Hopefully, the final word on a host of issues:
Treasury Secretary Geithner. History will remember him as the tax cheat who became a Treasury Secretary. Unless he engineers a global and long stand recovery and expansion, he will, alas, be known primarily as a tax cheat. (BTW, we're not going to spend our way into a recovery, much less an expansion.) Why he didn't have the decency to resign is a mystery to me.
Caroline Kennedy. Reports indicate that the Kennedy clan is upset at how Governor David Paterson treated Caroline. In the words of the playground taunt, "So what are you going to do about it?" My thinking -- not much. Caroline was the last hope for a Kennedy in the Senate. Alas, Edward Moore Kennedy has an inoperable brain tumor and is not long for this world. His son Patrick, a representative from Rhode Island is better known for his substance abuse than his legislative prowess. Paterson will have his worries in '10 -- the Kennedys will be the least of them.
NYDN's Agenda. It was typical of the mediocre Mikes to blame, well, Paterson for Kennedy's shortcomings. The curious fact remains that it's the New York Times that is battling with the Harlem Congressman and not the populist left-wing rag. They sure give him a space to deny the allegations. It's one of those things that makes one go, "Hmmm."
Lastly, add Filip Bondy to the list of those who think fans should pay more so he can see an improved team play for free.
Showing posts with label David Paterson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label David Paterson. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday's Musings
He may have been sworn in, but Barack Obama's mind is still on the campaign trail. That's the only explanation I have for his zinger directed at conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh. Bill Clinton also made the same mistake of attacking -- and thus elevating -- Rush Both gentlemen forgot the rule when dealing with a critic -- that's to ignore him.
Speaking of Clinton, it's curious to hear Obama & Biden claim that the economy is worse than they thought. Clinton made the same charge when he took command of the Oval Office. It wasn't like they were praising it during the campaign. But by claiming it's worse -- well, that gives them a whole lot of room to maneuver.
For a guy who cannot properly file his taxes, Timothy Geithner must have some other redeeming qualities to make him a must for Secretary of the Treasury. It's not like he did a bang up job at the New York Fed is it? When the economic stimulus fails -- and it will -- Geither's scalp will be the first to fall.
The rationale -- "we'll figure something out" -- doesn't wash when it comes to where are we going to put the Gitmo detainees in a year's time. Don't file the Gitmo matter under "decisiveness" any time soon.
The mediocre Mikes -- Daly & Lupica of the New York Daily News probably spent most of yesterday wiping the eggs off their faces. Both fawned over Caroline "You Know" Kennedy in her run up to what was supposed to be an inevitable selection by Governor Paterson. However, taxes, a nanny "issue", and a supposed extra marital affair ruined her chances. It may be best for Ms. Kennedy to return to a more private life.
It was interesting to see David Brooks on PBS last night and realize that he's in the employ of a Mexican businessman. I'm sure that some of the $250 million will be paying salaries for those working for The New York Times. We'll see soon what kind of coverage a quarter of a billion dollars can buy.
You know when we'll hit the rock bottom of this recession? When the gossip tabloids and magazines start laying off personnel.
Future mea culpas (or "what was I thinking?"):
Speaking of Clinton, it's curious to hear Obama & Biden claim that the economy is worse than they thought. Clinton made the same charge when he took command of the Oval Office. It wasn't like they were praising it during the campaign. But by claiming it's worse -- well, that gives them a whole lot of room to maneuver.
For a guy who cannot properly file his taxes, Timothy Geithner must have some other redeeming qualities to make him a must for Secretary of the Treasury. It's not like he did a bang up job at the New York Fed is it? When the economic stimulus fails -- and it will -- Geither's scalp will be the first to fall.
The rationale -- "we'll figure something out" -- doesn't wash when it comes to where are we going to put the Gitmo detainees in a year's time. Don't file the Gitmo matter under "decisiveness" any time soon.
The mediocre Mikes -- Daly & Lupica of the New York Daily News probably spent most of yesterday wiping the eggs off their faces. Both fawned over Caroline "You Know" Kennedy in her run up to what was supposed to be an inevitable selection by Governor Paterson. However, taxes, a nanny "issue", and a supposed extra marital affair ruined her chances. It may be best for Ms. Kennedy to return to a more private life.
It was interesting to see David Brooks on PBS last night and realize that he's in the employ of a Mexican businessman. I'm sure that some of the $250 million will be paying salaries for those working for The New York Times. We'll see soon what kind of coverage a quarter of a billion dollars can buy.
You know when we'll hit the rock bottom of this recession? When the gossip tabloids and magazines start laying off personnel.
Future mea culpas (or "what was I thinking?"):
- Overdoing the inauguration of President Obama. It was embarrassing. (Big Media)
- Betting on the Steelers in the Super Bowl. (Bettors)
- Thinking that government spending will revitalize the economy. (Democrats)
- Approving Eric Holder as Attorney General (Republicans)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Soured on Caroline
Years ago, I had a friend who, in the midst of the Little League season, took off for a vacation in Italy. The guy was a decent player but he was no All-Star. So when it came time to choose an All-Star team for the district championships, he was with his parents visiting the kinfolk. He wasn't chosen. Some of us thought -- as we were wont to do -- that he purposefully took off to Italy to avoid the indignity of not being selected.
In retrospect, it's hard to imagine him pleading with his parents to go to Italy at that particular time to avoid a pre-teenage traumatic event.
It's less harder to believe that Caroline Kennedy is bailing out before she goes through the indignity of having someone -- other than her -- selected to complete the term of Hillary Rodham-Clinton. In fact, reporters for The New York Post say as much.
Like the little kid who said that he wasn't going to the birthday party even if he was invited; he's still viewed as, well, someone who is going to miss the fun.
She was a dreadful candidate, you know. More importantly she wasn't going to win Governor Paterson's any votes in 2010, so he thought it was best to jettison her now.
She might want to go to Italy. I hear it's lovely this time of year.
In retrospect, it's hard to imagine him pleading with his parents to go to Italy at that particular time to avoid a pre-teenage traumatic event.
It's less harder to believe that Caroline Kennedy is bailing out before she goes through the indignity of having someone -- other than her -- selected to complete the term of Hillary Rodham-Clinton. In fact, reporters for The New York Post say as much.
Like the little kid who said that he wasn't going to the birthday party even if he was invited; he's still viewed as, well, someone who is going to miss the fun.
She was a dreadful candidate, you know. More importantly she wasn't going to win Governor Paterson's any votes in 2010, so he thought it was best to jettison her now.
She might want to go to Italy. I hear it's lovely this time of year.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Wednesday's Wondering
Why do the New York Jets want Brett Favre for another year? Since his status is uncertain -- it's going to be tough getting a new coach for the team. In retrospect, losing the conference championship to the subsequent Super Bowl champion -- wouldn't be a bad way to cap a career. But like Jordan and Sinatra who also came out of retirement, a wonderful career was tarnished by a mediocre return to the limelight.
Is it me, or is Tom Cruise's latest movie, propping up the TV industry? For a middling flick -- it's everywhere on TV. Of even greater curiosity -- it's been out for a couple of weeks and I still see the advertising. Is Tom too big to fail?
I'm not sold that Governor Paterson has picked Caroline Kennedy to be the Empire State's junior senator. He has to ask the all important question -- how does she help get Paterson elected in 2010. Given her less then stellar campaign (despite the help from the hacks at the New York Daily News) Caroline Kennedy hasn't answered that question yet.
The luckiest guy in 2008 had to be the joker who constantly lamented about losing "another loan to Ditech." I'm sure he lost business to Ditech because he wanted his borrowers to have a steady income and buy a house they could afford. You'll notice that they don't run those ads anymore.
Whatever happened to the lone private eye on TV? Guys like Jim Rockford, Joe Mannix, or Harry O. fought crime by themselves. (OK, they had unofficial help from the local police department.) Now, crime (at least the TV variety) is fought by heavily staffed government entities -- whether it's a CSI outfit, the Closer (geez, she's got eight guys working for her -- all one one case!), or that FBI unit in Criminal Minds. Fighting crime used to be a lot more cost efficient and effective back in the 1970s.
Is it me, or is Tom Cruise's latest movie, propping up the TV industry? For a middling flick -- it's everywhere on TV. Of even greater curiosity -- it's been out for a couple of weeks and I still see the advertising. Is Tom too big to fail?
I'm not sold that Governor Paterson has picked Caroline Kennedy to be the Empire State's junior senator. He has to ask the all important question -- how does she help get Paterson elected in 2010. Given her less then stellar campaign (despite the help from the hacks at the New York Daily News) Caroline Kennedy hasn't answered that question yet.
The luckiest guy in 2008 had to be the joker who constantly lamented about losing "another loan to Ditech." I'm sure he lost business to Ditech because he wanted his borrowers to have a steady income and buy a house they could afford. You'll notice that they don't run those ads anymore.
Whatever happened to the lone private eye on TV? Guys like Jim Rockford, Joe Mannix, or Harry O. fought crime by themselves. (OK, they had unofficial help from the local police department.) Now, crime (at least the TV variety) is fought by heavily staffed government entities -- whether it's a CSI outfit, the Closer (geez, she's got eight guys working for her -- all one one case!), or that FBI unit in Criminal Minds. Fighting crime used to be a lot more cost efficient and effective back in the 1970s.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
All In the Family
During a hitch in the Army when I was a butter bar, I served alongside another lieutenant. I thought he was average, perhaps a notch or two above average. Others were less charitable in their assessment.
Nonetheless he was fast tracking -- got the coveted duty assignments, locations, and schools.
Usually when someone is doing well in their career, most folks think he's got his act together. However, even his friends didn't think he was that good.
What made him stand out among his peers? Well, it didn't hurt that his old man was a two star general. Now, the son didn't advertise that fact but then you didn't have to beat it out of him either.
I can't speak for the other services but in my tour of duty, I looked at my fair share of command and promotion lists and scratch my head and say -- hey isn't his or her old man a general officer?
Now I'm not suggesting that these guys are all duds. I'm sure there's a good one or two in the bunch.
What's the point, Maguire?
Well in the Empire State, the son of Basil Patterson will chose (among others) the daughter of John F. Kennedy or the son of Mario Cuomo to fill the seat that is currently held by Bill Clinton's wife.
The sad fact is that none of the four aforementioned folks got where they are on their own. They had a big leg up on the competition -- and used it to the fullest advantage. That's not to suggest they are unqualified -- but none of them are self-made.
Maybe they should take a cue from my fast-tracking colleague.
He quit the Army (long before 9/11) and works in private business. He knows that any success he has in this endeavor will be a result of who is -- and not who is father is.
UPDATE: Similar thoughts from elsewhere here.
Nonetheless he was fast tracking -- got the coveted duty assignments, locations, and schools.
Usually when someone is doing well in their career, most folks think he's got his act together. However, even his friends didn't think he was that good.
What made him stand out among his peers? Well, it didn't hurt that his old man was a two star general. Now, the son didn't advertise that fact but then you didn't have to beat it out of him either.
I can't speak for the other services but in my tour of duty, I looked at my fair share of command and promotion lists and scratch my head and say -- hey isn't his or her old man a general officer?
Now I'm not suggesting that these guys are all duds. I'm sure there's a good one or two in the bunch.
What's the point, Maguire?
Well in the Empire State, the son of Basil Patterson will chose (among others) the daughter of John F. Kennedy or the son of Mario Cuomo to fill the seat that is currently held by Bill Clinton's wife.
The sad fact is that none of the four aforementioned folks got where they are on their own. They had a big leg up on the competition -- and used it to the fullest advantage. That's not to suggest they are unqualified -- but none of them are self-made.
Maybe they should take a cue from my fast-tracking colleague.
He quit the Army (long before 9/11) and works in private business. He knows that any success he has in this endeavor will be a result of who is -- and not who is father is.
UPDATE: Similar thoughts from elsewhere here.
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