JOHN MCCAIN, A HERO MANY TIMES OVER!

By cancelling his campaign for a few days, John McCain has again become an example of strong leadership. Senator McCain has perceived that this economic crisis is far more important to the American people than him losing an election. The audacity and ignorance of Sen. Obama to continue politics as usual should tell us where his head is: up his butt and those he is beholden to!


Look, I don't know what the geniuses in DC are going to draft, but I daresay that if John McCain is allowed any input, he will strongly object to the crass overages the Democrats always seem to stick in any bill (with the exception of Sen. Stevens (R) of Alaska.) I like John in our corner, if only for that virtue! This may cause an extension of time to resolve these issues and it may not be prudent for the debates to continue...at this time. Please tell me why this debate can not merely be postponed? I understand the people at Oxford have poured millions of dollars in planning; we're doing the same thing in Nashville at Belmont University. I would suspect that most of the brouhaha is not from Oxford, but from the major networks. This would jam them up since coverage would be deleted for a time and they would have to scramble to find a substitute. Oh, golly, gee whiz, don't you feel sorry for them? They are so in the tank for Obama, they should be banned anyway!


Lastly, the argument that McCain should have been involved with this situation and that it was Obama who called for reformation. Well, WRONG! John McCain pleaded to Congress nearly 4 years ago of the impending crisis of the Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac situation. At that time, Obama was merely a state senator in Illinois answering "present" for most votes! Come on, get it right! This is on the record - check it out.

THE SKY IS FALLING!

Well, most of the financial guru's think the ship will right itself, but it's going to have an anchor on it that's twice its size. Doesn't make for a speedy recovery in the financial markets, does it?

I am perplexed about why the housing market has been so devastated. I bought my first house on an FHA loan about 35 years ago. My Dad loaned me the down payment and it was a fix upper in Lakewood, Colorado. (Didn't realize how much a "fix upper" it was until I was in it.) Here's the thing, though, there were stringent guidelines of debt to equity and personal credit reports that had to analyzed and evaluated. It was TOUGH to get a loan!

For the past 45 years, I was a Corporate Credit Manager for a manufacturing company that built steel buildings. Because we set guidelines on who would be given open terms, we had the best asset management of any of our competitors. It's not that difficult! You have to have a policy that will be followed and employees who understand the ramification of not following it.

How, may I ask, did these huge financial institutions allow loans that would not conform to any sensible person's analysis? Why would the secondary mortgage companies, who sell these mortgages to the larger banks, be allowed to give people a loan on adjustable interest rates to those who had no downpayment, a bad credit report and living paycheck to paycheck? And WHY did the larger banks accept them? This is reprehensible! These people should serve jail time! And, if their incentive to do this was encouragement by politicians who wanted to boast greater home ownership, then they need to join them in their cell!

There are numerous factors in this decline and, if you go back farther, you could even point to the excess in California where Realtors/investors bought up houses during a decline in new building and began the roller coaster of never ending, obscene higher prices. Unfortunately, this trend has turned east, but the difference is that there have been builders meeting the demand for new houses at reasonable increases so the after market has been fairly stable - at least in the southeast with the exception being Florida. Their market, as California, has been crashing.

I think this market will eventually right itself, but it may have been more prudent for the government NOT to bail it out. However, being an election year, you know that won't happen. More importantly, I suggest not just new rules and regulations, we need a viable oversight of all financial transactions. I don't want to put a cap on how much a CEO can earn, but I want those CEO's to have some accountability for their company's failures! How wrong is it that some of these birds are walking away with millions in their pocket while their employees hit the street with little or nothing? Come on, does that sound equitable to you?

A LITTLE POLITICS, A LITTLE FOOTBALL

POLITICS


The latest line against Gov. Palin is that she has surrounded herself with friends and terminated those not in sync with her leadership. Oh, my, isn't this disingenuous? Let's see, didn't Roosevelt, Truman, Nixon, Reagan, Kennedy have their respective friends around them? What's so unusual about that?


And, if you really want to pursue this criticism, let's look at what we could expect from Obama should he be elected. He has been plucked and groomed by the corrupt, south side Chicago politicians from community organizer to state senate to U.S. senate. They have been so careful with him that he has not made a controversial vote; he has voted "Present" rather than commit himself about 130 times! Don't you think that Obama, who is presumably well-educated, could have made a decisive vote? Why wouldn't he? Does this not indicate he is been counseled by others who do not want him to make a misstep or have an history of some vote that would later prove unpopular? It makes me think they have some larger agenda in mind by playing it so safe.


Considering Obama's short political history, he probably would bring the same people who are now calling the shots. However, if we look at John McCain's long political history and the man who is the Presidential candidate, it would appear he has never feared to vote his conscience regardless of the party line. As far as his cabinet, we will see choices that will mirror his proclivity to cross party lines. Now that may ruffle some right wingers, but it is absolutely refreshing! This is a country where there are many who can serve productively with the gifts they have, no matter their party affiliation.


Therefore, please tell me why these NY Times writers are spinning a useless tale on the Vice-Presidential candidate who will not be choosing a cabinet should the ticket be elected. Now there's always the possibility that McCain could die suddenly or become incapacitated, but it's also possible there could be some dire outside events that would fracture our government. However, to dwell on those negative thoughts does not serve us well and should any catastrophic event occur, we will survive. I believe it would be of little consequence should Gov. Palin become President any more than when several of our Vice President's had to serve when Presidents were assassinated. We are a larger body than any one person and our Founding Fathers in our Constitution gave us a magnificent map to follow for an orderly transition.



PRO FOOTBALL -


I'm sure you've read the Vince Young soap opera from last weekend ad nauseum, but one last thought. I'm a little conflicted over the fact, that with all the Hippa regulations now put in place by our liberal friends which have nearly ground doctor's offices to a halt because of paperwork and restrictions, that a psychologist who was assigned to look into Vince's well-being announced to the world that "he was depressed and mentioned suicide." Holy Cow! I think that is irresponsible and reprehensible. What happened to the privacy that protects a patient and doctor?


Last word: What about the upsets in the NFL last week and looking like it's going to continue this week?

FRAGMENTED QUARTERBACK

Gosh, I don't often hit the target, but it would appear my Blog last Wednesday forecasted the burn-out of Vince Young (Titan QB.) I don't take much comfort in seeing the fragmentation of a young, talented man, but that's what has happened.

Vince was angry and depressed because of his performance against the Jaguars Sunday. He also encountered the "boo-birds" after throwing his 2nd interception. He left the field and Jeff Fisher had an extremely difficult time coaxing him back on the field. Jeff has attempted to mitigate the scenario as witnessed by fans and team mates, but it happened. Vince finally did go back on the field, while his team patiently waited for him. Within 5 minutes, he went down and has apparently suffered a mild/moderate knee sprain.

The next day he was supposed to have an MRI, but he blew it off. Monday night, he left his home without his cell phone and his family had no idea where he was going. After being called by Vince's mother, Jeff called the police and they put out an APB on him. He was located and it appears he was merely sharing wings with a friend and watching Monday Night Football. He was confused why there was such angst going on, but his family indicated he is in a very fragile emotional state and they were extremely concerned.

It's obvious Vince has some problems. I don't think we can judge how serious they are and we can only hope that he will get the kind of help he needs. One thing sure, the Titans don't need another soap opera such as the one with Pacman. Whatever happens, we need compassion for Vince, but there is an urgency required that doesn't need Titan management pretending once again that there's nothing wrong!

Soooooooooo, Kerry Collins will take over the QB duties for the future weeks, with Chris Sims signed to be his back-up. Collins has a lot of empathy for Vince since he, too, went through quite a roller coaster during his early years in the NFL. What we really need is for Steve McNair to step up and help become a steady monitor to Vince, i.e., if Vince will listen. Hey, maybe we could even get Steve to suit up one more time!

POLITICS & PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Thank goodness the Conventions are over. I'm such a political junkie that it has completely absorb me the past two weeks. Today, I kind of feel like I did when younger and had a hangover (yes, my bad), but still remember the laughs.


I can't say there were a lot of laughs during the Convention. Some of the stuff that goes on is not only boring, but offensive. I was particularly turned off by some of the TV personalities who are trying to guide us instead of informing us about our choice. I know no one more snide* than Keith Olbermann - talk about an agenda! He just had to break into a conversation to say how perturb it made him because he was unhappy how some people pronounced "pundit." If I were him, I would be more disturb if he were called one since he hardly fits the definition of having wisdom or giving sage advice. Mr. O takes great sophomoric pleasure in tearing up paper and throwing it the camera - oh, WOW, what a rebel! His chronic denigration of Sen. McCain or Gov. Palin is beyond any criteria that would define a competent newscaster. Ok, enough about that twerp...just wish NBC would get rid of him just like ESPN.


Before Gov. Palin spoke, I was soooooo nervous. I think I was afraid she wouldn't be up to the task since we had been bombarded by her "lack of experience." Well, her performance was breathtaking. I shouted, jumped up and down, clapped and cried - what a bevy of emotion. I felt a little embarrassed by my outburst until I talked to one of my friends who also did the same thing. Anyone else?


I don't know if Gov. Palin's inclusion on the ticket secures McCain's victory, but I do know there's hope for the future to have a person who has a down to earth view of this crazy world we live in. We need a few more of them.


Aren't you as tired as I am about the deceivious pol's we have now? Aren't you fed up with billions of "pork" dollars tacked on to worthwhile bills to satisfy some tiny Congressman's ego and re-election? Can you envision a regulation on lobbyists so they can not blackmail and control the business of our government? Is it not the responsibility of the government to carefully fund the development and research of our scientists for our better health? Is the government not accountible about how money is spent on military purchases or on educational programs? Yes, they are. Let us tell our politicians what WE want, but first WE have to CARE enough to let them know.


Do you?

*tricky, base, contemptible, cynical, deceptive, dishonest, fraudulent, hateful, insincere, malicious, mean, nasty, sarcastic, sinister, sly, spiteful, tricky, underhand

NFL KICK OFF SUNDAY (or maybe Thursday)

Gosh, I know I should be excited about the opening of the NFL season at home against the Jaguars this Sunday, but something is missing...



We don't have Pacman to talk about. I understand Jerry Jones has installed two stripper poles in Pac's living room so he doesn't have to go to the joints. Dah Dum!



We don't have any comparisons between Leinart, Young and Cutler. There isn't any...Cutler is far superior.



We have an exciting corps of Wide Receivers. NOT!



Vince Young will show, in his 3rd year, why he was the Titan's 1st pick. Whoa!Vince Young, in preseason, appears to be tired of playing football. His lack of energy and enthusiasm for the game and his colleagues is palpable. I won't be surprised to see him ground the football in disgust several times during the year, that is, if Fisher keeps starting him. I don't know why his attitude is so bad, but it may have to do with the adulation shown him at University of Texas or even when he played high school football. He has an extremely sensitive side when he runs up against other pro players. I think it's hard for him to get his head around the fact is that he is NOT the greatest player on the field. Couple that with his inability to absorb game plans, he's frustrated and thusly defeated. What a shame!



The Defense will come to rescue as it did last year. That bit of logic is only barely in place IF Haynesworth is in the game. We lost some key players to free agency this year so we can't be sure this new Defense will be as effective.



My apologies to the Titan die-hards and I truly hope all my concerns are negligible and they have a winning team. It would be a blow if the Texans passed us by! I suspect by Sunday, when I get to L-P Field, my enthusiasm will begin building...I hope so, as a Scot I hate to think I've invested another $600 in season tickets for a losing cause!



On another note - beware of JOSEPHINE, she's coming in off the Atlantic. Since that's my mother's given name and she was a formidable force, be prepared! Seriously, I hope FEMA will be as well prepared as they were in handling GUSTAV.

THE NEW POLITICO'S

I'm back! There's a couple reasons I've not written the past year, but events are converging that are spiking my interest to express my views (clearly, I hope) and to energize yours!



We don't know now, how the nomination of Sarah Palin will play the next 66 days, but WOW, what a sharp change from the rest of both tickets! As a feminist (who's NOT a bra burner) I'm really excited that McCain has made this decision, however, it's NOT just because she's female that makes the difference. More importantly, it's because she evidences INTEGRITY. She's a whistle blower and not intimidated by old school politics. If it's the right thing to do, I have the feeling that Gov. Palin will do it.



The nay-sayers have already begun their attacks. Primarily they are attacking her "lack of experience." Well, excuse me, she's had 12 years as an elected official as an executive where she alone was responsible for making decisions and often having to make them in real time unlike the good Senators who ponder and "chess game" every decision they make! Of course, the opposition completely negates what kind of managerial expertise it takes to guide and raise 5 children!



Historically, most politicians (when wined and dined) by lobbyists do change their positions and McCain and Palin may also be compromised in order to accomplish their objectives (much like Bush had to do to get the war funded,) but unlike the run of the mill hack politician, I think these two have set the bar much higher against lobbyists. I don't think the "community activist" has that higher calling and as for Biden, he's long been locked into politics as usual.



Yes, Gov. Palin has a lot to absorb in a short time before the election. She seems bright, plucky and she does have a good resume no matter how the opposition denigrates it. Keep in mind that John McCain has actualized what "CHANGE" means by his selection. As my grandmother used to say "proof is in the pudding." Don't be fooled by empty words!



Finally, I'm excited about the forthcoming NFL season, but we'll do that in another blog.



TAKE CARE!