Alan Krueger

Alan Krueger is President Obama's pick to head the White House Council of Economic Advisers. He has to be confirmed by Congress. Another teacher/author/public office holder. Are all the CEOs busy? He could find no one with business experience, profit earning administration?

This man wrote about a study that showed that raising the minimum wage actually increased employment in New Jersey versus Pennsylvania where the minimum wage was not increased. It was later discredited. So much for that theory. On to others.

Like one source said, Krueger is just another of Obama's yes men.

What's interesting is that this man has to be confirmed. Lately Obama has been circumventing Congress all together. He could not get the dream act through his Democratic controlled Congress so he wrote one into law. He could not get Cap and Trade passed either so he's gotten regulations to do the job. I hear he'll be shutting down 10% of our coal powered energy plants by year's end.

Grab your wallet. Our energy prices will "necessarily" sky rocket. That was one of his campaign promises. He's a man of his word.

Next week, he'll be announcing another stimulus package. More roads, more training, more government. This Congress will not pass it but it'll look good, like he's doing something. Plus, it'll be great fodder for his reelection campaign. Those bad Republicans hindered our economic recovery. Genius.

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Dr. King

I was in high school when Dr. King was murdered. Have you seen pictures of the new 30' statue and his memorial that will be dedicated soon? What bothers me is his face.

The times were painful. People were angry on both sides of the Civil Rights issue. Note: Al Gore Sr. voted against the bill. Many did. Some because they felt we needed to uphold our law that are all men are created equal. All men should be free of judgement.

That was Dr. King's vision. Not by skin color but by content of character. MLK marched and worked as a Christian for justice. That was his theme. He was determined, he was respected, he was targeted.

The new statue has a face more stern and more angry than I remember Dr. King.

The new memorial honors a martyr of the revolution but there were many lives dedicated to change, to awareness of injustices. Dr. King is the face remembered. His Dream speech spoke to the masses of all colors.

Let us all focus on the content of our character. And what is just and right and colorblind.

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Big Nose

Big Brother has a large nose. He has it in all kinds of things.

He raided Gibson Guitars because of use of questionable woods.

He has determined that farmers are the answer to all our dust pollution.

He wants to inspect our lake for bad water practices.

He has protected illegal activity because he has a bigger heart.

He wants to widen roads across this great land but wants us to use electric cars on them.

He thinks by giving us a 2% break in our FICA withholding he's stimulating the economy. Note: Illinois raised our income taxes by 2% so our net paychecks are the same for now.

He has all the answers, is the only one who can carry us cradle to grave, and he will soon be using the power grid to watch our coming and going.

He loves us best of all.

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More Bad News

The number of people claiming new jobless benefits rose again last week. Our debt grows, more and more houses are vacant, new unemployment claims grow again, no end in sight.

That latest rumor is that Obama will propose spending more $ to get the economy going again. What? He knows no other way. He's an organizer and has little or no history working for a profit-making company or entity. That is other than fund raising for political and public good causes.

They say he's been consulting with major CEOs and some governors. However, I think he's just been spending time lately with his girls and his wife. Of course, they were not captured in all those pictures of golf, golf, golf. I'm sure they were there. That's the only reason he gave for vacationing with all those pearly white people on Martha. Right?

So, be warned. They are going to spend more $ that China will have to lend us. Anyone else worried about being beholden to them?

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Kick 'Em

Why don't people think about how actions will hurt those that have the least. Those that are barely getting by. Those who have little or nothing.

Our toll roads around Chicago were very difficult to adjust to when we moved here in 1985. The tolls had been $.25 for decades but increased to $.40 in 1983. That was a 60% increase.

Years ago we invested in I-Pass and purchased a transponder. The upside is we can swiftly remit our tolls. Those who do not have I-Pass or other state systems that Illinois recognizes, now pay twice or on average $.80.

One more advantage for us is we can track usage for Bob's business expenses.

Later today the Toll Board and our Governor will increase tolls by 87.5%, from $.40 to $.75. That's for us with I-Pass. Other drivers just passing through will pay $1.50.

Tax the rich. This hits everyone who uses the fastest roads around here. This hits those who commute into the city and can not use the trains. This hits those who are driving around to get from Indiana to Wisconsin 5 times what it cost them in 1983.

Truckers will pay more to get around 294 that it costs them to cross the entire state of Pennsylvania. Hit those who are trying to make a living.

Is it time for change, even in Illinois?

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More Illinois Stats

Since our big tax increase was signed into law in January 2011, the state of Illinois has lost 89,000 jobs!

Do we regret electing our new governor? Same old, same old.

He was heard slamming Rick Perry lately. That's a name that gets a lot of attention these days. Maybe the GOP presidential hopefuls that get the most bad press are the ones feared most? Just thinking.

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Jobs

Illinois unemployment is now 9.5%. An employer of 250 is announcing this morning that due to anti-business environment in Illinois, they are moving to Indiana. A move of less than 50 miles will save them immediately.

No big deal? We lose 250 families. So?

The effects will be felt at area grocery stores, dry cleaners, restaurants, daycare centers, dentists, and on and on.

The governor's office has pronounced that the raises in taxes on individuals and businesses in Illinois has not connection with our unemployment. Genius.

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Obama Signs into Law His Desire

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on 8/18, announced that many illegal immigrants who were facing deportation but had no criminal record, would be allowed to stay in the country.

The government will direct immigration-enforcement agents not to place immigrants into deportation proceedings simply for being in the country illegally. Under the changes announced, senior White House officials said the government will review 300,000 pending immigration cases one by one to look for low-priority cases that could be thrown out under a process known as “prosecutorial discretion.”

Did we hear much about this in the media? He can just sign "law" and millions sigh. They are safe unless they are convicted of a terrible felony.

That Congress of ours is impotent. They could not pass Obama's Dream Act so what was he to do?

Who those this save? His aunt is spared. It seems there are over 10,000 Nigerians who are granted safety with the stroke of Emperor Obama's pen. But more importantly, Obama gets a large gold star from all Latinos in this country against our laws, or what were our laws and are similar to those of other countries.

All hail the powerful emperor.

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Verizon Strike

The Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers are fighting Verizon's call for a pension freeze and for contributions to health insurance premiums, among other things. About 45,000 Verizon workers from Massachusetts to Virginia walked off the job Aug. 7.

Bob and I have Verizon Wireless. I read more about the protests outside the home of Verizon's CEO. These workers do not work for Verizon Wireless. They work for Verizon Phone, land line division.

More and more, especially those 30 and under, are forgoing land lines for cell phone usage only. It's been the trend for years.

This is a matter of economics. Less demand, reduce overhead. Less workers needed to service fewer land lines.

The request for changes in pensions and requesting employee contribution toward health care are very common among many companies. Bob started paying toward our health coverage in the late 1980s. He was hired under a pension that was removed for new hires in the mid-1980s. As the 401(k) was introduced in the late 1970s, more and more companies have contributed toward a "match" of 401(k) contributions and less toward established pension plans. This is especially true for non-union employees.

So, here we are 30 years later and unions are refusing what management had no choice about. Times have changed. Less pension plans and less land lines.

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Dismissed

A farmer asks a question and is soundly dismissed. He said he'd rather start his day in the tractor cab and not filling out forms and doing paperwork. His concern over regulations were founded in new noise pollution, dust pollution, and water run regulations.

Obama was at a seed manufacturer (Wyffels Hybrids) in rural Illinois. He bravely took questions from the town hall audience. I'm sure this farmer was not expected to ask hard questions and he'll be in trouble with Uncle Sam just like Joe the Plumber.

President Obama told the farmer "don't always believe what you hear" and blamed Washington for ginning up speculation.

Hard questions dismissed. If we want to know what's in the bill, we have to pass it. That's what the Speaker of the House answered in regards to what we all now call Obamacare. Don't always believe what you hear.

Don't ask. You really don't want to know the answers. I'm fed up with Big Brother antics. Obama gave a speech outside his new $1.2 million bus about he wants everything to say three words. Made in America. Duh. Bus made in Canada.

He's much smarter than you and I and the farmer in Atkinson IL. No need to ask questions.

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Green Jobs?

Evergreen Solar Inc., the once-promising company that took tens of millions of dollars in incentives from state government, is bankrupt. Evergreen was losing money on every solar panel it made. They are currently in debt to the tune of $500 million.

Interest in the Chevy Volt has greatly diminished. However, Obama declared on his bus tour that "you need to understand your market." He continued with you can not make money on SUVs and trucks only.

Fleeced. We've been fleeced. There's a company who hired 14 people with government aid and did energy retro-fitting of THREE houses. They're going under too.

More $ from Peter to pay Paul.

Did you hear that they are saying that food stamps are a stimulus to the economy. What? Paul can buy food and that creates jobs? As long as Mary or Paul or Timothy are buying food, jobs are SAVED. Created? Not.

And what about Peter? Since he's supporting green jobs, providing food for Paul et al, and contributing to the crushing interest on our nation's debt, Peter has less $ to spend.

Now we threaten to take more and more of Peter's earnings. Will he invest what he has left? Will he take the risk of hiring more people? Will he start a new venture?

Would you? Uncertainty reigns. Peter is clinging to his $ and keeping it safe.

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Ryan Rhodes

Ryan Rhodes is the young man who asked Obama about the Tea Party being called terrorist. Obama refused to acknowledge the question but agreed to meet with Ryan alone.

Ryan reports that Obama denied Biden ever called anyone in the Tea Party a terrorist.

I learned today that Ryan used to work for a car dealership that Obama put out of business when he took over the car companies. I would have thought he'd ask about that or how Obama can just take over companies. But he is a Tea Party member and simply wanted to clear the air about the rhetoric used.

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Pay-Go

In February 2010, right after the last time the debt ceiling was raised, President Obama signed into law Pay-Go. You know. Pay for what you spend as you go. Pay as you go.

If we have been paying as we've gone, why would we need to raise the debt ceiling again?

If this is true, why has no one asked? Too hard a question?

Or is this law just a silly nod with a wink?

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Why

Unemployment among blacks was roughly 10% throughout Clinton and Bush but jumped since Obama took office to over 16%. Why?

And if it's true, should they be the loudest voice against Obama's efforts which are failing?

Or, is the idea to keep the blacks and over minorities riled up. Get them to hate whites, anyone with decent clothes, or a SUV? Hate the wealthy however they are identified. Hate, hate, uprise.

Is that what we watched in the UK? Is it coming here by design?

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Obamacare Ruling

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals just ruled that the mandate inside Obamacare that individuals must purchase a policy is not constitutional. It leaves the rest of the bill alone.

One more leg of the stool kicked out. This thing will cost more than originally stated. It will affect every one of us as it contains changes to medicare payroll deductions.

It will set up "death panels" as Palin warned.

Most of the damage will go into effect after Obama is defeated and no longer in the White House.

My prayer is that this bill be overturned, eliminated, thrown out. Does health care need reform. Sure. Open the state borders immediately. Open the markets.

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Unsure

I read that some Dems are worried. Can Obama win in 2012? It's a very good question.

Tonight the GOP candidates (most of those known to be running) are debating in Iowa. It's a Fox News event. I know we're not supposed to watch Fox News but I have trouble watching other news outlets these days.

I will watch hoping to see who might be our pick to unseat Dictator and Chief B. Obama. No more Obama money for anyone!

We must find a strong, principled, clear speaking, focused candidate. Now I see too many faces. Most are saying what I want to hear.

I worry therefore I pray.

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Sunshine

The sun is out shining bright. God is in charge.

So much of the news is bad news. The stock market was up but I'm not sure why. The Fed promises to leave rates as close to zero as possible for the next two years. Economic growth is slower than it should be. London is on fire. The UK is in better shape than most of Europe. What gives there? Unrest against the "haves"?

God is still in charge. God bless America.

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Volatile

Volatile market. Up, down, up, down, up. Not over yet.

Fed reports no QE3, rates to remain low for next two years. Maybe because Zero is about as low as they can go.

Obama cancels appearances. I think he probably said enough yesterday about who is really responsible for all this financial uncertainty. Everyone but him.

Need to check the balances in my IRA. Looks like retirement will be more interesting than I thought. Next time I watch that show about couponers, I'll take notes.

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Monday Monday

It's the Monday after our nation's credit downgrade by Standards and Poor. From AAA to AA. Surprised? Many in the business community were not that surprised. True, the stock market is down currently over 200 points and the other markets around the world reacted similarly.

Now I'm reading on the web this morning that it's a Tea Party downgrade. Once again, finger point. Blame.

People are calling for Geuthner's resignation. Does anyone think this administration would replace him with someone with a different approach? No. His approach is this White House's approach. We would just get another person asking for more and more $ to stimulate this economy.

Did anyone see that business lady on with Cavuto? She was a strong clear voice. Why should I hire anyone else? Why should I take the risk? Why should I take out more loans? What my goal is with my company is quite clear. We need someone to lead -- with set goals and reliable steps set forth to reach the goal. This man will not be known as the first black president. He'll be known as the downgrade president.

Those are my thoughts for today. Replacing Geuthner - not the answer. More stimulus $ - not the answer. What could the answer be?

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Down, down, down

Did you watch any of the fall on Wall Street yesterday? I listened to many talking heads trying to figure out why. I suspect it's a nervous market. Later today the employment numbers for July are announced. And to think that avoiding the 8/2 deadline, getting checks to Granny, issuing pay to our military, and paying the interest on our debts were not enough to solve our problems. Now the DOW.

I watched the world at 3am. The markets in Hong Kong and Japan were down nearly the same percentage. China's market slid but not to the same extent. The reporter in London said Europe is slipping too.

Well, we were assured yesterday that our president is working on the jobs problem. Of course, we were unable to get an answer of what he's doing. I'm sure he's nervous and worried. Maybe he needs to face his own insanity.

Doing the same thing expecting a different outcome. Insanity.

Time to listen to other voices, Mr. President.

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Hate The Hand

Obama keeps fueling the hatred of the rich causing class envy like never before. Hate the hand that feeds you aka The Boss. I work for an accounting partnership across town. I just can't find it in myself to hate the bosses. They work hard, they take investment risks, they have payroll to meet, they keep up with the required continued education requirements, and they have families to care for.

If we truly hate the rich, we hate the picture of opportunity we set forth for our children. I call that HOPE. The hope that each of us can acquire beyond our basic needs.

Years ago I heard an interview with a young black athlete who was in his rookie year as a professional. He said he was shocked how much of his earnings go for taxes. That's very true. His salary package said he'd earn $2 million his first year. After the expenses of his agent, federal income taxes, state taxes to every state he played his games in, and self employment taxes, he found he did not have enough to buy his mother the house he had promised.

Yesterday I heard that if we taxed millionaires and billionaires 100% of their taxable income, denied private jet owners all deductions associated, and took back all research credits for oil companies, we would net just over $1 trillion. Sounds like a lot but it's not enough. Our hole is quite a bit deeper.

So, I refuse to hate the rich. I refuse to kill the dream of success for each and every American. Yes, you and I CAN be rich. Of course, if we achieve that, we will be targets.

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Worried

I know I'm not alone. Millions worry. Too many are unemployed or under-employed. Too many are unable to meet their obligations.

These past three weeks have been focused on our debt and spending as a nation. Beyond the ugly of the politics and posturing, the truth is the numbers are beyond our full understanding.

One revelation I discovered lately. When they say "cut", they are not eliminating an expense. They are reducing the increase scheduled.

The government has a built in 8% increase in all "line items" in OUR budget. The word cut means they are reducing the increase. They are not reducing or eliminating an expense like you and I do within our household budgets.

I am not talking about not paying our military. I am not talking about not paying our obligations such as medicare providers, social security recipients. I am talking about reducing all cabinet budgets like education. I am talking reducing wages. I am talking freezing all salaries. I am talking examining "travel" expenses and compensations.

Where is that candidate who promised to take a scalper to the costs of government?

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B