President Bush, in his January 28th State of the Union address, threatened to veto any bills that came to him heavily laden with earmarks. When he submitted his $3.1 Trillion budget proposal of 2009, it was filled with earmarks, all to the benefit of Dick Cheney’s home state. Guess there wasn’t any money left for other earmarks.
Ralph Nader decided to run for President again. Michael Bloomberg decided not to.
Hillary Clinton went through a three personality display within a matter of days. She left the debate in Austin last week having shown a kinder gentler side, arriving in Ohio as a angry shrew, and a couple of days later showed mockery for all things Obama. We liked the kinder sincere Hillary.
Barack Obama rejected and denounced an endorsement from Nation of Islam leader Farrakhan, a radical black leader who doesn’t seem to like anyone but himself. Obama embraced an endorsement from Chris Dodd and a few others with lesser known names.
John McCain apologized for statements at a rally made by Bill Cunningham, conservative talk show host, then embraced an endorsement by conservative minister John Hagee, then distanced himself from Hagee, then said the didn’t support all of Hagee’s positions. Well, it’s a tight rope, but it seems McCain will take support where he can get it.
Hillary Clinton is just looking for an endorsement… anywhere.
The breakthrough moment of the week was probably the New York Philharmonic performing in North Korea. Well, it’s not time to sing “Kumbaya”, but it was a step in the right direction.
General Casey testified before Congress that the troops are strained, stressed and tired.
The Marines are still waiting for armored vehicles.
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton participated in the 20th Democratic debate of the political primary season. They spoke of NAFTA, the economy, health care, and the war. But, all in all no one landed the big punch. Maybe Tuesday’s primaries in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont will do it for them.
By the way, Rhode Island and Vermont are holding primaries on March 4th, although no one seems to have noticed.
Congress decided to ask the FBI to determine if Roger Clemens lied about getting a “performance enhancing” shot in the ass.
AG Mukasey decided not to follow up on a Congressional request to hold Bush aides in contempt for not showing up. Did anyone really think the Bush AG would take action?
Dick Cheney’s email is still missing and Bush whined about the House not passing his FISA bill. Maybe the telecoms could help find Cheney’s email correspondence and give the rest of us a break for a while.
On the housing front, more people are being forced out of their homes due to foreclosures. But, one in one hundred will end up in jail anyway. That’s maybe not the housing we need, but it’s what we have.
We were told that veterans are getting better care, but that’s doubtful from where I sit. “Better” isn’t exactly a quantitative number so until we see some real results we must stay on the backs of Congress, the President and the VA. Red tape isn’t a bandage or a treatment.
The deadly heparin was recalled after 21 deaths. I’m sure Baxter International has made a handsome profit in the meantime.
Prince Harry was outed in Afghanistan and arrived back in England this morning.
And, we must stay ever vigilant as President Bush tries to turn the “Roadless Rule” to the “Road Rule”.
That pretty much sums up my week. Hope yours was better.
