Last Day of Campaigning for the Presidential Election

From the Economist: John McCain makes a last-ditch against Barack Obama.

From RealClearPolitics: Candidates Put 11th-Hour Focus on Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Clearly, John McCain needs to do well in Pennsylvania and Ohio tomorrow to be competitive in the race for president. Pennsylvania is typically a blue state. Could it be the state to turn the tide for the underdog on November 4, 2008?

Don't forget to vote on Election Day - November 4, 2008. Actually, ABC reported this morning that both candidates plan to continue to take their campaigns to the people even through Election Day.

peace

E-mail alert: UPDATE ON MAN IN TRENCH COAT

TO: Washington Parents
FROM: Dr. Plagman, Washington High School Principal
RE: Update on Man in Trench Coat

We wanted to update you on a safety issue at Washington High School. Late last spring, a male in his mid-twenties began appearing in Washington school neighborhood and on campus. He has recently been seen wearing a black trench coat and with white paint on his face. Since the first sightings, we have maintained regular communication with the Cedar Rapids Police Department.
We advised the man that he would be charged with criminal trespass if he was found on school property, and students were asked to contact a staff member immediately if they saw him on campus. On Wednesday, October 28, this individual was found on the sidewalk at the south end of the high school campus. The police were summoned and he was subsequently arrested and charged with criminal trespass, interference with official acts, and simple assault (for threatening a Washington security officer). Several students witnessed the arrest.

As a precaution, we have extended security duty hours so that all three security officers will be on campus the entire day. They will be posted in locations where they will be able to see possible intruders on our campus. This will remain in effect until further notice.

It is important to note that the subject described has not harmed or threatened any student. However, safety is always our main priority. Please call or e-mail me if you have any questions or comments.

******************
News at one of our public high schools in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa community. On a good note, Cedar Rapids Washington (9-1) travels to Dubuque to face Hempstead (6-4) in the first round of the Class 4A Iowa State High School Football Playoffs.

peace

The Gazette endorses John McCain for November 4th

Why did The Gazette endorse John McCain for President?
‘It’s the economy, stupid” taking from the political phase from 1992 campaign of President Bill Clinton.

"The United States and the world are on the brink of a major economic
recession. Our nation also is troubled by unending war against terrorism,
immigration laws in desperate need of reform and spiraling health care
costs." - The Gazette

However, at the top of "the mountain" is the Economy.

"Comparing the two major presidential candidates, Sen. John McCain’s
approach is best aligned to spur economic recovery. This is the overriding
reason The Gazette Editorial Board endorses the Republican Arizona senator over
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill." - The Gazette

Neither candidate is an expert on economics. However, The Gazette says the following on McCain...

"McCain, like Obama, is no expert in economics. But his proposals to retain
most of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts make sense for businesses that are struggling
to survive and Americans who need jobs. McCain also wants to cut the corporate
tax rate to help U.S. businesses compete in the increasingly global marketplace.
His estate tax revisions would help family businesses avoid being swallowed by
corporate giants."

"Growing business here means more jobs for more Americans. That is the
single-best way to get our economy back on track."

John McCain was right on S. 190 [109th]: Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005 (GovTrack.us). As the following tracking blog mentions of McCain's call for more oversight of Freddie and Fannie. It is important to have checks and balances in our governement.But, the Democrats controlled by Congress were against more oversight.

"Certainly, business leaders who take irresponsible or illegal
actions
should be held accountable through fair, effective government
oversight
instead of expecting taxpayer-backed bailouts." - The
Gazette

The support for John McCain on the Economy is due to Tax Policy of the
two candidates. The Gazette wrote...

That said, higher taxes won’t fix our shameful national debt of $10
trillion. The marketplace must not be shackled. It must prosper responsibly,
which in the long run will increase tax revenue faster than slapping a higher
tax rate on all but the very smallest businesses, as Obama has proposed.
“Spread opportunity,” McCain has said. He’s right.

Support for John McCain by The Gazette goes beyond his economic policies...

"His 20 years of military service, including heroism as a prisoner of war and
a quarter-century serving in Congress provide perspective that Obama cannot
match."

The Gazette went on to discuss the following strengths for John McCain.

• Understanding of international issues and how to learn from mistakes and balance our interests with the world’s.
• McCain’s record demonstrates he will cross his own party, even the president...
• His energy plan is pragmatic and forward-looking...

The Gazette did reflect on "compelling reasons to consider Obama for president."

"His intellect, oratory and ability to inspire people from various walks of
life are extraordinary. He has re-engaged much of the younger generation into
politics. His message of healing our nation’s divisions resonates. He has our
respect."

Like with any endorsement, The Gazette does have a reservation on McCain. For John McCain, it is his selection of Sarah Palin. The Gazette talked about reservations of Barack Obama and Joe Biden, as well.

"But Obama has offered no clear plan to deal with our country’s staggering
debt. His tax plan could stifle the economic rebound we desperately need. His
lack of experience with international issues is troubling. And running mate Sen.
Joe Biden’s frequent gaffes don’t inspire confidence." The Gazette

On Saturday Night Live last night, John McCain suggested that Barack Obama certainly has a future ahead of him. Mr. Obama is 47 years old. Hopefully, the public will take a pause before Election Day, and really question the timing of a selection of Mr. Obama at this time. As the Gazette closed it's endorsement of John McCain...

"Critics of McCain say he’s “lost his way,” and he’s not the candidate he
was in 2000."

"We believe the real McCain is alive and well. The McCain who is a proven
defender of his country. The McCain who knows how to reach across the political
aisle and international borders to find common ground. The McCain whose
rock-solid commitment to this country can reinvigorate our economy, maintain our
security and revive the world’s respect for America and how we play our critical
leadership role."

While I was writing this blog post, I was watching the local program Ethical Prospectives on KCRG-TV, the ABC affiliate here in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The program is a community affairs program drawing from people within the community.

The program focused on Economics and the Role of Government during difficult times. One highlight from the program was the fact that government typically doesn't reduce its size in good economic times. Typically, once a government program is created... it isn't sunset or eliminated. This is quite alarming, due to the overall size of government today. Further, the impact of international investment in our debt.

Don't forget to vote on Election Day - November 4, 2008!

peace

Can John McCain close the Election out on November 4th?

Does the USA go for the American Idol or does the USA settle for a seasoned presidential candidate, who lives by the creed... Country First... Who will win the 2008 Presidential Election?

"History tells us that either McCain or Obama could possibly make a good
president. But this campaign, uniquely, has given us no basis for knowing
whether this is likely. Electorates have always been concerned about character
in political leaders, but the traditional proofs of character - steady
commitment, solid achievement - have given way to the fraudulent tinsel of
celebrity."

"This is American politics as American Idol. And that's a giant step
backwards." - The Australian

Where are the candidates today?

Does the Zogby Poll indicate a shift for John McCain in the final weekend of the 2008 Presidential Campaign? Mr. Obama is the leader, but John McCain is within the margin of error.

What really matters comes on Election Day - November 4, 2008.

peace

Comments of LeftyLarry on the Rivals Network from the Wisconsin Open Board...

Wisconsin is up on MSU 24-13 at the 9 minute mark of the 4th quater... though, while I was writing this blog post, MSU scored to make it UW 24 MSU 19 with about 8 minutes left to play in the fourth quarter... Go Badgers go!

Wisconsin LeftyLarry had the following Off Topic to say about Mr. Obama...

"Perhaps the U.S. should pull out of Chicago? Body count:

In the last six
months: 292 killed (murdered) in Chicago; 221 killed in
Iraq.

Chicago.... Who Runs it:
Senators: Barack Obama & Dick Durbin
Rep: Jesse Jackson Jr.
Illinois Gov: Rod Blogojevich
Illinois House
leader Mike Madigan
Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan (daughter of Mike)
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley (son of Mayor Richard J. Daley) .....our
leadership in Illinois.....all Democrats.

Thank you for the combat
zone in Chicago.

Of course, they're all blaming each other!
Can't
blame Republicans; they're aren't any!
State pension fund $44 Billion in
debt, worst in country.
Cook County (Chicago) sales tax 10.25% highest in
country.
(Look 'em up if you want)
Chicago school system rated one of
the worst in the country.

This is the political culture that Obama comes
from in Illinois. And he's
gonna 'fix' Washington politics for us?

Wake Up America!"

Don't forget to Vote on Election Day... In Iowa!

peace

Mr. Obama: Man of the World?

There has been plenty of spin this election year. We have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Many have been frustrated with the lack of his openness, but that has been clearly by design by the front runner. I read the following link recently. The writer from the NY Times wrote:

In foreign policy as well, Mr. Obama would bring to the White House an important
experience that most other candidates lack: he has actually lived abroad. He
spent four years as a child in Indonesia and attended schools in the Indonesian
language, which he still speaks... (while)... So, granted, Mr. Obama lacks the extensive experience at top levels of diplomacy...

But, experience is very important, especially in these times were are in.

So, what are we really getting with Mr. Obama? Redistribution of Wealth Makes Us All Poor and there is clearly concerns over that side of Mr. Obama. Further, idealism that was a challenge during the Carter Presidency and it appears to be on the horizon with Mr. Obama?

Here's some commentary about idealism, in regards to Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain. The writer is critical of both candidates. Later, in another article, he picks up on the lie or illusion of the front runner.

His speech (Mr. Obama's acceptance speech of his party's nomination) last night was
brilliant and perfect. It is too bad that the whole thing was a lie, which
depended on the smoothness and apparent sincerity of Senator Obama's delivery to
lull the listener into a state of credulity and prevent him from asking too many
questions.

Couple the fact, the media wants Mr. Obama, the prevention of asking too many questions receives a major boost for the front runner.

Later, the role of the media in wanting Mr. Obama and going after Mr. McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as Vice President. The writer defines the selection of Palin:

Her appeal is non-ideological: it is the fact that she represents the outlook of
the "regular people" as opposed to the "elites."

The problems on Main Street vs. the problems on Wall Street. Again, "regular people" vs. what can be called Ivy League "elites"... who are a byproduct of ethics being removed in the classroom in the 1970s-80s-90s, as compared to local colleges, like Mt. Mercy College in Cedar Rapids.

Over the past 20 years of Bush-Clinton-Bush, we have seen an elevation in class warfare. Both political parties have expanded public policy favoring the expansion of large corporations and new "iffy" non-profits. Small business in middle America and elsewhere have paid the price.

Now, looking ahead to November 4th, we may witness the President's office and both houses of Congress in the control of one party. We look ahead to a possible president who may lead our country to the following...

It has not been derived from equalizing wealth through progressive taxes (a
socialist economy). When anyone of the three pillars of wealth is
confiscated, producers lose the incentive to produce more. Those who receive
unearned, redistributed benefits have no incentive to produce at all. When
the incentive to produce is lost, we all become less wealthy.

A good recommendation on who our next president should be. Read the following editorial on the Presidential Campaign of 2008...

As inspiring as Mr. Obama's history-making presidential bid has been, it is
risky to take a chance on an untried leader at this point in our history.

We need to bring about bipartisanship back to all levels of government. Once a Democrat or Republican is elected, they need to put the Country First. John McCain can help lead by example in bringing back a focus on reducing Washington spending habits.

They need to put what is in the best interest of the people, not the party. We have lost that in Washington DC and we have lost that in Des Moines. We need to encourage groups like this, but more importantly, we need get Congress and State Houses working together again for the best interests of our States, while remembering a limited government is often the best solution.

peace

News Briefs for 10/31/2008: Halloween can be scary for other reasons...

The Wall Street Journal reports bad news on Consumer Spending today.

Further, the Public Policy Institutes's 2008 Second Quarter: Iowa Economic Scorecard.

Vote on November 4th... in Iowa!

Happy Halloween... a treat from cidpubpolicy!

peace