Thursday, December 18, 2008

Are We a Militaristic Nation?

It would be a waste of good breath to argue with some factions around the world that the United States is not a militaristic nation. Their evidence would be the constant photos of our soldiers in combat gear serving in the world's hot spots. During war times it is harder still to proclaim our peaceful and moderate intentions. And finally, the Bush Doctrine which touts the necessity of the pre-emptive strike tends to project a militaristic bent.

Yet I would argue that with all of that and more, the United States, as represented by its people is not a militaristic or warmongering society. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Unlike some warring factions of the Middle East and elsewhere, we value each life as precious and sacred. We cringe at any body counts on the news and have a certain pride in the doctrine of "No Man Left Behind". We bring home every soldier, sailor, and Marine who has paid the ultimate price for a ceremony honoring their service and their lives.

With great power comes great responsibility and the United States has stepped up numerous times to protect others, sometimes at a high cost. We are necessarily the "policeman of the world" at times when others fail to protect their own people. We are not perfect and have sometimes failed to hold the resolve to finish the job as in Viet Nam, or have not yet dared to take on horrible genocide as in Darfur.
Our military is currently a voluntary force with its numbers supplemented by a reserve and National Guard complement. When not in a war zone, many of our active military carries on missions of peace, often called "hearts and minds" operations. We build schools in Africa, carry food to starving peoples everywhere, and provide acute medical care to the people, not the military, of many countries.
Yes, we appear to be aggressive at times, and we are the only country with many military outposts in foreign lands around the world, but I contend that this is a peacekeeping measure, not an occupation. We join in many treaties to protect other countries from aggression, often to the detriment of our own soldiers. We have no designs on other countries lands. We hold vast nuclear power, enough to annihilate the human race, yet we know its downside in the wrong hands and will fight to stop proliferation to less stable governments.
An interesting side note about the Great Seal of the United States. It was the intention of the founding fathers in 1782 to be a peaceful nation while still being strong militarily to protect the land from aggressors. The bald eagle is looking toward its talon holding the olive branch of peace instead of the arrows of war. On the other hand, the Presidential Seal (similar to the Great Seal) once had the eagle eyeing the arrows. However, after one of the worst wars in history, President Truman in 1945 ordered the eagle's neck to be turned toward the olive branch, an intentional act to show that first of all we embrace peace.



Few doubt the need for a strong military, even the moderate doves. Not for aggressive, pre-emptive, and land-grabbing strikes, but to truly maintain whatever peace can be had across the world. While we might like to save our defense budget for schools, health care, and the like, we must be vigilant against those despots and even some "democratic" regimes that would love to overpower the mightiest nation in the world. We can never let that happen.

Friday, December 12, 2008

The Land of Linked In

My apologies to the business networking site (LinkedIn); however, the current scandal in Illinois demonstrates once more the level of corruption among some of our politicians. I suppose we should already know that "corrupt politician" is the opposite of an oxymoron and is exceedingly closer to the norm.

Because these "public servants" (there's an oxymoron) do not operate in an independent vacuum, we can only guess at the level that these guys are "linked in" to other crooks all trying to get more for themselves. The hell with the public who elected them. Soon-to-be Ex-Governor Blagojevich must be a bit touched in the head. How else could he believe that he could get away with selling a senate seat? How could he think that with of all his contacts, and he talks and talks to a lot of them, he would not be found out? The hubris is again astounding.

Even though I had heard of this Illinois governor, I paid little attention to what was going on in our neighboring state. The Land of Lincoln held a special spot in my heart as the birthplace of my wife, my mother, (among others) and the political base of my most favorite personage, Abraham Lincoln. I knew, of course, of Chicago's tainted reputation but naively thought most of that was in earlier times. More casual research on Gov B. shows he was already under federal scrutiny for many other things and only had a statewide approval rating of less than 15% before this latest story hit. I am surprised there wasn't a much stronger movement afoot to impeach him before this.

I wouldn't paint all Illinoians, or even all Illinois politicians, with the same broad brush, but those citizens who care must do something about the party machine that brings these self-serving idiots to power. Mr. Lincoln may want his name removed from every license plate or other associations with Illinois. Kentucky is waiting in the wings to claim him.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Victory at Last - Toilet Swabs in Hand

I know that my quest for the fuzzy toilet swabs is not of national consequence; however, there is so much bad news on the national and international scene that I am uplifted by my small victory over the retailers who do not seem to know the needs of their customers.

I refer, of course, to a prior blog on my quest to find toilet swabs, not brushes, with which to clean our toilet bowls. It is one domestic task, with the proper tools, that I don't mind doing. With a painstaking search I was finally able to find a purveyor of my coveted swabs. Once found, my lovely wife barked, "Get five of those things! You never know when you'll be able to find them again."
So I quickly put five swabs in the cart, entered my credit card info, clicked SUBMIT ORDER, and awaited their arrival. I planned to leave two swabs in our Mesa home and then bring two more back to our Wisconsin home. You can never have too many.
Alas, I was thwarted once again with an e-mail a few days later from said purveyor stating that they were OUT OF STOCK of the swab things and they would have to be back-ordered. No wonder I can't find any anywhere - Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, Walgreen's, Gucci; someone was ordering so many they had to be back-ordered.

Two more painful weeks passed where I had to resort to those store-bought disposable swab things with the blue crap that bleeds all over the place. I managed to clean the bowls, but get one inch above the rim and the blue venom leaks over the edge, onto the outer bowl and even onto the white bath rug. It looked like a fountain pen fight (anyone remember those? Peacock ink?)

Finally I was rewarded with the UPS guy handing me the big brown box of swabs. He could not figure, I am sure, why I was so excited to get this box. He saw my glee and had to ask, "Whatcha got in there? Cookies?"
"No," I replied still smiling. "Toilet swabs!" UPS guy looked puzzled and started to back away. I yelled out, "Toilet SWABS, not brushes. The kind with the floppy mop head".

UPS guy exited to his big brown truck and roared off. I didn't care. Lysol bowl cleaner here I come. It was my own Super Bowl day.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Forming a "Team of Rivals" is Still a Team

Barack Obama's frequent allusion to Lincoln's words and actions is refreshing to me - an amateur student of Mr. Lincoln. His latest action - to consider those who once railed against him to be part of his team - is a recognition that he doesn't nurse grudges and, indeed, may try to pick the best possible person for each job. Certainly not everyone will agree with his choices but everyone should see that his choices seem considered, and most important seem to be aimed at picking those who have the juice to do their jobs from day one.

Today Senator McCain, upon meeting with the President-elect, has pledged his support, especially in areas where there is already substantial agreement. McCain supporters should again follow their own candidates lead and do what is right - support the incoming President.


I am kind of a purist when it comes to many things (certainly not everything), but I had always believed that no matter who held the office, we as citizens should respect the Office of the President. I have to admit that view was severely tested during the Lewinski (et al) affair with President Clinton, but I have recovered sufficiently even after the last four years to hold that view again.

Obama haters probably will not temper their views and will still spout the old, worn rehashed and discredited stories and stereotypes about Barack Obama. He's a Muslim; he's a terrorist; he's a Manchurian Candidate, and on and on with the Internet blather.
But those whose dislike doesn't rise to hatred and "Not My President" bumper stickers, should take some time to read Obama's books, see his interviews, and watch him closely as he works through this transition with dignity and aplomb.

For one who had not made up his mind until about a month before the election, I now find that this man is acting truly presidential. Now he has to follow that act with real actions. We just have to give him a chance.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Obama Girls Schooling - Public or Private?

I can hear it already. When the Obama's finally settle on a private school for their two young daughters, some of those on the right will again call them elitist, out of touch, and some other choice epithets raised during the campaign.

Philosophically I would like to see the President's kids go to a public school where most of us spent many years learning the foundations of what we know (or don't know) today. What's wrong with the public schools? "Aren't they good enough?" some will whine. The sad truth is that many of them are not good enough. Especially in D.C. That is a crime in itself; some D.C. schools are way below the national average in achievement.

Beyond that, however, is where I go after I get off my philosophical high horse. The first issue is what is best for these two girls, and foremost among those sub-categories is what is best for their safety. It is no secret that it would easier for the Secret Service to protect these girls in a private institution. They are not just any little girls anymore but are the kids of the next U.S. President, who will still be the leader of the free world even though his scepter might be a little tarnished.

Second, these kids should get the best education possible while still keeping them in town with their parents. If a private school can provide that leg up, then so be it. Parental choice.

Supposedly, as of this date, the Obama's say they haven't made up their minds yet, but given the priority they give to their girls' welfare, my best guess is that they will choose a private school. Think about this too. A President Obama will be less distracted and more focused on worrying about our country's problems if he doesn't have to worry quite as much each school day about his most treasured possessions.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

To Bind Up the Nation's Wounds...


The election tally was what I had hoped for regardless of the winner - a margin of victory (52% - 46%) that would be unassailable by the host of lawyers and partisans just hovering at the polls to mess with the election. Despite some minor problems at some polls (long lines being the worst), the election really came off better than expected.

For many in our country, however, the result was not as they had wanted. If fact, some of the more rabid right-wingers are not shy about their wishes to see President-elect Obama fail. They seem to want to be able to say "I-told-you-so", than to have the hope that our new President can begin to show needed leadership in so many critical areas.

Just as Mr. Obama used President Lincoln's words in his acceptance speech in Chicago, I would like to propose even more use of our greatest President's profound words. During the worst crisis ever in our history, Abraham Lincoln, despite the utter decimation of our young men in the American Civil War, still called on both sides to bind up the nation's wounds rather than continue the old parochial and harmful views of opposing sides.

As a country we must now come together; must now work toward finding common ground to settle our differences. Lincoln also said, "A house divided against itself, cannot stand". Maybe the last chapter in the "The Rise and Fall of the American Empire" does not yet have to be written in maudlin terms, if only all Americans come together where it matters.

No one can blame the opposition for their disappointment, and even their worries about what an Obama presidency might mean to them. But there are truly issues than can transcend politics if only they are tried. All can agree, I believe, that the economy, namely housing and jobs, must be the top priority. Then the wars need to be addressed in a calm, lower key discussion. We can tackle the issues of abortion, climate change, and other more contentious issues in continued healthy discussions, knowing that on some issues, we will not all agree. But we must wade through those jarring economic and defense issues in short order, or there may not be much else to discuss.

The U.S. can withstand a lot of punishment; we have the reserves to do so, but they are not unlimited. We cannot again start the partisan bickering that slows any progress to solving the wicked problems gnawing at our very roots today. For that to work, the government of the people, by the people, and for the people must rely on you and me - the people - to communicate to our leaders to get a grip - on their egos and party loyalty - as well as on the thorns that dig deep into our collective sides. President-elect Obama has won, fairly and handily. He now deserves as much support as we all can muster. God Bless our beloved land, the UNITED States of America.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Tattoo is Not Just a Bugle Call

Body Art. That is apparently the "nice" name for tattoos these days. And surely some of these greenish-blue depictions are a form of someone's art. Personally, I would urge people interested in art to use a canvas, or a wall, or the head of a pin for their art, just not their skin.

Some of my friends and relatives are cringing about now. I love them all, but I still look askance when I see that razor wire around the calf, or the cutesy heart peek out from under a bra.

I don't have the right to dictate what others do to their bodies, but if they only knew that people DO judge them. Important people like bosses, and new in-laws, and even cops on a traffic stop.

The tattoos of my youth (not on MY body) were either the sailor's MOM, or some guys current girlfriend's name that he will have to explain away innumerable times to potential mates. The other tattoo fad when I was a youth was the self-administered type. Take some ink, some string wrapped around a sewing needle for the constant poking ("Don't worry, I used a match to sterilize the needle", they would say). That painful poking created such gems as Christian crosses with lines emanating from the top supposedly showing the brightness of that cross. Many biceps displayed these crosses and I would venture that not many of their owners really studied religion too heavily.

The other fad was to poke the word L-O-V-E across the fingers, one letter per finger below the knuckles. Then there were the more profane words, a phrase really, which often involved both hands. What a sorry sight that was.

Can you tell yet that I am prejudiced against tattoos? Actually I have no problem with tasteful "personal" tats that cannot be seen by the naked eye unless, of course, the tattooed person was naked themselves. These have a special meaning to the owner, no doubt, if they are not displayed for all to see. They can be covered easily is critical situations and proudly displayed in more intimate settings.
You see, it's like this. Nearly everyone will have to make a first impression numerous times in their lives. For jobs, for potential mates, for all sorts of purposes. I would wager that most people are somewhat predisposed to negativity regarding tats. Most parents do not want their kids painted up even if they made their own youthful mistakes and have an algae colored mass on their body somewhere.

As one who had to hire many young people for responsible jobs, anyone with a visible tattoo, especially in the neck or face area, already had a negative bias to overcome. Of course, I wasn't so shallow as to preclude all tatted candidates but it took a little more oomph to overcome the first impression in my mind. And guess what? I am not alone in the world of potential bosses for good and responsible jobs.

So I hope all will think twice or thrice before scarring their bodies with ersatz artwork. The only upside I can see is that your body will be more easily identified should you be found dead in a swamp somewhere.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

The First Thing We Do, Let's Kill All the Lawyers


Shakespeare may have had a good idea in "Henry VI" but I doubt it would work. However, when I read about the lawyers getting ready to chase ambulances in regard to the Presidential Election, I was almost looking for my shiv.

Today I read that Barack Obama may have 5000 lawyers to monitor the election...in Florida alone. 5000 is a lot and even if they are on the same side, I doubt many could agree on much. McCain has his own "Lawyers for McCain" who will loyally stand by to challenge the slightest appearance of an infraction.

I sure hope that every state finally has worked out the ballot thing. It has been eight years since the "hanging chad" fiasco, so with eight years to come up with a better way, I sincerely hope that they have. Why do I feel a little uneasy about that?

What I really hope, I guess, is that the election is so lopsided that even if there were some voter fraud, early and often dead people voting, then the sheer numbers will negate any need to argue. If the difference is substantial, no one can hope to prove enough fraud to gain the win.

But if it again becomes an issue, in any way, then we (the collective "we") need to work on standardizing election ballots to ensure a fair outcome. Maybe that has already been done, but why do I still feel so uneasy about that?

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Movie Review: W.


I found myself a little worried going into the theatre for the Oliver Stone movie, "W." (that'd be "Dubya"). Oliver has played a little fast and loose with the facts in previous outings, so I was afraid I would be in a forever cringe watching this rendition.
I wasn't disappointed and my face nearly froze in a grimace for the first hour or so, but I came around to see the film for the entertainment it was and began to study the scenes. Josh Brolin is excellent as W. and has picked up the nuance even better then Will Farrell. The others chosen to play major roles was eerie as well, although a little overplayed by Thandie as Condie. But still good.
I would recommend this film to friend or foe of W. His enemies may laugh a little more than his friends and supporters, but there is a sadness throughout that is both poignant and tragic. If Stone's story was true, I cannot see how this man made it to the Presidency. But then I could cite other similar cases.

I left the theatre a little sad, and indeed, felt more than sad for Mr. Bush. I have come to believer that he was out of his element, over his head, and just lost at times. The job IS too big for one person, but it got way ahead of W. very early and he never did catch up. We now can only HOPE.







Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Am I in Wonderland? Yes is No, Stay is Go?

There seems to be enough hubris these days in the political world to go around, but I am in shock and awe over the disagreement over the agreement that will lead to U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. Let's see - we have lost over 4000 of our military who were fighting to protect the people of Iraq from killing each other. We are spending $10 billion a MONTH (of which we do not really have these days) to support those troops, support the Iraqi troops, and rebuild their schools and other infrastructure. I wouldn't be surprised if the American taxpayer was funding a spa retreat for the Iraqi negotiating team.

So now I read that the agreement is failing because the U.S. isn't leaving fast enough for them. Well....we hold up our righteous heads proclaiming that we have saved the country for democracy, the people from a brutal dictator (and he was), and now they want to say "Good bye, and don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out".

I wonder(land) if I am the only one who thinks this is all upside down? We SHOULD be trying to leave. We SHOULD be telling them to pick up the costs of their police, military, and reconstruction. But somehow we are begging to stay on a little longer? Somehow we are sweetening the deal by giving the Iraqis the ability to prosecute our soldiers in their courts should they violate some law? Oh I forgot, we did manage to keep jurisdiction over our own troops who might commit crimes within our own bases. What is heaven's name is going on?

I understand that we cannot leave precipitously, but really folks, if they don't want our help, then let's pack up our little tanks, our uparmored Hummers, and our brave troops and bring 'em home where they will be appreciated far more. Let's burn all the desert sand colored khakis and return to the good old green ones.

Friday, October 17, 2008

A Nasty Campaign - Or Is It?

Watching the race to the finish line in the presidential race this past few weeks, I would cringe at some of the nastiness and sarcasm of the ads and, indeed, the candidates own rhetoric. My opinion is that Senator McCain has taken nastier swipes than Senator Obama but both have gotten into the mud at times. From polls, it is clear that the American people do not like to see such personal attacks.

However, my mood was uplifted a little today when I saw the clips from the Al Smith Memorial Fundraising dinner last night. It was a white tie affair at the Waldorf-Astoria (nice place, by the way) where both candidates spoke and took a few shots at themselves. Watching John McCain laugh and applaud Obama's comments and Obama doing the same, made me have hope that we can all come together in the end and work toward restoring America's greatness. I would encourage anyone who has not seen the clips, one of each candidate, to go to CNN.com and view the videos.

It is refreshing to see, in these very tough times, that we cannot always take ourselves too seriously and point out our own foibles and those of our adversaries in a light-hearted manner.

I am sure that many other countries will be puzzled by this incredible lightness between these two seemingly hardened adversaries. But that is America. Despite differences, some as wide as the Grand Canyon, we can come together when needed. And it is very much needed today. God Bless America.

Quixotic Quest For a Toilet Swab

We have traversed the country moving to our new winter home in Mesa, Arizona over the past weeks. So busy were we that my blog has suffered but that will soon change. It may seem odd to reappear on the blog with this topic, in our world of so many crises, but I had to proclaim my quest and maybe see if others would join me.

When we left our home in Wisconsin, we brought only items of which we had duplicates so we didn't have to schlep (neat Yiddish word, isn't it?) stuff back and forth. The exception this year was our new Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner. At almost $500 I thought it foolish to only use it six months a year so into the U-Haul it went.

But on to my quest. One of the items we did not bring with us to the new home was our toilet swab figuring, logically I thought, that we could pick one up at Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, or Big Lots. No, my friends (a little John McCain lingo here), that item was not to be found. Now before your raise your eyebrows thinking that there are plenty of bowl brushes abounding in all stores, I must stop you there.

I do not want that stiff brush type toilet bowl instrument. I want a toilet swab; one that has a mop-like small head with a plastic handle. I could never understand why anyone had to clean a toilet bowl with a stiff brush. I mean, what do you have on your bowl that requires such abrasion? OK, if you go a little too long between cleanings a, ahem, "scum" may form but if you have hardened material that needs chipping off or a stiff brush to combat, then you have other problems.


Not to put too fine a point on it, but a toilet swab cleans the bowl of any scum, any hard water lines, or any errant drippings or droppings quite well. But I can't find one, not anywhere, not at any cost.
I am at a loss. I have two at home that I clearly remember buying. I did not make them up. But in the most American of stores, I cannot find even one.


I will continue my quest in every town and village that has a Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I will scour each Wal-Mart and aim at every Target until I reach my impossible dream.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Americans Have Social Obligations - All Americans

Today's writings connect to nothing directly in the headlines except maybe the fact that our government and business infrastructure is faltering and each of us must take some responsibility for ourselves and our actions. Although there are subtle nuances to the sub-prime mortgage crisis, there certainly were people who took advantage of the 110% mortgages thinking they were getting "free money". Or those who let themselves believe they could own a $250,000 house, with nothing down, on a $40,000 income. Logic, unfortunately, was suspended in many of those cases. While I admit these borrowers should have known that it was all too good to be true, the lenders share the blame by pushing people to borrow more than they could ever afford, even if the housing market hadn't tanked.

But it seems it is getting a little too easy for some to blame the government for all their ills; in fact, not just blame the government but expect the government to save them, bail them out, protect them from themselves.

Welfare used to be like that. Just have a kid or two and you got "free money". Oh to be sure, you'd never get rich in the pittance of that monthly check, but you didn't have to work for it. That, for the most part, has been taken care of and the country, it turns out, is better for it. As are those who would have kept drawing on the dole to live if it hadn't ended.

I found an old quote that summarizes some of this well from Isabel V. Sawhill, who was then a senior fellow at the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. She maintained that there are certain social obligations that many in the underclass have not fulfilled. Here is what she said:

They have not studied hard, completed high school, delayed childbirth until after school, married, or held a steady job, refrained from drug or alcohol abuse.

Those who fulfill these social obligations of American life are unlikely to be be chronically poor. If they are poor despite having abided by the rules, society is much more likely to come to their rescue. The problem is too many people who are not fulfilling their end of the bargain; these people constitute the underclass.

Interesting points.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Breaking the Bond, James Bond


Today I read that the director of the new James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, will not use the iconic phrase, "My name is Bond....James Bond" in this movie. What a travesty this is for Bond fans. What arrogance this director, Mark Forster, has for the Bond franchise.

I am a middling Bond fan at best, but I try to see each film knowing that I can count on some continuity in the story line. Bond is Bond and we know that he takes his Martinis "shaken, not stirred". Unless Forster plans to conveniently leave that tidbit of Bond lore to die on the vine as well.

It is bad enough that Sean Connery got too old to cavort around in his Astin-Martin, too old to leap from building to building, and probably too old for the "delicate" sensual scenes (I hate to give in on this one, but Connery, gentleman that he is, will just have to be a retired agent).

Forster says he "just couldn't find a place for it", the "it" being the trademark line. Now come on, how hard is it to have Daniel Craig introduce himself to someone somewhere in the film. Maybe even to "M" in a senior moment. Sort of like a Denny Crane does to everyone in Boston Legal. "Denny Crane," he spouts, even to his son.

So what is next? Will Porky Pig drop his "th-th'that's all folks"? That would be heresy, or even looney tunes. Will Bart Simpson give up his "I didn't do it" for expediency? I don't think so and I don't think it would have taken much to slip in the "Bond, James Bond" line. Pure laziness, I say, pure laziness. I want to be an Oscar Mayer wiener.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Architect of the Bailout - Henry Paulson

I sometimes still think that cabinet secretary appointments are pure political patronage. The same with ambassadorships, I might add. However, watching Treasury Secretary Paulson this week made me think that at least he is willing to step up and do the job he is paid for. Who knows whether this incredible, monstrous, and unfathomable bailout will work? But I sure think something had to be done, and despite my previous post, will support what these experts propose.

Don't get me wrong, I am still considerably rankled by the thought that the problem that necessitated this bailout, which could cost every man, woman, and child in the U.S. about $2000 each, is not the fault of 99.9999% of every man, woman, and child in the U.S.

Secretary Paulson has been working hard, with all his advisors, to come up with the "last, best hope" for our economy to survive nearly sure devastation. He seems to be earning his dough and is clearly more than a figurehead patron. I agree with Thomas Friedman's column that notes if Senator Obama becomes President, he should consider keeping Paulson on as the financial captain at least until the storm subsides.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Gekko Was Wrong: Apparently Greed is NOT Good

It seems so long ago that Michael Douglas uttered the line in the 1987 movie Wall Street that "Greed is good". Maybe it had been in the past but it sure has come home to roost now. Playing fast and loose with the regulations and with other people's money became the norm since before Enron. I guess we learned nothing from Enron which now pales in comparison to the failed Lehman Brothers free fall.

What irks me most is that I believed in the free market, giving responsible investors their head to make the best deals and thus make those invested in the market a little more comfortable. But now it seems that we cannot allow these greedy b**tards free rein or they will lie, cheat, and steal to line their own pockets. How many CEOs are going to still get their multi-million dollar bonuses?

The government can share some of the blame as well for not monitoring all of this activity particularly in light of the Enron scandal or for sure the Bear Stearns bailout. Did this really have to become such a crisis where financial wizards (I pray) have to hunker down all weekend to get emergency legislation passed to avoid something even worse?

And finally, I have to ask - What did I do wrong to deserve to have to share the terrible tax burden all Americans will have to bear? I invested wisely, took mortgages that I could easily afford, and paid my bills on time to avoid outrageous interest. Why do I (and you and you and you) have to mop us this mess with our own money? In fact, I now have less money to help pay this $1 trillion dollar bailout for the same reason that it regretfully has to happen. My own IRAs have lost 15-20% in value lately leaving me with far less than I planned in retirement. So I guess it's a double whammy. I will have to pay more in taxes with less money on hand. Wot a country.