9 APR 2011, Saturday

• Well, it seems that the Federal Government, so far, remains open.  The deal passed late Friday evening still has to be voted upon though.  Additionally, the next hurdle is the Debt Ceiling hike (which they will do) that will be up for vote within the next few weeks.  Soooo...you never know, we may just get a shut down anyway.  If that happens, folks may realize just how readily life goes on...picnics, puppies, parties, etc.
• The deal?  Being portrayed as "historic cuts"...~1%.  Baby steps?  Especially, when compared to annual spending in the graphic at the bottom.
• Sen. Harry Reid's absurd claim that "Republicans are holding Women's Health hostage over this deal" was completely laughable.  What a red herring!  Really, Harry?  Honestly?  We're supposed to believe that if the Republican proposal had been passed in its entirety that the Federal government would then have put forth an edict outlawing any and all physicians to treat 50% of the population?  Stop spouting the even-less-than-half truths, Harry!  Heck, we pay you darned good money.  You could at least do your job and give us complete half-truths.  And, that you think the American people are that vacant and outright stupid is, frankly, insulting!  
• Politically speaking, watching how Congress deals with the 2012 budget and out years is going to be an absolute circus side show leading into the next Presidential election.  
• What's really sad is that I trust that you and I could put an effective budget together over a weekend and a few beers.  While we would no doubt disagree on some things, I think we could work it out and still have enough time and beer to genuinely enjoy the rest of the evening after a job well done.  Your thoughts? 
• First thought that immediately jumps out, for me, looking at the graphic below...immediately roll back spending to 2007 levels.  That would be the starting point from which all negotiations would begin...it would not be the end point.
• EVERYTHING is in...including Social Security & Medicare!  The elder generation of a society are the experienced ones having responsibilities to exercise and yet they still allowed this to happen over the past 2-3 decades (ie, looked the other way instead of meeting their civic duty) while many of us were but children.  And now they, not all, appear ambivalent to robbing from the futures of children and grand children (what happened to ye 'ole, "It's for the children" mindset)?  I say "No Dice!"  We all take a hit and us younger folks will get an even bigger hit spread out over the long run...thanks!  Besides, there weren't any COLA increases for the past two years anyway...you'll just lose one COLA hike, afterall.     
• For those politicos wailing that's not right...OK, then!  We'll roll back the spending levels to the last time you claimed "Nirvana"...the Clinton years!  Game?  No?  Then go sit down, take a few deep breaths and then you can come back to the group when you are ready to act like big boys and girls.
• We've got real work to do! 
• Ooops!  Bill Gross (PIMCO), the biggest bond fund manager in the world, is not buying US Treasuries and is instead positioning himself to make money on the downside (ie, expecting interest rates to go up).  That can't be good.

• Obama's position on raising the federal debt ceiling in 2006 and now compared here.  What's changed...I mean besides now it's his political aspirations that are to be affected.  Sheer hypocrisy!  Ohhh...wait a minute...maybe that's some of the change he talked about!