All Posts Tagged With: "economy"
A 1964 Christmas Story
It was 1964. Life hadn’t been great. This particular year had been mostly a nightmare. My Mother and Stepfather had separated. Finances were next to non-existent. Me being able to attend school became a burden for my Mother. At only fifteen, I was resigned to possibly, never finishing high school. I was the oldest of, […]
12Dec2016 | Nancy Belle | 1 comment | Continued
Why We Continue to Support Our President
President Obama had a news conference last week. He talked sincerely about the state of our economy. We agree with him. We believe that the partisan politics in Washington is as responsible for the down economy as any other given factor. We really do find ourselves in a chicken-and-egg scenario. Current budget projections are based […]
2Jul2011 | Ohg Rea Tone | 3 comments | Continued
Social Solidarity in a Troubled World
When people suffer anxiety and fear, whether from physical insecurity, economic strife, or terrorism, they form what Robert Muchembled calls social solidarities. These systems of survival come in a variety of forms. Many folks form loose confraternities around causes: Global Warming, Abortion, Guns, Political Parties, Civil Rights, Feminism, Gay-Lesbian Rights, and even around faith based […]
7Apr2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Social Solidarity in a Troubled World | Continued
Obama, Oil, And Rational Leadership
I wanted a new car – but I didn’t have the money. I wanted to go skiing at Aspen – but I didn’t have the money. I bought a good used car for cash and drove it to the local Missouri ski slopes. I am relaxing today with my feet immersed in hot salt water […]
31Mar2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama, Oil, And Rational Leadership | Continued
Angry Electorate Kicks the Family Dog
Many are ready to condemn the President. People are hurt – and are responding with anger. Any good anger management program teaches how to best focus or direct the anger. The classic story concerns the frustrated employee who comes home at night and kicks the family dog.
17Feb2010 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Really Tired of Liberal Complaining
It is just me – or has the left wing of the liberal loonies gone completely Rovian. You surely remember Karl Rove – the master of negative Rovian Politics (RP’s). Liberal wackos like Arianna Huffington and Ed Shultz are taking their cues from Mr. Rove. In rural Missouri parlance it is called: Bitch! Bitch! Bitch! […]
28Dec2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Humble Process of a Confident Barack Obama
President Obama is a confident man, a humble man who does not always have to be right. President Obama easily accepts the input of others – he seeks the input of others.
23Dec2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Humble Process of a Confident Barack Obama | Continued
The Concept of “Small Business” in 2009
When I was a child growing up in an Ozzie and Harriet neighborhood we had neighborhood grocery stores, hardware stores, gas stations with neighborhood mechanics, and a small bakery. All of these businesses were mom and pop operations. All were a joy to visit. There was always a friendly face and a genuine desire to help the customer. The environment of that time was one of mutual respect and support. As Joe DiMaggio might say, “Nostalgia is not what it used to be.” America has changed – and the mega corporations drive the economy.
30Apr2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Concept of “Small Business” in 2009 | Continued
Mortgage Conundrum – Who Deserves Help?
Last week 60 Minutes did a segment on an elderly woman who seems to be the victim of predatory lending. The bias of the program was clearly designed to support the case of the woman and to discredit the lending agency. This problem is not so simple.
18Feb2009 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Poverty Paradigm – Misunderstanding Charity
We talk charitably about social justice, often with the liberal view of defending the disenfranchised. Taken out of context we might be seen as classic do-gooders who only enable irresponsibility. That is the common refrain for shallow, heartless capitalists who do not realize that there is profit in assisting the impoverished. Dr. Muhammad Yanus, an […]
12Dec2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Poverty Paradigm – Misunderstanding Charity | Continued
Why Government Management of Auto Companies Will Not Work
The advocates of government intervention in our lives are having a great time. They are advocating the regulation of banking, which seems to be smart in light of recent revelations about banking management. And they are advocating dictates of management for the auto industry, this is not nearly as smart as they think. History for […]
10Dec2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Palin – Everything That Is Wrong With America
Sarah Palin is on the airways. Most notably defending herself against accusations of incompetence by ‘anonymous’ members of the John McCain Campaign staff. With tags like diva and whack job, Palin took some personal hits. If Palin is the future of the Republican Party – then the future of the Republican Party is in deep […]
4Dec2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 48 comments | Continued
A 4.5 percent mortgage for all?
by Frank James Who wouldn’t want one of those 4.5 percent mortgages that are now being considered as a way to revive the economy? Sign me up. But there’s evidently some disagreement about whether such mortgages would be available to those who would be refinancing, like me, or available only to those purchasing a home. […]
4Dec2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on A 4.5 percent mortgage for all? | Continued
Economic Speculating
Most of us admit that we do not understand the current economic crisis. But there are some simple principles at work. Everyone who has run a household for ten years understands clearly that they cannot sustain living on credit cards. The key word in setting policy, or planning a budget, is ‘sustainable.’ Can the policy […]
2Dec2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Economic Speculating | Continued
The Poverty Inoculation – Gratitude
This economy was beginning to make me sick. My stock portfolio has lost half of the value. Dividends are now 5% of $10 instead of 5% of $20 – so my income is shredded. The identification thieves skip my trash can – there is nothing left to steal. The illness was creeping into my neurological […]
24Nov2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Saturday Word: Obama Aims for 2.5 Million Jobs
By Sarah Wheaton In his weekly address for broadcast today, President-elect Barack Obama announced his intention to create 2.5 million new jobs by January 2011. “There are no quick or easy fixes to this crisis, which has been many years in the making, and it’s likely to get worse before it gets better,” he said. […]
23Nov2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Saturday Word: Obama Aims for 2.5 Million Jobs | Continued
A Nickel for Bread, But No One Has a Nickel
The old man who cleaned our office, back in the 1970’s, would sometimes talk of the great depression. “Ohg,” he would say, “Bread was a nickel a loaf, but nobody had a nickel.” Then Jimmie would smile and go about his business. Jimmie had a different comfort level – his tolerance for meagerness was greater […]
20Nov2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 4 comments | Continued
Can McCain Win The Debate?
McCain can win this debate – but he will have to hire Bill Clinton as a stand-in to do so. We are seeing very clearly that words do matter – and Bill Clinton is the modern master of words. McCain is a seasoned politician, able to deflect criticisms, able to spin content; but this debate […]
13Oct2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Americans want a Revolution – 2008
We are ready. We are ready for change. We are ready for a Revolution. The American people have already demonstrated a powerful desire for revolution. Witness the Party Primaries of 2007 and 2008. Democrats have registered to vote in historic numbers. Barack Obama – a relative unknown – won because he represented the best chance […]
4Oct2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 7 comments | Continued
Obama Explains Economy in Speech
Barack Obama has come through with a practical explanation of the economic problems and the fear Americans are experiencing. Obama has remained cool and Presidential while McCain continues to harangue anyone who questions his judgement. This is an excellent example of the difference in leadership styles. McCain is erratic and risk taking, bounding from one […]
1Oct2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Obama Explains Economy in Speech | Continued
Who Won The Debate, 9-26-2008
This writer watched closely. We felt that each candidate accomplished what they needed for this particular evening. Obama showed he could stand on the stage of foreign policy with McCain. After a tumultuous week of zig zagging McCain needed to show himself in command of his faculties. Here are some reviews done by other media […]
27Sep2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
McCain’s Problematic Use of ‘Naive’
John McCain likes to refer to Barack Obama as being naive, always in the context of foreign policy. McCain says Obama is naive about Iraq, about Russia, about terrorists. But McCain should be careful with this word. John McCain has championed deregulation for rich bankers and Big Oil – with the belief that these folks […]
27Sep2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on McCain’s Problematic Use of ‘Naive’ | Continued
Obama on The Economy
He is right on – it is time to get our economy back on track. This is really not rocket science – without speed limits people speed recklessly through our neighborhoods. Without Law (regulations) people will do just about anything. If this is about faith the try this “Trust God, but lock your car.” Did […]
25Sep2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Obama Responds to McCain Campaign Suspension
(Editor Note: The picture with this post looks like Obama is waving goodbye. That is a coincidence). 3:40 PM CST: The opening comment, “There is much blame to go around but we are now here. We have to act quickly but we have to get it right… I reached out to Senator McCain because many […]
24Sep2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
McCain to Suspend Presidential Campaign
2:00 PM: John McCain wants to suspend his campaign for President in order to return to Washington to work on the economic Crisis. McCain wants to postpone the Presidential debate scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2008. That debate was to focus on national security. What is McCain trying to do? Is he trying to show […]
24Sep2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on McCain to Suspend Presidential Campaign | Continued
Wall Street – Thunder Road
Do you remember Robert Mitchum in Thunder Road. He reminds us of the CEO’s of Exxon, Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, etc. “The Law they never got him cause the devil got him first,” sort of thing. The Thunder Road movie was about moonshiners of the early 1950’s. Their daring driving gave birth to […]
19Sep2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Wall Street – Thunder Road | Continued
The Bottom Billion – a Hungry World
Son, Shocked, but not surprised. That is often the reaction of intelligent people when bad things happen. A very bad thing is happening on our planet. Poverty and hunger have become so devastating that the statisticians now refer to a segment of the human population as ‘the bottom billion.’ We are talking about people who […]
12Mar2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Bottom Billion – a Hungry World | Continued
Clinton, Obama Debate in Austin 2-21-08
This will be a running commentary: Beginning at 7:00 PM CST. The debate is on with Hillary Clinton making the first opening remarks. Senator Clinton does not have Obama’s speaking style – but she always strikes me as charming and sincere. Senator Clinton put on a face of confidence. Senator Obama chose to speak second, […]
22Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 2 comments | Continued
Bush – War is good for the Economy
Son, I am in stunned disbelief. Our country is spending over 10 Billion dollars a month on the war in Iraq and President Bush thinks this is a good thing. I will let him speak for himself. Imagine what 10 Billion dollars a month would do for America’s roads and bridges and our sewer systems, […]
19Feb2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Republican Debate, 1-29-08
Son, The Republican debate is on CNN tonight. It is being hosted by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. John McCain, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, and Mike Huckabee are participating. I missed a few minutes because of a black tie affair that I could not get out of. The question is what about 100 year involvement […]
31Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
McCains wins Florida – huge for his candidacy
Son, Based on exit polling – John McCain has scored a huge victory. His totals look like they will come in around 31%. It is huge because this give confidence to the people with the money. More money translates into being able to better distribute their message before the Super Tuesday Primaries – one week […]
30Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Obama responds to the State of the Union
Dad, I am excited about Obama and I believe in his message. I recieve email from his campaign and keep up with his movements and videos on his website. Here se is discussing the State of the Union Address: [wp_youtube]cmNCALGHOC4[/wp_youtube] Bryan. Son, I just listened to Obama’s response. I find him refreshing. While President Bush […]
30Jan2008 | bryan | Comments Off on Obama responds to the State of the Union | Continued
State of the Union, State of Denial
Son, The speech writers have their challenge. Tonight’s State of the Union by President George W. Bush will be his last. He is worried about his legacy – and this is an opportunity to set the historical stage. The State of the Union has become the mantle for the President to sway public opinion. So […]
28Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
The Dark Mood of Voters
Son, This election year has few historical examples to choose from. Perhaps in 1932 or in 1980. Those elections were gut wrenching because of the dark mood of the populace. The dark mood was one of the somber reality of the power of the President. 2008 is one of those pivotal moments in history when […]
24Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on The Dark Mood of Voters | Continued
Media Fails in Democratic Election News
Son, The economic crunch we are all feeling right now should highlight the disparity in media attention on the candidates. As I wrote in my post on economic stimulus politicians should be addressing the real human consequences of a recession. John Edwards does this with forceful resolve, with a passionate understanding of issues, and with […]
24Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Media Fails in Democratic Election News | Continued
Stimulating economy, stimulating hope
Son, We in this country are on the verge of a recession. I see two realities in this prediction – one is an academic understanding of economics – the other is the real human disaster of poverty and despair. I’ll speak first to economics – it is important to understand some basic principles. A recession […]
24Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | 1 comment | Continued
Grief – an Emotional Response to the Economy
Son, I am suffering the stock market drop. My portfolio for retirement has been devastated. The emotion is gripping. As I pondered my own reaction I realized that I am suffering a grief response. This is not an academic discussion – people across America are suffering the grief of real loss. So what is Grief? […]
22Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Grief – an Emotional Response to the Economy | Continued
U.S. Economy or Iraq Economy – Bush choses Iraq
Son, Our economy is at the worst state in twenty years. The candidates for president and the folks in Congress are talking about what to do. How contemptible! What have they been thinking about? How much money are we spending in Iraq? And how might that money might be used to save the U.S. Economy? […]
22Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on U.S. Economy or Iraq Economy – Bush choses Iraq | Continued
Thinking about the Economy? Remember Bill Clinton
Son, The economy is at it’s worst in twenty years – who is in charge anyway? Is anyone in Washington D.C. thinking about anything? I can’t help but reflect on the Presidency of Bill Clinton. Eight years of the greatest economic growth in the history of this Great Country. And you know what – President […]
22Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Thinking about the Economy? Remember Bill Clinton | Continued
Think Economy – Think Republican – Think Bush
Son, The Republicans have had their day in office. They have been in control of the United States Government for the past seven years. If you want more of what we have, vote Republican. Think about the economy. The world markets are crashing today because of fears about the U. S. Economy. We will […]
22Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Think Economy – Think Republican – Think Bush | Continued
Stimulus – From Where?
Dad, President Bush is scheduled to provide his plan today for a stimuulus package that will give a boost to our faltering economy. I can understand the demand for some encouragement, as people are struggling everywhere with stock prices, failing mortgages, high gas prices and incomes that are not keeping up with the price of […]
18Jan2008 | bryan | Comments Off on Stimulus – From Where? | Continued
Debtor Nation – and deregulation of banking
Son, The current administration of George Bush has led directly to the faltering of the stock market. This follows with a faltering of our economic security and then, ultimately, our national security. So how does the administration get credit for this mess. The administration turned a blind eye to their corporate buddies who were gouging […]
18Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Debtor Nation – and deregulation of banking | Continued
Countrywide and Bank of America
Son, Good news and bad news. Countrywide is a mortgage lender that has gotten into trouble with greedy lending practices. The economy caught up with them. Now the Bank of America is reportedly buying Countrywide for a ba-zillion dollars. That sound like good news – like maybe the mortgage lending fiasco may be coming to […]
11Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Countrywide and Bank of America | Continued
Huckabee is a win for John McCain
Son, John McCain is the real winner tonight, this caucus night in Iowa. Mike Huckabee polled the largest numbers of support- soundly putting Mitt Romney in his appropriate place – way don there somewhere. But McCain is the real winner because the Republican Party does not want Huckabee. The importance of the Iowa Caucus was […]
4Jan2008 | Ohg Rea Tone | Comments Off on Huckabee is a win for John McCain | Continued