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As someone who works in finance and technology, I have had a front row view of what is happening now with the financial and credit markets. Just a couple years ago, I was helping a large European bank develop reports for the very financial vehicles that are helping to devastate economies around the world now. In preparation for developing the reports, I did a ton of research to learn exactly how these vehicles worked, and to be honest, I had a very difficult time figuring out how the money flowed through these vehicles, and it seems like a lot of people that needed to know how they worked really had no clue. I don’t mean to scare anyone, but we’re in for a very long and rough ride, and I mean the whole world here. This crisis is something that historians will write about much like the way that they write about the Great Depression.

If you want to understand more about what is happening, please take an hour of your time, and listen to the October 3rd episode of This American Life. You can also subscribe to the podcast through iTunes if you prefer. It will help you understand how we got into this mess.

By Posted on Posted in Politics 5 Comments Tagged with ,

As I was watching the Vice Presidential debate last Thursday night, it dawned on me that not only does Sarah Palin want to continue Dick Cheney’s practice of stretching the powers of the office of Vice President, she also may be more like Bush than even McCain has been over the last eight years. It was clear in the debate that Palin is a politician that pretty much does whatever she damn well pleases. She refused to answer any of the moderator’s questions and almost acted as if Joe Biden wasn’t even in the room. It was the most bizzare political debate I have watched in my entire life.

We have had a leader in office for the last eight years that has pretty much done whatever he damn well pleased or at least whatever his masters have damn well pleased. Trust has been broken. Laws have most likely been broken. America has lost the respect of the world, and we’re all worse off for it. Do the American people really want another administration that will continue to ignore what is best for the country and only do what is best for the few? I do not believe that. I cannot believe that and still feel good about my Republican friends and neighbors. It is time for a new direction and a brighter future for all.

Obama/Biden 2008

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As Obama and McCain debated Friday night, it struck me as odd that McCain kept going back to how Obama has guided so much money to his home state of Illinois. As someone who proudly voted for Barack back in 2004, I can say that I am extremely happy that he was able to bring so much funding back to Illinois. My House Representative for a majority of the years I lived in Illinois, Speaker Denny Hastert, was also great at getting money for projects in my district.

When you think about it, the only people that do not like earmarks are the other representatives and senators that are not able to get such funding for their own districts and states. Spoiled sports, perhaps? As a voter, I want my representative and senators to fight as hard as possible to bring home funding for necessary and beneficial projects and services. Honestly, what’s wrong with that? I’m fairly certain that the earmark comments will not resonate with the American people right now, and if McCain harps on it in the next debate, it will fall on deaf ears. People are worried about losing their jobs, losing their homes, and going bankrupt. They’re not worried about a representative or senator bringing home money for valid and useful projects.

Come on McCain! How are you going to help me and other people like me trying to get ahead, dealing with outrageous medical bills, and raising a family? Why were you not talking to me during Friday’s debate? Barack was talking to me. Barack makes me hopeful that things will get better. Barack makes feel that I will be able to afford my family’s health care. Barack makes me think that I will once again be proud to say I am an American when I visit other countries. Unfortunately, John, you have not said a word to me, and I bet a lot of other people like me feel the same way.

Obama/Biden 2008

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Vote for Kyah

I am a very proud papa today. My daughter decided to run to represent her class in the student council. She decided on the slogan in the picture above. Other slogans in the running included “Kyah P., Changing The World Since 1999,” and “Kyah P., Way More Experience Than Sarah Palin.” I’m sure you all can figure out which slogan was my favorite. 🙂

Obama/Biden 2008

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Okay, I’ve heard just about enough about Sarah Palin, but I’ll write more about that when my mind is clear of the anger created by the RNC.

For now, let’s get a little perspective about the citizens Mrs. Palin governs. According to the July 1, 2007 U.S. Census estimates, there are 16 U.S. cities that have larger populations than the State of Alaska. So, I guess the mayors of the following cities are also ready to be a heartbeat away from being President: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, Detroit, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Columbus, and Austin.

The Republicans cannot really be serious about this, can they? I’m just completely dumbfounded.

Obama/Biden 2008