Problem? Deficit… Solution? Lease California

Yeah, I’m joking, but not by much. Here’s the deal… Here are the pieces of the problem (or more accurately, the puzzle…)

• Piece 1: Right now, America is in the hole by roughly 53 trillion dollars. Our GDP (everything we as a nation make in a year) is around 13 trillion dollars. (To put that in perspective, imagine running an entire household with a $50k income, but owing $200k on your credit card, an ever-increasing debt, and no end in sight.)
• Piece 2: By 2040, we’ll hardly be able to pay for social security/Medicare/Medicaid alone…
• Piece 3: To a great degree, Californians hold traditional American values in contempt.

So what’s the solution to this dilemma? We lease California to the Chinese for a decade or two. The People’s Republic of California is already half way there; why not just finish the job? No doubt that China would buy into the deal – Hey! We can throw in the People’s Republic of Cambridge MA just to sweeten the pot. Let China (replete with its labor laws) take on the 8th largest economy in the world. That’s got to be worth a cool $55 trillion. We can even put a boomer or two in the Yellow Sea just to make sure the lease stays belly-down.

And when the lease finally runs out, California gets to vote on whether to extend the lease or to return home to the bosom of America. If they decide to stay with China, great! We get a few more trillion dollars, and the Chinese get more botoxed movie stars. On the other hand, if California votes to return, then (in theory) the Chinese will leave, and the barking moonbats like Nancy Peolsi and Barbara Boxer will return back to planet Earth, perhaps to cease their barking. Then maybe America will finally settle back down to sane government and fiscal responsibility.

Just an idea.

Alan Speakman

Courage of Our (Super Bowl) Convictions

Or: Arrested Development

Tomorrow is arguably the premier sports event of the year. Super Bowl XLIII. Steelers vs. Cardinals. Security will be tight at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. Sports fans will be subjected to metal detectors, x-ray machines, and bag inspections. And with nearly 60,000 excited and excitable fans ready to cheer their favorite team to victory, it’s probably good that security will not allow such items as weapons, knives, explosives, fireworks, tripods, frisbees, poles, and sticks in the stadium.

However, based on recent research, it’s not the fans that are likely to be the problem. Our professional sports teams, and in particular the NFL, are rife with rustlers, cut-throats, murderers, bounty-hunters, desperadoes, mugs, thugs, pugs, nitwits, half-wits, dimwits, vipers, snipers, con men, Indian agents, Mexican bandits, muggers, buggerers, bush whackers, hornswogglers, horse thieves, bull dykes, train robbers, bank robbers, ass kickers, sh*t kickers, and Methodists!

Actually, that may be just a little over the top. But only just a little. It seems that our competitors this weekend have some  issues, shall we say, with obeying the law. Based on which team has the most arrests, it seems Pittsburgh will be a shoo-in to win. However, if you’re rooting for law and order, the Cardinal should be your guys. It breaks down like this:

Steelers	Cardinals
Santonio Holmes, possession of marijuana , 10/08	J.J. Arrington, disorderly conduct,  06/08
James Harrison, slapped his girlfriend across the face and broke her cell phone,  03/08	Larry Fitzgerald, Assault, restraining order,  12/08
Jon Dekker, obstruction of justice, 01/09
Steely McBeam (mascot), arrested for DUI, 04/08
Deshea Townsend, assault (charges later dropped) 05/07
Cedric Wilson, assault, 03/08
Larry Zierlein (coach), emailed porn to employees, including league commissioner Roger Goodell, 05/07

This of course, is simply a small current sampling of the NFL, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Of necessity it excludes those who didn’t get caught, who bought their way out, who hushed up a scandal with money, or otherwise weaseled out of trouble. And it’s only one facet of professional sports. Imagine the scale of not just two pro football teams, not just the entire NFL, but also pro basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer. If you do a little research, you’ll find it’s a veritable rogue’s gallery of miscreants.

So in the future, I suggest you pick your favorites based on which team has the most convictions. Michael Vick was unavailable for comment.

Stoutcat

Today’s Moonbat Theory, Explained

 

Gun control defined: The theory that people who are willing to ignore laws against rape, torture, kidnapping, theft and murder will obey a law which prohibits them from owning a firearm.

Gotta love it! Courtesy of Transsylvania Phoenix.

Stoutcat

Blago Speaks Volumes

 

In a voice that with a little tweaking would sound like the Simpsons’ Mayor Quimby, and a hairdo reminiscent of Elvis, Blago let loose and finally spoke the truth that we all know, and no one wants to face in our heart of hearts – on a frighteningly large scale, American politics are dirtier than a brothel bathroom.

Blago said a bunch of interesting stuff, but one thing leapt out…

“You guys are in politics. You know what we have to do to go out and run elections”

I’m not sad to see Blago go… He was an operator, but at least he was stubristic enough to utter that rare truth – that of so much of the filthy underside of politics. There must be something of value in there somewhere.

Alan Speakman

The Obamification Continues Apace

 

Via the Infidel Bloggers Alliance:

“A parent in the Clark County School District of Las Vegas, Henderson area reported today that his son, who is in 1st grade, came home yesterday saying that he didn’t want to go back to school anymore.

“When asked why, the boy said that during the Pledge of Allegiance the teacher put up a large image of Obama next to the flag…

The same thing was not done for President Bush last year.

“After investigating this morning, the other parent reported that what the boy said was true.

“At least three of the five classrooms have an overhead projector and as the children stand to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, the teacher turns on the classroom overhead and a full body image of Obama, with six U.S. flags behind him, comes up about 4 feet away from the flag that hangs on the wall. The screen is apparently around five feet by six feet.

“In the image, President Obama appears to be staring straight out with no facial expression, just a serious look. All of the kids in each class faced the President, instead of the flag that hangs in the corner…”

How long before calling him “Dear Leader” becomes mandatory?

Stoutcat

Compare and Contrast

People never cease to amaze me. It was just about two weeks ago that US Airways flight 1549 made its remarkable landing in the Hudson River. That there were no fatalities was due entirely to the skill, professionalism, and can-do attitude of the pilot, Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the crew, the passengers themselves, and the many rescuers who all pitched in to help in a situation that could be described as dire at best. New York at its finest, one might say.

Both of the following articles come via USA Today, and they both have quite a bit to say about how different people view the world, especially after surviving such an ordeal:

Story the first (from FlightGlobal as reported by via USA Today), attributed to Gerry McNamarra, a Flight 1549 passenger:

“…There is a great deal to be learned including: Why has this happened to me? Why have I survived and what am I supposed to do with this gift? For me, the answers to these questions and more will come over time, but already I find myself being more patient and forgiving, less critical and judgmental.

For now I have 4 lessons I would like to share:

1. Cherish your families as never before and go to great lengths to keep your promises.
2. Be thankful and grateful for everything you have and don’t worry about the things you don’t have.
3. Keep in shape. You never know when you’ll be called upon to save your own life, or help someone else save theirs.
4. When you fly, wear practical clothing. You never know when you’ll end up in an emergency or on an icy wing in flip flops and pajamas and of absolutely no use to yourself or anyone else.

(Note: I haven’t been able to verify comprehensively that Mr. McNamarra wrote this, but it was published on FlightGlobal, which usually covers serious airline industry news, and linked by USA Today. Caveat lector.)

Now let’s take a peek at the mindset of another passenger (also from USA Today, via Rachel Lucas), shall we?

Many US Airways (LCC) passengers who endured a crash landing in the Hudson River 12 days ago say they appreciate the $5,000 that the airline has offered — but some say it’s not enough.

Joe Hart, a salesman from Charlotte who suffered a bloody nose and bruises, says he “would like to be made whole for the incident.”

It’s too soon after the accident to determine what emotional distress he has suffered, he says…

In addition to recovering losses, Hart says he’s concerned about having trouble flying. He’s flown on six planes since the accident, and each flight has gotten “progressively more difficult.”

He says he was tense, sweated and “felt every bit of turbulence” on a Los Angeles-to-Philadelphia flight last week, though it wasn’t that turbulent a flight.

Hart says he has talked to a lawyer in North Carolina but hasn’t decided whether to take any legal action.

“I want to see how things play out with US Airways,” he says. “I’m hopeful US Airways understands the significance of the incident.”

I guess you’re either a “glass-half-full” kind of person or a “glass-half-empty” type of person. I know which one I am, and I know which type I prefer.

Exit question: which of the people above enjoys life more? Second exit question: Are they both Republicans? Democrats? Or one of each? I don’t  know, I’m just askin’.

Stoutcat

Exxon Valdez Multiplied by 50 in Harriman TN

 

Why is it that no one in MSM is talking about the coal ash dam failure in Tennessee?

From ABC News:

The scope of the spill is almost 50 times greater than that of the Exxon Valdez and, as cleanup efforts continue, it is not yet clear just what effect the accident will have on the town and the environment.

FWIW… I covered this earlier.

Deep sigh… This may not be significant to those in Washington, but it certainly is to those who love Tennessee… Check out Janis Ian and Dolly Parton in the free version of “Tennessee Hills“.

Alan Speakman

Coming Soon: Obama’s First Big Diplomatic Failure

 

Here’s the premise: If you were to bet on the outcome of a “discussion” between a political newbie who has never actually accomplished anything in the area of political negotiation and a seasoned professional who is the first president of the Iranian Islamic Republic not to be a religious cleric in 24 years, served as mayor of Tehran, was the governor general of Ardabil Province, and served in the Iran–Iraq War as a member of Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution, who would you put your money on? 

OK, now get out your wallets and lay down your bets.  POTUS is about to get schooled hard and fast. 

Yesterday, President Kumbaya Obama announced that he will live up to another campaign promise: He will engage in talks with Iran “with no preconditions.” The last time I saw such naivete, my nephew was two years old and thought I had really stolen his nose.

After hearing Obama’s immaculate pronouncement, word has it Iranian President Mahmood Ahmadinejad laughed so hard he had doogh coming out of his nose.

Let’s see how he’s reacted to the news that the POTUS wishes to speak with him on whatever issues and terms Mah wants.  Surely he’ll welcome the chance to have a beer with The Chosen One, right?

Uh, not so much. He responded with some sizable preconditions (demands) of his own, starting with an apology for (alleged) U.S. war crimes, ”profound changes” in U.S. foreign policy which includes giving up support for Israel.  My guess is that upon hearing Ahmadinejad’s response, Harry “Traitor” Reid wired Mahmood back, “You had me at ’give up’.”  

As any first-year Political Science student knows, when you are the 800 pound gorilla, and you are challenged by a rhesus monkey, you begin any discussion or negotiation by making sure the rhesus monkey fully understands the extent of your differences.  Obama must have been smoking a doobie with William Ayers on the day that was covered at Columbia. He also must have been absent from Planet Earth this past Monday when al Qaeda attacked the American Embassy in Yeman. Ya see, Barry, things in this part of the world DO requre some preconditions.  There’s some bad stuff going on over there, Mr. President. It’s been in all the papers and everything.

Of course Obama will have no problem apologizing for the alleged “War Crimes” as it gives him another opportunity to posture as he conveniently throws George Bush under the wheels once more “with feeling.”

But how will he spin any attempts to have discussions with Ahmadinejad? It’s a no-win situation for Obama and Mah knows it.  Obama’s only hope is that something happens in the meantime to prevent any such discussion from occurring. And if that “something” happens to be an incident between Israel and Iran, oh boy, won’t that be convenient?

Gee, I can remember… it wasn’t all that long ago we had a President who kept our enemies at bay by making our adversaries acknowledge our military strength. This new venture by Obama has disaster written all over it. And how will the Obamanites explain this away? Will Chris Matthews’ leg finally stop tingling? Will Keith Olbermann have an fantasy that doesn’t involve getting into a hot tub with Obama?   

Or, more to the point: Will Israel tire of our Democratic leadership’s inability to take a stand against tyranny the way we used to and decide to handle Iran themselves?

“Kumbaya, my lord… Kumbaya…”

Gerry Ashley

The O Team

 

Alphonzo’s at it again in his own inimitable style. This time, Hannibal, Murdock, Face, and B.O. square off in a fabulous take-off of The A Team:

 H/T: The Anchoress

Stoutcat

The Fleecing of America and a Tipping Point

 

Was watching an interesting piece with Fox New’s Neil Cavuto today… He was talking about just how legit these bailouts really are or will be. As a general rule, he offered the following advice… Neil said that when dealing with contractors, he liked to apply his “10% Rule”. That is, that he planned on being rooked 10% right up front. He tells his contractors that aside from the cost of materials, and the cost of their labor, he knows that they’re going to snooker him for another 10%. And as we all know, Neil is probably right, though in the larger case of the government, he may be optimistic.

So now we’re looking at an $800,000,000,000.00 bailout… Just 10% of that is 80 billion smackers scattered into the squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous* paws of corrupt politicians and their cronies. (And how big is $80 billion you ask? Imagine owning a winning lottery ticket worth a million dollars. Oh yeah! Now imagine owning a second million-dollar winner… But hey, this is just imagination right? Imagine owning 100 million-dollar tickets. You’d better put that in a pile because there’s more to come… Yup, you’ve now got another pile of 100 million-dollar winning lottery tickets… And another pile and another and another… When all is said and done, your wild imagination has managed to amass 10 piles of 100 winning lottery tickets. OK… Now stand up and close the door to “The Room of Ten Piles”. In fact, nail a sign on that door describing its contents – one billion dollars. Now repeat the process in another room, and another… Hope you live in a warehouse, because you’re going to need 80 rooms, each containing ten piles of 100 million-dollar winning lottery tickets.) So according to Cavuto, that’s a ballpark guess at the amount of pork, greed, theft, that’s going to accompany this “bailout” of $800 billion…

Know what? Americans are getting ticked. Just turn on the news and watch. Check out the liberal and conservative Web sites. Talk with family members,  co-workers, your barber or hairdresser. We’re sick and tired of politicians like William “Cold Cash” Jefferson who keep thousands of bribe money in his freezer. We’ve had enough of officials like “Turbo Tax” Tim Geithner who runs the IRS but somehow fails to pay his own taxes. Blago, Frank, ACORN, and even the ilk of Knollenberg are frankly beginning to take on the repugnant.

There will surely come a tipping point. It happened in Iceland (a European country by the way). And it can happen here. Note that the breaking point in Iceland was when their debt reached six times their GDP. Right now, our debt is roughly four times our GDP. And God help us if China or Japan finally decides that the U.S.A. is a bad risk, and demands their money back. (If you didn’t read that last link, here it is again – be horrified.)

Deep sigh… Yet again, this video seems appropriate…

Maybe that idea for a new Gong Show wasn’t so bad after all.

Alan Speakman

* From Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol“