Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Did Romney Own a Chain of Strip Clubs in 2006?

Probably not.  The rate of return is too low.  To turn $6000 annual contributions and 401(k) rollovers into a one hundred million dollar stash is drug lord territory.  But we will not know the answer until he shares his tax returns with the American people.

Based on the sole return released to date Romney has a major character flaw.  He has been running for president for more than six years.  Yet his 2010 return contains overseas bank accounts that were sure to raise concerns (as well as an absurdly low tax rate).   Only greed or arrogance can explain the failure to liquidate those holdings.

If Romney fails to release more returns, we can be assured that the information, if released, would render him unelectable.  It is fair to assume the worst.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Something to Chew On

I will be out of town for a few days.  Something to chew on until I return. (Leon's, an all you can eat BBQ joint in Memphis taken August, 2009.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Conservative Republican Governors Vow to Support Obamacare

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that failure of some governors to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Healthcare Act will reduce the cost of the program by 84 billion dollars.  Not only will conservative governors provide financial support for Obamacare by refusing to expand Medicaid, but they will preside over one of the largest unintended transfers of wealth in the nation's history.

Obamacare has two key elements.  Receiving the most attention, has been the mandate.  Increasing participation by those who can afford health insurance through imposition of a penalty on those who fail to buy coverage is important.  It is the quid pro quo for removing preexisting condition restrictions on coverage.

But the big ticket item is the expansion of Medicaid to cover the working poor.  For the first 3 years this expansion is fully paid for by the federal government, and 90 per cent thereafter.  Citizens of all states will bear the cost, but, if conservative governors have their way,  only citizens of some states will receive the benefits.

This will result in the reduction of insurance premiums in purple and blue states relative to deep red states.  The Center for American Progress has estimated that annually $410 of individual, and $1110 of family, insurance premiums cover provider loses for treating the uninsured.  If premiums only drop by one half of this amount it will result in a significant income transfer to residents of adopting states.  Holders of individual policies will have more money, corporations, that provide insurance coverage, will have more profit.  Lower insurance premiums will factor into decisions of location, or relocation, of businesses.  By placing principle over principal, Republican governors deny health coverage to the working poor in their states, and financial benefits to those already insured.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Senator McCain Could Have Won for Losing

With the economic earthquake and the Bush backlash, 2008 was destined to be a Democratic deluge.  If McCain lost the nomination to Romney in 2008, he quite likely would be the Republican nominee now.   Economic stagnation and, at best, ambivalence to Obamacare, would have made 2012 McCain's to lose.

As have often been pointed out, most recently by Sean Trende at http://realclearpolitics.com,  defeating an incumbent takes two steps.  First, the public must be convinced to vote against the sitting President, as is presently the case.  Second, the challenger must be an acceptable alternative, a combination of personality and biography.  As an ever feisty war hero, McCain would have easily cleared the second hurdle.  Although Ms. Palin would no doubt have claimed that, "she could see the economy from her house," she would not have been the VP.  Not needing a game changer, McCain would have picked someone to shore up his economic credentials.

Neither personality nor biography are Romney strong suits.  On camera he is insincere and appears smug.  Romneycare prevents him from running as a former governor, and attacks on Bain fetter his emphasis on his business experience.  Pictures of him with his dog saying, "Roof, roof'" would be over the top.  As a Mormon, he has apparently determined that emphasizing his deep personal, financial and philosophical commitment to his church, is too risky.  As a Nowhere Man, he may indeed go no where in this election.  His only advantage over McCain is that he can enumerate all of his houses.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Swiss Miss

Michele Bachmann turned her new McCarthyism into overdrive.  She has accused Huma Abedin, Hillary Clinton's deputy chief of staff, and fellow Minnesota Representative, Keith Ellison of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.  Her only "evidence" is that they are Muslim.  If she wants to go on a witch hunt, why not go after Christine, I am not a witch, O'Donnell.

Playing against this phony patriotic blather, is  the USA Today story that she became a Swiss Citizen shortly after the Iowa caucuses.  When her dual citizenship became public, Michelle quickly surrendered her right to visit Mitt's money.

Two of the ever dwindling number of adults in the Republican party, Senator John McCain and Ed Rollins, her former campaign manager, denounced the xenophobic tirades.  But where was Mitt?  While demonstrating political flexibility that only a yoga instructor could love, he has yet to show a backbone.


Sunday, July 22, 2012

The Long and Winding Road


About to go on a road trip, so I thought of this.  On the road to Clarksdale, Ms., August 2009.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

The Gun Lobby: Principled Paranoia

Gun ownership is enshrined in the Second Amendment.  For women, the right to bear arms predates the right to bare arms.

Americans resoundingly, if not universally, agree that hunters should be able to purchase rifles, and that all, who believe the risk of criminal assault exceeds the danger of accidental discharge, may buy a pistol for self protection.

Gun control legislation consistent with this consensus, would ban automatic and semi-automatic weapons, as well as custom magazines that may chamber as many as 90 rounds.  James Holmes would not be able to purchase enough rounds online, to slaughter the entire deer population of North America.  An efficient and interconnected federal, state and local data base would track such purchases, as well as, multiple gun purchases.  Better background checks would be possible through shared information.

But legislation is prevented by a fringe phalanx that is locked and loaded by the NRA.  America is a long standing democracy with an intricate system of checks and balances.   But some believe that the federal government is, or about to become, a gestapo trampling on their rights.  They reason that only a well armed citizen militia can protect freedom and liberty.   Gun control is held hostage, by this well financed minority.

If the inmates are allowed to run the asylum, we should at least ensure that they do not have assault rifles.






Friday, July 20, 2012

Innocence

Today is not a day for polemics.  Taken in Puerto Vallarta April, 2010.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Misty Mississippi

Visual relief from the heat.  Taken in New Orleans, December 2009.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Get Out of Jail Free Card

As I discussed in an earlier post, someone who gives ten dollars to a campaign is a contributor, someone who gives ten million is an investor. Gambling mogul, Sheldon Adelson, is a case in point.  He is currently under investigation for bribery and other possible violations of the Federal Corrupt Practices Act.

Forum shopping is the use of any legal means at a litigants disposal to have a matter heard in a jurisdiction, or court, most likely to produce a favorable outcome.  Forum shopping does not guarantee the result, it improves the odds.

Choosing the prosecutor is far more helpful, because a prosecutor can decide not to pursue a matter or enter into a favorable plea bargain.  Giving up to a hundred million dollars to Romney and other Republicans has an obvious goal.  A Romney controlled Justice Department may quietly drop the matter.

We can keep track of a high flyer, like Sheldon Adelson.  Stealth investors flying below the radar  are the real threat.  As discussed in the post "Boycott!",  contributors to 501(c)(4) advocacy groups, such as Karl Rowe's American Crossroads GPS, are not disclosed.  Contributors could include investment bankers, fearing prosecution for the financial melt down, and oil barons, protecting favorable tax treatment or  seeking to reduce environmental safeguards.

We have a right to know.  Please urge your Congressperson and Senator to support the Disclosure Act, which is currently blocked by a Republican filibuster.  If passed, starting January 1, contributions at, or above, ten thousand dollars would be promptly disclosed. 




Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Disgusting Brunch at Maximillian's

Maximillian's is a chef owned Austrian restaurant in the San Fernando Valley, that I had been meaning to try.  So I jumped on a Groupon for weekend champagne brunch.

First the good--the restaurant is a pleasant looking converted house and we did not get food poisoning.  Given that the sterno was not replaced under the buffet dishes, which had clearly been out a long time, food poisoning was a distinct possibility.

At even the most basic buffet there is one thing you should have a right to expect--plates.  Not at Maximillian's. After waiting 10 minutes for our one non-refillable Mimosa, we were told we could help ourselves.  There were no plates.  We asked a passing waitress, who said she could not get them, we would have to ask the chef.  With some reluctance, he gave each of us a plate.

Because the food was cold, and this is humbling for a carnivore to admit, the best dish was mixed greens.  In addition there was a chicken dish in a sauce from a can, a pasta dish with no sauce, a beef and rice dish with virtually no beef left, remnants of what once might have been grilled vegetables and an ample platter of poached salmon.  Tasting, or rather failing to taste the salmon, solved the mystery of its staying power.

Of course when we went back to get more mixed greens we had to keep the same plates, which still had the food we considered inedible.  In fact after getting tired of looking at the food on those plates, we bused them ourselves.  We went back to try the desserts.  The same routine, we had to beg for plates.  We needn't have bothered.  After trying the offerings we ordered a passable apple strudel off the menu.

The service was poor, and morale was low.  I soon discovered why.  They had to eat the same food we had suffered through.  At least they had plates.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Romney's Olympic Moment?

Soon we will know if Romney's tax returns are a mere false start, or a full disqualification from the presidential race.  While America is watching this year's dream team shoot, he should be passing ten years of tax returns to the press corp.

The political game plan always calls for a dump of embarrassing data when the public  focus is elsewhere.  If the campaign ignores the unique opportunity afforded by the Olympics, the tax returns, if released, would be a game changer.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Just Say No

The famous English historian, William Maitland, reportedly did not speak until a lady spilled hot tea on him at the age of 5.  He reassured  her saying, "It is all right madam, the pain has somewhat abated."  When asked why he had never spoken he replied, "Everything had been had been fine until now."

The media has missed the point about Bain.   Romney did not object to Bain investments after February of 1999 because he thought everything was fine.  As the sole shareholder, the CEO and President, he certainly received updates on the company he founded and, which, was the primary source of his wealth.   He was mute as a matter of choice, not because of the lack of a voice in company affairs.  If, as his titles suggest, he had veto authority, he remains responsible for the actions of Bain Capital until 2002 when he resigned.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Romney Wimps Out

Condoleezza Rice on Romney's short list was a tantalizing story.  She could have been a game changer--appealing to independents, but challenging to a portion of his base.  It had the potential to replace discussions of Bain and tax returns.

But as soon as Romney received pressure from conservative groups he stepped on the story that his campaign had so carefully leaked.  Romney assured some conservative groups that Rice would not be the nominee, and publicly declared that his selection would be pro life (Rice is on record as saying she is mildly pro choice).

Another Romney flip has flopped.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Rice Bowl

What do you do when your business background becomes a bane not a boon?  You drudge up the name of a provocative potential VP and leak it to a friendly media source.  Romney desperately wants to change the subject.

However articulate, qualified and demographically desirable  Condoleezza Rice may be, Romney is unlikely to select someone who is pro choice and has ties to the Bush administration.  Romney wants to run out the clock until the public focus shifts to the Olympics, and he can remind voters of his role in the 2002 Salt Lake games.   

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

33 Nails in the Republican Coffin?

A weak economy has obscured the growing strength of the Democratic Party.   Preaching solely to the choir, Republicans have emptied the pews.  Hispanics are the fastest growing segment of the population.  Formerly deep red Arizona has purple fringes because of Republican immigration policies.  The spectrum shift will soon be visible in other states.

Women make up the majority of voters.  Republicans seem hell bent on widening the gender gap.  Young voters, and even younger future voters, favor gay marriage.  Hereto, Republicans are facing a demographic head wind. 

But the final blow may be the 33 votes by the Republican controlled house to eliminate all, or part, of the Affordable Health Care Act.  Historically, as benefits begin to flow, social programs surge in popularity.  FDR was called a traitor to his class for advocating Social Security.  In the 1960s Ronald Reagan opposed Medicare.  Now these programs are the political holy grail.  If Obamacare follows a similar pattern,  Republicans will be unable to hide from their redundant opposition.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Boycott!

  Prior to the Citizens United decision, Republicans sang the virtue of disclosure requirements as an adequate safeguard for liberalized rules on political contributions.  After the judicial victory, the tune changed.  Liberal vendettas would be launched against contributors.  As an addendum to the Constitution, large corporations and the wealthy are entitled to free, and anonymous, speech.

Advocacy groups formed under IRS Code 501(c)(4) such as Karl Rowe's American Crossroads GPS, are not required to, and generally do not, disclose donors.  Giving one hundred dollars to a campaign is a contribution,  ten million is an investment.

The return on the investment may come from our tax dollars.  As voters we have the right to know the investors. Quoting Justice Lewis Brandeis, "Sunshine is the best disinfectant."  I am proposing that we all form the Sunshine Movement.  We boycott all television stations (and their advertisers) that accept adds from advocacy groups that do not disclose donors.  Also, we vote against any candidate for federal office who opposes full disclosure.

Former California Treasurer, Jesse Unruh, famously said, "Money is the mother's milk of politics."  If we are to be subjected to cheesy political ads, we should have a right to know the source of the milk.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Hidden Treasure



The Buddhist Temple in Hacienda Heights (about 12 miles east of Los Angeles) is one of the largest and most beautiful temples in the United States.

Friday, July 6, 2012

The Uncertainty Myth

Republicans have long shouted from the roof tops that businesses have failed to increase their workforces because the President has created uncertainty with with his legislation, proposals and regulations.  Fortunately most of us Democrats do not live on roof tops.  We are more grounded in the truth.

Today I will only focus on the respective tax proposals.   Obama was clear that he wanted to increase the top bracket for income in excess of $250,000 from 35% to 39.6%.  This is hardly a job killer.  Large corporations will not stop hiring because the tax rate for some executives will increase.  Small businesses taxed on the individual rate, that are making net profit in excess of 250,000, are unlikely to pass up a good business opportunity because of 4.6% increase in taxes over that amount.  At most it might be a slight consideration on the margins.

In contrast if business leaders believe the Ryan/Romney budget has a chance of passage there would be total paralysis.  The plan cuts taxes, primarily on upper bracket tax payers, by 5 trillion over the next 10 years.  Defense spending is to increase by 2 trillion.  But not only is the budget supposed to cover this loss of revenue, but the deficit is to be reduced.  This is to be achieved by cutting spending,  a thread bare safety net, and removing unspecified deductions.  Spending creates demand.  Businesses will be reluctant to expand until the impact can be quantified. 

Much business planning is designed to maximize deductions.  Moreover, some deductions are industry specific.  Without knowing whose ox will be gored, businesses will be on an economic diet, leading to an anorexic economy.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Otha Turner Family Picnic

Nothing says Independence Day like a drum and fife.  Photo is of Sharde and the Rising Star Drum and Fife Band (August 28, 2009, Como, MS.).  Sharde is Otha Turner's granddaughter.  Going to the picnic should be on everyone's bucket list.  Happy July 4th.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Swiftboating Romney

The subject of the negative advertising against Senator Kerry was more important than failure to fact check.  Attacking an opponent's weakness wounds,  undercutting his strength kills.

Romney could not win the Republican nomination running on his record as governor.  Instead he proclaimed,  that as a businessman he understands the economy and knows how to create jobs.  As an aside, a Romney victory might not only be depressing for me, but also for the country as a whole.  The last businessman/president was Herbert Hoover.

The Bain Capital ads may have generated some angst in D.C. and New York, but they have lubricated the rust belt.  Polls now show that a majority in the battleground states regard Romney's business tenure as a negative.  The ads peel away voters from Romney's core constituency, non-college educated white males.  The ads have the added benefit of attacking Romney's weakness.  He is not likeable.  Even if he drank, you would rather have a beer with Barack, than a margarita with Mitt.

The most devastating ad is: "Stage" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLo0Jwj03JU&feature=youtu.be.  A fired worker recalls building the stage used as a platform by Bain executives to announce the closing of the plant.  He says, "It was like building my own coffin".  Prioities USA seeks to nail the coffin shut on the Romney candidacy.

I Still Have a Chance of Salvation

Before blogging on the swifboating of Romney, I have a personal note.

I started to make a right hand turn because the only oncoming car was entering the left turn lane.  I stopped in time as the car proceeded straight through the intersection.  Fortunately, I saw the driver and passenger before I expressed my appreciation for the driving style.  Even a member of the tribe famed for a streamlined protrusion,  knows it is not circumspect to flip off a pair of nuns.

Fire Up the Grills

A July 4th inspiration for all grill masters--ribeye steak from Doe's Eat Place in Greenville, Ms.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Up, up and away

I am about to board a flight. I thought it fit to share a photo from a balloon ride in Luxor, Egypt.