Yeah, It’s A Double-Dip Recession

A light went on in my head the other day regarding a few reports that came out over the last two months.

One report form the CBO cheerleads the American Recovery and Re-Investment Act (ARRA) for its impact on the economy.  Another report from the National Bureau of Economic Research tells us that the Recession ended in June 2009.  And, finally, the Bureau of Economic Analysis tells us what the Real GDP was in the 2nd Quarter of 2010.

We read, according to the NBER, that the Recession ended in June 2009.  Then, we read from the BEA that the Real GDP in the 2nd Quarter of 2010 was 1.7% — growth, but very slow growth.  Then comes the CBO to let us know how that the ARRA affected Real GDP from 2009 – 2010.

Well, according to CBO, in 2nd Quarter 2010, the Real GDP is increased/affected as a result of the ARRA by a minimum of 1.7% to a maximum of 4.5%.  I’m sure at some point the Obama Administration touted the higher numbers from CBO as the evidence of the success of the ARRA.  And, since the funds for the ARRA were borrowed (stolen) from our children (from our children’s GDP), to look at the REAL figures, we need to back the ARRA affect on the GDP out of the pictures.

So, when we subtract the 2nd Quarter 4.5% (ARRA) from the 1.7% (GDP), we get a Real GDP reduction of -2.8%.  If we look back to 1st Quarter 2010, we need to subtract 4.1% (ARRA) from the 3.7% for a Real GDP reduction of -0.4%.

And, there you have it.  Two quarters of negative GDP growth equals Recession equals Double-Dip.

Not only did the ARRA NOT pull us out of recession, it masked the 2nd portion of the Double-Dip by stealing our children’s GDP.

 

If George Bush Had… …Redux

Received via E-mail…

If George W. Bush had doubled the national debt, which had taken more than two centuries to accumulate, in one year, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had then proposed to double the debt again within 10 years, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had criticized a state law that he admitted he never even read, would you think that he is just an ignorant hot head?

If George W. Bush joined the country of Mexico and sued a state in the United States to force that state to continue to allow illegal immigration, would you question his patriotism and wonder who’s side he was on?

If George W. Bush had put 87000 workers out of work by arbitrarily placing a moratorium onoffshore oil drilling on companies that have one of the best safety records of any industry because one company had an accident would you have agreed?

If George W. Bush had used a forged document as the basis of the moratorium that would render 87000 American workers unemployed would you support him?

If George W. Bush had been the first President to need a TelePrompter installed to be able to get through a press conference, would you have laughed and said this is more proof of how inept he is on his own and is really controlled by smarter men behind the scenes?

If George W. Bush had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to take Laura Bush to a play in NYC, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had reduced your retirement plan’s holdings of GM stock by 90% and given the unions a majority stake in GM, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had made a joke at the expense of the Special Olympics, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given Gordon Brown a set of inexpensive and incorrectly formatted DVDs, when Gordon Brown had given him a thoughtful and historically significant gift, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had given the Queen of England an iPod containing videos of his speeches, would you have thought this embarrassingly narcissistic and tacky?

If George W. Bush had bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had visited Austria and made reference to the nonexistent “Austrian language,” would you have brushed it off as a minor slip?

If George W. Bush had filled his cabinet and circle of advisers with people who cannot seem to keep current in their income taxes, would you have approved?

If George W. Bush had stated that he had visited 57 states in the United States , would you have said that he is clueless.

If George W. Bush would have flown all the way to Denmark to make a five minute speech about how the Olympics would benefit him walking out his front door in Texas , would you havethought he was a self important, conceited, egotistical jerk.

If George W. Bush had been so Spanish illiterate as to refer to “Cinco de Cuatro” in front of the Mexican ambassador when it was the 5th of May (Cinco de Mayo), and continued to flub it when he tried again, would you have winced in embarrassment?

If George W. Bush had misspelled the word “advice” would you have hammered him for it for years like Dan Quayle and potatoes as proof of what a dunce he is?

If George W. Bush had burned 9,000 gallons of jet fuel to go plant a single tree on Earth Day, would you have concluded he’s a hypocrite?

If George W. Bush’s administration had okayed Air Force One flying low over millions of people followed by a jet fighter in downtown Manhattan causing widespread panic, would you have wondered whether they actually get what happened on 9-11?

If George W. Bush had failed to send relief aid to flood victims throughout the Midwest with more people killed or made homeless than in New Orleans , would you want it made into a major ongoing political issue with claims of racism and incompetence?

If George W. Bush had created the position of 32 Czars who report directly to him, bypassing the House and Senate on much of what is happening in America , would you have approved.

If George W. Bush had ordered the firing of the CEO of a major corporation, even though he had no constitutional authority to do so, would you have approved?

So, tell me again, what is it about Obama that makes him so brilliant and impressive? Can’t think of anything? Don’t worry. He’s done all this in 15 months — so you’ll have two years and nine months to come up with an answer.

Every statement in this email is factual and directly attributable to Barrack Hussein Obama.   Every bumble is a matter of record and completely verifiable.

 

Liking Robin

For those of you who can’t bring yourself to ‘Like’ Robin Carnahan on her Facebook page, you might want to reconsider.  Her campaign is determined to ensure their loss through this public portal into its inner workings.  Today they advertised for folks to come and get signs to proudly display in their yards supporting Carnahan’s campaign.

The replies are rich and give a great insight into the campaign and her supporters.  Here’s the post from her Facebook page:

If the way she runs her campaign is any indication of how organized she would be when acting as our Representative, I think we and her supporters are in for big trouble.  To be fair, a few later posters noted that they ‘had’ their signs.  But, for the most part, it looked like people have tried to get information from her about where and how to get signs with no luck?

Sound familiar?  Ever tried to get any information out of little brother Russ?

Sadly, her followers can’t even think to call the office for more information and sit at their computers whining about the vacant space in their yards where a Carnahan sign should be.  And of course, left wing liberal Patrick Graney chimes in with the useless “teabagger” and “screaming buffoonery” comment.  I’m sure a conversation with him would be expose the same typical liberal lack of ability to debate the issues apparent Carnahan’s radio and TV ads.  Oh, he’s a teacher?  Hmm, any bets on whether he supports Big Unions and more money to fix schools?!?!

Don’t worry common-sense-conservative friends?  I will keep an eye on her Facebook shenanigans for you!  No need to burn your eyes with inane liberal chatter.

Here are the remaining posts for your enjoyment.  The comments about not being able to afford or pay for a sign are funny.  It’s sad if the folks were being serious and think they have to buy the signs.

 

Just A Reminder: Obamacare Taxes

With all the press last week over all the goodies in Obamacare; we certainly don’t want to forget the massive tax hikes that they will employ to keep the thing ‘deficit neutral’.

Here’s a nice review from the Spokesman-Review.

Based on the press we saw last week,  you’d think Obamacare was free — guess NOT!

Also, don’t forget also that the CBO re-scored the bill(s) and it is now seen to be adding $100 Billion per year to the deficit.

We certainly are finding out wha’t in it.

 

The End Of Captalism

Yesterday, in his speech to the UN, Iranian President and psychopath Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed that Capitalism was dying and in need of replacement.

(h/t http://www.anorak.co.uk)

“The discriminatory order of capitalism and the hegemonic approaches are facing defeat and are getting close to their end,” Ahmadinejad said.  “…The undemocratic and unjust governance structures of the decision-making bodies in international economic and political fields are the reasons behind most of the plights today humanity is confronting.”

While he didn’t offer any alternatives, he said, “The world is in need of an encompassing and, of course, just and humane order in the light of which the rights of all are preserved and peace and security are safeguarded.”

Ahmadinejad’s view of world and Capitalism is about as myopic as his view of homosexuality in Iran.

Fingers are getting tired; we’ll just call him Mr. Acme.

Let’s just look at Mr. Acme’s latest visit to the U.S. to see how bad Capitalism really is.   And each time we run across something that exists by, through, and because of capitalism, we’ll mark it with a (C).

Mr. Acme lives in a building of some sort with air conditioning (C) and light (C).  He wears Members Jackets (C) and seems to shave parts of his face with a razor (C).  He drives a car (C) from his home (C) to the airport (C).  He gets into a plane (C) and flies to America (C).

(As an aside, the trip is paid for with Petrodollars that flow into his country because of the discovery of oil (C) and its ability to power cars (C), planes (C), ships (C), etc.)

We suspect Mr. Acme eats food that was presented on a plate (C) with a knife (C) and fork (C).  He might even drink bottled water (C).  His entourage wears suits (C) and radios (C) with ear pieces (C), so he can be protected and kept safe.

That’s the short list, but you get the idea.  President Acme couldn’t even come to America to complain about Capitalism but for its very existence.

Without Capitalism, how many of the daily amenities to which he’s accustomed would even exist?  The toilet?  Indoor water?  Toilet Paper?  Without Capitalism, Iran would still be a bunch of tribal warlords running around killing each other with swords.  Without Capitalism, President Acme would riding a camel and living in a tent.

Without Capitalism, President Acme wouldn’t even know America exists.

President Acme, you ought to be thanking your lucky stars for Capitalism.  Without it, you’d be wiping the shit off your ass with your hand.

 

Updated: A Clue?

Update Update Update Update Update Update Update Update Update Update

Well, according to CNN, the GOP did not sack Lisa Murkowski as party leader on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.  Do the votes of the Alaskans not matter after all?  Lame excuses about her being gone anyway ring hollow.

She’s running as an I.N.D.E.P.E.N.D.E.N.T… …which is NOT-REPUBLICAN.  So, why would we even keep her as the party leader on the trash bin committee?

Update Update Update Update Update Update Update Update Update Update

Did the Senate GOP start to get a clue about what’s going on in America?

Lisa Murkowski, current U.S. Senator from Alaska,  lost her primary bid for re-election to Tea-Party backed candidate Joe Miller.  With disdain for the choice made by voters and in a fit comparable to a 3-year-old child, Murkowski launched a write-in campaign for U.S. Senator.  Ignoring the will of the Republican Alaskan voters is no surprise to those watching this year’s election activity with Charlie Crist launching a similar Independent bid after losing a Republican Primary.

On Wednesday, Senate Republicans voted to strip Lisa Murkowski as the party leader on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.  In response to her rejection of the will of the Alaskan voters, the Senate Republicans rejected her.

I’m sure that Murkowski and the State Run Media will bemoan the treatment by the GOP, but keeping her at the helm of the powerful committee would be akin to making Arlen Specter the Minority Leader.

Could this be a glimmer of hope about the Republican Party?  …that they are starting to understand that America is done with the ‘good-ole-boys-and-girls-club’ and that when we put you out, you’re out.

I hear statements from the Republicans that they need to control, contain, reduce, cap and reign in spending.  Statements like that make me think they don’t get it.  Tea Party Americans don’t want that; they want MASSIVE cuts to spending, major cuts to departments and programs, and a hatchet taken to the budget and the IRS!

I hear statements from the Republicans that they want to correct, fix, and improve Obamacare.  I hear some say they will rip it out by its roots.  Tea Party Activists want it ripped out!

I really don’t think the GOP gets it yet; but this is certainly a step in the right direction.

 

Were You Here? “Si! Senor!”

Reid’s cynical attachment of the DREAM act to the National Defense Authorization legislation, if passed, will provide blanket amnesty for millions, if not all, illegal immigrants to gain a pathway to citizenship.  Essentially, the bill will allow them to bypass those who have followed the rules and requirements of our immigration law.

The DREAM Act is intended to “creates a pathway to citizenship” for young illegal aliens who’ve been in the country for five years and crossed the border before the age of 16.

So, Harry Reid and the Amnesty Cabal expect us to believe that any illegal immigrants will answer that question truthfully?!?!

Have you been here for more than 5 years?

“Si! Senor!”

Did you cross the border before you were 16 years old?

“Si! Senor”

The DREAM Act is FULL ON AMNESTY for all 12-16-20-30 Million illegal immigrants (depending on whose number you believe).

If it’s such a wonderful thing Harry, then why won’t you test it on its own merits?  Because you know that it is blanket amnesty, you know the massive backlash from the voters, you know that it could not pass in your own state.

But, what do you care about your state; you’re gone anyway!

 

Blame It On Bush: Recession Ended In June 2009

In Yahoo News today, according to economic experts at the National Bureau of Economic Research, the recession ended just 5 months into the Obama Administration Bush-blame-a-thon.  So, can we assume the Obama Administration will blame the Bush (and Democrat Congress) Policies of massive corporate crony bail-outs for the end of the Recession.

Wanna buy a bridge?

(h/t itsmypub.wordpress.com)

But since he blamed Bush for the Recession and everything else bad that happened in the first two years of the Obama Administration, it’s only appropriate to continue to blame that Administration for the status of the economy!

I hear the spin machines whirring at the Whitehouse as I type… “…only the aggressive efforts of this Administration have brought the greatest Recession since the Great Depression to an abrupt halt…”

Hooey!

If the status of the economy is Bush’s fault at the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010, then the end of the Recession in June 2009 is his fault too.

Way to go George?  Nice bailouts.

(tongue firmly in cheek)

 

The Pity Party

At the Harrah’s Terrace Hotel in Tunica, MS this weekend, the only news channels available were CNN basic and Headline News.  Craving news; I watched.  And yelled.

All over the news was the story from the Census Department reporting that 43.6 million Americans are living below the poverty level.  The highest number since 1994.  1 in 7 people live in American poverty.

When I think if poverty, I picture the emaciated children of Ethiopia (et al.)  with gaunt faces, nearly invisible arms, and distended bellies.  I picture parents and children squatting on dirt floors with flies darting around their faces.  I picture the make-shift shelters, massive populations, zero food, famine, disease and drought.  THAT’S POVERTY!!

Not in America.  In America, we throw Poverty Pity Parties on CNN because a government organization decided to declare a certain income level to be ‘Poverty’.

CNN decided to dig deeper and found 3 women living in poverty and told their stories.  As I observed the tales, I went from concerned to aggravated to angry to outraged as each person gave a glimpse into their lives.

First, all three women were overweight!  They weren’t a little chubby; they were (by government declaration) likely obese!  Apparently their poverty is not preventing them from presenting their trays at the local Hometown Buffet and Feed Trough 10 times a week.  If you want more concern about your plight, don’t show up needing a gastric bypass.

Second, two of the three women were wearing make-up; two were wearing ear-rings; and one had a cheek-ring?  Again, their poverty is so bad, it needs to show up on CNN, but they have the time and money to drop by the local Beauty Brands store to stock up on rouge, eye shadow, eye liner and lip gloss.  Oh, it was a gift?  Return it and buy something your family NEEDS!  AND, to top it all off, one of the mother’s had her HAIR COLORED!!  It’s real hard to believe a woman is doing everything she can to provide for her family when she has money to get her hair colored, but is living in poverty.

And lastly, they showed the apartment and house of two of the women, and they are both filled with nicer items than are in my house.  Nice refrigerator; nice cabinets; nice framed pictures; nice glass table.

So, we endured the CNN pity party — another State Run Media effort to garner the support of the Progressives in pushing for tax increases, bigger government, and advanced wealth distribution.  But, had this been a real interview, there might have been some real questions.  Such as:

• For what vocation are you qualified?
• At what companies have you applied for employment?
• What jobs are available within 10 / 20 / 50 miles of your home?
• Where could you move to be closer to family or better jobs?
• In what ways are you training yourself for those or other occupations?
• Are you taking classes?
• Are you visiting the library?

I understand that things can get rough, jobs are lost, and money can be scarce, but it’s YOUR responsibility to make all effort possible to remedy YOUR situation… …just like I and millions of other Americans have done.  You can have a CNN Pity Party, or you can have a CNN Feature about your rise from the ashes of your poverty.

That’d be a story that clearly depicts the American Dream!

 

Only In The Mind Of Progressives/Liberals

In the twisting logic of the President, his Sycophants, Liberals and the Media, 2 + 2 = 5.

At the end of 2010, the 2001 / 2003 Bush Tax Cuts will expire.  Why?  To get the tax cuts (which Increased Federal Revenue) through Congress in 2001 / 2003, a sunset was added.  The Republicans did not have a super-majority in the Senate and had to negotiate the sunset to pass the tax cut.  Again, the Federal revenues INCREASED after the tax cut.

Well, now the fight is under way to keep the tax cuts in place.  Republicans are fighting to keep ALL the tax cuts in place, and some Democrats agree.  Many, if not most, economists and Americans think raising taxes in a recession will be economically destructive on an already fragile economy.

Democrats want to play class-warfare by raising taxes on the rich.  They’ve come up with a magical $700Billion figure  (over 10 years) that keeping the Bush Tax Cuts in place will cost the Government… …’and the rich are not paying their fair share’.  Just FYI, the top 2% of American Taxpayers already pay 43.6% of all Income Taxes to the Federal Government.  What percentage do the Democrats think they need to pay?

• 2% paying 43.6% of Tax Bill
• 98% paying 56.4% of Tax Bill

And now… …in the twisting logic of the President, his Sycophants, Liberals and the Media (The PSaLM) … …the wonderful Democrats are GIVING us a Middle Class Tax Cut.  “Hello?!?  McFly?!!?”  Somehow preventing a tax increase, in the minds of the PSaLM, is akin to giving a tax break.  Only in the mental disorder of the liberalism would keeping the tax rates at current levels be called a tax break.

Yell it loudly with me at the PSaLM!  YOU ARE NOT GIVING US A TAX BREAK!!

It’s a SPENDING problem; not a TAXING problem.