SC6's 'Homecoming Week' .....

Reino Is Coming Back ...... You Have Been Warned !!!



     Yes, like The Plague, Halley's Comet and voting Ed Robinson back in City Council, yours truly will be returning to The Palmetto State this week.  It's official: the house will close, and my bosses at work have been notified with the proper paperwork... I'm coming back to Flotown.



   Luckily for you guys - and most candidates - I will be in town only through the weekend.  A sort of 96 hour flu bug, hopefully without the nausea, clamminess and diahrrea as well.  Thank God, it's not like the last trip, where all I did was work on the house for 4 days. That part is done.  I'll be driving down predawn on Wednesday, and that afternoon, I'll be clearing just the last couple things out of the house. Thursday is the planned closing date.  After that, the time is my own, with the exception of a few minor financial dealings...


    I'd like to plan a dinner or something out with my political buddies, so you can e-mail me at reino2004@msn.com , and let me know what day might be best for you, and we'll have a nice bi-partisan (re: HUGE Arguing Fight) discussion on November and afterwards...



    For those of you who'd rather not be around when I stink up the neighborhood, you have been forewarned of my presence - although we doubt you'd be reading us if you hated us.  That'd be sick...

.

Today's Founder's Quote: Stability

'Stability in government is essential to national character, and to the advantages annexed to it, as well as to that repose and confidence in the minds of the people, which are among the chief blessings of civil society...'
- James Madison, Federalist No. 37, 1788.



Normally, we might comment on model and actual Hooters girl, Adrean Butler, but we'll instead stun you with the fact that we've NEVER been to a Hooters.  Ok, we give in - speaking of Stability, Adrean's hooters seem to be holding up pretty well.....   Nice Job, Doc !!

.

Cartoon of the Week...

       Not a bad week overall in the political cartoon world.... The top stories seemed to be the announcement that the recession is over, but we already talked about that.  So, we chose this cartoon about the Deepwater Horizon oil leak finally being capped off.  We agree - just because this one is plugged, doesn't mean they won't drill somewhere else. Just be very careful next time, guys!

.

Cyndi, Don't Expect Any Invites to the Governor's Mansion...

Fmr Chucktown County Chair's Editorial Rips Into Haley ... Or Did She?


      After spending 4 years touring South Carolina politics non-stop, we met a lot of people, and we made a lot of friends.  Many are still here, a few keep in touch, and some left after we either didn't suck up to them, or we wrote truths that they didn't like.  Such is the price you pay for being honest....


     One of those people we met was Cyndi Mosteller.  When we drove 2 hours from Flotown to Charleston, she always gave me at least five minutes to speak. And aside from June Brailsford, she was probably the biggest fan of Reino For Congress pens - even if the tops did shoot off them too much!  For better or worse, Cyndi tells you what she thinks, and she fears nobody. My guess is Ashley Hall girls are taught to not be shy and retiring... So, it didn't surprise us much when she put out a guest editorial , expressing her doubts about Nikki Haley in The State this week.  Let the fireworks begin !!! Here is the link to the article:


  http://www.thestate.com/2010/09/22/1476430/mosteller-haley-puts-gop-principles.html



        So, is this a blistering attack, or an honest assessment for the good of her party?  Well, the best thing we can describe it is, 'It is what it is'..... Honesty, we don't see anythign new from what Cyndi is saying here, which makes us wonder just a tad why she is saying it now.  There's no secret that she was a supporter of Attorney General Henry McMaster.  One would think that if McMaster fell in line by supporting Haley, then she would as well - but Cyndi is Cyndi.  There's no doubt that she will lose points with the current SCGOP leadership, which is led by Karen Floyd, and has special emphasis on electing women this year.  We guys play rough, but the ladies get absolutely crazy when it comes to elections..... Even from a distance, we've seen it and heard about it.  Then again, Mosteller has no title, so what does she have to lose?



      Now, is all of this true? To a certain degree, yes.  If she is talking about the integrity of who we put on the ballot, absolutely yes.  But again, we fall back to the timing, and what new news has come up to bring all of this up once again.  I agreed (and believed) that there was some fire with all that smoke, but the voters didn't.  It's done.  We all know that it could affect the view of our party in Super Christian South Carolina - but is she supporting Vince Sheheen then?  She doesn't mention it, and therefore isn't taking the whole step to what she's inferring.  A rare cautious step by Cyndi, in our opinion...


     A break in the ranks of the SCGOP is not unusual - it happens all the time. It's not deadly to Haley's campaign, and we're sure The State LOVED to print it.... But it's almost non-news , a stating of the obvious.  We still like and respect Cyndi, and she definitely has plenty of powerful friends within the SCGOP.  She just might have to book a hotel room next time she goes to Columbia - we have a feeling the Governor's Mansion will be 'booked'..

.

If You Were Planning Your 'End of the Recession' Party, You're Too Late..

Eggheads: Recession Over Since June 2009 - RIIIIIIIIGHT !


      You are not misreading us - the recession is over, and it has been for the past 15 months!  There, you now are armed with the facts, and are hereby ordered to go on with your lives and stop whining about how shitty the economy is, and the act that you don't have a job.  Your excuses are unwarranted - Happy Days are here again.....


      Actually, this IS a true story, at least to the geeks in the economics department at Cambridge... And technically speaking, it is correct - at least in economic terms.  According to the Egghead Board, the Recession of 2007 officially ended in June 2009 - a whopping 18 months of economic decline, the worst since World War II.   For those of you looking around, and thinking 'Wednesday, Thursday, Friday?', we will explain...


    If you are a Cambridge Economic Geek, chances are you are locked in a dark room, with a cigar and a sifter of brandy, overlooking tons of 'empirical data'... A recession officially is a period of time when the indicators all are Goin' South.  So, when last Summer came - and stuff just slightly blipped up, or at least leveled off- the Geek will decide that the recession is over.  The sad part is he is probably correct.  The sadder part is the actual truth we now face....


     Truth be known, the economy actualy was worse last year than it is now.  Corporations are doing better, unemployment is down just barely, but not dropping.  Essentially, we've hit bottom - but it's a new bottom, at least for now.  We're in a gestation period of the flat-lined economy.  A sort of 'General Economic Malaise' to use a term from Jimmy Carter.... This is the New Economy perhaps. Yeah, it could be getting worse next year, but don't expect it to getting better anytime in the immediate future.


    We do remain hopeful for 2011: like we said, companies are doing more with less, but they will need more, and inventories are going up slightly,meaning that pre-orders are rising, which is a good sign.  A major possibility of economic upswing?  A new Congress.... We try not to tie in politics and economics too much, but Business is scared shitless from what the Democrats have done the past 2 years.  We have the feeling that a Republican majority or at least a split in the houses will calm Business down, and give them the green light to hire at least a few people.  To us, 2011 looks like a very slow growth year. If you're expecting a boom to occur, do not hold your breath. Last decade was an amalgamation of factors by both business and consumers spending too much on shit they didn't need, and now is when we all face facts... A boom isn't coming at all, which probably is good.


    No, we don't blow smoke up your ass.. But we do try to let you know when it's OK to go in the street, bang on a few pots, and celebrate the end of the Recession.  Too late you missed it!

.

Katy Perry Gives Elmo and Sesame Street More Than They Can Handle..

                                           Mamma .... Boobies !!!!

      We get a lot of grief from people who think that we're fixated on breasts.  While our official opinion on large mammalina protruberances is that they are like Cruise Control on a car - you don't necessarily need them, but they're a nice option - it seems that there are some Moms and Dad's of pre-school aged kids that worry about that stuff more than we do... Ask Katy Perry.



     Perry recently did a spoof of her 'Hot & Cold' song with none other than Sesame Street icon, Elmo.  The song and video are pretty tame - she talks about 'playing dress-up' while kinda dressed in a veil.  Perhaps Perry was all set to play 'honeymoon night' with the furry red creature. Someone call Russell Brand !!!  Nope, the big problem was her top - or lack of it.  Some felt it was a bit too skimpy for Sesame Street, or any street for that matter.  Of course, the clip aired a while back, and only caused a ruckus once it made it to YouTube. Here's the clip:


www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHROHJlU_Ng



While we've seen much 'ampler'  pictures of Katy Perry's cleavage, we'll agree that maybe another outfit choice would have been less contraversial.  However, a poll in the Globe Mail said that 57% of people think that this is nothing.  We'll agree that this is less of a problem than us seeing her 'California Gurls' video on Teen Nick on Saturday morning - featuring her bare ass.  Still, as far as Sesame Street contraversy, our Number One remains Cooie Monster - for THIS....


www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWac5UT80no


.

Fuzzy Thoughts: The Sleeping Dog Edition

It finally happened. After three months of constantly having to either work, go out of town, or host a gigantic party at my house, I at long last did NOTHING but rest and sleep this weekend. Two days of ZZZZ's and bliss. Football season somehow always does that. We're going to need it this week: Rick is on suspension, Dwayne is on vacation this week, and Vinny is off Monday, so that leaves only three advisors, instead of the usual six. My guess is the bosses will buy me lunch as bribery for skipping my lunch break/much needed catnap. I also have to work Saturday this week, which wasn't scheduled. Enjoy the rest - and the fuzziness - while you can....


As usual, the weather first: perfect today - about 75 and Sunny. A great day to waste indoors, which I gladly did. Food shopping and lanudry done by 1:00PM, just in time to watch..... Chicago vs Dallas and Miami vs. Minnesota ???!!!! WTF? The G-Men battle Peyton and the Colts, so I focused more on my fantasy team. We had a cakewalk last week, but this week is tougher. I'm already regretting not starting Matt Ryan, but we're hoping Kyle Orton puts some TD's up on Seattle...


The big news this week is the return of my brother Matty, from South Carolina. he came back almost to the day of me returning last year, for much the same reason - better pay up here. The problem is that his place isn't ready yet, so we're sharing a bed... The first couple days were tough - my bro snores, talks and humms in his sleep - but we're adjusting.



The final steps are almost complete for the impending sale of the Millridge House. The inspection is done,with only two minor repairs needed (told you it was in good shape), and the tentative date for closing is September 30th at 2:00PM. I haven't gotten confirmation from my bosses to let me off yet..... uhh, but I HAVE to go get my stuff out and close. We'll do something while I'm down there (probably one night on the lake). After that, the situation gets complicated. My days here at Fantasyland (aka, Joe and Carol's) are numbered. No one has said anything yet, but I think it's time. I have an open invitation at my friend Julie's in the posh Dix Hills area, but I need to work things out first to not ruffle any feathers. It'll all make more sense soon...


OH YEAH - POLITICS!! Yes, the Tea Party is definitely making it's presence felt, but exactly how much power can Sarah Palin get from it when her negative numbers are nearly 50% ? Right now, they are successful at taking their own (re: the GOP 'RINO's) out.... Can they cross the aisle and get the moderates to join them? We'll see. Not impossible, but not easy either.



As I write this lookign out my window, I'm amused by everyone slowing down to get a peek at Joe's Lamborghini Murcielago in the driveway. Yes, Carol and I think Joe's lost his mind, but he can afford it, and it's given Carol carte blanche to get anything she wants. How much does Joe make? As a percentage of income, the Lambo was a more prudent buy than me buying the 2005 Avalon....



Heard Barack Obama feverishly begged a coalition of black elected officials to go to work to save the Democratic majority in Congress. If I were African-American, there are times when I would just feel like the most unappreciated POS by the Dems. How many times can they go to the well before AA's give up on them? P-Luv might answer, 'As long as there's just the Dems and the GOP? - FOREVER !!!!' No wonder they have no hope for the future.....My favorite line? 'Go to your homes, your churches, the barbershop and the beauty salon' - like their lives are one big version of an Ice Cube movie.....




Enjoy the week, and look for any updates on Facebook of when I'm coming down....

.

SC6 News: Mark Sanford Comes to Flotown...

SC Governor to Speak at Florence Co. GOP Meeting Thursday....

With the end of Summer, comes the kickoff to the last few weeks before Election Day - when the campaigns quit their siestas, and get back to work. With only two county meetings to go before the second Tuesday in November, time is short to get the vote out, and to get the word out for some of the candidates and elected officials... Governor Mark Sanford will be speaking to the Florence County GOP this Thursday at the Ramada Inn at I-95 and Hwy 76. Dinner starts at 5:30, and the meeting begins at 6:30PM..

Sanford is in the last few months of his 8 year tenure, which at times has been tumultuous to say the least. With so little time left (counties usually take a break for Christmas in election years), Sanford has begun his final tour to the county GOP groups. While we don't expect standing ovations from the party faithful for his past personal errors, things should be cordial for the Governor. Kind of like you finding out the person you never liked is dying - only a total a-hole would say anything then....

Like many elected officials, Sanford's term was filled with hope in the beginning, but fell short on many fronts: first, the obvious - but more importantly, not learning to make some friends in Columbia to get the meat of his agenda through. This is something Nikki Haley, a Sanford protege, needs to keep in mind after she wins in November. Being principled is one thing, but there is a point where it becomes stubborness - or pig-headed might be a good symbolic term!

We liked Sanford, and still do like him to a degree - this recession has killed a lot of Governor's records - but we wonder how things might be different if he and the House and Senate worked together five or six years ago, to create those 'soil conditions' he spoke of for job growth. The ending opinion of Sanford's term will be filled with an asterisk, for 'shoulda, coulda, woulda'.....

.

Today's Founder's Quote: Reason & Reflection

'Excessive taxation will carry reason and reflection to every man's door - particularly in the hour of Election."

-Thomas Jefferson.

Usually, we would add a smarmy comment here, along with a scantily clad girl too young to legally drink. However, recent events have made us reason and reflect ourselves. So, we're putting another 'hottie' on here instead - First Lady, Martha Washington....

.

Even Shit Is Getting Expensive...

Found this little nugget on Sherry Shealy Martschink's Facebook page... Ohhh, CRAB DIP !!!! Hey, someone might eat it - Pate' does kinda look like poop to us..... Someone call Buzzy Newton.

.

Cartoon Of The Week - BOGO Special !!!!

It was a good week for the cartoonists. We could have piskced probably any one of five. But, we whittled it down to two. The biggest topic was the Tea Party's influence on the GOP Primaries - which made us pick Sarah Palin's imitation of Toonces the Driving Cat get the nod. Hopefully, she won't run the car off a cliff also....

But, to give our side equal time, we added this nice little snippet, which pretty accurately equates the effectiveness of the Stimulus Bill....

.

Putting a Number on Happiness ....

The old saying goes, 'You Can't Put a Price on Happiness'....... Life is a tale of romance, family, enjoying experiences and sucking the marrow out of it... While our first inclination is to scream "Bullshit" at the top of our lungs, there is truth in that many people are very happy without a lot of money or luxurious items. For those of you who believe that with your very soul and being........ there is always a study to prove you wrong!




Yes, out this week is a joint study from Princeton University economist Angus 'For Those About to Rock" Deaton and famed psychologist Daniel Kahneman (is there such a thing as a living famed psychologist?) that shows that there is a very specific number WHERE happiness begins - at least generally speaking. They surveyed 450,000 American through a Gallup Poll survey over 2 years, and found that $75,000 a year is the magic number, which explains a lot for our eternal bitterness.....




According to the study, happiness and day-to-day contentment rises very little once that $75,000 threshold is reached. Therefore, money CAN buy you a certain amount of happiness (ex, a car, house, Blue-Ray and an I-Phone), but only to a certain degree. So after all of this, there IS truth in that money doesn't buy total happiness - but ti does get you of the floor at least.



There is good and bad news in it for me personally. While, we're not at the magic number, we're getting close to it. The bad news is that the $75,000 is an overall number nationally, and it is subject to cost of living numbers. For example, here in New York, to be at the same happiness level at $75,000 a year , you have to make $163,000 per year. That noise you just heard was me screaming as the Bear Trap of life just clamped onto my leg.....



www.youtube.com/watch?v=598nWAiqW8I



.

The Tea Party Movement Gets It's Grip in New York

Paladino, Altschuler Wins Show a Clear Sign For Incumbents .....

A quick note about Primary Day up here in Yankeeville... We FINALLY had the primaries here on Tuesday, and there were plenty of surprises. In the local race for Congress, Randy Altschuler won the election to take on Prime Target Democrat Tim Bishop in November by getting 45% of the vote over George Demos (31%) and Chris Cox (24%). In a race exclusively made of carpetbaggers, Altschuler bag was the least carpeted - at least he's paid local taxes - so he got the nod. No, there is no runoff in New York State. You win with 21% in a six person race, you win. No, we don't get it either......

The bigger surprise was not that Buffalo business owner Carl Paladino beat former Congressman and Senate candidate Rick Lazio (he lost to Hillary in 2000), but that Paladino gave Lazio a 28-point total asswhipping. Polls two days before had it as a virtual dead heat, with Paladino having Big Mo on his side. So much for polls...

So, what can we learn from a primary? The main thing is that the Tea Party is not just a Southern, white , racist groundswell movement. Maybe it's a Northern, white, racist groundswell....... We're not sure. But, the fact is that there is an anti-incumbency movement like we've never seen in our lifetime, at least on our side of the aisle. Lazio was an experienced legislator, but the message was clear - if you served in DC before, then YOU are part of the problem, and we don't want you there again to to the same stuff.

Of course, the paths for Paladino and Altschuler are not clear. Altschuler needs cash to beat Bishop, and this IS New York, after all.... As for Paladino, he has a Herculian battle versus Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who is well-regarded, is the son of former Governor Mario "Sandbag Eyes" Cuomo - oh, and he has $23 MILLION in the bank as of last quarter. Good Luck, Carl. Paladino promises to lose... err, spend..... of his own money on the race. But, funnier things have happened in politics. We'll see......

.

Big Stuff Over Here at SC6... But We Ain't Telling

Many of you view me as a big mouth who can't keep a secret. The truth is, there are plenty of snippets that I get that stay in my mouth until the time is right. Right now is one of those times. No, it's not some big political bombshell (we've already stated that I never slept with Nikki Haley). Nope, it's more important than that, but it's something that we will have to sit on until the news becomes official.

Sorry for not being our usual blabbermouth, but you'll have to settle for patience.

-The Management of SC6

.

Fuzzy Thoughts: Back to School Edition

For those of you in the Palmetto State, I'm about three weeks late, but up here in Yankeeville, school starts tomorrow. I know Carol is pretty excited to have at least one of the Gruesome Twosome go back for a few hours a day. Anyone who said two is no harder than one is crazy. Two is at least three times harder - ever try to go in two different directions at the same time? Case closed... Anyway, with the kids back at class, things should be a bit more normal around. That is, until the fog clears.....




As always, the weather first. If Hurricane Earl were a Sopranos character, he would no doubt be Big Pussy. Seriously, it hardly rained, and the top winds were 20 MPH. Nothing. Zip.. Since he blew through, it's been perfect - 80 and not a cloud in the sky today. It is supposed to wam into the mid-80's tomorrow, but that's about it. Then comes - FOOTBALL !!! We're all geared up for next Sunday, but we're not sure my Giants are. The defense is already getting grief for a lack of intensity and leadership, which usually means points on the board. It could be a rough one, but not as bad as my fantasy team might have. The draft is Tuesday, but I have no time to be checking waiver wires 24/7. We're gonna suck...




This was an interesting week in the blogosphere, and in real politics locally. First, we'll drop our two cents in for our good friend and fellow Four Horsemen member Earl Capps. I've never seen a non-story get so blown out of proportion, but I guess these things happen. Soemtimes, you try to not rock the boat when an almost laughable story comes across your path - and that's when the mistakes happen. Maybe he was being a bit coy, but Earl did goof a bit by not denying anything with Nikki Haley. It's easy to say now, but if you know nothing happened, then say it. To answer a comment by our good friend West Rhino - and to clear the air - here is my comment. I think I saw Nikki Haley once at a convention. I have never spoken to her, and I certain have never been with our next Governor. End of story. There, I feel better!




Secondly, we got wind of a request for a special meeting of the Florence GOP to discuss and make a reply to a group called Republicans for Ed Clements. For those of you who don't know politics there, there is a VERY blurry line between the parties, particularly with the candidates and electe officials. They often change like the wind, so it's not uncommon to see some 'Republicans' cross party lines, and support a Solicitor who is/isn't a Democrat. The same thing happened 4 years ago to Mark Sanford. Every candidate has a group working against them, and it is not up to the party to devise, finance and produce a counterattack against them. That is the candidate's job, and his/her staff.... We all want all of the GOP candidates to win, but calling special meetings is unnecessary, and taking up the time of committeepeople not active in the campaign. Plus, it gives power to the group your fighting against by acknowledging it. It's best to handle it on your own....



After hearing Alvin Greene, I wonder who'll get a higher vote percentage - Jim DeMint, or Curtis Loftis, who is running unopposed....... Meanwhile, a happy Labor Day wish to all the candidates - now get to work, dammit !!!!




A sign of the economy: I spoke to Ms. X this week, and she is finally close to getting a job. She's gone through three interviews already, and there are still four other candidates left. BTW, the job pays $9 per hour...... After texting her, I accidentally deleted every text she sent me. Memories...........




Carol has been on a tear the last couple weeks to find me a girlfriend. Last week, I went out with Julie twice, including a day at the Nudie Beach (I was clothed). This weekend, she asked me if I was interested in a friend who was visiting from California (nice person, but i wasn't). Then on Saturday, I was sat next to another friend at a dinner for 12. She was a decent looking Chinese girl, but her English is iffy, and she looked as uncomfortable with the setup as I did.. Think I'll call Julie again....



Last weekend was the big Reino Family Reunion in PA. It was fun, and I looked pretty damned good, although I think my cousin Paul still has me beat at age 56. Not sure the guy will every age, or lose his hair. I did stop by a diner on the way for Scrapple, but they wouldn't put it in my omelette (WTF??!!), so I passed. Took three hours to get there ...... and FIVE to get back. F**king GW Bridge...

.

Handicapping the NY-1 Race In Our New Home

See, The Carpetbaggers Go North Too Sometimes ....

While we are still SC6, the fact is that for almost a year now, NY1 has been our home base. To be honest, we haven't gotten involved at all up here. There's no time, and the political machinery here doen't allow a guy who's just a District Vice-Chair to move in - unless he can buy it. Therein lies the problem with our Primary race here on the East End of Long Island. BTW, if you look on the map between the dots for Smithtown and Centereach, that is where we are - maybe up just a tad.

First off, YES.... New York doesn't have it's primary until the second Tuesday of September, and YES - it is a definite advantage for the incumbent to have his opponent get 50 days to prepare for a General Election... It is what it is.

In this year of vulnerable Democrats, NY1's Tim Bishop is near the top of the list. Not well known, and only elected to a couple terms, Bishop is a weak Democrat in a Republican majority district, ripe for the picking. If we had a strong local candidate to put up, we would take this seat easily. Problem is, the bandwagon to take on Bishop has attracted a slew of candidates whose ink is still wet on their rental units....

All three GOP candidates - Randy Altschuler, Chris Cox and George Demos - have less than five years COMBINED of residency in the district. Yes, the carpetbaggers have moved back North, adn they're all running for Congress. The easy part of it is when your district includes the Hamptons, chances are you have a rich uncle or cousin who owns a cottage there, and suddenly, your a resident. How we only got these three to make the cut is beyond me, but it is what it is....

Luckily for the voters, carpetbagging is all they have in common. Altschuler is a tall, geeky-looking younger guy who started Office Tigers, Cox is a young Opie twin who's grandfather you might know - his name was Richard Nixon, and his dad is the state GOP Chair. Cox makes his living as a 'consultant', which always makes us nervous. Those who can do, those who can't....... Demos worked in the public sector, and is viewed as the outsider and staunchest conservative, but his ads have been the most negative, even if they are true. Would Ronald Reagan approve? We're not sure.

All things being equal, it does lead you to use your own personal philosophy on which candidate to choose. Personally, we like real world experience at job creation, and not too conservative on the social issues, so we give a very cautious nod to Altschuler. Meanwhile, we're going to make some friends in the meantime, so we can prepare for our 2012 run. Know anyone with a house in the Hamptons?

.

Tax Cuts, Jobs and the Economy ....

We can't show pictures of half naked women all the time, and try to keep our credibility up. Every once in a while, you gotta discuss actual issues. Since we have the day off, we'll try to do that today. Naked chicks will be back soon though....



We were able to catch Fox News Sunday, and the topics were mainly about the economy (stupid), and the reationship between tax cuts and jobs. Essentially, here is the scenario: the Bush Tax Cuts are set to expire at year's end, and both sides of the aisle are trying to figure out what to do from there. Republicans naturally want to extend the cuts, which Democrats view as elitist and ineffective to growing the economy. Democrats are currently pushing letting the Bush Cuts expire, and replacing them with targeted tax breaks for small businesses and lower income people. The theory is that poor people spend a greater proportion of their income, thus all of it will go towards stimulting the economy, and creating jobs. So, which is right?



For starters, I'll give the Democrats credit for finally seeing the light, at least to a certain extent. A couple years ago, many Dems on The Hill had a hard time understanding the correlation between the two. However, even that is flawed. I think the most important thing we have learned in the last year or two is that the Federal Government - as huge as it is getting - is miniscule to the size of the American Economy. Like we've said before, the government cannot control the economy, it only sets the table for it, and the private sector takes it from there. The $814 billion spent last year didn't do a hell of a lot, another $25 or $100 billion won't have any effect as well...



I'll tell you what the Obama Administration's biggest problem is: the unknown. There is this thing in business called forecasting, and they all live and die by it. With all the regulation, buyouts, government agencies, czars and yes, Health Care, American business is stuck in fog as thick as peanut butter or pea soup, whichever you prefer. They can't see the future, so they can't tell what the f**k is coming up, and that's why many companies are turning a profit, but sitting pat and not hiring. In short, they went overboard, and business got spooked.....



That's the past, but what about now? Well, it almost doesn't really matter economically. We're in a protracted recession, and it will likely be that way for at leats another year or longer. Politically, the Democrats are in deep shit. Why? Because the public is in a state of IDGAF (I Don't Give a F**k).... Simply put, they're all jaded with promises not met by both sides, and until it DOES visibly improve, no cut will change their vote in November, and right now, that means a Democrat net loss. A pretty steep one.. But, we'll discuss it anyway.



So, which works better - tax cuts for the rich or poor. It's kind of like the Chicken and the Egg. Yes, percentage wise, lower income people given a tax cut will spend more of it, which could lead to job creation. The flipside though, is that higher income earners are the ones who actually CREATE the jobs by and large, so some extra $$ in Wentworth Livingston III (aka Trey)'s bank account might more effectively be used to hire employees at his firm, or to buy stock, which gives them low-cost capital. Or, he might just throw it in the bank, and leave it there.. It's a crapshoot. So, as usual, maybe both sides are a little right. We all could use a tax break, along with some serious spending cuts for BS we don't need. However, nothing is going to do the trick anytime soon.

.

SC6 Real Estate: Off The Market, Baby !!!

You Ain't The Only Happy Ones, Jackson !!!!!

In case you don't read my Facebook at all, the big news this week in SC6-Land was that the Millridge house is now under contract, pending inspection. WHEW !!!! After taking and passing on a couple lowball offers (mostly caused by the buyer's Dad), they came back with a more reasonable one, and we quickly found a nice middle ground. So, the house is sold.......

The planned closing is by the 30th of this month, so I might be coming back to Flotown to close - if they need me to. Most of the stuff in it is included, so this trip will not be like the one in March, where I spent three days repairing shit, and didn't see anyone. More importantly, I'll be saving about $925 a month by not paying for a house I haven't lived in for quite some time...

The Millridge house does hold special memories for me, though. It was my first purchase, where Nicole and I lived and divorced in. I learned how to landscape, fix a toilet, and find a decent AC technician. It was aslo the place that forced me to be a community activist, which led me into politics, and where I am today. In short, if it wasn't for Millridge, I'd be a quiet, politically unmotivated and oblivious homeowner - like everyone else. You can blame it all on that house.

The next step will be to fix the few doohickies that need repair on the Millstone house, and get ready to sell it in the Spring. Not a lot of equity in that place, but it is another $600 a month out of pocket, and barring an unlikely lucrative job offer in Florence, I won't be moving back anytime soon.. Ben's not too keen on selling, but the plan was for three years, and we're in year four now. That's later. For now, we'll be happy with our nice little score, pay off some minor revolving debt, and watch the bank account start to blow up.....

.

Today's Quote: Republics, Creation, Virtue, Intelligence, and Other Heady Subjects

'Republics are Created by the Virtue, Public Spirit, and Intelligence of the Citizens.'
-Joseph Story




We may have some questions on Jesse James' virtue and intelligence (the Pam Anderson clone DID hook up with Tommy Lee, after all), but we have little doubts as to whether she lifts our spirits.... Most of you are on the road this weekend. Meanwhile, we'll tyr to overcome this blinding sinus headache that has sidelined us the past month or so to rest up for some more posts tomorrow.

.

Cartoon of the Week ....

Though we thought about posting a picture of Barack Obama's struggles to revive the economy (hint: you can't, and therein lies the main problem), we decided there will likely be plenty of opportunities for that in the future....

However, you only get to leave Iraq once - if you're lucky. I'm not sure if anyone would consider a trip to Baghdad a 'pleasure trip'. Historians will debate the merits/demerits of our presence there for years, but this cartoon essentially says where we are going from here....

.