RichC | April 23, 2010
An ongoing poll at the WSJ had some surprising early results in regard to illegal immigration, at least to me. I expected more concern for privacy and profiling, yet most respondents are more concerned over illegals crossing our southern border with costs taxpayers higher social service taxes and bringing associated drug crime. (testing posting an […]
RichC | April 23, 2010
Few of us remembering the first Earth Day back in 1970 will argue that mankind was not damaging the environment or that seeking to pollute less wasn’t worthwhile goal. Now looking back 40 years, we can’t deny the significant improvements in both personal and industrial practices — at least in the United States. Still, there […]
RichC | April 21, 2010
From the “you must be kidding” files: There are time when we think we’ve heard it all when it comes to how big the ‘nanny state’ can grow and oversee our lives. Take Europe for example, Americans have a love-hate relationship with our cousins across the pond. Thankfully most of us still prefer the politics […]
RichC | April 19, 2010
Although I’d like to see new jobs in our country, it sure would be nice if they were not on the backs of taxpayers. In a WSJ article this morning, cities looking to transform themselves into ‘green central’ are finding out that it isn’t easy and that they are pinning success on incentives from government. […]
RichC | April 15, 2010
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RichC | April 12, 2010
As a morning routine, I’m a coffee and anti-oxidant grape juice drinking kind of guy, but since we had a few extra oranges left over I’ve been fresh squeezing them for a morning citrus treat. Mmm … sunshine and fresh squeezed OJ … breakfast doesn’t get much better than this! Speaking of ‘the day’ – […]
RichC | April 10, 2010
Wikileaks.org, a news-ish organization organization that publishes anonymous submissions and leaks of sensitive documents operating under the moniker of the “Sunshine Press",” is in the hot seat again with recent Internet based journalism (info from Wikipedia). Their story selection or submission (depending on point of view) shows little attention toward responsible journalism or concern as […]
RichC | April 6, 2010
If you are looking for work in New York State, how about Michael Cunningham’s job with the Department of Labor (article below)? Good pay with a government pension and benefits … so as long as citizens can be taxed to pay his $115,000 per year salary … or so long as politicians can find someone […]
RichC | April 1, 2010
How can federal and state government save nearly $400 Billion in tax dollars each year? Modify the public union retirement and pension benefits to mirror what is in private sector. John Fund, a columnist for the WSJ, talked about the political class vs. private class this morning. If politicians have the will (or are forced […]
RichC | March 31, 2010
The federal government after the Civil War expanded in both its size and influence over states and individuals. The United States did this to regulate industry as businesses grew to encompass several states. The concern over securing civil rights for all citizens as well as providing some social services continued by Washington D.C. as the […]
RichC | March 31, 2010
I hope high school and college age generations realize how just stupid and unpatriotic it is to wear images of Che Guevara. If you care about your freedom and liberty … and democracy in the world, think twice about the message you are sending prior to buying or wearing his image. Che Guevara is not […]
RichC | March 26, 2010
After heated debate over the cost of a trillion dollar health care bill, the numbers for President Obama’s budget and deficit spending projection just got worse. It looks as if the deficit and debt is 1.2 trillion worse than a few months ago … that’s 1.2 TRILLION with a “T.” According to WSJ economist Steve […]
RichC | March 25, 2010
I’ve been spending a bit of time on the road this week (who parks like this? – image right) which finds me listening to the non-stop news and talk radio programs discussing health care reform; the Senate bill was passed by the House and signed by President Obama earlier this week. Even after a year […]
RichC | March 22, 2010
As the the Democrat’s health care bill passes under less than optimum circumstances, tempers and emotions flare in both congress and between citizens of our nation. My representative, the Honorable John Boehner, lead the Republican minority in a valiant fight, in this case speaking for the majority of people across our nation (video below). Unfortunately […]
RichC | March 21, 2010
As I check on the partisan vote to pass a bill that will bureaucratic Health Care in America this Sunday evening, the Democrats have both passed the rules (at 2PM) and recently the “resolution.” Every Republican voted against and 224 Democrats were for the “resolution.” Personally I believe that the 224 number is the 216 […]
RichC | March 19, 2010
Personal Opinion post: I’m attempting to be understanding of those with different political philosophies than myself as they relate to reforming health care. That said, I can’t imagine those who support progressive social and economic re-engineering of our nation even stomaching the shenanigans currently going on in Washington DC? At times like these, it may […]
RichC | March 17, 2010
Enjoyed a TWiT broadcast by streaming Security Now over a late lunch while catching up on my email today. The weather is starting to feel like we are turning the corner and closing in on spring; sunny and near 60 degrees today. The news of the day seems to be focused on the house Democratic […]
RichC | March 16, 2010
I don’t want to be too critical about the ‘difficult for me to understand’ banking reform legislation, but after hearing comments on a WSJ podcast (below), the politically one-sided rush to reform does leave me concerned; it sure would be nice to have bi-partisan support for a banking oversight bill. My concern: If the Fed […]
RichC | March 13, 2010
Since we’ve had rain for a couple of days while on vacation, I picked up a book off the coffee table and started reading it here at the condo … before finishing the other ones I brought along I might as well add. It’s a book I’ve been curious about, but not willing to buy […]
RichC | March 5, 2010
The current Obama philosophy of social and economic justice continues with an attempt to move forward with expanding government, even as polls show Americans objecting to the existing health care bills. The concern for many of us is that we are becoming a nation of ‘takers.’ Current progressive Democrats are moving in a direction that […]
RichC | February 26, 2010
I tuned the XMRadio into bits and pieces of President Obama’s 7 hour Health Care Summit with congressional leaders at the Blair House yesterday and came away tired of hearing the same thing I’ve heard all year. It was carried live on CSPAN and picked up in whole or part by many of the cable […]
RichC | February 23, 2010
After American citizens were heard ‘loud and clear’ during the Obama administration’s attempt last year to ram though health care reform, the President and a ‘agenda-driven’ liberal congress are planning to give it another go. In a feeble attempt to cloak the “retooled $950 billion health care plan” and continual expansion of government as “bi-partisan,” […]
RichC | February 5, 2010
Books about fixing America’s dysfunctional economy are trendy again and partisan finger pointing is probably the most notable component in most books. The book by David M. Walker called Comeback America is no exception when it comes to the frustration and anger he shares when in particular chastising President George W. Bush. Irritation aside, Walker […]
RichC | January 22, 2010
[flv:FN_Healthcare1001221.flv 480 255] After President Obama, and most of the U.S. Congress (the Democrats), wasted a year on massive health care legislation, many are suggesting our nations’ leaders may finally be getting the message: Focus on jobs and the economy before spending money we don’t have on taking over health care. The current bills, according […]
RichC | January 14, 2010
Although I rarely forward emails since I dislike the spam filling up my box, I do once in a while get the urge to share. Here’s a snippet worthy of thought as the our elected representatives continue in a direction to take over reform health care. Will they break their streak and run it efficiently […]
RichC | January 8, 2010
President Obama, for all the “hope and change” that was promised, seems to have no problem with the lack of openness and transparency being demostrated under his tenure. Obama’s promises of “openness” are empty … or perhaps only apply when concerning Republican leaders? For many, President Obama is a bigger disappointment than his predecessors because […]
RichC | January 7, 2010
Playing the green energy tax credit game — the pitfalls of big government, powerful lobbyist and wealthy shrewd companies. Walmart, others make money on Oregon’s energy tax credits By Harry Esteve, The Oregonian December 29, 2009, 7:00PM When Oregon started handing out jumbo tax subsidies for renewable energy projects two years ago, one of the […]
RichC | December 24, 2009
The year 2009 is closing with our federal government’s Christmas present making big changes in America’s healthcare system. Today, the senate passed legislation moving a massive 2000+ page healthcare bill one step closer to law and will in essence give significant control of over one-sixth of our nation’s economy to bureaucrats. Although supposedly promising needed […]
RichC | December 10, 2009
Although I’m not a John Birch Society focused guy, a friend of mine forwarded a YouTube video from its founder Robert W. Welch, Jr. compiled from 1958 and 1974 speeches (embedded below). It is interesting that after our American Republic watched the Soviet Union’s heavy handed, centrally controlled communist government collapse in the 1980s, that […]
RichC | December 8, 2009
As the politicians in Washington continue their borrowing and spending, President Obama pitches using $200B from borrowed TARP funds for yet another stimulus … money that wouldn’t even be asked to be paid back. At the same time, the Moody credit worthiness rating company warns of potential downgrades for U.S (and other nations) if fiscal […]
RichC | December 6, 2009
We’re not all going to agree on how much involvement we want from our federal government, but I’m sensing that most Americans are concerned that their voices over an invasive government are being ignored. This concern isn’t just about the current administration, but includes the excessive spending and Wall Street rescue started by the previous […]
RichC | November 24, 2009
Although I’m not complaining about fuel prices considering our weak dollar — especially as we roll into a week of heavy travel — I did find it shocking that regular unleaded gasoline prices are nearly 40% higher today than they were last year at this time. (photo left taken 11/23/2008 in Monroe, OH) Of big […]
RichC | November 16, 2009
Currently upgrading and testing a new embed for flash video, although it might not work with current 2.8.6 version of WordPress. Nevertheless, it offers a few extra features that most have become accustom to such as a poster frame and full screen video. I’ll be tweaking the flash encoder on the Mac in order to […]
RichC | October 31, 2009
In my opinion, the American Community Survey — aka: 2010 Census — is a waste of time and money. For one, it is an oversized packet of paperwork being sent to 3 million Americans and is costly to print, mail and tabulate; wouldn’t it have been far more efficient to produce as a Scantron card. […]
RichC | October 29, 2009
For those citizens trying to follow the political goings on in Washington DC, it is irritating to trying to figure out just what is being debated and discussed by those we elect to “do the people’s business.” The current health care debate and varies bills being proposed in the House and Senate are prime example […]
RichC | September 25, 2009
Since I’m becoming more and more anti-YouTube (partially my own doing), I’ve been tinkering with a couple other online video sharing sites. Vidly.com (or the shortened Vid.ly) is easy to use and has both a simple Twitter interface for phones, and an easy uploader tool while using the computer. Editing and organizing (tags, notes, etc) […]
RichC | September 22, 2009
No offense Glenn, but I’m more comfortable remembering our nations’ wigged fathers! (see Time magazine cover photo & articles) Americans with moderate to conservative political views have flocked to right leaning talk radio and FoxNews television this past year (cable news ratings), as the United States congress and President Obama seek to follow through on […]
RichC | September 11, 2009
Our country has seen some tough times — times that have united and times that divided our nation and its people. In recalling old history lessons, its seems there’s usually an event or a trigger which brings about one or the other. Today, on the eighth anniversary of 9/11 … our nation is once again […]
RichC | September 4, 2009
Labor Day weekend promises to be a busy one in and around Cincinnati with events from political tea parties to the annual spectacular Riverfest fireworks. I’ll be prepping for the Fly In, Airshow and Pancake breakfast at Red Stewart Airfield in Waynesville Ohio (great small airshow about 6PM Saturday) while the Cincinnati Tea Party will […]
RichC | September 1, 2009
While have some service done on my Honda Pilot today, I went around the back of the dealership to see the rows and rows of ‘Clunkers.’ No doubt the government money — MY tax dollars — being used for this program has encouraged some new vehicle shopping, but it has also retired some nice looking […]
RichC | August 26, 2009
Senator Ted Kennedy, the “liberal lion” of the Senate as he has been described, passed away at the age of 77 after a a battle with brain cancer in his home. He was an icon for many favoring liberal politics in the U.S. and served the state of Massachusetts for 9 terms after being elected […]
RichC | August 23, 2009
As the August recess for our congressional representatives draws to a close, the concerns of many Americans have been clearly and forcefully expressed in townhall meeting across the country. One such American expressed the growing opinion of many citizens regarding the change in government happening in our country. David William Hedrick, a USMC veteran, expressed […]
RichC | August 14, 2009
The word — the place — the music — the festival called Woodstock still evokes passion either ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ and the music, politics and lifestyle branded the generation who came of age in the 1960s. The 40th anniversary of the three day concert in Bethel, New York takes place this weekend marking the event […]
RichC | August 13, 2009
As U.S. Congressional representatives sweat over whether to have townhall meetings in their states to talk healthcare during the August recess, I sweat over how to plan financial security for my family‘s future, of which health insurance is a part. Years ago it seemed logical to just keep plunking away a few dollars into a […]
RichC | August 5, 2009
In the business world, dominating a market has long been the practice of corporations. Some of it is justifiable since research, development and marketing cost companies a significant amount of money, but eventually most large corporations flirt with anti-trust laws. In the early 20th century and with hindsight it is easy to spot (ie. Standard […]
RichC | August 3, 2009
I have a new found respect for Michelle Malkin as I watched her handle “The View” ladies and audience; she was better than most while promoting her book, in my opinion. (EDIT: thanks Scott) For those into heavy political reading (right wing oriented), Culture of Corruption: Obama and His Team of Tax Cheats, Crooks, and […]
RichC | June 5, 2009
Q: How do we improve life for Ohio residents, attract business and bring jobs to our state? A: With smaller government, lower taxes and by electing John Kasich (@John Kasich) to serve as governor in 2010. kasichforohio.com
RichC | May 26, 2009
Being on the Ohio roads regularly for business and pleasure had me pondering my home state’s ranking in the National Motorists Association‘s Memorial Day review of the least friendly states for drivers. The survey used 17 criteria that unfortunately placed Ohio just behind New Jersey as the most unfriendly state for drivers. The state rankings […]
RichC | May 14, 2009
After billions of American taxpayer dollars, concessions from labor and retirees, thousands of job losses, threats of bankruptcy and government nationalization of the company … management has the audacity to plan on importing Chinese-built vehicles in 2011 order “to save on manufacturing costs.” How can Americans who through all this considered supporting GM swallow this? […]
RichC | May 12, 2009
Although some in the Obama administration have proposed that raising taxes on fuel is one way to encourage driving less and buying smaller more fuel efficient vehicles, Americans surveyed by Rasmussen don’t like it. A short FoxNews interview with Scott Rasmussen highlights that 81% oppose additional fuel taxes, although they seem to be a bit […]
RichC | April 15, 2009
Interesting conversation this morning on CNBC‘s Squawkbox as Home Depot‘s co-founders Ken Langone and Bernie Marcus offered up their views on politics and business. They both are concerned that wrong moves are being made due to the recession and that government is getting too involved in the running of business. I’m also concerned that politicians […]
RichC | April 4, 2009
Who knows who will begin to bring the conservative movement and the Republican party back to life and attract new American voters? If big government and the spending of the current Democrats joining the honeymooning President Obama isn’t enough to help unite conservatives, then perhaps it is time for some new blood. Take a look […]
RichC | March 30, 2009
FoxNews kicked off a new interactive site call thefoxnation.com on March 30th in order to “leverage its brand online, especially among conservative true believers,” and by broadening the reach of “high-decibel” stars such as Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck to an online audience. After a quick review and watching the 1000s of comments flood in, […]
RichC | March 17, 2009
I’ve been enjoying using Twitter after a brief learning curve trying to figuring out how to get my head around the concept of following 140 character text messages (TweetDeck is my favorite client on a computer). Surprisingly it can be somewhat addictive even for someone who is a not hyper-stimulated video gaming kind of guy. […]
RichC | February 27, 2009
On Friday afternoon President Obama spoke to the troops at Camp Lejeune North Carolina and laid out his plans for the promised troop withdrawal and timetable from Iraq. (WSJ) His plan is to scale back the current 142,000 troop force which is now in Iraq by the latter half of 2010. The date specific for […]
RichC | February 27, 2009
It is looking more and more like President Obama is more in tune with a 19 month troop withdrawal plan favored by the Pentagon which keeps a significant ‘support’ presence in Iraq. I listened to my Representative John Boehner this morning (also enjoyed his speech at CPAC) and it sounds like the President’s position is […]
RichC | February 9, 2009
President Barack Obama pushed for public support to get behind an economic stimulus plan Monday evening in his first press conference. His push for an $800 billion-plus package used “fear” to push for passage of a bill that has seen little public detail; speculation has been debated as to what is pork and what is […]
RichC | January 20, 2009
On January 20, 2009, Americans saw the power of peaceful change as President George Walker Bush stepped aside and heard the crowds cheered as President Barack Hussein Obama took office. Throngs of well-wishers filled Washington DC preceding today’s inauguration and many others gathered around televisions to watch this historic moment. It is a great testament […]
RichC | January 20, 2009
The Wallstreet Journal took a look at the job approval rating of our Presidents. The graph illustrates public opinion of Presidents from Truman through George W. Bush. Th popularity of each President rises and falls as they were faced different crisis situations. Only President Truman and George W. Bush have seen both support as high […]
RichC | January 13, 2009
1/13/2009 – Wall Street Journal President George W. Bush held his final press conference on Monday and was extremely candid while reflecting on his mistakes, yet reminded Americans just how challenging the job of President of the United States is. I wanted to archive the last press conference for posterity sake and in part because […]