A LOST OPPORTUNITY

The National Commission On Fiscal Responsibility And Reform was called the Moment of Truth. It completed its study and made sensible recommendations in December of 2010. The final paragraph of its preamble said: "After all the talk about debt and deficits, it is long past time for America's leaders to put up or shut up. The era of debt denial is over, and there can be no turning back. We sign our names to this plan because we love our children, our grandchildren, and our country too much not to act while we still have the chance to secure a better future for all our fellow citizens".


This moment of truth report on the deficit was an opportunity to begin needed reform. But the proposal died because our selfish political leaders were too ideologically rigid to take on subjects like tax reform, which involve combining Republican and Democratic ideas. The failure to seize that moment was one of the Obama administration's worst errors! Our president failed to lead the way to necessary reform. Our nation is on the brink of disaster because of failed leadership. Let's remember this when we next go to the voting booth.

A RANDOM THOUGHT

While staying in the city for a week, I noticed that most people on the street and in public transportation refused to make eye contact with me. I, on the other hand, always look at peoples' faces and if they make eye contact with me, I smile and say a friendly greeting. Then, I noticed that most of the people who made eye contact were people who were panhandlers, crazy street people, religious fanatics, and lost tourists who were seeking directions. "Aha", I said to my self. So that's why no one looks at me. They are afraid I will ask them for spare change, directions, or help, or give a sermon. I was saddened by this revelation but then I wondered if I might be one of the crazy people. And it was then that I stopped being friendly and just ignored everybody like the rest of humanity. And that's too bad.  

REMARKABLE EVENTS ON THIS DATE.

On today's date, 3 years ago, I was in Cusco, Peru. My two sons, Micah and Marcus, and I were having lunch on the the balcony of a second floor restaurant which overlooked the Cusco town square. We were reminiscing about our successful trekking trip to Machu Pichu. We climbed 30 miles on a rugged mountain trail to the Hidden city of the Inca Indian nation. It was an exciting adventure that I will remember as long as I live.


Today I am in Chicago celebrating the birth of my 10th grandchild. We now have 5 girls and 5 boys. This is another event that is exciting and memorable. My new grandson has been named Evan Christopher Riley. He is a healthy, handsome boy with a great future ahead of him. Marcy and Stephen are lucky to have had him and he is lucky to have such wonderful parents. Also, Evan is lucky to have a loving big sister, 3 year old Emily. Life just gets better and better.

Thomas Sowell Editorial

This editorial by an economist that I trust is great. You can read it by clicking on his link.


Thomas Sowell

stream-of-consciousness

Lady  Gaga all agog over presidents job bill. Pew Report says it stinks. EU says Obama’s Job Bill is a step towards joining the bankrupt European Union. Spend more and tax more is the answer?? How about spend less and reform the tax code? Wouldn’t that eliminate the deficit and reduce the debt? Isn’t that what we are all worried about? Obama doesn’t get it. Government tinkering with the economy has been proven to make things worse. Artificial means of adjusting the economy only postpone disaster. Let’s attack the root cause of our problem instead of throwing borrowed money at it. Yes, I know it is not Wednesday but I could not stop thinking about this subject. I wish that our elected officials would start thinking about what is best for the nation instead of giving away my money so they can be reelected. I am agog at the terrible results that would follow this Job Bill. EU and PU, what can we do?

LIFE CONTINUES TO BE INTERESTING

Just got an email report from my son Marcus. He just got off Korean airlines on the other side of the Pacific. He and his wife, Jules, are on the first leg of their adventure to Indonesia and Nepal. So far, so good. I am jealous!

Just got an email from my good friend, Pat Fero. It contained a photograph of me hitch hiking when I was age 25. Wow, can't believe I was ever so young!

Just finished dinner and bridge with our good friends, George and Barbara Teller. As usual, it was very enjoyable.

Just finished a cigar at the end of our dock. Beautiful sunset after- glow on a lovely September evening. I continue to marvel at how lucky I am to be married to Nancy.

Just started reading Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. He was one of our country's great founding fathers. Fascinating fellow. Among many accomplishments, he created our first library and our Post Office. He lived a virtuous and moral life (except for an illegitimate son) but did not attend church. He spent Sundays studying and reading books.