Interesting Column by David Brooks

Excellent column by David Brooks

"I’ll be writing a lot about the presidential election over the next 16 months, but at the outset I would just like to remark that I’m opining on this whole campaign under protest. I’m registering a protest because for someone of my Hamiltonian/National Greatness perspective, the two parties contesting this election are unusually pathetic. Their programs are unusually unimaginative. Their policies are unusually incommensurate to the problem at hand."

"Covering this upcoming election is like covering a competition between two Soviet refrigerator companies, cold-war relics offering products that never change."

Click the link below to read the story:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/14/opinion/14brooks.html?hp

Bad News on Jobs

More bad news on the economic front.  I think any President gets more blame and credit then is deserved for national economic performance. Still, when you are the sitting President, you get punished when the economy falters. And America is getting pretty tired of this. If the economy does not turn around President Obama will likely be a one term President - not that I have heard many good ideas from the Republicans on how to improve the economy.
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"NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- In yet another alarm bell of a weakening U.S. economy, the job market took a disappointing turn in May."


"The economy gained a mere 54,000 jobs in the month, a significant slowdown from 232,000 jobs added to payrolls in April, the government reported Friday."

Click to read the article

Obama expresses concern about slowing economy (AP)



"AP - With few options at hand and his poll numbers sagging, President Barack Obama expressed concern Tuesday about the sudden slowdown in the economy but said he is not worried about a second recession and the nation should "not panic.""



Good Column From David Brooks

Sometime this summer, the Democrats and the Republicans will go toe-to-toe over whether to raise the debt ceiling. At the height of the confrontation, President Obama may well address the country and say that even though he has offered the Republicans more than $1 trillion in spending cuts (unspecified), the Republicans have not been willing to compromise on a deal. He will then announce that, even without an agreement, the U.S. will still have enough money to continue payments to its creditors.


Click to read the rest of the story.

Memorial Day

Time to remember the sacrifices of those who died for their country.


http://marines10.blogspot.com/


Semper Fi

"If Hemingway Had Written a Racing Novel"

"If Hemingway Had Written a Racing Novel" is a series of great stories by Rich Nisley. I am not a big fan of racing, but his stories kept me glued to the pages. He really made racing drivers and cars come to life. I encourage anyone to read it.

And his book, "The Ragged Edge" is another great read. Great story line with plenty of racing thrills

craighullinger@gmail.com

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"Rich Nisley's "If Hemingway Had Written a Racing Novel" is a first-class collection of motor racing fiction. Each of these stories, excerpts of course, made me feel like the proverbial kid in the candy store with nose to glass. Before finishing my first read through this collection I ordered five of the featured books from various booksellers and I know I won't be
disappointed. 


This is a very well thought out gathering of stories that will inspire you to delve into these great books and enjoy well written novels about racing drivers, cars, and series from around the globe, literally Grands Prix to small-town circle tracks. Mine is a glowing review of Nisley's excellent collection because the book deserves it. He has done much more than organize a wonderful anthology; he has reawakened avid motor racing readers like myself to a largely untapped treasure chest of great motor racing stories. My encouragement to any reader is don't miss this racing book.you will not be disappointed. 


And don't miss his novel, The Ragged Edge."

W. Barker

Click here for Amazon "The Ragged Edge"

Click her for Amazon "If Hemingway Had Written a Racing Novel"

Rasmussen Poll

Obama 45%, Generic Republican 44%

For the third week in a row, voters remain almost evenly divided over whether they want to reelect President Obama or elect a Republican to replace him.

Daily Presidential Tracking Poll

  

Are you Conservative, Liberal, or Middle of the Road?

The short survey on the link below will tell you if you are liberal, moderate, or conservative. The questions are a bit simplistic but are ok for a quick and dirty summary of where you stand politically.

We would be interested in how you came across here and if you think the quiz is an accurate reflection of what they believe. 

 http://people-press.org

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I was very afraid I would be a liberal or a conservative, in which case I would have been very embarrassed. Thank goodness I am a fine upstanding moderate. Or I guess a Post-Modern, what ever that is.

There, I feel a lot better. My results below:

  Post-Moderns

13% OF THE PUBLIC

What They Believe

Generally supportive of government, though more conservative on race policies and the safety net

Strongly supportive of regulation and environmental protection

Most (56%) say Wall Street helps the economy more than it hurts

Very liberal on social issues, including same-sex marriage

One of the least religious groups: nearly a third are unaffiliated with any religious tradition

Favor the use of diplomacy rather than force

Who They Are

The youngest of the typology groups: 32% under age 30

A majority are non-Hispanic white and have at least some college experience

Half live in either the Northeast or the West


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I suppose my slogan could be:


The Few, the Proud, the Post-Moderns


Maybe I better work on that.


A majority (58%) live in the suburbs

63% use social networking

One-in-five regularly listen to NPR; 14% regularly watch The Daily Show


Thanks to my friend Author Taffy Cannon for submitting.