NY Times March 8, 2010, Paul Krugman on Ireland

Paul, an excellent analysis of Ireland's strategy which has been successful in recognizing and dealing with the causes of economic recovery through the elimination of regulatory road blocks.

Being Irish I have also noted with pride the priority given by their government to creating new jobs through tax limits. A maximum corporate tax of 12.5 per cent is continuing to act as an incentive for startups and existing companies to locate in Ireland. Obviously, all countries today which seek to provide jobs for their people in a robust economy are competitors with our efforts in this country. If I am a C.E.O. of a corporation I can either build my company in a country that is pro business, putting my profits and workers ahead of excessive state and federal tax bites, or one that promotes major tax and expansive spending policies.

If the Obama administration is serious about creating and restoring jobs in America, then Ireland's approach to lower corporate taxes accompanied by those components you detailed in your analysis, are worth serious study and quick congressional understanding. Incentives for companies in the U.S. are needed for job creation and when coupled with major corporate tax reductions, they will work.

Dr. Alan Phillips
Bloomington, IL

NY Times, 11.30 Comments on Mike Huckabee

Dr.Alan Phillips

The words of Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Larry Jegley “This is the day I’ve been dreading for a long time” echo across the nation today in the deaths of four of our finest law enforcement officers, murdered near Seattle Washington. This terror should and could have been prevented with strong leadership.

I am disappointed and disgusted when those sworn to uphold the law are shown to be derelict in their duty and fail to protect the people. There was absolutely no rationale for commuting the sentence of Maurcie Clemmons for his criminal behavior and crimes. Sentenced to 60 years in prison on the strong recommendation of prosecutors his sentence was commuted by a sitting governor granting him clemency. Mike Huckabee has called this crime a “horrible tragic event.” In my opinion, it was more than a tragic event, it was a horrible ambush and murder of four policemen by someone who should still be confined in an Arkansas prison. Mike Huckabee also indicated that if Clemmons is found to be responsible, It will be “the result of failures in the criminal justice system in both Arkansas and Washington state”. I disagree strongly with Mike, there would have been no incidents in Washington state if the Arkansas governor had not granted clemency to a predator in the first place.

I had dismissed earlier rumors of the Governor’s past criminal justice leniencies as mere political jabs from the past. As a result of the deaths of these front line defenders of our freedoms, I am unimpressed with Huckabee’s comments. A matter this harmful and serious cannot be spun by an incompetent former public official. Frankly, the Governor failed miserably and as a result families that should be sharing a marvelous Christmas-Holiday season together will now embark on decades of grief. No book, television show, guitar solo, or public relations effort will remove the devastation wrought by this hardened criminal who should have been left imprisoned.

Mike my message to you, “You have failed to follow the most basic guarantee of the constitution, our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. You should have been in this instance a protector of the security guaranteed to all Americans through leadership which defends the dispensation of criminal justice. Parole boards, appointed by officials, are most mindful of an executive’s preference, the chief executive cannot hide behind their actions espousing non involvement.

I am a Republican with many friends from both parties, I love my country and our people. Your precipitous action has violated much of the nation’s trust, you failed to protect the people. Mike, I will not vote for you as a candidate for higher office.”

The Jobs Imperative
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Washington’s assumption that the economic recovery will trickle down to workers is wrong and unacceptable. It’s time for an emergency jobs program.

Paul, you are right on target, as usual.

Recently, Bob Herbert of the N.Y. Times, reminded all Americans, recovery is still about the national economy. “The American people are worried sick over the economy, which may be sprouting shoots from Ben Bernanke’s lofty perspective but not from the humble standpoint of the many millions who are unemployed or those who are still working but barely able to pay their bills and hold onto their homes.” I personally remain concerned about U.S. job losses to China without regard for their replacement at home, in spite of the President's current dialogue with them. In the woods when you harvest a tree you plant another, this is not happening on the jobs front...

Americans need to read the article I cited from a recent Financial Times article concerning the “Shopping habits of China’s suddenly wealthy” (August 21,09). The “Baofahu” as they are called, have become the suddenly wealthy. “Big flashy cars like the Porsche Panamera and the Geely GE, otherwise known as the Baby Rolls-Royce, are just a couple observations concerning their tastes. Add to the list their appetites for Gold, Barbies, Sprits and the finest wines, Ivory, Dairy, Dried seahorses for aphrodisiacs, they are still labeled by the author as “penny pinching, ruthless, suspicious shoppers.” This is a must read for Americans being admonished to drive smaller cars, use less energy, be careful in wasting healthcare, and support even greater participation in global trading. This certainly dampens the welcome of futurity for Americans, especially youth.

The Financial Times also reported “Caterpillar chief hits at buy American.” “Addressing the Chicago Council on Foreign Affairs, Jim Owens attacked the ‘buy American’ position in the stimulus, saying it had prompted ‘a wave of concern throughout the world.'” The paper observed that Mr. Owens’s words carry weight in both Washington and globally…The Caterpillar chief is also a member of Mr. Obama’s Economic Advisory Board and is close to both the President and,…the transportation secretary…Mr. Owens stated that “we cannot be a great country by building a wall down the southern border." I observe that we cannot be a great country by simply protecting our bottom line and giving American jobs to other countries.

(Financial Times, Hal Weitzman) August 22, 2009, FT highlighted the story that Caterpillar holds China truck talks (Justine Lau), “The talks come just months after Caterpillar announced that it would expand its joint venture with Navistar to produce commercial vehicles outside North America…Caterpillar also said it would withdraw from being an engine supplier for U.S. truck makers because of declining sales in the U.S. market."

In fairness it should be noted that Caterpillar is not the only American company exporting jobs to China.Yet there have been some nations, however, who are to be commended for investing dollars and plants in the United States. Several auto plants are the result of Japanese, German, South Korean and other nations who understand the reciprocity inherent in equitable international trade. I am not a protectionist but businesses and nations must all yield to a fair exchange on labor and production. Our CEO's may need to read Fiedler on the subject of exchange theory.

Much has been said in recent years about “job creation.” Whether small businesses, the federal government, corporations or even the U.S. Coast Guard, estimates can range from 30,000 to over 400,000 to create a new job. Job restoration is quite a different matter and hopefully Obama's job summit efforts to return jobs to this nation will feature out of the box innovation. Why lower state and federal taxes on corporations that return jobs from overseas, or those creating jobs daily in America. Currently between Iowa's tax rate and the feds, businesses in that state must pay over 41 per cent, Singapore exempting new start ups for three years on a portion of taxes. We need these jobs back now! It should be any President's 24/7 priority, we have the highest corporate tax rates in the world.

As a nation let's provide the motivation for all to embrace a new future, not of just a shining city on a hill, but people getting paychecks, with faith in and excitement about the future.

Dr. Alan Phillips

LA Times 11.25, Whose Watching Glenn Beck?, Tim Rutten

COMMENT (149)
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Tim, I have been taking note of a paranoia that is analogous to Father Coughlin. Any commentator who opens his broadcast with "Hello you sick twisted freak" is irrational at best. The time in which we live is a serious moment in history. With perhaps as many as 17.5 % of our fellow citizens either out of work or underemployed, sarcasm, hyperbole, and division seem to be Beck's forte. The thought of him joining any potential Republican candidate including Palin is scary. We need job restoration to lower state and federal corporate taxes to compete with Singapore, Ireland, China, Japan and others. I'll be visiting with friends in Iowa soon and addressing the fact that U.S. Companies pay the highest taxes in the world. American businesses large and small pay from 35% to 41.6%. If the President sees his planned tax increases implemented in 2010 the maximum rate could rise to 46.2%. Corporations in Ireland paid 12% in taxes last year. I am a Republican , a grandfather, but first and foremost I am an American. We need a unifier to climb this job restoration mountain. This is immediate priority number one. We need serious people to solve this jobs problem. Beck nor Palin can get the job done. In thinking about Sara Palin,I agree with the words of the song, "Sara, no time is a good time for goodbye". Yet for you its time to say goodbye to politics.

Dr Phillips

NY Times, 11.18, The AIG Report, Paul Krugman

Paul, you are right on target, a financial “haircut” at the minimum should have been given, the circumstances demanded shared loss by the insensitive participants. The matter of the relationships of evaluators is of primary importance in examining this economic tragedy.

The players connections to Goldman Sachs, AIG, the federal reserve, the outgoing and incoming Washington D.C. administrations, all need to be examined post mortem, hopefully by a select committee of economists and true experts, like yourself.

As you are aware, even more than most of us, the credibility of Wall Street and their major players is pathetic at a time when the nation needs a shot in the arm of honesty, foresight, apology, and integrity rebuilding. American and other nations are wondering frankly why the “wild west” moved so far East.

Thanks again for a great piece!

— Dr. Phillips

WSJ An Alternative Stimulus Plan, Michael Boskin 11.17

There are some good ideas in Boskin's article. Do thyself no harm is one which makes perfect sense. New programs like cap and trade, extra taxes, excessive health reform costs, make no sense at a time of massive job loss, Missing from the piece however, is the message I keep emphasizing, in the media, in fact it seems that the President's people might be listening, in a nut shell here is the idea, it will work!

Corporations that have expanded their job bases in foreign countries and have sent American jobs overseas should be given incentives to restore many of these opportunities to American workers. Those bringing jobs back to the U.S. and participating in the job restoration effort would receive a complete exemption from federal and state taxes. This exemption would be based on actual performance and jobs restored rather that corporate window dressing. Those companies participating in the job creation program would receive the same exemption based on observable results having reached stated goals.

China, doesn't tax these new employers, why shouldn't we exempt them based on the jobs returned or created. This is not rocket science, just merely common sense. We must put American workers first.

I have argued for this approach over several months. Let's give it a try, it will make the difference for all workers. My only motive for presenting the concept is to see my friends, family and all American workers back at work.

Dr. Alan Phillips
http://NationalDirection.Blogspot.com/

NY Times 11.17.09 The Nation of Futurity by David Brooks

David, as usual a great article and a solid attempt by you to divine why the optimism found in China's futurity is not as overwhelming in the U.S. I believe, the loss of jobs, absence of steady income, questionable occupational prospects for youth, opinioned motivated leadership, and massive division all contribute to this lack of enthusiasm. I published an article months ago which included an important Financial Times reprint. I submit this piece to you from a personal position of humility, like you still seeking truthful answers.

Recently, Bob Herbert of the N.Y. Times, reminded all Americans, recovery is still about the national economy. “The American people are worried sick over the economy, which may be sprouting shoots from Ben Bernanke’s lofty perspective but not from the humble standpoint of the many millions who are unemployed or those who are still working but barely able to pay their bills and hold onto their homes.” I personally remain concerned about U.S. job losses to China without regard for their replacement at home, in spite of the President's current dialogue with them. In the woods when you harvest a tree you plant another, this is not happening on the jobs front...

Americans need to read the article I cited from a recent Financial Times article concerning the “Shopping habits of China’s suddenly wealthy” (August 21,09). The “Baofahu” as they are called, have become the suddenly wealthy. “Big flashy cars like the Porsche Panamera and the Geely GE, otherwise known as the Baby Rolls-Royce, are just a couple observations concerning their tastes. Add to the list their appetites for Gold, Barbies, Sprits and the finest wines, Ivory, Dairy, Dried seahorses for aphrodisiacs, they are still labeled by the author as “penny pinching, ruthless, suspicious shoppers.” This is a must read for Americans being admonished to drive smaller cars, use less energy, be careful in wasting healthcare, and support even greater participation in global trading. This certainly dampens the welcome of futurity for Americans, especially youth.

The Financial Times also reported “Caterpillar chief hits at buy American.” “Addressing the Chicago Council on Foreign Affairs, Jim Owens attacked the ‘buy American’ position in the stimulus, saying it had prompted ‘a wave of concern throughout the world.'” The paper observed that Mr. Owens’s words carry weight in both Washington and globally…The Caterpillar chief is also a member of Mr. Obama’s Economic Advisory Board and is close to both the President and,…the transportation secretary…Mr. Owens stated that “we cannot be a great country by building a wall down the southern border." I observe that we cannot be a great country by simply protecting our bottom line and giving American jobs to other countries.

(Financial Times, Hal Weitzman) August 22, 2009, FT highlighted the story that Caterpillar holds China truck talks (Justine Lau), “The talks come just months after Caterpillar announced that it would expand its joint venture with Navistar to produce commercial vehicles outside North America…Caterpillar also said it would withdraw from being an engine supplier for U.S. truck makers because of declining sales in the U.S. market."

In fairness it should be noted that Caterpillar is not the only American company exporting jobs to China.Yet there have been some nations, however, who are to be commended for investing dollars and plants in the United States. Several auto plants are the result of Japanese, German, South Korean and other nations who understand the reciprocity inherent in equitable international trade. I am not a protectionist but businesses and nations must all yield to a fair exchange on labor and production. Our CEO's may need to read Fiedler on the subject of exchange theory.

Much has been said in recent years about “job creation.” Whether small businesses, the federal government, corporations or even the U.S. Coast Guard, estimates can range from 30,000 to over 400,000 to create a new job. Job restoration is quite a different matter and hopefully Obama's job summit efforts to return jobs to this nation will feature out of the box innovation. Why not exempt corporations that return jobs from overseas, or those creating jobs daily in America from corporate and state taxes.

As a nation let's provide the motivation for all to embrace a new future, not of just a shining city on a hill, but people with faith in and excitement about the future. Thanks David for provoking our thinking!

Dr. Alan Phillips
Bloomington, IL

NY Times 11.16, Off the Charts, Ross Douthat

Ross, thanks for a realistic article, it is a must read for all economists and Americans.

I personally applaud the President’s call for a summit to deal with the growing unemployment program in this nation. I do not agree with those voices that proclaim each day that the President is trying to destroy the economic productivity of the nation. His commitment to pull together some of the greatest business and economic minds for the summit is a great idea. Even though one of my oldest and dearest friends is a member of his cabinet, being a republican I doubt an invitation to attend will come my way, but I still cheer his effort and wish him every success.

I wrote in recent weeks an article in the NY Times focusing on the need for job restoration. I believe an incentive for companies (reduction or elimination of federal and state taxes on corporations) which restore American jobs may be the answer. Let’s learn to utilize the payroll taxes from worker paychecks in lieu of taxing corporations when foreign countries like China exempt them daily. Again, kudos Mr. President, this is a great first step in solving this problem.

On August 23rd, the lead story in the LA Times emphasized the 11.9 per cent unemployment rate in the area. It’s time for corporate C.E.O.’s to finally be confronted with the need for helping job restoration. These folks live in America, their children and grandchildren attend American schools, they utilize American services to the fullest, it’s time these C.E.O.’s consider helping the nation that gave them and their companies a future, envied by the rest of the world.

Recently, Bob Herbert of the N.Y. Times, reminded all Americans, recovery is still about the national economy. “The American people are worried sick over the economy, which may be sprouting shoots from Ben Bernanke’s lofty perspective but not from the humble standpoint of the many millions who are unemployed or those who are still working but barely able to pay their bills and hold onto their homes.” I personally remain concerned about U.S. job losses to China without regard for their replacement at home. In the woods when you harvest a tree you plant another, this is not happening on the jobs front...

Americans need to read the article in a recent Financial Times (of London) concerning the “Shopping habits of China’s suddenly wealthy” (August 21). The “Baofahu” as they are called, have become the suddenly wealthy. “Big flashy cars like the Porsche Panamera and the Geely GE, otherwise known as the Baby Rolls-Royce, are just a couple observations concerning their tastes. Add to the list their appetites for Gold, Barbies, Sprits and the finest wines, Ivory, Dairy, Dried seahorses for aphrodisiacs, they are still labeled by the author as “penny pinching, ruthless, suspicious shoppers.” This is a must read for Americans being admonished to drive smaller cars, use less energy, be careful in wasting healthcare, and support even greater participation in global trading.

The Financial Times also has reported “Caterpillar chief hits at “buy American.” “Address ing the Chicago Council on Foreign Affairs, Jim Owens attacked the ‘buy American’ position in the stimulus, saying it had prompted ‘a wave of concern throughout the world.'” The paper observed that Mr. Owens’s words carry weight in both Washington and globally…The Caterpillar chief is also a member of Mr. Obama’s Economic Advisory Board and is close to both the President and,…the transportation secretary…Mr. Owens stated that “we cannot be a great country by building a wall down the southern border.”

Financial Times, Hal Weitzman, August 22, 2009, FT highlighted the story that Caterpillar holds China truck talks (Justine Lau), “The talks come just months after Caterpillar announced that it would expand its joint venture with Navistar to produce commercial vehicles outside North America…Caterpillar also said it would withdraw from being an engine supplier for U.S. truck makers because of declining sales in the U.S. market.

It should be noted that Caterpillar is not the only American company exporting jobs to China. There have been some nations, however, who are to be commended for investing dollars and plants in the United States. Several auto plants are the result of Japanese, German, South Korean and other nations who understand the reciprocity inherent in equitable international trade. Businesses and nations must all yield to a free exchange on labor and production.

Much has been said in recent years about “job creation.” Whether small businesses, the federal government, corporations or even the U.S. Coast Guard, estimates can range from 30,000 to over 400,000 to create a new job. Job restoration is quite a different matter and summit efforts to return jobs to this nation are a must.

Again I commend the President for the upcoming Jobs Summit.

Dr. Alan Phillips
Bloomington, IL
Blog: http://NationalDirection.Blogspot.com/

WSJ 11.14, China's Liu Warns on Weak Dollar, Aaaron Beck, Juan Chen

Dear Mr. Liu,

China has been enabled to make a number of assumptions due to recent U.S. policies which have overlooked reciprocity, access to American consumers-markets, the weakness of your yuan, and for the most part an unfair playing field when it comes to trade and loss of American jobs. It might be wise on the part of Chinese officials to prepare for American leadership in the future which will only be motivated in relationships through reciprocity. Not all Americans are blind globalists, some like me are for American jobs/needs being met first, we will demand fairness and reciprocity from all traders with us, including you.

American policy makers of the future will need to examine U.S. corporate federal and state taxation. Frankly, a new administration will reward corporations for returning foreign jobs by exempting them from all federal and state taxes, much as you do. This claw back of jobs established in China and other nations will be the nexus of U.S. job restoration efforts. Most of us will not accept nor practice Mr. Obama's austerity comments/practices for this nation, he is simply out of touch with voters. We will remain a nation of growth, business expansion and will be either your trading partner or toughest competitor, ultimately you not us will make that choice.

I would remind you as well that debt also is relative to reciprocity and the U.S. in past years has forgiven mounds of it owed by countries from Poland to Egypt. I am still awaiting repayment of debts that have been on this nation's books for years by many nations. China, with the Obama so called reset, can reflect their fair share of America's goodwill by modifying draconian trade and job creation expectations and international practices.

Dr. Phillips
Bloomington, IL

NY Times 11.15 In House Many Spoke with One Voice: Lobbyist, Robert Pear

Obviously these pseudo representatives either can't think for themselves or enjoy a special, cozy, financial relationship with lobbyists perhaps? It's a sad day and failure of our democracy when lobbyists are at the top of the influence pyramid with elected officials in place of the American people. I continue to advocate that the nation, in addition to the conventional politician pool for nominees look elsewhere. On my blog is an article entitled Occupations of the Founders. These men wrote a constitution, founded a nation, instituted principles of limited government, practiced careful spending, guaranteed individual liberty and gave us a democracy envied by the world. These framers of the nation came from a variety of backgrounds, many of whom were not office holders. Is it not time to look to Americans who have been successful in business, education, investments, farming, science, ministry, science, construction, banking, for future leaders? In far too many cases, in today's elections, "professional politician" equates to the word "incompetence".

As a grandfather I have several concerns that drive my interest in serving the country.

If things aren't changed my five young grandchildren will be straddled with debt, they did not create, for generations, and many currently serving in office don't seem to care,

America due to non level field foreign trade agreements continues to export jobs for China and other foreign countries, but none for my grandchildren or those in Detroit,

A higher education is becoming more expensive each day and more than likely it will not be available at a "reasonable" cost for my grandchildren, leaving them unprepared for the 2lst century,

Rights of extraordinary access and due process are available to illegals, incarcerated inmates, those of privileged and minority backgrounds, and yet none of these seem available to my grandchildren, in fact they may be penalized through the use of quotas and affirmative action. Of my five grandchildren, four are boys, will they be penalized for their race and gender during hiring years?

Massive tax supported programs, from healthcare to climate control will take from me as a grandparent, the ability to assist my grandchildren financially in their pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,

Due to excessive state and government deficit spending, incarceration and prison populations will have to be decreased through early release programs putting back onto the streets of America, dangers and threats to our grandchildren at play, in our parks and on our streets,

Unless changes are made in our present national direction, the world will be less safe, national security more difficult to guarantee, and the freedoms and liberties that I enjoyed as a grandchild will be severely limited or controlled by incompetent bureaucrats and subsequently unavailable to my grandchildren and yours,

I love my grandchildren and our country. My five are accustomed to honest, ethical grandparents who love them and their country. My background has been one of hard work, higher education and the confrontation of many seemingly impossible challenges. I have begun to visit various parts of our country, speaking and defending our freedoms and those of our grandchildren. I was recently asked to identify my party of membership, and I indicated that presently I am a member of one of the two major parties, yet above all else I am an American and proud of my country. I missed it however by not including the fact that I am a grandfather and proud of the fact that all five of them live in America. I want my country, its freedoms and liberties around for them for decades to come.

As a great American President once wrote "Whatever else history may say about me when I'm gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears; to your confidence rather than you doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty's lamp guiding your steps and opportunity's arm steadying your way." Ronald Reagan

I hope to my legacy might be added these words, "As a grandfather, I saw fit to preserve, protect and defend our Constitution and its guarantee of liberty and freedom to all of America's grandchildren, yours and mine, and those yet to come."

Dr. Phillips
Bloomington, IL

NY Times, 11.12, Divorce Risk Higher When Wife Gets Sick, by Tara Parker Pope, on Health

Divorce Risk Higher When Wife Gets Sick? What happened to love promise and to obey until death do us part? In the John Edwards pathetic saga another lesson needs to be mastered.

Perhaps the real lesson to be learned from the whole sordid matter involving John Edwards, the former VP nominee and his mistress, is that we need to look at future potential nominees for national office outside the ranks of former office holders. Politics is the fine art of compromise and negotiation but principles of ethics, commitment, responsibility, honesty, integrity, sacrifice and personal discipline are also part of the paradigm for office seekers and holders. Our nation and its voters are too often confronted by office holders, like Edwards, Sanford, and others, whose indiscretions damage the credibility of the candidate selection process. Edwards has become the poster boy for all that’s wrong with our nominee selection process.

Yet, in fairness, there are many who serve the nation having come from the professional political jobholder classification who remain honorable and embrace the values cited in this article. However, in our time the visual parade of deceptive, dishonest, office holders and candidates covered in the media is not encouraging.

Jim Crawford’s fine article on the Occupations of our Founders is worth your study and is taken from National Archive’s materials on the initial 55 framers of the Constitution. Our founders came from a varied pool of citizens including farmers, shippers, retirees, scientists, school administrators, ministers, students of theology, lawyers and business owners, all known patriots. Although, these dedicated men did not profess or exhibit perfection, their maintenance of basic moral and ethical principles were strongly exhibited.

We need in 2010-2012, to look actively in our great nation for those men and women who are known for their committed work and are under girded with strong moral and ethical principles. At a time of massive job losses, home foreclosures, plant closings, loss of income, intrusive government, increasing taxes, widespread crime, violation of our borders, challenges from dangerous oppressive regimes around the world, energy demands, small businesses facing stress and interference, we must find serious people to address these issues. In the film The American President, Andrew Shepherd, the fictional president, holds a press conference to challenge his ludicrous opponent Bob Rumson. He basically observes that we as a democracy face serious problems and we need serious people to solve them. This is the crux of our challenge today, we need to identify, nominate and elect to office those serious servants.

In 1630 while on the deck of his tiny ship laying off the Massachusetts coast, John Winthrop told those settlers in the boat with him, WE SHALL BE A CITY UPON A HILL-THE EYES OF ALL PEOPLE ARE UPON US, SO THAT IF WE SHALL DEAL FALSELY WITH OUR GOD IN THIS WORK, WE SHALL UNDERTAKE, AND SO CAUSE HIM TO WITHDRAW HIS PRESENT HELP FROM US, WE SHALL BE MADE A STORY AND A BYWORD THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.

A young military man offered himself for public office in 1946. He gave an Independence Day address and eventually campaigned for the 11th Congressional District seat in his state. He was not perfect, but he was committed to his nation and fellow citizens. His speech is paraphrased as follows: OUR GOVERNMENT WAS FOUNDED ON THE ESSENTIAL RELIGIOUS ELEMENT OF INTEGRITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL, AND THE IDEALISTIC ELEMENT, A FIXED REGARD FOR PRINCIPLE-THE CONVICTION THAT OUR EYES HAVE SEEN THE GLORY OF THE LORD-THAT RIGHT IS RIGHT AND WRONG IS WRONG. REMEMBERING THE PATRIOTIC ELEMENT, LOVE OF COUNTRY AND WHEREVER FREEDOM HAS BEEN IN DANGER, AMERICANS WITH A DEEP SENSE OF PATRIOTISM HAVE BEEN WILLING TO STAND AT ARMAGEDDON AND STRIKE A BLOW FOR LIBERTY AND THE LORD…MAY GOD GRANT, AT SOME DISTANT DATE, ON THIS DAY…THE SPEAKER MAY BE ABLE TO SAY THAT THESE ARE STILL THE GREAT QUALITIES OF THE AMERICAN CHARACTER AND THEY HAVE PREVAILED. These words were spoken in 1946 by young John Kennedy.

Another great American expressed his dream when he said, AND THAT GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE, SHALL NOT PERISH FROM THE EARTH, Abraham Lincoln from The Gettysburg address.
The ancient scripture reminds us THAT NO GREATER LOVE HAS ANY MAN THAT HE WOULD LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR A FRIEND.

Let us look for these servants; certainly they can be found in America.

Dr. Phillips
Bloomington, IL

The Wshington Post, Dan Balz 11.12 Pawently hasn't learned from Romney's Mistakes

Dan Balz has the Pawlenty analysis correct. People will listen carefully to one's rhetorical presentations and flourish. Whether deer hunting, chain smoking, or Olympia Snowe, voters will be hinging on every spoken word.

Pawlenty now is available to Iowa and national voters for examination. His image is a product of advisers, campaign staff, and writers, yet spoken words must be organized and come from the presenter's heart.

WSJ, 11.12 Reagan in Berlin at the Wall

MORNING IS COMING

A great President, Ronald Reagan, realized the importance of going to Berlin and making a clear assertion about an ugly wall built to prevent people from freely exercising the most basic of all human freedoms-choice. Reagan was much more that day than a symbol, he was the living embodiment of resistance to tyranny and Communism. Schedule, agenda, even political considerations did not prevent his travel to Berlin or his words from being uttered without apology at the wall.

Today, during this time of presidential fuzziness, many Americans long for clear, concise, strong decision making and national leadership. Ronald Reagan exuded pride in America, never apologizing for a nation that has given so many of its sons and daughters through the years to protect freedom and democracy.

Yesterday was Veteran's Day, an annual time of honoring the very best of past and present service among our military on behalf of America. President Reagan, regardless of our party preference, brought pride and confidence to all of us in this great nation's future. It seems as if today we are constantly listening to a pathetic forecast, by the administration about America--an ongoing setting sun summary. Yet, as President Reagan's commercial reminded us, It is morning again in America.

We have witnessed in Ronald Reagan a pride in America's citizens, freedoms and future. My advice to all in spite of the gloomy predictions is to hold steady, in time morning is coming!

Dr. Phillips
Bloomington, IL

The Jerusalem Post 11.11.09 Obama Must Choose Israel or Iran

63. Support for Israel

Anyone who would serve as President of the United States must realize that support for Israel must be enthusiastic and unequivocal. I have supported the nation of Israel historically from the time of President Truman's rock solid approval of its formation until now. My support for the Jewish state is a statement of commitment and resolve I will never break. Dr. Phillips
Alan G. Phillips - U.S. (11/11/2009 16:40)

The Jerusalem Post, November 11, 2009, "Obama Must Choose-Israel or Iran"
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad calls on Obama to choose, Dr. Phillip's response in the Jerusalem Post

WSJ 10.31 Article by Naftali Bendavid on Scozzafava withdrawal from NY race

It has been reported that Dede Scozzafava withdrew from the NY House race today. This is certainly good news for those of us who are not ashamed to fight for and uphold traditional conservative values. I continue however to be amazed at former House speaker Newt Gingrich who is purported to have said "I think we are going to get into a very difficult environment around the country if suddenly conservative leaders decide they're going to anoint people without regard to local primaries and local choices."

Mr. Gingrich, in announcing your support of Scozzafava that's exactly what you did since she was confirmed by backroom bosses, ignoring the counsel of the people, and without benefit of a primary. Newt, I am not ashamed of my commitment to a conservative Republican party and candidates. The era of the RINO is over, and if you do not realize this fact, and continue your worthless bipartisan efforts you would be wise to withdraw your own actions toward a presidential nomination.

The Washington Post 10.30 Democrats Pull Together on healthcare, S. Murray, L. Montgomery

TWO SIMPLE QUESTIONS

I have two questions for House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She can answer them publicly or through her Washington D.C. office.

(1)The figure being spread around pegs the cost of this program at 1.055 trillion (CBO estimate)not 894 billion, which figure is true?

(2)The end of life counseling provisions still remain in the house bill, (those so called "death panels"),is this true?

If your answer to the above questions is affirmative, Madame Speaker, your bill must be rejected or undergo major modifications since an affirmative answer to the two above questions indicate to me that you have little if any regard for my family many of whom are seniors and their long term health issues and not much if any concern for my grandchildren who will be in bondage to debt for decades if this program is approved.

That being the case, in 2010, you will need to be replaced as Speaker by a newly elected Congress.

However,if on the otherhand those observations are untrue then I need to confirm the real truth for many friends and relatives.

NY Times 10.29, article by Catherine Rampell on the economy

Thanks to Catherine Rampell's article in today's NY Times,"U.S. Economy Started to Grow Again in Third Quarter" and for putting the numbers on that quarter in perspective.

In contrast to Catherine Rampell the AP Economics writer, Jeannine Versa wrote in her piece today that "the worst recession since the 1930's has ended," couple the AP observation with that of Christina Roemer's quote about the end to unemployment, "this welcome milestone is just a step away," and one can't help but be confused.

Jeanine Versa, needs to tell the millions of unemployed that the recession has ended, start shopping and then duck for cover. Christina Roemer's welcomed milestone of fuller employment just a step away, needs to be pegged to a date certain for the new and restored jobs she envisions. When banks start lending, companies start hiring, and people find jobs, then there will be cause for celebration. At this point we are not even close to recovery.

Only, in my limited reading has Catherine Rampell of the New York Times gotten it right, "It will be months before job seekers feel the benefit," It's time for the media imaging to cease and true reporting like Rampell's to be read.

WSJ 9.24 Netanyahu Blasts Ahmadinejad at UN, Christopher Roads

Christopher Road's article in the September 24, Wall Street Journal, "Netanyahu blasts Ahmadinejad at U.N." brings us as a nation back to a horrible reality that we Americans must help the Jewish state confront. The President stated at the United Nations that the U.S. will not be able to help solve the world's problems alone, we would have to rely on other countries and act as an international coalition.

Mr. President, I do not believe for one moment that you are either ignorant or uninformed about the lessons of History on the subject of appeasement and boisterous dictators. The historian Santanyana speaks to all of us in his statement that "those who fail to learn from the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them." Munich, was a three dimensional display of what results when bullies and mad men are cajoled and placated by those who fail to use power in dealing with their rants and predictions.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is right on target in blasting this coward publicly, and frankly I wonder why the United States did not do the same. Hitler's placation by the great powers, who could have eliminated him when he was small and inconsequential, could have saved some forty-fifty million lives including many millions of Jews. This appeasement of a potential aggressor can never be allowed by the United States to happen again.

Settlements may be a bothersome issue for peace negotiations but these houses are miniscule in comparison to a raving maniacal despot whose announced goal is to wipe the Jewish state off the face of the earth. The holocaust is a reality, history proves beyond doubt, the holocaust and the deaths of millions of innocent Jewish men, women and children without any question. Ahmadinejad and his words are meant to be implemented by him into action against Israel in the future, this also is reality.

If the Iranian administration and this despot continue with this barbarous scheme, we will have to, in the words of the Secretary of State, when she was a Presidential candidate, have to obliterate them. This threat of Ahmadinejad against Israel, surpasses, healthcare reform, cap and trade, increased taxes, and even the economy. We must deal with this matter expeditiously.

NY Times 9.23 Obama on All Channels

Mary Cate Cary has it right, “Stop talking and start Listening.” Insulation from the American public through a lack of assessment, benchmarking and listening is most destructive to the modern American presidency. Advisors, too often relay what a president wants to hear instead of the need to comprehend the truth.

The political shoreline is littered with the wreckage of great visions proposed by energetic leaders. Whether Jimmy Carter or Richard Nixon, the “might have beens” are not mentioned in their historical retrospectives.

Addressing a world body, whether it is the United Nations or the G-20, any president must know America with a thoroughness which supports national unity and resolve. To speak to international concerns with the full backing of an overwhelming majority of the American people is both strength and power.

The concerns of Chavez, Ortega, Medvedev, Putin, Kim Jong Il, Fidel Castro, and many United Nations representatives, must come secondary to the truth which can only be found in the opinions of a multitude of American voter counsel. The president is not well served by those staff who overexpose him through many press conferences, interviews, and late night shows.

The president will benefit greatly only from knowing and then representing America, it’s supporters, critics, radio talk shows, workers, in short, the many shades of opinion which only this great democracy encourages because of its constitutional freedoms.

— Dr.Phillips

WSJ 9.15 A Protectionist President

Often an article appears in the Journal that makes one question the author’s basic assumption. In the piece, "A Protectionist President”, the writer's basic premise is one that glorifies the U.S. past role in opening countries and international trade markets to everyone. The observation is made that even though our nation has lost some jobs it has created and gained new ones. Please tell that to the farmers in West Fresno, California where unemployment is in excess of 40%, or remind the textile, auto, heavy machinery, electronics, appliance, workers that this economy has benefited from (unfair) trade practices and anything but a level playing field.

I may have my genuine disagreements with the Obama administration, but on this issue I am supportive of their efforts to bring some trade scrutiny to China. This article states that "the reality is that without the U.S. leading by example, the world trading order is likely to deteriorate into every country for itself." If the author means that leading by example simply signifies caving into to China on every trade matter, then that type of leadership needs to be replaced.

The nation needs leadership that will curtail Chinese dumping of cheap and often unsafe products on the U.S. market costing jobs and the nation's future growth. The writer reminds us that "reviving trade flows is crucial to restoring global growth”. Frankly, I am not concerned about global growth; I am vitally preoccupied with restoring America's jobs and economic growth. I strongly agree with Paul Krugman on the need for a Carbon tariff on countries like China. Since these countries will never support carbon emission reduction anyway, I have been against this bill. Yet, if the bill passes let's allow China to be the first beneficiary of tariffs on their smoke filled factory products.

I agree completely with Clyde Prestowitz, who wrote in last week's financial Times that "imposing tariffs on China would strike a blow for free trade”. Trade wars may not produce the body count of armed conflicts but they represent a serious type of economic devastation to American workers. We continue to create jobs in China for their citizens, while ignoring our own. This magnificent obsession with coddling Chinese trade demands and inequities must cease.China’s human rights abuses to children and the elderly in working them slavishly up to sixteen hours a day is despicable. We must hold China accountable, on these trade issues most Americans will agree.