The Way I See ItBy cj pollickObama Talked, But What Did He Say - As usual, President Obama smooth-talked his way around lollypop questions from pre-screened reporters at a nationally televised press conference. Questions like: What did you think about the way the police handled the (Black-American) Harvard professor? To which Obama replied the police officer handled the much publicized affair stupidly. The Harvard professor was breaking into his own house when a neighbor called to report the incident. Yet, when the professor showed his Harvard ID card to the police they pushed the issue instead of backing-off. The police officer is now in trouble for not showing more restraint and professionalism. Obama, on the other hand, referred to the incident an issue of racial tension still remaining in the US. "Even though I'm an example America has come a long way," said Obama. Serious questions about our deep recession, our growing national debt, and facts about how he would pay for healthcare reform were avoided. More importantly, Obama did make a case for healthcare reform in America. "Too many people without health insurance," said Obama. However, when it came to specifics about how he would pay for the new healthcare plan, none were given. Perhaps the reason for his avoidance of answering such a question on national television is the answer would be large tax increases for many taxpayers and businesses. When it came to explaining how healthcare might be rationed, Obama avoided specifics and talked about people who need health insurance to pay for expensive medical needs. Bottom line was another political speech by a gifted political speaker. He spoke about financial needs all people would want (like a nice house and new car), yet avoided talking about the problems and issues of working and paying for the purchases and delivery, such as national health insurance. Obama did remind the public that he inherited the financial mess in Washington from the previous administration. The expanding national debt plaguing America was created, after all, by a previous Bush administration. What Obama did not say was that Democrats have been in charge of Congress for over two years --did Obama mean that he inherited a financial mess, in part, created by Democrats in charge of Congress - - people like Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, Joe Biden, Chris Dodd, Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, etc.? Surely financial blame and our nation's giant debt could be passed to Republicans and Democrats alike and not just one political party. It was expected that Republicans have "gotten religion" and decide to cut government waste (which they helped to create.) Politics? Absolutely. The GOP is not so grand these days. Is President Obama's heart in the right place? Yes, he appears to be a man who wants to change America and help the less fortunate. However, many Americans support and have supported such an agenda of helping people grow and prosper. Obama has our nation's support on that issue. However, changing America to become a socialistic nation much like France, Germany and England, does not have support of most hard-working Americans who want less government and less taxes. What about Social Security? No answer. Home foreclosures? No answer. Credit and debt? No answer. Illegal immigration issues? No answer. Crist Moves Closer To His Roots - In a surprising move, Gov. Charlie Crist, when asked if he would support the appointment of Judge Sotamayer to the Supreme Court, stated he would not support such an appointment. The problem? Crist expressed that he has issues with the manner in which Judge Sotamayer has opined on legal issues. Thus, Gov. Charlie Crist must be feeling the heat from senate challenger Marco Rubio who had earlier stated that he would not support the Sotamayer appointment to the Supreme Court. Current Republican Sen. Mel Martinez stated he would support Judge Sotamayer for the Supreme Court seat; however, that opinion was not unexpected by Florida Republicans who believe Mel Martinez had left the Republican Party many years ago. NFL Training Camp Opens - To many NFL football fans, August 1st can't arrive any sooner. Bucs pre-season football camp will open on August 1st (as well as many other NFL football teams.) What to look for during this year's Buccaneer training camp? Who will be the Bucs starting quarterback? Question: Why Would The City Of LA Help Fund Michael Jackson's Funeral? - With scores of city policemen and city staff members paid by the taxpayers of Los Angeles to help secure Michael Jackson's funeral, it makes one wonder who approved such a multi-million dollar expense. The mayor and city officials! Here is just one of many expenses that was covered by the LA taxpayers: sandwiches for policemen and staff members that was shipped to LA from 70 miles away. Yes, and California taxpayers want us to help bail them out of debt! Shopping For Colleges? - MSN Money had an interesting article about people negotiating college costs with college admission officials before accepting the printed rates presented by the various colleges. The message was clear: parents should negotiate with every college admission officer and not accept their stated college costs. Why? Many private colleges, according to College Board and MSN Money, may lower costs by 35% for the right type of student. Some public colleges and universities may lower costs by 14.7%. That could be the difference of whether a student attends the college of his/her choice or another lower cost college. "If you do not ask, you will not get," said Rick Davis, CPA, to MSN Money. Some of the points for parents to consider are various types of financial/loan packages and various types of merit cash available to worthy students. Message to students: Keep your grades up and study before you take the SAT test. Merit and honor students will have negotiating power with many colleges and universities. Trust - Put your trust in God, but keep your powder dry. - Oliver Cromwell |