- Most folks were surprised when they learned that 44 made it to Baghdad (secretly) during his recent trip. I, on the other hand would have been surprised if he didn't go. After learning that Turkey (the country just north of Iraq for you Obama voters) was on 44's itinerary, I thought to he would play hoops instead of visiting the troops. After all, he passed up a great opportunity to visit wounded heroes at Ramstein choosing instead to play hoops during his visit to Germany when he was all over Europe apologizing for America. His excuse? The DoD didn't let him bring the press with him.
- I read a story about an increase in home sales and a decline in the number of people paying their mortgage. I wonder if the former has anything to do with anything other than the drop in prices and if the latter has anything to do with the government talking about bailing out "homeowners".
- Why did 44 bow to a Saudi king? This guy wouldn't shake my wife nor my sisters' hands? The White House is calling it a "double handshake to a shorter man". Riiiiiiiight.
- What is actually happening when tariffs are levied on imports? What is happening is the government doesn't like the decisions neither you nor I make as consumers. So what they do is make an import look less attractive to you by raising the price via the tariff. That way, the government can help you make the "correct" choice.
- Trade deficits ARE NOT A BAD THING! Before I say why, let me say that I love American goods built by Americans. If ABC widget is made in America and XYZ widget is made in China and are almost identical or near perfect substitutes, I go with the American good. If not, I go with the latter. For instance, I prefer an Apple computer made in China rather than a Dell made in Texas. Now to the explanation on deficits.... A pediatrician that visits a restaurant bi-weekly with his family and spends about $100 per week is likely to carry a trade deficit with the owner of the restaurant. The restaurant owner (married, no kids) has his own doctor and doesn't have a need for a pediatrician so he has a trade surplus with the pediatrician. He does however have a trade deficit with his own health care provider who does not visit his restaurant. It is no different at a micro level as it is at a macro level between nations. Still disagree? Think about this... How many products or services do you provide your grocer? Your tailor? Your mechanic? Chances are you buy more from him/her than he/she buys from you. Are you better off or worse off because of these transactions you make with these folks?
- I know how 44 can increase tax revenue without raising taxes. How about open up some more cabinet positions and submit some nominations. He or she will likely have to pay some back taxes he/she owes to get the nod from the Senate. So far he's raised $6,400 (Hilda Solis), $128,000 (Tom Daschle), $7,000 (Kathleen Sebelius), $30,000 (Tim Geithner) and $1,000 (White House "Performance Czar" Nancy Killefer).
