Random Reasonings XVII

An occasional column of random thoughts and observations:

• No COLA for 19 years is what Rhode Island's General Treasurer came up with? I was willing to give some back for the benefit of everyone but I am not going to get raped without fighting.
• Regarding the RI rape of retirees; I wrote the governor, treasurer and every single legislator. You should all do the same. I wrote the Providence Journal today that reported the average retiree ($27,000 pension) will lose $9,286 over the first 10 years of the treasurer's plan. Fact checkers at the Providence Journal are too stupid to do the math as is the treasurer's office. The $9,286 is the loss of income in year 10 alone. What about year 1 through 9? The average state employee will lose $48,805 in the first 10 years and $165,142 in the 19 years of the treasurer's plan.
• Barack Obama has been the greatest foreign policy president in my life time. I wonder if he was born in the United States?
• Did you hear that Mitt Romney said Obama's job program would make everyone millionaires and then we would all have to pay higher taxes? Nice one Mitt: make me a millionaire, the 99% are all for it.
• Did Dick Cheney's pace maker stop? I thought I heard a sucking sound!
• That sucking sound was actually public employee retirees leaving Rhode Island and moving to New Hampshire or Florida to avoid paying state taxes on their pensions.
• Only democrats can overthrow terrorist regimes without losing a single U.S. troop. Obama - great job in Libya and Clinton - great job in Bosnia.
• Funny; the Iraq war is over but the Republicans are still fighting it. I guess they are still looking for the WMD.
• Herman Cain - be serious - order pizza!
• Rick Santorum - do you still practice rhythm - I hope so.
• If the General Treasurer of Rhode Island is raping the retirees, can we all have access to abortion?
• There is no truth to the rumor that Sarah Palin has a "thing" for Herman Cain. There may be truth to the rumor that Sarah had a "thing" for Barack Obama. He was a black basketball player and they both spent time in Hawaii. Was that before Hawaii was a state?
• What Tea Party?
• What will happen when 10% of Rhode Island's population moves out of state because of General Treasurer, Gina Raimondo? I would not even invest in a McDonald's in this state.
• Obama has delivered on almost all of his campaign promises, the exception being the closing of Guantanamo Bay prison.
• Raimondo and Chafee make Wall Street look like it has compassion on a par with Mother Teresa.

tomtoak

Radom Reasonings XVI

An occasional column of random thoughts and observations.

• Wait until the age of 50 to have a mammogram? Any government money going to the researchers that came up with this trashy recommendation should lose their connection to Federal money immediately. Think about it; how many woman do you know that were diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50?
• Is there a health care conspiracy going on here? Remember the report from last year that recommended changes to the age guidelines for the PSA? I personally know a few people that had their prostate cancers found at a young age because of the PSA.
• Alan Grayson is a great American who is telling it like it is. If you don't know who he is, shame on you - Google him.
• In a recent poll, 38% of Americans indicated that Sarah Palin is qualified to be president. In a parellel poll, 38% of Americans have been determined to have the intelligence of a telephone pole.
• Last week, when Palin was asked which blogs she reads, she responded by saying; "I read them all". I'm so happy that Sarah has paid a visit here. God! She does not even know what the f**k a blog is. Then again; 38% of Americans probably don't know what a blog is. The hardball questioner was the Katie Couric like, Sean Hannity. A fox in the hen house?
  
• Sarah Palin last week; "the presidency is not on my radar screen". Was it later reported that 38% of Americans intend to buy Sarah Palin's book? There is stupid and then there is stupid!
• Is Rhode Island's I-Way really the "bridge to bankruptcy"? Has anybody in this damn state figured out the future costs associated with caring for miles and miles of new bridge work? At least the old road went over the solid ground with a few over and under passes.
• For those 38% of confused Americans, Obama has decided to try key terrorists in New York because they killed and targeted civilians. The terrorist being tried in military tribunals were classed as military combatants. There is a difference and it is so easy to see.
• The State of Alaska should open up an immediate investigation to determine the fitness of Sarah Palin to keep her kids. I'm not kidding - what Palin is doing is a sin and is very harmful for her children. I fear for her children. If you did not know, she has the young kids traveling with her again for her book tour; this just after having them leave school to travel with her for a 5 month long campaign. She continues to use her youngest as a prop and expose this child to H1N1 all over this nation. Her kids belong in school!
  
• Palin the quitter not only quits at her job as governor, she has quit parts of her book tour, she quit at a road race in Washington state yesterday and she has quit on her kids. I have a feeling she will find a way to quit on 38% of Americans.
• I can't tell you how disappointed I am in the left wing of the Democratic Party. These Democrats need to lose the argument on abortion in the health care bill. As I've said before, abortion is but a single medical procedure performed in a limited number of health care situations. Let's get health care done and find a way to fund abortion for those in need later.
• Chris Mathews was absolutely correct in his questioning of Rhode Island's Bishop, Thomas Tobin. Was Chris tough? Yes; he was very tough but sometimes you have to shake up an institution that is travelling far outside of the pulpit. Bishop Tobin; put it in the church where it belongs!
• If you put 100 Americans in a room, how many of them would you have to use to screw in a light bulb? Come on now, this is not a hard question.
• The answer is not 38. The answer is 39, as 38 would be too stupid to figure out the puzzle while the 39th would get the job done.
• We all know that Governor Donald Carcieri is not the 39th American in the room.
• The Secret Service agents at the gate for Obama's first State Dinner are also not the 39th Americans in the room.
• Obama has to move forward in Afghanistan as he promised during the campaign. Osama bin Laden and his capture has to be a top priority - unlike the bumbling Bush administration priorities.
• Rumsfeld, Bush and Cheney (aka: Rummy, Dummy and Scummy) could never have been the 39th American in the room.
  
• OK; I'll make it easy for you, for more on Alan Grayson, click here.
  

tomtoak

Radom Reasonings XV

An Occasional Column of random thoughts and observations.

• Did you see where actor James Woods has sued Kent County Hospital involving an incident when his brother died of a Heart attack? That's funny; I thought Republicans believed in tort reform to reduce health care costs. I guess you believe it until it's you!
• What do Rush Limbaugh, Imus and Bob Griese have in common? They have all made racists statements - Limbaugh just seems to always get away with it.
• Is Bob Greise's comment, "he's probably out getting a taco" in the same league as Limbaugh's most famous top ten quotes? How about, "Obama is halfrican American" or how about, "Barack the magic negro" or how about, the time he told the African American women to "take the bone out of your nose" or how about the time he said the NAACP should have riot rehearsals. They should get a liquor store and practice robberies". Greise gets suspended and Rush goes his merry way without consequence. Any ditto head out there is a traitorous idiot.
• As a Red Sox fan, I want to congratulate the New York Yankees. You guys had the best team.
• Do you think Governor Don Carcieri can afford a $7.00 saltwater fishing license?
• Have you seen where Jerome Corsi, made famous by swiftboating John Kerry now claims that the Fort Hood Shooter advised Barack Obama? Truth will usually win out but it may take a little time. Corsi's hateful claims should no longer be news - they should be totally ignored.
• Rush Limbaugh should be ignored entirely by print and broadcast media, except for Fox Noise which is neither.
• Did you see where Massachusetts is considering legislation to require sprinkler systems in all one and two family housing units. How stupid is that? I can see it now - every time I burn the toast I can take my shower at the same time.
• Joe Lieberman is a loser.
• To the folks in Maine, Fox Noise and the Gay community - Obama is not to blame for the defeat of the gay marriage bill in Maine. Obama never supported gay marriage although he has supported gay civil unions. There is a difference and the gay community should take note!
• To Senator Sam Brownback and others that have wasted our time writing legislation to ban the creation of animals that are part human and part animal. Go back to school and instead of reading, writing and arithmetic, try taking a little science.
• To those of you who feel that I think Obama can do no wrong - think again. When the hell is Obama going to propose significant legislation to reign in Wall Street to prevent further economic meltdowns?
• Is the lack of H1N1 vaccine going to be Obama's Katrina?
• Obama is right on when it comes to health care!
• Dick Cheney needs to be carted away like Richard Hatch every time he gives an interview!
• How's this for tort reform? Allow folks to sue insurance companies but limit the claims against the medical profession.
• To the polling firm that called me the other day and asked; "Do you believe in the right to life?"; your game is painfully obvious. You must know that I totally messed with your poll and hopefully your ignorant head. The question should have been, "do you believe in a woman's right to have an abortion?"

tomtoak

Random Reasoning's XIV

An occasional column of random thoughts and observations.

1. In last week's poll; the question was, should Guantanamo Bay prison be closed and prisoners housed in U.S. prisons? This poll resulted in our first unanimous result; 100% of respondents answered: yes.
2. Hey, John DiPetro from WPRO radio; you had better watch your step or Buddy Cianci is going to burn you with a cigarette.
3. Did everyone in Rhode Island see the recent story about the RI Health and Human Services director being appointed by Carcieri? The scary part was the budget for HHS; $1.8 billion and scarier still; HHS services 300,000 Rhode Islanders each year. That's 1 in 3 Rhode Island residents are collecting some form of assistance. Wow! I don't know anybody collecting assistance, I only know people providing assistance (Meals on Wheels etc.).
4. For those that don't follow where your tax dollars go; that's you the jokers at WPRO, the budget for HHS is $500 million more than the budget for servicing all of the state employee's annual - salary, benefits and pension costs combined.
5. Did anyone see the geeky picture of Rhode Island's proud governor on the front page of the Providence Journal yesterday. That is some nerve to show up at a tea party protest and lambaste government deficits when you; Mr. Carcieri, you are the "Deficit King"!!
6. How big is the Carcieri Governor's Office deficit for this fiscal year? Answer at the bottom of the column.
7. Rush Limbaugh must be a "left wing" extremist! You heard it here first folks. It seems like Limbaugh tried to build the case yesterday that the Holocaust Memorial shooter (I won't dignify the event by providing the scum bag's name) was a "left wing" nut job. Now that's what I call entertainment. Rush; welcome to the "left wing"! I guess if you can't beat them, you might as well join them.
8. Congressman, Mike Rodgers of Michigan spoke yesterday and proclaimed that the country has serious concerns about extremists on the left and the right. Ha!! I'm trying to think of what happened to all of those hippies. I think they all moved to Wall Street (yup! - ah- yuppies). That's right; I forgot, Rush Limbaugh is a left wing extremist!! Now it all makes sense. That damn left wing is always responsible for anything that goes wrong.
9. Message to the Providence Journal: You captains of industry stopped printing the names of graduates at our high schools and colleges. Do you folks know how many grandmothers have now been disenfranchised because they don't get to see their flesh and blood in print? When was the last time you saw somebody at Cumberland Farms buying 10 copies of the Providence Journal? One more nail in the coffin!!
10. Have you heard Donald Carcieri's new radio ad that tries to sell his economic strategy of lowering corporate taxes and eliminating the "death tax"? Message to Governor "Deficit": There is no such thing as a "death tax". That is Republican hate speech! The tax is called the "estate tax", and do you really think that all Rhode Islander's will vacate this state because their $750,000 estates will be taxed upon their deaths? All those that have a $750,000 estate; please raise your hands!!
11. Let's not forget; anyone that has an estate approaching the estate tax level has found ways to prevent the tax to their heirs. You know it Governor Carcieri!!!!!!!!
12. If privatization is so great, why did I have to send a package overseas to Hungary via the U.S. Postal Service? Well, Federal Express wanted $350 to send the $50 package. The U.S. Postal Service sent it for under $50. Everything arrived safe and sound. Seems like the government can just simply do things better and cheaper!!
13. Governor Mark Sandford of South Carolina just had his Supreme Court order that he accept the Stimulus Funds for education in his state. What else can I say - the man's an idiot!
14. The Governor's Office deficit for this year is $589,218 as reported in the Providence Journal. This deficit is on top of the outrageous $4.7 million dollar budget for what should be a very small office.
15. Did you Get the message readers?

tomtoak

Random Reasoning's XIII

An occasional column of random thoughts and observations.

1. In Governing Against the Tide's last 2 polls, the full results can be found in the May 20, 2009 post. It looks like readers think that under no circumstances should government be bailing out newspapers and it looks like the Republican nominee for president in 2012 will be "Joe the Plumber". How sad is that?
2. How many businessmen like Rhode Island's Governor Donald Carcieri does it take to screw in a light bulb? Answer at the bottom of the column. Think about it for a while!
3. Did you see that President Obama managed to conduct a selection process for the next Supreme Court Justice in less than a month while "asleep at the switch" Donald Carcieri has not even come close to selecting the needed justices for Rhode Island in over 6 months?
4. Do the Republicans that want to close Gitmo really want to send these prisoners back to their country of origin? Ya; that will keep us safe. Same goes for the chicken Democrats.
5. Did you just hear that Michael Steele declared that the Obama honeymoon is over? Now that's what I call a problem with premature ejaculation! On second thought; the Republicans have E.D., so maybe they just want to skip the honeymoon and stick to screwing the American people.
6. Dick Cheney needs to keep talking so his prosecution can be expedited. When the hell will Eric Holder move to uncover the crimes of Cheney and company? I agree with Obama; no need for a Truth Commission, we have prosecutorial power to deal with the crimes. Get on with it!
7. Can somebody out there do a cost/benefit analysis of the Alan Shawn Feinstein ads that permeate our television viewing? Not for nothing; the kids are cute, but enough is enough. Can't he take that money he is spending on the future embarrassment of his grandchildren and feed some people with it?
8. Nobody can say the Barack Obama is not changing the color of the nation. An Hispanic Supreme Court nominee and the first black NASA Chief are positive steps. I think that he could add additional color by making Lisa Simpson his next Supreme Court nominee. Hell, she's smarter than Antonin Scalia and better looking too.
9. CIA is suppose to stand for the Central Intelligence Agency. I'm OK with two words but I'm confused by the intelligence part. If you can't take accurate minutes to a meeting, your not the brightest bulb on the tree.
10. Did you see that Michael Steele recently said that liberalism will "kill you"? Well it won't kill me; as for him, there is always hope. (I'm speaking of his message here).
11. Dick Cheney is a traitor to this country. He is trying to create an atmosphere that will empower our enemies to attack us again. He may not understand this, but he never understood anything. He did nothing to prevent 911 when our government saw it coming, he lied about Iraq, he lied about torture and his lies continue. The media should ignore him.
12. Carrie Prejean has her right to her opinions even if her mother is gay.
13. The sickest story to appear during the past week involved the report on how George W. got his daily security briefings; apocalyptic biblical passages were supplied by Rummy to Dummy each day. To the Christian Coalition out there; this practice is reminiscent of radical Islam, and these are the guys you chose to lead this nation for 8 years - Dummy, Rummy and Scummy!
    
14. Thank you Notre Dame University; you are first class. No thank you; Arizona State University, you just plain suck.
15. Answer to the question: A minimum of five businessmen: one to organize the privatization process; one to ask for bailout funds because of the unforeseen expense; one to process retention bonuses to ensure the continuity of the work force; one to design a futures market to capitalize on the lost light; and one to report on the progress.
16. "Let there be light"; now where the hell does that come from?

tomtoak

Random Reasoning's XII

1. Last week's poll posed the question; In Obama's first 100 days, has his administration taken the right steps to improve the economy? Yes; 71%, Maybe; 24%, No; 5%.
2. Last week's challenge to readers has ended and it partially stumped readers. You can see the full results if you track back to the April 25, 2009 post. The challenge listed 12 prominent Democrats, 12 prominent Republicans and 12 prominent pundits. Readers were asked to put a number on the years of military service (in aggregate) for each group. The results; Democrats; 46 years, Republicans; 0 years, and Pundits; 0 years.
3. I have a new name for General Motors. From now on, GM should be known as General Morons.
4. Have you read where U.S. troops in Afghanistan have an organized proselytizing movement and are trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. Message to the Christian world: This is not what we are in Afghanistan for. This activity will undermine U.S. efforts and any military personnel involved in this effort needs to be severely disciplined and removed from that country.
5. Did you hear Mitch McConnell speaking about Arlen Specter switching to the Democratic Party? Quote (4/28/2009): "This is not a national story, this is a Pennsylvania story" He goes on to say this about Specter's switch; "This is a threat to the country". Huh!! Know what you're saying before you say it. When you leave the Senate, you're qualified to take a job at General Morons.
6. On a recently aired Andy Griffith episode, Helen Krump says the following to her class; "Every morning we come into class and say the Pledge of Allegiance. I don't think you kids know what that means." My question is this; was Rick Perry, Governor of Texas in her class?
7. Can we see Lady Justice's breasts now that John Ashcroft is long gone from Washington DC?
8. Republicans supporting torture is sort of like Republicans supporting any kind of assault. they are both crimes. Has the Republican Party become the Sociopath Party?
9. How can anyone invest in the stock market again when they know damn well that Wall Street executives are going to be stealing their money. If the last year was not a wake up call to Wall Street, then what will this country look like when they do wake up?
10. Each year throughout the country, resorts hire foreign workers to cater to vacationing crowds. Historically, Jamaicans filled many of these jobs until the Bush administration started denying visas. In their place, resorts turned to Ukrainians that were allowed visas. Now I ask you; is it more likely that a dirty bomb enter this country from Jamaica or the Ukraine? Don't worry now; Bush and Chaney were keeping us safe you know!
11. I knew John Edwards was a loser when I read about his $400 haircut. It was only a matter of time before we hear about an affair.
12. Seems like the conservative Supreme Court wants to take up challenges to the Voting Rights Act. Apparently, some justices feel that the Act hasn't kept up with the times. The Act is the law of the land that has been fully supported by previous courts. I'm so glad that conservatives never try to write the law with the courts, or am I mistaken?
13. Michelle Bachmann is a bad joke. Is she a bigger joke than Sarah Palin?
14. Where the hell is Al Franken?

tomtoak

Random Reasoning's XI

1. This week's poll was the most lopsided "Governing Against the Tide" poll to date. Response to the question; Should the Obama administration assign a special prosecutor to investigate war crimes associated with Bush administration decisions, was overwhelmingly; yes. The response; hell yes accounted for over 96% of responses, the response; hell, I don't know, accounted for 4% or all responses.
2. Obama's first 100 day report card has been published a few days early and it appears that 69% of Americans think he is doing a great job. By the way; 69% is not a D+, it's really an A+.
3. How come the state never offered me a "retention bonus"? I suppose I got no bonus for the same reason that George Bush and Dick Cheney weren't offered a"retention bonus".
4. Colin Powell's former chief of staff, Lawrence Wilkerson has just said that there needs to be a special prosecutor to investigate war crimes; and, the lawyers involved in the Bush decisions should be disbarred.
5. In a recent poll, 64% of Minnesota voters want Norm Coleman to quit. Additionally, only 28% of voters thought his most recent appeal was appropriate. Give it up!
6. Did you see where the foresighted GOP stripped flu pandemic preparedness from the Obama Stimulus bill?
7. The New York Times is reporting that Wall St. pay is back to where it was before the crisis. They are reporting that Goldman Sachs seems to be leading the way with the average pay per worker at $569,000 per year. J.P. Morgan Chase is a bunch of cheap skates with the average pay per worker being reported as $509,524 annually.
8. Tell that to United Auto Workers! Take that public employees! The average pay per worker on Wall St. is higher than the President of the United States. The average pay!!
   
9. They (the Wall St. workers) all seem to feel that they are entitled to this compensation. Where does this leave investors; you know, the schmucks with 401Ks? How is there any money left for the stock holders?
   
10. Larry Summers needs to wake up, if you know what I mean?
11. In a recent conversation, a Republican executive explained to me that the Wall St. workers were worth every penny. He told me they would not be getting paid what they do unless they brought in the money to the company. OK!! I brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to the state (some years millions) and many years those dollars were competitive in nature. I could never dream of a salary like that; heck, I never got a bonus, but I could dream of a steady and well deserved retirement check. You've heard of public employee pension systems, the future that public employees work their entire career for; that's the same pension system that Republican executives want to destroy.
12. Notice to Republican executive: Wall St. firms were losing billions of dollars!! Get a clue!!
13. Did you see where Ed Rollins, Ronald Reagan's campaign manager gave Obama an A for keeping the country safe?
14. Watching the NFL Draft is like watching grass grow. Why the hell did I waste my time?
15. Did you see where David Duke (of KKK fame) was arrested and sent to jail in the Czech Republic for giving eastern Europe his thoughts? That must have been some surprise; I can hear him now, "you mean I can't spew forth hatred against the Jews and claim the Holocaust never occurred in your country?" "Please let me go home so I can spew forth my hatred in the socialist country where I live that is controlled by blacks."
16. Message to the Czech Republic: Why the hell did you let him out? You should have kept him in one of the CIA prisons.
17. In line yesterday at the super market, an elderly man in front of me bought a newspaper that had a front page story on the sentencing of a women for embezzlement. The old man began spouting off at the cashier that it won't be long before we have that Obama behind bars. The cashier said nothing and as I approached, asked me how my day was? My response: "great until you have to listen to idiocy like that". I like to make people smile!

tomtoak

Random Reasoning's X

An occasional column of random thoughts and Observations

1. This weeks poll posed the question; what will happen with Sarah Palin's career by 2012? The top response was; providing commentary on Fox news; 16, 64 % of respondents. In further results; she will be the defeated Governor of Alaska; 13, 52% of respondents - She will be in legal trouble; 8, 32% of respondents - She will be Governor of Alaska, she will be Republican nominee for President and she will be a U.S. Senator; all polled 2, 8% of respondents. (voters were allowed to vote for more than one response)
2. Did you see where a Russian professor, Igor Panarin has predicted the fall of the United States in 2010 or 2011? I guess this professor has been selling this story for the better part of a decade. He has found one true believer in Governor Rick Perry of Texas. Love it or leave it Governor Perry (To Russia with Love).
   
3. Congratulations to the 18 year old student who has sued Governor, Mark Sanford, Republican of South Carolina, for failing to accept stimulus money from the Federal Government. The case is now in the South Carolina Supreme Court and seems to have merit.
4. There are an estimated 600 million cars in the world. If you parked every car side by side in a parking space 10 feet wide (6 feet for the car and 2 feet to open doors on both sides), how many times would your line of cars circumnavigate the planet? (answer at the bottom of the column)
5. History lesson for tea baggers: The Boston Tea Party was about "taxation without representation". You all have more than enough representation; you lost!
6. Did you see that the Obama administration is now cyber attacking the Taliban and al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan. With new leadership comes new ideas. Get them before they get us in a cyber attack.
7. Can somebody tell me why I have had to put up with Red Lobster ads every night on TV when the nearest franchise is over 90 miles away? Like, I'm going to drive 90 miles to get to my favorite Red Lobster?
8. How about Belgium? There's a country we seldom here from; but give credit where credit is due, the Belgium Parliament rebuked Pope Benedict for his ridiculous assertions that condoms will spread AIDS in Africa. I've been to Belgium and now I feel like I can brag.
9. Some more Tea Party hilarity was witnessed this week when Representative Gresham Barrett, Republican Congressman of South Carolina was actually harassed and booed off stage at a Tea Party rally in Greenville, South Carolina. It's really funny; you can watch it here.
10. In more Tea Party fallout, it appears that many independent voters were very turned off by the name calling and behavior of many in the crowds. Certain GOP insiders are also very concerned. Click here to see video of some of the hatred spewed forth by the good citizens of this nation.
11. If I were Dick Cheney, I don't think I'd be planning any vacations outside of the good ole U.S. Spain has been considering an investigation of war crimes against the Bush administration because of the treatment of their detainees at Gitmo. I guess the rest of the world dislikes torturing prisoners. Remember when the U.S used to be the shining example of righteousness in the world?
12. Did you see that the Obama administration has eliminated a contract for Homeland Security that has provided $3 million since 2003 to a design company for developing seals and logos for the agency? This is a good move. Why not let some college student do the designs for a scholarship? If times get even tighter, let some grade school students in on the action.
13. Did you see the McCain dis of Palin on the Jay Leno show the other night? Seems like Palin is really struggling back in her home State of Alaska too. I think it just comes down to her love of attention. Seems like she'll do anything to get it. People in Alaska are left wondering, What's up with this ___________ (fill in the blank)? I want to be nice.
14. I like the quote by Barack Obama: "We must learn from history, but we can't be trapped by it"
15. Many conservatives are upset about the analysis by the Obama administration that the rise in right wing extremism is a threat to homeland security. To those conservatives that have lost their gyro-compass; do you remember Timothy McVay? Do you remember, Oklahoma City? Until 911, the attack on the Federal building in Oklahoma City was the deadliest terrorist attack in U.S history.
16. Norm Coleman really cares for the citizens of Minnesota. He cares so much that he will delay his court appeal following his recent unfavorable court ruling. He lost by a larger margin than the original tally before the complaint. He has ten days to appeal and he will most likely take all 10. Norm Coleman; give it up! Al Gore did and he won by 500,000 votes.
17. Answer to question: There are 600 million cars in the world. - 600million X 10 feet = 6 trillion feet- 6 trillion feet/5,280 feet per mile = 1,136,363 miles - 1,136,363 miles/26,000 mile circumference of the Earth = 43.7 times around the planet.

tomtoak

Random Reasoning's IX

An occasional column of random thoughts and observations

1. I hope everyone had a great Easter this year and did you see that Barack Obama and family held the first Seder ever celebrated in the White House (to see the official picture click here)?
2. In this week's poll, it appears that Michelle Obama is a true asset to Barack Obama and the Nation. This week's question: Is Michelle Obama and asset for President Obama? She's great; 84%, She's OK; 16%, She sends the wrong message; 0%; She's all flash and no substance; 0%, She needs to stay in the White House; 0%.
3. This week's posts also saw the very first, "Governing Against the Tide" challenge. To see all of the comments, track to the April 6 post. Apparently, the challenge concludes that the Palin's did break Alaska law regarding the truancy of their children, but there are no consequences. Nobody provided information on the individual community requirements, so this keeps us hanging. I guess they are off the hook.
4. Watching the Minnesota Senate race between Al Frankin and Norm Coleman is sort of like watching grass grow. The worst part is that we started watching in November when the grass stopped growing and we're still waiting for that first sign of growth six months later.
5. OK, this may be old news by the time you read it, but I'm guessing that the Obama children will get their puppy on Easter morning.
6. Republicans continue to hammer away at Obama, claiming that he was on an apology tour when he was overseas. Like; DA -- Ya. Somebody had to do it!!
7. I hate to do this on an Easter Sunday post, but Pope Benedict needs to see this message about condoms (you need to click here).
8. South Carolina's Governor, Mark Sanford has launched a new national TV campaign to blast the deficit spending of Barack Obama. I think they have to change the definition of hypocrite in Webster's Dictionary to include Mark Sanford as part of the definition, the biggest hypocrite since Karl Rove. Governor Sanford seems to believe that he should be able to spend Stimulus money to pay down his own state's deficit. What a tool; what nerve; what an idiot!!
9. Did you know that McLane Stevenson who played Cornell Henry Blake in "Mash" was the nephew of Adlai Stevenson?
10. Did you see where Senator Inhofe, Republican from Oklahoma blasted the Obama administration for gutting the defense budget? It's true, Obama has slashed the Bush $513 billion defense budget to $534 billion in his proposal. Huh???? Have all Republicans flipped their lids?
11. In my home town of Coventry, RI, the Teachers Alliance just handed out $74,000 in scholarships to seniors going to college and $41,000 came directly from the teachers (active and retired) and school district employees. Damn unions! They always seem to be getting in the way!
12. The turmoil over Barack Obama's appearance at Notre Dame University is a pathetic example of pure stupidity. If you are as upset about this as I am, you need to watch the Lawrence O'Donnell "smack down" of Patrick Buchanan (click here).
13. In this week's Newsweek poll, Barack Obama had a 66% approval rating.
14. I guess that the puppy won't show up until Tuesday as reported.
    

tomtoak

Random Reasoning's VIII

An occasional column of random thoughts and observations.

1. I've had a number of people ask me about posting comments on the blog. I have the controls set so that anyone can post a comment by simply using the anonymous choice on the pull down menu after you click on comment. If you want to friend the site or establish your own identity for comments, then I recommend that you go to igoogle.com and register. The process is very simple and you can also build your own igoogle home page to follow blogs and enjoy other Internet sites. I have posted simple instructions in the left hand column.
2. This week's poll results: How is Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner's performance? Great; 15%, Doing his best; 48%, Needs more time; 30%, He's a disaster; 7%.
3. Did you see where Levi Johnson, Bristol Palin's boyfriend said on the Tyra Banks Show, that Sarah Palin knew that her daughter was sexually active? For a politician that preaches abstinence and maintains those conservative values, it sounds like a little more parental attention should have been applied in this case.
4. If you still need your manicure, the economy for you is doing just fine.
5. Message to Cardinal Francis George, Archbishop of Chicago: Your negative comment regarding the invitation of the University of Notre Dame for Barack Obama to speak at commencement is an extreme embarrassment to those you purport to represent.
6. Did you see where the Obama's have turned down government money ($100,000) allocated for renovations to the White House? The Obama's insist on paying for renovations themselves. They must be closet conservatives!
7. Here's a test: How many countries are in the "Group of 20" (G-20), which is the economic conference that was just attended by President Obama in Great Britain? The answer is at the bottom of the column.
8. RNC Chairman, Michael Steele recently stated that he would wait until God tells him what to do regarding a potential run for the Presidency in 2012. He better watch out, because God is also talking to Sarah Palin, Bobby Jindal and Mike Huckabee. Funny how God only talks to Republicans! It's also funny that God must be awfully confused.
9. I think that politicians that hear voices from God belong in a padded cell. They're nuts!!!
10. Why isn't Governor Carcieri cutting ribbons these days at the Dunkin Donut's Center (The Dunk)? Seems like just yesterday he was telling us all that this would be the economic stepping stone to a secure future for the State. This is the perfect example of what government should not be doing. If the private sector can't make this work, citizens of Rhode Island shouldn't have to pay the bill.
11. Monopoly kills capitalism; not liberals. Lean and mean should be the ticket to reset capitalism. Break apart GM into 4 separate companies and let them compete for our dollars. While your at it Mr. President, bust apart AIG and scatter it in the wind. Never let a corporation get so big that it can't fail.
12. Let's see; $28.5 million to buy the Dunk; $53 million to rehab it; With cost overruns, $80.5 million to rehab the Dunk; $23 million every year to cover operating loses; Yes Governor Carcieri, you're one smart businessman! You are a walking financial disaster and any legislator that went along for the ride shares the guilt. Why do people wonder about Rhode Island going broke?
13. There are nineteen (19) countries in the G-20. It's sort of like 14 teams in the Atlantic 10. The countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States. To find out what the 20 is in the G-20, click here.
14. Is there anyone out there that thinks there was actually $80.5 million spent on the Dunk to rehab it. I've been there; and I'll tell you Governor Fraud, that was no $80.5 million job. Maybe the upgrade was worth $8 million, but not a penny more.
15. Why the hell can't God make up his mind? Ask a Republican running for President the next time you have a chance.

tomtoak

Random Reasoning's VII

An occasional column of random thoughts and observa- tions.

Spring is here. The picture was not taken by me but was sent to me by a friend. It's been a long snowy winter and scenes like this have been much anticipated. (click on the image to expand it; the detail is amazing) Thanks Harry!

1. The week's poll; Besides the economy, what should be the top 3 priorities for the Obama Administration? Iran 1; Iraq 4; Education 0; Health Care 14; Middle East 5; Afghanistan 9; Environment 5; Tax Policy 1; Homeland security 1; Trade Policy 1; North Korea 1; Poverty 1; Energy Policy 15.
2. From this week's poll, it seems like energy policy, health care and Afghanistan are the top 3 priorities after the economy.
3. What the hell is wrong with some in Congress? The proposal to selectively tax AIG executives will never stand the Constitutional test. Decide for yourself: Article 1; Section 8; Powers of Congress (Power to lay and collect taxes); ".......imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States".
4. Do our Congressional Representatives ever read the Constitution?
5. Ever wonder what happened to "Shaken Leg Syndrome"? Evidently, since the drug was taken off of the market and the marketing blitz has ended, everyone is cured. Amazing!
6. Did you see that AIG (American International Group) is changing it's name to AIU (American International Underwriters)? I still think they missed the boat; the new name should be AIFU.
7. I've heard that Senator Jack Reed in Rhode Island was supportive of the selective taxation of AIG executives and Timothy Geithner is opposed. At least Timothy Geithner knows the Constitution.
8. Did you catch Bobby Jindal's remark about wasting $160 million on volcano monitoring? Apparently, he wants Sarah Palin blown up.
9. Is it true that Sarah Palin has been complaining about the $10 billion to repair the levee system around the city of New Orleans? Maybe, Sarah Palin wants Bobby Jindal to drown in the next flood. Only kidding!
   
10. Hat's off to Notre Dame University for following through with their usual tradition of inviting newly elected Presidents to speak at commencement this year. Turmoil over Obama's appearance is unfounded when you consider that other Presidents, Bush in particular, always ignored the Catholic Church when requested to commute a death sentence.
11. I think it is true that most migrating birds have been to more countries than Sarah Palin.
12. Message to the Providence Journal: Stop now; you are embarrassing yourselves!
13. Did you see that Timothy Geithner always flies coach, never first class? That's a good sign.
14. The Governing Against the Tide's, "Vision in Politics" award goes to Democratic Senator Byron Dorgon of North Dakota. After only 8 Senators voted against the "Gramm, Leach, Bliley" Act of 1999 (This act deregulated the financial industries and removed numerous protections built into the law following the Great Depression) Dorgan predicted that the economy would become a disaster in a period of 10 years. Now that's vision!! Thank you Senator Dorgan.
15. It's funny how some people need cities, planes, night lights and noise to feel alive; while some of us need the natural world absent of the artificial noise of mankind.
16. My leg is shaking!
17. Three cheers for Obama! He has asked Rick Wagoner to step down as the CEO of General Motors. Check out my earlier post on the auto industry, February 21, 2009, "Will the American Automakers Survive". Maybe Pontiac will now survive!
18. My leg is still shaking!

tomtoak

Random Reasoning's VI

An occasional column of random thoughts and observations.

1. This weeks poll results: What grade would you give Barack Obama today? A, 48%; B, 48%; C, 0%; D, 0%; F, 4%. I'd say these results are pretty good, especially when I know a few Republicans voted.
2. Former Vice-President Dick Cheney has been mouthing off lately by trying to scare us all because he is no longer in power. At least George W. Bush has the class to stay silent. Cheney; you need to take me up on that offer to go shoot all the feral pigs in Texas!
3. Memo to Dick Cheney: Did you not hear the testimony of General Kevin Chilton before Congress on March 17? Seems like you guys were sleeping longer than Rip Van Winkle. Ever hear of cyber security. You know; that type of security that your administration was in large part ignoring. You think you were keeping us safe?
4. And another thing Dick; you guys were sleeping for months before 911. How dare you? You didn't keep us safe. Your leadership was a disgrace!
5. Speaking of disgrace; did you hear about the latest "Joe the Plumber" speech before the conservative Media Research Center? Seems like Joe Wurzelbacher was getting so much loving from the crowd that he told everyone he was "getting horny". It's Amazing they can't find somebody that knows something to talk before that group.
6. Obama's final four picks look good to me.
7. Message to Pope Benedict: The church is not in the "forefront in the battle against AIDS." Truth be known; God willing, the church is centuries behind. Your condom message is counterproductive to humanity and was a pathetic message to send to a region so ravaged by AIDS. You need to pray on that!
8. Ever wonder if Adam and Eve were Neandertal? Where does that leave us?
9. There were a record number of babies born in the United States in 2007, 4.5 million of them. The sad thing was that 40% were born to single moms. Seems like there needs to be a few more condoms worn in this country.
10. At least the nations of France and Germany have blasted the Pontiff's message to Africa.
11. I like the Obama quote: "If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress."
12. Isn't it great to have a President that can speak English? I think it should be a requirement of the job.
13. Hat's off to Bill Richardson of New Mexico for repealing the death sentence in his state and requiring that "life in prison" means life in prison. You just saved your citizens millions of dollars in taxes.
14. I wonder what Phil Gramm is trying to mess up now?
15. If Blue Cross in Rhode Island is a non-profit and they donated $20 million dollars to another non-profit, the Rhode Island Foundation, why can't policy holders take a charitable deduction off of their income tax for part of their premiums?
16. Did you see where the Swedish Countess, Marie Douglas-David can't get by on $43 million which translates into $53,000 per week? Now there's a women that can really destroy the institution of marriage.
17. Let's all say a prayer for those 4 Oakland, California police officers.
18. Barney Frank reminds me of Sister Superior; I want those names and I want them now. If you don't cooperate you'll stay after school.
19. Message to Barney: I think you should do your job. Singling out some folks at AIG that had signed contracts is not it. AIG is not totally at fault here; Congress is. Some of those employees were getting death threats and need confidentiality. It was Congress; although a Republican Congress at the time, that deregulated us into this mess. Now go fix it - damn it!
20. One more message to Pope Benedict: As the wise prophet once said; "if you're going to flap it, wrap it."

tomtoak

Random Reasoning's V

An occasional column of random thoughts and observations.

1. OK; no more "Blog On" as my signature. I'm going to use "tomtoak" instead. This was my first e-mail handle.
2. This week's poll: Will Obama be able to establish a universal health care program by; the end of 2009, 33%; the end of 2010, 28%; the end of his first term, 33%; it will never happen, 6%?
3. Sarah Palin was scary because she didn't know what she was doing; Dick Cheney was scary because he knew what he was doing.
4. Bernie Madoff - It's about time - now get the rest of them because he could not have done this all by himself.
5. Governor Mark Sanford, Hypocrite and Chief executive officer for South Carolina, you are this week's Herbert Hoover wanna-bee. It seems like Sandford wants stimulus money to pay down South Carolina's debt as he lectures the Federal government about spending money it doesn't have. The words, unbelievable and stupid come to mind here!
6. Remember when the Providence Journal was a proud and respected newspaper owned by Rhode Islanders? As they praise Governor Carcieri for attempting to cut taxes for the wealthiest citizens, they raise the daily cost of the "pamphlet" by 25%. This comes just after more layoffs. Do I hear a sucking sound of money leaving Rhode Island and heading to Texas?
7. Barack Obama is right. You can always read a person's personality on the basketball court. If he got Mark Sanford out there, my bet is that Sanford would be continually driving to the wrong basket.
8. Jeremiah Wright served 6 years in the Marines, Dick Cheney had 5 deferments. Hmmmm; what's wrong with this picture (Cheney's service to America)?
9. Happy birthday, Barbie (50 years).
10. A Democrat in West Virginia wants to outlaw Barbie dolls. I guess if you like your women fat and toothless, you can understand why the image of Barbie is a little disturbing.
11. Anyone know what "61727054" refers to? Let's hear from you.
12. McCain argues about 2% of the Federal budget in earmarks being the answer to fixing our economy. Donald Carcieri argues about 5% of the State budget for pension payments being the answer to fixing our economy (It's only this high because the State has robbed from the employees for years by not paying their fair share; now they have to bring money to the table). It seems like some Republicans need a math lesson!
13. Obama wants to repeal the Bush tax cut for the highest income bracket and return to 39.6% instead of the 35% rate today. Funny; at the end of Reagan's first term, this level was 50%, during Nixon's term this level was 70% and during Eisenhower's presidency it was 91%. And they call Barack Obama a socialist? Seems like "soaking the rich" was the common practice back in those good old Republican days.
14. Michael Steele believes bipartisanship is a "fiction of politics". I think today's Republican Party is a "fiction of politics".
15. I heard the just discovered message in Abraham Lincoln's pocket watch said; "screw you Rush Limbaugh". Amazing!
16. Just think; if the marginal taxation rate for upper income people returned to the same level as it was during the Eisenhower administration, we wouldn't give a shit about all those bonus payments to AIG executives. Hell, we'd be getting all of the money back.
17. Dick Cheney must be the only person in the United States that could shoot a lawyer in the face and not get sued.
18. Public pensions have become a target (even though they represent only 5% of the budget) because people are jealous of the benefit. Do the math; put aside close to 18% of your salary (half from the employee) for 35 years and compound the interest. Folks in the private sector are not putting aside this much (conservative growth of 7% over 35 years gives the pension system more than enough to meet payouts with a healthy profit for the State).
19. Pension systems are built to weather the storm. We have a storm right now, but because the state has been robbing repeatedly from the pension system, they now have to invest to make the system whole. Buying when the market is down is a good thing. Reported projections for the future are totally erroneous.
    

tomtoak

Random Reasoning's IV

An occasional column of random thoughts and observations.

1. This week's poll results: The economy will turn around by the end of; 2009 - 9%, 2010 - 64%, 2011 - 27%, It may take 10 years - 0%.
2. Did you see the report this week that shows 1 in 31 Americans are currently somewhere in the correction system. Georgia was on top of the list with 1 in 13 and New Hampshire was at the bottom with 1 in 88 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29469360/).
3. Get well Barbara Bush.
4. Speaking of Barbara; where the hell were all the Bush kids when their mother was undergoing life threatening surgery? I don't care what she told them, those kids needed to be there to support their Dad.
5. Thank you Rachael Madow for drawing the line from the peanut poisonings directly to Ronald Reagan's privatization universe. Did you hear? A private company was hired to do the FDA inspections because private companies can do it better? When I was a kid and the government did its job, I don't remember any peanut poisonings.
6. Did you see that another report has found it to be far cheaper to keep murderers in prison for life than to execute them? The real problem is murderers getting out of jail after life sentences(http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29552692/).
7. A 9 year old girl in Brazil that had been raped by her stepfather got pregnant with twins. The court ordered an abortion and the Catholic Church officials have excommunicated the mother and doctors (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29531755).
8. I think God just excommunicated the responsible church officials!
9. Mr. family values President George W.; you should have been there, you have time on your hands.
10. A new gem from Michael Steele: If Republicans want to return to the heights of power, they have to stop trying to be, "cool and hip in a democrat way". Huh!! Mitch McConnell; stop being sooo cooool!
11. After the Great Depression, Republicans returned to power by relying on a steady and middle of the road, Dwight David Eisenhower. Something tells me they can't learn from the past.
12. What's up with Obama and Howard Dean?
13. Scientists just discovered a 1.5 million year old human footprint (size 9) in Northern Kenya. That footprint must belong to Mike Huckabee's grandfather.
14. Hey Boehner (you Bone - er), Obama is not asking me to pay additional taxes, he's asking you.
15. Can the economy grow forever?
16. Check out Bill Maher's "Ode To Government" video in the left hand column.
    

Blog On

Random Reasoning's lll

An occasional column of random thoughts and observations.

1. Results of this week's poll question; Will Obama get Osama? Yes: 40%, Maybe: 40%, No: 7%, He's dead: 13%.
2. Have you noticed that I have established a link to the top stories on CNN in the left column of the blog?
3. Where was Antonin Scalia during President Obama's first speech to the full Congress this week? Was he out hunting with Dick Cheney again? Who knows what he's plotting?
4. Is the publishing industry the next to go down the drain in this Country? Ever notice that they chase you for your subscription renewal a year before it's due? They seem to be in a big hurry to get your money and they spend more money on mailings than the cost of the subscription.
5. If you are liberal, the Huffington Post is the site you want www.huffingtonpost.com . It should be bookmarked and visited every day.
6. At least credit card promos have trickled to a crawl.
7. Ever notice that throughout history, science always trumps religion.
8. Chipmunks awakened from hibernation on Thursday (a lot of them and all on the same day).
9. Can somebody please get Rush Limbaugh some more chill pills?
10. Can Eric Cantor say anything that is right? Oh ya, that's right; he is right; right?
11. Is it treason when a U.S. Senator ( Senator Richard Shelby, Alabama) questions the citizenship of a U.S. President when he knows damn well it has been proven over and over again that he was born in Hawaii? Is Shelby a real American?
12. If Bernie Madoff robbed the Cumberland Farms store of $200, he would be in prison now.
13. George Bush on his own Presidency: That was hard work, it was hard work, hard work!
14. Extinction is a natural process in the evolutionary chain.
15. Watch out Republicans: the Party of "No" just might stick! No sense, no logic, no cooperation, no votes. Extinction?

Blog On

Random Reasoning's ll

An occasional column of random thoughts and observations:

1. In "Governing Against The Tide's" original poll conducted last week, 77% of respondents said they strongly supported the Obama Stimulus Bill.
2. One estimate on the loss of wealth in our economy was put at $15 trillion. This includes loss of equity in property as well as other direct losses. That number represents $50,000 for every person in America.
3. Most Americans believe in God. Most Americans believe in the 10 Commandments. Most Americans believe in capital punishment. Thou shall not kill? Most Americans must be confused.
4. Slumdog Millionaire better win tonight.
5. Each year the flu shot changes because the flu virus evolves.
6. Did you see the movie Doubt? In the final scene the Mother Superior doubts her faith, not the guilt or innocence of the priest. That's the way I saw it.
7. If genetics determines whether we are liberal or conservative (See the post of February 10), is genetics responsible for whether we are Red Sox fans or Yankee fans?
8. Happy Birthday Charles Darwin! We continue to evolve. The Church does not.
9. Did you see that Mitt Romney is selling 3 of his homes? I guess he wants fewer than 7 when he runs for President in 2012.
10. Remember when radio and television stations were required to present opposing views? Whatever happened to that? I can still see Archie Bunker voicing his opinion. The FCC needs to look at this again.
11. Why is Bernie Madoff not in jail?
12. Any church, whose leaders express a preference for a political candidate, even if that expression is in a subtle form of coercion, should be taxed!
13. Is Ken Lay (Enron scandal and friend of the George Bush Sr.) still alive?
14. Light years measure distance, not time!
15. A teacher in Minnesota has found a new way to teach. They have installed new work stations for students that allow a student to stand during class as well as be seated. She reasoned that if students were given the opportunity to move around more, they would stay focused and they would also burn more calories. That teacher is absolutely brilliant. Why didn't I think of that?

Random Reasoning's

Today's column will be a collection of random thoughts and observations. Comments will be in no particular order; they are just thrown out there for fun. On occasion you will see future posts of, Random Reasoning's. Here we go.

1. This week's Gallop poll shows that only 39 % of Americans believe in evolution. In other studies, it was found that the only country that had fewer people believing in evolution was Turkey. That's right, the United States and Turkey (both real turkeys). I guess folks in other countries are just better educated.
2. Should the Bush Administration be investigated by the new Justice Department? Hell yes!
3. Most lay people believe that a theory is some haphazard guess. The truth is that a theory has undergone repeated and rigorous testing. Personally, I believe that evolution is closer to law than theory; however, scientists are the true conservatives.
4. Human carbon emissions have been growing 3.5% annually since 2000. During the 1990's, annual emissions averaged .9% (Christopher Field, Carnegie Institution of Science). George W. was elected in 2000.
5. The majority of Republicans don't believe in evolution. Seems like they vote for beliefs instead of knowledge. I'll take knowledge any day; that we have a handle on. They can be pretty dumb at times.
6. I want to send an invoice to the Providence Place Mall. They should be billed for the half hour of my time doing their work, which was collecting my parking fee.
7. I never check out my own items at any store. Why should I? I'm not being paid to do the store's work.
8. Artificial selection has been used by people for centuries. Evolution is natural selection conducted by nature (God if you want). People that don't believe in evolution must also believe then, that man is more powerful than God.
9. Ever want to send a bill to your doctor for your time when you've been waiting there for over an hour for an appointment. Your time has value to!
10. If somebody commits a rape, did God want that rape to occur? If the person that was raped gets pregnant as a consequence, did God want that pregnancy? What if the girl was 12?

Blog On