Blog @ MoreWhat.com

The American public desperately needs to find time away from daily life distractions to focus on matters in the national interest, scope and concern. Those who voted for Obama need to follow up on their choice in the election just as much as those who did not can no longer simply wait for the next election and next contender.

Critical issues facing this nation did not go away just because there was a presidential election. It is good that those who voted, legally, participated in the election and attended to one citizen responsibility. But that is only one responsibility. To assume that the voting is done and things will take care of themselves as expected is nonsense. Those opposing Obama in the election should naturally continue to oppose his flawed and dangerous agenda. But those who supported him in the election are equally responsible to hold him accountable for doing the right thing.

That is not happening. There is plenty of evidence to suggest the new administration is moving in directions that will harm this nation. Even members of the Democratic party and their various left wing bases are becoming worried and uncomfortable about the course of the new President.

Below are some references you should read whether you are paying attention or not. And again it cannot be overemphasized there is a need for you to contact your elected representatives to express what concerns you. Or you can simply ignore it all until the worst happens and continue to dismiss posts such as this while your country is at risk.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Bailing Out of the Constitution

By George F. Will
Sunday, March 29, 2009; Page A15

It is high time Americans heard an argument that might turn a vague national uneasiness into a vivid awareness of something going very wrong. The argument is that the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) is unconstitutional.

By enacting it, Congress did not in any meaningful sense make a law. Rather, it made executive branch officials into legislators. Congress said to the executive branch, in effect: “Here is $700 billion. You say you will use some of it to buy up banks’ ‘troubled assets.’ But if you prefer to do anything else with the money — even, say, subsidize automobile companies — well, whatever.”

Obama’s Fuzzy Math

A trillion here, a trillion there . . .
by Stephen Moore
04/06/2009, Volume 014, Issue 28

In his press conference last Tuesday, Barack Obama said that America must reject the “borrow and spend” policies of the past in favor of a strategy of “save and invest.” Sounds good. So why is Obama proposing to borrow and spend more than any president in the history of the republic? Already in the first 45 days of his administration, the federal government has authorized more debt spending than Ronald Reagan did in eight years in office.

Then last week the Democrats’ own Congressional Budget Office found that the ten-year deficits of the Obama plan will be about $2.3 trillion higher than the $6.97 trillion the White House is projecting. This is the policy of the party that was swept back into power in 2006 and 2008 promising a return to an era of fiscal responsibility.

Follow the money: Enough about the AIG bonuses – focus on the banks’ billions

Sunday, March 29th 2009
New York Daily News
Michael Goodwin

Get ready to take out the AIG pitchforks again. This time, there is an important use for them.

Now that the hysteria over the $165 million in bonuses is cooling, two inquiries aim to find out what AIG did with the bulk of its federal bailout money. Given the $175 billion at stake, those pitchforks can help dig through the details of who is getting huge chunks of taxpayer cash.

It’s a twist on the adage to “follow the money.” Finally, probers are following the big money.

Against the billions that have vanished, and with more on the hook as AIG unwinds its trading portfolio, Washington’s outrage over the millions paid for bonuses counts as a trivial pursuit. And with the Obama administration seeking new powers to take over troubled companies, the handling of AIG is a test case for whether the government can be trusted with that power.

Financial manipulation alert: Did AIG bailout money secretly prop up banks? (Michelle Malkin) 

This may or may not be a new story. The topic is something that is not a focus on this blog. Well at least not specifically. Unreasonable risk is an idea often incorporated into the subject matter typically featured here. A headline appeared on the radar today that screamed blog post target. It was not an OMG moment. At least not as it would be for those who practice high risk behavior or lifestyles who undoubtedly will view this headline as their savior and reason to continue being stupid.

New Vaginal Gel Stops AIDS Virus
WebMD - ?29 minutes ago?
By Daniel J. DeNoon March 4, 2009 — A new kind of vaginal gel prevents sexual transmission of the AIDS virus in monkey studies. The anti-HIV ingredient in the gel is glycerol monolaurate or GML. It’s already FDA approved as an ingredient in cosmetics …

There ya go. Feast your eyes on sexual nirvana. Nearly guarantees an increase in the number of HIV/AIDS cases for the remainder of 2009 and beyond. Why you ask? With the exception of those who have not contracted aids through any fault of their own as in rape victims, blood transfusions or other involuntary exposure those whose life choices make them targets for this virus will be dumb enough to believe the battle was won. As if their previous choices were not evidence enough they will likely die from doing something stupid the introduction of the report alone without the product will subject their dense learning curve to more mistakes than before.

The headlines and reporting are not necessarily helpful either. The title above is a great example. If the risk candidates can read they may omit further investigation and take the title to mean the war is won. Here are some more links.

Aids gel could save millions of women’s lives a year, say scientists
Daily Mail - ?1 hour ago?
By Daily Mail Reporter A cheap ingredient used in ice cream and cosmetics could be used as a gel to protect women against Aids, researchers reported today. The compound, called glycerol monolaurate, or GML, is found in breast milk. …

Another dumb title, above, gives further suggestion the gel and everything about it is a done deal. Just go out and get some then hump like rabbits. Sorry rabbits, you probably are more discerning than the typical high risk human.

Gel Can Save Women from Aids
SmartAboutHealth - ?1 hour ago?
According to a recent study, an ingredient used in ice cream and cosmetics could be used to protect women against Aids. The gel, called alled glycerol monolaurate, or GML, is found in breast milk and test recently found that it protects monkeys against …

The item above from SmartAboutHealth is an oxymoron. Smart about health? Not with that title.

There are titles and content out there which take a more intelligent approach to the story. Those of you at low risk for aids are smart enough to find it for yourself. Those of you dumb enough to be high risk for AIDS at this point in its history are not smart enough to read this. The scourge of AIDS will get you soon enough and that will help clean up the gene pool. Thought ever cross your mind that this is nature’s way of doing that in the first place?

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Economic times being what they are who would expect the price of gas to rise? What could consumers learn about the last time the prices fell after reaching near five dollars a gallon at the pump? From the basics of supply and demand to specific world events that affect the markets the consumer sometimes has a significant effect on prices. A huge decrease in demand as gasoline prices peaked last year is often cited as why the price eventually fell. Wouldn’t it be nice if consumers did not require such a severe price increase to encourage cutting back on gasoline purchases? A small reminder of the power of the consumer was illuminated last year but will likely be forgotten in times ahead. That is one reason for this post being published now.

The excerpt below links to an interesting analysis of how the price at the pump is determined. This blog cannot speak to the validity of this appraisal but it is interesting nonetheless. In other words it is worth a read.

Did you know that gas price gouging almost never occurs as prices rise? Rather, it’s most often when dealers keep prices artificially high even as their costs fall. As gas costs were near $5 a gallon until falling and oil companies earn around $100 billion each year, it’s a good time to question what really goes into the price of gas. The numbers on the gas station sign hide a complex set of transactions. Before gas can power your car, it must be discovered as crude oil, traverse three markets, and be refined from crude into gas. Inside, we’ll explain the three markets, walk you through the role of refineries, and show how oil companies use creative tactics to manipulate gas prices…

The piece below is what renewed the interest here on gas prices and how it all works and who is in control a few weeks ago. It mentioned one of the big players.

Lack of Spending Kills US Jobs, Profits
By VOA News
27 January 2009
(brief excerpt)

Valero, the largest U.S. oil refiner, said it lost more than 43 billion as the recession dampened demand for gasoline.

The item below simply describes this major player and is from Wikipedia.

Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO) is a Fortune 500 oil and gas refining and retail company based in San Antonio, Texas. The company owns and operates 18 refineries throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3.3 million barrels per day, making it the largest refiner in North America.[1] Valero is also one of the nation’s largest retail operators with more than 5,000 retail and branded wholesale outlets in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean under various brand names, including Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Ultramar, Shamrock, and Beacon.

A piece from Motley Fool expands on the list of player and how things are going right now.

Along with Valero Energy and pint-sized Calumet Specialty Products (Nasdaq: CLMT), Holly possesses the ability to process sour-crude feedstocks that provided a competitive advantage during oil’s last climb. With expansions and improvements nearly completed at both refineries, Holly will not only face the next rise in oil prices with about an 18% increase in refining capacity, but also an enhanced ability to process sour crude. In fact, the Navajo refinery will soon be equipped to rely entirely on sour crudes if needed. Although I’ve been cool on the refining sector lately, as the majors have been cutting production, I am intrigued by the company’s competitive refining spreads and the steps underway to enhance that sour-crude advantage.

And who can forget the large campaign by the man below suggesting what we should do about energy? So what has he been doing lately?

T Boone Pickens buys Peabody Energy Corp., Chesapeake Energy Corp., sells ABB Ltd., Westport Innovations Inc, Valero Energy Corp., Tenaris S.A., Talisman Energy Inc., Schlumberger Ltd., The Shaw Group Inc., SANDRIDGE ENERGY INC, National Oilwell Varco Inc., Petrohawk Energy Corp., Halliburton Company, The Greenbrier Companies Inc., Foster Wheeler Ltd., Fluor Corp., DresserRand Group Inc., Chevron Corp., Clean Energy Fuels Corp., BPZ RESOURCES, INC, XTO Energy Inc. during the 3-months ended 12/31/2008, according to the most recent filings of his investment company, BP Capital. T Boone Pickens owns 9 stocks with a total value of $40 million. These are the details of the buys and sells.

This is just a little public service feature that will hopefully keep people’s minds on some of what falls to the back burner these days. Notice what is focused on in the news lately and what has been pushed aside. Not like the current economic conditions will make those items pushed aside a non-issue for the future. Can those we elected to serve in Washington keep their eye on all important issues? Or will they falter and obsess on the most popular while dropping the ball on others?

What could happen or what could be ignored to cause another damaging rise in energy prices? Just a little food for thought on a lazy Sunday in February 2009.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

$1.2 Trillion Slush Fund: Congressman Alan Grayson Grills Fed Vice Chair Donald Kohn

For a little background, according to Wikipedia Alan Grayson received a law degree and a master’s degree in government from Harvard. He went to work for the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. He worked with Ginsburg, Scalia and Bork. Returning to practice law he called contractor fraud in Iraq ‘the crime of the century’ and has filed suits against them. He unseated Republican Ric Keller in Florida’s 8th District in 2008.

Fox News, Bloomberg and others have sought disclosure from the Fed on money distributed from the bailout programs to no avail on last inspection. This video should be of interest to those hearing others like Pelosi talking ‘transparency’. Who knows how this will develop but it’s a nice start. Hat tip to Grayson for this episode but he could also ‘grill’ the committee chairman in the video…..Barney Frank.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com
Trackposted to third world county, Walls of the City, and DragonLady’s World, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Welcome to Blog @ MoreWhat.com’s Open Trackback

Secure the Borders Linkfest

This is an open trackback linkfest. It happens on Tuesday and Saturday or… Each linkfest is open until the next one starts. Trackbacks will no longer be on the frontpage in a post called MoreWhat Matters. The Secure the Borders theme is intended as a reminder to all for obvious reasons. If you have any suggestions, criticisms, questions or just feel the need to communicate, trackback or post it in the comments. If you want to be added to the Blogroll, register and/or inquire to make arrangements. The Honor Roll is reserved for blogs viewed as special by this blog’s owner.

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If you’re here legally and behavin’ yo self, welcome aboard.
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First item to nauseate the reasonable among us in this week’s events is the mob mentality responsible for disrespecting the flag of the United States on behalf of Barack Obama. One can exhibit understanding for the actions of others overcome by euphoria or a drunken stupor on celebration of an historic event but as with everything there are limits. The limits of those redesigning the American flag to express their support of a newly elected President are non-existent. The limits of those observing this blatant misuse of Old Glory have been tested. The view from this American blogger holds this practice to be disgraceful at the least and criminal at the worst. And unfortunately it is another indicator of what we can expect from an Obama Administration. The One’s silence on this matter will be tantamount to Presidential approval.

Other indications that PEBO will have a deleterious effect on this nation include but are not limited to Iran, Syria and Russia expressing expectations of or willingness to participate in discussions with the new President. Iran will continue their nuclear weapons program. Syria will maintain their ties with Iran. Russia will continue to expand its sphere of influence in the Western Hemisphere while Obama and the rest of the liberals/socialists appease our foes and direct this nation to socialism.

The Community Reinvestment Act from decades ago set in motion the groundwork for the subprime mortgage fiasco. Senators Chris Dodd and Barney Frank as well as others like Rahm Emanuel were fully vested in Wall Street, the GSE’s and coercing financial institutions to lend to those not qualified for financing. Economic conditions caused Wall Street to once again get creative and invent more derivatives to package loser loans. The global economic crisis is the result of allowing international greed to create the real estate monster sitting on top of a house of cards. The winds of the new millennium blew the house down.

The GOP lost their collective minds with respect to fiscal responsibility and spending limits which played right into the unfortunate timing of the 2008 election and gave liberals the unique opportunity to blame everything on the right only to assume another majority in Congress and take back the White House believing they have a mandate to continue the insanity.

What was defined quantitatively by billions in the recent past is now measured in trillions. An increase one thousand times larger. The national debt exceeded one trillion dollars in the eighties. Spending and deficits were still measured in billions. Now we talk talk of trillion dollar spending programs and deficits. This has to stop.

There is a collection of records on bailout voting being assembled in this site’s forum. It will probably go through several incarnations before it is complete. Thus far it is not a surprise that bailout voting is not a function of party politics. But some interesting facts and trends are becoming obvious. It is not clear whether there has been a collective malfeasance in Washington of this magnitude before now. Perhaps we should do something about it.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

There will be no attempt to influence your opinion on the following. You should be able to draw the proper conclusion on your own.

Leon Panetta seems like a nice guy. That disarming smile and no visible signs of scandal or corruption other than being part of the Clinton Administration. So why would President-elect Obama nominate Panetta for CIA Director? One of the first criticisms of this nomination was that Panetta has no intelligence experience. According to Wikipedia that is not true. Panetta was instrumental in creating CSU Monterey by converting Fort Ord, where he was chief of operations and planning of the intelligence section when he was in the army, into the university. Combine that with his years as a Republican before he switched to Democrat as well as his work in civil rights, at the Dept of Health, Education and Welfare, academia and environmental causes plus 8 terms as a Congressman and you have a natural for CIA Director.

He’s not being impeached like Governor Blagojevich. He is not being investigated by federal authorities like Governor Richardson. It seems he is not plagued by all the baggage of the Clinton clan except that he worked for them. So for President-elect Obama this nomination has some upside. Between the community organizer, the foreign affairs genius Joe Biden and the intelligence guru Leon Panetta none of us have anything to worry about. As long as there are so many leftovers from the former Clinton Administration populating the Obama ‘team’ they might as well bring on Madeleine Albright, Sandy Berger, George Tenet, Richard Clarke and the whole host of characters featured in The Path to 9/11. If you are going to build a team of old Clinton cronies go all in. Bet the farm.

Change you can believe in. Yes we can. How many more trillions will be targeted for spending even before the inauguration? Some say the far left is upset as it does not look like PEBO will withdraw from Iraq abruptly. Some say he will be tested with the current Middle East situation. Congress looks like they will pick up where they left off last time….. nowhere. All those ‘critical’ issues that have been on the table for years will remain there for some time to come. Anything that gets done in Washington will cost us way more than we can afford. Or that are children can afford. Or that their children can afford. Are you depressed yet?

Either we keep doing things the way we always have or we do them differently. There was much talk of change and giving Washington a makeover from both major parties during the 2008 Presidential campaign. Since the election there are those who urge anyone who complains about PEBO to give him a chance. They ask that you at least let the man assume office before you cast judgment. There is a problem with that request.

It is the first step in doing things like we always do. Let up. Withhold criticism. Go about our business and expect that once a new President was elected as well as others in Congress and those across the country in state and local elections everything will take care of itself now that new people are taking office. Right after that too many will completely ignore what goes on except to voice the occasional complaint while watching the news at dinner time. One thing follows another and soon the whole cycle of the public doing nothing moves right along. And the elected and appointed officials continue to do what they do.

Maintain the discussion. Continue voicing complaints. Offer suggestions to your elected representatives. In a day of electronic communication like email or the less fashionable phone call or OMG typed or written letter sent by snail mail no one has an excuse for not being heard. In any way possible and on a regular basis you need to keep your elected and appointed officials honest. Maybe so many scandals erupt from time to time because we fail to harass politicians enough to keep them closer to the straight and narrow.

Enough said.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

This post is another in a series inspired by fellow bloggers and the ISI civil literacy test which most Americans fail. The Intercollegiate Studies Institute has for several years provided testing on matters of civil literacy among college students and the general public. The results are dismal and need to be addressed. The following excerpt is from the most recent report and is linked to the ISI site. You are encouraged to read it and/or check the link as well as do your best to improve your understanding of the knowledge required of every citizen as the responsibility tied to the rights everyone believes they are entitled to exercise.

Our Fading Heritage: Americans Fail a Basic Test on Their History and Institutions is the third major study conducted by ISI on the kind of knowledge required for informed citizenship. In 2006 and 2007, ISI published the first ever scientific surveys of civic learning among college students. Each year, approximately 14,000 freshmen and seniors at 50 schools nationwide were given a 60-question, multiple-choice exam on basic knowledge of America’s heritage. Both years, the students failed. The average freshman scored 51.7% the first year and 51.4% the next. The average senior scored 53.2%, then 54.2%. After all the time, effort, and money spent on college, students emerge no better off in understanding the fundamental features of American self-government.

The first question on the test addressed the well-known phrase ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ and the source document. The following transcription is from the Declaration of Independence provided by the National Archives. The well-known phrase is in the first sentence of the second paragraph listed below. After the statements of the first two paragraphs is a list of accusations against the ‘King of Great Britain’ and the government ruling over the 13 states or colonies of America in the eighteenth century.

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions indicated:

Column 1
Georgia:
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

Column 2
North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton

Column 3
Massachusetts:
John Hancock

Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton

Column 4
Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean

Column 5
New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark

Column 6
New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple

Massachusetts:
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott

New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton

An historical analysis of the complaints against Great Britain from the 13 United States of America is offered at Colonial Hall dot com. It presents the set of circumstances leading to the conflict between America and Great Britain during these times which reflect scenarios quite common among nations today. Commercial interests and shifting strengths among people and nations causing greed and lesser human attributes to affect the balance of power and influence leading to unstable relationships as they always have throughout hsitory. The Declaration of Independence and the link above are suggested reading for anyone with a less than stellar grasp of American history and for those who agree we need to do a better job on civics in this country.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Lieut. Menkhaus heard that “people were down in the crowd.” There was nothing he could do. The mob was still moving and could not be penetrated. When the initial press slackened, the police started to force their way through. They found the first body at 7:45. In all, there were eight injured and eleven dead—seven men and four women.

That is a recounting of a tragedy at a 1979 Who concert in Cinncinati, Ohio published by TIME magazine. 11 people died because of the insanity of mob mentality. Adding to the stupidity is the idea that it was over something as ordinary a concert. There have been other such incidents as the one reported this month at a Walmart in New York in which a young security guard was trampled by crazed Christmas shoppers. In sporting events like some soccer matches in Europe and college athletic events in the US similar tragedies have occurred. And just to give the story a little global contrast there have been deaths related to unruly crowds during the large gatherings when Muslims participate in the Hajj as they are doing this week.

All these stories reflect some of the worst attributes of the human species. What is most unfortunate is the fact that all people are capable of such mindless action yet the same cannot be said of the most positive of human attributes; that all people possess that capacity. All of us may like to think we would not react in such a way or that we are not capable of this depraved response. But given the correct stimulus it is probable we could all surrender to the temptation of abandoning reason in extreme pursuit of selfish gain. The motive of self-preservation if inadequate means were available is perhaps one conscience soothing scenario in which we can visualize ourselves succumbing to despicable or reprehensible behavior which we find unacceptable as an observer after the fact.

Sometimes it is difficult to find an appropriate expression beyond something like: there are times when we are so sad an example of life on Earth.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

“The economic recovery plan we are going to bring in January has to be big enough to deal with the huge problem we face, to do the range of things we need to do - not just to get out of our problems in the short-term, but to build our economy in the long-term,” said David Axelrod. “Our hope is the new Congress begins work on this as soon as they take office in January, because we do not have time to waste.”

Given a contracting economy with rising unemployment and a plummeting stock market, Mr. Obama clearly believes that aggressive government action is required to reverse America’s financial slide.

Has everyone lost their mind? While President Bush attends to tasks generally expected by a president in the final days of an administration and likewise President-elect Barack Obama attends to the tasks of a president about to take office, some of what the Obama transition team is suggesting coupled with what is happening at the Treasury, Congress and the Bush White House has certainly grabbed the public’s attention.

What was once measured in millions and then billions is now being moved in the trillions of dollars. To hell with partisan politics and Washington gridlock because they have all lost any evidence of reason in proposals and decision making. This country cannot continue to spend money like it grows on trees or we can print it. Okay, we can print it but that won’t help either. At some point you have to pay the price for or consequences of prior actions. From Wall Street to the corporate boardrooms to Congress, the White House and all our houses the time to correct the excesses of the past and present is long overdue. Continuing to spend trillions of dollars we don’t have will not solve the problems but make them worse. When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.

Probably the most often expressed excuse for government action and corporate begging in the current financial troubles reported from around the world is that banking or financial systems must be protected and large corporate interests are too large to fail. The follow up to that as an excuse for the massive spending of taxpayer money suggests that the solutions presented are flawed but it has to be done to prevent something worse from happening. Why are those kind of statements not being challenged?

The only challenge submitted so far seems to be Congress requiring the group of automotive manufacturers who have gotten in line to participate in the taxpayer money gravy train to provide business plans before receiving any funds to ‘bail’ them out. But that may just be a typical ploy of politicians to appear responsible. There is nothing in place to oversee their analysis of whatever is presented to them by the private jet execs who balked at adjusting their annual compensation as a good faith gesture for admittance to the public money train. So both sides of that discussion bought a little time to cover their collective butts as they approach the predetermined outcome for the exchange of money from public coffers to private treasuries. Someone has to pay those multimillion dollar salaries.

So the well-heeled politicians and corporate warlords with plenty of economic security at taxpayer’s expense can continue business as usual while the rest of us are left to fend for ourselves. Not that most of us mind doing it but when the pols and CEOs are living off the fruits of our labor they should not be entitled to enrich their own lives while adding risk to ours.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

On November 17, 2008 a story broke in Houston, Texas. Marvin Driver Jr. was arrested at his home for outstanding traffic warrants. He was taken to jail. Upon arriving at the jail he was at some point judged to be ‘unresponsive’ and taken to the hospital. His family had gone to the jail to assist him. Sometime thereafter they arrived at the hospital when he was not located at the jail. The family later informed the press either directly or through a chosen spokesperson that Marvin Driver Jr had been beaten by the police who had arrested him.

A couple of items surfaced through other reports and sources which have received little or no coverage since. There was some mention that the officers allegedly forced Mr Driver to swallow something which was blamed for his inability to talk later. Nothing more was said about this in subsequent reports. There was a third policeman added to the original pair. It was stated he sides with Driver’s family in their account of what happened. There was also mention that one of the officers may have a history of violence against citizens more precisely fitting Mr Driver’s demographic. Most of this is up in the air in terms of being confirmed.

That it took the HPD three or four days to remove the officers from regular duties to desk duty is disturbing for one reason. Marvin Driver Jr’s son is Donald Driver, a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. That fact combined with the possibility of at least one officer having a history of abuse toward citizens, the third officer who may side with Marvin Driver’s family and the odd initial description of the event report suggest the handling of this matter so far is suspect.

The developments so far increase the tendency to wonder if the typical allegation of cover up will follow allegations of police brutality. Obviously the story may conclude with any number of possibilities but the response by local law enforcement may have complicated arriving at an honest and plausible outcome. Truth whereever it takes this would be the desired course.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Updated Statement on Internal Affairs Investigation

November 21, 2008 - Following a preliminary briefing late Thursday (Nov. 20) of an internal affairs investigation into allegations Houston police officers assaulted a male citizen, Police Chief Harold Hurtt has temporarily reassigned Officers B. Guzman, G. Cruz and M. Marin to administrative duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

Mr. Marvin Driver Jr. was arrested during a traffic stop and placed into custody on outstanding traffic warrants about 1:30 am on Monday (Nov 17). Mr. Driver was transported to the Southeast Jail at 8300 Mykawa Road where a jail doctor found him to be unresponsive. The doctor advised officers to contact HFD paramedics who then transported Mr. Driver to Memorial Hermann Hospital.

The Houston Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division investigates allegations of police misconduct. The allegations being raised by Mr. Driver’s family are that injuries he sustained were following his arrest.

Investigators are awaiting medical reports on Mr. Driver to determine what injuries he sustained.

“We take allegations such as these very seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and be transparent in our findings, whatever the conclusion,” Chief Hurtt said.

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.

Below is a link from Texas Cable News for video news report on Driver, his dad, and inquiry. Donald Driver is a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers. Local stations in Green Bay covering the story are WBAY, WFRV, WLUK and WGBA. There is video available at these sites as well. Just google the call letters.

Donald Driver: Dad is ‘a tough cookie’
NFL player’s dad says Houston police beat him
06:35 PM CST on Friday, November 21, 2008
By Wendell Edwards / 11 News

Officers involved put on desk duty

HOUSTON— The Houston Police Department confirms two officers accused of beating an NFL player’s father have been taken off the streets.

Gilbert Cruz and Bacillo Guzman have been reassigned to desk duty pending the outcome of the investigation into the alleged beating of Marvin Driver.

Excerpt from one source in Wisconsin covering the story…..

FRI., NOV 21, 2008 - 2:12 PM
Packers notes: Driver returns to team
By JASON WILDE
608-252-6176
jwilde@madison.com

GREEN BAY — Donald Driver was back where he’s the happiest Friday: On the football field.

The Green Bay Packers’ veteran wide receiver returned to work after missing the previous two days of practice while traveling to Houston to be with his ailing father, Marvin Driver Jr., who was hospitalized after what his family claims was a police beating early Monday morning.

“I’m doing fine,” said Driver, who visited with his father on Thursday before flying back to Green Bay. “I sat down with my dad and talked to my dad the last couple days, and I was just trying to get an understanding of exactly what happened, and we seemed to get that understanding.

Most reports quote Donald Driver saying his father told him to get back to work and is probably why the story above starts with ‘Driver returns to team.’

It is not a big surprise that this story was picked up by larger MSM outlets like CNN….

(CNN) — Three police officers in Houston, Texas, have been temporarily transferred from patrol duty to desk jobs after claims of assault against the father of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver, authorities said Friday.

The fates of police officers Bacilio Guzman, Gilberto Cruz and Matthew Marin will be decided based on the findings of the department’s internal affairs division, Police Chief Harold Hurtt said in a statement.

Interesting….. 2 reports at The Houston Chronicle, one frem AP, one from THC…..

Cops in case of Driver’s father taken off duty
By JUAN A. LOZANO Associated Press Writer © 2008 The Associated Press
Nov. 21, 2008, 3:44PM

HPD cops in Driver case taken off street duty
Investigation will be thorough and transparent, Chief Hurtt says
By DALE LEZON Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Nov. 21, 2008, 3:12PM

To support our troops and all those who serve in uniform it is necessary as ordinary citizens to participate in the process that ultimately affects how well the nation serves those who serve it. While reviewing various sources for items related to Veteran’s Day two instances feature public response to the topic from the leaders of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress. Below are the press releases from Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Minrity Leader John Boehner.

Pelosi Statement on Veterans Day

For Immediate Release
11/10/2008

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the occasion of Veterans Day, which will be celebrated tomorrow:

“On Veterans Day, Americans across our great nation come together to honor the brave men and women who wore our nation’s uniform, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and to pay special tribute to those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe. Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coastguardsmen, none of us would live as free or be able enjoy the blessings of liberty.

“The New Direction Congress treats every day as if it were Veterans Day, as we work to strengthen our military and ensure that our troops have the tools they need to complete their mission safely and the benefits and health care they were promised once they return home.

“In the last two years, we provided more resources to care for American veterans than was done in the previous 12 years combined—including the single largest increase in veterans’ health care funding in the 77-year history of the VA. We also helped make the heroes of Iraq and Afghanistan part of a new American economic recovery—just like after World War II—by restoring the GI Bill’s promise of a four-year college scholarship.

“Our pledge to meet the needs of our veterans is about redeeming a promise made by an American president long ago in the midst of our nation’s bloodiest war. In his Second Inaugural Address, President Lincoln promised that our nation would “…care for him who shall have borne the battle, his widow, and his orphan…” We are keeping that promise to America’s veterans.

“On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind. On this Veterans Day, let us all pause to thank our men and women in uniform—both past and present—and to say a prayer for those serving today that they may return safely home.”

First of all let it be said here that in all likelihood Speaker Pelosi sincerely appreciates the contribution and sacrifice provided by members of the armed services. It is also a matter of public record that she has opposed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, has taken it upon herself to visit places like Syria as a self-proclaimed diplomat for political reasons in opposition to President Bush. The Democratic party and their alliances with organizations like MoveOn and other anitwar, perhaps anti-American activists and the far left insulted General Petraeus as well as the service of heroes like John McCain and others. That sentiment is present in her press release above with her repeated mention of ‘return home’ which has become her not so subtle call for surrender and appeasement in light of the success of the troop surge which stilled the storm attempted by her antiwar base. Let’s see how supportive she is on veterans’ issues beyond the political rhetoric and minimally effective legislation along with her routine criticism of the opposition party and claim of innocence for her own. A little public oversight and interrogation of her is in order.

Boehner Statement Honoring Our Nation’s Veterans

Washington, Nov 11 - House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) today issued the following statement honoring our nation’s veterans:

“As the United States begins another peaceful transition of power from one President to another, we are once again reminded of how truly fortunate we are to live in a nation where such a monumental task seems so routine. On this Veterans’ Day, we take the time to remember and thank those who have made this and all of democracy’s gifts possible. The men and women who have proudly and selflessly served our nation in uniform – and those currently protecting us here at home and overseas – can look upon the events of the next 10 weeks and know that they have had a stake in preserving and defending the oldest and greatest democracy on Earth. We are in their debt, and we express our gratitude to them, and those who came before them, on this special day.”

#####

House Minority Leader John Boehner was smart enough to avoid any direct links to the state of veterans’ affairs in his press release. That does not let him off the hook for responsibility in these matters any more than it would Nancy Pelosi. But at least he did not mar the observance of Veteran’s Day with political rhetoric. It is again worthwhile to note that the current peaceful transfer of power from one Preisdent to another is also an outcome preserved by the service of veterans to this nation’si ideals. From Minority Leader Boehner on this special occasion, enough said.

In the days or months to come there will be reports of how effective or ineffective inquiries to the above members of Congress were regarding veterans affairs. This would be the blog author’s gesture to honor Veteran’s Day by advocating for proper treatment of veterans to honor their service in addition to a special day which commemorates that service.

Reid Statement On Veterans Day

November 10, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today released the following statement to commemorate Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11:

“Since America’s earliest days, brave men and women have put their lives on the line to protect our nation, its citizens and their freedom. This Veterans Day, we honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans and pause to thank those defending us throughout the world today.

“As our country continues to fight wars on multiple fronts and a new generation of soldiers becomes the next generation of veterans, we must renew our promise to our troops that we ensure they receive all the support and benefits they have earned.

“I look forward to working with President-elect Obama and my colleagues in Congress to fulfill our obligation to our military men and women who have dedicated their lives to our great nation.”

###

Surprisingly, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s press release for Veteran’s Day touches on this blog’s specific point on veteran’s issues. Also surprising is at GOP Republican Senate dot gov there is no PR from McConnell on this topic. At his own Senate site is only a PR on $75 million he scored for a KY Vet’s Hospital. This too will require further explanation. But the bottom line is not primarily what public statements are available but what is actually being done to serve veterans. More on all this later.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

The one concern from most people known to the author of this blog on John McCain and his positions is immigration. This video is dated August 2007. Just about the time the McCain Kennedy Amnesty legislation was defeated. Shortly after the defeat McCain had said the measure was a mistake based on the public outcry to it. Two things to remember. No candidate is perfect. Amnesty was defeated before and will be defeated if brought up again. This blog views this one McCain flaw as a moot point. But in fairness to readers it is provided for what one may call full disclosure.

The author of this blog urges readers to vote for McCain/Palin for President and Vice President this election. The alternative is far too dangerous to consider.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Is this an extension of the useless acts of terrorism or suicide bombers or simply a case of random insanity that certainly suggests a trend based on all the cases reported over the years. About the only thing this report suggests is school violence is not exclusively an American phenomenon. That provides no satisfaction but does point to the need for resolution of the problem. It seems that this sad state of affairs cannot simply be blamed on poor parenting or similar oversight. But it does seem that something is lacking in terms of recognizing the risk and attending to a practice capable of preventing the behavior.

Another problem of modern living that does not lend itself to a simple solution. If we learn anything in the 21st century it should be how to solve the tough problems even when the easier ones get missed on a regular basis.

Stanford Matthews
MoreWhat.com

Nine Dead in Finland School Shooting
By VOA News
23 September 2008

At least nine students were killed and several others wounded on Tuesday when a gunman opened fire at a vocational school in Finland.

The shooting took place in the western town of Kauhajoki, about 300 kilometers northwest of the capital, Helsinki. Police say the gunman was a student at the school and that he had been taken to a hospital after turning the gun on himself.

Authorities say they spoke to the gunman on Monday after seeing a video he had posted on the Internet Web site YouTube showing himself dressed in dark clothing, firing at a shooting range with a handgun.

Tuesday’s shooting comes nearly a year after a male student named Pekka-Eric Auvinen killed eight people at a school in southern Finland before taking his own life.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.