Stimulus

I woke this morning to hear that not one house republican voted for the package. There were some democrats that didn't vote for it either. What would it take to get these representatives to wake up to what is happening to the people they represent? Would they have all gone down on the Titanic arguing whether it had hit an iceberg or not? Maybe we need to declare war on the recession. Maybe then we could get people working together. Between home foreclosures and when worker's unemployment runs out there will be riots in the streets. I wonder if they will notice in Washington? Or will it be another Katrina?

Torture

This past week President Obama started the process of closing Guantanamo Bay prison. This black hole was created by the Bush administration to hold "enemy combatants." Rather than deal with them, they were put here so that someone else would have to deal with them. Also, there were CIA run areas in foreign countries for the sole purpose of torture. I feel that this torture was the product of the frustration that the Bush administration had with religious groups they did not understand. It would have been better for president Bush to better understand the culture of the Afghans and the Iraqis before invasion. Now I hear that President Obama's declaration that we will not torture will lead to more attacks. Through this whole debate I can't get one phrase out of my mind. "Treat others as you would want to be treated."

Welcome Barack Obama

Today we saw history in the making. The first Black man to become president. When ever I vote in the election I am normally voting for the least of two evils. I can honestly say that this time I voted for someone I really wanted. It has been a long 8 years of President Bush and I often wondered if it would ever end. The world is now warmer. Certainly science has had to take a back seat and there was constant bickering in Washington. Barack brings hope that things will get done, science will be brought to the fore. I'm so glad he is talking to Republican and Democrat alike. We need more of that in Washington. I hope you will join me in wishing Barack well as he takes on so many huge challenges.

Good Bye President Bush

Well, the other night Mr. Bush said his farewell. This was his last attempt to try and convince the world that he was a great president. Once again we heard him tell us how he had kept the country safe since 9-11. Wrapping up 8 years of highlights took all of 13 minutes. That was about 10 minutes too long. So many issues of this country and this world still linger. Some issues, have gotten worse. So now Mr. Obama has the daunting task of trying to make up for 8 lost years as well as handle 2 wars, the economy etc.. Good rideance Mr. Bush we will not miss you.

My latest concern...

As I reflect on the news in the recent past I am concerned. I'm concerned about banks that lend to anyone, Madoff swindling so much and even these coal ash reservoirs polluting towns. Where is the oversight? Although a good question, I have another. Why aren't people using better judgment? Would you buy a house while unemployed? Now I see statistics about the high percentage of students cheating. So I am guessing that their theory on getting through life successfully is to cheat? Are we destined to take our life's lessons from those who are the lowest common denominators? i.e. "He does it, why not me?" How do we instill self-responsibility? After learning many lessons the hard way I have found that it's not so much the decision made but the motivation behind the decision that makes the difference. If we are destined to have to oversee so many professionals to keep them from cheating think of the waste of manpower and finances.

Biking in Philadelphia

Recently it was my pleasure to accompany a number bike riders riding from Manyunk to center city. Riding past boat house row is interesting and this time of year it was quieter than normal. Once we reached the art museum I felt like we were playing Russian Roulette with traffic. There simply is no easy way to get to center city. Bike lanes would come and go with no rhyme or reason. Traffic was unforgiving. When the country is trying to rid itself of foreign oil, and resolve the obesity problem, it's my feeling that cities should get federal money to help establish and maintain useful bike lanes through the city.