I've yet to see a television show or news outlet come up with a way to report on what the online websites and blogs are saying or doing.  Have you seen something?  If so, let me know where it is please.

Oh sure, the 24 hours news programs will show a screen (most of the time you can't even read it) of what bloggers are saying about a specific issue of the day; but there's no show out there discussing things that online folks (Internet) are doing.

We've all seen reports where newspaper and magazines are losing money every day now because people get their news or ideas from television or the Internet.  Newspapers are more like magazines now.  They report on 'yesterday' or 'what's coming up' events.  So, why don't they 'change'?  Perhaps they should get into the 21st century and report on blogs and the internet instead.  Research a website.  Find out how it started, by whom and why.  Report where those sites get their news from.  Report the facts.  If the site is posting false information, tell your readers.  If the site is reporting accurate information - tell the readers that too.

Television is moving in that direction with their little sketches of what 'bloggers' are saying today.  Perhaps they too should provide a show just to talk about the Internet?  They could interview webmasters of the websites.  They could be the "Meet the Press" of the Internet.

If I were a millionaire, I'd be investing in this 'big time'.

It's really too bad the press didn't grill President Bush and his press secretaries like they are currently grilling Obama's press secretary before they allowed Bush to go into Iraq.

Instead of giving away money to companies and banks, lets have a COUPON event!

Washington mails out coupons to every household.  Coupons for discounts on appliances, clothing, furniture, cars, and food.

For example, you will get a coupon for $2000 off on any new car that you buy or a coupon for $150 off any new appliance you buy or $500 off on food for over a year's span.

Companies would be reimbursed by Washington D.C., 80% of the coupon/discount that is used.  This would allow the company to sell items for a profit, albeit a smaller one; but at least they are making a profit.

That car dealer that sold you a car for $25,000 minus $2000 = $23,000, actually only sold it for $23,400, but at least they SOLD it and the customer saved $2000 by using the coupon.

Washington would also send out coupons for taking out loans for home repairs, car repairs or medical bills.  Each coupon would take 10-15% off the value of the loan asked for.  For each loan a bank provides using one of the coupons, Washington would reimburse them 80% of the coupon. 

For example, you go to the bank to borrow $5000 using one of the coupons for 10% off.  This means you actually only have to pay back the principle of $4500.  The bank made the loan for $4400.  They take a loss of $100 but STILL, they made a loan keeping their bank going.

Banks and companies benefit getting the business and it's a sure way of keeping tabs of where the money goes that taxpayers loan them.

Customers tend to buy things when they think they are getting a bargain, these coupons give that incentive.

Of course all the 'details' could change, but you get the drift of my idea --- right?

Opinions?

MSNBC is looking to add to their nightly lineup of Chris Matthew's Hardball, Keith Olberman's Countdown and Rachel Maddow's show.  The following are my top choices for commentators:

Norah O'Donnell - she's got an international affairs degree and well known already
Ronald Reagan Jr - Well known, likable and he's an Independent
Stephan Colbert - add a little humor to the interviews
Eugene Robinson - well known and liked - trusted

MSNBC is looking to add to their nightly lineup of Chris Matthew's Hardball, Keith Olberman's Countdown and Rachel Maddow's show.  The following are my top choices for commentators:

Norah O'Donnell - she's got an international affairs degree and well known already
Ronald Reagan Jr - Well known, likable and he's an Independent
Stephan Colbert - add a little humor to the interviews
Eugene Robinson - well known and liked - trusted

Perhaps we Americans that support President Barack Obama's agenda should immediately jump on the band wagon and send massive emails or text messages to Senators or Representatives (Dem or Repub) that are trying to stop Obama's bills or confirmations - like the Republican Senator who is trying to stop Obama's choice for Attorney General from being nominated.

We should do it behind the scenes, not on websites or TV or radio.  Giving them name recognition is EXACTLY what they want.  If you mention a senator or representative - leave off their name, just tell what they are doing.

What is this all about?  A second order 'adding' interrogation methods to Army manual?  Do any of you know?  I'm starting to get a bit nervous now.

Two more executive orders are expected in coming days, according to two Obama officials.

One official said the first will require all U.S. personnel to follow the U.S. Army Field Manual while questioning detainees. The manual explicitly prohibits threats, coercion, physical abuse and waterboarding, which creates the sensation of drowning and has been termed a form of torture by critics.

The second order will set up a study of interrogation methods that could be added to the Army manual, including some that may be more aggressive than those currently permitted."

Words to NOTICE:

"Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works."



"To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist."

January 20, 2009 the day Barack Hussien Obama, the first half black and half white man at the age of 47 takes the oath of office at his inauguration in Washington D.C. with a possible 3 million people from all walks of life standing nearby watching with anticipation, dreams and excitement.

The day is finally here.  I don't know about the rest of you but I've prayed for this day since January 2007 when Obama made his announcement that he would run for President in Springfield, Illinois.  Before that when I first saw the man

My reasons for praying for his winning are many; but mainly because I thought we needed a 'big' change.  We need a new vision, new ideas, new leadership and new goals set.  I also didn't want to see 'more of the same', such as Hillary Clinton or John McCain in office.

Many news commentators and guests on their shows are talking about this being the first black president and how it is a historical moment.  That is why so many Americans are gathering at the mall they said.  Some are saying this inauguration is like finally getting medicine for a deep depression that we've all been under for the past 8 years.  Barack Obama's administration will be that counseling that we've all needed for almost a decade.

I heard some of the viewers watching a talk show say they hope for many jobs, for peace, for dignity, etc...

I don't know for certain what will happen in the next four years, none of us does; however, I do know one thing.  President Barack Obama actually means what he says and he will actually try to help us 'all' - he's not just about politics or some neo-con plan to control the world. 

No I cannot prove that, I just feel it in my gut.  He's a man with a vision for a better America.  Whether his plan will work we'll all know soon enough? 

I sincerely hope that all this 'unity' we are seeing - will hang around for long awhile.  It's taken us 8 years to get into this mess; it will take a lot longer to get out of it. 

Republicans would be wise to control their complaints about 'spending' - they have no record to run on anymore.  Bush and Cheney ruined it for them. 

Democrats on the other hand, had best control their desire to 'play catch up' and 'ignore' the rule of law.  Their base is already angry at them for not standing up to the Bush administration.  If they continue to back away (ignoring war crimes) - while in complete control -- they may as well pack up their clothes and move out before 2012.

I'm sure President Obama is hoping that we not just remember him as the first black president; but also as the man that led us to peace, protected the nation while doing so, got the economy back on track, started us down the road for health care for all, and last but not least, got us on the road to energy independence.

My prayers go out to him and his family and to each and every one of you.

Most commentators are making this sound 'bad' for Hillary Clinton.  My first thought was, Obama just gave Biden the 'first' choice.  This means to me that Obama was willing to give the VP slot to Hillary too.

This would have made me even sicker than I was after hearing he gave her the SOS job.

How dumb does this current administration think we Americans are?  VP Dick Cheney is reportedly going to be in a wheel chair for several days because he hurt his back LIFTING BOXES.

Give me a break.  Multimillionaire Dick Cheney wouldn't be caught dead lifting boxes.  That's a slaves job or at the very most a clerk's job.

This wheel chair business is about something else.  Maybe it's his heart again?  Perhaps his doctor doesn't want him standing for long periods or in the deep cold for long.  Being in a chair solves all that.

Sorry -- have to laugh.  Dick Cheney lifting boxes?