Not to worry! Here's an update on Cash for Clunkers from this morning's paper:
"The wildly popular "Cash for Clunkers" program chugged full steam ahead into the weekend as the U.S. House approved an additional $2 billion for the government-run auto trade-in program on Friday, which a day earlier had almost run out of funds."
You see, all we had to do was let them know!
"Not enough money? Oh my goodness, how did that happen? Here, let's just print a couple more billion. You let us know if you need anymore, OK? "
Just leave it to your friendly Federal Government, folks. They've got your back.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
A Few Comments
-- From this morning’s newspaper:
“The Federal government on Thursday evening suspended its wildly popular “Cash for Clunkers” new-car rebate program less than a week after it began out of fear that the $1 billion appropriated by Congress for the deals had already been used up.”
Seems this poorly conceived idea did what it was supposed to do – got folks into car dealerships buying cars that are more fuel efficient, thus helping out the ailing dealers and helping the environment to boot.
But, apparently, it worked too well. This is our government at its finest.
-- I am still on the fence about the whole healthcare thing. I am extremely skeptical of the government’s involvement in anything (what if were to go the way of Cash for Clunkers and you just thought you were going to get that bypass surgery you needed?), although I strongly believe something has to be done to reign in this monster. I still believe that, although healthcare might be a right as well as a privilege (still not sure on that one), personal responsibility has to be considered. Can you MAKE someone purchase health insurance?
President Obama is disappointed that we have not all just fallen into line with his proposals and taken him at his word that this is the best plan for all, especially the “public option that will keep insurance companies honest.” Congressional leaders, even some of his stronger supporters, are struggling with this one, as well they should. After mortgaging our future with the so called economic stimulus, our Senators and Representatives will do well to give thoughtful consideration, and listen carefully to their constituents, before they commit even more money toward something that still has a lot of ambiguity.
So the president might just have to wait and he might have to be willing to compromise before he gets this, his “top domestic priority,” pushed through. It’s called checks and balances.
-- Isn’t it funny how the things you least expect or think about will just come up out of nowhere and grab you in the backside? Who would have ever thought that the incident in Cambridge, MA involving the college professor and the police officer would have become a major issue at the White House?
Mistakes were made – of that there is no doubt. The professor probably overreacted when the cops showed up (although I have no trouble at all understanding why it upset him). The cop was probably a little overzealous. The initial press reports were largely inaccurate, e.g. the lady who placed the call made no comments about the race of the men trying to enter the house until, for descriptive purposes, she was asked.
And, of course, President Obama made a very poor choice of words when he said the police acted “stupidly.” The Cambridge police force was 100% correct to take offense and come to the defense of their fellow officer.
But I think it’s time to put this one behind us. By all reports, Professor Gates and the officer, James Crowley, are exemplary in their respective fields. They are not prone to go off half-cocked. And President Obama does not make a habit of calling people stupid.
Their meeting at the White House to make nice over a beer, as the president arranged, should serve as the close of this story. I just hope Vice President Biden, who was included in the little gathering, sipped his slowly. It's bad enough when he's sober.
“The Federal government on Thursday evening suspended its wildly popular “Cash for Clunkers” new-car rebate program less than a week after it began out of fear that the $1 billion appropriated by Congress for the deals had already been used up.”
Seems this poorly conceived idea did what it was supposed to do – got folks into car dealerships buying cars that are more fuel efficient, thus helping out the ailing dealers and helping the environment to boot.
But, apparently, it worked too well. This is our government at its finest.
-- I am still on the fence about the whole healthcare thing. I am extremely skeptical of the government’s involvement in anything (what if were to go the way of Cash for Clunkers and you just thought you were going to get that bypass surgery you needed?), although I strongly believe something has to be done to reign in this monster. I still believe that, although healthcare might be a right as well as a privilege (still not sure on that one), personal responsibility has to be considered. Can you MAKE someone purchase health insurance?
President Obama is disappointed that we have not all just fallen into line with his proposals and taken him at his word that this is the best plan for all, especially the “public option that will keep insurance companies honest.” Congressional leaders, even some of his stronger supporters, are struggling with this one, as well they should. After mortgaging our future with the so called economic stimulus, our Senators and Representatives will do well to give thoughtful consideration, and listen carefully to their constituents, before they commit even more money toward something that still has a lot of ambiguity.
So the president might just have to wait and he might have to be willing to compromise before he gets this, his “top domestic priority,” pushed through. It’s called checks and balances.
-- Isn’t it funny how the things you least expect or think about will just come up out of nowhere and grab you in the backside? Who would have ever thought that the incident in Cambridge, MA involving the college professor and the police officer would have become a major issue at the White House?
Mistakes were made – of that there is no doubt. The professor probably overreacted when the cops showed up (although I have no trouble at all understanding why it upset him). The cop was probably a little overzealous. The initial press reports were largely inaccurate, e.g. the lady who placed the call made no comments about the race of the men trying to enter the house until, for descriptive purposes, she was asked.
And, of course, President Obama made a very poor choice of words when he said the police acted “stupidly.” The Cambridge police force was 100% correct to take offense and come to the defense of their fellow officer.
But I think it’s time to put this one behind us. By all reports, Professor Gates and the officer, James Crowley, are exemplary in their respective fields. They are not prone to go off half-cocked. And President Obama does not make a habit of calling people stupid.
Their meeting at the White House to make nice over a beer, as the president arranged, should serve as the close of this story. I just hope Vice President Biden, who was included in the little gathering, sipped his slowly. It's bad enough when he's sober.
Monday, July 20, 2009
He's Back!
Well Younger Son is back in the fold after another successful time at camp.
Younger Son attends Kanakuk Kamps (yes they spell it with a K) near Branson, Missouri. It’s a Christian Sports Camp – actually a number of different camps, divided by age levels -- and this was his third summer to attend “K-2,” the kamp for high schoolers, for a 25-day term. He “majors” in football so spends a lot of time with that, but also fishes, swims, jumps off cliffs into lakes (much to my chagrin), explores caves and generally has more fun than most of us can imagine. He also is encouraged and challenged spiritually. He absolutely loves it.
Wife and I followed our usual custom of going for the closing ceremonies then bringing him home. It’s a long trip (about a nine-hour drive from home). Fortunately he’s able to ride a camp bus when he goes. We love having the extended time with him on the way home to hear all his stories.
Since it’s such a long haul, Wife and I usually include some time in Little Rock to break it up when we go get him. She went over a couple of days ahead of me and I joined her Friday night. We had a celebration dinner with another couple who got married about a month before we did 25 years ago. We enjoyed a fun evening of reminiscing over 25-plus years of friendship.
We got up to Southern Missouri mid-afternoon Saturday, checked into our hotel and made it over to Kamp about 5 p.m. Younger Son did a marginally good job of feigning happiness upon seeing us, but, in reality, he knows that WE know that he is always sad when Kamp is over.
Some parents might find the closing ceremonies tedious – there are lots of talks and lots of award presentations -- but I love every minute of them. The staff there, including long-time Kamp Director Joe White, one of the most inspirational speakers I have ever heard, are experts at making all of the kampers feel special. I love seeing the smiles on their faces.
This year was especially meaningful for Younger Son and for us. I won’t go into all of the details, which get a little complicated, but all of the Kanakuk Kamps, following the Native American theme, are divided into two tribes and the kampers remain in those for all the years they go to Kamp. There are various competitions and games throughout the terms between the tribes and one tribe is declared the winner at the close.
When the kampers get to Younger Son’s age level, the tribes elect “chiefs” and “princesses” to be the Kamp leaders for the various kamps for the next summer. It is a huge honor and of course a tremendous affirmation to be selected by your peers. Younger Son, much to our surprise and honor, was elected to be chief of one of the kamps next summer.
I could never accurately describe the magnitude of the grin on his face when his name was called, and I believe he walked a couple of feet off the ground as he went forward to accept his appointment. His mom and I also had hearts full to capacity.
Younger Son knows me all too well. When he came over to let us congratulate him, he said, “I’m sure you heard the part about being on full scholarship next summer?!”
I allowed as to how I thought that might be part of the deal.
In all seriousness, though, I am proud of him beyond measure. I have often thought that maybe, he being the youngest of my brood, I have babied him too much, done too much for him and/or held on too tight to his childhood because I know when he leaves this nest, said nest will be an empty one. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing, but those who know me well know I don’t accept change and transition very well and I have to at times have a little nudging in that area.
I have seen my older two out the door while holding onto their ankles, offering all kinds of bribes if they wouldn't go. OK that’s a bit of an exaggeration . . . but not much. And I know it will probably be worse with him. So maybe, I have sometimes thought, I have not done right by him in my holding on too tight.
But Younger Son, even though he is our “baby,” – all 200-plus pounds of him – is showing us what he’s made of. He’s ready to lead and he’s ready to spread his wings. In spite of some of his earthly father’s bumblings, his Heavenly one is molding his character.
As for me, I could not be happier for him. He will make an incredible chief.
Younger Son attends Kanakuk Kamps (yes they spell it with a K) near Branson, Missouri. It’s a Christian Sports Camp – actually a number of different camps, divided by age levels -- and this was his third summer to attend “K-2,” the kamp for high schoolers, for a 25-day term. He “majors” in football so spends a lot of time with that, but also fishes, swims, jumps off cliffs into lakes (much to my chagrin), explores caves and generally has more fun than most of us can imagine. He also is encouraged and challenged spiritually. He absolutely loves it.
Wife and I followed our usual custom of going for the closing ceremonies then bringing him home. It’s a long trip (about a nine-hour drive from home). Fortunately he’s able to ride a camp bus when he goes. We love having the extended time with him on the way home to hear all his stories.
Since it’s such a long haul, Wife and I usually include some time in Little Rock to break it up when we go get him. She went over a couple of days ahead of me and I joined her Friday night. We had a celebration dinner with another couple who got married about a month before we did 25 years ago. We enjoyed a fun evening of reminiscing over 25-plus years of friendship.
We got up to Southern Missouri mid-afternoon Saturday, checked into our hotel and made it over to Kamp about 5 p.m. Younger Son did a marginally good job of feigning happiness upon seeing us, but, in reality, he knows that WE know that he is always sad when Kamp is over.
Some parents might find the closing ceremonies tedious – there are lots of talks and lots of award presentations -- but I love every minute of them. The staff there, including long-time Kamp Director Joe White, one of the most inspirational speakers I have ever heard, are experts at making all of the kampers feel special. I love seeing the smiles on their faces.
This year was especially meaningful for Younger Son and for us. I won’t go into all of the details, which get a little complicated, but all of the Kanakuk Kamps, following the Native American theme, are divided into two tribes and the kampers remain in those for all the years they go to Kamp. There are various competitions and games throughout the terms between the tribes and one tribe is declared the winner at the close.
When the kampers get to Younger Son’s age level, the tribes elect “chiefs” and “princesses” to be the Kamp leaders for the various kamps for the next summer. It is a huge honor and of course a tremendous affirmation to be selected by your peers. Younger Son, much to our surprise and honor, was elected to be chief of one of the kamps next summer.
I could never accurately describe the magnitude of the grin on his face when his name was called, and I believe he walked a couple of feet off the ground as he went forward to accept his appointment. His mom and I also had hearts full to capacity.
Younger Son knows me all too well. When he came over to let us congratulate him, he said, “I’m sure you heard the part about being on full scholarship next summer?!”
I allowed as to how I thought that might be part of the deal.
In all seriousness, though, I am proud of him beyond measure. I have often thought that maybe, he being the youngest of my brood, I have babied him too much, done too much for him and/or held on too tight to his childhood because I know when he leaves this nest, said nest will be an empty one. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing, but those who know me well know I don’t accept change and transition very well and I have to at times have a little nudging in that area.
I have seen my older two out the door while holding onto their ankles, offering all kinds of bribes if they wouldn't go. OK that’s a bit of an exaggeration . . . but not much. And I know it will probably be worse with him. So maybe, I have sometimes thought, I have not done right by him in my holding on too tight.
But Younger Son, even though he is our “baby,” – all 200-plus pounds of him – is showing us what he’s made of. He’s ready to lead and he’s ready to spread his wings. In spite of some of his earthly father’s bumblings, his Heavenly one is molding his character.
As for me, I could not be happier for him. He will make an incredible chief.
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