In my opinion 2008 was not the best year in many ways. We all struggled through the political primaries and endless debates, two political conventions, the presidential campaign, which seemed endless and finally the election. Election night was a high point for me. The election of Barack Obama as the next president of our country gave me a sense of hope.
In 2008 the stock market was over 14,000 and then it dipped as low as 7600. Now it hovers in the 8000’s. Many people lost a great deal of money and it induced a sense of fear in many of us, me included. We felt a loss of hope and security. We saw friends and neighbors lose jobs and see their futures become even more insecure. In all of this it seemed as though no one really knew what to do and there was no one overseeing the billions of dollars given to financial institutions.
To me, it seems as though we have lost the ability to form cohesive communities where people really care about each other. We have gone through a period of introspection and withdrawal where the individual seeks self fulfillment at the expense of his or her fellow man.
While this post may seem to be very negative, I have a strong sense of hope that we may wake up as a nation and as local communities to come together to begin to solve the problems that persist in our society.
President-elect Obama has the opportunity to bring about positive change. He cannot do this alone. He will need the support of all of us and we need to become involved citizens to the extent that we are able. This may mean making a call or sending an email to elected representatives. It might mean writing a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. Whatever we are called to do let’s hope we can rise to the challenges we face.
I wish all of you a very happy, healthy and peaceful New Year!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Squeaky Clean?
Today Dr. Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize winning economist, writes in the New York Times about the necessity of the Obama Presidency to present a squeaky clean government with honest overseers. Here is the link to the article http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/26/opinion/26krugman.html
Krugman uses the example set by FDR as he worked to bring us out of another economic crisis. I agree with all of the ideas stated by Krugman and hope that the Obama Transition Team reads it and heeds the advice.
On the other hand, I am wondering if it is now possible to have a squeaky clean government. While I am usually an optomist I have to admit to letting a bit of pessimisim creep in to my psyche. I see so much corruption and greed that comes from the misuse of power that it is hard for me to imagine that there are enough really honest people who can oversee projects to make certain that they are worthwhile and completed without ripping off the American taxpayer.
I see our elected officials still wanting pork in every bill and I see them closing a blind eye to corruption as they have done during the Iraq War. Billions of dollars have been squandered by companies like Haliburton and Blackwater and Congress (both Republicans and Democrats) have done nothing about seeing that the American taxpayer gets any retribution or return of funds.
The saddest part of some of this corruption is that our troops, who have been subjected to being served (??) by companies like Haliburton, have been the ones to suffer. Polluted water has been delivered to their showers. Meals have been served at times when the enemy could depend on the troops being in one place so they could take advantage of them. These are just two examples out of many that shows the lengths companies will go to steal from us. The immorality of these actions is mind boggling.
So, after this long rampage, the question is " Is it possible to be squeaky clean again?" I am more than willing to give the Obama presidency time and a chance to prove this but we must be on our toes to call them into accountability when and if they betray our trust.
Krugman uses the example set by FDR as he worked to bring us out of another economic crisis. I agree with all of the ideas stated by Krugman and hope that the Obama Transition Team reads it and heeds the advice.
On the other hand, I am wondering if it is now possible to have a squeaky clean government. While I am usually an optomist I have to admit to letting a bit of pessimisim creep in to my psyche. I see so much corruption and greed that comes from the misuse of power that it is hard for me to imagine that there are enough really honest people who can oversee projects to make certain that they are worthwhile and completed without ripping off the American taxpayer.
I see our elected officials still wanting pork in every bill and I see them closing a blind eye to corruption as they have done during the Iraq War. Billions of dollars have been squandered by companies like Haliburton and Blackwater and Congress (both Republicans and Democrats) have done nothing about seeing that the American taxpayer gets any retribution or return of funds.
The saddest part of some of this corruption is that our troops, who have been subjected to being served (??) by companies like Haliburton, have been the ones to suffer. Polluted water has been delivered to their showers. Meals have been served at times when the enemy could depend on the troops being in one place so they could take advantage of them. These are just two examples out of many that shows the lengths companies will go to steal from us. The immorality of these actions is mind boggling.
So, after this long rampage, the question is " Is it possible to be squeaky clean again?" I am more than willing to give the Obama presidency time and a chance to prove this but we must be on our toes to call them into accountability when and if they betray our trust.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
I am wishing you a very Merry Christmas. May the peace and blessings of the season be with all of you.
A Must Read!
In today's New York Times author Thomas Friedman has an op-ed titled Time to Reboot America. I think that Thomas Friedman is one of the smartest people writing in America today and this is an eye opening article and I think he is right on. I know everyone is busy but the time taken to read this article will be well worth it. Here is the link to the article.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/24/opinion/24friedman.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/24/opinion/24friedman.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Bank Bailouts
Last night on the Rachel Maddow Show she did a piece on the Bailouts. To view this go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#28358312
It is well worth the time to view this segment. She entitled it Bailout Rage and by the time I saw the entire segment I totally agreed with her.
Did you know that the application for the TARP funds is just 2 pages long and asks for very basic information. It can be found online by googling TARP application. Ordinary people would never get a loan or mortgage giving only basic information. We have to bare our financial souls. Also whereas the auto companies have to abide by very strict conditions, the banks do not. The auto companies had to sell their corporate jets while a company like AIG that has received $150 billion in funds still has four corporate jets and other top banks have anywhere from four to nine jets.
The banks are refusing to say how the funds they have received are being spent and the Bush Administration and Congress are not requiring it. I would say that the taxpayer's interests are not being protected. In fact the Treasury has purchased preferred stock instead of common stock. Therefore the government on our behalf has no voting rights. If they had purchased common stock they would have had voting rights and some say in how the companies are run.
While the auto bailout may be questionable there are many jobs at stake but at least there is some acountabilility whereas with the banks, there is none. I think we need to ask some serious questions of our representatives in the Congress.
It is well worth the time to view this segment. She entitled it Bailout Rage and by the time I saw the entire segment I totally agreed with her.
Did you know that the application for the TARP funds is just 2 pages long and asks for very basic information. It can be found online by googling TARP application. Ordinary people would never get a loan or mortgage giving only basic information. We have to bare our financial souls. Also whereas the auto companies have to abide by very strict conditions, the banks do not. The auto companies had to sell their corporate jets while a company like AIG that has received $150 billion in funds still has four corporate jets and other top banks have anywhere from four to nine jets.
The banks are refusing to say how the funds they have received are being spent and the Bush Administration and Congress are not requiring it. I would say that the taxpayer's interests are not being protected. In fact the Treasury has purchased preferred stock instead of common stock. Therefore the government on our behalf has no voting rights. If they had purchased common stock they would have had voting rights and some say in how the companies are run.
While the auto bailout may be questionable there are many jobs at stake but at least there is some acountabilility whereas with the banks, there is none. I think we need to ask some serious questions of our representatives in the Congress.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Windham Has It All???
I have been amused at the ads in the local newspapers for the last couple of weeks. The ad is titled "Windham Has It! Why Go Anywhere Else"and it appears several times in the paper. Windham does have alot but let's look at what they do and don't have.
They do have almost every box store going, Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot just to name a few. They have both Hannafords and Shaws and fast food restaurants galore. There are a string of gas stations and a few restaurants. There are places to shop where prices are reasonable such as Marshall's.
I like to shop at locally owned stores such as Aubuchon, Mills and Company and Hoagie's Meat Market and the Windham Jewlers. Card Smart is a great little shop.
One of the nicest areas is the Maine Bean and The Shops at Sebago. That area is an asset to the community. It is nicely landscaped and offers a touch of class to the community. The food at the Maine Bean is exceptionally good and they offer a very nice variety.
What doesn't Windham have? Number 1 is a bookstore. In town that has a population of approximately 17,000 and serves a much larger population area it is almost criminal that someone would have to travel to the Maine Mall, Portland or Falmouth to find a good selection of books.
It does not have a good shoe store such as Lamey Wellehan where one can find people who can assist you to get the right size and have a variety of quality brand names. It does not have a somewhat upscale clothing store where you can get quality clothing in some of the latest styles.
So Windham has alot but it doesn't have it all! Feedback welcome.
They do have almost every box store going, Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot just to name a few. They have both Hannafords and Shaws and fast food restaurants galore. There are a string of gas stations and a few restaurants. There are places to shop where prices are reasonable such as Marshall's.
I like to shop at locally owned stores such as Aubuchon, Mills and Company and Hoagie's Meat Market and the Windham Jewlers. Card Smart is a great little shop.
One of the nicest areas is the Maine Bean and The Shops at Sebago. That area is an asset to the community. It is nicely landscaped and offers a touch of class to the community. The food at the Maine Bean is exceptionally good and they offer a very nice variety.
What doesn't Windham have? Number 1 is a bookstore. In town that has a population of approximately 17,000 and serves a much larger population area it is almost criminal that someone would have to travel to the Maine Mall, Portland or Falmouth to find a good selection of books.
It does not have a good shoe store such as Lamey Wellehan where one can find people who can assist you to get the right size and have a variety of quality brand names. It does not have a somewhat upscale clothing store where you can get quality clothing in some of the latest styles.
So Windham has alot but it doesn't have it all! Feedback welcome.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Raises for Congress
So in these terrible economic times Congress get it's automatic salary increase that amounts to $4,700.00 per person or a total of 2.5 million dollars for the year.
They had the opportunity to vote for legislation that would have frozen salaries but they chose not to do this. With many of their constituents losing their jobs, and homes I think it is morally wrong of them to take the increase.
Instead of automatic pay raises Congress should be forced to vote on a salary increase each year. Then we could hold them more accountable when the economy is in shambles and people all over the country are struggling to make it from pay check to pay check.
They had the opportunity to vote for legislation that would have frozen salaries but they chose not to do this. With many of their constituents losing their jobs, and homes I think it is morally wrong of them to take the increase.
Instead of automatic pay raises Congress should be forced to vote on a salary increase each year. Then we could hold them more accountable when the economy is in shambles and people all over the country are struggling to make it from pay check to pay check.
On A Lighter Note
I have just finished the book "A Seduction at Christmas" by Cathy Maxwell. I have been a fan of Maxwell for a long time and she never fails to disappoint me.
The characters in "A Seduction at Christmas" are very likeable. Fiona is struggling to survive after her father has died and her brother has left for the colonies. She and the Duke of Holburn meet in what turns out to be a very dangerous situation. He is noted for his rakish ways and Fiona knows that she must avoid becoming entangled with him. Fate has a way of changing what people think of each other and the relationship that develops is tender and sweet.
While they attempt to avoid some nasty and vicious killers they come to depend on each other. There is just enough intrigue to keep the plot moving and the developing romance is fun to watch.
There are some secondary characters that play a role in the story and it is interesting to see how Fiona and Holburn deal with them. All in all this was a very likeable book and I would give it 4 1/2 stars
The characters in "A Seduction at Christmas" are very likeable. Fiona is struggling to survive after her father has died and her brother has left for the colonies. She and the Duke of Holburn meet in what turns out to be a very dangerous situation. He is noted for his rakish ways and Fiona knows that she must avoid becoming entangled with him. Fate has a way of changing what people think of each other and the relationship that develops is tender and sweet.
While they attempt to avoid some nasty and vicious killers they come to depend on each other. There is just enough intrigue to keep the plot moving and the developing romance is fun to watch.
There are some secondary characters that play a role in the story and it is interesting to see how Fiona and Holburn deal with them. All in all this was a very likeable book and I would give it 4 1/2 stars
Wall Street Corruption
I would encourage any readers of this blog to go to the following link and read Paul Krugman's editorial in today's New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/opinion/19krugman.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Krugman raises the point of how this Ponzi scheme was allowed to happen when questions and fears had been passed on to the Securities and Exchange Commission. He also raises the question that I have had for a long time, How much does the money of the wealthy affect politics and the decisions made by our elected representatives. I suspect that it has a very powerful effect. Otherwise, why have the Democrats and Republicans not closed the loop holes that benefit the hedge fund operators and why is there so much reluctance in Congress to pass regulations that favor the ordinary citizen.
I think the reality that exists at present is that the ordinary middle class citizen does not really matter to the rich and powerful. Greed and corruption is rampant in our society.
Will you speak out against the abuses of power?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/opinion/19krugman.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Krugman raises the point of how this Ponzi scheme was allowed to happen when questions and fears had been passed on to the Securities and Exchange Commission. He also raises the question that I have had for a long time, How much does the money of the wealthy affect politics and the decisions made by our elected representatives. I suspect that it has a very powerful effect. Otherwise, why have the Democrats and Republicans not closed the loop holes that benefit the hedge fund operators and why is there so much reluctance in Congress to pass regulations that favor the ordinary citizen.
I think the reality that exists at present is that the ordinary middle class citizen does not really matter to the rich and powerful. Greed and corruption is rampant in our society.
Will you speak out against the abuses of power?
War Crimes Continued
As I was riding the Concord Trailways bus from Portland to Boston and back, I began thinking more about the whole issue of war crimes that have occured in the Bush Administration. I wonder if there is anyone left who has the courage to actually take this on and go for prosecution of very highly placed government officials. Is there anyone in elected or appointed office who really wants to endanger their chances of getting re-elected or holding on to their appointments by moving forward with this issue?
As John Dean said last night on Countdown with Keith Olbermann, the statute of limitations is running out and this is probably what Dick Cheney and George Bush want. Also what has happened to our justice system when people who are issued supoenas refuse to show up in court? You and I know that if one of us did that we would suffer the consequences but people in power seem to just get away with it.
It is strange to me that people who profess to be Christians and to be patriotic Americans can flaunt the laws of the land like so many do. Let us hope that under new leadership we can bring back respect for our constitution and for the laws that govern our behavior. Power really does corrupt.
As John Dean said last night on Countdown with Keith Olbermann, the statute of limitations is running out and this is probably what Dick Cheney and George Bush want. Also what has happened to our justice system when people who are issued supoenas refuse to show up in court? You and I know that if one of us did that we would suffer the consequences but people in power seem to just get away with it.
It is strange to me that people who profess to be Christians and to be patriotic Americans can flaunt the laws of the land like so many do. Let us hope that under new leadership we can bring back respect for our constitution and for the laws that govern our behavior. Power really does corrupt.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
War Crimes
As you will see from this post the topics will be really wide ranging.
In an interview with ABC news Vice President Dick Cheney admitted to supporting and authorizing the torture of prisoners including waterboarding. This goes against the Geneva Convention and puts our country in a very difficult position when we accuse others of violating the Geneva Convention and civil rights in general.
Last night on Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Constitutional Law Professor Jonathan Turley, from Georgetown University, spoke to this issue and said that we as citizens need to raise our voices in protest and make sure that some action is taken to restore our legal system in the area of war crimes. The link to his interview is here http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#28269477
I hope that you will all listen to this and then write to your legislators and President elect Obama and urge them to do something about this. We need to raise our voices against this form of illegality.
I have written to my senators and we will see what happens. I'll let you all know of any response that I get although typically it will be about 5 weeks to 2 months before a response comes.
In an interview with ABC news Vice President Dick Cheney admitted to supporting and authorizing the torture of prisoners including waterboarding. This goes against the Geneva Convention and puts our country in a very difficult position when we accuse others of violating the Geneva Convention and civil rights in general.
Last night on Countdown with Keith Olbermann, Constitutional Law Professor Jonathan Turley, from Georgetown University, spoke to this issue and said that we as citizens need to raise our voices in protest and make sure that some action is taken to restore our legal system in the area of war crimes. The link to his interview is here http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#28269477
I hope that you will all listen to this and then write to your legislators and President elect Obama and urge them to do something about this. We need to raise our voices against this form of illegality.
I have written to my senators and we will see what happens. I'll let you all know of any response that I get although typically it will be about 5 weeks to 2 months before a response comes.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Medical Profession
I am feeling as though I need to express my frustration with the medical profession. While this does not include all physicians it seems to be an increasing problem. I am referring to the amount of time takes for doctors offices to return calls. This can be for scheduling appointments or informing the patient of test results. or many other reasons. I have to say that my doctor is really good about getting back to me but I know of three instances in my immediate circle of family and friends where this is a problem.
I consider this to be very rude and uncaring. When a person has a medical condition they are anxious and want to know what treatment is going to be prescribed or what referrals are going to be made.
Then there is the situation at Intermed here in Portland. They have sent out a letter informing seniors that they will only accept Aetna as a supplemental insurance to Medicare. So that means that any senior who does not have Aetna as a supplemental either must pick up the medical cost or find another doctor in a different practice. This is a discriminating practice and surely does not have the best interest of the patient at heart. It is all about money. Let's hope for some Universal Health Care where this type of discrimination is not allowed.
I consider this to be very rude and uncaring. When a person has a medical condition they are anxious and want to know what treatment is going to be prescribed or what referrals are going to be made.
Then there is the situation at Intermed here in Portland. They have sent out a letter informing seniors that they will only accept Aetna as a supplemental insurance to Medicare. So that means that any senior who does not have Aetna as a supplemental either must pick up the medical cost or find another doctor in a different practice. This is a discriminating practice and surely does not have the best interest of the patient at heart. It is all about money. Let's hope for some Universal Health Care where this type of discrimination is not allowed.
Welcome
Welcome to Gigi's blog. This is my first attempt at running my own blog but I always have so much to say about everything so I decided to invite others to join me in my discussions. The discussions will be wide ranging and will cover everything from politics to my varied interests, which include knitting, gardening, bird watching and reading romance novels.
So, feel free to join in the discussions. All posts should be made in appropriate language and be respectful. While we might not agree on everything all people need to be responded to respectfully. Inappropriate comments will be deleted
So, feel free to join in the discussions. All posts should be made in appropriate language and be respectful. While we might not agree on everything all people need to be responded to respectfully. Inappropriate comments will be deleted
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