The Way I See ItBy cj pollickGovernment Test Results Are In - American banks have been dreading government stress test results that will be released on Friday. Large banks such as Bank of America and Citigroup have already heard that the government financial stress test results reflect a need for more capital (billions of dollars of more capital.) Smaller regional banks also have some bad news coming (regional banks such as Regions, Sun Trust, etc., etc.) Generally speaking, the government banking stress test shows a need for more banking capital, capital that the government is willing to lend (or convert into bank stock.) Thus, the government could end-up owning control of many large and regional US banks. The good news? The government is willing to invest more capital into failing US banks. The bad news? Many US banks will be owned and controlled by the US government. Stockholders and bondholders should keep a keen eye on all of this government intervention into the banking and investment industry. Swine Flu Spreading - Experts have known that an outbreak of swine flu has occurred in Mexico. The number of infected people in Mexico is not known, but at least one expert believes the number to be higher than expected. People are dying of this dread disease in Mexico and other places. Yes, the swine flu has spread to the US, Asia, Europe and other places around the globe. The flu once thought to only be spread by pigs is now recognized as being able to be spread by infected people. Furthermore, the ability to become infected by a person who has the flu may occur prior to the infected person showing any symptoms. There are several states in the US where swine flu infection has been reported to US health authorities. The list of states with people who are infected is growing and health officials expect some deaths. In many instances, the health department has also noted that infected people have one common trait, a visit to Mexico. There is, nevertheless, treatment for the swine flu and infected Americans are being treated. However, and until the American government reports otherwise, travelers should avoid visiting Mexico. Interestingly, UK officials have suggested to their citizens to avoid traveling to either the US or Mexico. New York Times Reports That Obama's Loyal Supporters Are Black Americans - As national approval ratings for president Obama continue to drop, a recent NY Times article stated that black Americans remain loyal to the president, 70% approval rating. However, the same article stated that only 34% of white Americans believe America is headed in the right direction under President Obama. Seventy percent (70%) of black Americans say Obama is leading the country in the right direction. Thirty-four percent (34%) of white Americans say Obama is leading the nation in the right direction. Interesting difference of opinion. Condo Developer Files For Bankruptcy Protection - Opus South of St. Petersburg has filed for bankruptcy protection. Opus South was/is the developer of the downtown Clearwater high-rise condominium project that has many unsold condominium units. Chairman Mark Rauenhorst of Opus Corp. (Atlanta) reported that there would be an orderly winding-up of the real estate portfolio. How this bankruptcy filing might affect the several condominium owners of the downtown Clearwater project is unclear; however, with the majority of developed condominium units not sold, the Clearwater high-rise project (Waters Edge) will remain under a cloud of legal confusion. He Says He Has A Gift - When it comes to delivering a speech, Barack Obama said to Sen. Harry Reid, "I have a gift." Yes, the president said he has “a gift” when it comes to delivering a speech. Most folks would agree with Obama's assessment of his speechmaking skills, he is one smooth talker, one of the best, most would say. Yet, when it comes to following-through with the contents of his speeches, less than one-half of his supporters say he has made progress with his promises to reform the way business is done in Washington. Former President Jimmy Carter had the same gift of speechmaking with his "southern" draw and friendly smile. However, Carter lasted only one term as president as he led America into a recession and escalating inflation. Jimmy Carter continued to give great speeches, but many Americans knew they were just words without substance. The election of Ronald Reagan led America out of a recession with tax cuts, job creation and a smaller government. (Just the opposite of what is currently happening in Washington.) Smooth talker? Yes, Barack Obama has "a gift" for speechmaking, but will he make America a better place to live and work? Time will tell. The New Barker - There is a dog magazine called The New Barker; in this fine magazine one could find many interesting articles about dogs and information for dog owners. In the Spring 2009 edition, there was an article about a man who jumped in the water to save his dog from a shark attack. The article on page 65 was titled Jake & The Shark and it is worth reading. Yes, the 14-pound Rat Terrier was bitten, saved by Jake, and is still healthy in Islamorada, Florida. Great magazine -- great story about a man and his pet dog. Can't Sell The Seats - There is a reason why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can't sell-out their season tickets: They are not likely to win many football games in 2009. The Glazers tend to think they can increase ticket prices, field a mediocre football team, and Tampa Bay citizens will spend money during a recession just to watch a local professional football game. The Glazers will learn something in 2009. On the other hand, USF football tickets are selling to local Tampa Bay citizens because certain leaders at USF have made a commitment for competitive football at USF. The BULLS will have a great college football schedule in 2009 adding the likes of FSU and Miami to an already tough BIG EAST schedule. Going to a football game? Try the BULLS. (There are still some season tickets available.) Why Would Obama Put Down America? - Most Americans have begun to recognize that President Obama is a gregarious person who likes to be...liked by people from around the globe. However, and regardless of his appetite for being liked, no American president had ever traveled the world like President Obama apologizing for America. For example, why would Obama apologize for America's arrogance to foreign leaders who dislike America? Why would Obama say to the French, "In America there is a failure to appreciate Europe!" Why would the President of the US submissively bow to a foreign middle-east king? Ironically, when Obama was speaking in France he was only a few hundred miles from Normandy (where many American soldiers lost their lives in WWII helping to free Europe and France.) Ask older Germans if they appreciated American soldiers remaining in Berlin while the Russians were coming during WWII. Apologize for American arrogance? Tell that to the Americans who fought and worked to supply troops during WWI, WWII, the so-called Cold Wars, Baltic War and the Persian Gulf -- apologize? Leadership - And when we think we lead, we are most led. - Lord Byron |