In an effort to avoid any controversies surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday, I think it best to ignore all of the commercialization of the holiday season and instead return my focus to the act of "giving" by our Media. Huh?  Yep, let's pay attention to the act of giving us incomplete and sometimes incomprehensible "news" coverage by the Media as it perpetuates what divides our great nation instead of unites us.  Wow Rubin, with Americans entering the "Holiday Season" you have to remind us of what is bad?  What a grinch!  Except being a "grinch" is a matter of perspective isn't it?  Instead of criticizing me, hear me out!  A great deal of what "ails" our country today lies at the feet of a complicit Media that refuses to tell the American public the truth it deserves to hear.  And from that perspective, wouldn't that make the Media the real "grinches" that manipulate our knowledge and play upon our fears? You bet it does!
         Socializing with friends recently, political topics always come up and the one common theme is the escalating fear that our country is being torn apart by partisanship and overall ignorance of our fellow citizens.  I know, my critics frequently like to claim I mislead readers with my opinions, but honestly, are there any folks left that truly believe everything the Media tells them when it comes to foreign and domestic affairs, especially political ones?  Isn't it time to rally together to insists our Media do its job of pointing out the blatant hypocrisy of our political leaders?  Isn't it also time to recognize how the Media twists the news and corrupts the fine line between actual news reporting and punditry geared to influence?  Of course it is and remedying the problem cannot come too soon!
        Case in point.  Pew Research recently revealed the results of a study entitled "Beyond Trust: How Americans View Their Government" (see http://www.people-press.org/2015/11/23/beyond-distrust-how-americans-view-their-government/), wherein only 19% of Americans polled really trust the government.  That's right, only 19% of the American public have any sense of real satisfaction towards our government.  On top of this, the poll found that 55% of Americans actually think they themselves would do a better job in government than those currently elected. But the most telling aspect of the study reveals that 80% of Republicans and those Independents "leaning" Republican mistrust the government so much that they prefer "smaller government with fewer services" while the number of Democrats with similar feelings top out at 31%.    But the real irony in the research is the fact that when actually asked what services they expect the government to provide, Americans from both sides of the political aisle support the very same things - address major matters from terrorism to disaster relief.  In fact, most Americans polled also demand their government deal with everyday issues like preserving the integrity of food safety, quality education, managing immigration, strengthening the economy, and ensuring basic income for those over the age of 65.   So what gives when so many Americans actually state a belief in the role of the government, while at the same time express a deep distrust for it?  I'll give it a shot.  Could it be that Media has distorted the role of our government so badly that Americans no longer have a clear understanding of what it does?  Is it possible that the Ideologically Oriented For Profit Media is hell bent on perpetuating the loss of faith by Americans in our government in an effort to manipulate political support for "favored" politicians?  Ya' think? What else could explain the tremendous loss of political efficacy represented by this new study?  Why else would there be so many angry voters casting blame for issues that conflict with their own stated interests?  Because the Media is more interested in dividing than uniting.  Isn't it obvious?  
        Take a look at two recent articles about our government.  One article authored by William Poole in the Wall Street Journal (see: http://www.wsj.com/articles/dont-blame-the-fed-for-low-rates-1448405652) claims that the real reason interest rates have been kept low is not due to actions of the Federal Reserve, but because of Obama.  Yep, check it out. "The Obama Administration has created one disincentive after another.  One is the failure to pursue tax reform and the president's insistence on higher tax rates."  This may ring the bell of an American looking to blame Obama for everything, except any student of American Political Science can tell you that tax rates are exclusively the province of the House of Representatives with amendments by the Senate (Article I, Section 7, US Constitution).   And which party has maintained control of the House since 2010?  You guessed it, the Republican Party.  And who has controlled the Senate since 2014?  Yep, the very same Party.  But who does Mr. Poole of the Right Wing Cato Institute blame?  Obama of course (he even includes the Keystone Pipeline as an additional example of failed leadership from the White House)!  So much for proposing ways to fix the economy and instead cast blame to fan the flames of political division!
        Yet another article recently published by George Will seems to blame Congress for abdicating it legislative role to the president, without mentioning that such activity has been going on for decades upon decades (see:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/battling-the-modern-administrative-state/2015/11/27/a1c639ba-9392-11e5-8aa0-5d0946560a97_story.html).  The reason Will provides no real historical context to his argument (other than to blame the New Deal)? To avoid disclosing that such realities have nothing to do with our current president.  Why spoil the pot of angst against our government when you can stir it up instead.  According to Will (a former supporter of Rick Perry for President...enough said), Clarence Thomas (yes that Clarence Thomas of SCOTUS fame) is urging the judicial branch limit the legislative branch's practice of delegating its power to the executive branch.  Why?  Because according to Thomas believes that delegating authority to the executive "erases the distinction between 'making law, and putting it into effect...that effectively permit the president to define some or all of the content."
         Whom does Will invoke as an expert to reflect upon this alleged horrendous abuse?  None other than Charles J. Cooper. Who is he?  Some writer for the National Affairs Quarterly.  Why does that matter?  I am not sure, except Will ensures that you know that Cooper served in Ronald Reagan's Justice Department, so he must be an awesome individual. I mean, anyone that worked in any executive department under Reagan has his bona fides, right? Who is Will kidding?  The practice of delegating the promulgation of rules and the enforcement of said rules has been ongoing for decades!  Again, any student of American Political Science can tell you this long ago led to the creation of the "Quasi-Legislative/Quasi-Judicial" nature of our bureaucracy.   So why now does it appear to be so important that Will makes this argument?  In order to cast a "Conservative" view without admitting Conservative political leaders are just as much to blame for the problem.   Think I am wrong?  Will goes on to write; "this state (referring to the delegation of Congressional authority to the Executive Branch), so inimical to conservatism's aspiration for government limited by constitutional structure of rival branches, depends on something conservatives too frequently and reflexively praise.  It depends on judicial deference to the majoritarian institution of Congress even when Congress delegates legislative powers to unaccountable agencies."  But what does this statement mean?  Will loves to use lofty rhetoric to make himself look authoritative, but the bottom line is his thinly veiled attempt to attack Congress for acting in non-conservative ways.   And to state that the Courts should determine "political" issues that define what is legislative and what is not, flies in the face of Will's earlier arguments that the Supreme Court has routinely "over-reached" in its opinions.  Could it be that Will suggests Congress and the High Court act in certain ways for certain things and not on others?  Could this not be a suggestion with the highest form of hypocrisy?
            Ironically, I agree with Will that Congress has for far too long deferred difficult decision making to the executive - all in an effort to rally against that executive when the time seems appropriate (like around election time).  Yet where is Will to comment about Congress working even less days next year than ever?  How is it the executives' fault for imposing so many rules while Congress is on perpetual vacation/re-election mode (less than 111 full days in session in 2016...please Mr. Will, explain you position on this fact)?  My point is that pundits like Will "cherry pick" arguments to make themselves appear concerned about America when in fact, his arguments are solidly rooted in dividing Americans along partisan party lines.  Can any of my readers ever accuse me of being "soft" on Congress?  Attack Congress Mr. Will.  Congress has a lot of explaining to do and We The People don't need Courts to decide for us.  But doesn't the Media decide for us instead?  Far too many Americans are influenced by partisan Media.  Why else would Will cite conservatives for support?  Why else would he select "experts" with "Reagan linked" credentials?  
           So as we continue celebrating our holiday season, perhaps a bit more attention should be given to uniting instead of dividing us for political gain.  As President Dwight D. Eisenhower once wrote; "I despise people who go to the gutter on either the right or the left and hurl rocks at those in the center."  Isn't it past the time to begin to distrust our Media and its pundits? Isn't it high time we find real centrist leaders that care more about our mutual and collective interests instead of their ideological and partisan ones?  Have a great week!

        Each week I sit down and attempt to write about news in the World that I believe needs to be addressed. From the terrorism in Israel that is routinely ignored by the Media to that experienced recently in Paris and again in Mali.  The refusal of the political Left to even identify "Radical Islam" for what it is, a gangster-led abuse of Islam, is blind to reality.   They themselves use Islam as their platform.  Then we have hypocrites on the Right politicizing terrorism by denying safe haven for Muslim refugees, while seemingly accepting of Christian refugees instead (see:  https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/11/15/cruz-no-meaningful-risk-of-christians-committing-terrorism/).   But at this point, I am beginning to feel worn out by trumpeting all of the hypocrisy from all sides when it comes to terrorism.  I mean, Israel is ignored when Jews are murdered for simply being Jewish, but we get all tied up in knots on who is a real "refugee."  Am I the only one to find it puzzling how Senators Cruz and Rubio embrace their parent's alleged "Refugee Status" (even though they both have lied about their personal histories) while so readily denying the plight of others that are actually fleeing violence as real refugees?  
         I think I can leave these mind games because the only "refugee" I can identify is that of honesty and truth. As long as politicians "are at play" we can guarantee nonsense will continue (from both sides of the political aisle).  So where do you go then Rubin?  If you are tired of pointing out hypocrisy, what's left to write about? How about the time-tested truth that Congress and its supporters are once again fleecing America by shirking their duties?  Huh?  I thought only presidential candidates forgot to perform their duties as members of the U.S. Senate (see: http://www.senate.gov/index.htm)!  Oh, not so fast there partners!  Have you noticed that the GOP-led House of Representatives has published its 2016 calendar?  You haven't?  Are you aware that the House of Representatives will be working less than 111 days next year and will be receiving thirty (30) weeks of paid vacation?  Yes, THIRTY WEEKS!  And the Senate Calendar is not much better (see: http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/one_item_and_teasers/2016_schedule.htm).    
        According to the House Calendar recently published by GOP House Majority Leader Keven McCarthy, the House is scheduled to work on average a tad under two (2) days per week!  That's it!  From a party that enjoys routinely slamming Obama for all of his "golfing vacations", this really takes the cake!  Think I am making this up?  See http://www.majorityleader.gov/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/2016_ANNUAL_CALENDAR.pdf). 
Where are all of the complainers about Obama now?  When a solid Republican supporter was asked about the new House Calendar, his response?  Speedy legislative action is a reflection of "Tyranny!"  Seriously?  Electing representatives to represent the public can only be done when they work collectively in Washington and limiting their schedule to do so to two (2) days per week is outrageous!  And do they really need THIRTY WEEKS of vacation in order to meet their responsibilities to their constituents?  Obviously, this makes me cringe when the very same folks demand Obama be impeached (without realizing he can't be if the Congress is NOT working in 2016)!  Do you want to bet that if a Democratic House pushed a similar calendar the Right would be screaming to high heaven.  But it is the Republicans (and some Democrats) that want to take all that time off.  Seems the "perpetual re-election campaign" now is in high gear.  Politicians have adopted the mantra, "Always be running for office, all the time." How many Americans can work so little and still be paid a minimum of $174,000 annually plus benefits (with pension)?  Am I the only one to see the disconnect here?  More importantly, where are the critics in the Media to expose this (unfortunate) truth to the American public?  Complicit?  Ignorant? Distracted by presidential campaigns, refugees, Daesh? (See: http://khon2.com/2015/11/20/isis-isil-and-daesh-whats-the-difference-and-why-it-matters/).  But how are we to deal with the multitude of issues if our Congress is hardly working in Washington?
        Now I could go on and on with what Congress has actually been doing this past week, but beyond the House stripping the authority of the Consumer Protection Bureau from regulating auto financing firms that discriminate against Non-Whites (See HR1737) or preventing active-duty military and veterans from filing lawsuits against abusive predatory lenders (HR1210) why should I?  Sound crazy right?  Once again, where is the Media to report these actions?  They are amplifying dog whistle talking points and narratives about terrorism instead (which is exactly what Daesh wants).  America is preoccupied with the sensational, while overlooking the serious issues we all face. Unite to deal with Daesh - how hard can that be? Unite to deal with all of our enemies - how hard can that be? Unite to deal with domestic issues that demand attention - how hard can that be?  As it turns out, hard as hell, but not so difficult that we can afford to ignore them!  And working less and less in Washington is hardly what the Framers had in mind when it developed our system of government.  Representative government is supposed to reflect the will of the people - of all ideologies, not just those that support their platforms and talking points.
       As President James Madison once wrote; "I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." By allowing the Media and its pundits to control information necessary to inform Americans, we are gradually and consistently allowing the politically powerful to abridge our freedoms and our liberty!  When will Americans wake up and realize that our elected Representatives no longer represent US and instead prefer to focus in on their own self-interests?  When will we all start to demand the "gradual and silent encroachments" by the powerful is not in our collective best interests?  It's high time to take a stand against the divisive rhetoric of both the Right and the Left!  Otherwise, Daesh and others hell-bent on destroying our liberty will see a way to win while our politicians will be too busy figuring out a way to profit from it.   Have a great week!

          While Americans spent Friday evening enjoying time with family and friends, murdering gangsters hell-bent on destroying peace and serenity in the public square executed a planned strategy to kill and maim as many innocents as possible.  Hundreds of innocent men, women and children had been targeted for death.  There are those who love peace and serenity and all they want is for everyone, including those that plan and kill, to live in peace.  According to some, the jihadist violence is rooted in our failure to accept the desires of the "downtrodden" gangsters.  According to others, the best way to stop tragedies like we have been witnessing is to stop buying gasoline.  Huh?  Yep, the Far Left believes that terrorism will be stopped in its tracks if we all just put less fuel in our vehicles.  Seems they believe terrorism only exists because we greedy users of gas and oil boost their collective coffers by buying their oil.  So it's OUR fault because using fossil fuels supports terrorism today.  Can those wing-nuts on the far left please wake up from their dream of "peace and love" and realize that there is pure evil out there that could care less about you or your wonderful intentions?  When will all civilized folk wake up and realize that for whatever reasons, there is evil in the world, hell-bent to destroy all of us - regardless of our peaceful entreaties?
           Reviewing the news coverage of the recent horrific attacks in Paris can be very illuminating about how many maintain hypocrisy.  What do you mean Rubin, look at how many changed their profile pictures to reflect solidarity with France with the French colors superimposed over them.  Yet, where in the coverage can you find any, ANY description or label of the cabal of evil in Paris as "alleged" murderers? But Rubin, they did it!  What is to be "alleged?"  Wake up people and start paying attention to how the Media manipulates.  Nothing "alleged" you say? Then why does every description of murderous attacks in Israel come with the Media tag line "alleged" terrorists killed?  Can anyone tell me the difference between the murderers of Paris from the murderers in Israel?  I can't...except that the world continues to ignore that Israel has been fighting terrorism since 1948 with thousands of its innocent citizens slaughtered while trying to enjoy evenings at cafes, birthday parties, riding a bus or train, or even driving with their families along public roads.  Worse yet, the world demands Israel always show "restraint" when dealing with these murderers.  And where is the death toll meter to show how many "alleged terrorists" were killed by the French military?  The Media (without fail) always includes the dead terrorists killed by Israeli's defending themselves.  Where is the moral equivalence portrayed when Israel is attacked (now daily)?  Some even believe the Palestinian Leader Mahmoud Abbas when he claims Israel engages in "extra-judicial murder" for killing terrorists on the spot - and the UN and the EU agree with this sentiment. So where is the outrage for the French military summarily killing the "alleged" gangsters that ensured there would be over a 120 dead in Paris?  Didn't these "alleged" terrorists deserve their day in court instead of instant death?  
           And how do we deal with these deadly problems?  Stop buying gasoline?  Impose some sort of non-importation agreement (even though any student of American history can tell you they never work).  Many claim Israel is the problem and that terrorism would end when Israel is put to an end - code for when the Jews are gone from the face of the earth.  Even some (fake) Jews blame Israel for the problems of the World - except these are individuals that conveniently claim to be Jewish to obtain some sort of credibility with Non-Jews.  The problem with them is they have no connection to Judaism and never have. They are so secular they believe in nothing other than the sound of their own voices singing peace and love - as long as it is towards Israel's enemies and hate towards Israel.  They never seem short on hatred towards Israel (See https://www.facebook.com/green89/videos/10153452851853423/?pnref=story - recent protests at Hunter College...it should scare the hell out of Americans.  Is this the future we support)?  (See also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWNv97yq4Fc).   And thus drives the Media - those that pretend to know how to deal with terrorism as if it is something that can peacefully negotiated.  In reality, one can negotiate all they want, except when the "other side's" sole objective is to negotiate for nothing less than total annihilation of Israel and Western Civilization.  Do we continue to negotiate with them?  Do we arm their internal enemies (that also hate us)?  
          It was also reported today that even the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the violence in Paris.  In their recent "condemnation", CAIR issued a statement that they will "redouble our efforts in vigilance and confronting extremism."  Ironically, this organization has applauded the violence in Israel while claiming Israel alone is the reason for global violence (See
http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/12797-american-muslims-condemn-paris-terror-attack-defend-free-speech.html and http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2014/08/22/cair-chief-israel-greatest-threat/).  So which is it?  Violence and extremism when it is used to your favor is okay, but not when it isn't?  And isn't this the real problem we are facing?  Some say "Give Peace A Chance", others say "stop buying gasoline" while others say sacrifice the Jews and Israel and all will be better?   Yet for over 70 years, organizers of efforts to destroy the Jews claimed it was all for the betterment of the world - and we know what happened as a result.   Am I sympathetic to the French people?  Hell yes!  Am I sympathetic to the French Government that promotes terror by joining the economic isolation of Israel?  (See http://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/6881/paris-attacks-lessons). Hell no!  
          Back in 1948, while President Truman was pondering whether to formally recognize the new State of Israel, none other than General George C. Marshall cautioned him that to side with Israel would "enflame the Arab Street!"  And when it came to retaliating against the murderous attacks on our military in Beirut, President Reagan was advised by his Secretary of Defense Casper Weinberg that to attack the Bekaa Valley would "enflame the Arab Street!"  And ever since, American foreign policy seems to double-clutch whenever an advisor proclaims any action might "enflame the Arab Street."  So what to do now that ISIS/ISIL is maintaining a full-blown campaign to terrorize the West?  What is to be done now that Hezbollah and Hamas, funded by Obama's new friends in Iran are dead set to kill as many Jews as possible?  Do we continue to avoid "enflaming the Arab Street"?  Do we simply stop purchasing gasoline?  Do we sacrifice our way of life so the gangster manipulated "Arab Street" can continue its objective of killing other Arabs, Jews and anyone that they deem "necessary" in their convoluted "jihad?"  Or do we say "Fuck Israel" like the morons at Hunter College?
          As a student of history, I recognize that international geo-political problems require a bevy of diplomatic solutions.  I also understand that "soft" diplomacy only works when "hard" diplomacy is ready to be implemented.  How much longer will the World believe the notion that peace is through the gangsters that control the "Arab Street" instead of through harsh military action?  When will the thoughts and prayers of the "World's Street" take precedence over the fear of the contemporary "Arab Street"?  If we continue to ignore these assaults they will only get worse.  We've tried diplomacy.  It hasn't worked.  Obama says we've "contained" ISIS/ISIL but we haven't.  When airliners are blown from the sky, when innocents are slaughtered on the streets of Paris, in cafes, stadiums and concert halls ISIS/ISIL is not contained.  Yet,  Israeli citizens have been blown up by terrorists for decades.  Where is the solidarity?  Where is the outrage towards the murderers?  Are these innocent victims simply illusions?  Have their murders only been "alleged?"  Are their lives compared to those elsewhere in the world as "virtual" and easily ignored?  
     We are engaged in a street fight with gangsters and murderers - there is no other way to put it.   Do we just roll over and "play nice" because we fear them?  Or do we accept the fact that lessons need to be learned and they are too tough to be taught by being "nice" to our enemies?  To my liberal friends who post on Facebook and the Huffington Post and other liberal outlets, go ahead and call me a warmonger.  It's a label I will proudly wear if it means protecting The United States, Israel and the "World's Street" for I choose to freely live on without fear and trepidation.
         As President Theodore Roosevelt once wrote; "Walk softly and carry a big stick!'" Perhaps it's time to remind some that the "big stick" can still be swung!  I stand in solidarity with Israel and the United States.  The rest of the World can join US when they realize the "World's Streets" are for everyone, not just the terrorists!  Have a great week.

          Wow, take a week off and one would think I was a real slacker!  Yes, I missed posting last Sunday due to flying back from Indiana (visiting my parents).  Yes, I had hoped I would have been able to post something more than a simple apology earlier in the week for not writing.  Yes, I was unable to get back to you all until today.  So what have I missed?  Not a whole lot.  Media bias against Israel is still rampant.  Media bias against all political candidates remains rampant.  And Americans continue to display a sheer and utter disregard for facts when told what to think by others.  Yep, nothing has changed since my last posting and I am beginning to think I am writing the same things, week to week.  But is it me or are things seemingly staying the same?
         Cases in point.  According to the Media, "thousands of Jewish Settlers and Radicals took to the streets of Hebron..."   Gee, when did Israeli's become "activists" when traveling to Hebron, a City with Jewish ties since Abraham purchased it from the local populace thousands of years ago?  By claiming Israeli "activists settlers" came and disrupted the lives of the majority of Arabs living there, the Media conveniently forgets to mention two teenage Israeli's where shot by (a) Arab sniper(s).  When the IDF went to find the snipers, the Media portrayed them as "thugs" attempting to further ruin the lives of "innocent Palestinians."  In the United States, would Americans demand the police ignore stabbings and shootings because the perpetrators are "misunderstood?"  Of course not. When the Media begins to accurately portray Arabs hell-bent on killing Jews, (when hell freezes over) and Arabs stabbing Jews is beyond (as the Media claims) "allegations," then and only then will we have true expectations for peace (see https://www.facebook.com/kikarashabat/videos/1089737411050687/).  Until then, those picking up guns, knives, swords and rocket launchers will remain in denial (and according to the Media. Moreover, it is difficult to believe Palestinians could have lost "occupied territory" that never belonged to them. In 1948 when Israel was formally recognized by the World, the "occupied territory" they claim as their own was possessed by Jordan and Egypt.  The Jews are not "crusaders" whose goal was to destroy Islam. Israel is not the impediment to peace.  If you think I am wrong, please wake up and realize more Arabs have slaughtered Arabs in Israel's 67 years of formal existence.  Reality sucks, but nevertheless, remains reality.
          On the local front, I heard two folks proclaim as fact different themes that are also incorrect.  One mentioned that Hillary Clinton will never be the Democratic Party's nominee because she is going to be indicted for releasing classified emails.  So convinced was the speaker of this remark, he went on to say the FBI has already determined that Clinton will be indicted and sent to jail.  Except, the FBI has disclosed nothing of the sort as their investigation remains pending.  When I asked the speaker of the remark to inform me where I could find this information so I can report it in my weekly blog, they could only claim they heard it "in the news." But what news?  We have all begun to read "Breaking Stories" in the Media that this or that "may"  happen, but nothing factual about what has happened.  It is purely speculation designed to direct the reader to a conclusion, not based on fact.  This has been my point all along.  The Media no longer is interested in informing the public about real news, they simply want to "excite" their audience into jumping to conclusions so they can retain their readers, listeners and viewership by tossing out a steady diet of partisan candy.  Selective perception and reinforcement is the only thing that drives advertising numbers via audience share.  The Media and partisan politicians know this best.  They have collectively gotten quite good at misleading the public into doing the real thinking for them. After all, who needs an electorate that can think for itself? Politicians certainly don't want US to be able to think, that's for sure.  They simply want us to follow. 
          Which leads me to another fallacy being spoken.  A friend working in real estate was asked about the condition of the real estate market.  When he began to describe the market, he hit all of the indicators that made sense...until he said the markets are "flimsy" because the economic recovery is a "Jobless Recovery" and therefore is susceptible to collapse.  Except in our region (Southwest Florida), the market here is driven by a combination of baby boomers tiring of Northern winters and heading towards retirement.  But where does the notion arise that the recovery has been without the creation of jobs?  The Wall Street Journal just posted the jobs recovery on their cover page (See WSJ Saturday/Sunday, November 7, 2015 Edition).  According to the Journal, "U.S. Employers, added jobs in October at the quickest pace this year, while boosting wages at the fastest rate since 2009..."  "The unemployment rate fell to 5%."  "Average hourly earnings of private-sector workers rose at a 2.5% annual pace in October.  That marked the best year-over-year performance since July 2009."  But some have been led to believe from partisan pundits that the jobs picture is skewed because so many have given up hope for finding employment.  That's all fine and good and I get it.  But I heard the exact same language being said by Liberals during Ronald Reagan's presidency and it was the Conservatives that blew back with statistical proof that employment was improving.  But, being the Crank that I am, I remember the 1980's because I was paying attention, while apparently, many others were not (or weren't alive yet).   So what gives when it comes to unemployment?  It depends upon one's political perspective.  The old "glass is have empty vs. half full"  is certainly at play here.  But as The Wall Street Journal even recognizes, 5% unemployment is solid economic news.  The GOP's response?  "We could have made it better and deeper!"  But at 5%, how much better could they have made it?  Even the GOP Nominee Mitt Romney promised in 2008 that unemployment would drop to 6% by the end of his first four years in office. Recognize he did not qualify his promise that unemployment for those who gave up looking would impact his claim (See: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/05/romney-unemployment-six-percent-/1#.Vj95pK6rTBI).  So if America has not had a recovery of any real jobs, where exactly have all those new jobs been?  I often enjoy speaking to groups and asking them to reflect on their personal economic well-being.  I am frequently reminded that things are very bad in America...except when it comes to their own personal situations. Somehow, folks complain a lot when in reality, a majority of what they complain about has no relationship to their own lives.  To what can we attribute this phenomena?  I'm putting my chips on the Media.
         And now we have the hoopla about the "others" running for president on the GOP side.  I feel sorry for anyone that puts together a serious run for political office, let alone a national one like the presidency.  The endless modern campaign has become a game of "attack, trick, attack, trick and expose";  except this process makes it difficult for any decent people to run in the first place.  And attacking our government seems to be the golden ticket with some candidates.  It's always the government's fault.  It's inefficient, sloppy and wasteful.  Yet, these same folks complain when private businesses fail without appreciating that most fail because they are undercapitalized, inefficient, sloppy and wasteful.  Instead of following the doomsday prognosticators, wouldn't it be nice to follow those that promote the good in all of us instead of the evil in some of us?  Wouldn't it be nice to hear a candidate that rarely (if ever) resorts to attacks against fellow candidates and never lies and panders to partisans for their support?  Wouldn't it be nice for political leaders to tell the people the truth instead of what they perceive we want to hear?  Isn't it time we have leaders that lead instead of follow the paths of least resistance to lead a government they believe in rather than falsely assert it needs to be destroyed?  I know, I'm dreaming.  But wouldn't it be a fantastic dream if it could someday come true?  
            As President Theodore Roosevelt once wrote; "A typical vice of American politics is the avoidance of saying anything real on real issues."   When will Americans wake up and realize its high time we start dealing with real issues instead of the rhetoric from the political parties and their supporting Media? Have a great week!

        I apologize to my loyal followers.  I was out of town this weekend visiting with my mother and father.  My father is undergoing tough times (age 87), so I was unable to write while being in Northern Indiana.  I hope to post sometime early this week.  If not, I will back this coming Sunday!  In the interim, be well and have a great week!