search which is exactly the expectation by those providing it.

Obama, in Calif., Says He Hopes To Return ‘Balance’ to Economy

COSTA MESA, Calif., March 18 — Striking a sharp populist tone, President Obama used a town hall meeting here Wednesday to argue that he is “trying to bring balance back to our economy” after years when only the wealthiest Americans benefited from government policy and lack of regulation.

No subtle finger pointing or liberal support featured in this piece. In the excerpt alone suggesting only the wealthy benefit from government policy omits the very real manipulaton of the now troubled banking system forcing no docs loans and other high risk mortgages to comply with lending requirements for banks to service and provide home purchases to those who could not afford it. Lack of regulation is equally a poor choice to describe hiding the truth about Fannie and Freddie in the days leading up to the subprime meltdown. Maybe now that Senator Dodd, President Obama and Tax Cheat Geithner are being exposed for their role in the AIG mess more reports from those not beholding to the Democratic party will include the rest of the story on the liberal agenda past, present and future.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

The only thing better than Senator Dodd admitting he is responsible for the AIG bonus fiasco is him blaming the Obama Administration for insisting on it. The added ‘bonus’ (pun intended) is liberals still claiming it is someone else’s fault.

US Sen Dodd Blames Administration For Changes To Executive Comp Rules

WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- The chairman of the Senate Banking Committee said it was the Obama administration who pushed for changes to executive compensation restrictions that may have allowed American International Group Inc. (AIG) to issue millions in bonuses that have set off a public outcry.

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., said an amendment to the economic stimulus legislation that he authored was not intended to protect the troubled insurer, and he denied knowing about the controversial bonus program until last week.

In a post earlier on this blog the public’s outrage and desire for their pound of flesh from AIG was suggested to be reasonable only if bonuses were somehow concocted after AIG knew public funding would be forthcoming and their was some sort of sinister arrangement between the bailout and the bonuses. It was a short wiat for the information and the news reports are coming fast and furious. So go ahead America, enjoy your pound of flesh courtesy of Senator Dodd and the Obama Administration.

4 Fannie Execs Each to Get $400K in Govt.-Okayed Bonuses

At least four Fannie Mae executives are slated to receive more than $400,000 in bonuses each this year as a result of the company’s government-approved retention program, The Post’s Zach Goldfarb reports.

Fannie Mae, which suffered $59 billion in losses last year, has requested $15 billion in taxpayer assistance, and has said it expects to need plenty more.

It just keeps on getting better. Not only is the news beginning to demonstrate what many have been saying for months, that Dodd, Frank and other liberals were neck deep in the subprime mess, but now more news on Fannie Mae execs are getting bonuses for causing billions more in losses at the tainted GSE. Not to be outdone by the GOP and their fall from grace, the liberals and their D party are already in flames since the 2006 midterms and last year’s Presidential election. Hillary Clinton has to be cackling herself to sleep at night wondering if her deals with Obama and becoming Secretary of Moscow Overcharge (remember her team’s language barrier?) will get her in the White House before 2012?

Here are two more great headlines and excerpts:
Dodd won’t take blame for AIG bonuses
Journal Inquirer -
Christopher J. Dodd is denying that he’s to blame for the $165 million in bonuses handed out to 418 employees of the taxpayer bailed-out American …

Let’s see. Dodd denies creating the ‘loophole’ for exec bonuses in taxpayer funded bailouts. Then…..

Dodd admits inserting loophole in stimulus for bonuses
Norwalk Advocate -
Christopher Dodd for the first time Wednesday acknowledged he was instrumental in creating legislation that cleared the way for disgraced executives at …

Which Dodd lie is the American public supposed to believe? It doesn’t matter. At this rate their will be plenty more of them by tomorrow.

Chris Dodd (D): Real Estate Scandals at Home and Abroad | KXNet …
KXMC - ?Mar 15, 2009?
Like his fearless leader, Barack Obama, Chris Dodd had a little help from his friends when it came to buying an expensive ten acre island property on …

Funny how much of what the loyal opposition was being criticized for when it comes to pointing out liberal ties to the subprime meltdown and other precursors to economic woes and the Democratic party’s socialist agenda is finally being echoed in the MSM. And in record time the libs are making good on their proclivity to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. That may be the only natural predator of socialist agendas in America. That the evil intentions of Democratic party politics cannot survive their own sinister plots.

Stay tuned their almost certainly has to be more entertainment provided by the party who brought us The New Deal in the days ahead including tomorrow.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

‘ What is legal, what is authorized, may not be a good thing to do.’ This is your Vice-President speaking. A departure from the gaffe-meister’s typical foot chewing that may still draw ire from the nation’s chief executive. Thank Mr Biden for telling it like it is. The ‘porkulus’ bill is legal, maybe, authorized, by some and is certainly ‘not a good thing to do.’

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Biden to local officials: Don’t use stimulus money on stupid ideas
Posted by: David Alexander
March 18th, 2009

Vice President Joe Biden had some pointed advice Wednesday for state, county and city officials seeking guidance on spending the $787 billion in economic stimulus money approved by the U.S. Congress — don’t use it on stupid ideas.

“What is legal, what is authorized, may not be a good thing to do,” the vice president told dozens of local officials gathered for a White House conference.

Dollar Falls Most Since 2000 on Fed’s Plan to Buy Treasuries
By Ye Xie and Molly Seltzer

March 18 (Bloomberg) — The dollar fell the most against the euro since September 2000 as the Federal Reserve said it will purchase $300 billion of longer-term Treasuries, spurring speculation the central bank is debasing the currency.

The greenback may extend its 5.6 percent decline against the currencies of six major U.S. trading partners since reaching the highest in almost three years in early March as the central bank prepared to flood the market with dollars. Citigroup Inc. currency analysts recommended adding to bets that the greenback will depreciate after it weakened beyond $1.34 per euro for the first time since Jan. 12.

Anyone care to explain how this is a good thing? Does the FED expect this to make US goods more attractive to foreign buyers? Is this supposed to increase demand for US products or services? If that is true then apparently we don’t need more jobs to put cash in the hands of consumers to spend our way out of this. Then we don’t need the stimulus. Nor do we need the bailouts. Rather than send jobs overseas we can create demand for US goods overseas. Sure, the economic downturn is not a global crisis. Foreign consumers can buy what we’re not producing.

Problem solved.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Plenty of outrage is being reported about Ruth Madoff’s millions and the millions in bonuses being given to AIG employees. The math suggests these items are small potatoes compared to the trillions being spent by YOUR federal government in ‘bailouts’ and ‘porkulus’ packages that grow larger every day.

If you want to be outraged be outraged at that. If Ruth Madoff is complicit in the scam perpetrated by her husband and the assets under scrutiny are ‘fruit’ of that crime then certainly it is reasonable for those scammed to want access to the spoils. If the millions in bonuses being distributed to AIG employees were intiated post- bailout or somehow arranged since AIG knew public money was forthcoming then the outrage is warranted.

But even if the outrage on those two, Madoff and AIG, under these circumstances is reasonable, taking your eye off the ball is downright silly. Millions compared to trillions is not what the public should be focused on. Could it be the fine politicians in Washington are looking for scapegoats or simply other targets to remove criticism from their own travesties?

Something to think about as you demand your pound of flesh from Madoff and AIG. The crimes being committed through bailouts and porkulus cause Madoff and AIG’s misdeeds to pale in comparison.

Something that needed to be said.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

How AIG — read: you and I — are bailing out the world (Michelle Malkin)

Obama is pushing for a two state solution to conflict in the Middle East between Israelis and Palestinians. Syria may have expressed there is a possibility of peace with Israel but the condition still hinges on the Palestinian question so what has really changed? A report indicates the US will not talk to Hezbollah as Britain will. Iran backs Hezbollah (among others) and the report below indicates Hezbollah will never recognize Israel.

Israel, a tiny country surrounded by a vast geographic expanse of Arab countries. Some of the problems have been centered on access or ownership of areas of religious significance but that seems to be more of an excuse to continue fighting than an honest grievance. The ‘bad blood’ between the two sides has a long history and to the casual observer it would seem much of the problem stems from violence through recent history more than any long standing disagreements.

Arab countries have held ’summits’ to address their own problems with each other. Could it be some would like to take advantage of a new leader from Israel’s most staunch ally, the US, and come to some sort of equitable solution? Even if that were true how do you keep all the parties in line that feel they have some sort of stake in this?

It really is not a simple problem to solve. But it seems the strategies offered or attempted over many years are merely repeats of failed attempts from the past. What is needed? Those directly involved, Israelis and Arabs, must find a way to put aside the anger and hate to do the right thing. Anything short of that will not work since a solution requires all involved to stop the madness. That is why this blog’s author is not optimistic this problem will be solved in our lifetime.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group said Friday his movement will never recognize Israel.

In a speech marking the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed, Hassan Nasrallah said he rejected American conditions for dialogue, including recognition of the state of Israel.

The United States considers Hezbollah a terrorist organization and has called on the Shi’ite group to renounce violence.

During his speech, Nasrallah also welcomed Arab reconciliation efforts and called on Arab nations to show support for Iran, which backs Hezbollah.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt held talks with Syria in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, this week, in a bid to mend rifts.