National Security
Joe Boyles Guest Columnist
Editor’s note: “Stray Vectors” is the author’s byline for random thoughts on the passing scene.
Consumer Reports says that the batteries in these new electric cars (Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf) really lose power in cold weather and limit the range of the vehicle. Doesn’t make much sense in those highly populated New England cities, does it?
Liberals are leaning into the wind of a “perfect storm.” They want to grow government which requires money. Not only are governments out of money, no one in their right mind condones taking any more money out of the economy under the current conditions.
The Civil War began 150 years ago with the shelling of Charleston’s Fort Sumter. Here’s my “what if” question: What if those hot-headed South Carolinians hadn’t opened fire? Could Lincoln have drafted and mobilized an army to invade the South without preemption? I’d like to hear some historians address this.
Public sector employees in Wisconsin appear to be pretty well compensated for their “labors.” For example, Badger State teachers are paid an average of $75K per year. Things might be tough in Madison, WI but they look pretty rosy in Madison, FL.
The deficit for February was a record single monthly total of $223 billion. Four years ago, the deficit for all fiscal year 2007 was $161 billion. Makes you wish for the good old days of GW, doesn’t it? Folks, we can’t go on living like this.
Speaking of global warming, California liberal Henry Waxman says that the GOP is the party of “science deniers.” If that is true (personally, I reject the assertion), then the Democrats are the party of economic deniers.
What’s with democrat lawmakers from Wisconsin and Indiana bailing out and going to neighboring Illinois to avoid voting on controversial anti-union legislation? Has Illinois become a sanctuary state for liberals? Are they seeking political asylum?
With the unveiling of the new electric cars (Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf), you’d think I’d write something about the subject. However, I write for my audience and frankly, I don’t think there is much reason to waste your time reading about something that will have very little appeal to the citizens of our community. It’s too expensive; the range is too limited; and the payload is too small. Nuff said.
“Every cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and degenerates into a racket.” Eric Hoffer. How true!
Leadership tip: Ever hear of “management by exception?” That’s where someone can do nine things right, but the only time they hear anything is on the tenth time when things go wrong. It is a terrible leadership technique. Don’t ignore failure, but look for opportunities to praise.
Need any more Census lessons? The eight states with no income tax grew at 18 percent over the last 10 years while the states with an income tax grew at 8 percent. The 22 states with right-to-work laws grew at 15 percent while the other 28 grew at 6 percent. The 16 states which restrict collective bargaining for public employee unions grew at 15 percent while the other states grew at 7 percent. Can the lessons here be any clearer?
Ever since its inception in the waning days of the Bush Administration, the Troubled Asset Relief Program or TARP has been a political piñata. But is the criticism justified? Robert Samuelson suggests that it’s not. Instead, TARP prevented the meltdown of the global economic system, restored confidence, came in well under budget, and repaid nearly all of its loans. Name another government program with this kind of track record!
The first budget battle of the year is over; two more loom: the debt extension and the 2012 budget. Expect a knock-down, drag-out. The debate has shifted from “how much can we spend to how much can we save.” The (Paul) Ryan budget or Path to Prosperity has set the bar. Now let’s see what the President proposes tonight. The fight is on!
Seventy years ago was 1941, a momentous year for America. The bookends are significant. It began with the Four Freedoms speech by President Roosevelt to Congress on January 6. Eleven months later, the year closed with the attack on Pearl Harbor followed shortly by Colin Kelly’s final mission. Both events are symbolized by the famous monument in our central park. Seventy years ago …
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