A message from Former President Bush

MoonHowler

 In his first 9-11 since leaving the White House, former President George Bush issued the following statement through his spokesman:

“Eight years ago, our nation and our freedom came under attack. On this solemn anniversary, Laura and I hold the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers. We honor those who volunteer to keep us safe and extend the reach of freedom — including members of the armed forces, law enforcement officers, and intelligence and homeland security professionals. Their courage, service and sacrifice is a fitting tribute to all those who gave their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. On this day, let us renew our determination to prevent evil from returning to our shores.”

 

 

Most of George Bush’s presidency was defined by 9-11 and its aftermath. Has much changed since then? Are his words still relevant? Was he offering his opinion about Afghanistan and Iraq?

There is quite a stir going on now about sending more troops into Afghanistan. Is it necessary? I thought President Obama was committed to finishing things in Afghanistan. Is he faltering now like Congress?

Post Removed Regarding Potomac River Incident

MoonHowler

The post regarding the Coast Guard firing on a boat on the Potomac River was taken down because it is now reported that the incident was a Coast Guard training exercise.  Today is too sensitive to have a post like that stay up over a training exercise. 

The media, including the 2 majors, CNN and Fox all were reporting the incident as an high alert incident in the vicinity of the Pentagon where the President was speaking on the anniversity of 9-11.

CNN is sputtering mad.  They had heard the incident on the scanner.  The media was not alerted that there was a training excerise being held.  The word ‘criminially stupid’ is being tossed about.  Stay tuned. 

 

Obama Heads to the home of the Bulls and Bears

MoonHowler

President Obama heads to Wall Street this Monday to urge financial reform. Financial regulatory systems need an overhaul to avoid the abuses and failures that led to near economic disaster last year.

Most of the focus this past summer has been on health care reform which is also part of our national financial woes. However, the banking, mortgage and insurance industries need to come back to being blips on the radar if serious reform is to take place and future disasters are to be avoided.

According the Washington Post:

He will urge members of the financial community “to take responsibility, not only to support reforming the regulatory system but also to avoid a return to the practices on Wall Street that led us to the financial crisis,” an administration official said Sunday.

Building up to that message, Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner said recently that “greater urgency” is needed to push through regulatory reform and insisted that “fundamental change is necessary.” National economic adviser Lawrence H. Summers said in an interview that “this crisis will leave a legacy of strengthened regulation.”

Interestingly enough, while the job market hovers just under 10% unemployment, and retail spending is still flatlining, the stock market has gone up on average 45% since March. September which historically is the poorest month for stock gains hasn’t been that bad. Since September 1, the Dow has risen nearly 300 points. According to Bulls and Bears (Fox News) the average Joe 6 pack is just poking a toe back into the water and is investing in the stock market again after the melt down that began last September.

So who will howl about financial regulation? Probably those who are being regulated and need it the most. What are some reforms that contributors on anti see a need for?

[ UPDATE:  TEXT OF PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ADDRESS TO WALL STREET]

True Compass

MoonHowler

Teddy Kennedy’s memoirs come out today, Sept. 14. The name of his book is True Compass : A Memoir. No other member of the family has written their memoirs. It was very important for Senator Kennedy to complete his book before he died.

Part of 60 Minutes tonight was about the much awaited Ted Kennedy memoir. Much of the discussion of the book was with his son, Medium Teddy. (Senator Kennedy was Big Teddy, his grandson was Little Teddy.) Medium Teddy is the son who gave the eloquent eulogy at his funeral that stopped everyone in their tracks. He spoke of how his father went with him ever step of the way up an icy hill after he had lost his leg.

A great deal of what we know of the Kennedy family is through tragedies. Following Chappaquiddick Big Teddy became the bad boy in the minds of many Americans. Because of his liberal politics, others growled and snarled over him. Perhap through his memoirs we will see a person we didn’t know existed. I look forward to buying and reading his book.

The 60 Minutes Segment:


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